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A Star to Steer Her By
This is a previously published edition of ISBN 9781633758438.
I’m scarred. Broken.
I’ll never be the same.
Ever since my last dive ended in bloodshed, I’ve been terrified to go back into the water. But I need to get my life back. And I’ve convinced myself a semester at sea is the only way to do it.
I never expected Tristan MacDougall.
Rugged, strong, and with demons of his own, Tristan helps me find the courage I thought I had lost and heals me with every stolen moment we share…even though the rules of the ship mean we can't be together.
But that’s the least of our problems, because my biggest fear has become a reality, and I’m not sure either one of us will survive.
I’m scarred. Broken.
I’ll never be the same.
Ever since my last dive ended in bloodshed, I’ve been terrified to go back into the water. But I need to get my life back. And I’ve convinced myself a semester at sea is the only way to do it.
I never expected Tristan MacDougall.
Rugged, strong, and with demons of his own, Tristan helps me find the courage I thought I had lost and heals me with every stolen moment we share…even though the rules of the ship mean we can't be together.
But that’s the least of our problems, because my biggest fear has become a reality, and I’m not sure either one of us will survive.
250 pages, ebook
Published March 20, 2017
About the author
Beth Anne Miller
7 books88 followersI have a fascination for all things Scottish (including, but not limited to, men in kilts), as well as a love of travel, both of which have influenced all my writing to date. My first novel is a time travel called INTO THE SCOTTISH MIST, the earliest drafts of which were inspired by a road trip in Scotland; my second, A STAR TO STEER HER BY, which has a Scottish hero, is loosely based on my college semester at sea aboard a schooner; and my newest book, UNDER A STORM-SWEPT SKY, is set on the Isle of Skye, and was inspired by my own long-distance hikes in Scotland. I’m a native New Yorker, living on Long Island and working in the publishing industry, and I’m always looking ahead to my next trip. You can find me online at https://www.bethannemiller.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 29, 2018
A quite lovely and fairly tame romantic getaway at sea!
Having lived in the Florida Keys all her life, Ari is an avid scuba diver! She lives to dive, until the unthinkable happens.
Six months later and a sophomore in college, she is accepted into the program of her dreams, ‘Semester At Sea.’ But still healing from both physical and psychological scars, Ari doesn’t know how she will mentally survive weeks living on the open waters and diving again.
Meeting Tristan, a sexy, ponytailed, Scottish deckhand, proves to be a real motivating force in getting her ‘sea legs’ back. Unfortunately, the captain of the ship has a very strict rule: students are strictly forbidden from fraternizing with the crew, and if caught will be kicked out of the program.
This was a gratifying read and I learned a lot about sailing. I connected right away with the characters and enjoyed the chemistry between Ari and Tristan. All in all, a sweet romance!
April 22, 2018
4.25 stars.
Beth Anne Miller has been one of 2018’s best discoveries for me, and after reading and loving Under a Storm-swept Sky, I couldn’t wait to see what A Star to Steer Her By would bring.
Your scar tells a story.”
Once again she takes us on an emotional adventure as we join US student, Ariana Goodman for her Semester at Sea on Meg, a two-masted schooner where she meets Scottish deckhand, and the Captain’s son, Tristan MacDougall. On the outside, both Ari and Tristan are focussed on being crew-members—romances between crew and students are forbidden—but underneath is a different story with both harbouring their own personal hurts and it’s this that sees them gravitate to one another and slowly open up.
You are the bravest person I know.”
This was a fairly steady-starter, introducing us to those aboard Meg, some of the the technicalities of sailing and generally setting the scene of life at sea. But once it gathered momentum, watching Ari and Tristan fall was a joy to be a part of as they get to know one another, read one another, lean on each other and realise that what they’ve experienced, led them to one another.
You take my breath away.”
This is a story which makes you feel and for someone who has a fear of the sea (unless standing on a beach), Beth Anne Miller made me want to climb aboard and take in the beauty of the ocean and those who call it home. And for that reason she’s entered auto-read territory.
Beth Anne Miller has been one of 2018’s best discoveries for me, and after reading and loving Under a Storm-swept Sky, I couldn’t wait to see what A Star to Steer Her By would bring.
Your scar tells a story.”
Once again she takes us on an emotional adventure as we join US student, Ariana Goodman for her Semester at Sea on Meg, a two-masted schooner where she meets Scottish deckhand, and the Captain’s son, Tristan MacDougall. On the outside, both Ari and Tristan are focussed on being crew-members—romances between crew and students are forbidden—but underneath is a different story with both harbouring their own personal hurts and it’s this that sees them gravitate to one another and slowly open up.
You are the bravest person I know.”
This was a fairly steady-starter, introducing us to those aboard Meg, some of the the technicalities of sailing and generally setting the scene of life at sea. But once it gathered momentum, watching Ari and Tristan fall was a joy to be a part of as they get to know one another, read one another, lean on each other and realise that what they’ve experienced, led them to one another.
You take my breath away.”
This is a story which makes you feel and for someone who has a fear of the sea (unless standing on a beach), Beth Anne Miller made me want to climb aboard and take in the beauty of the ocean and those who call it home. And for that reason she’s entered auto-read territory.
April 24, 2018
4 - "You should be proud of your scars... They're part of who you are." Stars!
Another really good read from the imagination of Beth Anne Miller. We travel from San Juan, through the Caribbean to New York, with the students on the Semester at Sea initiative. Ari Goodman the trainee sailor Tristan MacDougal a member of the crew, a non-fraternization policy clouding the attraction blooming between them.
"The purpose of this semester is to give you guys an experience unlike anything you’ve had before… You will learn about the sea, about sailing, and most of all you will learn about yourself…"
This is also a couple dealing with their own demons, both of them involving the sea in one form or another, and neither of them willing initially to discuss them in great depth, but as the story progresses and their time spent together extends they both start to trust the other with their secrets.
"I’ll get you back in the ocean again… if it’s the last thing I do."
