Home by Starlight

Home by Starlight is the 4th in this series of romances set in small town Cordelia, Missouri, about the O'Malley clan. You don't have to read the previous books in the series to enjoy this one, but they're not to be missed, either, and you might as well read them in order. Patsy Lee O'Malley's husband died, leaving her with a pile of debt, three kids, and another on the way. His family, headed by the very loving and very forceful Zinnia, rode to their rescue, but she's been doing her best to stand on her own ever since. Which is a little hard to do when she breaks her ankle. In true O'Malley family fashion, a family meeting is held, and Zinnia and eldest daughter Lil decide what's to be done: they rope Zeke Townley into moving in with Patsy Lee to help out, Zeke being at loose ends anyway. Zeke's the best friend and former bandmate of Lil's husband Jon, and since the band, er... disbanded, he's become more and more dissatisfied. He ended his long-term, but casual relationship with his sister's friend because he wanted more. There's so much going on in this story, emotion-wise, but it's primarily about needs and expectations and independence. Everyone thinks they know what's wrong with Zeke and Patsy Lee, and everyone thinks they know what's best for them. Nobody, however, really bothers to ask them. So in the name of affection, Zinnia and Lil in particular, simply take charge and arrange things as they think best. Zeke helping out at Patsy Lee's house is a very mixed blessing for them both. The proximity and getting to know each other better definitely increases their attraction, but neither believes the other is interested. Patsy Lee, used to doing everything on her own, sees every change Zeke makes as criticism, and her forced inactivity makes her even more irritable. Hmmm. Better stop before I simply retell the whole story. Patsy Lee and Zeke are, in a nutshell, real. Their characters are complex, and their problems are the natural result of the combination of character and circumstance. I love how Zeke both supports and challenges Patsy Lee--my definition of a great relationship. And I love how each has something the other needs. The children, well, I normally say children don't belong in romances, but these kids are realistic and an integral part of the story. They break my heart, particularly the older two, but they're great. Mostly, I'm thrilled with an over-40 couple being portrayed so sympathetically and convincingly. It's so refreshing that, while Patsy Lee and Zeke are definitely grown-ups, they're not comfortably settled; they don't have all the answers; they're still learning and growing.

Patsy Lee O'Malley didn't expect her entire life to change the day she slipped and fractured a leg. As a widow raising four kids on a small farm in Cordelia, Missouri, Patsy Lee needs help whether she wants it or not. The large O'Malley family is quick to offer suggestions, and suddenly Patsy Lee finds herself with visiting Zeke Townley as a house guest. Zeke is all city, from the clothes he wears to the money he made as a bass guitarist in a country music band. Both Patsy Lee and Zeke will have to learn a great deal about themselves if they are to allow love to flourish. HOME BY STARLIGHT is a poignant family drama that engages the reader into the lives of all of the O'Malley family. While initially this is a bit overwhelming to a reader new to the series, one quickly begins to see how all the various personalities intertwine in this beautifully written tale. Patsy Lee and Zeke may be the main characters in this drama, but the lessons they learn encompass much more than their own immediate lives as the entire family copes with the various trials of everyday living. HOME BY STARLIGHT is not a fast moving story but instead slowly meanders along while still managing to keep the reader engaged. Some of the topics addressed in this powerful tale are difficult ones but Jerri Corgiat tastefully handles each situation as her characters face the very same things that many readers may experience. Neither Patsy Lee nor Zeke know exactly what they want as they are both standing at a crossroads in their lives and Jerri Corgiat allows us a glimpse into their journey. This reviewer became a bit frustrated with both Patsy Lee and Zeke as sometimes it appeared they needed a good push in the right direction, but understands that their turmoil over what to do is very true to life. Patsy Lee is in particular a frustrating character at times, but her stubbornness is also part of what has kept her going despite numerous hardships and heartbreaks. Readers seeking a slower paced romance in which the characters experience a whirlwind of emotions in very real world situations will appreciate Ms. Corgiat's efforts with HOME BY STARLIGHT. COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

After his long-time girlfriend bailed out, life simply bored Zeke Townley. San Francisco stifled him. Travel depressed him. He felt old! He needed a change . . . and suddenly he found it . . . with widow Patsy Lee O'Malley's family. When Patsy Lee broke an ankle, someone had to step in to help! And just like that, Zeke Townley's drab life had new meaning. In fact, the entire scene was a whole lot of fun! Getting to know Patricia O'Malley was a remarkable adventure - like peeling an onion! This small-town girl was one surprising woman. Country-born, country-bred, Patsy Lee (Patricia - as she preferred) had everything he wanted! That was not to say, taking care of her was a barrel of laughs! Zeke felt tired at the end of each day, frustration loomed, and at times, only a man's honor made him stay! Still life with Patricia O'Malley and her family made him realize what missing in his life! Now, he knew his restlessness was not a famine of things to do, but the absence of someone to do them with! Besides, he enjoyed Patricia's company. Although, she could be obstinate, most times she was kind, generous, and very intelligent! Could these be the feelings of love? He didn't know! And this unknown sensation was a brand-new experience for Zeke Townley! Groan! He had the patience of a saint! Now as the famous (retired) singing star, Zeke Townley, waited on her, Patricia O'Malley feared she would "kill" him! He brought her blankets and books and cheerfully he cooked her meals and brewed her tea. Unknown frustration seeped through her body and surging ire formed in her brain and "Mr. Wonderful" steeped more Tension Tamer Tea! What a man! He straightened her kitchen cupboards, edited the family menus, and made sure the kids did their chores - happily! Patricia was becoming a shrew and she KNEW she would "kill" him! OK . . . ok he was pleasant to have around - sometimes! And yes, he was very attractive and yes, she was drawn. Well, so what! In Patricia O'Malley's life, her children and her chaotic life would always come first! But was she confusing the need to oblige over the need to love? Could she see beyond duty and security to even consider the needs of longing? Comments: This is a sequel (Book 4 in the O'Malley Sisters series) and as HOME BY STARLIGHT launched, so many characters milled about that my brain soon hollered "Overload, Overload!" Yet, eventually Jerri Corgiat did settle down and turned HOME BY STARLIGHT into a fine story. Ms. Corgiat has a remarkable gift for description and she sets a most satisfying pace. Even the slow process, in which Zeke and Patsy fall in love, seemed satisfying. Of course, the path to understanding, self-awareness, and mutual agreement is never easy and Ms. Corgiat takes full advantage. And although, Patsy O'Malley's "I can take on the world" attitude and her "I'm sorry" sentiments do wear thin, Jerri Corgiat does finish HOME BY STARLIGHT on a high note! Grade: B MaryGrace Meloche

Jerri Corgiat's latest, Home By Starlight, takes place once again in Cordelia, Missouri. It's another moving and robust tale of what makes life truly beautiful. Widow Patsy Lee O'Malley is a hardworker. She's busy and constantly on the go with four children. Unfortunately, a painful slip puts her out of commission with a bad ankle. Now what will she do? Country music star Zeke Townley is in Cordelia visiting his friend and fellow bandmate, Jon. Zeke enjoys spending time in Cordelia. It's a nice escape from his more hectic life. However, when Patsy Lee falls, Zeke is roped into helping her around the house and taking care of her kids while she stays off her feet. It's an uncomfortable situation for them both as they are both out of their element. Zeke, a rich city slicker, is now confined to helping the kids, cooking, and getting the O'Malley house in order. Patsy Lee on the other hand has to find things to do while she is recuperating. They seem like a mismatched pair, but love strikes even the most of opposing of forces, and in Home By Starlight, it is love and comfort that bring these two lonely souls together. With a warm country setting to complement the growing love between Zeke and Patsy Lee, Home By Starlight will become an instant comfort read. These are two characters who are put into realistic, but yet impossible situations. They must learn to adapt and re-evaluate what they want out of life. As they come to find out, some things are worth letting go, while some things are worth grabbing onto and never letting go. The supporting cast of Patsy Lee's children and relatives adds another layer of reality, gossip, and charm to this tale. Where would we be without family? This is one theme that is played on in this book time and time again. Little does Patsy Lee realize that sometimes family finds you when you least expect it. Warm-hearted, tender, and with tantalizing glimpses of sensuality, Home By Starlight is the perfect story for readers who like a slow and steady love story. Jerri Corgiat doesn't need to add any flash or bang to her tale, rather, she lets the glory of life, its surprises, promises, hopes, dreams, and letdowns, do the talking. You'll be charmed and pleased by Home by Starlight.

In Cordelia, Missouri when widow Patsy Lee O'Malley breaks her ankle, her family and friends offers tons of help especially with her four children, make that three in the nest as one is off to college. However, family friend bass guitarist Zeke Townley just returned to the town last night and already moved in with Patsy Lee and the kids as he needs a place to stay. With three human and a myriad of animal chaperones and her in need of assistance everyone agrees this is an ideal arrangement; everyone that is except Patsy Lee who does not want this unwanted guest in her dilapidated farmhouse. The problem for Zeke and Patsy Lee is their attraction to one another. The widow does not want to feel like that as she still mourns the loss of her spouse and the former country musician needs time to acclimate to his new lifestyle as a civilian with no glitter or roadshows. Everyone else including her four kids knows these two are perfect for one another as their love is so obvious except to the targeted pair. Readers will enjoy this fun small-town contemporary romance starring two likable protagonists in denial. The irony is that the audience and the townsfolk all know otherwise. With a solid matchmaking support cast, fans will enjoy Jerri Corgiat's fine tale of love overcoming secrets that led to heartbreak. Harriet Klausner