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February 2, 2012 by Tate Publishing
Paperback, 260 Pages
Review Copy
In Lasso the Stars, we are introduced to main character Dina, a woman who recently diagnosed with terminal cancer is living out her last few months with her sisters at the family's old country farmhouse. Although death is inevitable and pain cripples her body and thoughts, Dina has come to terms that her life is ending. Over the course of her duration at the farmhouse, she reflects on her life, the good and not so good memories that shaped her outcomes, her downfalls and most important her missed opportunities Thinking she has none left, thinking that the farmhouse will be the last of her adventures, Dina is unprepared to meet a man, to experience love and get that last chance at happiness.
When Gil a random stranger enters her life in the form of a western cowboy, we the readers know he is an angel sent to help her make peace with the final days of her life and guide her into the transition of death. Dina however doesn't put the pieces together until much later, until after shes fallen in love with him, and against all odds he has fallen in love with her in return.
Although the subject matter in this book is sad, Nielson did a great job celebrating the life Dina had rather than leading us through a dark depressed road of terminal illness. Had the book been filled with sorrow, I doubt I could of finished it. The romance while unbelievable in a real world sense, carried an undertone of fairy tale like joy and I can see the appeal in a feel good romance for those readers looking for something moving yet light. I also loved the ending of the book, I think the author showed writing strength and uniqueness by presenting death as a new beginning and not letting death become painful and the motivating factor of her book.
My draw backs to the story would have to be the spiritual elements. I personally believe in angels and practice faith, I just don't believe in them the way Nielson presented it, and sometimes that factor took away from the story. Reminiscent of the movie City of Angels, I had a hard time comprehending an all powerful immortal giving up the goods for a human woman, or becoming a cowboy that says y'all and utters hillbilly twain for the duration of the novel, trivial for the most part but still a factor for me as a reader. The sex between the couple kind of creeped me out and even for sappy and happy I think the story would have worked better had Gil remained her friend, her companion and her guide without the physical aspect. That factor aside, and a tad bit of the dialog being awkward could not out weigh the poetic displays of nature, kindness and love encapsulated in this moving story. Overall I really enjoyed experiencing the read and the last chapter.
Rating
Recommended to adult readers who enjoy heart felt sappy romance. Contains: Death, Angels and mild sexuality.
3/5-Romance (with a touch of paranormal)
Thanks to Publisher and TLC book tours for my review copy.
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OMG...this one sounds too sad for me Tina!
ReplyDeleteOMG it sounds awesome but my heart couldn't take it.
ReplyDeleteI actually enjoy books that tug on my heart. I know, weirdo here. Thanks for your review and for giving me my first look at this book.
ReplyDeleteTina,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for reviewing my novel, Lasso the Stars. I appreciated the time you gave to your comments. Your words held a lot of meaning.
Sincerely,
L. L. Nielsen
Thanks for being a part of the tour.
ReplyDelete