> Skip to content
Play sample
  • Published: 3 December 2019
  • ISBN: 9780143792284
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $22.99

Star-Crossed




Marian Keyes meets Love Actually in this fresh, funny and gloriously romantic Australian novel that has sold all around the world.

In this sparkling romantic comedy, a young journalist tampers with her magazine's horoscopes to win her friend's heart - and sets in motion an unpredictable and often hilarious ripple effect . . .

When Justine Carmichael (Sagittarius, aspiring journalist and sceptic) bumps into her old friend Nick Jordan (Aquarius, struggling actor and true believer) it could be by chance. Or perhaps it's written in the stars.

Justine works at the Alexandria Park Star - and Nick, she now learns, relies on the magazine’s astrology column to guide him in life.

Looking for a way to get Nick’s attention, Justine has the idea of making a few small alterations to ‘Aquarius’ before it goes to print.

It's only a horoscope, after all. What harm could changing it do?

Charting the many unforeseen ripple effects of Justine's astrological meddling - both for herself and others - Star-crossed is the funny, super-smart, feel-good novel of the year!

'A genuine, delicious pleasure, light-hearted but clever and finely crafted.' Sydney Morning Herald

'The funny, clever, big-hearted love story of the year. Brilliant!' Heather Rose, bestselling author of The Museum of Modern Love

'This delightful debut will leave you with a warm glow . . . In every way a delight, Star-crossed was so much fun this reviewer fell head over heels for it. If you loved David Nicholls' One Day, go out and buy this now.' Herald Sun

'An absolutely adorable Australian romcom . . . the very definition of feelgood.' Red Magazine (UK)

'[A] glorious romantic comedy . . . This is one dazzling, versatile writer, working with impeccable skill, sharp wit and frolicsome charm.' Weekend Australian

'I loved this completely . . . a bright, brilliant, joyful little love story that spreads into the size of a small town, with its chorus of voices. A total triumph.' Josie Silver, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One Day in December

'Simply unputdownable. A joy to read, addictive as all heck, this has got to be my favourite book of 2019 thus far.' Samantha Bond, Glamadelaide.com.au

  • Published: 3 December 2019
  • ISBN: 9780143792284
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $22.99

About the author

Minnie Darke

Minnie Darke is the author of the bestselling novel Star-crossed, winner of the Margaret Scott People's Choice Award, and which has now been published in over 30 countries. She is also the author of The Lost Love Song and With Love from Wish & Co. She lives in Tasmania with her husband and family.

Also by Minnie Darke

See all

Praise for Star-Crossed

Star-crossed is the funny, clever, big-hearted love story of the year. Brilliant!

Heather Rose

The very definition of feelgood.

Red Magazine (UK)

Star-crossed sits alongside some of the best popular fiction, but goes that little bit further with its sparkling blend of wit, mischief and deep intelligence.

Katherine Scholes

Awards & recognition

Tasmanian Premier's Literary Awards

Winner  •  2019  •  Margaret Scott Prize People's Choice Award

Tasmanian Premier's Literary Awards

Shortlisted  •  2019  •  Margaret Scott Prize

Discover more

Article
Written in the stars

Match your sign to a compatible (if most likely unavailable) literary crush.

Video
Star-crossed by Minnie Darke

Josie Silver is calling it 'a total triumph' and Heather Rose says it's 'the funny, clever, big-hearted love story of the year.' Find out why everyone is talking about the fresh, funny and gloriously romantic new novel, STAR-CROSSED, by Minnie Darke! Learn more: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/star-crossed-9780143792277

Article
Star-crossed book club notes

The stars have aligned for your next book club hit.

Article
A letter to Jane Austen

Star-crossed author Minnie Darke pens a letter to one of her literary heroes.

Article
Minnie Darke Q&A

The Star-crossed author takes on our rapid-fire questions.

Article
Astral territory

Star-crossed author Minnie Darke reflects on the role of astrology in her life.

penguin pop image
penguin pop image