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A Shining Star
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B01MTY4BX8
A compelling story of Faith...Life...Love...Redemption...and Spirit...
Be captivated by the heartfelt adventure of Cali Malone.
Let this emotional ride bring you to tears, as you root for happily ever after.
Cali is excited about the holiday season. Despite struggles in her early life, she never lost the Christmas spirit.
This holiday season was different, as she was to embark on an unexpected business journey that would give way to the possibility of love.
Before she can make any decisions, fate once again would play her a rough hand, as she fights for life.
A crystal ornament mysteriously brings everything full circle, as those around Cali find themselves coming together.
A compelling story of Faith...Life...Love...Redemption...and Spirit...
Be captivated by the heartfelt adventure of Cali Malone.
Let this emotional ride bring you to tears, as you root for happily ever after.
Cali is excited about the holiday season. Despite struggles in her early life, she never lost the Christmas spirit.
This holiday season was different, as she was to embark on an unexpected business journey that would give way to the possibility of love.
Before she can make any decisions, fate once again would play her a rough hand, as she fights for life.
A crystal ornament mysteriously brings everything full circle, as those around Cali find themselves coming together.
212 pages, ebook
Published December 6, 2016
98 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
R. Castro
43 books329 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author
Writer | StoryTeller | BookAficionada
Writer | StoryTeller | BookAficionada
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 10, 2017
A tear-jerking holiday story that will warm your heart
It has been a long time
Since I have picked up a holiday tale and read it from beginning to end. Though a shining star isn't a long read, it has all the elements of a holiday classic. A heart warming tale, characters who are relatable and easy to love, and description that makes you feel as if you were right there watching it all unfold. 5 bright and shining stars for this heart-warming and tear-jerking read.
It has been a long time
Since I have picked up a holiday tale and read it from beginning to end. Though a shining star isn't a long read, it has all the elements of a holiday classic. A heart warming tale, characters who are relatable and easy to love, and description that makes you feel as if you were right there watching it all unfold. 5 bright and shining stars for this heart-warming and tear-jerking read.
Want to Read
November 6, 2017FREE on Amazon today (11/06/2017)!
December 15, 2016
A Shining Star is a nice read for the Christmas season. Cali works at a foundation that helps children who have been abused or abandoned. She's in the Development office, garnering contributions for the foundation and is very good at her job. She was helped by the foundation in her own youth.
Just before the holidays, Reginal Bosc starts working at the office with the purpose of coordinating a huge donation and expanding the foundation's reach. As Cali and Reginal work together professionally, they find some romance too.
This is a fairly quick read. There are a few disturbing issues that come up as part of Cali's and Reginal's past lives: rape, suicide, and illness, but there is also very heartwarming aspects that will charm the reader. I especially enjoyed Cali's travel to Baden-Baden for a fundraising event. Cali is sweet though she has endured much in her short life, and it was nice to see Reginal come out of his shell. I could easily see this story made into a Hallmark Christmas movie.
Just before the holidays, Reginal Bosc starts working at the office with the purpose of coordinating a huge donation and expanding the foundation's reach. As Cali and Reginal work together professionally, they find some romance too.
This is a fairly quick read. There are a few disturbing issues that come up as part of Cali's and Reginal's past lives: rape, suicide, and illness, but there is also very heartwarming aspects that will charm the reader. I especially enjoyed Cali's travel to Baden-Baden for a fundraising event. Cali is sweet though she has endured much in her short life, and it was nice to see Reginal come out of his shell. I could easily see this story made into a Hallmark Christmas movie.
December 18, 2017
A perfect story of love and dedication...
Author Rose Castro has written a wonderful story of love and dedication in the dog-eat-dog world of business and the rich elite. This story is well developed with some very believable, fallible characters who struggle to find love in that gaudy, faux world of the wealthy.
Her main character is a fundraiser for the Shining Light Foundation, which supports the abused and orphaned community, finding appropriate foster homes for the needy, abused children in their area.
With an adroit skill at character portrayal, Ms. Castro shows us the developing love between her main character and a foundation board member who happens to run with the rich and famous.
Their attraction and burgeoning love is expertly depicted by the author.
I loved this engaging and absorbing tale of two people finding their true love and their struggles to become one with each other.
