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An Ocean of Stars
Boston, 1879. Phoebe Van Bergen has poured everything into the Van Bergen Women’s Hospital—her inheritance, her defiance, her desperate need to be more than society’s gilded ornament. Within its cramped wards, she matters.
Here, she is not the obedient fiancée of a man whose charm masks something darker. Here, she can breathe.
Then Dr. Douglas McLennan arrives from Scotland—brilliant, abrasive, and haunted by a loss so devastating he’s vowed never to love again. He dismisses Phoebe as a privileged do-gooder. She thinks him insufferably arrogant. Neither expects their clashes to become the most honest conversations of their lives.
But Phoebe is keeping secrets that could destroy her. And when Douglas becomes the one person who knows the truth—the shame she carries, the violence she’s survived—she knows he’s seen her at her most broken, and she might lose him forever.
When Phoebe finally breaks free of her engagement and travels to Scotland for a medical symposium, she never expects Douglas to be on the same journey—or for a catastrophic disaster on the Tay Bridge to strip away everything but what matters most. Faced with death, they must finally confront the question they’ve been running Is the risk of heartbreak worth the chance at being truly known?
A sweeping tale of passion, redemption, and the power of second chances, perfect for fans of Olivia Hawker, Amy Harmon and Kristin Hannah.
Readers are captivated by Imogen Martin’s historical
“I loved, loved, loved it so much! From Gilded Age Boston to Victorian Scotland, this wonderful romance swept me away. Unputdownable historical romance at its best.” Eva Glyn, author of The Olive Grove
“Absolutely LOVED this book. I was reading it far too late into the night to find out what happened next.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wonderful… I genuinely struggled to put this book down, in the end giving up completely and staying exactly where I was until I’d finished it.” Eva Glyn, author of The Olive Grove, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Captivating… will leave an indelible mark on your heart.” Rachel Wesson, author of Darkness Falls
“Another stunning novel from Imogen Martin. An Ocean of Stars has it all—a compelling story that hooked me from the start, real characters who came alive on the page and such a strong sense of time and place that I felt I was there living every moment… I loved it!” Jan Baynham, author of The Secret Sister
“Stayed awake half the night to finish this book – I couldn’t put it down!” Sue MacDonagh, author of The Sea Sisters Swimming Club, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I adored this book.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Enthralled from the very first page. I’ll be recommending this book to everyone.” Luisa A. Jones, author of The Gilded Cage, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A great read… I just couldn’t put it down.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wonderful.
Here, she is not the obedient fiancée of a man whose charm masks something darker. Here, she can breathe.
Then Dr. Douglas McLennan arrives from Scotland—brilliant, abrasive, and haunted by a loss so devastating he’s vowed never to love again. He dismisses Phoebe as a privileged do-gooder. She thinks him insufferably arrogant. Neither expects their clashes to become the most honest conversations of their lives.
But Phoebe is keeping secrets that could destroy her. And when Douglas becomes the one person who knows the truth—the shame she carries, the violence she’s survived—she knows he’s seen her at her most broken, and she might lose him forever.
When Phoebe finally breaks free of her engagement and travels to Scotland for a medical symposium, she never expects Douglas to be on the same journey—or for a catastrophic disaster on the Tay Bridge to strip away everything but what matters most. Faced with death, they must finally confront the question they’ve been running Is the risk of heartbreak worth the chance at being truly known?
A sweeping tale of passion, redemption, and the power of second chances, perfect for fans of Olivia Hawker, Amy Harmon and Kristin Hannah.
