Woman and Her Stars

Penny Haw

Book cover for Woman and Her Stars
Image for variant 9781728295480
Book cover for Woman and Her Stars
Image for variant 9781728295480

Woman and Her Stars

Woman and Her Stars

Penny Haw

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Description

She must find her own place amongst the stars.

Caroline Herschel has always lived in the shadows. Beholden to her wildly popular older brother, William, who rescued her from servitude, she's worked hard to build a life for herself - one where she can go unnoticed and repay the debt she believes she owes him. But when her brother becomes obsessed with sweeping the stars, everything changes.

Newly appointed as the King's Astronomer, William is rushed away from the bustling streets of Bath to the quiet countryside of Windsor. When Caroline makes a discovery that could send her right back to the people she was rescued from, she has no choice but to leave her carefully constructed life and follow her brother. Taking up the position as William's assistant, Caroline resolves to learn everything she can about astronomy. But the more she understands, the more she falls in love with her telescope, and soon, she discovers that she might be good at the science, great, even, and that the stars could offer her the freedom she's always secretly wanted. When it's clear that Caroline is just as much the astronomer as her brother, she realizes she must break free from the life she has lived and find her own place in the night sky.

Based on the true story of Caroline Herschel, The Woman and Her Stars shines a light on a woman who was raised to believe she was worth nothing more than to serve others, but whose genius and resolve made her one of the world's leading astronomers. An awe-inspiring story set within the societal boundaries of the Georgian era, it's a hopeful journey of self-discovery, familial bonds, and passion.

Critical Reviews

"The Woman and Her Stars is a book I've been waiting ages for. This intimate, vivid portrait of legendary astronomer Caroline Herschel is not just fantastic reading--you'll know Caroline, mourn for her, cheer for her and understand her challenges as she faces up to prejudice, ignorance and her own mistakes as a woman ahead of her time and a survivor. A tender, inspiring novel. Don't miss it!" -- Audrey Blake, USA Today bestseller author of All in Her Hands

"Haw's research and insight bring much-deserved recognition to the first woman to discover a comet." -- Booklist

"[Haw] has created an absorbing novel that shines a bright light on a complex personality and a remarkably gifted human being. " -- Historical Novel Society

"Penny Haw delivers another beautifully told, meticulously researched story of an unsung heroine of science and technology. With layered characters and stunning detail, this should be on the top of every historical fiction reader's list. " -- Jennifer Coburn, author The Girls of the Glimmer Factory

"The Woman and Her Stars is a fascinating journey through late 18th century England during an important period of discovery in astronomy. Lush with period detail, with the science of the time intricately woven through the tale, Penny Haw's novel is a delight to read." -- Tracey Enerson Wood, USA Today and International Bestselling author of The Engineer's Wife

Publishing Information

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Pub date: 2026-03-03
Length: 336 pages

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