I highly recommend this book.
Gaston D Sanders, author
Author Rose Castro has written a wonderful story of love and dedication in the dog-eat-dog world of business and the rich elite. This story is well developed with some very believable, fallible characters who struggle to find love in that gaudy, faux world of the wealthy.
Her main character is a fundraiser for the Shining Light Foundation, which supports the abused and orphaned community, finding appropriate foster homes for the needy, abused children in their area.
With an adroit skill at character portrayal, Ms. Castro shows us the developing love between her main character and a foundation board member who happens to run with the rich and famous.
Their attraction and burgeoning love is expertly depicted by the author.
I loved this engaging and absorbing tale of two people finding their true love and their struggles to become one with each other.
I highly recommend this book.
Gaston D Sanders, author
September 21, 2017
Loved it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. You know a book is good when you can't wait to pick it back up or you have a hard time putting the book down. I loved that this book didn't have bad words in it, nor did it have any sex scenes or anything referring to sex. That is rare these days and I absolutely applaud this author for not including any of it in this book. I have no problem recommending this book to my friends. I felt this book was very descriptive and had a very good story line and plot. The characters were well thought out and believable. Also, there were little to no mistakes within the writing. If I had any complaints it would be that the book ended way too soon. I wanted to keep reading it! I love discovering new authors and I'm glad I stumbled along this one. I can't wait to read more from this author!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. You know a book is good when you can't wait to pick it back up or you have a hard time putting the book down. I loved that this book didn't have bad words in it, nor did it have any sex scenes or anything referring to sex. That is rare these days and I absolutely applaud this author for not including any of it in this book. I have no problem recommending this book to my friends. I felt this book was very descriptive and had a very good story line and plot. The characters were well thought out and believable. Also, there were little to no mistakes within the writing. If I had any complaints it would be that the book ended way too soon. I wanted to keep reading it! I love discovering new authors and I'm glad I stumbled along this one. I can't wait to read more from this author!
December 29, 2016
So glad to have chosen this star of a book. A great story, well told and a heroine who is both fascinating, fearless and a survivor. I loved the subtle hints as the mystery between Grant and Reginal is revealed in the final Heart-stopping few chapters.
I hate spoilers but have to say this really is a little gem of a novel! A great debut.
I hate spoilers but have to say this really is a little gem of a novel! A great debut.
January 29, 2017
Heartfelt and Moving
I enjoyed this read tremendously; it's about faith, redemption, and living life to its fullest. I will share it with my family and hope they enjoy it as much as I did!
I enjoyed this read tremendously; it's about faith, redemption, and living life to its fullest. I will share it with my family and hope they enjoy it as much as I did!
December 20, 2016
A delightful story!
This is a nice, delightful story full of hope. There were parts of the story that felt rushed and time slips that were a bit jolting which is why I gave it three stars instead of four but overall it was a nice, refreshing story.
This is a nice, delightful story full of hope. There were parts of the story that felt rushed and time slips that were a bit jolting which is why I gave it three stars instead of four but overall it was a nice, refreshing story.
January 12, 2017
Great book
I can not believe how good this book was. It was amazing and can't
Wait to read another one by this author.
I can not believe how good this book was. It was amazing and can't
Wait to read another one by this author.
December 9, 2017
A sweet Christmas story about love and survival. But... there were so many things about this book that were confusing. I felt like the story we being told to me instead of experiencing it myself. There were too many characters, too much had jumping, and too much going back and forth from past to present. I didn't feel the love between the two main characters because there was not enough interaction, and not enough dialogue between them. There was not enough dialogue period. I became frustrated and bored. I found myself trying not to skim. Add for the Christian aspect of the book, I didn't see much in the beginning of the middle. A mention of going to church, one popoular bible verse, and praying at the end when sometime was in the hospital. This was just my opinion, but you should read this book and decided for yourself.
January 10, 2018
Cali Malone comes from a background of insecurity and abuse, but she is determined not to become bitter. She decides to dedicate her life to improving the lives of vulnerable children. It is a job she takes very seriously. She has no time for love or relationships, but then she meets Reginal.
