Review: Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller

Title: Where the Stars Still Shine
Author: Trish Doller
Pages: 352
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Release Date: September 24, 2013

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.

My Thoughts: Next time I read a Trish Doller novel, I'm going to make sure I have tissues nearby. I mean, I expected to cry while reading her debut Something Like Normal. I just didn't realize how much I would with Where the Stars Still Shine. I really don't know how the author does it, but she can make a scene powerful and emotional using only a few words. It's pretty amazing.

I felt an immediate connection to Callie and her story. I wasn't at all bothered by the fact that she chose to keep quiet about some of the things she had gone through because that's just what she's use to doing and how she's coped the majority of her life. And after everything she's had to endure, I was so inspired by her inner strength and ability to keep moving forward even though she was vulnerable and scared and sometimes thought it would be so much easier to just run away. I think what kept her grounded, though, was the normalcy she craved for years and years that she finally had. A life with family and friends that care about her and love her, and a future that doesn't seem quite as impossible now.

Which brings me to what I loved the most about this novel: the relationships Callie had with the people around her. Her interactions with her family, new friends, and even Alex, the guy she was seeing, were well done and seemed realistic given her situation. Her relationship with Alex was one of my favorites. While they grew up differently and had their own problems to deal with, they were drawn to each other and connected in a way no one truly seemed to understand. But it felt right for them, and I loved what they shared. All these people helped Callie grow and open up in some way, and knowing that they are in her life gives me hope that things will only continue to get better for her.

The writing, the setting (which I felt I could visualize clearly even though I've never been to Tarpon Springs), and of course, the characters and their relationships with each other were all aspects I loved about Where the Stars Still Shine. Trish Doller knows how to write beautiful and uplifting stories. Stories full of love and friendships that leave me with a tearful smile and a sense of hope. I'm already anticipating the release of her next novel, and if you have yet to read her novels, I highly recommend them both.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Cover Reveal: Where the Stars Still Shine, The Fiery Heart, Isla and the Happily Ever After

Yes, another cover reveal post! Feels like all covers are being revealed this week. Check out the lovely covers and read the summaries of three of my most anticipated books this year!

Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller
Release Date: September 24, 2013
Pre-order: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

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.

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The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead
Release Date: November 19, 2013
Pre-order: Amazon

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this thrilling fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.

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Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Pre-order: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Falling in love in the world’s most romantic city is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year at the School of America in Paris, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to deal with the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.

Reviews: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller & The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller
Release Date: June 10, 2012 / Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Something Like Normal featured one of the best male voices I've ever read. Probably the best, since I felt such a strong connection towards Travis. It was so authentic. Honestly, if I were guy, I would want to be someone like him. He was so real and honest. His story had me teary-eyed and my heart breaking throughout. Just thinking about some of the things that happened in this book makes me want to cry! But then, it also had me laughing out loud and swooning and smiling like crazy. I loved Travis's relationships with his mother, his fellow Marines, and Harper. Each stood out in their own way and played an important role in Travis's life after he came back from Afghanistan. I'm not sure what would have happened to Travis if he didn't have these awesome people, but I'm so glad they were there for him. He really needed them and their support.

I felt like I could relate to Travis in a way. My relationship with my father isn't the best either, and I know what it's like to have family in the military. It was a pretty emotional read for me, and I loved it. I pretty much adored everything about this book: Trish Doller's writing, the fantastic characters, and the amazing relationships. I was so sad when it was over. I just wanted more and more. I can't recommend this book enough!

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The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta
Release Date: March 1, 2010 / Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I love Thomas! Out of all the boys in Saving Francesca, it was definitely Thomas who stood out to me. I was really happy to know more about him and his situation, including the rest of his family's. Melina Marchetta is always so great with family and friend dynamics.

Parts that I loved the most were the ones where Thomas was with the other characters from Saving Francesca like Tara, the girls, and Will Trombal. Awesome friends and hilarious moments. The new characters were great as well. Oh, and I can't forget to mention the Jellicoe Road characters that made cameo appearances. I was fangirling like crazy every single time they were mentioned! I could not help myself!

As with every Melina Marchetta novel I finish, I wish it didn't have to end. But I love that there's always hope in the end and that you just know it will all eventually work out for the characters. I seriously can't wait to read Marchetta's next book. Love them all!

Cover Reveal: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

I've been eagerly awaiting the cover of my most anticipated YA debut novel for 2012 to be revealed, and it's finally here! There's kissing and hand-holding (aww!), and I think the look of the font and the way it's placed on the cover is so unique! And I just LOVE the tagline 'War is Only Half the Battle.' It's a contemporary novel about a young Marine who is back from war and... Well, you're going to have to read the rest of the summary down below to find out more! ;)

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

Release Date: June 19, 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury

"A powerful debut novel about a young Marine's return home from Afghanistan and the new life and love he finds while fending off the ghosts of war.

When Travis Stephenson returns home from Afghanistan, his parents are on the brink of divorce, his brother has stolen his girlfriend and his car, and nightmares of his best friend getting killed keep him completely spooked. But when he runs into Harper Gray, a girl who despises him for trashing her reputation with a middle school lie, life actually starts looking up. As Travis and Harper see more of each other, he starts falling for her and the way through the family meltdown, the post-traumatic stress, and the possibility of an interesting future begins to emerge.

His sense of humor, sense of his own strength, and incredible sense of honor make Travis an irresistible and eminently lovable hero in this fantastic and timely debut novel."

Doesn't it sound so good? Ah! I cannot wait! Something Like Normal can be pre-ordered at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository. And you can find and add the code for the countdown widget to your blog by accessing the widget here!