Meet Me at the Starlight by Rachel Hauck

Meet Me at the Starlight by Rachel Hauck is a split-time novel set in the late 1980s and the 1930s/40s. It was especially fun for me to read the 1980s story-line as that is when I was growing up. However, the whole book kept me turning pages.

Harlow Hayes came to Sea Blue Beach, Florida, to heal after a bad break-up with her fiance. She has spent much of her life as a fashion model and also starred in a movie. While she is in Florida, she runs into a former co-star, Matt, who also has some healing to do after making their own mistakes. Harlow becomes involved with the star's grandmother, Tuesday, who runs the local skating rink, The Starlight, which may soon be demolished. 

Part of the book focuses on Tuesday's early relationship with her husband and her sons as she ran the Starlight through the 1930s and 40s. I admired Tuesday for all she went through and how she kept the skating rink open. I also loved how she helped folks out during the Depression who needed help. She was able to do that because she looked to Immanuel for help. My grandparents ran a roller skating rink when I was little so I have an idea of what that is like through watching them.

While I have never struggled quite like Harlow Hayes with food issues, I could relate to some of her struggles with her weight and her mother. Harlow's mom has pushed her to be a model since she was a child. Since she never had the opportunity to eat junk food, or even much regular food for that matter, when Harlow suffered a bad break-up she turned to food. I have never experienced anything that extreme but I remember how "in" it was to be super skinny during that era when someone named Twiggy was one of our role models. I also loved all the references to the stars and movies of the day. I enjoyed seeing the banter between Matt and Harlow and how their relationship developed through the book. Oh how I loved the ending too.

There is a spiritual story line running through Meet Me At the Starlight with themes of redemption and forgiveness. I liked this element a lot. I am not sure how believable Harlow's encounter with Immanuel is, but I liked it.

There are questions in the back of the book which could be helpful for a book club discussion. I think Meet Me at the Starlight would make a great book club selection. I really enjoyed this whole book and I highly recommend it.

For my honest opinion, I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers via Interviews & Reviews.