🌟 Book Review: Evening Star by Catherine Coulter
A sweeping historical romance filled with passion, betrayal, and transformation—where a young woman’s journey from innocence to independence collides with a powerful man’s thirst for revenge.
Originally published as Sweet Surrender in 1984, Evening Star was later rebranded as the first book in Catherine Coulter’s Star Quartet. With a solid Goodreads rating of 3.95/5 from over 2,000 readers, the novel is praised for its dramatic storytelling, emotional intensity, and richly drawn characters.
🧠 Plot Overview
Set in 1846, the story follows Giana Van Cleve, a young woman from a wealthy American family who falls for a manipulative fortune hunter. Her mother, Aurora Van Cleve, desperate to save her daughter from ruin, strikes a deal: Giana must spend three months in Rome with her enigmatic uncle Daniele before she can marry.
But Daniele’s idea of rehabilitation is extreme. Giana finds herself thrust into the underbelly of Roman society—first encountering Alex Saxton, a powerful businessman, in a brothel. Later, she’s unwillingly entered into the infamous Roman Flower Auction, where Alex wins her as a “virgin prize.” Though their paths diverge, fate reunites them four years later in London, where Giana is now a successful woman in a man’s world—and Alex is determined to claim her, no matter the cost.
💬 Why Readers Are Drawn In
- High Drama & Romance: Coulter delivers intense emotional stakes and fiery chemistry between the leads.
- Strong Female Arc: Giana’s transformation from naïve girl to empowered woman is central to the story.
- Historical Setting: The backdrop of Rome and London in the mid-1800s adds richness and intrigue.
- Series Connection: Alex Saxton is the older brother of Delaney Saxton from Midnight Star, creating continuity for fans of the quartet.
⚠️ Critiques
- Some readers found the early scenes disturbing, particularly the auction and brothel sequences, which may not suit all tastes.
- The male lead’s pursuit of revenge and dominance can feel problematic by modern standards.
- The pacing shifts dramatically between the first and second halves, with some preferring the later romantic development over the darker beginning.
🏁 Final Verdict
Evening Star is a bold, emotionally charged historical romance that explores power, redemption, and love in a turbulent era. If you enjoy dramatic plots with strong heroines and complex relationships, this novel offers a compelling start to Coulter’s Star Quartet.
