She sees herself as the “Blanche du Bois” of the capable O’Malley clan – always in need of rescuing, never standing on her own two feet – when nothing could be further from the truth. He’s a resigned, cynical, country music has-been searching for something, but he doesn’t know exactly what. When Patsy Lee O’Malley breaks her ankle, she finds herself (yet again) in the position of needing help. And Zeke Townley, family friend and visitor to the small town of Cordelia, Missouri, may be just what she, and her brood of four children, need. Find out why in Jerri Corgiat's Home by Starlight.

As they always must in books (particularly romance novels), misconceptions abound - between Patsy Lee’s skewed self-image and Zeke’s inability to make up his mind, this couple faces challenges aplenty. Though sometimes frustratingly slow and fiendishly stubborn, the book showcases the difficulties and realities of the adaptations that life requires. Corgiat’s strong suit is that she manages to perfectly evoke the moods – of people and places – through her use of clear and engaging descriptive writing.

The plot is strong, if familiar, but the author also addresses unusual topics (gay parents and middle-aged heroines, for example) in an easy, nonchalant way, which makes a better impression. There’s a robust, if overly large, supporting cast: the O’Malleys are leading characters in three of Corgiat’s previous novels, and many of them show up here as well.

Although it’s obvious that there are some backstories with these characters, a reader would not necessarily have to be caught up to enjoy this novel.

Corgiat has written a unique, charming contemporary romance but built it at a different pace. Readers who enjoy a slower tempo with vivid characters are sure to enjoy Home by Starlight, a thoughtful and welcoming book.