Stardust

by Rue Volley

When Jasmine gets the call that her father has died, she immediately heads home to Stillcreek, Pa. Having been gone for years, she thought she had shed the small town and the insecure girl that she once was. However, returning home opens up all of the old wounds she thought she had mended and brings back her panic attacks and inability to deal with her overbearing sisters. The only thing that seems to pacify her anxiety is Cody Baker. Cody has a way of making her feel calm, when she needs it the most. Opening up to this stranger she meets on a train, Jasmine lets him in when the walls she has so carefully constructed start to crumble from grief. It may appear that Jasmine is the only one in need, but as most things go, appearances can be deceiving. Perhaps she is not the one who truly needs salvation.

Genres: Romance, Short Stories

110 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2014

About the author

Rue Volley, who also writes as Elle Lee Hicks, lives in the Midwest in an old Victorian house with her husband and a spoiled Pug, crafting immersive, character-driven stories. She loves curling up in her favorite hoodie on rainy days with a great whodunit and collecting book trophies. Rue is a dedicated mood reader and never leaves the house without her Kindle Oasis, an iced coffee, and a list of books to buy.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks]

Stardust by Rue Volley
Contemporary paranormal romance novella.
Jasmine gets a call that her father has passed away. She immediately jumps on a train to go home to Stillcreek, PA to be with family. She meets Cody Baker on the train and he goes hole with her to act as a buffer against old wounds and overbearing sisters. Jasmine finds her panic attacks returning while she’s home and Cody helps her cope and heal from the loss.

It’s poignant and sad and ultimately hopeful. The ending took me by surprise. But it is hopeful as mentioned so a healing story to read on your lunch break.
I’ve been told this short story is not the regular genre for this author.

[Pyxi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review for: Stardust by Rue Volley
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Shanna Harris

“Sometimes you just have to shut up and listen. Listen to life and the beauty all around you.”

It all begins with the loss of a loved one, a train ride home and the stars…

When Jasmine father passes, she is struck with how much she has missed, how much she has lost, he wasn’t just her father but her best friend. Taking the long ride home from New York to the small PA town of Stillcreek, Jazz encounters a fellow wanderer, Cody Baker. With his own losses and missing pieces, Cody proves to be an anchor that Jasmine didn’t even know she needed. Because when it feels like her whole world is coming undone, Cody and the stars become the only constant. Will Jazz continue to push everyone way when her walls are crumbling? Or will Cody and Jazz find what they are looking for in each other’s arms?

Stardust was a beautiful tale of loss, love and letting go. I knew it wasn’t Rue normal genre going into it, what I didn’t expect was the emotion it would wrench from me. Rue has this incredible gift of willing the reader to feel what the main characters are feeling and the loss Jasmine felt going home to bury her father made me think of when my own father passed away. I had that same feeling of being lost when a children loses a parent and I won’t lie, I ugly cried several times while reading Jazz’s journey. Beautifully written and it will stay with me for a long time. Once again, Rue, you have mastered this genre easily!

[Jacquie Talento · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We are all made of stars and to the stars we return".
Perfect quote from this story.
How does anyone put into words how wonderful this story is and how well written it has been done? Ms. Volley took her readers in a completely different direction than she has ever gone. This story will pull at every heart string you have and leave you thinking about the characters well after you have finished. So with that said, be sure to have Kleenex in hand and ready for the twists and turns that will bring you to tears.
Jasmine has received word that her father has passed away and is in route back home to follow thru with his final wishes. Not excited about joining back up with her sisters, she finds herself reliving memories of her time with her father. Bumping into Cody Baker on the train heading home, Jasmine finds herself awaking many things she didn't know even existed in herself. Let's as well say that Cody is swoon worthy as many of Ms. Volley's characters are.
This story didn't take me long to read as I refused to be interrupted while reading it and enjoyed every aspect of it.
Thank you Ms. Volley for going in a different direction for your readers as this one I must say is one of my all time favorite reads of yours and something I hope you write about again.

[Pamela Stuard · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 star read!!! A Must Read!!!

Wow is all I can say!!!

This book also made me cry and to realize that ALL of us are unique in our own ways. Some of us may even have special abilities.. like for example about this book; some people are able to see and speak to spirits.
Author Rue Volley did it again; wrote a story and made you smile, laugh and cry.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jasmine is on her way home to her father’s funeral by train. On the train she meets Cody who makes Jasmine’s anxiety better. They click on the train and spend the ride together. Cody gets off with her at her stop to spend more time with her. Jasmine is at odds with her sisters and this comes to a head while she is home. The story has several twists that I didn’t see coming. This is a nice story of love and loss.

[Crystal Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short ad sweet

I really liked this one. The ending was unexpected. My interest was grabbed right away. I can't wait to read more by this Author.

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: N/A
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance, Contemporary
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: B – a few small errors
Received from: Amazon purchase

This is a stand-alone / not part of a series.

Jasmine returns home from New York City to a small town in Eastern Pennsylvania. While on the train ride home, she spends time reminiscing about her father who has just passed away and she is also spending time getting to know a fellow passenger, Cody Baker. The closer they get to Stillcreek, PA, the more her old panic attacks and feelings of inadequacies begin to surface. She is surprised that Cody seems to be able to calm her just when she most needs it. Can she trust a friendship that forms so quickly? What does Cody need in return?

By the end of this one I was crying. Only, I can’t even tell you if they were happy tears or sad tears… or maybe something else. I can tell you that I absolutely loved the story and did not see that climax or ending coming!

Because I could not be in Ohio for the premiere of Rue Volley’s Hellhounds movie, I picked up one of the ARCs she has so graciously given me. I am so glad that I did. It is stories like this that show her true abilities and prove WHY she was picked up for a movie deal. I am looking forward to reading many more stories from Ms. Rue Volley.

[Valerie Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rue Volley managed to once again bring my emotions out with her work. Stardust was hard for me to read, because I could relate to how Jasmine felt. Loosing a parent unexpectedly is one of the hardest things in life. But she was so lucky to find Cody on the train and become friends. I didn't have siblings, like Jasmine did to contend with at home, but if I did, I would want Cody by my side. Charlie, when I reached the part of the train coming, I couldn't read on, I was crying to much. I knew what was going to happen and I love animals so much, but the bridge is where all is lost is returned to Stardust. But all in all, Jasmine is a very special girl, with a special love for Cody and her ex Jess. And because of that love, she was able to set them free. No one else could. So because of all this, Jazz has become stronger and has decided to move back home and has the same encounter on the train once again going home. Is he Cody, or some one else?
This is a very emotional story, that has surprise after surprise in it. It has touched my heart in many ways and made me miss my childhood and my parents. For a short story it is very powerful!

[Mad about · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We all come from the stars"

Jazz is young, vibrant and living in the City after being raised in a little town but her fathers passed away and she's taking a train home to be with her family.

Cody has travelled for too long but Jazz's boarding changes something in him and he knows they need each other. Jazz fights the romance thinking her emotional state is blinding her but when she needs someone Codys there.

I don't want to give too much away as it'll deprive you of the surprised but the hidden Paranormal element really creeps up on you and leaves you breathless.
Lots of shocking revelations and emotional bombs in this book with a little sizzle thrown in for the grown ups.
Great stand alone which was refreshing in a sea of Series. It was bittersweet and beautiful, sort of a palate cleanser which I needed.

[W.H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Stardust
Author: Rue Volley
Genre: New Adult 18+
Release Date: August 17, 2014
Publisher: Hot Ink Press

OMGosh! I LOVE IT!! This is a complete turn around for this author. Stardust hit home in a lot of ways for me, from the emotional loss of a loved one to the obstacles one is faced with during life. The unexpected twists and suspenseful turns flowed smoothly making it a clean, clear, and easy to follow read. It is well written and the presentation from the cover to the interior formatting is deliciously devine. The world building is consistent, full of emotions and provokes thought.

"Stardust is a fantabulous read that blew me away. Rue Volley is growing as a writer and I am Loving the fact that I can sit back and watch it happen. GO RUE!!"

5 out of 5 Hearts
Lovetiggi's Book Reviews

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

How much emotion can an author pack into a short novel? If you are Rue Volley, you can write a short novel that will stay with readers for years to come. Stardust is a novel about a young woman going through the very things we all at one time or another will go through as humans...Loss...Death...Anguish...Breakdowns...Love...Healing...Hope and Redemption...With a beautiful surprising twist so beautifully written that it will touch your soul and break your heart. Not just the story line but the characters as well. I've read a lot of Rue Volleys books and in my opinion has a gift of writing from her soul...her characters and their stories stay with you; you find yourself remembering them forever more.

Pick this novel up and settle in and read it, you will not be disappointed. I know I'll not forget Stardust and Jazz and Cody for a longtime to come.
Thank you Rue Volley.

[Jenny Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This magnificent story is one that will always be a part of my heart. This is not the normal Rue Volley story but it is sure a memorable one. It's a great story of love and loss and heart break and I highly recommend this to all. It kind of hits home for me and has got me thinking bit, and I believe this story will capture more hearts and souls with it unique and addicting plot. It's a fast paced and a hard read to put down. I felt as if I could relate to the same feelings that the character was going through. They story itself is just so real and I felt as if I was part of the story, the way I was captured into the story.

I received a complementary copy of this story, in return for an honest review.

[Bella Doerres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Dust by Rue Volley

Jasmine is on her way home to bury her father. On the way she runs into the mysterious Cody Baker. When her sisters meet her at the train he jumps in to let them think he is her boyfriend. Now maybe her sisters will back off, maybe. When Cody is welcomed by her family Jasmine AKA Jazz lets them think he is the one. In reading Star Dust I have to say I have not felt so much emotion in a story in a very long time. Jazz is a woman coming to grips with her past, her life, and her fears. Nothing surprised me more than the ending in this story. This is an amazing story written with feeling and a touch of hope by a writer that knows how to use her skills to create a lasting image of how we can face our tomorrows.


Bella Doerres

[Jeannette Joyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The journey of life isn’t always the trip you plan. Sometimes it will take you through detours.
Well what can I say Rue Has done it again! This time she created a world that brings tears to your eye yet makes you laugh with your whole heart. It is one of those read that you develop a soft spot for the character. To the point that you become emotionally involved. If I had to summon it up in as few words well it would be “down to earth.” Over all I have to say that this has made it to the favorite list. Now fair warning there is some pretty saucy scene not to mention some tear jerking ones was well! So grab a box of tissue sit back and immerse yourself in this unforgettable journey!

[Discrete Divas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this eBook for a honest review.

I loved this story! It was beautifully written. The characters in this story where awesome..
Jasmine is on her way home after hearing her father passed..She almost misses the train before a handsome Cody comes and saves the day by pulling her on the train..They start to get cozy with each other when she decides to take him home after a oops moment..This story of love and loss..and letting go at the right time..I wish I could give this 10stars Rue knocked this out of the park (as always)..I look forward to more reads from Rue!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Stardust by Rue Volley was a complete surprise to me.

I was slow getting into it, but I think that has more to do with me than the book. The story was detailed, the characters wonderful and evocative.

It started out just like you would expect; we've all dreaded those sorts of phone calls. But then the twists started, and I couldn't put it down.

I must have gone through every emotion in reading this book, and it was wonderful! Find it, buy it, read it! You will not regret it.

[Heather Kirchhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing and so, so sad. I felt really bad for Jasmine throughout it and also got a little annoyed at one of her actions. I loved how Stardust ended, though. It's a must read.

[Lilliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, I cried... This book amazed me! For the full review, please follow the link: http://thenerdemp.com/stardust-review/

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

i so did not expect the book to go the way it did.
bravo to the author

[Mizz Kris Curlz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story!!! It was not at all what I expected but OH so good!