Readers are captivated by Imogen Martin’s historical
“I loved, loved, loved it so much! From Gilded Age Boston to Victorian Scotland, this wonderful romance swept me away. Unputdownable historical romance at its best.” Eva Glyn, author of The Olive Grove
“Absolutely LOVED this book. I was reading it far too late into the night to find out what happened next.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wonderful… I genuinely struggled to put this book down, in the end giving up completely and staying exactly where I was until I’d finished it.” Eva Glyn, author of The Olive Grove, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Captivating… will leave an indelible mark on your heart.” Rachel Wesson, author of Darkness Falls
“Another stunning novel from Imogen Martin. An Ocean of Stars has it all—a compelling story that hooked me from the start, real characters who came alive on the page and such a strong sense of time and place that I felt I was there living every moment… I loved it!” Jan Baynham, author of The Secret Sister
“Stayed awake half the night to finish this book – I couldn’t put it down!” Sue MacDonagh, author of The Sea Sisters Swimming Club, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I adored this book.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Enthralled from the very first page. I’ll be recommending this book to everyone.” Luisa A. Jones, author of The Gilded Cage, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A great read… I just couldn’t put it down.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wonderful.
360 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2026
43 people want to read
About the author
Imogen Martin
4 books65 followersImogen writes sweeping, historical fiction set in nineteenth century America.
As a teenager, she took the Greyhound bus from San Francisco to New York. Over those three days of staring out of the window at the majestic mountains and endless flat plains, stories wound themselves into her head: tales of brooding, charismatic men captivated by independent women.
Since then, she has worked in a coffee-shop in Piccadilly London, a famous bookstore, and a children’s home. She has run festivals, and turned a derelict housing block on one of the poorest estates in the UK into an award-winning arts centre.
During 2020 Imogen was selected by Kate Nash Literary Agency as one of their BookCamp mentees, a mentorship programme designed to accelerate the careers of promising new writers.
Married with two children, Imogen divides her time between Wales and Sardinia.
As a teenager, she took the Greyhound bus from San Francisco to New York. Over those three days of staring out of the window at the majestic mountains and endless flat plains, stories wound themselves into her head: tales of brooding, charismatic men captivated by independent women.
Since then, she has worked in a coffee-shop in Piccadilly London, a famous bookstore, and a children’s home. She has run festivals, and turned a derelict housing block on one of the poorest estates in the UK into an award-winning arts centre.
During 2020 Imogen was selected by Kate Nash Literary Agency as one of their BookCamp mentees, a mentorship programme designed to accelerate the careers of promising new writers.
Married with two children, Imogen divides her time between Wales and Sardinia.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 7, 2026
Another brilliant read by Imogen Martin, just love her books and this one did not disappoint. The story of Phoebe Van Bergen from a well known and prominent Boston family and her tireless work to build a women’s hospital. The new Dr, Dr. Douglas McLennan arrives from Scotland and from the first meeting they both clashed but he was an exceptional Dr.
No spoilers here so all I will say is this is a most lovely story based in Boston and Scotland and a building to be proud of. This book is so well written with strong characters and will not disappoint you, but will make you happy and sad that it comes to an end.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and to Publisher Storm Publishing for the chance of the early read, my biggest thanks to Imogen Martin who is a most gifted story teller and I just loved this book.
No spoilers here so all I will say is this is a most lovely story based in Boston and Scotland and a building to be proud of. This book is so well written with strong characters and will not disappoint you, but will make you happy and sad that it comes to an end.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and to Publisher Storm Publishing for the chance of the early read, my biggest thanks to Imogen Martin who is a most gifted story teller and I just loved this book.
February 7, 2026
An Ocean of Stars by Imogen Martin completely swept me away. I absolutely adored this book.
Phoebe was first introduced in a prior novel about Ginny and Lex, and it was such a pleasure to finally step fully into her story. Although Phoebe is extremely wealthy, she’s wonderfully down to earth—grounded, practical, and full of common sense in a way that makes her instantly relatable. Douglas McLennan is her fabulous counterpart: charming, layered, and the perfect balance to Phoebe’s steady presence.
Imogen Martin has a true talent for creating characters who feel real, nuanced, and deeply human. I was fully invested from start to finish and didn’t want their story to end. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC—I cannot wait to see who Imogen Martin brings to life next.
