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Where the Forest Meets the Stars Hardcover – March 1, 2019

by Glendy Vanderah (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 106,265 ratings
Goodreads Choice Award nominee
See all formats and editions
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An Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post bestseller, and a Goodreads Choice Award finalist.

In this gorgeously stunning debut, a mysterious child teaches two strangers how to love and trust again.

After the loss of her mother and her own battle with breast cancer, Joanna Teale returns to her graduate research on nesting birds in rural Illinois, determined to prove that her recent hardships have not broken her. She throws herself into her work from dusk to dawn, until her solitary routine is disrupted by the appearance of a mysterious child who shows up at her cabin barefoot and covered in bruises.

The girl calls herself Ursa, and she claims to have been sent from the stars to witness five miracles. With concerns about the child’s home situation, Jo reluctantly agrees to let her stay―just until she learns more about Ursa’s past.

Jo enlists the help of her reclusive neighbor, Gabriel Nash, to solve the mystery of the charming child. But the more time they spend together, the more questions they have. How does a young girl not only read but understand Shakespeare? Why do good things keep happening in her presence? And why aren’t Jo and Gabe checking the missing children’s website anymore?

Though the three have formed an incredible bond, they know difficult choices must be made. As the summer nears an end and Ursa gets closer to her fifth miracle, her dangerous past closes in. When it finally catches up to them, all of their painful secrets will be forced into the open, and their fates will be left to the stars.

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    332 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Lake Union Publishing
  4. Publication date
    March 1, 2019
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    154204006X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1542040068
  8. See all details
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Popular Highlights in this book
What are popular highlights?
Previous page
  1. Gabe started to live as Ursa did, in an infinite present disconnected from the past or future.
    Highlighted by 2,669 Kindle readers
  2. “She’s kind of like a baby. She didn’t know she was supposed to grow up, and that makes her more fun than other grown-up people.”
    Highlighted by 2,163 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Though the novel appears to start as a fantasy, it evolves into a domestic drama with murder-mystery elements, all adding up to a satisfying read.” —Booklist

“Enchanting, insightful, and extraordinary.” —Novelgossip

“Vanderah’s beautifully human story reminds us that sometimes we need to look beyond the treetops at the stars to let some light into our lives.” —New York Journal of Books

“Where the Forest Meets the Stars is a magical little gem of a book filled with lots of love and hope.” —HelloGiggles

“A captivating fantasy tale of mystery and intrigue…” —Fresh Fiction

“A skillfully written and thoroughly entertaining novel by an author with a genuine gift for originality and a distinctive narrative-driven storytelling style…” —Midwest Book Review

“Where the Forest Meets the Stars, by Glendy Vanderah, is an enchanting, heartwarming, not to be missed novel that is bursting with love and hope.” —The Patriot Ledger

“A heartwarming, magical story about love, loss, and finding family where you least expect it. This touching novel will remind readers of a modern-day The Snow Child.” —Christopher Meades, award-winning author of Hanna Who Fell from the Sky

“Where the Forest Meets the Stars is an enchanting novel full of hope and the power of love that will pull at your heartstrings. Perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen.” —Karen Katchur, author of The Sisters of Blue Mountain

“Where the Forest Meets the Stars will grab you from the very first page and surprise you the whole way through. This is an incredibly original, imaginative, and curious story. Glendy Vanderah has managed to create a world that is very real and, yet, entirely out of the ordinary.” —Taylor Jenkins Reid, acclaimed author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

“In Where the Forest Meets the Stars, Glendy Vanderah weaves a deft and poignant story with well-drawn characters, including clever Ursa. With an unexpected and heart-racing climax, readers will wait breathlessly to find out what happens. A beautiful story of love, resilience, and the power of second chances.” —Susie Orman Schnall, award-winning author of The Subway Girls

