Under a Million Stars A Book Review
Under a Million Stars
Rita Branches
Where you a fan? Do you like similar love stories?
Well when a little birdie mentioned that this new book was the epic love saga similar to the Notebook without being the same story, I was all about it.
It did not disappoint.
Story Overview
Charlotte's life was zooming towards her dreams when her world came crashing down. Suddenly she was orphaned and could no longer even remember how to breathe. She could not even sit down to play the piano, the source of her future, at least so she thought. Without even the support of her best friend, Jacob, to help her through she collapsed in on herself.
Then when she had to move in with the Parker's, the family her parents named as her new guardians, life got more difficult. Jacob used to be her best friend, but something happened, and almost overnight he stopped speaking to her. Of course, she had figured out how to handle that, Kylie was her new best friend, and the two of them could make it through anything... well before.
Jacob had discovered a family secret that was tearing him apart. He wanted to tell Charlie but knew it would hurt her. Now, after a couple of years of playing it cool, dying a little inside each day, having her move into his home was going to be the end. He had to find a way out.
Watching these two ex-best friends struggle to find the best path for them makes this a story that will keep you turning pages.
Personal Likes
I loved the characters in this book. Charlie is a struggling girl, as you would expect, after losing her whole family. But she still is strong enough to keep trying, to allow her feelings a chance to escape even if it is only in the privacy of her room. She knows her heart and clings to the hope that tomorrow must be better. Jacob is a teen boy who has no idea how to keep his family together with the knowledge that could tear it all apart. It was refreshing to see his inner struggle to be strong, yet sensitive.
The pace of this story is wonderful. It's just fast enough that you want to keep reading and knowing more. Branches has done a wonderful job of creating a story that pulls you in completely. You care about Charlie and Jacob and hope they could figure out a way to make it in this new reality.
Personal Dislikes
I am not really a fan of this pattern in teen clean romances of seeking comfort from someone of the opposite gender during the night. Granted, this is a clean teen romance, but there is no need for all night snuggling. I wish there would have been some way for Charlie to go to Mrs Parker with some of her hurt and need for more support.
About the Author
Hi! I'm Rita Branches. I was born and raised in in Portugal and I'm going to independently publish my debut novel in the Spring of 2016, Painting Sky. I am so happy that you decided to take a look at my work. Little bit about myself: along with being a writer, I am also a landscape architect. I started writing to bring 'to life' the stories that my mind created. I LOVE to read. It was and always will be my passion.
Author Links:
Reading List Rating
I have to give this book 5 hearts. I loved this book. Seriously. If I had the time I would read it again... maybe I will someday. I would certainly buy it for friends!
My Suggested Audience
I do agree that this is a teen appropriate story. There are some kissing, and hugging, and, as I mentioned before, there are a few scenes of sleepovers, that are for the most part clean. That being said, maybe this is for those 14 and over.
I would not bury this book in the teen section, though. For anyone who enjoys a sweet clean romance, this would be a wonderful choice.
I would not bury this book in the teen section, though. For anyone who enjoys a sweet clean romance, this would be a wonderful choice.
Wondering Questions to Consider
Books like this are a wonderful way to allow for conversation with your kids. A chance to say parts of teenage relationships you think would lead to too many physical moments. And a chance to hear from your kids what they think is okay for teens to do inside relationships while in high school. So if you have a teen girl, this could be a wonderful buddy read. Ask what she thinks about the love story, what she would want from a boyfriend, what is realistic.
You can give up be unhappy, or you can fight it accomplish great things... #UnderaMillionStars @RitaBranches @Reading_List1
Are you a Nicholas Sparks, love story, fan? A sucker for a sweet Hallmark movie? What are your favorites?
I'd love to hear from you, please leave me a little note!
GIVEAWAY
**If you are considering purchasing this book, please consider using the affiliate link here and support Reading List in the process.
***If you're interested in writing a book review on Reading List, please message me on the Facebook page! If you're curious about a book, ask me... I love to hear from you! If you would like your book reviewed on Reading List, email me: the link is at the bottom of this page.
**** Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and YA Bound Book Tours
0 coment�rios