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The Launch: Stardust Beach Book One

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Description

1963. Cape Kennedy, Florida. The world is watching the skies—but five women are fighting battles no one sees.When Josephine Booker’s husband is chosen for NASA’s elite astronaut program, she leaves behind snowy Minnesota for a life of sunshine, press conferences, and expectations she never asked for. In Stardust Beach—a brand-new town built to support the space race—Jo is expected to be the perfect wife, mother, and symbol of American grace. But behind the smiles and poolside interviews, her marriage is quietly cracking under the pressure.The danger isn’t just in space. It’s in what this life demands.With her husband risking his life in the name of progress, Jo must decide who she is outside of the mission—and whether love is enough when the world keeps asking her to sacrifice more. As she finds friendship with four other astronaut wives—Frankie, Barbie, Carrie, and Jude—Jo begins to question everything she thought she knew about marriage, motherhood, and what it means to be a woman in a world that only sees the men.Set against the thrilling, high-stakes backdrop of America’s early space program, Stardust Beach is a powerful story of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the courage it takes to chase your own dreams—no matter what gravity tries to hold you down.Perfect for fans of The Astronaut Wives Club, Beatriz Williams, and Kristin Harmel. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published


Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 31, 2024


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 216 pages


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 90


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.6 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.49 x 9 inches


Book 1 of 8 ‏ : ‎ Stardust Beach


Best Sellers Rank: #495,467 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #817 in Sisters Fiction #4,102 in 20th Century Historical Fiction (Books) #5,778 in Women's Friendship Fiction


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Astronaut Wives
Format: Kindle
Enjoyed this book very much. I liked the subject and the characters were believable. I was an Army wife in the 60's, 70's and 80's so could really relate. I loved the way Jo was evolving and realized she wasn't just a wife and mother, but that she mattered too. The ending with President Kennedy's assassination made me weep just like my 13 year old self did, a lifetime ago. Looking forward to the next in the series. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2026 by peggy burns

  • Very good storyline
Format: Kindle
I enjoyed this book reflecting on the 1960s space age era and seeing the inside of an astronaut family. Very well written and thoughtful.
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2025 by living the dream.

  • A lot of characters and storylines yet nothing much happened A lot of characters and storylines yet nothing much happened
Format: Kindle
I fell in love with the vintage cover and the blurb brought that cover to life. I listened to an audio version which I definitely think helped but, not much happened in this book. More to the point, characters and story lines were established but not one single storyline was brought to a conclusion. I understand this book is the first in a series of eight (I did not realize that) so there needs to be a cliffhanger or two but so many storylines were introduced about so many characters and not a single one was brought to any conclusion. Not only that but, there was no launch. And the series is not called The Launch series, it's called the Stardust Beach series so I honestly have no idea where that name really comes into play. I did enjoy the setting, the era, and hearing the women's points of view. Will I move on and listen to the second book in the series? Right now I'm inclined to say no but I do reserve the right to change my mind. 3⭐S ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2026 Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2026 by Love My Bookish Life

  • Astronaut family stories.
Format: Paperback
Great summer read! Getting to know what the famines of astronauts go through is very interesting. The fear and worry they feel every single day is immeasurable.
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2025 by Momof3

  • Good book for know.
Format: Paperback
Love the book. It is the first of five books. It does a move slow at first and picks up a little bite at the end.
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2025 by Martha Miller

  • The 60’s Come Alive
Format: Kindle
If you are interested in the Space Program and want a glimpse of its beginnings this creative story is for you. Told mainly from the viewpoint of the wives of some of the first astronauts this fictional work provides a sense of reality. The writer has, obviously, immersed herself in the culture of the 60’s and constantly rings the bell of authenticity. I should know as that is the time I grew up. I was a part of that culture. Putting those facts and events into the narrative and lives of four women who were wives of astronauts is a stroke of genius. It is easy to immerse yourself in the every day lives of these characters and feel the emotions so deftly described by the author. Taylor dresses her characters in the casual dress of the day and walks them around in your imagination like people you want to become familiar old friends. I enthusiastically recommend this book for your reading pleasure. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2024 by James Mullen

  • nasa, women & 60s
Format: Kindle
Easy read and reflective of the time. I wouldn’t highly recommend but kept my attention for a couple cold winter days.
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2025 by debbie

  • Good
Format: Kindle
Really enjoyed this book, the characters were real, and I could feel the sunshine! It was also nice to see how the different characters viewed the changes occurring in women's roles. It made me look at things from a different direction, and I appreciate that, especially in a book that was entertaining! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2025 by Kindle Customer

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