If anyone is going to take full advantage of the warm summer months, it’s Star Jones. She has rightfully earned some R&R after being hard at work finishing up her novel “Satan’s Sisters,” a fictional account of the backstage shenanigans of a daytime talk show, and starring in the drama-filled “Celebrity Apprentice.” Star is looking forward to escaping to paradise for some fun in the sun.

“I’m going to go to Europe in August. A friend of mine is doing a celebration cruise throughout the Mediterranean with 100 friends,” Star told ESSENCE.com during the 4th Annual Reginald F. Lewis Foundation Gala Luncheon in the Hamptons.

Taking some time off is part of Star’s new effort to maintain balance after having a life-changing heart operation last year. The former daytime talk show host says being on the operating table was an eye-opening experience. “The doctors took my heart out of my chest for 22 minutes. It made me really appreciate life,” she said.

For someone who works as hard as Star, it’s nearly impossible to take too much time off. She will also spend some time this summer lining up her next TV gig. “I’m going to do a couple of things on “The Today Show” every Thursday in July, but those details are still being worked out.”

We can’t wait to see what’s in store for Star!