This book coasted along like a pedalo on a man-made lake for me for the first 40% or so, but there was a pivotal point in the story, that from there everything moved forward at a steadier pace. You cannot help but get lost in the authors descriptions of where Tristan and Ari went and I liked that the secondary characters had a positive part to play in the story building between them.
"We’ve come a long way since boarding…"
This is my second read by this author in as many weeks, I have to say that the previous book I read; Under a Storm-Swept Sky just pipped A Star to Steer Her By in the enjoyment stakes, but one thing that Beth Anne Miller delivered on again in spades is a beautifully descriptive narrative of the locale visited and the flora and fauna seen while there.
"It's nice not to be alone..."
The relationship in this one was more of a slow burn, and I can understand why, but I think I would have been more invested in it, if the forbidden aspect had been used to greater effect.
We are like kindred souls, he and I, seeking solace from the sea…
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Another really good read from the imagination of Beth Anne Miller. We travel from San Juan, through the Caribbean to New York, with the students on the Semester at Sea initiative. Ari Goodman the trainee sailor Tristan MacDougal a member of the crew, a non-fraternization policy clouding the attraction blooming between them.
"The purpose of this semester is to give you guys an experience unlike anything you’ve had before… You will learn about the sea, about sailing, and most of all you will learn about yourself…"
This is also a couple dealing with their own demons, both of them involving the sea in one form or another, and neither of them willing initially to discuss them in great depth, but as the story progresses and their time spent together extends they both start to trust the other with their secrets.
"I’ll get you back in the ocean again… if it’s the last thing I do."
This book coasted along like a pedalo on a man-made lake for me for the first 40% or so, but there was a pivotal point in the story, that from there everything moved forward at a steadier pace. You cannot help but get lost in the authors descriptions of where Tristan and Ari went and I liked that the secondary characters had a positive part to play in the story building between them.
"We’ve come a long way since boarding…"
This is my second read by this author in as many weeks, I have to say that the previous book I read; Under a Storm-Swept Sky just pipped A Star to Steer Her By in the enjoyment stakes, but one thing that Beth Anne Miller delivered on again in spades is a beautifully descriptive narrative of the locale visited and the flora and fauna seen while there.
"It's nice not to be alone..."
The relationship in this one was more of a slow burn, and I can understand why, but I think I would have been more invested in it, if the forbidden aspect had been used to greater effect.
We are like kindred souls, he and I, seeking solace from the sea…
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
March 11, 2017
Every once in a while you stumble upon a book that has the "full package". The kind of book where everything comes together nearly flawlessly and you are as touched and enchanted by the non-romance plot points just as much as you are the romance. A Star to Steer Her By was that book for me - and the fact that it's written by a new-to-me author makes it just that much sweeter.
This book made me uncomfortable - but in the very best way. That is - I felt like I was on an adventure. I felt this story and for me - someone who apparently has a slight phobia of the sea - that was sometimes an incredibly uncomfortable experience. I was on the edge of my seat several times over the course of reading this book, pulse pounding, compulsively flipping pages to see what happened next. I had google up on my phone more than once - looking up sea life and sailing terminology and generally throwing myself into this story -- and man, I could not put it down.
It's gripping. Compelling. Fascinating. And tucked in the middle of all this adventure was a romance that was forbidden, sexy, and intensely satisfying.
GAH!
I loved these beautifully damaged characters. I loved how brave Ari was, and how much she grew over the course of this book. I adored the relationships she formed -- the friendships with Kevin & Jenny as well as the romantic relationship with Tristan. I loved the respect Tristan had for Ari and I loved the sweetness she gave to him. Their relationship was a long, slowwwww burn - but mesmerizing, electrifying and frankly - sometimes just adorable.
I'm so glad I stumbled upon this unexpected gem and so happy for the time I got to spend with Ari & Tristan and the rest of the sailing crew. If you're in the mood for a scintillating and swoony romance wrapped up in a whole heap of thrilling adventure -- don't hesitate to pick this one up. ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars
This book made me uncomfortable - but in the very best way. That is - I felt like I was on an adventure. I felt this story and for me - someone who apparently has a slight phobia of the sea - that was sometimes an incredibly uncomfortable experience. I was on the edge of my seat several times over the course of reading this book, pulse pounding, compulsively flipping pages to see what happened next. I had google up on my phone more than once - looking up sea life and sailing terminology and generally throwing myself into this story -- and man, I could not put it down.
It's gripping. Compelling. Fascinating. And tucked in the middle of all this adventure was a romance that was forbidden, sexy, and intensely satisfying.
GAH!
I loved these beautifully damaged characters. I loved how brave Ari was, and how much she grew over the course of this book. I adored the relationships she formed -- the friendships with Kevin & Jenny as well as the romantic relationship with Tristan. I loved the respect Tristan had for Ari and I loved the sweetness she gave to him. Their relationship was a long, slowwwww burn - but mesmerizing, electrifying and frankly - sometimes just adorable.
I'm so glad I stumbled upon this unexpected gem and so happy for the time I got to spend with Ari & Tristan and the rest of the sailing crew. If you're in the mood for a scintillating and swoony romance wrapped up in a whole heap of thrilling adventure -- don't hesitate to pick this one up. ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars
March 12, 2017
*received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Let me start off by saying, I loved this book! It started off kind of slow, but that's ok because it's how I like my books. Once the story really got going, I couldn't put it down!!
The characters were great! I especially liked how things played out with Jenny.
If you're looking for an adventurous, sweet romance, then this is the book for you! I definitely recommend this book!!!
Let me start off by saying, I loved this book! It started off kind of slow, but that's ok because it's how I like my books. Once the story really got going, I couldn't put it down!!
The characters were great! I especially liked how things played out with Jenny.
If you're looking for an adventurous, sweet romance, then this is the book for you! I definitely recommend this book!!!
March 29, 2017
I kind of wish there were more books coming out about the ocean, I mean sure there are books that take place in a tropical setting, and that's nice and everything, but in the book the ocean is basically a character on its own, and I loved it. I spent a significant amount of time when I was growing up on an island, and my parents favorite form of family vacations was cruise ships, so it was really easy for me to fall in love with this book. And I have to say I'm pretty jealous of Ari and the experience she got to have. I'm not really one for sailing, probably because it's not something I've ever done and lingo goes over my head, but the author did a great job explaining things but not making it overwhelming.Ari is going on this semester at sea experience, and she has been wanting to back out of it for some time, clearly when the book starts there is some sort of traumatic event that she is trying to get past, including what seems like a pretty substantial injury to her leg. It was so easy to like Ari right from the beginning, normally it takes me a minute to get to know a character and decide if I like them or love them, or whatever, but with Ari it was immediate. She's complex and interesting, and sad but strong, she's so easy to love and kind of identify with that you can't help but just jump into this book with both feet. She has so much to overcome in this book, and when I think most people who just back away and give up, she just pushes herself further.
Tristan is our hero, and he's a Scot, I know that's a thing most people seem to really like these days, but in books it doesn't do much for me because reading the dialect sometimes gets tiresome for me. This was not a problem for me in this book. The book is purely from Ari's POV so you don't get to know Tristan the same way as you do Ari, but he's a pretty good character. He seems sad when we meet him, but he covers it well. He's talented and driven, and kind, really kind. He's just a good guy. There are a lot of moments in this book where he is a great support to Ari, he's not overbearing or pushy, he's the kind of guy who wants to stand next to a woman not in front of her.
As I said earlier the ocean really is a character in this book, and there are so many excellent scenes in here. There is this great scene with humpback whales, a lot of awesome dive excursions, sailing through a storm, and a scene that literally made me text my husband that I hate people sometimes. I liked how the author really intertwined the ocean and its creatures into the fabric of the book, you get to learn about illegal spearfishing, how trash can literally kill amazing creatures, shark finning (a horrible thing btw, enter the text to hubby), but it didn't feel preachy, it felt organic, and it was awesome.
The chemistry with Ari and Tristan is fantastics, it has great slow build to it, one that really keeps your attention. The slow build really lets you get to know the characters on their own, and when the passion finally does ignite in the book, its for the right reasons, not just because, it was truly an organic advancement of the relationship. There are great secondary characters in this book, it explores friendship just as much as it does relationship. I really enjoyed this book, and I really loved the writing style, I can't wait to read more by this author in the future.
March 30, 2017
4.25 - 4.5 STARS
A Star to Steer Her By is a breath of fresh air!
I absolutely fell in love with this book. It swept me away with the very first page. Set in the Caribbean aboard a schooner for a semester at sea, Ari’s on the trip in hopes of rediscovering what she once loved. Tristan is a deckhand (and the captain’s son) with his own burden to shoulder. Students and crew are forbidden fruit to one another, but the closer Ari and Tristan grow the harder it is to deny and fight the connection they share.
Ari and Tristan's story is ripe with anticipation, heartache, and enough swoony-ness to give me butterflies in the stomach. Beth Anne Miller paints a vivid picture with her rich descriptions of everything from the schooner to the sea to the characters and events. Such a satisfying read!
A Star to Steer Her By is a breath of fresh air!
I absolutely fell in love with this book. It swept me away with the very first page. Set in the Caribbean aboard a schooner for a semester at sea, Ari’s on the trip in hopes of rediscovering what she once loved. Tristan is a deckhand (and the captain’s son) with his own burden to shoulder. Students and crew are forbidden fruit to one another, but the closer Ari and Tristan grow the harder it is to deny and fight the connection they share.
Ari and Tristan's story is ripe with anticipation, heartache, and enough swoony-ness to give me butterflies in the stomach. Beth Anne Miller paints a vivid picture with her rich descriptions of everything from the schooner to the sea to the characters and events. Such a satisfying read!
March 20, 2017
After reading this book, I totally wouldn’t mind spending some time at sea!!
I’ll be totally honest, when I first picked up this book, I wasn’t 100% sure about it. I’ve never read anything by this author before, but the cover looked amazing and the synopsis sounded so good, I just had to pick it up and give it a chance. And let me tell you, I am so glad I did. From the moment I picked up this book, I was pulled into Tristan and Ari’s story. Ari had a love of the sea, but an injury had her questioning everything. However, she was determined to not let her fear rule her. Despite her concerns and fears, she jumps at the opportunity to spend a semester at sea. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime and one that she just can’t pass up. She’s hoping that with time, she can conquer her fears and reclaim her life….As a crew member of the Meg, Tristan has his own issues that he’s trying to escape. What he never planned on was Ari. While helping build confidence and heal Ari, Ari was also healing Tristan as well. They were only supposed to be friends, but with each day that passes, their connection would grow even stronger, giving way to a beautiful relationship. However, the road to HEA for these two will not be an easy one. Their relationship is forbidden and anyone finding out could put them both in jeopardy. Will Ari and Tristan find their HEA or will fate keep these two lovers apart?
A Star to Steer Her was a really great story. I was captivated from the moment I read it and fell in love with Ari’s story. Ari had so much to overcome, and I loved watching her character grow throughout the story. A Star to Steer Her is a beautiful story about growth, forgiveness and love. I thought this story was well written and I really loved the plot. I thought the characters were a lot of fun and very easy to connect with. I loved the build of Ari and Tristan’s relationship. They were amazing friends and I loved the tension that oozed between the two of them. They are the kind of couple that you can’t help but fall in love with and hope that they get a happy ending.
A Star to Steer Her is my first book by this author and it certainly won’t be my last. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
I’ll be totally honest, when I first picked up this book, I wasn’t 100% sure about it. I’ve never read anything by this author before, but the cover looked amazing and the synopsis sounded so good, I just had to pick it up and give it a chance. And let me tell you, I am so glad I did. From the moment I picked up this book, I was pulled into Tristan and Ari’s story. Ari had a love of the sea, but an injury had her questioning everything. However, she was determined to not let her fear rule her. Despite her concerns and fears, she jumps at the opportunity to spend a semester at sea. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime and one that she just can’t pass up. She’s hoping that with time, she can conquer her fears and reclaim her life….As a crew member of the Meg, Tristan has his own issues that he’s trying to escape. What he never planned on was Ari. While helping build confidence and heal Ari, Ari was also healing Tristan as well. They were only supposed to be friends, but with each day that passes, their connection would grow even stronger, giving way to a beautiful relationship. However, the road to HEA for these two will not be an easy one. Their relationship is forbidden and anyone finding out could put them both in jeopardy. Will Ari and Tristan find their HEA or will fate keep these two lovers apart?
A Star to Steer Her was a really great story. I was captivated from the moment I read it and fell in love with Ari’s story. Ari had so much to overcome, and I loved watching her character grow throughout the story. A Star to Steer Her is a beautiful story about growth, forgiveness and love. I thought this story was well written and I really loved the plot. I thought the characters were a lot of fun and very easy to connect with. I loved the build of Ari and Tristan’s relationship. They were amazing friends and I loved the tension that oozed between the two of them. They are the kind of couple that you can’t help but fall in love with and hope that they get a happy ending.
A Star to Steer Her is my first book by this author and it certainly won’t be my last. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
April 1, 2017
Full disclosure: I know (and like), the author. The plot exceeds the usual romance fare in some enjoyable ways: it takes place aboard a schooner (I like boats and sailing), the young women have friendships that develop and are unrelated to competing over guys, and the heroine (while trying to heal from a dangerous diving accident), isn't a Mary Sue who has no idea she's good looking oh golly gee why would a guy be into little old me. Plus the hero is hot and not a jerk. There's still tension, and I was so happy to see a couple not based on Insta-love and nothing else. Looking forward to reading the next one by Ms. Miller.
December 26, 2021
Like most NA books, this one was full of angst, lust, and infatuation that turns into love. The unusual setting created constraints—their relationship was “off limits”—and kept a lid on the lust and allowed the characters’ feelings to develop into more. In fact, the progression of Ari and Tristan’s relationship was beautifully done and I for one greatly appreciated the gradual build-up to the love-making scene.
Both characters are interesting and well-rounded with believable backstories and personal struggles. Ari has many things to overcome: her injury, her fears, her anger with her brother. Tristan is dealing with his mother’s death (and related guilt) and the strained relationship with his father. The journey toward resolution of these things was the core of the story, each supporting and helping the other.
The setting on a ship was both a plus (unusual and different) and a minus; it took me a long time to finish because the story kept getting bogged down in long descriptions of the workings of the ship or the flora and fauna under the waves. (Some might like that, but even with the descriptions I couldn’t picture it most of the time so all that accomplished was to pull me out of the story). I loved that Ari got to “rescue” Tristan. I typically do not like single-POV stories (this one was all in Ari’s) but in this case, it worked.
Both characters are interesting and well-rounded with believable backstories and personal struggles. Ari has many things to overcome: her injury, her fears, her anger with her brother. Tristan is dealing with his mother’s death (and related guilt) and the strained relationship with his father. The journey toward resolution of these things was the core of the story, each supporting and helping the other.
The setting on a ship was both a plus (unusual and different) and a minus; it took me a long time to finish because the story kept getting bogged down in long descriptions of the workings of the ship or the flora and fauna under the waves. (Some might like that, but even with the descriptions I couldn’t picture it most of the time so all that accomplished was to pull me out of the story). I loved that Ari got to “rescue” Tristan. I typically do not like single-POV stories (this one was all in Ari’s) but in this case, it worked.
June 18, 2018
I loved this book. Emotion, romance, adventure, it was a story I won't soon forget.
April 17, 2017
After a traumatic incident Ari has become afraid of the sea, which is inconvenient because she's been approved for her dream program, a semester at sea. It used to be her ultimate goal to spend ten weeks studying the water and animals, learning to navigate a boat and witnessing the abundance of beauty nature has to offer. Now she's scared instead, but she's determined to make the best of it and maybe she'll be able to conquer her fears and rediscover her love for the sea.
Being on a ship comes with strict instructions. Ari has to stick to one rule in particular, she can't fraternize with the crew. That's going to be really difficult because when Ari meets Tristan she knows she likes him a lot more than she's supposed to. Will they be able to keep their relationship purely platonic? Ari recognizes a certain type of grief in Tristan. What has he been through and will they be able to help each other to get through the worst of their sadness? Will Ari's semester at sea be a success or a disaster?
Ari is a strong and fierce person. She's willing to go far to reach her goals and I loved that about her. She's also sweet and helpful and she's smart in many different ways. Her impulsive nature sometimes gets her in trouble, but she always follows her heart and I liked that very much about her personality. Tristan is her soul mate, it's clear from the start that they have chemistry, understanding on a deep level and plenty of love. Because they aren't supposed to be together their love has a forbidden element, which made it extra interesting to read about. I immediately liked their easy conversations, their ability to heal each other's deepest psychological wounds and their amazing sparks. What they have is special and their time on the ship makes their connection even more intimate.
A Star to Steer Her By is a beautiful love story. I immediately fell in love with the stunning descriptions of the sea, the gorgeous animals and the attractive, but dangerous water. I liked that the story isn't only about finding true love, but also about friendship, challenging yourself and pushing boundaries. Beth Anne Miller clearly knows what she's writing about. I loved how well she describes the unpredictability of the water, the rules and lingo that are being used on a boat, the importance of having a diving partner and much more. It almost felt like I was on the boat together with the students and I actually learned quite a few things while reading a story I thoroughly enjoyed, which is something that put a big smile on my face.
Ari has been through something terrible and Beth Anne Miller describes her emotions in an empathic and understandable way. The water isn't without dangers, but Ari is a survivor and I loved that about her. I liked that Beth Anne Miller mixes precious romance with moving scenes, adrenaline rushes and interesting information. A Star to Steer Her By is an incredible impressive story that captivated me from beginning to end.
Being on a ship comes with strict instructions. Ari has to stick to one rule in particular, she can't fraternize with the crew. That's going to be really difficult because when Ari meets Tristan she knows she likes him a lot more than she's supposed to. Will they be able to keep their relationship purely platonic? Ari recognizes a certain type of grief in Tristan. What has he been through and will they be able to help each other to get through the worst of their sadness? Will Ari's semester at sea be a success or a disaster?
Ari is a strong and fierce person. She's willing to go far to reach her goals and I loved that about her. She's also sweet and helpful and she's smart in many different ways. Her impulsive nature sometimes gets her in trouble, but she always follows her heart and I liked that very much about her personality. Tristan is her soul mate, it's clear from the start that they have chemistry, understanding on a deep level and plenty of love. Because they aren't supposed to be together their love has a forbidden element, which made it extra interesting to read about. I immediately liked their easy conversations, their ability to heal each other's deepest psychological wounds and their amazing sparks. What they have is special and their time on the ship makes their connection even more intimate.
A Star to Steer Her By is a beautiful love story. I immediately fell in love with the stunning descriptions of the sea, the gorgeous animals and the attractive, but dangerous water. I liked that the story isn't only about finding true love, but also about friendship, challenging yourself and pushing boundaries. Beth Anne Miller clearly knows what she's writing about. I loved how well she describes the unpredictability of the water, the rules and lingo that are being used on a boat, the importance of having a diving partner and much more. It almost felt like I was on the boat together with the students and I actually learned quite a few things while reading a story I thoroughly enjoyed, which is something that put a big smile on my face.
Ari has been through something terrible and Beth Anne Miller describes her emotions in an empathic and understandable way. The water isn't without dangers, but Ari is a survivor and I loved that about her. I liked that Beth Anne Miller mixes precious romance with moving scenes, adrenaline rushes and interesting information. A Star to Steer Her By is an incredible impressive story that captivated me from beginning to end.
April 5, 2018
This book made me want to throw myself in the ocean - but in the absolute best way.
February 3, 2018
My TBR pile breaks up into a few different categories: favorite authors, books with a lot of buzz, recs from friends, research material for my own writing, and books by authors I know somehow (often through writer organizations or publishing industry connections). A STAR TO STEER HER BY falls in that last category.
I picked up this book when I was needing a mental health break, on like our 2,430th straight day of rain. I sat next to our fireplace curled up in a shawl and read it in two days. To be clear, I don't like boats. I think they are very pretty, and I like the IDEA of them. But they kind of scare me, and they make me feel horribly ill. What can I say? I was born in central Oklahoma.
My mother, however, LOVED boats. She owned a Sunfish, and after she and my dad split, she seemed to only date men who were into sailing. My mom's birthday was today, so I have to wonder if that subconsciously affected my decision to start this particular book.
I'll start by saying I haven't gotten lost in a book like I got lost in this one in a very long time. Miller has first-hand knowledge of sailing, and it shows in her painstaking detail—detail that I never found tedious, despite my relative lack of interest in the topic. I felt the rope in my hands, the sun on my back, the claustrophobia of the sleeping cabin, and the thrill of the storm and stars.
Miller's plot also calls attention to human threats to the beautiful and essential creatures that populate our oceans without getting preachy or pulling us out of the story. She uses these scenes to ramp up tension and drama, and they also help us get to know her characters better.
And the romance? I think many young (and not-so-young) women have had fantasies a lot like this one, and it's delicious to experience it vicariously through Ari and Tristan. I love heroes like Tristan—his deep wounds do not rob him of compassion, or cause him to go around taking out his anger and pain on everyone else. He is a gentle knight, and also a fierce protector. (Did I mention he's Scottish???) And Ari—I see so much of my younger self in her failure to perceive her own strength, courage, and both inner and outer beauty.
This book also has something I wasn't expecting—suspense! In addition to the steady push/pull of romantic tension, there are quite a few moments in the story action that will stop your heart. I don't want to say more about this, because it would definitely spoil the fun.
As for the storytelling itself, I am acquainted with this author and know that she critiques a lot of books. Let me tell you: It. Shows. The structure of this story, the perfection of its progression. The deliciously slow and sizzling unfolding of the love story.
I highly recommend A STAR TO STEER HER BY, to sailors and landlubbers alike.
I picked up this book when I was needing a mental health break, on like our 2,430th straight day of rain. I sat next to our fireplace curled up in a shawl and read it in two days. To be clear, I don't like boats. I think they are very pretty, and I like the IDEA of them. But they kind of scare me, and they make me feel horribly ill. What can I say? I was born in central Oklahoma.
My mother, however, LOVED boats. She owned a Sunfish, and after she and my dad split, she seemed to only date men who were into sailing. My mom's birthday was today, so I have to wonder if that subconsciously affected my decision to start this particular book.
I'll start by saying I haven't gotten lost in a book like I got lost in this one in a very long time. Miller has first-hand knowledge of sailing, and it shows in her painstaking detail—detail that I never found tedious, despite my relative lack of interest in the topic. I felt the rope in my hands, the sun on my back, the claustrophobia of the sleeping cabin, and the thrill of the storm and stars.
Miller's plot also calls attention to human threats to the beautiful and essential creatures that populate our oceans without getting preachy or pulling us out of the story. She uses these scenes to ramp up tension and drama, and they also help us get to know her characters better.
And the romance? I think many young (and not-so-young) women have had fantasies a lot like this one, and it's delicious to experience it vicariously through Ari and Tristan. I love heroes like Tristan—his deep wounds do not rob him of compassion, or cause him to go around taking out his anger and pain on everyone else. He is a gentle knight, and also a fierce protector. (Did I mention he's Scottish???) And Ari—I see so much of my younger self in her failure to perceive her own strength, courage, and both inner and outer beauty.
This book also has something I wasn't expecting—suspense! In addition to the steady push/pull of romantic tension, there are quite a few moments in the story action that will stop your heart. I don't want to say more about this, because it would definitely spoil the fun.
