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Thursday, May 17, 2012

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


Stardust by Carla Stewart
Faithwords ~ 2012

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:
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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

42 comments:

  1. I don't see the Rafflecopter... I see one for Pur Minerals but not Stardust.

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  2. I enjoyed reading the review and the interview with the author. i love interviews. helps to get to know the author. where is the rafflecopter?

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  3. It's a shame you didn't enjoy this as much as I did. I found it to be a quick and light read, but still enjoyable. Here is my review.

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  4. Sounds like a good one! Definitely in my to read list!!! Love the review and the interview! Its so great to get to know a little bit about the author!!

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  5. I don't see rafflecopter either. I'm glad I'm not the only one having the problem/

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  6. Thanks for your generosity in offering this book for giveaway, and thanks to Carla as well. I'll check back later to finish my entries when the Rafflecopter is fixed.

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  7. I'm so sorry about the Rafflecopter! I think they changed the code or I messed up... either way it's fixed now. :-) Thanks for your patience!

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  8. Sounds like a great book. Thanks.

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  9. Won't let me put link of my tweet in form.

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    Replies
    1. No problem... I see the tweet on Twitter. Thanks for entering! :)

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  10. New author for me, but I am always ready to try a new book. Thanks for the review!

    andrea2russia@hotmail.com

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  11. I've seen this one around and it looks great! I think it's because I like the time period :) Thanks so much for the lovely interview and opportunity :)

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  12. Just one look at the cover it interests me. I know you shouldn't judge by it's cover but....I can't help myself lol!

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  13. I've read good reviews about this one and can't wait to read it.

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  14. I, too, think the cover looks interesting. Great interview, really enjoyed it. would love to win this! Carmee Gueth Ross

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  15. Thanks for getting rafflecopter fixed. love to win this book I see others would like to win too .

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  16. Stardust sounds like a book I'd really enjoy reading. I read an excerpt and liked the tone of it. Thanks for giving away a copy.

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  17. thanks for the great giveaway

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  18. Thanks for the great giveaway...I don't usually go for "unclosed" endings, but this one looks really good. That trailer? :)

    Biblioprincess15 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  19. I have never read any of Carla Stewart's books either. I liked your review of the book and author.
    awhartness@yahoo.com

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  20. new author for me. Would love to read this book

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  21. Sounds great enter me!!

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  22. Funny..I am really wanting to read this book more based upon the author's personal info above more so than the information about the book. (Not that it wasn't interesting too)She just sounds like my kind of person. :-) Thanks so much for the chance to win!
    (Jeannette Laframboise)

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  23. i love carla!
    her characters are real and live in a real world -
    just maybe at a diff time or place than the journey we are on ourselves..
    perhaps that would be a concept publishers might include when offering books to reviewers ? relevancy to life stages does make a difference in our reading choices and book impact...
    faithhopecherrytea at*gmail.*com

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  24. I've had my eye on this one for awhile! :)

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  25. Melanie - Thanks for being part of the Blog Tour and for the interview. I love when someone gives an honest opinion and I enjoyed your review. You have a terrific bunch of readers here!

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  26. Typing with your eyes closed as you visualize a scene is so cool... I need to tell my daughter (a young writer)to try that! Stardust sounds so interesting, it is going on my wish list. Please add me to the drawing, thanks.

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  27. I read Carla's first book, and LOVED it! I look forward to reading this one! Thanks for the chance to win. : )

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  28. I love to read and am always open to reading a new author

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  29. Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for your thoughts and the review. Hope you have a great week! :O)

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  30. Looking forward to reading this book. My first read by Carla was Chasing Lilacs and it was heart capturing. I enjoy Carla's writing style and relate to her characters. She writes a great story. Thanks for sharing your review and interview.

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  31. This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance!

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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  32. Sounds really good! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  33. Sounds like a great summer read. Thanks for the giveaway
    marypopmom@yahoo.com

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  34. all of the characters sound so quirky and interesting! thank you for the contest!

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  35. Thanks for the chance to win -- Marlene V.

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  36. Thanks for the chance to win. I follow on GFC.
    Tia
    videoclimber at yahoo dot com

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  37. I love Christian Fiction.
    Kathy Davis
    kdavis1@centurytel.net

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  38. Really want to read this book!

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  39. Thanks for sharing. I think this would be a light and enjoyable summer read.

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