Twinkle of Doubt - (The Celestial Bodies Romances) by Patricia Leavy (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

For fans of Colleen Hoover, this inspirational follow-up to Shooting Stars Above continues the love story between internationally best-selling novelist Tess and counterterrorism agent Jack as they both fight to overcome their deepest fears.

Tess Lee is a wildly successful and world-famous novelist whose inspirational books explore our innermost struggles and the human need to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Jack Miller is a federal agent who has spent decades working in counterterrorism--a violent world that has left an inevitable residue on his psyche.

Two years into their marriage, as Tess and Jack both heal from past trauma, their epic love, fostered by their ability to truly see one another, has brought them profound happiness. When an anonymous threat is made against Tess's life, however, everything changes. Will they learn to lean on each other, or will they fall apart into the darkness?

In Twinkle of Doubt, the second Celestial Bodies Romance, Tess, Jack, and their chosen family explore the nature of doubt and the struggle to feel worthy of love.

Review Quotes

"Twinkle of Doubt is an insightful exploration of self-worth and the silent, internal wars we wage against doubt. A strong supporting cast that embodies the idea of 'chosen family' with authenticity and heart, along with a romance that feels lived-in, real, and deeply resonant, leaves you wanting for nothing. I enjoyed reading this book so much and highly recommend it to all romance fans out there."--Readers' Favorite, 5-star review

"This beautiful book offers a powerful lesson. Deep down, perhaps all of us doubt that we are enough. Cleverly interwoven with a glamorous gala hosted by the female president and a terrifying death threat, at the heart this is a deeply moving story about healing ourselves from the doubts that haunt us. Tess's journey has profound lessons for us all. Twinkle of Doubt is a masterpiece."--Laurel Richardson, author of Lone Twin

"There is so much beauty in Twinkle of Doubt that stayed with me long after I read the last page: the beauty of our good friends, of healing, of real and steady love, of life's experiences wonderfully told. I cannot wait for the next Celestial Bodies Romance; I'm so hungry for more."--Alexandra Lasczik, coauthor of Walking with A/r/tography

"Leavy demonstrates how the residue of the past can reappear in--and sometimes even haunt--present relationships and future ambitions. A vibrant portrayal of insecurity, pain, self-disclosure, healing, and hope; a timely tale of relational time."--Tony E. Adams, author of Narrating the Closet

"Twinkle of Doubt is a testament to the humanity in our lives--the joys of love, friendship, and laughter, as well as the challenges of trauma and life-changing events. It held my heart. You, too, will cherish this novel for all that it holds, for all that it teaches and inspires. The must-read book of the year. Highly recommended."--Jessie Voigts, PhD, founder of Wandering Educators

"Sometimes, enormous threats from the outside wind up feeling small in comparison to what we have already faced within ourselves. With Twinkle of Doubt, Leavy consistently illustrates this essential truth of trauma recovery while delivering laughs and zingers aplenty. In a world where wit is often an underappreciated weapon, this tightly crafted sequel to Shooting Stars Above sparkles brightly and pierces straight to the heart."--Alexandra "Xan" Nowakowski, coauthor of Other People's Oysters

"Tess and Jack show us how love of self is what we need to heal and find our strength. Once again, we find Tess struggling with dark shadows until the light of love shines through. Love is like stardust that scatters light into our dark places, illuminating a better path. I cannot wait for the next Celestial Bodies Romance."--Sandra L. Faulkner, author of Poetic Inquiry: Craft, Method and Practice

"Tess Lee's mantra is to transform the darkness into light, but we all have doubts that hold us hostage. I love these characters. Twinkle of Doubt is a captivating read. I highly recommend this novel for pleasure or in your book club."--Jessica Smartt Gullion, author of October Birds

"Twinkle of Doubt is contemporary literature at its very best, one that hides its lessons inside perfectly baked cookies that leave you feeling better about the world and the people in it."--U. Melissa Anyiwo, editor of Gender Warriors

"We could all learn a lot about compassion from Tess Lee. Twinkle of Doubt is not just a page-turning sequel for those desperately hoping to spend more time with Tess and her loved ones; it is also a stunning example of love, compassion, empathy, and meaningful relationships that will make you cry and laugh out loud while reminding you about the importance of those you hold dear."--J. E. Sumerau, author of Transmission

"Tess and Jack explore their greatest hopes and deepest dreads, struggling to be defined by their gifts and not their wounds. A fast-moving love story that will have you turning pages until you've read the whole book in one sitting. A must-read."--Eve Spangler, Associate Professor of Sociology, Boston College

"Patricia Leavy's romantic psychological thriller Twinkle of Doubt peels back the layers of scars caused by childhood trauma and gives readers a twinkle of hope that one can overcome the worst of the worst. As a clinician, it is difficult to explain the pain that trauma deposits on a soul, and the residue of that pain that lingers many years later. This healing story has made an indelible mark on my soul."--Renita M. Davis, LICSW, PIP, creatrix at Illuminated Expressions, LLC

"For two decades, author Patricia Leavy has assembled a treasure chest of books that use storytelling to demonstrate the promise and peril of human existence and connection. Twinkle of Doubt is no exception. It is an impressive story that will compel readers to reconsider their own lives and the relational bonds they maintain (or don't) with others."--Keith Berry, coauthor of Living Sexuality

About the Author

Patricia Leavy is an award-winning, best-selling author. Formerly Associate Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of Gender Studies at Stonehill College, she has published more than forty books and has received career awards from the National Art Education Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, and more. In 2018, she was honored by the National Women's Hall of Fame and SUNY-New Paltz when they established the "Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice" and in 2024 the London Arts-Based Research Centre established The Patricia Leavy Award for Arts-Based Research. Her website is www.patricialeavy.com. She lives in Kennebunk, Maine.