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Thompson Sisters #1.5
Falling Stars
Crank Wilson and Julia Thompson love each other madly. But after Crank’s huge mistake during the summer, on the road with Crank’s rock band Morbid Obesity, they aren’t getting along.
Sean Wilson and Carrie Thompson are the seventeen year old younger siblings of Julia and Crank. Carrie is on her way to New York to start college at Columbia University and Sean is on his way home to Boston. For the next five days, they’re stuck in a car. Along the way, they’ll contend with screaming matches, giant spiders and a 240-pound pissed off Marine.
And the whole way, Crank will be faced with one question. After he screwed up so badly, is there any way he can win Julia back?
Sean Wilson and Carrie Thompson are the seventeen year old younger siblings of Julia and Crank. Carrie is on her way to New York to start college at Columbia University and Sean is on his way home to Boston. For the next five days, they’re stuck in a car. Along the way, they’ll contend with screaming matches, giant spiders and a 240-pound pissed off Marine.
And the whole way, Crank will be faced with one question. After he screwed up so badly, is there any way he can win Julia back?
70 pages, ebook
First published September 25, 2013
12 people are currently reading
1202 people want to read
About the author
Charles Sheehan-Miles
46 books1,551 followersCharles Sheehan-Miles has been a soldier, computer programmer, short-order cook and non-profit executive, and is the author of several fiction and non-fiction books, including the indie bestsellers Just Remember to Breathe and Republic: A Novel of America's Future. Charles and his wife Andrea Randall live and write together in South Hadley, Massachusetts.
Find out more at http://www.sheehanmiles.com
You're also invited to join the Remember to Breathe Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/remem...
Find out more at http://www.sheehanmiles.com
You're also invited to join the Remember to Breathe Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/remem...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
October 12, 2014
4 stars!
Out of all of Charles Sheehan Miles’s book that revolve around the Thompson sisters, A Song for Julia is my favorite, hence, I would never be able to turn down a novella that revisited some of my favorite characters in the series. At the end of book 1, Crank and Julia are at a good spot. Crank’s getting ready to go on tour with the band and Julia, having finally broken free of her shell, is the manager. Expecting their summer to go without a hitch, Crank and Julia succumb to the stress of touring and suddenly find themselves at a crossroads in their relationship. Can their love overcome their differences? Will it be enough to mend their hearts and move on? This little novella is that story of reconnecting and falling in love all over again.
Was this book necessary? No, not really. But for fans of this series and particularly Crank, Julia, and Sean, reading this novella will only make you love these characters more. The author’s writing is wonderful and reads like music, and I loved the emphasis on family and friendships throughout the story. One part that did make me feel sad though was a conversation scene between Carrie and Crank. I don’t even need to specify which one but once you read it, you’ll know. Since I’ve read The Last Hour that scene is particularly bittersweet.
Falling Stars is a novella that bridges the gap between book 1 and book 2 in this series and is not a standalone. You must read at least A Song for Julia first which is currently free on all platforms.
Out of all of Charles Sheehan Miles’s book that revolve around the Thompson sisters, A Song for Julia is my favorite, hence, I would never be able to turn down a novella that revisited some of my favorite characters in the series. At the end of book 1, Crank and Julia are at a good spot. Crank’s getting ready to go on tour with the band and Julia, having finally broken free of her shell, is the manager. Expecting their summer to go without a hitch, Crank and Julia succumb to the stress of touring and suddenly find themselves at a crossroads in their relationship. Can their love overcome their differences? Will it be enough to mend their hearts and move on? This little novella is that story of reconnecting and falling in love all over again.
Was this book necessary? No, not really. But for fans of this series and particularly Crank, Julia, and Sean, reading this novella will only make you love these characters more. The author’s writing is wonderful and reads like music, and I loved the emphasis on family and friendships throughout the story. One part that did make me feel sad though was a conversation scene between Carrie and Crank. I don’t even need to specify which one but once you read it, you’ll know. Since I’ve read The Last Hour that scene is particularly bittersweet.
Falling Stars is a novella that bridges the gap between book 1 and book 2 in this series and is not a standalone. You must read at least A Song for Julia first which is currently free on all platforms.