“Where the Forest Meets the Stars is a lovely, surprising, and insightful look at the way bonds are formed—both the ones that we choose and the ones that seem to choose us.” —Rebecca Kauffman, author of The Gunners

“Where the Forest Meets the Stars is an enchanting novel…Readers will be taken by Glendy Vanderah’s rich and relatable characters and the way in which she weaves their stories together. At its core, Where the Forest Meets the Stars is about having faith, nurturing hope, and trusting your heart above your head, because when you do, miracles are possible.” —Janis Thomas, bestselling author of What Remains True

“A powerful story of the way in which hearts are mended by love, compassion, and everyday miracles. Cleverly plotted and building to an intense crescendo in the final chapters, Where the Forest Meets the Stars is a beautiful and unforgettable debut.” —Julianne MacLean, USA Today bestselling author

About the Author

Glendy Vanderah worked as an endangered bird specialist in Illinois before she became a writer. Originally from Chicago, she now lives in rural Florida with her husband and as many birds, butterflies, and wildflowers as she can lure to her land. Where the Forest Meets the Stars is her debut novel.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing (March 1, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 332 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 154204006X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1542040068
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 106,265 ratings

About the author

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Glendy Vanderah

Glendy Vanderah

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Glendy Vanderah worked as an endangered bird specialist in Illinois before she became a writer. Originally from Chicago, she now lives in rural Florida with as many birds, butterflies, and wildflowers as she can lure to her land. Where the Forest Meets the Stars is her debut novel. Visit Glendy online at http://glendyvanderah.com/

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
106,265 global ratings
A 4-star Tribute to the Southern Illinois That Worth Your Time
4 Stars
A 4-star Tribute to the Southern Illinois That Worth Your Time
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," said Margaret Wolfe Hungerford in her book 'Molly Bawn'. I will dare to rephrase her quote, saying that the book is in the reader's experience. If we can, or we can't relate.I thought I am the perfect match for that book. I am an Illinoisan, a father of the kid who is the same age as the book's central character. I hiked Southern Illinois a lot, and all the toponyms used in the book are my regular destinations. Even worse, I do the birdwatching and I have an academic background. BUT...As a full-grown male, I rarely read the bestsellers marked as "#1 in Women's Fiction". It was an accident, I swear! Amazon Kindle is to blame. However, from page one, I was carried away by the slow-paced, delicate, intriguing plot. In the beginning, the book resembles the best works of the Grandmaster Clifford D. Simak. The fellow readers who treasure his "Way Station" or "All Flesh is Grass" might agree with me. That is a hell of a compliment from the hardcore SF fan.After half of the book, I felt that my overall impression reminds me of the daily coronavirus graph, fluctuating somewhere around 3.5 stars of 5. Up-down-up, masks on. Something was wrong, like the author got a bit of advice from the experience editor—and followed it meticulously.Ursa is the best character; she pulls the whole book's payload like the freight engine through the winter Rockies. I like the lack of details that describes her so that the reader can follow their imagination. Closer to the end of the book, she was the only character who wasn't the complete cliche.Seriously, why? The author is undoubtedly gifted; I hope she will continue her literary career. For Shakespeare's sake, why did she pulled all those levers simultaneously?Depressed, but handsome neighbor? Check. Childhood trauma? Double-check. Adultery? Check. Passed away parents? Check. Same-gender marriage? Check. Evil CPS people? Check. Cancer? Check.It's way too much for the single book, as its initially fresh, classy plot became a kaleidoscope of modern society's diecast models.I also can't buy some of the plot twists (the concealed father, for example, and Jo herself). Putting the highly educated, intellectual, self-sustainable people into the fool's shoes destroy the contrast between the mystery and the reality.Do I recommend the book? Yes, definitely. By reading that, you support the promising author and entertain yourself with a good page-turner. It would be 3.5 stars but the _quark thing_ made it a solid four.Mrs. Vanderah, thank you for your work.Illustration from my archive: Garden of the Gods, Shawnee Forest (did I said that I love these places?)
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Top reviews from the United States

Emily Filmore
5.0 out of 5 stars A touching and beautiful story
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2024
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Wow. A touching and beautiful story. Take a little of the mystical realism of The Light Pirate, a little adventure from The Midnight Library, a little intrigue from The Starless Sea, a little of tragedy of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, and a lot of unconditional love from The House on the Cerulean Sea and you may get Where the Forest Meets the Stars. We don’t always know whose magic will change our lives, but being open to the possibilities of the universe helps!

