Written in the Stars

Spotlight Sprinkles #2

by Lee Heart

A girl’s summer camp experience gets complicated when she falls for a newcomer in this entry in the new tween middle grade rom-com Spotlight Sprinkles series!

All school year long, Quinn couldn’t wait to get to summer camp. She’s so excited to see her summer besties! But then things get turned inside out when a really cute new camper named Harry arrives. He just moved from London, and he and Quinn have so much in common. But it looks like she’s not the only one lovestruck by Harry. She thinks her frenemy, Kayla, secretly likes him, too! What will Quinn do now?!

Genres: Romance, Middle Grade

160 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2025

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one a little more than the first in the series! CW: death of parent off page

What Worked: Written in the Stars is the second book in the Spotlight Sprinkles series. Unlike its predecessor, this installment in the series is more about the peer pressure to date. Heart did an excellent job illustrating the grief that Quinn deals with as a result of the passing of her father. The camp dynamics were both fun and cute.

What Didn't Work: While I thought that the book was run, it needed a little more length to fully flesh out the budding romance between Quinn and Harry.

Overall, this was another good installment in the series. I'm looking forward to continuing it.

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet middle grade read. I enjoyed following Quinn in the story and love the summer camp setting. This book had a great cast of characters and I think that many middle graders would find elements of this one relatable. I loved seeing the character growth in this short read and overall it was a great summer read.

Thank you to @simonkids for the gifted copy.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so sweet!! Such a wholesome first romance camp experience that young readers will fall in love with. I would have ate this book up when I was back in middle school.

What I liked in particular was that it touched on a romance that was 100% age appropriate and wholesome. Too many times we have content that goes a bit over the line, even when accurate in some situations that can glorify activities that are a bit older than the characters. This is NOT the case here.

Also having the characters experience different changes in their lives and still maintaining new and old friendships as well as typical challenges that can pop up whilst at camp.

This book is #2 in the authors Spotlight Sprinkles series which are all standalone books that are for middle school readers. I am looking forward to reading book one which comes out the same day as this on May 6 2025.

This a definite great addition for your child’s library.
I am thankful to have gotten an eARC for free from Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system for Middle Grade and children’s books

⭐️ Significant problems and would never recommend to the audience.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea but may have some appeal.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ an ok book which I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend but it has some value for young readers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! I would recommend for the age or reading level appropriate for the book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Would recommend highly, especially to school programs as a wide spread reading opportunity.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in the Stars is a short story (less than 100 pages) that I would feel completely comfortable letting my 7 or 9 year old read. Quinn is headed to spend the summer at her favorite place–Whispering Woods Camp. She can’t wait to get back to her friends and the routine she is familiar with, especially since everything at home has been different since her father passed away. At camp some things have stayed the same, but some things have changed and she has to figure out how to cope.

I felt that Quinn’s friendships (and frenemy-ships) were great. I think it was short enough that it would keep my reluctant reader happy, and the right maturity level for my more eager reader. The ending was great for the age; I only wish I would have known what was going on with Kayla.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! Look for this to be published May 6, 2025.

[Mildly Mad Hatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so sweet! I LOVED Quinn so much! There was grief, pain, and sadness at the loss of her father, but the most amazing thing is how she showed that you can chose whether or not to be drowned in grief. One of my favorite parts was the romance, not because of the two main characters (though they were both pretty awesome), I loved how this was so different from a 'normal' romance book because it was realistic and exactly what kids need to hear. There were just so many layers to it all and it was written so well. I just wish it was a little longer, but other then that, it was an amazing book. Highly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quinn’s dad died and her mom drives her to camp. Her dad wanted to make sure she got to experience camp this year, where 3 of her friends go. New girl Grace seems nice, but Jayla seems a bit dramatic. Quinn is learning tennis with one camper but does not tell her mom so she can surprise her at the end of summer. Harry is British and cute and sits with Quinn after evening activities, as well as kayaks and canoes with her. Quinn thinks about him all of the time but s she ready for a boyfriend?
This is the first I’ve read of this gentle romance series for middle schoolers and it is just as I had hoped, nit spicy at all. Two chaste hugs.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in the stars by Lee heart is a genuine middle grade read

1. Quinn goes to summer camp after her father passes away the previous fall

2. She meets a boy who just moved to the states from London and she likes him

3. She’s navigating her relationship with her bunk mates, understanding the feeling of having a crush, jealousy and proper communication.

I wouldn’t describe this as rom-com but a navigation of new feelings and interests.

