COUNT THE NIGHTS BY STARS by MICHELLE SHOCKLEE

Publication date 8/3/22

in COUNT THE NIGHTS BY STARS, MICHELLE SHOCKLEE addresses such subjects as prostitution, class distinction and civil rights, against the backdrop of the Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition in 1897 and the Maxwell House Hotel then, and also in 1961, when Audrey Whitfield and Jason Sumner clear out Miss Nichols’ room, coming across some interesting memorabilia including a scrapbook which shows them that there is a lot people didn’t know about the rather reclusive old lady in room 504. Miss Nichols now in hospital having had a stroke, makes Audrey “keeper of her memories.” When Audrey finally learns the truth about the old lady’s life she is inspired, and, like Priscilla sixty four years previously, comes to reevaluate her priorities.

In 1897 Priscilla Nichols and her parents stay at Nashville’s famous Maxwell House Hotel for the duration of the Exposition. Her parents are wealthy and very conscious of their exalted position in society and are keen for their daughter to marry her childhood friend, Kenton Thornley. They are horrified when she seems to prefer the company of the handsome Italian carriage driver Luca and his sister Gia.There is a great deal of intrigue, suspense and danger, and a poignant romance.

It is a story about sacrificial love, showing compassion for others, forgiving oneself, living life without looking back in regret, and really seeing people as unique and precious, made in God’s image. The author reminds us through Mrs Meyer of “ the God Who Sees” who comforted Hagar in the desert, and we see this seeing people’s needs develop especially in Priscilla and later in Audrey as she is inspired by Miss Nichols’  story and Jason’s decision to become a civil rights lawyer. Her attitude towards her brain damaged brother Emmett also changes.

Count The Nights by Stars is a beautifully written, suspenseful and inspirational read and one I cannot recommend highly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.