Phoebe was first introduced in a prior novel about Ginny and Lex, and it was such a pleasure to finally step fully into her story. Although Phoebe is extremely wealthy, she’s wonderfully down to earth—grounded, practical, and full of common sense in a way that makes her instantly relatable. Douglas McLennan is her fabulous counterpart: charming, layered, and the perfect balance to Phoebe’s steady presence.
Imogen Martin has a true talent for creating characters who feel real, nuanced, and deeply human. I was fully invested from start to finish and didn’t want their story to end. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC—I cannot wait to see who Imogen Martin brings to life next.
February 14, 2026
After a few slower nonfiction reads, I pivoted to an author whose historical romances are easily devoured in one sitting. An Ocean of Stars by Imogen Martin delivers exactly what I’ve come to expect from her: strong female leads and an engaging plot that makes it nearly impossible to set the book down.
Phoebe Van Bergen, born into a prominent Boston Brahmin family, is expected to marry well and move gracefully through society. Though engaged to a man of equal standing, she quietly resists setting a date, feeling increasingly trapped by expectations that don’t align with her ambitions. Her true passion lies in founding a women’s hospital, something her guardian and older brother dismisses as little more than a hobby.
When Dr. Douglas McLennan arrives as her newest recruit, Phoebe is unimpressed by his high-handed manner and lack of regard for her authority. Yet as his guarded past slowly comes into focus, so does her understanding of the trauma that shaped him. When a catastrophe quite literally throws them together, professional tension gives way to something far deeper.
The novel leans heavily on the miscommunication trope, but it’s still an enjoyable, fast-paced read. For a story centered on women’s health, I did wish for more historical depth on the state of women’s healthcare at the time. Still, this is firmly historical romance rather than historical fiction—the relationship takes center stage, and for readers looking for swoon over scholarship, it delivers.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Imogen Martin for the advanced copy of the book. An Ocean of Stars is out March 2nd. All opinions are my own.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
Phoebe Van Bergen, born into a prominent Boston Brahmin family, is expected to marry well and move gracefully through society. Though engaged to a man of equal standing, she quietly resists setting a date, feeling increasingly trapped by expectations that don’t align with her ambitions. Her true passion lies in founding a women’s hospital, something her guardian and older brother dismisses as little more than a hobby.
When Dr. Douglas McLennan arrives as her newest recruit, Phoebe is unimpressed by his high-handed manner and lack of regard for her authority. Yet as his guarded past slowly comes into focus, so does her understanding of the trauma that shaped him. When a catastrophe quite literally throws them together, professional tension gives way to something far deeper.
The novel leans heavily on the miscommunication trope, but it’s still an enjoyable, fast-paced read. For a story centered on women’s health, I did wish for more historical depth on the state of women’s healthcare at the time. Still, this is firmly historical romance rather than historical fiction—the relationship takes center stage, and for readers looking for swoon over scholarship, it delivers.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Imogen Martin for the advanced copy of the book. An Ocean of Stars is out March 2nd. All opinions are my own.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
February 6, 2026
<>Love, healing and redemption
I was swept away into this captivating and emotional historical romance set in 1879. I loved the healing and redemption that was woven beautifully with social commentary and history of the rights and constraints of being a woman during this time period. The history nerd in me loved the glimpses into 19th century life, women’s rights and medicine. And the sappy romantic in me loved Claire and Douglas‘s love story. Phoebe is from a wealthy Boston family. She is engaged to be married to a gregarious but abusive man. While she’s resigned herself to the marriage, her passion is building a hospital to care for women. Douglas is a widower and a Scottish physician who arrives in Boston to work at the small women’s hospital started by Phoebe. Due to his past, he never intends to remarry. When they first meet, Phoebe and Douglas do not like each other but as time goes on, they both end up admiring and respecting each other but still keep their distance. There is delicious pushing-pulling in their relationship as they deal with feelings, family, and society. Everything changes after a tragic accident, but to find their way to an HEA, they’ll have to be baggage unpacking, healing, and truth telling. The author did a fantastic job of slowly unveiling the scars and painful pasts of Claire and Douglas as the story unfolded and their relationship deepened. It made both characters very real and relatable as they tried to do their best as a messy humans living complicated lives within the constraints of society. This is my first book by this author but it will not be my last. I loved the writing style, the depth of characters, and the richness of the storyline.