April 20, 2015
4 Falling Stars
More Crank and Julia... Can’t go wrong with that! At the end of A Song for Julia, Crank and Julia are getting ready to go on tour for the summer with Crank’s band that Julia manages. Well, the summer has come and gone and those few months did not go smoothly for this couple. Not at all. They aren’t getting along. There were some hurtful things said and done and neither one is apologizing. Now, they are stuck in a car together with Julia’s younger sister Carrie and Cranks younger brother Sean for five days. Five days that will make them or break them.
This was a great novella that ties up Crank and Julia’s story nicely. I hope to see them in the future Thompson Sisters novels, because I really love this couple. My favorite character in the series thus far is Sean. I just adore that boy. I was happy to get more of him. When he talked to Crank about Julia being his best friend I teared up. I love the dynamic of Sean and Julia’s relationship and I really want a full Sean book. It was also nice to meet Julia’s ‘big brother’ that she spoke so highly of in the first book. I genuinely enjoy this authors ‘voice’. His stories are well written and captivating. This was no exception. Looking forward to reading book 2 in this series soon!
More Crank and Julia... Can’t go wrong with that! At the end of A Song for Julia, Crank and Julia are getting ready to go on tour for the summer with Crank’s band that Julia manages. Well, the summer has come and gone and those few months did not go smoothly for this couple. Not at all. They aren’t getting along. There were some hurtful things said and done and neither one is apologizing. Now, they are stuck in a car together with Julia’s younger sister Carrie and Cranks younger brother Sean for five days. Five days that will make them or break them.
This was a great novella that ties up Crank and Julia’s story nicely. I hope to see them in the future Thompson Sisters novels, because I really love this couple. My favorite character in the series thus far is Sean. I just adore that boy. I was happy to get more of him. When he talked to Crank about Julia being his best friend I teared up. I love the dynamic of Sean and Julia’s relationship and I really want a full Sean book. It was also nice to meet Julia’s ‘big brother’ that she spoke so highly of in the first book. I genuinely enjoy this authors ‘voice’. His stories are well written and captivating. This was no exception. Looking forward to reading book 2 in this series soon!
October 2, 2014
5 Sean-tastic Stars
Falling Stars is a novella following A Song for Julia. When the Song ended Julia and Crank were heading out on the summer tour with the band. The book ended on a high with Crank’s music career taking off and Julia finding her independence. Together these two had finally worked out their issues and were ready to take on the world.
Falling begins at the end of the summer tour and things didn’t go as planned. Crank, Julia, Sean, and Carrie are driving home from California. The best way to describe this trip is uncomfortable, the tension is obvious between Julia and Crank.
You wouldn’t understand.”
“Oh yeah? Would that be because I have Aspergers’s, Crank? Because if it is, you can shove it up your ass.”
This trip could be the beginning of the end or it could be just what they need to get back on track.
This little novella is perfect and I absolutely loved it. My favorite part is Sean, Crank’s brother, he had me laughing out loud multiple times. I love his matter of fact attitude and comments. I loved seeing Carrie and Julia’s relationship growing. Julia has struggled to have any close friends in her life and it nice to see her bonds with Carrie and Sean. I just recently discovered Charles Sheehan-Miles, and I am so impressed with his writing. The writing is fantastic, his characters lovable, and you can’t help but cheer them on.
I highly recommend this series!
Falling Stars is a novella following A Song for Julia. When the Song ended Julia and Crank were heading out on the summer tour with the band. The book ended on a high with Crank’s music career taking off and Julia finding her independence. Together these two had finally worked out their issues and were ready to take on the world.
Falling begins at the end of the summer tour and things didn’t go as planned. Crank, Julia, Sean, and Carrie are driving home from California. The best way to describe this trip is uncomfortable, the tension is obvious between Julia and Crank.
You wouldn’t understand.”
“Oh yeah? Would that be because I have Aspergers’s, Crank? Because if it is, you can shove it up your ass.”
This trip could be the beginning of the end or it could be just what they need to get back on track.
This little novella is perfect and I absolutely loved it. My favorite part is Sean, Crank’s brother, he had me laughing out loud multiple times. I love his matter of fact attitude and comments. I loved seeing Carrie and Julia’s relationship growing. Julia has struggled to have any close friends in her life and it nice to see her bonds with Carrie and Sean. I just recently discovered Charles Sheehan-Miles, and I am so impressed with his writing. The writing is fantastic, his characters lovable, and you can’t help but cheer them on.
I highly recommend this series!
