Starlight, Star Bright
by JoAnn Durgin
plus: Contest!
One lucky winner will receive an autographed copy each of Meet Me Under The Mistletoe & Starlight, Star Bright!
One lucky winner will receive an autographed copy each of Meet Me Under The Mistletoe & Starlight, Star Bright!
Description
Dante Moretti, Texas-born goalie of an Italian World Cup champion team, expects Starlight, Iowa will be only a blip on the radar of his life. Grabbing a quick meal at Barney’s Diner during the holidays, Dante meets two women who capture his heart in very different ways. Then his rental car won’t start and leaves him stranded. Does the Lord have a plan for bringing him—and keeping him—in Starlight?
Amanda Marston is excited to be home for her brother’s wedding. When she drops in for a cup of coffee at Barney’s, she’s charmed by the mysterious, Italian-spouting cowboy. Before she can blink, the handsome stranger is helping with projects all over town and working his way into her heart. Does God have a plan for Dante in her beloved little Starlight or will he take her heart with him when he returns to Italy?
Amanda Marston is excited to be home for her brother’s wedding. When she drops in for a cup of coffee at Barney’s, she’s charmed by the mysterious, Italian-spouting cowboy. Before she can blink, the handsome stranger is helping with projects all over town and working his way into her heart. Does God have a plan for Dante in her beloved little Starlight or will he take her heart with him when he returns to Italy?
Purchase at the following locations:
http://www.christianbook.com ebook $.79
http://pelicanbookgroup.com ebook $.99
About The Author
I like to say I've "been around" in the nicest possible sense. Meaning I've lived in several states in this great country, and I've lived long enough to have gained a certain amount of hard-earned wisdom. I've always heard to "write what you know." My debut novel, Awakening (November 2010), is the beginning of The Lewis Legacy Series, and is loosely based on my love story with my husband, Jim. Subsequent releases in The Lewis Legacy Series include Second Time Around (September 2011), Twin Hearts (April 2012) and Daydreams (December 2012). The fifth book in the series, Moonbeams, is expected to release in late winter or the early spring of 2014. Many more installments are planned for the series!
Catching Serenity, a full-length, standalone novel, released in September 2013.
All of the above-mentioned books are available in both ebook format and paperback editions. I like to call them contemporary Christian romantic adventures and are slightly longer in length and more "outside the box" of traditional "formula" romance with elements of romance, a little mystery here and there, emotion, drama and an abundance of humor along with showing how God works in the lives of my characters.
I've also written two fun, contemporary Christmas novellas set in fictional Starlight, Iowa. The first is Meet Me Under the Mistletoe (November 2012) and its sequel, Starlight, Star Bright, released in November 2013.
Get in touch with the author at the following locations:
http://joanndurgin.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin
https://www.facebook.com/joann.durgin
Get in touch with the author at the following locations:
http://joanndurgin.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin
https://www.facebook.com/joann.durgin
My Review ~
Small town Starlight, Iowa is known for its close community and quirky characters. When Dante stepped into Barney's Diner life as he knew it changed. Waitress Caroline Picasso picked up on him as soon as she spotted his World Cup ring. Goalie for the Italian Soccer League, Dante didn't expect to be recognized in the little Midwestern town. With the Stetson he sported to the subtle Texas accent, Caroline dubbed him "Italian Cowboy."
When Amanda Marston literally "breezed" through the door to the diner that evening Caroline was on high alert. Matchmaker by nature, she spotted the perfect couple, and began to brainstorm how she could bring them together. Back in her hometown for her brother's New Year's Eve wedding, Amanda was enjoying winter once again, after having taken a teaching position and living in Florida. Christmas was in the air and Amanda's spirits were bright as she and her hometown community prepared for the coming of Christmas and the celebrations surrounding this holy day.
Later that evening Dante's rental car refused to start, making it impossible to have repairs made until morning. Dante hadn't prepared to remain in Starlight for the night. Was God trying to tell him something? Caroline offered to house the soccer star which was only the beginning of a series of events that caused Dante to reflect on the course his life was taking. Spending some time in Starlight revealed a life that he missed, family, closeness with friends, and a future with someone to love and share a family. Amanda had sparked in him feelings that he couldn't explain. Is God pointing the way to a life-changing event when Dante's career is waiting in Italy?
This is a delightful Christmas romance, one that is colorful and filled with emotions and a variety of developments. The characters in this book are so well defined they become a part of your life. JoAnn Durgin has a way of making her characters real to the point that you feel like you know them personally. This author is also a master at creating an atmosphere of pure and ardent romance, with God at the center of her characters' hearts. Her own relationship with her husband shines through her stories so that you feel the love in the air as she describes the feelings that her characters evoke in one another. There's intensity in romance without the graphics, leaving the reader "in the moment." I read last year's Christmas romance by this author, "Meet Me Under The Mistletoe," and had the same response, Don't miss this beautiful Christian Christmas romance!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
CONTEST GIVEAWAY GUIDELINES:
Please leave me a feedback comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address from spammers. Share this review with your friends, and if you win this contest please leave a review at websites such as Deeper Shopping and Amazon once you have read the book. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!