I was swept away into this captivating and emotional historical romance set in 1879. I loved the healing and redemption that was woven beautifully with social commentary and history of the rights and constraints of being a woman during this time period. The history nerd in me loved the glimpses into 19th century life, women’s rights and medicine. And the sappy romantic in me loved Claire and Douglas‘s love story. Phoebe is from a wealthy Boston family. She is engaged to be married to a gregarious but abusive man. While she’s resigned herself to the marriage, her passion is building a hospital to care for women. Douglas is a widower and a Scottish physician who arrives in Boston to work at the small women’s hospital started by Phoebe. Due to his past, he never intends to remarry. When they first meet, Phoebe and Douglas do not like each other but as time goes on, they both end up admiring and respecting each other but still keep their distance. There is delicious pushing-pulling in their relationship as they deal with feelings, family, and society. Everything changes after a tragic accident, but to find their way to an HEA, they’ll have to be baggage unpacking, healing, and truth telling. The author did a fantastic job of slowly unveiling the scars and painful pasts of Claire and Douglas as the story unfolded and their relationship deepened. It made both characters very real and relatable as they tried to do their best as a messy humans living complicated lives within the constraints of society. This is my first book by this author but it will not be my last. I loved the writing style, the depth of characters, and the richness of the storyline.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An Ocean of Stars by Imogen Martin tells an epic, emotionally rich love story that unfolds over just a couple of years, yet feels vast in scope and deeply lived-in. This is historical romance at its most immersive—thoughtful, moving, and beautifully detailed.
Set against the rigid social expectations of the late 19th century, the novel follows Phoebe Van Bergen and Dr. Douglas McLennan, two wounded souls carrying profound pain they struggle to voice. Martin’s writing is lush and well researched, bringing Boston and Scotland vividly to life while grounding the story in the realities of the era—particularly for women navigating power, ambition, and vulnerability in a society determined to limit them.
The antagonists are genuinely awful in the most effective way—cruel, manipulative, and impossible not to loathe—while Phoebe and Douglas are characters you can’t help but root for. Their relationship is a slow, sometimes frustrating burn, shaped by miscommunication, fear, and unspoken trauma, but that realism only makes their emotional journey more rewarding. Watching them learn to trust, to heal, and to move forward together is deeply satisfying.
What truly stands out is the care with which sensitive topics such as abuse and assault are handled. These elements are written with compassion and restraint, never sensationalized, and always respectful of both the characters and the historical context. The result is a story that feels honest, poignant, and quietly powerful.
An Ocean of Stars is not just a romance—it’s a story about resilience, purpose, and finding light after darkness. I was completely absorbed from start to finish and closed the book feeling both heartbroken and hopeful.
✨ I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Set against the rigid social expectations of the late 19th century, the novel follows Phoebe Van Bergen and Dr. Douglas McLennan, two wounded souls carrying profound pain they struggle to voice. Martin’s writing is lush and well researched, bringing Boston and Scotland vividly to life while grounding the story in the realities of the era—particularly for women navigating power, ambition, and vulnerability in a society determined to limit them.
The antagonists are genuinely awful in the most effective way—cruel, manipulative, and impossible not to loathe—while Phoebe and Douglas are characters you can’t help but root for. Their relationship is a slow, sometimes frustrating burn, shaped by miscommunication, fear, and unspoken trauma, but that realism only makes their emotional journey more rewarding. Watching them learn to trust, to heal, and to move forward together is deeply satisfying.
