The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella @JoellaWriting @ChrisHCoffey @SimonAudio

the setup…
Jack Schmidt is the third generation to run his family’s Rehoboth Beach (Delaware) boardwalk restaurant and it’s his life. He has a string of failed relationships to show for it and no significant one currently. He’s in his early 50s and is approached by the DelDine group to buy his property. They’re gradually acquiring other restaurants along the stretch of the boardwalk but Jack has rebuffed their offers until a series of life-changing events has him reconsidering it and the paths he’s chosen, or rather, not taken in his life.

the heart of the story…
There’s a quiet elegance to Jack’s life that slowly enveloped me as I learned more about him, his values and his history. He’s extremely loyal and his employees are devoted to him, as well as the sprinkle of close friends who stay attached to him. I loved how the story transitioned between the present and significant moments in his past. When his faith in those relationships are tested, Jack is forced to look inward and take his own measure differently.

the narration…
I enjoyed Coffey’s interpretation of Jack, coming across as unassuming as he was designed. His storytelling style fit him so naturally.

the bottom line…
If you’re looking for dramatics, this isn’t that story. It’s a well-crafted character study that had me looking inward along with Jack. I admired him while at the same time felt saddened that he’d reached a time in his life where he should be sharing it with someone and he was essentially alone without a plan. I loved the quietness of his journey, the thoughtful inquiries and perseverance. It’s what I’ve come to expect from Joella and he didn’t let me down. And, it’s a lovely homage to Rehoboth Beach.

Book Info

• Release Date: July 2, 2024
• Narrator: Chris Henry Coffey
• Audio Length: 7 hours, 38 minutes
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

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(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)