The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella

 Jack Schmidt is a workaholic who manages the third-generation Schmidts, a beachfront restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, in The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella coming out July 2. Jack has made the restaurant his whole life for 30 years, forsaking a family of his own, any hobbies, and time off to enjoy the beach.      

A restaurant group would like to add Schmidts to their growing list of eateries along the coast of Delaware but Jack does not think he can sell his grandmother’s and his father’s dream. If he were to sell, he would want a guarantee that the company would keep his staff and honor the family legacy.

Jack would really like a companion in his life. His former girlfriend Kitty is in town to nurse her dying mother, and his best friend Deacon is dealing with a mother in memory care who does not always remember that he is her son. Jack’s own beloved mother left him and his father years ago, and his memories of her are mostly fond ones.

Could there be “out there” someone special for Jack? How might his life change if he would sell  Schmidts? What kind of opportunities would there be for him? Would his staff and the restaurant thrive under a restaurant group?

This is Ethan Joella’s third novel following A Little Hope, a Jenna Bonus Selection, and A Quiet Life. He also teaches English and psychology at the University of Delaware. He lives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, the setting of his third book, with his family.

My review will be posted on Goodreads starting April 30, 2024.

I would like to thank Scribner and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.