From it’s beautiful cover to it’s compelling narrative, When Stars Rain Down brings the reader to the heart of the deep South in the 1930s. In a time where segregation was the norm, we are introduced to a young woman, who's trying to find her way but is met with unspoken obstacles challenging everything she’s ever known.

The book takes us to the heart of the deep South in Parsons, Georgia. In the summer of 1936, we’re introduced to Opal Pruitt. She is a lovely young woman on the cusp of her 18th birthday. She works daily with her grandmother at the home of Miss Peggy, part of a family they’ve known for many years. Miss Peggy didn’t just see them both as help, she saw them as part of her own family.

Then one day when the KKK came through their town, it brought some unsettling consequences that brought tragedy to their community. Opal finds herself forced to make decisions in her heart that are affected by the status quo and uncertainty. Trying to figure out what she wants an unforeseen tragedy comes that changes her life forever.

There are no words to describe the impression this book left upon me. I love historical fiction but there’s a relevancy and appreciation for narratives that derive from this point of view in this time period. What I truly appreciated about the novel was how the author brings you right to the center of their experience. You are placed in the shoes of the characters. You feel their pain, struggle, and go through this summer with them.

I will say one of my favorite experiences in the book was the relationship between Opal and her grandmother. These two women, you will just fall in love with. The unconditional love between them will just make your heart smile. These two were probably my favorite characters from the book. I also enjoyed the relationship between Miss Peggy and them as well. The depth of her love for them despite what society said at the time showed the strength of her heart to see beyond the color of their skin.

Overall, I thought it was a beautiful book. She presented a voice that was welcomed and necessary. I appreciate what she did with showing a positive black family and community that would give up everything to take care of each other. This narrative parallel with a white family that loved them as their own contrasted with members within them that represented the opposition presented some thought provoking moments. I found this book one that I couldn’t put down and encourage you to add to your reading list.