First things first—this book is dangerously well written. The author clearly has some serious skills because she’s built up the characters and story so masterfully that you don’t see the smack in the face coming. One minute, you’re awkwardly cozy, wrapped up in the plot, and the next? Bam! You’re hit with a twist so hard, you’re left questioning your life choices for picking this based on the beautiful cover.

I’m not sure what literary-loving Australians are into, but there’s no way I’m the first American woman to read this and think: “Holy shit, could we maybe get a heads-up next time? A little warning label would’ve been nice!” But hey, if you like living on the edge, this book’s for you.

The Heart is a Star by Megan Rogers is an atmospheric, slow-burn family drama set in Australia. The novel explores the emotional complexities of mother-daughter relationships and buried family secrets. Layla Byrnes, an overworked anesthetist juggling a disintegrating marriage and a lover, is thrust into a crisis when her unstable mother reveals a startling truth about her long-lost father. As Layla returns to her childhood home in Tasmania, she confronts her past and seeks closure.

Rogers’ writing is vivid, capturing the wild beauty of Tasmania while weaving a tense narrative about betrayal and self-discovery. However, the slow pacing and intricate emotional dynamics might not appeal to all readers. The book touches on themes of forbidden love, family dysfunction, and redemption, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy layered stories about personal growth and long-buried truths.

A solid debut with heart and depth.

The Heart is a Star by debut author M. Rogers is a slow burn, set in Australia, a story about family and more, an ok read, that deals with sensitive content.
Blurb: Layla Byrnes is exhausted. She's juggling a demanding job as an anaesthetist, a disintegrating marriage, her young kids, and a lover. And most particularly she's managing her unstable mother. But this year, it's different.
When her mother calls just before Christmas, she doesn't follow the usual script. Instead, she tells Layla that there's something she needs to tell her about her father. In response, Layla drops everything to rush to her childhood home on the wild west coast of Tasmania. She's determined to finally confront her mother - and find out what really happened to her father.

I've read 15% of this book and will not be finishing it because it's too spicy for me; I refuse to read smut. With that said, at least this far in the book I believe that the bones of a good story are there, and I like the atmospheric writing. I was pulled into the story immediately with the urgency to find out what's happening to the protagonist's mom. However, the book appears to need more editing. I found "chapter 3" at least 4 times, and I also found areas where the person speaking was unclear and where the book title randomly appeared in the middle of a chapter. With the help of a good editor, this story will likely appeal to people who don't mind explicit sexual writing in their books, but that person isn't me.

The Heart is a Star is a powerful and beautifully written novel. It deals with a history of complicated family dynamics as well as life-altering betrayals. It is about longing, and forbidden relationships, and the cost of self-denial and secrecy. Yet, Megan Rogers manages to bring hope and a form of redemption for her characters. Highly recommended! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Pub Date: Jan 7, 2025.

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The Heart Is a Star is such a gorgeous gorgeous novel. There is truly something in here for everyone. It covers so many different topics on life, love, family. And so much more. I look forward to sharing a full review and thoughts very soon! Thank you very much for the opportunity. Inventions appreciate it and look forward to bringing it to readers. It is a story that will stick with them for a long time.