As for the storytelling itself, I am acquainted with this author and know that she critiques a lot of books. Let me tell you: It. Shows. The structure of this story, the perfection of its progression. The deliciously slow and sizzling unfolding of the love story.
I highly recommend A STAR TO STEER HER BY, to sailors and landlubbers alike.
March 20, 2017
I loved it! It's about getting over one's fears. After her accident, Ari has been afraid of the sea. She has always wanted to be a marine biologist and she simply cannot give up on her dreams, So she decides to spend one semester at sea any way. May be she won't be able to get over her fear but at least she will have given it her best shot. So for her a trip aboard Meg is not about credit hours, or something to add to her resume, it's more than that. And it is important to her.
Tristan has to fight demons of his own but he is always there to help Ari. May be in helping her he is also helping himself. At least they can support each other. And in addition to that have a good time at sea.
I enjoyed reading this book. Although I have no interest in sailing, ships, or the sea but the story is written in a way that it doesn't matter. I liked reading about all those things but mostly I liked reading about Ari and Tristan, their lives, hopes, and dreams, it is an interesting tale of letting past go. Which isn't always easy but sometimes it's what is required in order for us to move on to a successful future. I admire both characters and I'd recommend it to all my reader friends.
Tristan has to fight demons of his own but he is always there to help Ari. May be in helping her he is also helping himself. At least they can support each other. And in addition to that have a good time at sea.
I enjoyed reading this book. Although I have no interest in sailing, ships, or the sea but the story is written in a way that it doesn't matter. I liked reading about all those things but mostly I liked reading about Ari and Tristan, their lives, hopes, and dreams, it is an interesting tale of letting past go. Which isn't always easy but sometimes it's what is required in order for us to move on to a successful future. I admire both characters and I'd recommend it to all my reader friends.
April 2, 2017
Öf nasıl sıkıldım anlatamam. Kaç gündür bitirmeye çalışıyorum, adeta okuma zevkimi yok etti. Neden bu puanı almış anlamadım hatta. Konu ilginçti, üniversitedeki bir kız bir dönem için gemiyle yolculuğa çıkıyor. Tayfalığın tüm şeylerini öğrenecek, bu sırada deniz biyolojisi okuduklarından gemide ders bile alacaklar. Ben buradan güzel bir şeyler çıkar dedim ama malesef vasat bir young adult romanından başka bir şey alamadım. Aşırı sıkıldım, özellikle ikiz kardeşine olan tavrı çok saçmaydı kim ne derse desin. Ergen triplerini uzun süre okumak zorunda kalınca haliyle sondaki ufak bir atraksiyon da beni tatmin etmedi. Sonu da yetersiz zaten.
May 2, 2017
Welp, now I want to go to sea. Gorgeous book that will make you want to run away on a schooner and sail the world. Tristan and Ari are adorable, but the real love story here is me falling head-over-heels for the Meg *swoon*.
August 11, 2020
I liked the premise. A little slow in the beginning, and I initially had a hard time getting emotionally invested in the main character. But once I got to the scene where she makes her first attempt to dive again, I was hooked. My eyes were glued to the page until the end.
July 29, 2019
4.5 estrelas .
Eu adorei esse livro do começo ao fim . Eu adorei todos os personagens desse livro , cada um tempo sua relevância para a história , adorei o cenário em que a história foi contada e como a autora soube introduzir o dia a dia da vida em auto mar a história para cá , e tudo isso ainda em meio a um romance fofo e que tudo aconteceu no seu tempo certo .
Tristan e Ari ambos estavam enfrentando momentos difíceis em sua vida e foi doce ver como um foi suporte do outro nessa jornada e também amei ver o quanto Ari superou e cresceu ao longo do livro.
Eu adorei esse livro do começo ao fim . Eu adorei todos os personagens desse livro , cada um tempo sua relevância para a história , adorei o cenário em que a história foi contada e como a autora soube introduzir o dia a dia da vida em auto mar a história para cá , e tudo isso ainda em meio a um romance fofo e que tudo aconteceu no seu tempo certo .
Tristan e Ari ambos estavam enfrentando momentos difíceis em sua vida e foi doce ver como um foi suporte do outro nessa jornada e também amei ver o quanto Ari superou e cresceu ao longo do livro.
December 9, 2021
Rating: 4.5
I went into this book knowing very little about sailing or diving, but by the end I felt like I had caught a little bit of the love of the sea that Tristan and Ari felt so strongly. This was a super fun read, I loved the whole idea and the setting behind it. Ari grew a lot as a character and seeing her and Tristan overcome their past trauma’s was particularly heart warming. The crew, Ari’s fellow students, and the Captain made for a great secondary cast. The romance between Ari and Tristan was definitely sizzling, but also had some emotional depth to it as well. The ending was not what I expected and had me on the edge of my seat (in a good way!) An excellent read if you’re looking for a unique, steamy new adult romance.
CW: Traumatic Life-Threatening Diving Incidents
Highlights:
🌟 Learning about sailing and boat life without it feeling overwhelming
🌟 Love of the sea could be felt on the pages
🌟 Unique setting
🌟 Ari and Tristan’s character growth as they overcame past traumas
🌟 Secondary characters
🌟 Ari and Tristan’s sizzling romance that also had some great emotional depth as well
🌟 Tristan (Need I say more) 😍
🌟 Unexpected, edge of your seat ending
I went into this book knowing very little about sailing or diving, but by the end I felt like I had caught a little bit of the love of the sea that Tristan and Ari felt so strongly. This was a super fun read, I loved the whole idea and the setting behind it. Ari grew a lot as a character and seeing her and Tristan overcome their past trauma’s was particularly heart warming. The crew, Ari’s fellow students, and the Captain made for a great secondary cast. The romance between Ari and Tristan was definitely sizzling, but also had some emotional depth to it as well. The ending was not what I expected and had me on the edge of my seat (in a good way!) An excellent read if you’re looking for a unique, steamy new adult romance.