What truly stands out is the care with which sensitive topics such as abuse and assault are handled. These elements are written with compassion and restraint, never sensationalized, and always respectful of both the characters and the historical context. The result is a story that feels honest, poignant, and quietly powerful.
An Ocean of Stars is not just a romance—it’s a story about resilience, purpose, and finding light after darkness. I was completely absorbed from start to finish and closed the book feeling both heartbroken and hopeful.
✨ I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is my first book by this author and I was pleasantly surprised.
In this story, set in Boston in 1879, we have Phoebe who is a single (but engaged) woman throwing herself into the creation of a women's hospital and Douglas who is a Scottish doctor coming to work at this hospital. Both characters have more going on than meets the eye. They get off to a rocky start but throughout the novel they chip away at each others secrets, go through many ups and downs, and slowly grow closer to each other. The book very quickly drops the reader in the time frame and world of our characters. The setting felt very real and I got a sense of life for people of this class in this time.
This was a solid 3.5 stars (I'll round up) for me with just a few minor things holding me back. First, for a book about a hospital I would have liked a little more of the medical world. I know that the book is about our two characters more than their job, but having started the book with a patient interaction I felt like I'd have liked more of that sprinkled in. I also felt that at times the characters were too quick to make assumptions about each other based on one simple line of dialogue with no follow up. If this had been what they did with all other characters in the book it would make more sense, but these simple miscommunications only occurred with each other as a plot device.
I would definitely recommend as this was a solid read.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an advanced copy for my honest review.
In this story, set in Boston in 1879, we have Phoebe who is a single (but engaged) woman throwing herself into the creation of a women's hospital and Douglas who is a Scottish doctor coming to work at this hospital. Both characters have more going on than meets the eye. They get off to a rocky start but throughout the novel they chip away at each others secrets, go through many ups and downs, and slowly grow closer to each other. The book very quickly drops the reader in the time frame and world of our characters. The setting felt very real and I got a sense of life for people of this class in this time.
This was a solid 3.5 stars (I'll round up) for me with just a few minor things holding me back. First, for a book about a hospital I would have liked a little more of the medical world. I know that the book is about our two characters more than their job, but having started the book with a patient interaction I felt like I'd have liked more of that sprinkled in. I also felt that at times the characters were too quick to make assumptions about each other based on one simple line of dialogue with no follow up. If this had been what they did with all other characters in the book it would make more sense, but these simple miscommunications only occurred with each other as a plot device.
I would definitely recommend as this was a solid read.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an advanced copy for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A doctor with a tragic past and a woman with a horrible present meet in this underwhelming story where everyone acts like they're in a CW show. Misunderstandings? Yes. Endless assumptions? You got it. Whiplash inducing feelings where they hate, no lust after, no, really hate, no, they love, each other? Unfortunately yes.
Phoebe Van Bergen is the society daughter who has a heart of gold and runs a hospital for women. Everyone in her life is horrible. Her fiance Hector is a pig, her brother is a piece of crap, his wife is an empty headed bitch, you get the picture. When she meets the new doctor, she immediately assumes the worst and decides she despises him, but you know how these things go, she really doesn't.
Douglas McLennan is from Scotland. You know this because he says "cannae" and "dinnae" a lot. He arrives in Boston and goes to the hospital where he is immediately offended by Phoebe and everything she says and does. And then he finds out she's the rich lady financing things. And then he finds out what she is really going through.
They're thrown together a bunch because of course they are, no matter if the circumstances make sense, and then each assumes the other could never possibly want them and they go their separate ways and honestly this pair of fools deserved to end up alone, but you know how these things go.
Good grief.
Thanks, NetGalley. I think.
Phoebe Van Bergen is the society daughter who has a heart of gold and runs a hospital for women. Everyone in her life is horrible. Her fiance Hector is a pig, her brother is a piece of crap, his wife is an empty headed bitch, you get the picture. When she meets the new doctor, she immediately assumes the worst and decides she despises him, but you know how these things go, she really doesn't.