August 13, 2016
I'm loving this book series. This is the first time I've read a book from this author and I'm wondering what took me so long. He's going to be at the Author Event in Chicago May '14 and I'm seriously considering re-buying this series in paperback for an author signature. Cost effective? No. But he's that good.
This is essentially an epilogue to A Song for Julia. Did it really have to be written? Probably not. At the end of A Song for Julia, we are left with a happy for now with Julia and Crank. This book picks up on the heels of Morbid Obesity's summer tour, so maybe 8 or so months later. They're both mentally and physically drained and tension is high. Lack of communication issues caused them to hurt each other and there's questions as to whether they can make it work.
On a road trip from San Francisco to New York to drop off sister Carrie at school, the two are forced to be together, to think, to decide if this relationship is worth fighting for.
I love having Sean in this series. The author does a great job bringing light to the condition of Aspergers Syndrome. He doesn't sugar coat it and we see clearly what's it's like for both the person suffering from it as well as family members living with a loved one with it. I REALLY wouldn't mind a Sean book but I don't know if it's in the works. He and Carrie seem a perfectly odd fit!
Moving on to Just Remember to Breathe.
Want to read
December 28, 2014Just uploaded this one. Should be live soonish!
Update: it's live. http://www.sheehanmiles.com/falling-stars/
Update: it's live. http://www.sheehanmiles.com/falling-stars/
October 20, 2013
I have to say I love The Thompson Sisters book series. Charles Sheehan-Miles, really has a talent for pulling you in to the story on an emotional level, and this novella was not different.
I have to say straight off the bat, I unashamedly adore Crank, he shot into to my Top Ten book boyfriends in A Song For Julia and has held strong ever since, and even though he acts like a bit of an idiot in this chapter of his and Julia's relationship, in the end I still love him to bits!! His dry humour, the way he deals with people, and in particular Sean, make up for his early actions, and the scene with the spider, well LOL!!!
Crank - "We talk. We love each other. We never stop touching each other. We never stop paying attention to each other."
Good advice for anyone to follow in my opinion. That-said Falling Starts charts an emotional and heart-wrenching road trip, in which Crank and Julia have just finished Morbid Obesity's summer tour, and along with Sean, pick up Julia's sister Carrie and travel across the U.S to settle her into Columbia, on the way back to Boston.
The heart of this story is about jealously and communication in a relationship (or the lack thereof). I only post spoiler-free reviews, and seeing as this is a relatively short novella I can't really tell you more about the story. What I will say, is in the space of approximately the 90 minutes it took me to read it, I laughed, cried and fell in love with Crank, Julia, Sean and Carrie all over again, and I just want more and more of these characters.
I really hope that at some point in the future Charles writes Sean his own book, I think he has a story to tell. Alright, alright I know he isn't strictly a Thompson Sister, but he is part of the family IMO and with the skill Mr Sheehan-Miles has in being able to enlighten a reader on medical conditions without it feeling clinical, it is a story I would love to read (even if it is just another novella). You connect emotionally with his characters, not out of pity, but because of their inner strength and courage, like he did with Dylan in Just remember To Breathe, and his issues with PTSD and TBI. I would like to see him do the same with with Sean, how he views the world and the people around him, and how his life is different to ours with Aspergers Syndrome. If I'm honest, I am just plain nosey, and I want to get in Sean's head.
I am the Lucky recipient of an ARC copy of this book from the author. In exchange it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
I have to say straight off the bat, I unashamedly adore Crank, he shot into to my Top Ten book boyfriends in A Song For Julia and has held strong ever since, and even though he acts like a bit of an idiot in this chapter of his and Julia's relationship, in the end I still love him to bits!! His dry humour, the way he deals with people, and in particular Sean, make up for his early actions, and the scene with the spider, well LOL!!!
Crank - "We talk. We love each other. We never stop touching each other. We never stop paying attention to each other."
Good advice for anyone to follow in my opinion. That-said Falling Starts charts an emotional and heart-wrenching road trip, in which Crank and Julia have just finished Morbid Obesity's summer tour, and along with Sean, pick up Julia's sister Carrie and travel across the U.S to settle her into Columbia, on the way back to Boston.
The heart of this story is about jealously and communication in a relationship (or the lack thereof). I only post spoiler-free reviews, and seeing as this is a relatively short novella I can't really tell you more about the story. What I will say, is in the space of approximately the 90 minutes it took me to read it, I laughed, cried and fell in love with Crank, Julia, Sean and Carrie all over again, and I just want more and more of these characters.