The last conversation in the book was a great model of communication that more people not just kids should see and read.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read about summer camp and all the typical things that can happen. Quinn sees a cute boy, Harry, who has a British accent on the first day and then they kayak together one day. She wonders if he likes her like she thinks might like him. Kayla, a new camper, also seems to like him. Quinn wonders is it a big deal to have a boyfriend. Does anything end up happening between Quinn and Harry?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Kevin Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a cute and suspensful book although the charcter Kayla added a lot to the book i think she could of been in there a little longer. I really wish that the main character and The CCB or Harry could have ended up getting together because now i wont stop thinking about how much chemistry they had, this book is amazing for the age groups around 8-13 its very age appropriate but i wish it could of been longer because i finished it in about half an hour.

[Lycett T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another adorable tween rom-com from Lee Heart! I think this might be my favorite of hers so far. The plot is fun and engaging, and while there’s a sweet romance, it really centers on the main character’s personal growth. It’s a thoughtful look at how change can be tough—but also how we grow through it. A great pick for tweens navigating new chapters!

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet middle grade book that is perfect for students who want friendship and romance without any of the spice. I’m always looking for books like this for my middle school library. It’s on my wishlist!

[Axel G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. Fun if you like camp, has got lots of laughs. I want to go on camp now. Written in the stars is nothing to serious romance but perfect for starting a genre. (review writtenby my daughter)

[Mollie 824 Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was sooooooo cute! It was a clean 6, which is so hard to find. I am in love with this book! Definitely recommend it if you're looking for a clean summer romance!

[˙⋆ ꪆৎ MayaTheBookRat ꪆৎ⋆˙ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! Finished it in one sitting (which is something I've never done before). 6 stars.

[Leilani Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was so gooddddd love thissss definitely going to read the rest of this series

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Kaylee Bitler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am OUTRAGED to say the least. This book was wonderful and there is no SEQUEL??

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is going to be such a hit in my middle school! Developmentally appropriate crush-focused, first like books that rom-com fans are going to love! The first of the series is a beach romance where Julie, with the help of her friend Sophia, work to make a boyfriend a reality. The second in the series is a camp story with Quinn who is working on dealing with losing her dad and wants to have some normal at camp, but the new normal includes a very crush worthy boy!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Netgalley

This is a reworked edition of Angela Darling's Maddie's Camp Crush (2013)

Quinn, whose father passed away after a long illness, is still set to go to Camp Whispering Woods for six weeks in the summer, although her mother is still not coping well. She's excited to meet up with old friends Olivia, Emma, and Leah. Her cabin also includes Grace, who seems nice, and Kayla, who comes with a lot of luggage and actually gets up early in the morning to blow dry her hair and put on makeup. Their counselor, Jayden, makes sure that the girls are up in time in the morning and participate in standard camp activities like swim tests, hikes, and drinking "firefly juice" (aka "bug juice"). Camp food is pretty middling, and vegetarian Leah starts counting how many veggie burgers she's eaten, although she does start a campaign and gets the cook to also serve tofu tacos and macaroni and cheese. Quinn has several meetings with cute British boy Harry, and is always excited to see him or hang out after the campfire. Since the camp includes both boys and girls, there is a prank war going on that includes hanging a nightgown from the flag pole and covering the boys' toilet seats with petroleum jelly. There's some talk of Harry and Quinn dating, and a few hugs, but with camp being a very short amount of time, the romance is just a summer tween fling.
Strengths: Having gone to a Campfire Girls' camp, there was never the opportunity for this sort of romance, but it is very fun to think about. And Harry's British? Nice touch. All of the elements of a good camp story are here, with food, outdoor activities, stress over swimming levels, and counselors, but with the added incentive of meeting Harry during some activities. This must be a rather nice camp; I don't think the ones I went to would have had any electricity for blow dryers. Vicarious camp experiences, like vicarious travel, are always fun.
Weaknesses: This needed a lot more romance in it; lingering glances, touching hands, planning on staying in touch, etc. The book is short, which is great, but felt a little rushed. There was no reason to include a deceased father, although I was greatly amused by Quinn's assessment of her mother that "It sounds harsh, but I wish she would just get it together already." I feel that way often about characters, but know that I am not allowed to say that!
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who love Nelson's WISH books, Darling's Crush books, or other light romances, as well as camp stories. I'm glad to see this Spotlight Sprinkles series, which also includes Meet Me at Sunset and Playing for Keeps. I will definitely purchase all of these!

[Elise Silleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in the Stars is a lovely, sentimental middle grade novel that utterly stayed with me. It's at camp, where it explores issues of friendship, growing up, and coping with when things get tough.

I liked the manner in which the characters were brought to life, especially the heroine, who is not always necessarily having things her way but keeps on going. Her story was realistic and inspirational, and I believe that a very great many readers are going to be able to identify with that. Having the camp as the setting also was an excellent and comforting background to all that occurred and developed there.

This is a fantastic middle school book. It's genuine, cry-worthy, and an ideal pick for those who enjoy reading about friendship, determination, and finding where you fit in.