The Woman and Her Stars
- Judith D Collins
- Oct 11
- 3 min read
By: Penny Haw
ISBN: 9781728295480
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Publication Date: 03/03/2026
Format: Paperback
My Rating: TBR (ARC)
For fans of Her Hidden Genius and The Engineer's Wife comes the awe-inspiring true story of Caroline Herschel, an 18th century astronomer who lived in the shadow of her brother, but learned to pave her own path among the stars.
1772. Caroline Herschel is beholden to her wildly popular musician brother, William, who rescued her from servitude and brought her to live a comfortable life in Bath. Caroline vows that, because William saved her, she must always remain by his side. When William becomes obsessed with the science of astronomy, Caroline follows suit, and soon, the duo are moving to Windsor to be close to court, so they can advise the king about the stars and become members of the Royal Astronomical Society. Overshadowed by her brother, Caroline quietly studies the stars, attributing her success to the men in her life. But when it becomes clear that Caroline is just as much the astronomer as the men in society, she will have to break free from the life she's lived, and find her own place amongst the stars.
Based on the true story of Caroline Lucretia Herschel (1750-1848), 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 inspiring story set within the societal boundaries of the Regency era, it is a journey of self-belief, friendship, and triumph.
Praise
"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
"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
"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
About the Author
Penny Haw worked as a journalist and columnist for more than three decades, writing for many leading South African newspapers and magazines before yielding to a lifelong yearning to create fiction. Her stories feature remarkable women, illustrate her love for nature, and explore the interconnectedness of all living things, including The Invincible Miss Cust and The Woman at the Wheel. She is the recipient of the 2024 Philida Literary Award and lives near Cape Town with her husband and three dogs, all of whom are well-walked. WEBSITE
