How a Star Falls

De: Amber Stokes

Narrado por: Patrick Wilson Mahaney

How does a star fall? Quickly. Completely. Unexpectedly.

Derrick Knolane escapes to Trinidad Head most evenings, avoiding his apartment and planning for the day he'll break free of Humboldt County. Working in a music store might be fine for a while, but it's far from the goal he had in mind when he got his college degree. Not to mention the fact that his roommate is a jerk and his family won't stop trying to run his life.

Then Brielle falls into his world.

She claims to be a star. Not from Hollywood, but from heaven. He thinks she's crazy. Certainly delusional. Yet, he can't just leave her alone on the cliffs. So he takes her home.

And his whole world falls apart.

A heartfelt and fanciful contemporary romance novella, How a Star Falls explores the uncertain season of new adulthood and shows that sometimes the worst inconveniences make for the best miracles of all.

©2014 Amber Christine Stokes (P)2015 Amber Christine Stokes

A Sweet Romance

Amber Stokes writes a sweet, clean romance novella with a bit of mystery as to who this mysterious young woman is and why she is dressed as she is. I was able to listen to an audible version of this book narrated by Patrick Wilson Mahaney. I enjoyed it and it captured my attention throughout as I wondered who this mystery lady truly was.

Two people searching to find themselves in a confusing world with things pulling them in different directions. It's a sweet story and I think you will enjoy it.

I was given an Audible version of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given.

Beautiful Story Full of Hope and Love

Where does How a Star Falls rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I very much enjoyed it!

What was one of the most memorable moments of How a Star Falls?

This story hit a few sore spots in my heart as I feel that I have been dealing with the same sort of issues that Derrick finds himself wrestling with. I don’t always feel like I have become who I thought I would be, but then I realized that I had no clear vision since I was just pursuing a vague dream from my family. I have never really wanted much of anything since I knew I would just do what I was told. It felt fruitless to try carving out my own dream because it would just be replaced with another more reasonable one. Now, I find myself at times floating in a huge sea littered with dreams from other people while I helplessly sift through the clutter in search of a dream for myself. Like Derrick I feel like life has taken shape around me outside of my own will while I have been trying to forge ahead in my own expedition. I can’t allow myself the luxury of wallowing in my own heartache for not finding the piece of me that remains hollow because once I start, I may not be able to stop. Ever onward I press while wrestling with myself to leave my heart, hopes, and dreams in the hands of the One who holds the Universe in place. Perhaps one day, my world will be turned upside down by such a simple revelation as the one that Derrick’s mystery girl gently handed to him.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes, very much

Any additional comments?

Amber Stokes never fails to surprise, entertain, and enlighten with her literary creations. Each beautiful story is a testament to her incredible talent that continues to blossom and intensify as the years go by. This is such a beautifully written and exquisitely gifted story of how a little hope, sprinkled with a dash of starlight, and then surrounded by a promise of love can embolden and infuse the heart and mind of one who has lost their way with the healing power of purpose and direction. Amber is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite authors.

Charming Romance

If you could sum up How a Star Falls in three words, what would they be?

Sweet contemporary romance

What was one of the most memorable moments of How a Star Falls?

When Derrick discovers Brielle and she explains that she is a fallen star. I love how she says she is from Orion's belt, especially when we know that Orion's belt has special meaning in Derrick's life.

Which character – as performed by Patrick Wilson Mahaney – was your favorite?

The narration is a male voice, but I loved how he portrayed Brielle. Amber wrote her character so well, that she really came across in Patrick's narration.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Its like a Hallmark movie.

Any additional comments?

This was a charming portrayal of dreams and goals and how sometimes they don't always live up to our expectations. I also enjoyed the setting as Humboldt County is one of my favorite places. I could picture Trinidad Head and the town setting. The author did a great job.

How a Star Falls

One evening, Derrick stumbles across a young lady who claims to be a star who came from heaven. Although he doubts her claim, Derrick is kind to Brielle and finds her a place to stay for the time being. Over the next few days, she turns his world upside down as they begin to fall in love…

How a Star Falls by Amber Stokes was short and sweet. I enjoyed this lovely little novella about Brielle and Derrick. The plot was believable and left me wanting to hear more about the characters. How a Star Falls was different and better than I expected it to be. It was the perfect length to listen to for an afternoon or two.

Briella was sweet and carefree. I could easily believe she was a star, except for the fact that she knew how to cook. Derrick, however, was struggling through life until Brielle brought the hope back into it. I enjoyed watching both of them grow and fall in love.

The audiobook was lovely. The narrator was enjoyable to listen to and voiced the characters almost perfectly.

Overall, How a Star Falls is a novella I would gladly listen to again.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful Story!

What did you love best about How a Star Falls?

I usually only read historical fiction or historical non-fiction. I know...I need to branch out a little. I was happily surprised to realize that I do enjoy contemporary fiction when it's written right. Amber Stokes totally nailed it. =)

The story revolves around a twenty-four year old young man, Derrick. He's a really good and kind guy, but his life isn't what he imagined it to be. He works at a music store, has a jerk of a roommate, and feels that his family is trying to run his life. Then he meets a girl named Brielle who claims to be a star...a star from the sky. He thinks she's crazy, but he can't just leave her all alone on the dark cliffs. He takes care of her, and that's when his world changes.

I was very impressed by Amber's writing. Her descriptions are wonderful! She's a master of describing the simple things like salty french fries, to the beauty of the pacific northwest. Also, Owl City + the ocean + dancing = sweetness overload in one scene. I also love that Amber wrote this story based on her home county. Her descriptions of Humboldt County were so dang good.

I really enjoyed listening to it as an audiobook. It's a nice length of 2 hours, which was a fun way to pass a car drive the other day. The narrator, Patrick Mahaney, did a nice job. He definitely was Derrick!

I'm looking forward to reading/listening to more of Amber Stokes' writings in the future!