Douglas McLennan is from Scotland. You know this because he says "cannae" and "dinnae" a lot. He arrives in Boston and goes to the hospital where he is immediately offended by Phoebe and everything she says and does. And then he finds out she's the rich lady financing things. And then he finds out what she is really going through.
They're thrown together a bunch because of course they are, no matter if the circumstances make sense, and then each assumes the other could never possibly want them and they go their separate ways and honestly this pair of fools deserved to end up alone, but you know how these things go.
Good grief.
Thanks, NetGalley. I think.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received as an ARC through Netgalley to read, this is an honest review.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the pre-approved to read this book.
An Ocean of Stars is truly a stellar, poignant historical fiction surrounding the relationship of Phoebe Van Bergen and Dr. Douglas McLennan. From their first fiery meeting when the doctor shows up to take a job at the woman's hospital Phoebe is trying to make the beat medicine possible for women within Boston in 1879. Douglas sees only a wealthy woman "playing nurse" as he is fastly brought in to treat a patient in most desperate need. Phoebe views Douglas as a stubborn man that cannot imagine a woman could know anything beyond "feminine" things. As time passes, before Phoebe and Douglas find they misjudged each other and discover a deep comfortable friendship within the halls of the hospital; and outside of prying eyes, a blossoming romantic relationship. Burdened by society hierarchy and personal shadows kept the pair from being a both as hell want things to be. When fate hands Phoebe the ultimate chance to pursue her deep feelings of Douglas in Scotland everything changes neither of them could have foreseen... their personal darkness laid truly bare and finding new warmth and light guiding them into a brighter future.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the pre-approved to read this book.
An Ocean of Stars is truly a stellar, poignant historical fiction surrounding the relationship of Phoebe Van Bergen and Dr. Douglas McLennan. From their first fiery meeting when the doctor shows up to take a job at the woman's hospital Phoebe is trying to make the beat medicine possible for women within Boston in 1879. Douglas sees only a wealthy woman "playing nurse" as he is fastly brought in to treat a patient in most desperate need. Phoebe views Douglas as a stubborn man that cannot imagine a woman could know anything beyond "feminine" things. As time passes, before Phoebe and Douglas find they misjudged each other and discover a deep comfortable friendship within the halls of the hospital; and outside of prying eyes, a blossoming romantic relationship. Burdened by society hierarchy and personal shadows kept the pair from being a both as hell want things to be. When fate hands Phoebe the ultimate chance to pursue her deep feelings of Douglas in Scotland everything changes neither of them could have foreseen... their personal darkness laid truly bare and finding new warmth and light guiding them into a brighter future.
Highly recommended.
February 15, 2026
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC, coming March 2nd.
An Ocean of Stars is an emotional and beautifully layered historical novel set in 1879 Boston.
Phoebe Van Bergen is determined to defy societal expectations and build a Women’s Hospital — a bold, controversial ambition in her time. She is strong-willed, principled, and unwilling to shrink herself to make others comfortable.
Dr. Douglas McLennan arrives from Scotland carrying the weight of his past, hoping distance will quiet his guilt. Instead, he finds himself clashing with Phoebe — and yet he may be the only man capable of helping her achieve her vision.
Their personalities collide at first, but what unfolds is a powerful story of survival, grief, redemption, and challenging rigid societal norms. The emotional depth feels earned rather than forced, and the historical setting is richly drawn without overwhelming the characters.
This is a story about fighting for change when the world tells you to stay quiet — and about finding connection when you least expect it.
A must-read for fans of emotional historical fiction with strong female leads.
An Ocean of Stars is an emotional and beautifully layered historical novel set in 1879 Boston.
Phoebe Van Bergen is determined to defy societal expectations and build a Women’s Hospital — a bold, controversial ambition in her time. She is strong-willed, principled, and unwilling to shrink herself to make others comfortable.
Dr. Douglas McLennan arrives from Scotland carrying the weight of his past, hoping distance will quiet his guilt. Instead, he finds himself clashing with Phoebe — and yet he may be the only man capable of helping her achieve her vision.
Their personalities collide at first, but what unfolds is a powerful story of survival, grief, redemption, and challenging rigid societal norms. The emotional depth feels earned rather than forced, and the historical setting is richly drawn without overwhelming the characters.
This is a story about fighting for change when the world tells you to stay quiet — and about finding connection when you least expect it.
A must-read for fans of emotional historical fiction with strong female leads.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is my third book from Imogen Martin, and I was once again really drawn in by her vivid prose and strong characters!
An Ocean of Stars follows the path of Phoebe Van Bergen, who is a passionate advocate for women's health and medicine in Boston during the late 1800's. On the surface, Van Bergen is extremely successful and prospering, but has to conceal some darker secrets. We then meet the intriguing Dr. McLennan from Scotland, who crosses paths with Van Bergen in what kicks off a powerful love story.
This book transports you from the red brick streets of Boston to the sprawling hills of Scotland and numerous places in between. It is a story of second-chance love, friendship, family and fighting for equality. I recommend for anyone interested in historical romance and women's health!
A huge thank you to Net Galley and Storm Publishing for the early copy. I am really looking forward to now reading "Under a Gilded Sky" and learning more about Ginny's backstory!
An Ocean of Stars follows the path of Phoebe Van Bergen, who is a passionate advocate for women's health and medicine in Boston during the late 1800's. On the surface, Van Bergen is extremely successful and prospering, but has to conceal some darker secrets. We then meet the intriguing Dr. McLennan from Scotland, who crosses paths with Van Bergen in what kicks off a powerful love story.
This book transports you from the red brick streets of Boston to the sprawling hills of Scotland and numerous places in between. It is a story of second-chance love, friendship, family and fighting for equality. I recommend for anyone interested in historical romance and women's health!
A huge thank you to Net Galley and Storm Publishing for the early copy. I am really looking forward to now reading "Under a Gilded Sky" and learning more about Ginny's backstory!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story is set in Boston in 1879. Although Phoebe is wealthy, she is not happy, as she dislikes her fiancé , Hector. Due to the constraints of the times, he has a hold over her. Douglas, who is a doctor, arrives from Scotland, with his own demons to conquer. Phoebe has established a women’s hospital, but dreams of a bigger and better establishment. This is wonderful story about standing up for yourself and taking a second chance. I found the ideas in medicine at the time interesting and enjoyed reading about life at that time. As so often happens when I read historical fiction, it makes me so grateful that I live in these times. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing this book for me to read and freely review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 Stars
Phoebe & Douglas have quite the epic tale for only spanning about a two year period of their lives.
Well researched, lavishly detailed, An Ocean of Stars is a treat to get lost in. The antagonists are truly ugly and awful, characters you love to hate, while the protagonists struggle to communicate clearly the depth of their respective pain as you root for them to figure it out and move forward into a lasting relationship.
Sensitively written around the area of abuse & assault, while staying true to the 'societal norm' of the time, Ms. Martin tells a very moving story of two wounded people who find healing in each other's presence.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Phoebe & Douglas have quite the epic tale for only spanning about a two year period of their lives.
Well researched, lavishly detailed, An Ocean of Stars is a treat to get lost in. The antagonists are truly ugly and awful, characters you love to hate, while the protagonists struggle to communicate clearly the depth of their respective pain as you root for them to figure it out and move forward into a lasting relationship.
Sensitively written around the area of abuse & assault, while staying true to the 'societal norm' of the time, Ms. Martin tells a very moving story of two wounded people who find healing in each other's presence.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve read and loved all of Imogen Martin’s books. This one has made me a superfan. An Ocean of Stars is a glorious Gilded Age romance with fascinating, complex, superbly crafted central characters whose chemistry sparkles in every encounter. I adored both Phoebe and Douglas, and rooted all the way for them to find happiness together,
Set in Boston and Scotland, the sense of place is wonderful for both locations. The pace rattles along and the historical details, while thoroughly researched, never impede the story. I resented every moment I had to stop reading to do other things. This is a love story to relish, written with Ms Martin’s characteristic deep empathy and charm. Highly recommended.
Set in Boston and Scotland, the sense of place is wonderful for both locations. The pace rattles along and the historical details, while thoroughly researched, never impede the story. I resented every moment I had to stop reading to do other things. This is a love story to relish, written with Ms Martin’s characteristic deep empathy and charm. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An Ocean of Stars by new to me author Imogen Martin published by Storm Publishing is a full length, historical fiction novel.
Set in 1879 in Boston, Phoebe leads a women's hospital and pours her heart and soul into her job. But it isn't a job only, its a calling, til a scottish doctor arrives, nearly discovering her deepest secrets.
Douglas himself is a haunted soul, deeply suffering from loss, vowed to never ever love again, til her runs into Phoebe.
A complex, complicated story , literally unputdownable with characters easily to connect with. An emotional read, a story of love, duty, loss, heartbreak and growing. 5 stars.
Set in 1879 in Boston, Phoebe leads a women's hospital and pours her heart and soul into her job. But it isn't a job only, its a calling, til a scottish doctor arrives, nearly discovering her deepest secrets.
Douglas himself is a haunted soul, deeply suffering from loss, vowed to never ever love again, til her runs into Phoebe.
A complex, complicated story , literally unputdownable with characters easily to connect with. An emotional read, a story of love, duty, loss, heartbreak and growing. 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This was a poignant historical romance set in late 1800s about a woman searching for purpose through establishing a woman's hospital and a Scottish doctor who is kinder than he lets on. Heavy on distrust-to-lovers rather than enemies-to-lovers. The setting was rich and the characters felt compelling. The drama and side characters really added to the story. I wanted to see a bit more of the medical drama rather than personal ones. The miscommunication trope felt a bit over-used. But overall, this was an enjoyable read!
Thank you Imogen Martin, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for this ARC!
This was a poignant historical romance set in late 1800s about a woman searching for purpose through establishing a woman's hospital and a Scottish doctor who is kinder than he lets on. Heavy on distrust-to-lovers rather than enemies-to-lovers. The setting was rich and the characters felt compelling. The drama and side characters really added to the story. I wanted to see a bit more of the medical drama rather than personal ones. The miscommunication trope felt a bit over-used. But overall, this was an enjoyable read!
Thank you Imogen Martin, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had not read anything by this author before and was so glad to have gotten an ARC for this book. It’s a moving story set in 1879 Boston and Scotland, as two very good people with trauma in their pasts try to find a way forward, both with each other and to accomplish something larger to help others. I loved the settings on both sides of the Atlantic, and the two main characters were likeable and fully rendered. The struggles each has faced make their growing relationship feel all the more special. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the first book by this author that I have read. It is not my usual read, so I was not sure what to expect. What I found was a story that I could not put down. It was full of mystery, pain, hurt, love and strength. There were sensitive issues dealt with, with care, and sexual relations mentioned but not described. The whole story was an emotional roller coaster that I enjoyed very much. I look forward to reading more by this author. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A lovely story, wonderfully told. Phoebe, a wealthy railroad heiress opens a womens' hospital in a leased house with plans to build something more suitable to the purpose. Douglas McClennan is a Scottish doctor with progressive ideas. After much initial animosity they realise they are both working towards the same aim. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
gorgeously fun historical work with some absolutely effective vibes. our main character Phoebe was a really fun character and the love interest, Douglas, was a pretty fun character as well. the writing was satisfactory. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is another really good book by this author.
It was fast moving. I liked Phoebe and her desire to help women. It was a nice romantic story too. Definitely add to your list
It was fast moving. I liked Phoebe and her desire to help women. It was a nice romantic story too. Definitely add to your list
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