Count the Nights by Stars
Author: Michelle Shocklee
Pages: 432
Buy on Bookshop.org
Book Description:
Count your nights by stars, not shadows. Count your life with smiles, not tears.
1961. After a longtime resident at Nashville’s historic Maxwell House Hotel suffers a debilitating stroke, Audrey Whitfield is tasked with cleaning out the reclusive woman’s room. There, she discovers an elaborate scrapbook filled with memorabilia from the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Love notes on the backs of unmailed postcards inside capture Audrey’s imagination with hints of a forbidden romance . . . and troubling revelations about the disappearance of young women at the exposition. Audrey enlists the help of a handsome hotel guest as she tracks down clues and information about the mysterious “Peaches” and her regrets over one fateful day, nearly sixty-five years earlier.
1897. Outspoken and forward-thinking Priscilla Nichols isn’t willing to settle for just any man. She’s still holding out hope for love when she meets Luca Moretti on the eve of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Charmed by the Italian immigrant’s boldness, Priscilla spends time exploring the wonderous sights of the expo with Luca―until a darkness overshadows the monthslong event. Haunted by a terrible truth, Priscilla and Luca are sent down separate paths as the night’s stars fade into dawn.
Review:
This is a beautiful book, read with my book club. While it was slow to start, I’m glad I kept reading because the story is beautiful and moving. Full of grace and determination and hope, but be sure to keep the tissues ready!
The book has a steady build in tension and emotional depth. The descriptions of the Tennessee Centennial were fascinating, and drew me into the depths of the story. This book delves into human trafficking, racial prejudice, women’s rights, courage, and faith. There was a lot of think about while reading this book, and it’s a perfect pick for book clubs.
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