These books sound wonderful
ReplyDeleteGod bless you Have a God filled Christmas
Chris Granville
granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet
Hi Chris, and thanks so much for leaving a comment! Christmas stories are so heartwarming and I love them! Many blessings to you and I hope you get the chance to read them. Blessings to you and yours during this special season of the year!
DeleteThese sound like great books. I love Christmas stories.
ReplyDeleteI follow you by e-mail and I shared this on Facebook.
susanmsj at msn dot com
Hi, Susan! Thanks so much for entering and sharing. I appreciate your encouragement and support and hope you get the opportunity to read my Christmas stories. I have a lot of fun writing them and plan on making it an annual tradition! Blessings.
DeleteGreat review Nancee! I'm not entering this contest as I have this book and I have read it. I loved this book! I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your review!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy B
Thanks, as always, my friend. I'm so happy you enjoyed the return to Starlight! Blessings.
DeleteThanks so much for the great review, Nancee! I'm thankful you enjoyed the return to Starlight and my fun characters there, as well as my new hero and heroine. Molto grazie, as Dante would say. Smile. I can't seem to stop using his Italian phrases. I've always loved the Italian language and, let's face it, I like cowboys, too! I hoped combining the two would make for a memorable hero. Many blessings to all during this most precious season of the year!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, thank you so much for providing me with copies of both books, and for interacting with the visitors to my blog. That personal touch is much appreciated. I hope that you're already brainstorming about next year's Christmas story! I'll be waiting for one! Looking forward to catching up with your other books whenever I can. I love your style!
DeleteI'm formulating ideas for next year's Christmas novella, Nancee. I've already had a few people clamoring for another return to Starlight, but...no. I probably will focus on another town similar to Starlight, however. There's something about small town Americana that lends itself to faith and family during the holidays, don't you think? I DID have a subplot that was cut from Starlight that I could actually move to another town and perhaps build on that idea. Hmm...the wheels are turning. And yes, I hope you can "meet" Sam and Lexa and my TeamWork crew very soon, Nancee! Maybe reading about sweltering San Antonio can keep you warm in the winter months! I can always hope! Blessings, and thanks again for featuring me on your fantastic blog, Nancee.
DeleteI love Christmas stories and this would be a great chance to try a new author out! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteHi, Debbie, and thanks so much for leaving a comment! I know I've seen your name quite a bit and I'd love to have you read one or more of my books! Blessings to you!
DeleteThe review makes me want to read it for sure. Merry Christmas. Love good Christian books like this.
ReplyDeleteHere is my Email: DRHasselblad@msn.com
Ruthie Hasselblad
Hi Ruthie! Hope you're doing well. Always nice to see you, and thanks for stopping by and commenting! Merry Christmas to you and yours, as well. Blessings!
DeleteThese are both stories that were written so good, kept you thinking about what was going to happen next. I love stories written to where it keeps you thinking and wanting to keep reading to see what happens and how. I am almost done with Star Light Star Bright and love how he came into town and they happen to meet by accident and were attracted to each other, sounds like how I was with my Husband. so much excitement , and love.I love how he didn't want anyone to know who he really was and how she found out.It makes the story line so much better, I love stories with a twist of secrets, it keeps you thinking about how it will turn out. I highly recommend reading them both, It will get you in the Christmas spirit!!
ReplyDeleteDarla, my friend! Thank you so much. I appreciate your sweet compliments and your enthusiasm for Dante and Amanda's story! And, if you like twists and turns (and secrets), I can certainly recommend another book to you (wink). I'm sure you know which one. Many blessings to you and yours during this most precious season of the year!
DeleteBoth of these books ARE wonderful!! I have read them both. Last year at Christmas I was introduced to the great characters that live in the charming town of Starlight, Iowa. Upon completing the novella, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, I couldn't wait for a revisit (sequel) to Starlight! JoAnn Durgin was gracious enough to write that sequel for us this Christmas. I was one of the first to buy it!! And it did not disspoint. JoAnn write and develops characters in all of her books that are endearing and so real to the reader. They all live out their faith and it is fun watching as God lays out his plans for their lives. I just get engrossed in her books and wait anxiously for her next book to be released! She cannot write fast enough :) She is quickly becoming my favorite author.
