Where the Stars Still Shine- Trish Doller

Title:  Where the Stars Still Shine
Author:  Trish Doller
Source: Borrowed from the library
Series:  Standalone
Rating:  4.5/5















Goodreads Summary:

Stolen as a child from her large and loving family, and on the run with her mom for more than ten years, Callie has only the barest idea of what normal life might be like. She's never had a home, never gone to school, and has gotten most of her meals from laundromat vending machines. Her dreams are haunted by memories she’d like to forget completely. But when Callie’s mom is finally arrested for kidnapping her, and Callie’s real dad whisks her back to what would have been her life, in a small town in Florida, Callie must find a way to leave the past behind. She must learn to be part of a family. And she must believe that love--even with someone who seems an improbable choice--is more than just a possibility.
Trish Doller writes incredibly real teens, and this searing story of love, betrayal, and how not to lose your mind will resonate with readers who want their stories gritty and utterly true.

This is the second book that Trish Dollar has written. I loved her first book, Something Like Normal and I also loved her most recent book just as much. I love how she makes her characters realistic, none is perfect in her novels and they all have their flaws. I thought she portrayed Callie really well.

Callie has been on the run with her mother since she was in Kindergarten. Her mother never stays in one place for long. They are finally caught and Callie learns her dad is not who her mom made him out to be. While her mom is awaiting trial for kidnapping her, Callie goes to stay with her dad and his new wife, Phoebe and learns to be a normal teenager.

Callie has a hard time trying to find middle ground between her parents, as she becomes more comfortable with her dad she feels like she is betraying her mom. Callie has a lot more hidden inside then she lets on. When she meets Alex, she starts to get comfortable with her new life. She starts making friends and gets a job at a local store. I loved Callie, she was flawed but she admitted when she made a mistake.  Alex was so sweet and his own story was filled with sadness just like Callie.  I loved the dynamic between them .

I cannot say too much about the plot without giving things away. I liked discovering the secrets of both of their pasts as a I read this novel, it made me love them both so much more. I highly recommend both this novel and her first novel. I love the writing and the story. If you have not picked this up you need to.