I really hope that at some point in the future Charles writes Sean his own book, I think he has a story to tell. Alright, alright I know he isn't strictly a Thompson Sister, but he is part of the family IMO and with the skill Mr Sheehan-Miles has in being able to enlighten a reader on medical conditions without it feeling clinical, it is a story I would love to read (even if it is just another novella). You connect emotionally with his characters, not out of pity, but because of their inner strength and courage, like he did with Dylan in Just remember To Breathe, and his issues with PTSD and TBI. I would like to see him do the same with with Sean, how he views the world and the people around him, and how his life is different to ours with Aspergers Syndrome. If I'm honest, I am just plain nosey, and I want to get in Sean's head.
I am the Lucky recipient of an ARC copy of this book from the author. In exchange it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
December 30, 2013
Love Crank & Julia.
This novella is a great road trip with true feelings!
This novella is a great road trip with true feelings!
November 21, 2013
My head was tilted back, mouth open watching the heavens, when a flash of light crossed above me in an instant, a quick line of dreams slicing across the sky. A falling star.
This novella kind of hurt. You know that feeling when you love someone so much, but you feel so disconnected from them and there's nothing you can do? When you want to reach out and hold and hug and kiss someone so much, but there's this invisible solid wall between you two. When you want to say so much, but no matter what you say, it will only make things worse at this point. Well, that's Crank and Julia for you in this novella. Their relationship is kind of strained and, for me, shit like this hurts the second worst to read about. But what really really hurt and made tears appear in my eyes completely out of left field, was Crank's conversation with Carrie. Charles, that was just cruel.
November 10, 2013
This was a beautiful encore story about Crank and Julia. On a road trip across the country, their relationship problems were so serious, Julia was preparing to walk away.
The story starts out hilarious, but gradually, as the reasons for the couple's problems are revealed, the tone becomes more dramatic and angsty. In "A Song for Julia", one of the tragedies in Julia's life was loneliness and never having anyone to confide in. But in this story, Crank and Julia are not alone. Sean, Carrie and Julia's beloved old bodyguard are there to help the couple, and it is beautiful and heartwarming.
Although the story was primarily about Julia and Crank, Carrie touched my heart more than anyone. Little things mentioned in this book relating to Carrie had me crying all over again about book 3 "The Last Hour".
I love all the characters in this series and am so emotionally attached to them, they almost feel like real people to me. Charles Sheehan-Miles is a brilliant writer and I will continue to eagerly anticipate and read all the books he writes in this series.
The story starts out hilarious, but gradually, as the reasons for the couple's problems are revealed, the tone becomes more dramatic and angsty. In "A Song for Julia", one of the tragedies in Julia's life was loneliness and never having anyone to confide in. But in this story, Crank and Julia are not alone. Sean, Carrie and Julia's beloved old bodyguard are there to help the couple, and it is beautiful and heartwarming.
Although the story was primarily about Julia and Crank, Carrie touched my heart more than anyone. Little things mentioned in this book relating to Carrie had me crying all over again about book 3 "The Last Hour".
I love all the characters in this series and am so emotionally attached to them, they almost feel like real people to me. Charles Sheehan-Miles is a brilliant writer and I will continue to eagerly anticipate and read all the books he writes in this series.
November 11, 2013
I LOVE THE COVER!!! #excited
July 8, 2023
5 stars
I love this series!!
Julia and Crank are my favs.
So my rating isn't all that surprising.
I love this series!!
Julia and Crank are my favs.
So my rating isn't all that surprising.
May 28, 2018
short and sweet
February 1, 2018
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am just going to begin with saying that Charles Sheehan-Miles is one of my favorite authors, and his Thompson Sister series is one I will go back and read again and again. He writes with such fluidity and strength, every word you read having a purpose. I find myself trying to find clues along the way then resolve to just enjoying the ride. The depth of emotion he pulls from each and every one of his characters is what makes his stories so magnificent. You will finish one of his books feeling as if your soul has been altered irrevocably. Even having never experienced anything near what each of these characters have, I find myself connected with them on a pure human level. Their triumphs are my triumphs. Their devastation is my devastation. When they fall in love, my heart bursts from my chest right alongside them. Charles doesn’t just tell you a story, you truly live it!
I’d managed to avoid voicing the one thing I truly didn’t want to say, the thing that would ruin our trip and break my heart. Which was, I didn’t think I could stay with Crank any more, and that this trip was going to be our goodbye.
Right from the beginning we are simultaneously filled with a impending sense of doom all the while holding out hope. Surely the couple that we fell hopelessly in love with in A Song for Julia isn’t headed down the path to a resolute conclusion. Say it ain’t so?! Not Julia, a character the likes of which is still so broken yet on the road to recovery and finally out from under her parent’s watchful and scrutinous eyes. Certainly not Crank, a man who went through his own disappointments and was mad at the world. We left this couple with answers, a clear and promising future, completely immersed in each other, so completely in love. What could have possibly happened to cause them to voice such doubts?
“It’s just that…I see what you and Julia have, and I’m watching you throw it all away, and it just makes me feel like you’re a pack of idiots. She worships you, Crank. Do you know how rare that is? I’ll be lucky if I ever find anyone I love half as much.”
In Falling Stars, we pick up near the end of the summer after A Song for Julia. Having toured for a few months with Morbid Obesity, Julia, Crank and Sean pick up Carrie and make their way to the east coast. Tension is thick on the journey, neither Crank nor Julia knowing where it will lead them, and neither will voice their concerns, hurt, and uncertainty. Sean and Carrie provide the much needed comic relief on this mismatched road trip of epic proportions. Shenanigans ensue, one involving a huge eight or more legged creature and the police, and the outcome is……well, you will just have to read to find out.
“Carrie, you know, some day you’ll find a guy who will be your soul mate. Someone you would do anything for. Someone who makes you feel whole”
She gently shook her head in frustration. “When I do, I guarantee you I’ll stand by him. I’ll be his strength, and he’ll be mine. I won’t let some stupid jealous bullshit get in the way of who I love. It’s a damn shame to see you and Julia doing that.”
Besides the continuation of Julia and Crank’s growing relationship, I was continually amazed and devastated at the foreshadowing in this book. If you have read The Last Hour, you will get what I am talking about. I loved the relationship between Crank and Carrie. It was abundantly clear that he has a soft spot when it comes to her well-being and that he would always be her protector, when she would let him. I loved the no-nonsense dialogue that Carrie delivered to him, seeing through all his crap.
Once again we got to witness one of the sweetest relationships I have ever read; Julie and Sean. They truly are best friends, and it permeates so well in this book! There is a pure honesty in Sean’s words. You can merely be in his presence and know that he only speaks the truth. Carrie and Sean are so invested in the relationship of Julia and Crank, and it is clear from the start that they will do anything to help them find their way back to each other.
Falling stars might be bullshit. And I knew just wishing wasn’t going to be enough. If I wanted her, I had to go to her.
It is true when they say that sometimes the best things come in small packages. This novella is only 70 pages, but you will leave MORE than satisfied! Drawn in from word one, I couldn’t wait to continue on the journey with them all, and devoured every last word. A resounding 5 stars from me! I cannot wait for more Thompson Sisters!!
I am just going to begin with saying that Charles Sheehan-Miles is one of my favorite authors, and his Thompson Sister series is one I will go back and read again and again. He writes with such fluidity and strength, every word you read having a purpose. I find myself trying to find clues along the way then resolve to just enjoying the ride. The depth of emotion he pulls from each and every one of his characters is what makes his stories so magnificent. You will finish one of his books feeling as if your soul has been altered irrevocably. Even having never experienced anything near what each of these characters have, I find myself connected with them on a pure human level. Their triumphs are my triumphs. Their devastation is my devastation. When they fall in love, my heart bursts from my chest right alongside them. Charles doesn’t just tell you a story, you truly live it!
I’d managed to avoid voicing the one thing I truly didn’t want to say, the thing that would ruin our trip and break my heart. Which was, I didn’t think I could stay with Crank any more, and that this trip was going to be our goodbye.
Right from the beginning we are simultaneously filled with a impending sense of doom all the while holding out hope. Surely the couple that we fell hopelessly in love with in A Song for Julia isn’t headed down the path to a resolute conclusion. Say it ain’t so?! Not Julia, a character the likes of which is still so broken yet on the road to recovery and finally out from under her parent’s watchful and scrutinous eyes. Certainly not Crank, a man who went through his own disappointments and was mad at the world. We left this couple with answers, a clear and promising future, completely immersed in each other, so completely in love. What could have possibly happened to cause them to voice such doubts?
“It’s just that…I see what you and Julia have, and I’m watching you throw it all away, and it just makes me feel like you’re a pack of idiots. She worships you, Crank. Do you know how rare that is? I’ll be lucky if I ever find anyone I love half as much.”
In Falling Stars, we pick up near the end of the summer after A Song for Julia. Having toured for a few months with Morbid Obesity, Julia, Crank and Sean pick up Carrie and make their way to the east coast. Tension is thick on the journey, neither Crank nor Julia knowing where it will lead them, and neither will voice their concerns, hurt, and uncertainty. Sean and Carrie provide the much needed comic relief on this mismatched road trip of epic proportions. Shenanigans ensue, one involving a huge eight or more legged creature and the police, and the outcome is……well, you will just have to read to find out.
“Carrie, you know, some day you’ll find a guy who will be your soul mate. Someone you would do anything for. Someone who makes you feel whole”
She gently shook her head in frustration. “When I do, I guarantee you I’ll stand by him. I’ll be his strength, and he’ll be mine. I won’t let some stupid jealous bullshit get in the way of who I love. It’s a damn shame to see you and Julia doing that.”
Besides the continuation of Julia and Crank’s growing relationship, I was continually amazed and devastated at the foreshadowing in this book. If you have read The Last Hour, you will get what I am talking about. I loved the relationship between Crank and Carrie. It was abundantly clear that he has a soft spot when it comes to her well-being and that he would always be her protector, when she would let him. I loved the no-nonsense dialogue that Carrie delivered to him, seeing through all his crap.
Once again we got to witness one of the sweetest relationships I have ever read; Julie and Sean. They truly are best friends, and it permeates so well in this book! There is a pure honesty in Sean’s words. You can merely be in his presence and know that he only speaks the truth. Carrie and Sean are so invested in the relationship of Julia and Crank, and it is clear from the start that they will do anything to help them find their way back to each other.
Falling stars might be bullshit. And I knew just wishing wasn’t going to be enough. If I wanted her, I had to go to her.
It is true when they say that sometimes the best things come in small packages. This novella is only 70 pages, but you will leave MORE than satisfied! Drawn in from word one, I couldn’t wait to continue on the journey with them all, and devoured every last word. A resounding 5 stars from me! I cannot wait for more Thompson Sisters!!
October 22, 2013
FALLING STARS IS NOW LIVE ON AMAZON! ONE-CLICK RIIIIIIGHT HERE!
It's no secret that I am a fan of Charles' books, so when I found out that he was writing a novella I was so excited.. regardless of who it was about. When I found it was about not only Julia and Crank, but Sean and Carrie too? I was REALLY excited. Reading about The Thompson Sisters for me is like visiting old friends, catching up with family, and just generally feeling so comforted by their words. I have read and loved all three books written about them, and Falling Stars was no exception. Although the book is fairly short, it certainly packs a punch and it felt like a little treat being back in their world.
This book goes back in time a little.. after A Song For Julia but before both Just Remember To Breathe and The Last Hour. You may worry that that can be confusing, trying to remember when such and such happened, but that is not necessary. Charles always has a way of making you fit right back in there and not worry about the when. It just comes naturally. Crank and Julia are going through some... issues at the start of this book. It isn't obvious to start with what is going on between them, but I felt sad all the same. In A Song for Julia, Julia is such a strong, put together woman, and her relationship with Crank is one of the most important things to her. So, to see them less than happy? It was a little unnerving.
You'd think a road trip with their siblings, Carrie and Sean, would just mean disaster, wouldn't you? Nuhuh, not here. I love both Carrie and Sean separately, but having them working as a team to help Julia and Crank see the errors of their ways in their relationship, and having them realise what they are missing out on by acting like a pair of prats, was just.. special. They are so wise and mature, and Sean in particular did not think twice about calling Crank out on his shit.. who knew a a little knock to the head from your younger brother could have you seeing sense? *giggles* Charles, if you see this, please for the love of God write a book for Sean. I just know he has a story to tell and I would read it right this second if I could.
Overall this book was just what I needed. It was a brilliant little book to keep you going until the next instalment from The Sister's is out. I don't need a massive book with all the pain and angst (I had enough of that in The Last Hour, which Charles, you are still not forgiven for), so a short story, with entertainment levels and the right amount of crap to keep us interested? I was all for it. I can't wait to see what is next.
