When Stars Rain Down swept me off my feet. Angela Jackson-Brown’s words captured my heart right away, making this book thoroughly in-put-down-able. A heart-racing plot, relatable characters, and a beautifully described setting make this novel one I won’t soon forget.

The voice is engaging and pulls you in right from the start. You can hear the characters voices as they speak, feel that Georgia heat beating down on you, and smell the barbecue in the air. The setting is perfectly described, the pacing is perfect, and the characters are so well developed you’re convinced you’ll run into them on the street. Or, you know, that run in could be possible if it didn’t take place in the last century and with us currently in a global pandemic and all.

The plot is, sadly, still topical despite taking place in the 1930s. It’s also expertly crafted. Opal is on the edge of adulthood, and struggling with the contrast between what she wants for herself versus what others want for her. As the heat and tension build to irreversible acts that determine for life who she’ll trust, Opal is faced with tough choices and complicated emotions. Take all of these typical coming of age moments and set it in a time and place where racial tensions run taut, and you’ll find your heart racing in fear on more than one occasion.

This novel is heart tugging, relatable, and beautifully written. I laughed out loud at her gumption, cheered her on as she navigated tough situations, and cried with her when the world was hateful to her.

My only complaint about this novel is that it ended too soon. I wanted to know more about what happens next. However, I often feel this way about characters I love; I just can’t get enough time with them! Thus this isn’t a critique of the book, just a note that I’d love to see more of Opal’s story.

When Stars Rain Down will be available April 13, 2021. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advanced copy, such that I could write this review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.