CW: Traumatic Life-Threatening Diving Incidents
Highlights:
🌟 Learning about sailing and boat life without it feeling overwhelming
🌟 Love of the sea could be felt on the pages
🌟 Unique setting
🌟 Ari and Tristan’s character growth as they overcame past traumas
🌟 Secondary characters
🌟 Ari and Tristan’s sizzling romance that also had some great emotional depth as well
🌟 Tristan (Need I say more) 😍
🌟 Unexpected, edge of your seat ending
July 21, 2022
4.5 stars
This was a fun read , I really really enjoyed it
This was a fun read , I really really enjoyed it
June 1, 2017
I loved the unique setting for this novel. The title alone reminded me of a line from a poem I first read nearly forty years ago...it was a wonderful surprise to find that the very same poem is referenced in this wonderful story.
March 3, 2017
Ari has applied for a Semester at Sea from Marine Classroom. She is crazy about the sea and diving. And she gets an acceptance letter. She should be thrilled, but during the waiting period she has been in a terrible accident (shark..) and she has doubts she will be able to dive again.
This is a book about overcoming your fears and facing them. Heads on. And finding love as well, as Ari falls in love with the son of the Captain, Tristan.
I really loved this book! Ari is a great heroine and Tristan helps her with her fears and wants to be there for her. Great NA.
*** I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for granting me this ARC. This is my voluntary, honest review. ***
This is a book about overcoming your fears and facing them. Heads on. And finding love as well, as Ari falls in love with the son of the Captain, Tristan.
I really loved this book! Ari is a great heroine and Tristan helps her with her fears and wants to be there for her. Great NA.
*** I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for granting me this ARC. This is my voluntary, honest review. ***
March 20, 2017
I voluntarily received a copy of A Star to Steer her by off NetGalley. The premise behind the story intrigued me even though I tend to avoid New Adult. The story is solid but tends to get bogged down with descriptions of the workings of ship. Which I understand but having never sailed, even with all the descriptions I just couldn’t get a clear picture in my mind many times of what Miller was trying to convey. I found myself looking up different terms so I could see the images. This slowed the reading process. But then I am one who likes to know what the author is talking about. I think if you have an appreciation and understanding of seamanship this book would totally work for you.
The loves story is full of angst, lust and puppy love, much like all New Adult books. The fade to black annoyed me. This could almost be a YA book if the make out sessions were edited down a bit more. Not to say the book must have the sex scene but there is so much build up then, fade to black, it confused me a bit. Why do a heavy make out session with all the buildup then give us a fade to black?
Another bone of contention was watching the sunset over the water when they were in New Jersey. Unless I have completely lost my mind and all sense of how the world turns the sun sets in the west, so how can you watch the sun set over the ocean in New Jersey when you are sitting on the beach? Sunrise yes, set no.
The story is about a young woman rediscovering herself and finding love, courage, and her center on the high seas. It was super sweet, and endearing. This would be a series I would be interested in reading if Ari and Tristan’s story continues. I am giving in 3.5 Boundless stars, it was really good
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The loves story is full of angst, lust and puppy love, much like all New Adult books. The fade to black annoyed me. This could almost be a YA book if the make out sessions were edited down a bit more. Not to say the book must have the sex scene but there is so much build up then, fade to black, it confused me a bit. Why do a heavy make out session with all the buildup then give us a fade to black?
Another bone of contention was watching the sunset over the water when they were in New Jersey. Unless I have completely lost my mind and all sense of how the world turns the sun sets in the west, so how can you watch the sun set over the ocean in New Jersey when you are sitting on the beach? Sunrise yes, set no.
The story is about a young woman rediscovering herself and finding love, courage, and her center on the high seas. It was super sweet, and endearing. This would be a series I would be interested in reading if Ari and Tristan’s story continues. I am giving in 3.5 Boundless stars, it was really good
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June 15, 2018
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick, very tame (by new adult standards) romance and I liked it enough to ignore the many minor things that frustrated me while reading it. I enjoyed the characters and the setting and found myself wishing I was on a boat with a hot deckhand for the summer!
What I didn’t like was that there was a lot of inconsistency. Ari talks about having never seen Tristan wear his hair up before but a couple chapters before she’d already described him putting his hair up, using almost the exact same description. Another time a character changes the topic of conversation, in which it’s noted clearly, to avoid talking about something and then a few sentences later, within the same conversation brings the topic back up himself. Why change the subject just to circle back? Little things like that often took me out of the story and had me wondering why these things, and multiple others, weren’t caught in the editing process. A lot of conversations just didn’t read naturally or realistically for me.
Also at one point Ari and one of the other characters get into a minor tiff, but Ari completely blows things out of proportion, yelling at her friend whose only ever been nice to her. And almost immediately apologizes and it all just felt so contrived. Like things were getting slow so Miller felt like she had to thrown in some drama. But it didn’t feel real and therefore there was no weight to it. If those few pages didn’t exist it wouldn’t affect the story line whatsoever.
Like I said, overall I enjoyed the story for what it was, an easy, romantic read that kept me turning pages! I definitely plan to read more Beth Anne Miller books in the near future.
What I didn’t like was that there was a lot of inconsistency. Ari talks about having never seen Tristan wear his hair up before but a couple chapters before she’d already described him putting his hair up, using almost the exact same description. Another time a character changes the topic of conversation, in which it’s noted clearly, to avoid talking about something and then a few sentences later, within the same conversation brings the topic back up himself. Why change the subject just to circle back? Little things like that often took me out of the story and had me wondering why these things, and multiple others, weren’t caught in the editing process. A lot of conversations just didn’t read naturally or realistically for me.
Also at one point Ari and one of the other characters get into a minor tiff, but Ari completely blows things out of proportion, yelling at her friend whose only ever been nice to her. And almost immediately apologizes and it all just felt so contrived. Like things were getting slow so Miller felt like she had to thrown in some drama. But it didn’t feel real and therefore there was no weight to it. If those few pages didn’t exist it wouldn’t affect the story line whatsoever.