I love this book. Glendy Vanderah artfully brings us to the stars and back with characters who are vivid and strong. Sensitive, difficult topics surrounding the origin of trauma were handled with care. They weren’t used voyeuristically, but as background to understand the story. Instead, bonds of chosen family as well as emotional and physical healing through nature and love are explored. Just beautiful.
10 people found this helpful
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Timeless Dancer
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Read with a bit of love, mystery & magic
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024
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It’s was a light and easy read with interesting and endearing characters with a satisfying ending. The little girl is adorable and creative. The setting is beautiful.
3 people found this helpful
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Teresa Day
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, easy read
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2024
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Hard to put down. Keeps you wondering what's next! Beautiful story, yet mysterious and romantic. Love the location of the story. The author makes it feel like you are actually there!
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April
5.0 out of 5 stars Another amazing story!
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2024
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This is my second story by Glendy Vanderah, and she continues to awe me with her talents and twist that I never see coming. I had just finished The Light Through the Leaves and loved it so much that I found this one and went right into it. With amazing characters, an amazing and emotional story, laughter, tears, and hope, this is definitely one not to be missed!
4 people found this helpful
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RSW Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 Stars
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2019
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This very unique and lovely contemporary fiction novel earns <b>4.5 Stars</b> from me.

<b>SUMMARY</b>
Jo is a PhD candidate staying in a rural cabin in Southern Illinois for a summer while researching nesting patterns of birds. She mainly keeps to herself, working long hours each day, returning home in the evening to shower, eat dinner, sleep and start the whole process again the next morning.

Being away from the familiarity of her college town and friends, the only social interaction Jo has are phone calls with Tabby, her BFF (who is still in their college town) and occasional short conversations with the guy who sells eggs at an egg stand on the side of the road.

From the beginning, author Glendy Vanderah, draws the reader in, making Jo a slightly mysterious, yet very likable character. Vabderah alludes to some sort of a crisis from which Jo has recovered or is still trying to recovery. As the book progresses, the reader learns the source and details of Jo's troubles and gains significant insight into her world.

One evening, after a particularly long day in the field, Jo arrives home to find a barefoot, scraggly little girl in her yard. When Jo questions the child about her identity, trying to figure out where she came from and why she is there, the girl gives her a crazy story about being an alien sent to Earth to study our planet. She claims to be earning a PhD and says after witnessing five miracles, she will to return to her planet to teach her people about Earth.

Jo tries to tell her to go home several times, but she keeps insisting she doesn't have a home here on Earth. Finally Jo feeds the child dinner and sends her home. The next day, the girl is back again. Still sticking with her alien story, still barefoot and hungry.

Who is this girl? Why does she keep appearing at Jo's house? Why is she refusing to tell anyone who she is and where she belongs? Why does nobody seem to be looking for her?

<b>WHAT I LOVED</b>
I don't mind admitting that I was initially not planning to read this book. I wasn't sure I was up for reading a super sensitive book that could possibly have science fiction elements to it. I tend not to have a ton of patience for anything related to aliens or books focused on people's feelings. But the book kept getting rave reviews from my GR Friends and critics alike so I decided to give it a try and I am so glad I did! It sucked me right in!!!!

I love the characters in this story, they were well developed, complicated and each had some sort of mystery to uncover. I loved Jo, Ursa and Tabby so much!!! I could completely relate to the friendship between Jo and Tabby; they shared the kind of honesty and loyalty only true friends can share. And Ursa! I totally wanted to take her home with me!!!!

