What do you think?
Rate this book
FANTASYLAND
Believe in magic. Put a song in your heart. Know the power of love. FANTASYLAND Won't you come on in? Meet all the lonely people. Be there when they discover that dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.
- GenresRomance
346 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2013
293 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 18, 2013
A love story of a lifetime..., August 17, 2013
A LOVE STORY OF A LIFETIME!....
This review is from: FANTASYLAND (Kindle Edition)
In all the years I have been reading, and I've read a lot of great books, reading this story felt like I was handed an invaluable and precious gift. I have not read a book where I was infinitely connected with the characters, the place and time, both in heart and spirit. This is the one time I wish there's more than 5 star rating one can give, especially when it is exceptionally well written and the story compelling.
Like our heroine, Sandi Golden, young and naive, not quite eighteen, I saw my own self walking around in awe of the quaintness, the glory and novelty of The Village. The year was 1972 and for the next 12 years, Westwood Village was the place to go, to see and be seen. On this memorable night, It was there where Sandi met the most handsome, beautiful loving man who would forever change her life. Rick Stevens, who's admired by men and women alike, because of his natural enthusiasm for life. Together this two embarked on their journey of life filled with love and laughter, their devotion and love for one another knows no bound. It's the kind of love that nurtured Sandi to become the most devoted wife and mother to their three children. Rick's love, soul and spirit is what got Sandi through that one heart wrenching memorable night, it is so ardent and profound I couldn't get it off my mind.
If you believe in fate or destiny, the night Rick Stevens met Steve Mirelli, he met his kindred spirit. There's that unseen guardian force that bound Rick, Sandi and Steve with one another, their lives were mystically intertwined. What Rick, whose dreams and promise to Sandi, beyond his power to fulfill, Steve will continue and take it beyond. This powerful love story is soul consuming, I celebrated with each of their joyous moments, together and individually. I also cried, I cried so many times I couldn't even see what I was reading. I had to take a breather, so choked up I simply couldn't continue. I can't remember getting this emotional about a book. The author's ability to vividly describe each scenes and the words written were so profound it captured the very heart of my heart.
This book not only inspired me, it also took me back to the best times of my youth, reminiscing, knowing with familiarity all the places where this inspiring story took place. As emotional as I got reading this, I read it again while listening to the compilation of the songs the characters hear and it was even more absorbing, if that were even possible.
To know this is just the second book of the author, I am simply in awe...if you were performing on stage Ms. Starling, it's a standing ovation! To be reading as great a love story as Fantasyland, is a privilege!
A LOVE STORY OF A LIFETIME!....
This review is from: FANTASYLAND (Kindle Edition)
In all the years I have been reading, and I've read a lot of great books, reading this story felt like I was handed an invaluable and precious gift. I have not read a book where I was infinitely connected with the characters, the place and time, both in heart and spirit. This is the one time I wish there's more than 5 star rating one can give, especially when it is exceptionally well written and the story compelling.
Like our heroine, Sandi Golden, young and naive, not quite eighteen, I saw my own self walking around in awe of the quaintness, the glory and novelty of The Village. The year was 1972 and for the next 12 years, Westwood Village was the place to go, to see and be seen. On this memorable night, It was there where Sandi met the most handsome, beautiful loving man who would forever change her life. Rick Stevens, who's admired by men and women alike, because of his natural enthusiasm for life. Together this two embarked on their journey of life filled with love and laughter, their devotion and love for one another knows no bound. It's the kind of love that nurtured Sandi to become the most devoted wife and mother to their three children. Rick's love, soul and spirit is what got Sandi through that one heart wrenching memorable night, it is so ardent and profound I couldn't get it off my mind.
If you believe in fate or destiny, the night Rick Stevens met Steve Mirelli, he met his kindred spirit. There's that unseen guardian force that bound Rick, Sandi and Steve with one another, their lives were mystically intertwined. What Rick, whose dreams and promise to Sandi, beyond his power to fulfill, Steve will continue and take it beyond. This powerful love story is soul consuming, I celebrated with each of their joyous moments, together and individually. I also cried, I cried so many times I couldn't even see what I was reading. I had to take a breather, so choked up I simply couldn't continue. I can't remember getting this emotional about a book. The author's ability to vividly describe each scenes and the words written were so profound it captured the very heart of my heart.
This book not only inspired me, it also took me back to the best times of my youth, reminiscing, knowing with familiarity all the places where this inspiring story took place. As emotional as I got reading this, I read it again while listening to the compilation of the songs the characters hear and it was even more absorbing, if that were even possible.