A Shining Star by R. Castro is a sweet read that kept me turning those pages. Quite a lot happens in this book, and there are many interwoven stories going on at the same time, and sometimes I did find this a little confusing, although it all ties up very nicely at the end.
For me, this book was less about the romance and more about Cali's journey. I liked the portrayal of Cali, and she seemed like a very well rounded character despite her past.
The story had a nice pace to it, and I certainly enjoyed it.
I would recommend.
A Shining Star by R. Castro is a sweet read that kept me turning those pages. Quite a lot happens in this book, and there are many interwoven stories going on at the same time, and sometimes I did find this a little confusing, although it all ties up very nicely at the end.
For me, this book was less about the romance and more about Cali's journey. I liked the portrayal of Cali, and she seemed like a very well rounded character despite her past.
The story had a nice pace to it, and I certainly enjoyed it.
I would recommend.
December 26, 2017
I am sorry to leave a negative review, as I like to encourage Christian writers. However, from the very first sentence, it was clear that the book is in dire need of editing. "Growing up, the holidays weren't always pleasant." The introductory clause must correspond with the subject of the sentence, and I'm sure that the holidays didn't grow up. From there, the writing got no better, and the behavior of the characters made little sense. For example, I doubt that the boss would point out to someone that the main character was a "success story" indicating that she herself had been a troubled youth. What an invasion of privacy. There were many other examples in just the first few pages, and I could not continue past the 5% mark. Sorry.
November 11, 2017
A beautiful story of hope for the holidays. I really loved the story of Calie, and her life, as it was told in present and past. The struggles she endured in foster care shaped her into a beautiful person,who was easy to care for as a reader. Instead of letting a rough start hold her back she rises to a position in the foundation that helped her. That puts her in the path of a man who also struggles with a dark past.
I won't give away anything by recapping, their story is beautiful and heartwarming. I recommend you read this endearing tale that will tug at your heartstrings several times.
I won't give away anything by recapping, their story is beautiful and heartwarming. I recommend you read this endearing tale that will tug at your heartstrings several times.
September 11, 2017
An inspiration !!
I gave this book a 5 star review because of it's inspiration and philanthropic efforts. Wrapped up in Cali's previous and current life, I looked forward to turning the pages so see where it led her. I loved the friendships, braveness, and adventure this story held. And of course LOVE abides also. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys inspirational stories and\or Christmas too.
I gave this book a 5 star review because of it's inspiration and philanthropic efforts. Wrapped up in Cali's previous and current life, I looked forward to turning the pages so see where it led her. I loved the friendships, braveness, and adventure this story held. And of course LOVE abides also. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys inspirational stories and\or Christmas too.
November 10, 2017
I enjoyed it
This story was very innocent and metaphorical. I actually liked how the thoughts of the characters jumped from the present to the past. Almost as if the perfect narration between the two realities. I would have loved to see more of thw love that was beginning between Cali and Reginal. This is a book that will male you remember why you love romances. Why you should take a step back and eliminate the acts of physical imtimacy and look into the heart. Great job!!!
This story was very innocent and metaphorical. I actually liked how the thoughts of the characters jumped from the present to the past. Almost as if the perfect narration between the two realities. I would have loved to see more of thw love that was beginning between Cali and Reginal. This is a book that will male you remember why you love romances. Why you should take a step back and eliminate the acts of physical imtimacy and look into the heart. Great job!!!
December 27, 2017
A good Christmas miracle
I found this a very interesting and emotional story to read. Lots of characters to meet with their own stories and pasts, yet perfectly entwined. I was so into this book that I didn't know my husband was in the same room as me! Oops.
I really enjoyed this story, but for me though the ending seemed to finish a tad abruptly for my likely - I still recommend you read it!
I found this a very interesting and emotional story to read. Lots of characters to meet with their own stories and pasts, yet perfectly entwined. I was so into this book that I didn't know my husband was in the same room as me! Oops.
I really enjoyed this story, but for me though the ending seemed to finish a tad abruptly for my likely - I still recommend you read it!
November 29, 2017
A nice plot that gives you the background on Cali, from the present to the past. She deals with foundations that help foster kids. Which lead her to two men,is one of them for her. Or are there different dreams that she should be making. Very well told, and readers will enjoy this love story with a happy ending.
