Book Review for Stardust by Carla Stewart @ChasingLilacs




Fiction/Christian/Romance

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?




About Carla:


Carla Stewart’s writing reflects her passion for times gone by as depicted in her first highly-acclaimed novel, Chasing Lilacs, which was a 2011 Finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award and winner of the 2011 Best Fiction Book for the Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc. (OWFI). 

Chasing Lilacs received a starred review in Publisher’s Weekly and favorable reviews in Library Journal, RT Book Reviews, Book Page, and Christian Retailing magazine. Her other novels include Broken Wings (2011) and Stardust (May 2012).

Carla launched her writing career in 2002 when she earned the coveted honor of being invited to attend Guidepost’s Writers Workshop in Rye, New York. Since then, her articles have appeared in Guideposts, Angels on Earth, Saddle Baron, and Blood and Thunder: Musings on the Art of Medicine.

An Oklahoma native and graduate of OU, Carla enjoyed a career in nursing and raising her family. Now that their four sons are married and they’ve become empty-nesters, she and her husband relish the occasional weekend getaway and delight in the adventures of their six grandchildren.



My thoughts:

Stardust is southern fiction at its best. The story is set in the fictitious Mayhaw, Texas during the polio epidemic of the 1950s. Not only can you hear the southern drawl and smell the distinct scent of the bayou, you can feel the fear of polio.

Carla has written a multi-layered story that revolves around Georgia Peyton. All her life Georgia has just wanted to know the truth. The problem is sometimes when you learn the truth you just don’t know what to do with it.

Through the story we are taken on a journey that uncovers infidelity, abandonment, cover-ups and other subjects that are just hard burdens to carry. We also get to go along as Georgia uncovers and deals with each of these areas.

I quickly fell in love with Georgia, flaws and all. She is the epitome of a strong southern woman. The supporting characters of Aunt Cora, Ludi and Mary Frances continue to echo the characteristics of southern women. When you add in the dashingly handsome Peter Reese you have the makings of a wonderful afternoon getaway. Pick this book up and enjoy!

Connect with Author Carla Stewart:



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2 comments:

  1. She is such a great writer! I have to pick this up.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes you must! A perfect summer read. Thanks for stopping by! :)

    ReplyDelete

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