By the Stars by Lindsay B. Ferguson - Giveaway!

Lindsay's publisher is offering a giveaway of 10 copies of By the Stars on Goodreads. Find the giveaway with this link!

By the Stars

Author: Lindsay B. Ferguson

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: March 2016

ISBN: 9781462118151

Paperback: 320 pages

FTC FYI: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, all views and opinions are my own.

Goodreads Summary

When Cal finally gets a chance with Kate, the girl he's loved since grade school, their easy friendship quickly blossoms into a meaningful romance. Spirited and independent, Kate keeps a guarded heart due to a painful past, and Cal wants nothing more than to gain her trust. But World War II soon cuts their time far too short, and Cal prepares to part from her – possibly for good. After he's gone, what Kate does next changes everything. 

In the suffocating jungles of the Philippines Cal encounters the chilling life of a soldier and deadly battles of war. With Kate's memory willing him on, Cal must put his trust in God to survive if he hopes to ever return to her. Inspired by a true story, By the Stars is a romance that stands the test of time and the most intense obstacles.

My Review

By the Stars is the beautifully told story of Cal and Kate.  Cal loved Kate since the 8th grade, and always admired her from afar.  When they did "meet" again, I loved the progression of their relationship.  I loved how Cal saw Kate, really saw her. Not only for her beauty but for the type of person that she was.  Cal is sent away many times. First with his mission before they courted, then a second time when he is called to war.  I loved seeing Cal's character grow through these experiences.  I enjoyed their courtship before Cal leaves for war, but what I loved most about it, was the regret Kate felt when he leaves, and what she does after that, it was very clever and sweet.  And well, quite sneaky too.   I love stories about World War II, that time period is very fascinating to me.  The author does an incredible job of depicting war, the horrors of war, and the battles of war. Cal was amazing to me.  Not only was he a loyal and caring person, but incredibly brave and a hero.  What I loved most about the story was how it is based on real people.  I loved the Afterword and the author's thoughts and feelings on why she wrote the book in the first place, truly amazing.  I love hearing the "back story" on why a book is written.

One of my favorite quotes was right at the beginning. 

If there's one thing I've learned throughout my experiences, it's that in life there are no coincidences.  In my life there have been no coincidences.  God's hands are in everything.  As I have given my life to Him, He has shaped it.

This statement stuck with me as I read this book, and has stayed with me since.  While reading, it was clear that Cal stayed faithful and God blessed and protected him.  What a wonderful lesson for us all.

5 out of 5 stars.  These characters will always have a special place in my heart.

Author Links

Website / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Book and Things / Deseret Book

Thank you to Cedar Fort and the author. They have graciously offered a paperback copy of the book as a giveaway! Use the Rafflecopter for the giveaway. US ONLY a Rafflecopter giveaway