December 8, 2018
Wonderful emotional love st
This book is full of different emotions. Cali has struggled through life. She had a rough childhood. Rejinal was well to do throughout. They cross paths through a foundation that she works at. The ups and downs throughout this book are full of emotions. Tissues are needed. Love the characters and the friendships throughout this book. Wonderful book.
This book is full of different emotions. Cali has struggled through life. She had a rough childhood. Rejinal was well to do throughout. They cross paths through a foundation that she works at. The ups and downs throughout this book are full of emotions. Tissues are needed. Love the characters and the friendships throughout this book. Wonderful book.
October 7, 2017
A Shining Star
A great read. I don't normally go for rated G reading but this was a well written, feel-good, happily ever after tale. The horrors of dysfunctional families and foster care are told from a compassionate angle and without the gruesome detail.
A great read. I don't normally go for rated G reading but this was a well written, feel-good, happily ever after tale. The horrors of dysfunctional families and foster care are told from a compassionate angle and without the gruesome detail.
November 13, 2017
Will a star shine for her?
Cali grew up in foster care, surviving, but a special foster mother helped her to thrive. Now successful, her life is busy with work and friends. But what about love? She never planned for that. Sweet, poignant and triumphant.
Cali grew up in foster care, surviving, but a special foster mother helped her to thrive. Now successful, her life is busy with work and friends. But what about love? She never planned for that. Sweet, poignant and triumphant.
January 25, 2019
Good clean romance
This is a good clean entertaining romance. I liked the background of the main character. There is an unusual twist at the end which really made the story a happier ending.
This is a good clean entertaining romance. I liked the background of the main character. There is an unusual twist at the end which really made the story a happier ending.
February 11, 2022
Enjoyed reading this book. Had a hard time putting it down and continuing the next day. Characters were well written. Showed that anyone who is having a difficult childhood can find happiness when helped through the right organization. Well done!
September 29, 2017
Inspirational
This book is beautifully told. Its several twists and turns take you on a delightful journey that covers the gambit of emotions. A great read.
This book is beautifully told. Its several twists and turns take you on a delightful journey that covers the gambit of emotions. A great read.
October 26, 2017
Wow
I really enjoyed this book. It was an amazing story. Of how a foster kid had never felt love til she was 9 years old. Then again when she finally found love.
I really enjoyed this book. It was an amazing story. Of how a foster kid had never felt love til she was 9 years old. Then again when she finally found love.
January 1, 2018
The storyline was good, but the writing was confusing and chaotic.
August 24, 2018
Bittersweet
It It a love story but more a message not to give up. To keep trying. That there is a reason for each thing that happens.
It It a love story but more a message not to give up. To keep trying. That there is a reason for each thing that happens.
November 28, 2018
Clean read
I like the pace of this sweet story and the relationships between the characters. An inspiring main character who trusts in God is refreshing.
I like the pace of this sweet story and the relationships between the characters. An inspiring main character who trusts in God is refreshing.
December 9, 2018
Inspiring story, makes a person wonder what else people is out there that others are enduring. Praise the LORD for HIS faith, Truth and Promises.
July 6, 2019
A Shining Star
A Shining Star by R. Castro is a very nice sorry for the holidays (Christmas in July). A story of struggle and victory.
A Shining Star by R. Castro is a very nice sorry for the holidays (Christmas in July). A story of struggle and victory.
October 18, 2017
By the end of a shining star, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. With a lot of emotion thrown in, causing my hand to reach for, a fresh tissue, again and again. During reading the book, I felt there was parts rushed. But I kept at it and for once I am grateful I did and completed the book.
An emotional read, about a girl named Cali. A tragic story of how the foster care system failed a young innocent girl and an organization saving not just her but many others just like her. Giving hope where there once was none and learning there is such a thing called love.
I think you will find, this author is on her way to a great future in the writing industry. Keep an eye out for R. Castro and pick up her books. You will be glad you did.
An emotional read, about a girl named Cali. A tragic story of how the foster care system failed a young innocent girl and an organization saving not just her but many others just like her. Giving hope where there once was none and learning there is such a thing called love.
I think you will find, this author is on her way to a great future in the writing industry. Keep an eye out for R. Castro and pick up her books. You will be glad you did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews