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Where The Green Star Falls

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Barely a Whisper Separates the Living from the Lost.

Where The Green Star Falls is a visceral tale of survival with the soul of a love story. A gripping and inspirational novel about fate, destiny, and a love so profound it will drive a man to the edge of sanity or salvation. From the Parisian mecca of South America, Buenos Aires, you'll be transported to the mysterious river-lands of Argentina amid the towering Andes Mountains and emerald green waters, where Nicholas will meet his fate head on. He must become the man he was born to be.

A-list author, William Jack Stephens has lived in the Andes Mountains of Argentina for over a decade, and he tells this spiritually supercharged love story with the most vivid descriptions ever written of Argentina. The stunning landscapes, passionate people and rich culture come alive on the pages. By the end of the book, you'll feel like you've been there!

The characters are so richly and humanly painted they draw you into the story with them, and won't let you go. You won't want to put this book down. Where The Green Star Falls will remind you of why you fell in love with reading. Click the Buy button now

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2018

225 people are currently reading
218 people want to read

About the author

William Jack Stephens

16 books6 followers
Novelist and adventure writer, Jack has lived and explored the world from the Arctic to the southern reaches of Patagonia.

In his former life, he served in executive roles with some of the largest companies in the world. He interacted with government agents, gave private industry counseling to congressional leaders, and served on committees that planned for nuclear, biological, or chemical disaster.

Jack left the corporate world in 2006 and moved to his home in South America, high on a mountain in the lakes region of the Andes. Now he writes gripping fictional tales of adventure and romance with frightening aspects of reality.

In South America he’s known by his Spanish nickname, Memo, and when he’s not writing, he can usually be found on a wilderness river with a fly rod in his hands.

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5 stars
166 (52%)
4 stars
101 (31%)
3 stars
38 (11%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
346 reviews14 followers
December 14, 2017
Absolutely compelling and captivating -- an incredibly insightful novel!

The first pages of this novel painted a picture of a harried man. A man whose mind was focused at all times on controlling his life, the lives of those around him, and increasing his wealth. He lost sight of everything except those parts of his life.

When the unthinkable happened, this man, now in shock and pain realized how serious his mistake had been. He was not interested in any journey, especially not one back to how he had visualized the rest of his life. He embarked on a journey whether willing or not and his way back was absolutely captivating and compelling. The healing was so insightful it presented a lesson every single person can understand and take to heart if they will.

So well written! The vivid descriptions of the incredible land known as Patagonia, made it seem right in front of me. The expressive dialogue of his own thoughts and his interactions with the few he allowed were incredibly meaningful and felt like a deep and insightful look into myself.

This is a book you will be looking back at, thinking about and rereading a number of times. It's beautifully and vividly written beyond what I can describe. No one should miss an opportunity to read this novel.
Profile Image for Ellie Beals.
Author 1 book109 followers
May 23, 2021
Review of Where the Green Star Falls

What gives you pleasure? If you are a thrill-needer who finds pleasure primarily in a tsunami of action and suspense, then Where The Green Star Falls is not for you. Go with Lee Child and Jack Reacher, and enjoy the ride. But if you can find beauty, pleasure and peace in riding a long gentle wave that moves you inexorably but slowly towards the shore you crave - read Where the Green Star Falls.

There is little external action here – the plot is moved along by the evolution of perception in Nico, the protagonist, as he encounters grief and through it, moves away from the superficial goal-driven life-style that had made him a wealthy and “successful” business power. His ragged, long-term metamorphosis plays out against the stunning backdrop of the wilds of Patagonia. Though I have never been there, author William Jack Stephens presents it so vividly that it felt like I had somehow become an avid fly-fisherman. And though I generally shun books whose blurbs shout about “transformation” – I have never read anything before Where the Green Star Falls that convinced me of the potential for grief to be transformative.

This is not a big book, but to my eye, it is a small, perfect one. I wish you the enjoyment I found in it.
Profile Image for Faye.
87 reviews
December 28, 2020
The descriptions of wilderness of Argentina were incredible! One of my book clubs had selected this book. The gal who was to host and lead the discussion actually sent the author an email to inquire about study/group discussion questions. He answered her email immediately! Bonus points for sure.
The story is both sad and lifting. Grief and friendships.

He has another book that some of the gals also read, and it relates to this story.

I would definitely recommend this book..
204 reviews4 followers
January 5, 2018
Life

And the importance of actually living it. Self importance, love, death, grief, real friendship and more. It's all here along with beautiful descriptions of it all.
132 reviews3 followers
January 1, 2018
A beautiful book

I felt transported to this area. The story was both sad and happy. I could picture the landscape , I have never visited this area but it was so well written you could almost taste the trout and see the river rushing past.
Profile Image for Josie Livengood.
47 reviews
February 15, 2023
4.5/5 I was pleasantly surprised by this book and LOVED it.

