Beatrice and Benedick are my favorite of all Shakespeare's lovers, but in this book, Heron actually became my favorite character. Her storyline gains a lot of depth, and I enjoyed the anxiety rep but also the courage with which Heron faces her fears and rewrites her own story. I loved watching Heron come into her own as a protagonist, surrounded by supportive cousin Beatrice, bff Maggie, and stepmother "Toni" (IYKYK).

Overall, I found this "Much Ado About Nothing" retelling a fun and thoughtful read, which I actually enjoyed more and more as it continued and deviated from the Bard's plot. I would recommend How to Align the Stars to fans of Shakespeare and contemporary romance, and I also think a lot of academics would get a chuckle out of it. ( )

This modern retelling of "Much Ado about Nothing" will leave you wanting more. I loved these characters and how they all connected. They were all complicated characters that never left you wondering what their motivations were. I got annoyed with Bea because she was so set in her ways (but maybe that's because I identified with her a lot). I loved the twist on Heron and Charlie's story. This book left me feeling love, empowered, and all kinds of other emotions. ( )

I loved this modern re-telling of "Much Ado About Nothing"! Our familiar couples and characters are present in convincing present day garb. I especially loved Beatrice - outwardly she has created a life she loves and is comfortable in her skin. However, underneath that capable exterior is a woman who is still healing from early relationship wounds. I admire the way she is both afraid and also brave. Plus Ben is so patient and understanding. I think their example of love is real and touching. There's a twist in the tale with Heron & Charles but I really liked it. ( )

This was a great story about women in different stages in life and their resilience. Heron is young and is certain she has her future partner all figured out. Bea is older and is just as certain that she doesn't need a partner in her life. When Heron become engaged, she enlists the help of family and friends to get Bea set up with Ben, a former class mate and current co-worker. This story shows that sometimes even when we think we know what we want and how to get it, it is not always what is best for us. Life is hard and only the strong survive and adapt. Thank you to LibraryThing and Egret Lake Books for the ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ( )

I was pleasantly surprised at how invested I became in the characters. Some I loved, some I despised. How to Align the Stars is engaging and a wonderfully romantic read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. ( )