Many people wonder what might have been if they’d chosen a different path in their lives. Maybe accepting a job offer that led to a move—but ended a relationship—keeps them up at night. Or choosing one college over another leads them to imagine a career that might have made them happier.
For Shana Schwarz, it was a concept that not only made her think but inspired her to write.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of fate versus free will,” says Schwarz, author of the new novel As Long as Stars Are Above You. “I was excited to explore that in this novel.”
The book, available now from all major retailers, is Schwarz’s fifth novel written, but first published. She has three more coming out starting later this year, but it is Stars that holds a special place in her heart.
“I felt challenged by the deeply personal writings of Glennon Doyle to push myself into a more honest and vulnerable story this time around,” Schwarz explains. “Starting with the main character, who is my age and also a married mother of three, was a scary idea. But even though we have a lot in common, this is still a work of fiction.”
The story follows Joey Shaw from Phoenix to London, when she goes back in time at her 20-year high school reunion to the day she graduated from high school. Instead of marrying her high school sweetheart, Joey runs away with her band camp crush and sees what her life could have been like, possibly erasing the happily ever after she left behind.
“I hope it keeps readers guessing,” Schwarz says about the dual timeline love triangle. “But most importantly, I hope it reminds them that love is a choice—the bravest we’ll ever make.”
Find her book on Amazon.com.