First of all, the imagery. WOW! It helps that the book is set in a beautiful place (Patagonia) but the author really did a beautiful job of describing the setting. I could see everything in my mind like a vivid movie.

The story is incredible too. It’s a simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting journey about grief, love, friendship, and making time for what really matters in life. I found myself very frustrated with the main character at the start because he is impatient and worried about all the wrong things, but then I painfully realized I (and many others) are far more like the main character than we’d probably like to admit. This was one of my favorite sections that really captures one of the main themes of the book:

“She always begged him to stop the car and take photographs, but there was never time. There was never time for so many of the gentler influences of life. The smallest of gestures that slip through the fingers like grains of sand and are lost forever. It's the great lie that haunts us later when those grains turn to regrets. The lie that blames time when there is always time; but it's conscious choice that allows the grains to fall from our grasp.”

The unselfish care and love you see two characters give to the main character in the book are especially moving and remind you the importance of doing one of the things we’re called to do as humans and good neighbors: be kind and help others.

The only reason I gave it 4.5 instead of a full 5 stars is because there are A LOT of spelling and usage mistakes. But honestly the book is so great that I got over it.

If you want a book that explores surviving in the wilderness, the journey of grief, unselfish friendships, and the importance of family, I highly recommend.
372 reviews3 followers
January 27, 2018
Mostly, I read thrillers and science fiction. A week ago, I downloaded an eBook freebie with the title of Where the Green Star Falls. Once I noted the time-to-finish calculation on my Kindle, I realized that I did not have in hand, a novel. It was, in deed, the first chapter of a novel. No way was I going to shell out $5.00 Canadian to get the full novel. So I wrote the author, passed along a couple of minor typos, and wished him well. Then I skimmed over that first chapter again, and realized I was hooked, and bought the full novel.
The central character, Nico, “had it all”. I was envious of him. Then he loses all of the things that meant anything to him. William Jack Stephens started with a character who seemed to breath the same air I did. He breaks his character down to show a human who, spiritually, is at the door of death. And then, in ways that are subtle, using prose that reads and feels like poetry, he has Nico come alive again. No gratuitous violence or sex. A fair amount of fly-fishing for trout. A generous sharing of the culture and land of the people who make up Argentina. Download that free first chapter, and find out for yourself.
Profile Image for Amber.
26 reviews
April 18, 2018
Fantastic story

This is a fantastic and moving novel, but it slow paced. I remember reading in the description that it was brilliantly descriptive, and it is. I found that parts of the novel really lagged and had trouble keeping my attention. What pushed me through was wanting to know how the story ended. I found myself frequently skipping paragraphs to get back to the heart of the story. I really enjoyed the tale, I think the author got a little too entrenched in the details and the description at times, but it’s still worth a read especially to those who appreciate eloquent and descriptive writing.
4 reviews
February 13, 2018
Deep Appreciation

I read a great variety of books, often looking for new authors. Each author invites readers to submit a review. After many years and many books read, I am compelled to offer a review. This account is a perfect blending of life lived and lost; of human grief and recovery; friendships old and new. I salute and thank you for what will remain a lasting memory of greatness. Elsie Rich, CA
Profile Image for Shirley Townsend.
35 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2018
Life out of despair

One of the finest books I've read in quite a while. Do yourself a favor and read this one.
Nico travels from despair back to the world to find joy and can give you hints of how to find it in yourself. He finds his own forgiveness and a future by getting down to the most basic of life.

You finish the book knowing you will think about him occasionally and wonder how he is doing and what he is doing with his life.
9 reviews
June 21, 2018
Walking through the forest of grief

Loved this journey of someone who "has it all" , loses it in a matter of seconds! So many of us are unable to see what gifts are given us---when they are stripped away---who are we? Stephens has written a beautiful and heartwarming book about a person on the abyss of losing everything, yet given incite through simple and challenging situations to realize the importance of life.
7 reviews
June 7, 2019
Unexpectedly mesmerized by this book! A beautifully written story of how a man’s life was torn apart by grief and guilt, and then transformed by the land that once was the source of his pain. This story reminded me that when we are at our worst, we can be rescued from ourselves by the beauty and restoration of nature and the love of humanity. So many life affirming truths are found in this gratifying story!
194 reviews
July 18, 2021
A suprise extention of book 1.

