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Sway of the Stars #1
The Shooting Star
Hidden treasures … broken spirits … tangled love.
Sassy and stubborn, Liz Emerson has always done it tough. When a bundle of cash comes her way, she’s already allocated it to sensible and practical costs — not for what it’s intended.
Fiercely proud and loyal, billionaire Connor Levorico has always followed the principals of his hardworking grandfather. On the night of his death, his grandfather reveals one final secret and Connor makes a promise.
Connor and Liz find themselves on the same reckless path, looking for buried heirloom jewels, in a tiny out-of-the-way village in southern Italy. Unexpected heat flares quickly between them, until this modern-day treasure hunt turns dangerous, forcing Liz and Connor apart.
But not even Connor’s wealth can prepare him for the sudden change that will impact his life forever. As he claws his way out of the darkness, the lure of the jewels won’t go away.
Can Connor convince Liz to return for one more shot at finding the jewels? He’s prepared to risk everything, even his heart, to ensure she agrees.
Liz fights back, not sure who to trust. Her heart was left in tatters last time. Why would she risk it again?
Sassy and stubborn, Liz Emerson has always done it tough. When a bundle of cash comes her way, she’s already allocated it to sensible and practical costs — not for what it’s intended.
Fiercely proud and loyal, billionaire Connor Levorico has always followed the principals of his hardworking grandfather. On the night of his death, his grandfather reveals one final secret and Connor makes a promise.
Connor and Liz find themselves on the same reckless path, looking for buried heirloom jewels, in a tiny out-of-the-way village in southern Italy. Unexpected heat flares quickly between them, until this modern-day treasure hunt turns dangerous, forcing Liz and Connor apart.
But not even Connor’s wealth can prepare him for the sudden change that will impact his life forever. As he claws his way out of the darkness, the lure of the jewels won’t go away.
Can Connor convince Liz to return for one more shot at finding the jewels? He’s prepared to risk everything, even his heart, to ensure she agrees.
Liz fights back, not sure who to trust. Her heart was left in tatters last time. Why would she risk it again?
- GenresContemporary
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2023
12 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Frances Dall'Alba
42 books31 followersAs a contemporary romance author, Frances loves nothing more than losing herself in a good romance. She's all about helping you forget the housework, or the bus to work you're going to miss, if you don't put the book down now!
She's devoted to giving her readers an emotional, passionate, possibly some ugly-cry, fairly steamy love story, that'll melt your heart and have you fighting for the happy ending right until the end.
Frances sets her books in North Queensland. She makes no excuses if some of her settings include amazing lakes and waterfalls, stunning views from tops of mountains, spectacular outback scenes, or crystal-clear creeks shadowed by tropical rainforest.
When she isn't writing, Frances is climbing mountains, searching for waterfalls and swimming across lakes. She loves to exercise, would prefer it if someone else cooked dinner every night, and never notices dust on the furniture.
She lives with her husband in tropical Far North Queensland, Australia, and uses her great baking skills to tempt her three daughters to visit home as often as they can.
You can find Frances at: https://francesdallalba.wixsite.com/f...
She's devoted to giving her readers an emotional, passionate, possibly some ugly-cry, fairly steamy love story, that'll melt your heart and have you fighting for the happy ending right until the end.
Frances sets her books in North Queensland. She makes no excuses if some of her settings include amazing lakes and waterfalls, stunning views from tops of mountains, spectacular outback scenes, or crystal-clear creeks shadowed by tropical rainforest.
When she isn't writing, Frances is climbing mountains, searching for waterfalls and swimming across lakes. She loves to exercise, would prefer it if someone else cooked dinner every night, and never notices dust on the furniture.
She lives with her husband in tropical Far North Queensland, Australia, and uses her great baking skills to tempt her three daughters to visit home as often as they can.
You can find Frances at: https://francesdallalba.wixsite.com/f...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 27, 2024
The Shooting Star is book one in Frances Dall'Alba's Sway of the Stars series. During the Second World War, two young brothers were separated, one to Australia and the other to Canada. On their deathbeds, the brothers reveal a family secret to the two people they were close to, Liz Emerson and Connor Levorico. To fulfil their promise for different reasons, they cross paths in a small rural town in southern Italy. However, this encounter would change both their lives forever. The readers of The Shooting Star will continue to follow Liz Emerson and Connor Levorico to discover what happens.
The Shooting Star is the first book I read by Frances Dall'Alba. It was enjoyable, and I was engaged with it from the first page to the end. I love Frances Dall'Alba's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. The Shooting Star is well-written and researched. I like Frances Dall'Alba's description of the settings of The Shooting Star, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The Shooting Star readers will understand the consequences of living in an unhappy relationship and learn about leaving a small rural village in Italy.
Thank you to the Publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.
The Shooting Star is the first book I read by Frances Dall'Alba. It was enjoyable, and I was engaged with it from the first page to the end. I love Frances Dall'Alba's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. The Shooting Star is well-written and researched. I like Frances Dall'Alba's description of the settings of The Shooting Star, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The Shooting Star readers will understand the consequences of living in an unhappy relationship and learn about leaving a small rural village in Italy.
Thank you to the Publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.
March 6, 2024
Thank you Frances for gifting us a copy to read and review.
World War Two tore twin brothers apart and greed responsible for their parent’s murders.
Italy was in turmoil and fleeing was the best option after they buried family heirloom jewels.
Although separated the hope that fate will reunite was a lifelong dream.
Liz and Connor are the chosen beneficiaries and entrusted with details and the secret of the jewels.
Unaware of a shared history and heritage they embark on a journey to Italy and retrieve the goods.
Liz from Australia is a battler and feels guilty she cannot give her beloved Grandmother better care in her last days.
The money would help.
In Italy a robbery, a new friendship and meeting a handsome Canadian steam roll into an emotionally and dangerous mission.
Connor admired and respected his Grandfather and without hesitation embarked on a trip to Italy to fulfil his dying wish.
A wealthy background not shielding him from fractures of family issues.
A tangle of love, deception and danger will keep you immersed into this the first book in this series.
I adored the main characters and can see minor characters becoming more prominent in the future stories.
I anticipate an engaging and entertaining series.
World War Two tore twin brothers apart and greed responsible for their parent’s murders.
Italy was in turmoil and fleeing was the best option after they buried family heirloom jewels.
Although separated the hope that fate will reunite was a lifelong dream.
Liz and Connor are the chosen beneficiaries and entrusted with details and the secret of the jewels.
Unaware of a shared history and heritage they embark on a journey to Italy and retrieve the goods.
Liz from Australia is a battler and feels guilty she cannot give her beloved Grandmother better care in her last days.
The money would help.
In Italy a robbery, a new friendship and meeting a handsome Canadian steam roll into an emotionally and dangerous mission.
Connor admired and respected his Grandfather and without hesitation embarked on a trip to Italy to fulfil his dying wish.
A wealthy background not shielding him from fractures of family issues.
A tangle of love, deception and danger will keep you immersed into this the first book in this series.
I adored the main characters and can see minor characters becoming more prominent in the future stories.
I anticipate an engaging and entertaining series.
May 19, 2023
When I think of romance, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and satisfies every romance junkies' heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day. This one took by surprise!
May 23, 2023
I really enjoy books by this author and this story didn’t disappoint! Who can resist great characters AND a treasure hunt?? The story gave me all the feels and I totally felt as if I was right there in Italy with Liz and Connor. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 15, 2023
The Shooting Star was an enjoyable romance. It also has right the amount of mystery and suspense with the two key characters on a mission to hunt for long-lost jewels. I like the journey of Liz and Connor coming together, the changing setting as they travel, and the unexpected plot twists. The will they, won't they question about whether they will find the jewels and build a relationship makes for a great page-turner.
I understand there is more books to come in this series - I'll be definitely keeping an eye out for them.
I understand there is more books to come in this series - I'll be definitely keeping an eye out for them.
June 8, 2023
"Love can't measure by jewel if true love comes take good care of it like a precious jewel!"
there a line in a novel Liz and Canon there's no jewel can measure you like a diamond ruby etc because you're the most important I love you and only you
Okey as a reader of this book I remember this word of wisdom that You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection.
If you are lucky enough that you found the right one that makes you happy and complete you should treat that as a JEWEL because that person is one of the kind that is precious thing.
there a line in a novel Liz and Canon there's no jewel can measure you like a diamond ruby etc because you're the most important I love you and only you
Okey as a reader of this book I remember this word of wisdom that You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection.
If you are lucky enough that you found the right one that makes you happy and complete you should treat that as a JEWEL because that person is one of the kind that is precious thing.
May 24, 2023
The Shooting Star by Frances Dall'Alba is a good, and enjoyable billionaires romantic suspense read. The story has a great entertaining story line. The characters are great, wonderful, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining page turning read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 19, 2023
This was an enjoyable story. The author described Liz, the female main character's mental state well, I felt I knew her personally. Although the often use relationship plot line of "not telling the whole truth to the other" is not my favorite, the rest of the story was compelling enough to enjoy the book. I thought the background story of the twin brothers and their secret was original and written well.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 30, 2023
The Shooting Star by Frances dallalba is one of my favourite writers and this is the 4th book I’ve read of hers. Every time I am guaranteed to be captured straight away and cant resist turning the pages as she leaves me wanting to find out what next. There were things I didnt want to happen and people I badly wanted to see reunited before passing but this is part of what makes me love her writing as its not all fairytales, it verges on the side of reality where its not all perfect. This is a bittersweet story of 2 twin brothers who faced the death of their parents, how to survive, make a plan, do right by their parents and do it quick! all at nearly 11yrs of age. What eventuates from this is separation, hidden jewels, family ties, romance, suspicion, coincidence, pain and heartache all connected together. Boy, does Frances know how to make you imagine the characters, well especially Conner! Liz and Conner feature mainly in this book along with Roberta, who meets Liz on her travels and they hit it off as friends who work out a deal to help each other . Conner is on a different side of the world and how they meet is not your usual romantic story and youll be in for a unpredictable ride as just when you think you know the direction this story is going, it takes a complete different one. Great bunch of characters except Conners dad and the thief of course! Sally, Conners mum and others that also were in their lives really made it a great read. Was very comforting with epilogue and the chance to finally read what was in Uncle Bens letter. Many thanks to Beauty and Lace, for the chance to read and Frances Dallalba for your amazing talent as never read a book i didnt love from you so, thankyou so much!
August 16, 2023
After finding a letter from her "adopted" uncle Ben, Liz is stuck with a decision. As sole carer for her ailing grandma does she stay there in Qld Australia. Or does she do as requested by her uncle, a trip to a small town in italy in search of the family jewels. Their find would ease the financial burdens but should she leave her grandma.
Connor depended on his grandfather for raising him as his parents were problematic. His grandfather left him a history and a task, search for his brother and retrieve their family's jewels. Can he leave the family business in Canada with his challging parents and go to small country town Italy?
Both take a chance and fate takes control. Follow the story where secrets are plenty, romance is in the air and caution is required from unknown dangers.
I enjoyed this read, it plays on things we can only dream of having happen and ties a story to boot. Thank you Frances Dall'alba for another captivating read and Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read.
Connor depended on his grandfather for raising him as his parents were problematic. His grandfather left him a history and a task, search for his brother and retrieve their family's jewels. Can he leave the family business in Canada with his challging parents and go to small country town Italy?
Both take a chance and fate takes control. Follow the story where secrets are plenty, romance is in the air and caution is required from unknown dangers.
I enjoyed this read, it plays on things we can only dream of having happen and ties a story to boot. Thank you Frances Dall'alba for another captivating read and Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read.
July 17, 2023
Thank you for the chance to review this book! I read The Shooting Star with interest, the background was well set up and believable - so much upheaval of so many people around that time. The lack of contact between the siblings is also very believable, as I know some people who went through the same type of separation and found each other over 60 years later.
The present day story line was very readable and enjoyable, the visuals of the countryside were so well written and I loved the mystery being solved. Both characters were well balanced (although I always find the angst a bit repetitive) but was well paced. My only thought was that I didn't really get who was the thief and were they fitted in - but maybe that is book 2?
Looking froward to the rest of the series. Please note that a 3 star read from me means that I am happy to recommend the book to others.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The present day story line was very readable and enjoyable, the visuals of the countryside were so well written and I loved the mystery being solved. Both characters were well balanced (although I always find the angst a bit repetitive) but was well paced. My only thought was that I didn't really get who was the thief and were they fitted in - but maybe that is book 2?
Looking froward to the rest of the series. Please note that a 3 star read from me means that I am happy to recommend the book to others.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 20, 2023
Australian part-time student, Liz, discovers a letter left by her ‘adopted’ uncle, sending her on a 75-year-old quest. At the same time, affluent Canadian businessman, Connor, is given a similar letter by his late grandfather’s lawyer. As the two keep meeting in bizarre circumstances in Italy, seeds of distrust are interspersed by a strong attraction. It is only after a series of potentially dangerous and life-threatening crises that the truth is revealed.
Frances Dall’Alba draws her audience into the story from the first page. Her characters are diverse and strong, and the plot keeps the reader turning pages eagerly from start to finish to discover the outcome. Liz’s ‘good luck’ token, which is also the title of the book, does not always live up to its promise, however, as both Liz and Connor face challenges while having it in their possession!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Frances Dall’Alba draws her audience into the story from the first page. Her characters are diverse and strong, and the plot keeps the reader turning pages eagerly from start to finish to discover the outcome. Liz’s ‘good luck’ token, which is also the title of the book, does not always live up to its promise, however, as both Liz and Connor face challenges while having it in their possession!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 3, 2023
The Shooting Star - I could not put this book down but I had to and ended up savoring it for two days. I read a lot of romances, not my preferred genre - Ludlum rules, but occasionally I come across an exceptionally well written story that keeps me enthralled in the special characters and their intriguing story lines.
This story goes beyond just a romance but tells of history, loves, sacrifices and discoveries. When you read this heartbreaking and heartwarming story, you will see the depths of which I am trying to convey without giving away any secrets of the story. It's an adventure to read with fresh eyes. This story beats the movie and its remake concerning a ship and the Empire State Building. Oops, I gave too much away. Source: BookSirens. 10*
This story goes beyond just a romance but tells of history, loves, sacrifices and discoveries. When you read this heartbreaking and heartwarming story, you will see the depths of which I am trying to convey without giving away any secrets of the story. It's an adventure to read with fresh eyes. This story beats the movie and its remake concerning a ship and the Empire State Building. Oops, I gave too much away. Source: BookSirens. 10*
July 5, 2023
I found this book an easy and enjoyable read. We follow Liz and Connor in their search for missing family jewels. The journey spans 3 countries - Australia, Rome, and Canada, and solves a mystery 75 years in the making.
Whilst I found the plot somewhat contrived, I continued reading as I was keen to find out what happens. I was pleased to read Frances plans to continue the series , this being her first book in The Sway of the Stars series. Peripheral characters Sally (Liz' sister), Roberta (friend) and Lucia (Connor's sister) plan to be featured. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 5, 2023
I thought this book was okay. Sometimes I felt like getting through the story felt a bit forced. Everyone kept ending up in the hospital and then having to leave quickly for another emergency. It was just emergency after emergency and it didn’t flow for me. I also didn’t understand the actions of the friends and family. Especially how quickly Roberta was accepted by Liz and how she was more trusted than Conner even though they knew each other about the same amount of time. It just didn’t hit the mark for me.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
July 4, 2023
You can always count on books from Ms Dall'Alba to hit the mark - I've read quite a few of her books now, and "The Shooting Star" certainly didn't disappoint. Full of delightful characters, I enjoyed the story unfolding around Liz and Connor in their quest to solve the mystery of missing family heirloom jewels. Ms Dall'Alba has a talent for making you feel like you are viewing the goings-on from within the book, which is something that keeps me coming back for more from her pen. I look forward to what comes next.
March 22, 2024
I enjoyed the story and the characters. The book was slow in some areas which made it tough. It was also introducing a lot of characters and background which can get tedious. It was also tough to “watch” Liz being so distrustful and suspicious just because Conner had money but be so accepting of Roberta when she meet them both the same day and Roberta isn’t exactly poor either. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
December 4, 2024
A story of following what you have been asked to do, especially when it means healing the past of the person you are doing it for.
There are some adventures, as well as romance, but also some mystery to the story, whereby both the main characters are searching for the same thing, not realising it is because of the history that the people they are searching for are joined but never joined together again.
There are some adventures, as well as romance, but also some mystery to the story, whereby both the main characters are searching for the same thing, not realising it is because of the history that the people they are searching for are joined but never joined together again.
November 6, 2023
Such a wonderful story, so very emotional. When Liz and Connor meet they have no idea of the connections they share. The characters are all so very well depicted I feel I really know them. There is romance, mystery and separation. I love the small town in Italy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 23, 2025
This was my first read by Frances. And it did not disappoint. I loved Liz and Connor. Their romance was full of twists and turns and I am here for it. I was not a fan of Roberta at first, but she grew on me. I cannot wait to read more.
Disclaimer, I received a free ARC version of this book and are doing this review voluntarily.
Disclaimer, I received a free ARC version of this book and are doing this review voluntarily.
July 1, 2023
The Shooting Star by Frances Dall'Alba is a romantic suspense novel. Billionaire Connor Levorico and Liz Emerson have great chemistry. This book is an entertaining, and page-turning read. I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving a truthful/voluntary review.
August 4, 2023
A lovely story with an exciting adventure. I love a romance between two people from opposite sides of the work who meet while on holiday. I was very sad about what happens to Connor, but a good story nonetheless :)
October 20, 2023
So very tedious
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews