GIVEAWAY/REVIEW Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller

On Goodreads:  Where the Stars Still Shine

On Amazaon:  Where the Stars Still Shine

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 24th

Goodreads Blurb

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.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

First of all, let's give a round of applause to that fabulous cover.  It's beautiful.  Second, even though this story might sound like your typical YA/NA story, it most definitely is not.  There is a maturity to it that seems to be lacking in many books today.

Let me tell you a little about the story.  Callie is used to having nothing.  She can pack her suitcase and vacate her home in three minutes flat and does so often whenever the impulse strikes her mother.  Callie and her mother, Veronica, live and travel alone.  While Veronica works nights, Callie is left alone to face the demons she wishes she could leave in the past.

One night, after skipping out on a months rent, Callie and Veronica are pulled over by a deputy.  The car comes up as "stolen" and the next thing Callie knows, Veronica is being arrested and Callie is facing a stranger calling himself her father.

Callie moves to Florida with her dad, his new wife, and their two little boys.  She quickly discovers that she is part of a large Greek family and is related to most of her community.  Callie's mother kidnapped her when she was five and they have never lived anywhere long enough to even make friends, but suddenly Callie has a network of friends and family willing to help her out wherever she goes.  It's all a little overwhelming.

Callie follows in her mother's footsteps, running to escape when things get uncomfortable.  One night, after escaping the pressure she feels from her father's new family, Callie finds herself down by the docks and she meets Alex Kosta.

Her new friends are quick to warn her away from Alex, but Callie feels drawn to him.  Even when she discovers that his sister is her father's new wife, Phoebe.  Callie and Alex have exciting chemistry, but do they really have anything else?  And what will Callie do about Conner, the sweet, good-looking boy that her new, self-appointed BFF wants her to date?

I loved so many things about this book.  Callie is a protagonist that I can like.  She is strong and fierce.  She is flawed and fragile.  She is a contradiction that completely works.

Alex is sweet and sexy.  He is cautious and scarred.  He is absolutely perfect in his imperfections.

The large Greek family with all of their nosiness is exactly what Callie needs.  It was an excellent addition to an already fantastic story.

Trish Doller writes with a sophistication that you don't expect from a YA novel.  Her descriptions are full.  Her characters are complete.  The worlds that she paints are places that I want to visit.

Five out of Five Stars

*WARNING* This book deals with heavy issues such as mental illness, and may be a trigger for those who have experienced abuse.

Come see a recipe for Greek Almond Butter Cookies at MENUWISHES

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