ReplyDeleteHey, Elaine! You are so good to me. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting and for your very kind words about my books. You were one of the primary reasons I wrote Starlight, you know, and so I give you due credit, my friend. You get one thing you asked for in this return to Starlight...and then some! Smile. Glad you enjoyed it! I'll try to keep cranking out books for you. Blessings!
DeleteEnjoyed your great review, Nancee!! This book sounds like a fantastic Christmas Story that makes you smile and your heart fill with warmth and love. Would love to win this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win this giveaway. Please enter my name.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Barbara, and thanks so much for reading the post and review and leaving a comment! If you win, you actually get two books--Meet Me Under the Mistletoe AND Starlight, Star Bright! I hope you'll have the opportunity to read them! Many blessings to you and yours during this most special and precious season of the year!
DeleteI shared on Facebook and tweeted on Twitter!! Also, I've been following your blog by email. Read Your blog every day you post.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
I so want paperback copies of these books!
ReplyDeletea.f.washburn (at) aol (dot) com
Hi Alyssa! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! No matter who wins (and it could very well be you!), I hope you'll get the opportunity to read my books. I have a lot of fun writing the Christmas novellas, and I like to believe it shows! Many blessings to you during this most special season of the year!
DeleteWhat a fun sounding Christmas book. It looks like God has a plan for the characters and I love that in life and in my reading as well.
ReplyDeleteSonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com
Hi Sonja, and thanks for stopping by Nancee's blog and leaving a comment! Yes, God does indeed have a plan for Dante Moretti and Amanda Marston, and I always like to show how He works in their lives...in only the way He can. Many blessings to you and yours during this special season of the year!!
DeleteStar Light Star Bright sounds like a great read especially at this time of year!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Rebecca
rbooth43 at yahoo dot com
Thanks for stopping by, Rebecca, and leaving a comment. I think Starlight, Star Bright is indeed a story to warm your heart, especially during this special season of the year! Blessings to you and yours at Christmas, as well!
DeleteGreat review Nancee.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read these books.
Thanks,
Carolyn J.
Hi, Carolyn! I'd love for you to read these books, too! I appreciate your dropping by and leaving a comment. If you see this (and I'll send you a FB message), please leave your email address in order to be eligible to win the books. Many blessings to you and yours at Christmas!
Deletemy email address: carolynj67@att.net
DeleteThanks for coming back and adding your email address, Carolyn! Blessings!
DeleteI really want to read these books. I have been wanting to for a long time. Thanks for offering. you know where to find me! lol
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda! I suppose Nancee has your email address? :) Yes, we must get you started reading my books (any of them), and I hope you can meet my Starlight crew soon. If you have an eBook reader, they're less than $5 for both! With those low prices, no reason to wait (if you don't win the paperbacks, of course). Thanks for your comment and many blessings to you and yours at Christmas!
DeleteNancee, thanks for review of JoAnn . Her books sound delightful! Looking forward to adding her to my reading list.
ReplyDeleteI will send e mail to friends about this blog. also follow your blog by e mail. thank you
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Jackie, and thanks for reading about Starlight and leaving a comment! I hope you'll get a chance to read one or more of my books sometime (I have a few of them including a series and a standalone novel). Thanks for sharing with your friends! Blessings to you and yours at Christmas!
DeleteCongratulations, Jackie! Your name was drawn in this contest for both copies of JoAnn Durgin's Christmas novellas! You'll enjoy both of these books!
DeleteJust the pretty cover make me want this book, :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds very interesting, too. This is a new author to me,
not sure I can get it read before christmas but that wouldn't
bother me to read in anytime of the year :)
Hi Loretta! Thanks for the compliment on the cover. Pelican Book Group (the publisher for my Christmas novellas) does a great job on the covers, don't they? Glad you like it. And yes, you can read Starlight, Star Bright (and its forerunner, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe) at ANY time of the year. They're a good, heartwarming read at ANY time of the year, I like to think! Many blessings to you and yours at Christmas!
DeleteBeautiful review, Nancee! I can't wait to read these special books and have already hopped over to Amazon to order my copies! Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Britney! I sincerely appreciate it and hope you enjoy my Christmas novellas. Blessings to you and yours during this most special season of the year!
ReplyDeleteThank you, JoAnn, for providing the books for this contest, and for providing me with a review copy. Thank you, readers, for commenting and entering this contest. Your comments are such an encouragement to me. I appreciate every one of them!
ReplyDeleteI so enjoy Christmas books !!!! The cover on this is heartwarming and so Christmassy !!!! I would love to read this and will be checking on Amazon right away !!! :-) I like reading your reviews Nancee, they are right on the money and I know right from the get go how I will feel about the book......need to read !!!!!!!!!!!! thanks so much !!! Rosemary rfoley at salemstate dot edu
ReplyDelete