String of Stardust: Volume 1

by J.H. Rose

The noblewoman Suzette always dreamed of starting her own bakery, in spite of her social status. After years of enduring abuse in a loveless marriage, she at last calls upon the help of her best friend, the mysterious wanderer Hikaru, to help her find a better life. Together the two embark on a journey across the continent of Soléiâ to Hikaru’s long abandoned house, full of valuable paintings that may fund her dream.

Along the way, Hikaru and Suzette struggle against an intolerant society, mischievous fairies, a jealous goddess—and most of all their nightly dreams, memories of a past where they were in love once before, a beautiful life severed much too soon. As they come to accept their love in the present, however, a question looms over their heads...can they ever truly recreate the idyllic life of their dreams? Or will it end in tragedy every time?

Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2021

Reviews

[M.A. Vice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic adventure that is more than it seems

String of Stardust is a great read for lovers of romance - though it's different from most of its contemporaries, readers will find a lot to enjoy here. It invokes shades of classics like those written by Austen as well as early shoujo manga, and the result is a delightful story. String of Stardust is an emotionally focused romance with positive representations of fatness and disability sure to please those looking for more progressive stories, and these elements are integrated in such a way that truly speaks to thoughtfulness and intention and not simply added as an afterthought. The story is slow and methodical, but the joy lies in the quiet moments and sharing of emotion between the characters. Fans of victorian romance, classic shoujo, Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli films will love this book!

[Rita Rubin · Rating 3 out of 5]

String of Stardust is a must read for fans of romance and Studio Ghibli films. The writing is lush and lyrical and the characters interesting and refreshing in equal measure. This story is soft, thoughtful and has a classical feel to it.

[Hayley]

Definitely one of the books I have read. Someone in the intended age range would probably enjoy this if they were looking for a sappy romance story. I had never read a shoujo before, so this certainly was an experience for me.