I’m sad. I’m heartbroken that Falling Stars is over. It was truly one of those novels that you never want to end. You want to savor it, in hopes that you’ll miraculously never find that last page. I’m also devastated that if I were to rush to Ticketmaster, I can’t get tickets to see Lilah Carson live. I’ve found myself a bit of a fangirl of a fictional character. In my opinion, this entire somewhat sad but completely impressed feeling means that Ashlyne Huff Revelette has a massive hit on her hands. I loved it. Every single word.
There are so many aspects of this book I enjoyed, but let’s talk about the obvious reason first. Revelette has built this addictive, intriguing world with absolute precision. She knows what she’s talking about and that knowledge shines through on every page. This setting is so familiar to her (not that I’ve mildly stalked her online…because I completely wouldn’t do that. Nope.), and with that familiarity, you’ll believe any bit of info or any direction she leads you. It’s such an interesting tale of Lilah and the many other characters surrounding her, and you’ll be enthralled from the first page. The author does a great job of bringing this lifestyle into my own life, right here in Oklahoma.
There are so many aspects of this book I enjoyed, but let’s talk about the obvious reason first. Revelette has built this addictive, intriguing world with absolute precision. She knows what she’s talking about and that knowledge shines through on every page. This setting is so familiar to her (not that I’ve mildly stalked her online…because I completely wouldn’t do that. Nope.), and with that familiarity, you’ll believe any bit of info or any direction she leads you. It’s such an interesting tale of Lilah and the many other characters surrounding her, and you’ll be enthralled from the first page. The author does a great job of bringing this lifestyle into my own life, right here in Oklahoma.
I’m quickly becoming a huge fan of YA. There’s something so refreshing and new about Young Adult, but some novels can also feel very repetitive or fall flat. Falling Stars was nothing but unique, fun, and oh so emotional. While a story based on the career of a rising star and her road to adulthood would be a fantastic read in itself, this one is so much bigger than that. It goes beyond a young girl learning who she truly is, and dives deeper with a wide range of emotions taking a toll on your heart throughout. You’ll experience the rise and fall of young Lily, and you’ll hurt with her through relationships, friendships, and the well being of family. I loved that it never felt boring. There was always something, whether it was heartbreak, excitement, pride, or fear. The pacing, along with Revelette’s flawless writing style, made time fly as I immersed myself in the up’s and down’s of Lilah’s life. She took what could have been a somewhat predictable young adult novel, and made it bigger and better than just about anything else I’ve read recently.
Also, I’m going to have a moment. I’m from Oklahoma. Guess what my favorite genre of music is? If you said “Oh you’re one of those Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley fans…” then yes, yes you would be correct. This book. This. Book. It’s like a dream come true for all country music fans that also coincidentally adore romance novels. Imagine my excitement when I’m already so deeply attached to these characters, when she starts mentioning names like “Blake something”, Martina McBride, or Dann Huff (who is her dad and THAT freaks me out too.) I found myself smiling at references and fell right back into the music of 2007. Some authors have playlists for their books, others mention specific songs in certain scenes, but Revelette brought me back to an entire year of music. My little country heart feels so full. So thank you for that, Ashlyne. Speaking of music – Two songs that will end up meaning so much by the end of the book are available on Ashlyne’s website! I love nothing more than when fiction becomes reality, and that’s exactly what she has given the fans. Definitely go check those out online after you’ve finished. It’s like the icing on the cake.
Overall, Falling Stars is a compelling, eloquent novel and it cannot be beat in terms of the emotions you’ll experience. It will make you take a step back and reconsider a business that we all find dazzling by realizing the complexities involved. Beyond all of the bright lights though, this story is about one girl’s life, her growth, and the peace of finally finding who she really is. Falling Stars will sweep you away into a world of dreams, hope, love, but above all else, believing in yourself. It will, without a doubt, be in my top five for the year and I suspect, well beyond 2015.
<3 Erin
Also, I’m going to have a moment. I’m from Oklahoma. Guess what my favorite genre of music is? If you said “Oh you’re one of those Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley fans…” then yes, yes you would be correct. This book. This. Book. It’s like a dream come true for all country music fans that also coincidentally adore romance novels. Imagine my excitement when I’m already so deeply attached to these characters, when she starts mentioning names like “Blake something”, Martina McBride, or Dann Huff (who is her dad and THAT freaks me out too.) I found myself smiling at references and fell right back into the music of 2007. Some authors have playlists for their books, others mention specific songs in certain scenes, but Revelette brought me back to an entire year of music. My little country heart feels so full. So thank you for that, Ashlyne. Speaking of music – Two songs that will end up meaning so much by the end of the book are available on Ashlyne’s website! I love nothing more than when fiction becomes reality, and that’s exactly what she has given the fans. Definitely go check those out online after you’ve finished. It’s like the icing on the cake.
Overall, Falling Stars is a compelling, eloquent novel and it cannot be beat in terms of the emotions you’ll experience. It will make you take a step back and reconsider a business that we all find dazzling by realizing the complexities involved. Beyond all of the bright lights though, this story is about one girl’s life, her growth, and the peace of finally finding who she really is. Falling Stars will sweep you away into a world of dreams, hope, love, but above all else, believing in yourself. It will, without a doubt, be in my top five for the year and I suspect, well beyond 2015.
<3 Erin