Star Youngblood has always been a fighter — a necessity after her mother married a monster of a man. Now, she’s finally on the path to the stable life she’s always wanted. Her employer, Priscilla Kelly, is a sweet woman ravaged by rheumatoid arthritis, and Star will do anything to help her. Even if that means going toe to toe with Mrs. Kelly’s neglectful son. After being betrayed on the mission field and devastated by the tragic death of his father, Paul Kelly gave up on God. He lives life on his own terms, biding his time as a corporate pilot until he can save enough money to begin his own flight school closer to home. His mother is all he has left, and he wants to be near her. He just didn’t expect her health to decline so quickly. When he discovers his mother has taken in a stray — a woman he’s not at all sure can be trusted — his protective instincts kick into high gear. Paul’s handled a lot of turbulence, but he’s never gone up against a force like Star.As Paul and Star strive to protect his mother in their own ways, they soon find their own hearts are at the greatest risk
Janet W. Ferguson is a Grace Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.
My Impressions:
Janet Ferguson writes contemporary fiction with elements of romance and humor and settings that get the South just right. But don’t think that her books are fluff — her characters struggle with real-life serious issues. And the deep spiritual themes will definitely make you think. Star Rising, the fourth book in her Coastal Hearts series, is a great example and a recommended read!
Star Youngblood and Paul Kelly could not be more opposite — in their upbringing, their current economic status, and in their faith. They also rub each other the wrong way! Yet there is a definite attraction they can’t quite stifle. I liked how their relationship evolved from enemies to friends to something more. Star is a new believer whose commitment to God is unwavering, but Paul turned his back on God years before and resists everything Christian. I loved how Ferguson keeps Star centered on her faith first, before all else. And you will love how God woos Paul — breaking down pride, putting believers constantly in his path, and making miracles. Scars from past loss and abuse seem to dictate the main characters’ futures, until God intervenes. The book opens in St. Simons, Georgia, but quickly moves to Ireland. I had a trip planned to Ireland in May which is now put on indefinite hold. But I savored the scenes set in the historic and colorful Emerald Isle. Thanks to the author, I could enjoy a virtual trip right now!
Star’s story was first introduced in The Art of Rivers, but Star Rising can easily be read as a standalone novel. I look forward to catching up on the books I have missed and the ones to come in this great series.
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(I purchased the ebook from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Thank you so much for taking the time to read Star Rising! I am super happy you enjoyed it and I pray you get to go on a wonderful trip to Ireland someday!
Blessings and hugs,
Janet
The trip was for my 6oth birthday. I think I will take a do-over next May — trip to Ireland and 60 again. 😉