Like I said, overall I enjoyed the story for what it was, an easy, romantic read that kept me turning pages! I definitely plan to read more Beth Anne Miller books in the near future.
June 15, 2017
I’ve been looking forward to reading A Star to Steer her since the minute the cover and book jacket description were released. This book has all the elements of “book crack” for me: forbidden love, unique settings and micro-cultures, and heart-melting new-adult romance.
The one-of-a-kind setting and micro-culture here is a semester at sea program on tall ship in the Caribbean where the characters frequently go scuba diving. This particular setting was double-strong “book crack” for me because I would have loved to do a semester at sea in college but didn’t have the chance, and through reading, I feel as if I’ve gotten a taste for the experience that I didn’t have. I DID get my fair share of time at sea as an officer in the Navy for the five years, so I can absolutely vouch for Beth Anne’s nautical accuracy and I really enjoyed comparing and contrasting the workings of a cutting edge warship with a historical tall ship operating in the modern day.
As far as characters, I was a gonner for the male lead, Tristan. A sexy, sensitive, Scottish, fiddle-playing, professional sailor…what’s not to love? The main character, Ari, was intriguing and relatable as she battled through the repercussions of an accident that left her with a paralyzing physical fear threatening to undercut her entire future career plan.
This book is an excellent choice for readers who like a healthy dose of adrenaline and adventure with their romance, and to be completely immersed in an accurate and unique setting.
The one-of-a-kind setting and micro-culture here is a semester at sea program on tall ship in the Caribbean where the characters frequently go scuba diving. This particular setting was double-strong “book crack” for me because I would have loved to do a semester at sea in college but didn’t have the chance, and through reading, I feel as if I’ve gotten a taste for the experience that I didn’t have. I DID get my fair share of time at sea as an officer in the Navy for the five years, so I can absolutely vouch for Beth Anne’s nautical accuracy and I really enjoyed comparing and contrasting the workings of a cutting edge warship with a historical tall ship operating in the modern day.
As far as characters, I was a gonner for the male lead, Tristan. A sexy, sensitive, Scottish, fiddle-playing, professional sailor…what’s not to love? The main character, Ari, was intriguing and relatable as she battled through the repercussions of an accident that left her with a paralyzing physical fear threatening to undercut her entire future career plan.
This book is an excellent choice for readers who like a healthy dose of adrenaline and adventure with their romance, and to be completely immersed in an accurate and unique setting.
March 27, 2017
I absolutely love the ocean! If I could live in/on the water, I would. I knew that I had to get my hands on this book after reading the blurb. Plus, that cover!? So beautiful! With a forbidden romance, the sea, and a mix of possible suspense/mystery I couldn’t dive in fast enough! The story started off a bit slow for me but once it took off I had a hard time putting it down.
Overcoming your fears can be one of the most challenging parts of life. Many NA novels have this as the center of the story. It was refreshing the way that this was a new take on that theme.
I loved watching Ari overcome so many things and watching her character grow throughout the story. Tristan also has some things to overcome but is always willing to help Ari. Their relationship was fun and at times heart-wrenching. It was enjoyable to watch them come together and help each other come to terms with things from their pasts and move to the future.
The setting was beautifully played out and completely realistic. Beth Anne Miller did a wonderful job of making it seem magical however, also keeping the brunt truth of the less than glamorous side.
I can only hope that we will be getting more of these characters! I feel as if we haven’t heard the end of Ari and Tristan’s story!
Grateful to have received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overcoming your fears can be one of the most challenging parts of life. Many NA novels have this as the center of the story. It was refreshing the way that this was a new take on that theme.
I loved watching Ari overcome so many things and watching her character grow throughout the story. Tristan also has some things to overcome but is always willing to help Ari. Their relationship was fun and at times heart-wrenching. It was enjoyable to watch them come together and help each other come to terms with things from their pasts and move to the future.
The setting was beautifully played out and completely realistic. Beth Anne Miller did a wonderful job of making it seem magical however, also keeping the brunt truth of the less than glamorous side.
I can only hope that we will be getting more of these characters! I feel as if we haven’t heard the end of Ari and Tristan’s story!
Grateful to have received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2020
I loved this book!
I feel like I was on the ship! The way the author describes the scenes on deck as the sun sets and how the wind can make a person feel free and at home on a boat, are truly breathtaking. The author has soon become one of my favorites. This is the second book I have read by her and I will be looking for more.
I will be honest though, I wish there was more content from Tristian and his family. I wish there was a deeper connection established between Ari and Tristian BUT that did not take away from the story. I am just a sucker for more content. It does not take away from the story. I am just greedy. Lol.
Read this one. You won’t regret it.
I feel like I was on the ship! The way the author describes the scenes on deck as the sun sets and how the wind can make a person feel free and at home on a boat, are truly breathtaking. The author has soon become one of my favorites. This is the second book I have read by her and I will be looking for more.
I will be honest though, I wish there was more content from Tristian and his family. I wish there was a deeper connection established between Ari and Tristian BUT that did not take away from the story. I am just a sucker for more content. It does not take away from the story. I am just greedy. Lol.
Read this one. You won’t regret it.
May 4, 2018
This was a beautifully written love story. Each of the two main characters have issues to deal with and they assist each other in working through these. And then there is the sea and a sailing ship where the story takes place. This writer made me feel like I was on the ship, learning to hoist the sails, steer the ship, get seasick, deal with the lack of showers and modern conveniences. But she also let you see the sunrises and sunsets, the fish that would swim next to the ship. And then there were the dives to see the coral reefs and the fish in their habitat. This is a great book for young adult readers.
July 25, 2018
So this is not my usual genre of book but I was looking for something different and this was recommended to me so i gave it a shot and proceeded to read it cover to cover in a day. The characters were well developed and the author's descriptions of the ship and all of its components were very detailed and clearly well researched. There were enough subtle hints of the character's pasts that i was intrigued to read on and find out what had happened to them and if/how they would resolve them. I would definitely recommend the book and hope to read others by the author in the future.
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