Review: Where The Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller

Where The Stars Still Shine
by: Trish Doller
Expected publication:
September 24th 2013
by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

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Stolen as a child from her large and loving family, and on the run with her mom for more than ten years, Callie has only the barest idea of what normal life might be like. She's never had a home, never gone to school, and has gotten most of her meals from laundromat vending machines. Her dreams are haunted by memories she’d like to forget completely. But when Callie’s mom is finally arrested for kidnapping her, and Callie’s real dad whisks her back to what would have been her life, in a small town in Florida, Callie must find a way to leave the past behind. She must learn to be part of a family. And she must believe that love--even with someone who seems an improbable choice--is more than just a possibility.

Trish Doller writes incredibly real teens, and this searing story of love, betrayal, and how not to lose your mind will resonate with readers who want their stories gritty and utterly true.

     

   
This is my second book from Trish and once again, I find that she did a great job. I love her writing style. Her words just flow so naturally. It’s almost as if she doesn't have to try hard because the characters speak for themselves. That's how smooth this story goes. I enjoyed that even though she puts her characters through trials and tribulations, she doesn't overdo it. In most YA's today, the heroine fights her feelings for her love interest and some become self-destructive. It’s a lot of back and forth, but not Trish's characters. They are all level headed and don’t go to the extreme. And I absolutely LOVE that in this book.

     Callie was a very mellow and down to earth person. Despite being reunited with her family, that she has no memory off and without any mental prepping. I feel she handled the situation very maturely. Her attitude wasn't hostile or angry. But it also helps that she actually has a family that cares about her, instead of bombarding her. They gave her knowledge about the family but they also gave her space. I really enjoyed all the characters in her family. Her cousin Kat is your typical cousin that I can see Callie getting in trouble with. Her brothers were adorable. I liked the way her dad handled certain situations with her. But I especially liked her grandmother. These characters were written perfectly.

     And then there’s Alex. A Greek God. This book was definitely sexier than her last one. The chemistry between Alex and Callie was really steamy. At first when they met, I felt things were rather rushed. That they quickly jumped each other’s bones. But as I continued reading, I really liked the nature of their relationship. It was as if they have known each other forever. Their relationship was definitely more than just mutual attraction and they were actually really good for one another.

     I really enjoyed “Where the Stars still Shine”. I absolutely enjoy her writing and can’t wait for what she has next for us. I don’t really have any complaints at all about this book. I think she handled every situation with just the right depth. Each situation was handled very carefully. I will definitely be reading any other book ever prints. “Where the Stars still Shine” gets a 4.5 stars and a definite Good Choice for Reading!

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