Review, Interview, and Giveaway! Stardust by Carla Stewart!

Stardust by Carla Stewart

Faithwords ~ 2012

Amazon / Goodreads

About the book:

Shortly after burying her unfaithful husband, Georgia Peyton unexpectedly inherits the derelict Stardust motel from a distant relative. Despite doubts from the community and the aunt who raised her, she is determined to breathe new life into it. But the guests who arrive aren't what Georgia expects: Her gin-loving mother-in-law; her dead husband's mistress; an attractive but down-on-his-luck drifter who's tired of the endless road; and an aging Vaudeville entertainer with a disturbing link to Georgia's past.

 Can Georgia find the courage to forgive those who've betrayed her, the grace to shelter those who need her, and the moxy to face the future? And will her dream of a new life under the flickering neon of the STARDUST ever come true?

My rating:

My thoughts:


I'm new to Carla Stewart's books, as Stardust is the only one I've read of her novels so far. While the story was interesting, it never really grabbed by attention. Toward the end, though, it did get a little better as there was some mystery/suspense.

The romance between Peter and Georgia added a nice element to Stardust. I really liked Peter's character - he seemed like such a nice guy! A lot of the characters in Stardust I found to be really unique and that made reading it more enjoyable.

The ending was good, but I do wish there would have been a bit more closure to some things - specifically if someone survives or not.

While I did like Stardust, I don't plan on rereading it. I am eclectic in my reading, but I'm not a huge fan of books like this - where the husband has an affair, etc.  If you like books that are similar to this, then you should definitely consider reading this book. :)

*I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Interview with Carla Stewart!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Carla!! Will you tell us a little about yourself?

Thanks for having me here and being part of the blog tour!

I’m a child of the fifties and sixties and love remembering that era. Back then I was drawn to people that life had treated unfairly or who walked to a different beat. Perhaps it was empathy since I struggled with being too tall and wearing glasses during those tender years. No one was surprised when I became a nurse, and while I was in college, I met my hero – the wonderful man who I’ll celebrate forty years of marriage with in May. We have four sons who’ve all married amazing women, and we have six grandchildren. I love a good cup of coffee, traveling, and being a Mimi! Although I grew up in Texas and still get a catch in my throat every time I cross the Red River, I live in Oklahoma now and am proud to be a Sooner.

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you?

I am afraid of heights . . . deathly afraid.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

When I was about twelve, I wrote a steamy romance (ha!) and sent it to Hollywood sure that they’d want to make a movie of my story. I’d say I’ve always had the “bug” and loved all those writing things in school that made everyone else groan.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I often use the keyboard with my eyes closed as I watch the scene like a movie in my head. I make a lot of errors and have to fix them, but sometimes I just need the visual to get the words down.

How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

I’ve written six complete novels. One (the first) is in a box in the bottom of the closet. One isn’t published (and probably won’t be in its current form). Three have been published by FaithWords (Hachette Book Group) – Chasing Lilacs, Broken Wings, and Stardust. A fourth was turned into my editor at FaithWords on April 1 and will come out next year – current title, Sweet Dreams.

What would you say is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?

Readers are definitely the best part! I love hearing from them and sharing at book clubs and on social networks. The worst – besides endless nights of “take out” during deadline crunch – is probably having to promote myself. I’d rather poke my eye out than say “Buy my book.”

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Read! My husband and I also love to travel and take at least one fun vacation every year (the mountains are my favorite), but we like to visit the grandkids and other family members and celebrate good times with them, too.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?

Charleston, SC and New England in the fall. Italy and Israel. The Northwest. I have a long list!

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?

Anything by Michael Buble or Nat King Cole for music. My favorite movie (don’t hit me!) is O Brother, Where Art Thou? We just watched it again on TV a few nights ago.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

Micah 6:8 – He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?

I just turned in Sweet Dreams.

Two close-knit cousins struggle to fit in at an exclusive Southern charm school, but whenthey both fall for the same handsome guy, their love for each other is tested. Patsy Clinesings “Crazy” on the radio while the worlds both inside and outside the walls of thecharm school begin to crumble. Past secrets and family lies collide with the changingtimes. Sweet Dreams has a flawed cast of characters whose dreams have the power totake them to new heights or tear them all apart.

Thank so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?

Thank you, readers, for sharing this journey with me. I love hearing from you! Thanks for reading!

You can find me here:

My website: www.carlastewart.com

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/ChasingLilacs

FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/carlastewartauthor

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3335371.Carla_Stewart

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/chasinglilacs/

Amazon link to Stardust: http://www.amazon.com/Stardust-A-Novel-Carla-Stewart/dp/1455504289/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334187418&sr=8-1

Stardust Video Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp4VwmNvTbc

Book Giveaway!

Enter to win Stardust! US and Canada only.

Enter by filling out the Rafflecopter below (here is a tutorial, if you aren't familiar with Rafflecopter). The mandatory entry is to leave a comment on this blog post - after you do that, the other entries will become available. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway