With Stars in Her Eyes: A Novel

A sapphic romance about fresh starts and finding home. Cellist Courtney Starling experiences a frightening migraine attack during a key performance. As harmful rumors spread, she escapes to her best friend's bookshop in Kansas, working incognito. When Thea Quinn arrives for a misdelivered package, she has an embarrassing encounter with a bearded dragon in front of the bookshop's attractive bookseller. Thea recently moved to town for a fresh start and works at the tattoo shop next door. She's looking to branch out from her photography hobby and connect with others—particularly through a historical romance book club run by the mysterious, pixie-cut bookseller. Friendly lunches turn into stolen moments between the shelves as Courtney and Thea grow closer. Their old problems fade away until consequences from Courtney's past arrive unexpectedly. New revelations and surprising connections transform their relationship from joyful to complicated. Both women must decide what they're willing to sacrifice for a happy ending. The novel explores chronic illness, healing after trauma, and pursuing creative dreams.