I’m in Natchez, this week and when I took this picture, I was on the bluffs overlooking the river. Natchez is a beautiful old town and I look forward to exploring more of it.
About a month ago, I read a really good book that was a featured book for the ACFW Book Club – Stars in the Grass by Ann Marie Stewart.
Here’s the back cover copy:
“The summer before I turned ten was idyllic—until August 3, 1970. It perfectly describes a time when I thought the world was safe and good things lasted forever…”
Nine-year-old Abby McAndrews has just experienced her greatest loss, and in its wake, her family is unraveling with guilt, grief, and anger. Her father, Reverend McAndrews, cannot return to the pulpit because he has more questions than answers. Her older brother Matt’s actions speak louder than the words he needs to confess, as he acts out in dangerous ways. Her mother tries to hold her grieving family together, but when Abby’s dad refuses to move on, the family is at a crossroads.
Stars in the Grass, set in a small Midwestern town in 1970, is an uplifting novel that explores a family’s relationships and resiliency. Abby’s heartbreaking remembrances are balanced by humor and nostalgia as her family struggles with—and ultimately celebrates—life after loss.
This is a story of a family struggling in the aftermath of the loss of a child. Stewart has tackled a difficult subject in a tasteful way. Stars in the Grass is told from the viewpoint of a nine-year-old girl in 1970. Each family member deals with the tragedy in their own way, but it is through Abby’s eyes that we see each of their struggles. They all struggle with guilt and anger and grief.
Stewart writes beautifully and weaves hope through their lives. This is a story that will stay with you long after “the end”. While it’s about the loss of a child, and how a family deals with the aftermath…or rather the way they don’t deal with it for a long time, it’s also a story of hope.
I got so caught up in the story that I stayed up much later than I meant to. I really identified with Abby. Ann Marie Stewart really captured the thoughts and feelings of an eleven-year-old. In fact, she captured each member of the family perfectly. Sometimes, watching the brother in the story was like watching a train wreck about to happen.
I greatly admire Stewart’s ability to pull the reader into the world of the McAndrews. Great story, extremely well-written and an ending that fits perfectly. I highly recommend it.
Leave a comment and I’ll enter you in a drawing for two books from my library! Answer this question: Have you ever read a book you didn’t think you would like but ended up loving it?
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Comments 31
Yes! I’m very guilty of judging a book by the cover or sometimes the book blurbs don’t do the books justice. Then I end up being wonderfully surprised! 🙂
Author
Jessica, about the only covers that turn me off are ones with half-naked people on them. lol Thanks for stopping by.
I can’t think of one in particular at the moment but I know “I have been there and done that”. I doubt one could read as many books as I have and never have that happen.
Author
I know what you mean, Edward. Unfortunately. lol Thanks for stopping by.
Yes! I started reading Missing Isaac by Valerie Fraser Luesse and wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the time period of the book but ended up absolutely loving the book!
Author
Mindy, I haven’t ready Missing Isaac yet but intend to. Thanks for stopping by.
Yes, I have, but also have done the opposite! Those are the books that I thought that I would like, but didn’t!
Author
Me, too, Mary. Me, too. Thanks for stopping by.
I loved Stars in the Grass. I just read The Man He Never Was by James L Rubart. I thought I would hate it, but needed to read and review. I ended up loving it, taking truths from the written words, and couldn’t put it down.
Author
I haven’t read The Man He Never Was yet, but I loved The Long Journey to Jake Palmer, Lucy. I think I have TMHNW on my kindle.
I can’t believe I hadn’t read Anne of Green Gables for all these years, thinking it was children’s literature and cutesy, but I read it recently and enjoyed thoroughly–now I’ll be reading others in the series.
Author
Yes, I still have Anne of Green Gables on my TBR table, Delores! And next Tuesday I’ll probably have a few more photos on the website of Natchez. Thanks for stopping by.
And I love your picture above the Mississippi, by the way. Happy research!
I have the opposite problem. I feel disappointed when I can’t get the books I’ve ordered read as quickly as I’d like because I have so many in my to-be-read pile. I have ordered Stars in the Grass upon someone’s recommendation but haven’t been able to start it yet.
Author
Oh, my, Suzanne, you are in for a treat. And I hate that I have soooo many books on my TBR table!
I generally don’t read books I don’t think I’m going to like, at least not at this point in my life. That may have been true when I was in school or even when I was teaching, but it’s rare that I don’t find something about a book to like. I think the opposite is more likely for me though – thinking I will love a book and ending up disappointed in it.
Author
Yes, that happens sometimes, Linda. I remember one in particular, but I won’t name it because a lot of people loved it. But I haven’t read that author since.
Yes! I, too read this and was skeptical at first but I love the way this author writes. It was all from Abby’s perspective. You didn’t know how the other characters felt but only the way Abby perceived them! I generally try to pick books in my favorite genres. I have so many books to read, I don’t want to waste my time . I was pleasantly surprised by this book!
Author
Paula, I really identified with Abby. And I loved the way the author wove the other characters into the story through Abby’s perspective.
I read this and loved it! Yes, I’ve read books that I was not sure I would like…but ended up really liking it…can’t think of example right now.
Happy Weekend!
Author
I know, Jackie–it’s hard to remember titles. lol I’m back home and resting and getting ready to start the new book!
I have been to Natchez and it is a very lovely place. I have started reading a book and thought , “ I don’t like this book, I’m going to stop reading,”, but then I continue for some reason and end up loving the book. Can’t think of a particular book off hand right now.
Author
Faith, Natchez is such a beautiful town! I found the houses where my hero and heroine met and drove down Under the Hill. I’m going back and visit the cemetery and King’s Tavern.
Yes, I’ve had books surprise me. 😉
Author
Don’t you love it when a book surprises you, Caryl? I do. Thanks for stopping by.
Patricia, this was my top favorite read of 2017!! And it certianly did stick with me a long time, even thinking about it reminds me of hope in it despite hard times 🙂
I have read quite a few books that I thought I wouldn’t like and also some that I thought I would but ended up not liking at all. Books are funny that way! What one reader may fall in love with, another may hate. I always say, be your own judge 🙂
I’m glad you like Stars in the Grass! I don’t ever re-read books, but this just may make it back in my hands for another go ’round 🙂
Author
This definitely is a book that stays with you. And like you, I may re-read it, Trixi! Thanks for stopping by.
Lol!! Those make me blush and I won’t even look at the blurb
Author
Absolutely, Jessica!
I have read books I thought I wouldn’t love, but did and books I thought I would love, but didn’t. I find it especially disappointing when I read a book by an author who wrote a book I have already read and loved, then find I don’t like the current book. On the other hand, I have given authors a second try and found I loved the book!
Author
I understand, Diane! I learned early on that not everyone will like my books, but thankfully, a lot of people do! 🙂 And I’m always glad when someone gives me another chance.