To know this is just the second book of the author, I am simply in awe...if you were performing on stage Ms. Starling, it's a standing ovation! To be reading as great a love story as Fantasyland, is a privilege!
August 17, 2013
I loved D.J. Starling's first book, Deja Vu, and looked forward to Fantasyland, eager to read it, curious if the author could maintain an engrossing story-telling technique.
I wasn't disappointed. If anything, I was surprised at how quickly this story grabbed me, and how much I didn't want it to end. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with a charming cast of characters unlike any group I've ever met before.
Fantasyland is a beautiful love story that touched me deeply and tugged at my emotions from beginning to end, and provided a wonderful reminder of all the great music that plays through our lives. I recommend Fantasyland most highly to anyone who enjoys getting lost in a magical story of love and romance, and dreams that come true. Can't wait for the next book from this talented new author!
I wasn't disappointed. If anything, I was surprised at how quickly this story grabbed me, and how much I didn't want it to end. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with a charming cast of characters unlike any group I've ever met before.
Fantasyland is a beautiful love story that touched me deeply and tugged at my emotions from beginning to end, and provided a wonderful reminder of all the great music that plays through our lives. I recommend Fantasyland most highly to anyone who enjoys getting lost in a magical story of love and romance, and dreams that come true. Can't wait for the next book from this talented new author!
September 2, 2013
Wow. I just had to say that, because that's what is going through my mind right now. It's about 10:30 at night and I just finished reading, but I couldn't go to sleep without writing this review.
Starling has once again proving that she is an amazing author, with her talent for combining words and music into someone as magical as Fantasyland. Her prologue leaves you wanting to know what the scene described is about, to unravel all that lays behind the situation and what lays ahead after its conclusion.
The characters are lovable right from the start, with back stories that show they're more than just people in a story we have to read about. A connection is formed with the reader, as they form connections with one another, making you yearn to see what happens to them next.
The romance in this book is just heart stopping. It makes me melt as though I was the one receiving. The tale of unbridled love can warm the coldest of hearts, with dreams coming true at every seemingly every corner.
Now, I'll be honest with you. When I got to the climax, I cried. It was more like ridiculous sobs that racked my body and made people look at me as though something was seriously wrong with me, and caused others to rush to my side to try and figure out what was going on. I won't tell you why, but put this here to prove a point. The book was so great, drawing me in and causing a deep love for the characters, and making me share their sorrow. It's not a bad thing though, it just goes to prove the point of how extraordinarily amazing this book was for me.
Starling has created a love story that can last through the ages, was envied even by some in the story, and proved that love is an amazing thing. All we have to do is allow love back in when its sent to us, and things can fall into a place better than anyone could imagine.
This book is worth the read, especially if you're a hopeless romantic. It's a perfect blend of love, loss, lust and lyrics to date just about anyone who's on the prow for some good literature. Starling shall not disappoint.
Starling has once again proving that she is an amazing author, with her talent for combining words and music into someone as magical as Fantasyland. Her prologue leaves you wanting to know what the scene described is about, to unravel all that lays behind the situation and what lays ahead after its conclusion.
The characters are lovable right from the start, with back stories that show they're more than just people in a story we have to read about. A connection is formed with the reader, as they form connections with one another, making you yearn to see what happens to them next.
The romance in this book is just heart stopping. It makes me melt as though I was the one receiving. The tale of unbridled love can warm the coldest of hearts, with dreams coming true at every seemingly every corner.
Now, I'll be honest with you. When I got to the climax, I cried. It was more like ridiculous sobs that racked my body and made people look at me as though something was seriously wrong with me, and caused others to rush to my side to try and figure out what was going on. I won't tell you why, but put this here to prove a point. The book was so great, drawing me in and causing a deep love for the characters, and making me share their sorrow. It's not a bad thing though, it just goes to prove the point of how extraordinarily amazing this book was for me.
Starling has created a love story that can last through the ages, was envied even by some in the story, and proved that love is an amazing thing. All we have to do is allow love back in when its sent to us, and things can fall into a place better than anyone could imagine.
This book is worth the read, especially if you're a hopeless romantic. It's a perfect blend of love, loss, lust and lyrics to date just about anyone who's on the prow for some good literature. Starling shall not disappoint.
September 20, 2013
Once again I am simply amazed by the talents of these two gals who write under the name of D.J. Starling. Their first book Deja Vu is one of my favorites and I've been itching to read their second book ever since. Even though this one was very different it was still one that brought my emotions to full attention.
Now the best part of this book was the way the authors tied musical lyrics into the story. This was such a fun addition and always brought a smile to my face when I actually recognized the song it came from. The families in this story made up a game called Lyrical Lingo and I was impressed with the way it worked so well with the storyline.
The first half of the book is definitely a trip to Fantasyland! We follow the lives of two couples starting from college all the way to middle age. On the one side we have Sandi and Rick. They have the perfect fairytale love story. And, on the other we have Steve and Leigh (most of the story revolves around Steve but Leigh plays an important role)... a not so fairytale love story but also one that touches our emotions. I will admit that by the time I got to the 50% mark I was thinking that the perfect fairy tale love story was getting a little boring BUT THEN... wham!! Events happen... lives merge... Kleenex arrives and I spent the good portion of the last half of this book with big puppy dog tears and blood shot eyes. These ladies did the same thing to me in their first book and I couldn't believe they got me again! And, I love them for it... I dare you ladies to accomplish this a third time... bring on book three!
Both Fantasyland and Deja Vu can be read as stand alones and I highly, highly recommend both of them. Brilliant writing for debut novels.
Come to my blog (link is below) if you would like to view a playlist of the songs used for inspiration for this book.
I would like to end by saying that Fantasyland does require a bit of reader patience... there is a lot of build up to the part of the story that pulls all of these lives together. But, it is worth the wait.
Follow my blog:
www.ktbookreviews.blogspot.com
Now the best part of this book was the way the authors tied musical lyrics into the story. This was such a fun addition and always brought a smile to my face when I actually recognized the song it came from. The families in this story made up a game called Lyrical Lingo and I was impressed with the way it worked so well with the storyline.
The first half of the book is definitely a trip to Fantasyland! We follow the lives of two couples starting from college all the way to middle age. On the one side we have Sandi and Rick. They have the perfect fairytale love story. And, on the other we have Steve and Leigh (most of the story revolves around Steve but Leigh plays an important role)... a not so fairytale love story but also one that touches our emotions. I will admit that by the time I got to the 50% mark I was thinking that the perfect fairy tale love story was getting a little boring BUT THEN... wham!! Events happen... lives merge... Kleenex arrives and I spent the good portion of the last half of this book with big puppy dog tears and blood shot eyes. These ladies did the same thing to me in their first book and I couldn't believe they got me again! And, I love them for it... I dare you ladies to accomplish this a third time... bring on book three!
Both Fantasyland and Deja Vu can be read as stand alones and I highly, highly recommend both of them. Brilliant writing for debut novels.
Come to my blog (link is below) if you would like to view a playlist of the songs used for inspiration for this book.
I would like to end by saying that Fantasyland does require a bit of reader patience... there is a lot of build up to the part of the story that pulls all of these lives together. But, it is worth the wait.
Follow my blog:
www.ktbookreviews.blogspot.com
March 23, 2017
Happy ever after’s and dreams come true in Fantasyland. Follow the lives and loves of Steve, Rick and Sandi. This romantic story will sweep you away.
As the title suggests, this is a fantasy story. The love between Rick and Sandi is magical and perfect. Sometimes it was a little too perfect for me. I expected from the blurb for there to be a bit more sadness and tragedy. Don’t get me wrong, there is some very devastating moments but overall, their lives played out very much like a long HEA. For a while there, I was beginning to wonder what Steve had to do with the happy couple. My ‘AHA’ moment came more than midway through. I won’t spoil the story so if you want to know, you will have to read the book.
I do have to commend the author on her excellent job on continuity. With this story spanning over 20 years it is easy to make a mistake in time references. Ms. Starling was spot on with her music and technology. The flow of the story is smooth and steady. There are quips and quotes from songs spanning many years throughout the book and if you are like me, you’re liable to get them stuck in your head. You’ll be playing name that tune and Lyrical Lingo at the same time.
Fantasyland is the prefect book for the hopeless romantics. Anybody who loves a great epic love story will want to grab a box of tissues and read this book.
I received this book from JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 3 Flames - 2
As the title suggests, this is a fantasy story. The love between Rick and Sandi is magical and perfect. Sometimes it was a little too perfect for me. I expected from the blurb for there to be a bit more sadness and tragedy. Don’t get me wrong, there is some very devastating moments but overall, their lives played out very much like a long HEA. For a while there, I was beginning to wonder what Steve had to do with the happy couple. My ‘AHA’ moment came more than midway through. I won’t spoil the story so if you want to know, you will have to read the book.
I do have to commend the author on her excellent job on continuity. With this story spanning over 20 years it is easy to make a mistake in time references. Ms. Starling was spot on with her music and technology. The flow of the story is smooth and steady. There are quips and quotes from songs spanning many years throughout the book and if you are like me, you’re liable to get them stuck in your head. You’ll be playing name that tune and Lyrical Lingo at the same time.
Fantasyland is the prefect book for the hopeless romantics. Anybody who loves a great epic love story will want to grab a box of tissues and read this book.
I received this book from JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 3 Flames - 2
September 23, 2013
Fantasy land follows the story of Sandi, who from the age of eleven has a crush on a teenage pop idol. Being brought up by her widowed father, his death leaves her heart broken and grieving. Sandi follows her dream to go to Uni in L.A. where she meets Paul and they hit it off and have a whirl wind romance. But Paul isn't who he seems to be...
Fantasy Land is the second Novel from DJ Starling, and i have to say it's amazing. The whole book is based on song lyrics and this really adds to the story. The characters are great and draw you into to the book with them. Again another amazingly written Romance by DJ Starling.
Fantasy Land is the second Novel from DJ Starling, and i have to say it's amazing. The whole book is based on song lyrics and this really adds to the story. The characters are great and draw you into to the book with them. Again another amazingly written Romance by DJ Starling.
January 21, 2018
That was AMAZING !!!
I loved D.J. Starling’s first book, Deja Vu, and looked forward to reading Fantasyland. I was really eager to read, and wondered if the author could pull me in and keep me entertained. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I cried. It was an emotional roller coaster, and I did not want to get off !!
The story begins in the present, and a huge tragedy awaits our heroine. We then jump to the past, and here is where the heart of the story lies. Now, if you’ve read her first, and I have, that one jumps a little further, and has a whole different twist, (I’m coming away from this book, back on track Julie) 😉
The characters were all adorable, and I fell in love with a few of them. The love between Rick and Sandi is magical and perfect. Sometimes it was a little too perfect for me. I expected from the back cover a series of disasters. I wasn’t really disappointed once I was way into the book. In fact I was surprised to read the end, I could have read it forever. And I did wonder where Steve came into the story, I won’t spoil it, but I did do the “OH MY GOD” moment 😉
Fantasyland touched me deeply, and it really is an original love story. If you get the chance, please add this to your reading list, you WON’T be sorry.
I loved D.J. Starling’s first book, Deja Vu, and looked forward to reading Fantasyland. I was really eager to read, and wondered if the author could pull me in and keep me entertained. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I cried. It was an emotional roller coaster, and I did not want to get off !!
The story begins in the present, and a huge tragedy awaits our heroine. We then jump to the past, and here is where the heart of the story lies. Now, if you’ve read her first, and I have, that one jumps a little further, and has a whole different twist, (I’m coming away from this book, back on track Julie) 😉
The characters were all adorable, and I fell in love with a few of them. The love between Rick and Sandi is magical and perfect. Sometimes it was a little too perfect for me. I expected from the back cover a series of disasters. I wasn’t really disappointed once I was way into the book. In fact I was surprised to read the end, I could have read it forever. And I did wonder where Steve came into the story, I won’t spoil it, but I did do the “OH MY GOD” moment 😉
Fantasyland touched me deeply, and it really is an original love story. If you get the chance, please add this to your reading list, you WON’T be sorry.
April 21, 2014
This was a wonderful love story. From the minute Rick and Sandi meet the love story blossoms. Not always the way you think it should or will. Sandi first falls for Rick when she is eleven years old. Rick was the teen idol hanging on so many bedroom walls. Remember those days? Sandi is so obsessed she dreams of going to college in California in hopes of one day meeting him. Her father raised her and her brother after her mom died. They always played a game using song lyrics. This kind of made me think of the show my mom watches NCIS where one of the characters is always spouting movie lines from old movies. Sandi’s father always encouraged her to follow her dreams. After he passes away she does just that. She moves to California to go to college. Once there she meets a gorgeous guy named Paul and falls for him. Imagine her surprise when she learns that he is actually her teen idol all grown up. Their relationship in the beginning is complicated yet moves along at a realistic pace. As we get further into the book we find there is also heartache. This is not unrealistic, yet borders on it. It is a great book for those of us who want to believe in our romantic dreams.
I received a copy for review in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I received a copy for review in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
November 15, 2013
This is another great book by D.J. Starling. The writing and story development is very intriguing. The way the characters are developed and integrated into bringing the story to life and keeping it alive. I highly recommend this book. I give it 4 stars.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews