Constellations of Love by Patricia Leavy is a contemporary romance that leaves readers with the warm, tingly feeling that only a great love story can give. Tess Lee and Jack Miller are very different people, and yet their love and their marriage are a warm, strong sanctuary for both of them. Tess is a wildly successful author whose books are adored worldwide. Jack is a retired FBI field agent who had spent decades undercover in some of the most dangerous terrorist and criminal situations imaginable. Together, though, they have found the comfort and peace that both had been searching for. When Jack became a field agent, he effectively cut off his family from his life to protect them from possible retaliation from his adversaries. For Tess, whose childhood was savage and painful, it is time for Jack to reconcile with his family and to make amends for the decisions of the past. It is time for Tess and Jack to visit his family for Christmas. What old wounds and resentments could resurface?

Constellations of Love is a continuation of Patricia Leavy’s ongoing series around these two principal characters. I have enjoyed reading at least one of her earlier books in this series, and this story continues the excellent work of the previous. I particularly love the pair’s eclectic group of friends and how they are such a fundamental part of Tess’s life, and how they define what family is for her. The author allows us a glimpse into Tess, especially as to how she handles the incredible demands on her time from a wide variety of sources, including fans of her work. As an intelligent, successful, and strong woman, she is a reminder that we need not be shaped by the trauma of our earlier lives but that we can rise up above that and become the person we are truly meant to be. Fundamentally, this is a book about love, but it is also the connections, the personal intimacy, and what truly defines family that will remain with readers long after they put this book down. This was a satisfying and enjoyable read, and I do hope we will see more of these characters from this talented author. I highly recommend this read.

Constellations of Love is the third book in the Celestial Bodies Romance series by Patricia Leavy. Despite a traumatic childhood, Tess Lee managed to overcome the odds and became a celebrated author known the world over. Now, married to former federal agent Jack Miller, Tess has almost everything she could wish for. However, Jack has his own share of past trauma, having pursued a career involving plenty of violence and secrets. These secrets estranged him from his family. After Jack's mother invites them to spend Christmas with their family, Tess is determined to make a good impression. But an unexpected accident throws everything into a spiral. While the holidays and extended family members put a strain on Tess and Jack's relationship, their feelings for each other are never in doubt.

To me, Patricia Leavy's books are like a warm mug of coffee on a cold winter's day. Constellations of Love is yet another installment of the author's cozy drama offerings that I feel will be a hit among readers of contemporary romance. It's the perfect book for the holidays, a comfort read that you can revisit over and over again. Every aspect of this book worked for me. The pacing, the drama, the underlying love story, and last but not least, the characters. Tess and Jack's friends and family feel like actual people you have known for a long time. I also enjoyed the atmosphere of the Miller household. Leavy's plotting is intricate as always and keeps you engaged all the way through. Romance lovers will thoroughly enjoy this one!