Where the Green Star Falls was a totally unexpected story that extends from book 1 of the series. The central figure exhumes the devastastion of loss and the wrath that comes with it. Stephans takes us thru the seasons of grief but I was diappointed that his level of guilt was so slight. Afterall, the reason for his loss stemmed from his need for greed. The message for atonement is clear but not sure his reward is just in the end.
6 reviews
March 28, 2018
The words flow wonderfully like the river to tell a touching simple yet complex story of the human spirit. Very soothing and inspiring to a depressed soul. A book to slow down and absorb and keep to read again.

Was very surprised by the simplicity yet incredible depth of the story and the wonderful descriptions of the country, scenery , people and history.
4 reviews
May 19, 2018
Like poetry in motion

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Very well written in an almost poetic style that pulls you in to the very essence of its characters with a story of heartbreak and beauty all woven together somehow to give you hope and promise and the strength to rebuild a life worth living and sharing. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author.
Profile Image for Dawn M..
372 reviews5 followers
September 6, 2019
JoY

For more than half of this book I was wondering "what is this about?" I'm still not sure although I enjoyed the feelings it aroused in me. The author's description of JoY matches mine to a tee. The literal fall of the main character and his rise made this story enjoyable yet perhaps, a little too contrived.
12 reviews6 followers
January 14, 2020
True friendships

I loved this story.
I had a glimpse into the life of a man who learned so much about himself and his family from his tragic loss. The kindness of people never ceases to amaze me.
This story was beautifully written. Just the right amount of detail about everything.
Profile Image for Janet McMillan.
499 reviews
November 1, 2022
Wonderful book!

Nico is heading to a vacation with his wife and son. Then the unthinkable happens, a car accident. His wife and son are killed. Nico is thrown clear and lives. He scales down the mountain to the wrecked car where he last saw he wife and son. He stays. Does Nico go crazy or learns to live again. His journey is so well written and thought provoking.
867 reviews3 followers
November 3, 2022
Absolutely captivating. The author's description of the area where Nico was living after the accident was breathtaking. Nature is to be enjoyed to the fullest. Loss of loved ones can bring you to a place where just one person can be used to shake you from that dark place and Pablito was just that person to help him out. Rocco, the dog, was also a help to Nico.
7 reviews
March 27, 2018
Poignant and entrancing. A fresh view of the Argentinian Andes and one life that his inexorably changed. Beautiful writing, highly recommended.

Held my attention from the beginning. Date and nature play equal parts in changing a man life following a tragic accident.
62 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2018
Unforgettable, unusual, and so very worth your time to read!

Time is our most precious asset, so uninspiring, mediocre books are such an awful waste of life's most precious resource. This book, in contrast, is all about what makes life worthwhile. I heartily recommend it!
4 reviews
May 29, 2018
This both embraces and traces the soul's journey and the connection of spirit in humanity,the earth,

the stars, and those who have come before us. A beautiful map to understanding. My thanks to William Jack Stephens for eloquently sharing this wisdom, walking between the worlds.
350 reviews6 followers
July 11, 2018
Coming through tradegty

The author spins a fine tail of the results of a tragic accident and how the survivor comes to grip with his lost. He reflects on his past and finds a path to the future.
10 reviews
August 26, 2018
Great book!

Simply a lovely vision, containing immense sorrow and pain . But the human spirit cannot abide long in sorrow when it is amidst such wondrous nature. I loved this book. May have to read it again.
14 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2019
Excellent Read!!

The writer's use of language and style grips the reader like a soft leather glove slips around the hand! We need more reminders like this one of what's really important in our lives.
2 reviews
September 16, 2019
Escape to Patagonia

Exquisite descriptions of the physical world, river, clouds, weather, dwellings, people. Settings are a vacation away from my own life. It was a travel log of which I devoured the scenery of Argentina.
2 reviews
November 10, 2019
Inspirational!!

The plot, detailed descriptions of Pategonia, in-depth characters, richly worded, action-packed scenarios, and deeply sensitive personalities, all combine to deliver an exciting, poetic, thoughtful-provoking read. I did not want the story to end!!
Profile Image for Marie Shirley Griffin.
808 reviews10 followers
December 8, 2019
Beautiful, sad, but life affirming

I would ask that you stay with it. It took me 3 times before I really got into and then couldn't put down.

Just for the record, I am a 60 year old American woman.
4 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2020
Unexpected!

I almost put the book down after the first chapter, and then I quickly changed my mind and loved the journey Nico took to recover. Beautifully written ! I could envision the landscape, the fears, and the struggle.
71 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2020
Very weak. No character development, implausible story line. If you want to read a good book about love, loss, relationships, and fly fishing, instead of this one choose Norman Maclean’s beautiful classic, “A River Runs Through It.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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