About the Book
Star Youngblood has always been a fighter–a necessity after her mother married a monster of a man. Now, she’s finally on the path to the stable life she’s always wanted. Her employer, Priscilla Kelly, is a sweet woman ravaged by rheumatoid arthritis, and Star will do anything to help her. Even if that means going toe to toe with Mrs. Kelly’s neglectful son.
After being betrayed on the mission field and devastated by the tragic death of his father, Paul Kelly gave up on God. He lives life on his own terms, biding his time as a corporate pilot until he can save enough money to begin his own flight school closer to home. His mother is all he has left, and he wants to be near her. He just didn’t expect her health to decline so quickly. When he discovers his mother has taken in a stray—a woman he’s not at all sure can be trusted—his protective instincts kick into high gear. Paul’s handled a lot of turbulence, but he’s never gone up against a force like Star.
As Paul and Star strive to protect his mother in their own ways, they soon find their own hearts are at the greatest risk.
Excerpt
Mrs. Kelly’s phone rang, and Star retrieved it from her purse, relieved she wouldn’t have to hear the rest of what Davis was about to say. Paul Kelly’s name registered on the ID, so she took the call. “It’s about time.”
“Who is this?”
“Your mom’s assistant. Didn’t you get my message?”
“I saw a message, but I… I called when I landed in London.”
“Your mother is in the hospital.” Finally, she could give this guy a piece of her mind. She stood and paced in front of the row of chairs. “You need to get over here to see her. She’s a good person, and you’re lucky to have such a wonderful mother.”
“Who are you?”
“My name is Star Youngblood. I’ve been helping your mother for a year now, which you would know if you ever came to check on her.”
The line fell silent for a moment. “What’s wrong with her?”
“Something with her heart. I don’t know yet.”
“Is there a medical professional I can speak to?”
“Yeah. There are a lot of them here at the hospital. Why don’t you jump in your jet and come talk to them?”
“I don’t know who you think you are—”
“Someone who cares about your mother.”
The call ended, and Star tossed the phone back in her purse. “Maybe Paul Kelly got the message.”
Davis snorted. “Ya think?”
Review
Janet W. Ferguson continues her tradition of redeeming wounded characters in this contemporary romance that features a former addict, an ailing but lively elderly lady, and her bitter and somewhat neglectful son. And it just so happens to include a trip to Ireland—albeit with a few travelling mishaps to keep them on their toes!
Paul and Star definitely don’t get off to a great start, each forming a poor opinion of the other and neither treating the other in a manner that was likely to change that any time soon. But they do both care greatly for Mrs. Kelly, even if they show it in different ways, and so find themselves accompanying her on her dream trip to Ireland—and beginning to see each other through new eyes along the way.
For Paul, though, it’s not just his opinion of Star that needs to change but his opinion of God. At times I felt his attitude toward God and Christianity in general was a little extreme, even considering the events that precipitated his attitude—it sure made him a tough nut to crack! But Janet Ferguson doesn’t shy away from cracking that nut, nor does she shy away from the complications this causes for Star and Paul as their relationship begins to shift.
It’s a bumpy ride at times as heads butt and sparks fly, but it’s also a story of the way in which God transforms—with a little adventure and sightseeing along the way.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
About the Author
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served her church as a children’s minister and a youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.
Connect with Janet: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Wonderful review. This sounds like a book i would very much enjoy.
Thank you so much for reading Star Rising!! I so appreciate it!