If the stars align, by Nathalie Theodore

"If the Stars Align" by Nathalie Theodore is an emotional, beautifully written story about love, friendship, and the unpredictability of life. This novel takes readers on a ten-year journey through the lives of Sunny and Dex, childhood best friends whose bond is tested by time, circumstances, and personal growth. With a mix of heartache, resilience, and hope, the story explores what it truly means to love someone—sometimes from afar, sometimes at the wrong time, and sometimes when you least expect it. More than just a romance, this book delves into themes of mental health, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to move forward, even when the past still lingers.

This book took me on an amazing journey. We follow Sunny and Dex, best friends since kindergarten and secretly in love with each other, in a love story that spans ten years—from their last year of high school through their 30s. While most of the story is told from Sunny's POV, we also get glimpses of Dex's perspective, which helps us connect with both characters and understand how each of their actions shapes the other’s life.

At first glance, the premise seems simple: he's the king of the high school, and she’s the nerdy best friend who always trails along. But as you dive deeper, you realize so much more is going on. From the first few chapters, I knew this story was going to make me cry, and it did not disappoint.

One of the things I truly appreciated about this book is how it breaks some of the core tropes of romance novels. While we could argue that Sunny and Dex are ‘fated mates,’ destined to be together, the story acknowledges that life doesn’t always align with destiny. Rather than waiting around for things to magically work out, both main characters take control of their own paths. They live their lives, understanding that sometimes, true happiness is fleeting—that you may have touched it once, but that moment is gone, and you have to keep moving forward.

A significant part of the novel revolves around mental health, and I think it does a great job depicting how anxiety can influence every relationship, especially the ones we care about the most. Dex’s journey with mental health isn’t always at the forefront of the narrative, but it’s subtly woven into his interactions, serving as a silent yet powerful undercurrent that drives much of the plot. I also appreciate how the book highlights that mental health struggles aren’t just a “female problem” and that seeking help is essential for everyone, regardless of gender.

The writing style is easy to read yet still deeply emotional. Sunny’s feelings are well represented both through her actions and introspections, making her an incredibly relatable protagonist. The same goes for Dex, even though we see much less of him. The pacing flows well, allowing the emotional beats to land effectively without feeling rushed or drawn out.

There are a few key side characters who help develop the story, particularly in how Sunny relates to them. Her best friend Mia plays an important role in making Sunny realize how closed off she is toward everyone, which ultimately affects her ability to have a healthy social life. Her mother is another catalyst for action, but in this case, it’s more on the side of rebellion. Sunny’s mom is doing her best to protect her, but her actions cause so much pain that in the end, Sunny is faced with a choice: rebel or submit. Initially, she submits, because it’s difficult to go against the only family you have. But as the story progresses, she realizes that in order to grow, she must make her own choices—even if they go against her mother’s wishes.

The true star of this book, however, is Sunny. She tells us her story of love—the highs and lows of loving your best friend—especially during the times when friendship is needed more than romance. Sometimes, the best way to love someone is to step back, to remove yourself from the equation when the situation demands it. What I loved most about Sunny is that she never gave up on love, but she was also realistic enough to move on when it became clear that things weren’t going to work out. She allowed herself the space to heal and rebuild before searching for a different kind of happiness. That takes an incredible amount of strength. Even more courage is required to re-evaluate your choices and admit that you made a mistake. Leaving behind a career you don’t love is never easy, especially when so many aspects of your life are tied to it.

This book delivers two powerful messages that should be shared far and wide, especially with young adults who are just stepping into life on their own: You don’t know what life will bring, so do the best you can with the knowledge you have at the moment. And don’t be afraid to admit when you’ve made a mistake. Strive to do better—don’t just push through for the sake of it.

Who would enjoy this book? Readers who appreciate real, messy emotions rather than picture-perfect romance. Almost up until the end, we don’t know if the two main characters will end up together, making this far from a typical romance novel. But it feels so raw and real that it’s well worth the read. Plus, there’s a bit of spice, though it’s not overly descriptive in a physical sense. The focus is more on the emotional connection that intimacy brings rather than the mechanics of sex itself.

If the Stars Align is an emotional, beautifully written story that stays with you long after you turn the last page. It’s about love, loss, personal growth, and the courage to make difficult choices—all wrapped up in a narrative that feels deeply real and profoundly moving.