I found myself getting caught up in Ursa and Jo's adventure. I know I said I am not into science fiction, but about half way through the book I was entertaining the possibility of aliens coming to Earth to study us and kind of hoping it was the case.

The plot was very unique. It's hard to believe this is Glendy Vanderah's debut novel! She must have a lot of fascinating ideas floating around in her head.

<b>WHAT I DIDN'T LOVE</b>
There were a few places in the book, particularly pertaining to Jo's research that moved too slowly for me. I get that the research was a bit part of who Jo is, but I didn't enjoy those details.

I know I was supposed to love Gabe, but I did NOT. He seemed like an emotionally stunted spineless man-child. I also didn't love any of the characters in his family, and the changes in their feelings and opinions toward the end of the book didn't seem authentic.

<b>OVERALL</b>
This story was not at all what I expected, I was happily surprised. It was so darn lovely, unique and well written. I cannot wait to see what Vanderah follows up with.
5 people found this helpful
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Brittany Zayas
3.0 out of 5 stars Great story line
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2024
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The character development was pretty darn good. I didn't however enjoy all of the "he said" "she then said" business. Made me feel like the author didn't trust me enough to follow the dialog.
5 people found this helpful
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deana smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2024
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I don't write reviews often, but this story is one of the best I've ever read! Very heart warming & written beautifully! Absolutely love it!! I wish I could continue to be in this world.
One person found this helpful
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Michael D.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!!
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024
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This was a very easy but great read! Kept my interest and was such a great feel good book!
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Top reviews from other countries

Pranav Sharma
5.0 out of 5 stars An Enchanting Journey Where the Forest Meets the Stars
Reviewed in Canada on September 27, 2023
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"Where the Forest Meets the Stars" by Glendy Vanderah is a captivating tale that seamlessly weaves together themes of grief, healing, and the magic of connection. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world where the ordinary and the extraordinary collide.

The story revolves around Jo Teale, an ornithologist who is grieving the loss of her mother to cancer, and Ursa, a mysterious young girl who claims to be an alien on a mission to witness five miracles. Their unlikely friendship forms the heart of the narrative, and it's impossible not to become emotionally invested in their journey.

Vanderah's writing is nothing short of exquisite. Her descriptions of nature are vivid and poetic, creating a rich backdrop for the story. The characters are beautifully developed, each harboring their own wounds and secrets, and their growth throughout the novel is both moving and believable.

As the story unfolds, it explores the themes of love, loss, and the healing power of human connection. It also delves into the profound idea of finding wonder and miracles in the most unexpected places. Vanderah's storytelling skillfully tugs at the heartstrings, leaving you with a sense of hope and renewal by the end.

"Where the Forest Meets the Stars" is a literary gem that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories that are both heartwarming and thought-provoking. It's a book that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is light to be found, and sometimes, that light is as extraordinary as the stars themselves. This novel is a testament to the magic that can be discovered where the forest truly meets the stars.
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helenanto
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing and interesting to read.
Reviewed in India on February 22, 2024
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I love this book. I really loved the Jo character in this book Yes I would recommend this book to my friends.
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Jen Osborn
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful, soul nourishing story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2024
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I love this story, beautiful characters brought together by a gorgeous quirky (maybe that should be 'quarky'!) kid who brings a whole heap of love and acceptance with her.
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Chiara Elissa Torres Bayley
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written
Reviewed in Spain on January 28, 2024
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A novel.that has many subtle twists and turns. It will.have you s!smiling and crying. Imaginative and beautifully written. You fall in love with all of the main characters instantly.
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Nino
5.0 out of 5 stars Unputdownable
Reviewed in France on April 5, 2023
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I read this in one day. I had to know how it ended. Cried a lot at the end. Beautiful
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