Rewrite the Stars by Lindsay Hameroff - eARC Review

 

DESCRIPTION
A sparkling romance between an ex-actress and her contractor, reminding us that it’s never too late to rewrite our destiny.

Semi-retired actress Marissa Morgan has played many parts in her life. But these days, her primary role is mother of two. Since hitting pause on her career, she’s worked hard to give her kids a normal childhood and shield them from the spotlight. So when her ex-husband announces his high-profile engagement and a media storm ensues, Marissa and her kids flee Los Angeles for a summer at her recently inherited Poconos lake house.

The long-vacant house needs major TLC, so Marissa hires a home renovation company to do repairs. But when the project hits a snag and Marissa finds herself sharing space with the crew, including Jesse, the handsome (and vaguely familiar) foreman, her plans for a drama-free summer hit choppy water.

Jesse doesn’t expect Marissa to remember him; they were just kids when they last played together at the lake. But he’s never forgotten her; he’s spent the last two decades quietly following her career, even as his own dreams fell apart. And now that she’s stumbled back into his sleepy hometown, Jesse’s predictable life has gotten a lot more complicated.

As the summer days pass, Marissa finds herself centering her own needs for the first time in years—and that includes giving into her mounting attraction to Jesse. Soon, she finds herself wondering if their fling could become something more.

After an unexpected career opportunity falls into Marissa's lap, it feels like the stars have finally aligned. But when new complications arise, the pair wonder how they’ll fit into each other’s future. Can Marissa and Jesse chart a new course together, or is it too late to rewrite the script for a happily ever after?

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 9781250401342
Pub Date: 7 Jul 2026


REVIEW

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

 *May contain spoilers*

Rewrite the Stars was such a warm read, and I really loved it. I connected with Marissa, not just as a woman rebuilding her life after a very public divorce, but as a single mom trying to balance her own needs with the needs of her kids. Lindsay Hameroff writes the FMC, actress Marissa Morgan, with so much honesty and tenderness that I found myself rooting for her from the very first chapter. The lake house setting, the sentimental return to her grandmother’s space, and the rediscovery of who she is outside of fame and motherhood all gave the book this grounded, heartfelt tone I really loved.

The romance with Jesse was sweet in a way that didn’t overshadow Marissa’s personal growth. I appreciated that the story let her breathe and figure out what she wanted, what she deserved, and how to stand on her own two feet again. Jesse’s steady presence, his history with her, and the way he supports rather than “fixes” her made their connection feel genuine. And as a mom, I really appreciated the thoughtful portrayal of raising a neurodivergent child. The routines, the adjustments…just the emotional load all felt respectfully and realistically woven into the story without ever turning Marissa’s son into a plot device.

This book has that small‑town charm, second‑chance sweetness, and gentle emotional arc that makes it easy to sink into. A feel‑good romance that also carries a deeper message about healing, choosing yourself, and learning to move forward with intention. I also noticed a little heartwarming Easter egg from Till There Was You that was lovely. Be sure to add this one to the top of your TBR for a cozy weekend read! Rewrite the Stars releases July 7, 2026.

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This review can also be viewed on my Goodreads page, here.

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