*ARC provided to The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog in exchange for an honest review.*
It's no secret that I am a fan of Charles' books, so when I found out that he was writing a novella I was so excited.. regardless of who it was about. When I found it was about not only Julia and Crank, but Sean and Carrie too? I was REALLY excited. Reading about The Thompson Sisters for me is like visiting old friends, catching up with family, and just generally feeling so comforted by their words. I have read and loved all three books written about them, and Falling Stars was no exception. Although the book is fairly short, it certainly packs a punch and it felt like a little treat being back in their world.
"Before we met, Julia was the loneliest person in the world. I didn't want her to be lonely any more."
This book goes back in time a little.. after A Song For Julia but before both Just Remember To Breathe and The Last Hour. You may worry that that can be confusing, trying to remember when such and such happened, but that is not necessary. Charles always has a way of making you fit right back in there and not worry about the when. It just comes naturally. Crank and Julia are going through some... issues at the start of this book. It isn't obvious to start with what is going on between them, but I felt sad all the same. In A Song for Julia, Julia is such a strong, put together woman, and her relationship with Crank is one of the most important things to her. So, to see them less than happy? It was a little unnerving.
"Jesus, Julia. I want to hug you forever. I want to hold you in my arms all night long. I want to make love to you. But more than that.. I want to touch you. I want you to be mine."
You'd think a road trip with their siblings, Carrie and Sean, would just mean disaster, wouldn't you? Nuhuh, not here. I love both Carrie and Sean separately, but having them working as a team to help Julia and Crank see the errors of their ways in their relationship, and having them realise what they are missing out on by acting like a pair of prats, was just.. special. They are so wise and mature, and Sean in particular did not think twice about calling Crank out on his shit.. who knew a a little knock to the head from your younger brother could have you seeing sense? *giggles* Charles, if you see this, please for the love of God write a book for Sean. I just know he has a story to tell and I would read it right this second if I could.
Overall this book was just what I needed. It was a brilliant little book to keep you going until the next instalment from The Sister's is out. I don't need a massive book with all the pain and angst (I had enough of that in The Last Hour, which Charles, you are still not forgiven for), so a short story, with entertainment levels and the right amount of crap to keep us interested? I was all for it. I can't wait to see what is next.
"You're fucking nuts, Crank. Nuts. Completely, absolutely crazy."
I took one breath. Then I said, "Then go crazy with me." ♥
*ARC provided to The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog in exchange for an honest review.*
September 14, 2014
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
Rating:4.5 Stars
Did I tell you that Charles Sheehan-Miles ranks somewhere on top of my favorite authors and that I’m simply in love with him? He knows how to rock my emotions, to surprise me, to devastate me, to make me fall in love, then suddenly break my heart, he knows how to make me smile, laugh and he just knows how to make me FEEL.
The Thompson Sisters is one of my favorite series so far, and so far, none of the series has disappointed me (yes, including THE LAST HOUR – which totally had me in tears!). Now what makes this one different? I was afraid to read this at first, because it might destroy the HEA for Crank and Julia, but then I took the plunge, read it in one sitting, and – SPEECHLESS. It took a while for me to make this review.
How can something so short be this perfect?!!
I was happy to read Crank and Julia once again. The last time I saw them, they were perfect for each other, madly in love and really, very happy. But Crank made some serious stupid mistake while on tour that puts this perfect relationship on the rocks. Julia was cold and distant, and Crank wasn’t doing anything to make things right.
It was great to see Carrie again – all young and not-heartbroken. I had this wishful thinking that perhaps Carrie would get her own happy ending (with Sean probably) as well. They seem perfect for each other, at seventeen – with genius minds that seems to blend. Carrie was on her way to New York to start college at Columbia University while Sean is on his way to Boston.
They spent five days crammed inside the car, with a short, unforgettable stop to see Barry. Would they be able to mend their broken relationship? Or will they both throw the best thing that happened to the both of them?
Falling Stars will make you fall in love all over again with Crank and Julia, and even Carrie and Sean. It’s short, perfect, and a really, really great read. A perfect read for one sitting, enough to finish before you hit the sheets – to keep you warm in these cold nights, and give you a perfect dream in your sleep. Charles Sheehan-Miles once again worked his magic that would leave you wanting for more.
★ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.★
Rating:4.5 Stars
Did I tell you that Charles Sheehan-Miles ranks somewhere on top of my favorite authors and that I’m simply in love with him? He knows how to rock my emotions, to surprise me, to devastate me, to make me fall in love, then suddenly break my heart, he knows how to make me smile, laugh and he just knows how to make me FEEL.
The Thompson Sisters is one of my favorite series so far, and so far, none of the series has disappointed me (yes, including THE LAST HOUR – which totally had me in tears!). Now what makes this one different? I was afraid to read this at first, because it might destroy the HEA for Crank and Julia, but then I took the plunge, read it in one sitting, and – SPEECHLESS. It took a while for me to make this review.
How can something so short be this perfect?!!
I was happy to read Crank and Julia once again. The last time I saw them, they were perfect for each other, madly in love and really, very happy. But Crank made some serious stupid mistake while on tour that puts this perfect relationship on the rocks. Julia was cold and distant, and Crank wasn’t doing anything to make things right.
It was great to see Carrie again – all young and not-heartbroken. I had this wishful thinking that perhaps Carrie would get her own happy ending (with Sean probably) as well. They seem perfect for each other, at seventeen – with genius minds that seems to blend. Carrie was on her way to New York to start college at Columbia University while Sean is on his way to Boston.
They spent five days crammed inside the car, with a short, unforgettable stop to see Barry. Would they be able to mend their broken relationship? Or will they both throw the best thing that happened to the both of them?
Falling Stars will make you fall in love all over again with Crank and Julia, and even Carrie and Sean. It’s short, perfect, and a really, really great read. A perfect read for one sitting, enough to finish before you hit the sheets – to keep you warm in these cold nights, and give you a perfect dream in your sleep. Charles Sheehan-Miles once again worked his magic that would leave you wanting for more.
★ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.★
January 24, 2014
Crank and Julia's book is by far my favorite in the Thompson Sisters series. So, to say I was excited when I first heard about Falling Stars is a understatement.
However, on this segment things are different . Crank and Julia are in rough place right now. They are barely talking to each other and don't know where their relationship is going. So we don't get to see much of that couple we all fall in love.
It was not what I was expecting to read but it was a cool to see a little bit more of this couple.
However, on this segment things are different . Crank and Julia are in rough place right now. They are barely talking to each other and don't know where their relationship is going. So we don't get to see much of that couple we all fall in love.
It was not what I was expecting to read but it was a cool to see a little bit more of this couple.
October 21, 2013
Umm more Julia and Crank? What's not to like? I fall a little more in love with Charles Sheehan-Miles' writing every time I read one of his books... add the fact that Julia and Crank are my favorite characters and you have a winner!
More review to come on release day!
More review to come on release day!
October 28, 2013
Nice addition to Julia and Crank's story. Fantastic as always CSM!
October 24, 2013
What's not to love about Crank and Julia! I loved getting some inside information on their relationship. Falling Stars was perfect and will hold you over till we hear more for. The Thompson Sisters.
September 8, 2017
3.5 stars
October 23, 2013
4.5 stars
"You're f***ing nuts, Crank. Nuts. Completely, absolutely crazy."
"Then go crazy with me."
I have to start out by saying that I love the Thompson Sisters books and Julia and Crank are my favorites. So I was excited that they were going to get a novella. This sits right in between A Song For Julia and Just Remember To Breathe.
It was fun to hop in the car with Julia, Crank, and their siblings Carrie and Sean for a memorable adventure. But I hated to see Julia and Crank having a hard time.
I love Crank. I have since the beginning and have never wavered. He is who he is and is usually not ashamed of it. I like Julia too. She is strong, outspoken, and smart. He and Julia had a good thing going. They were opposites that totally did attract. She opened up and let him in. He settled down a bit. And their lives seemed like they were going to mesh perfectly with her as their band manager. But their summer tour led to some issues with trust, hurt feelings, and miscommunication. The tension was thick, they were both floundering, and it broke my heart to see one of my favorite couples struggling.
I really enjoyed the rapport between Carrie and Sean. Their over the top science nerd talk and willingness to say whatever they were thinking added comic relief. They had a connection and they were two very intelligent young people with a lot in common. And they were not afraid to tell Julia and Crank exactly what they thought of their behavior. I love that both Carrie and Julia accept Sean and do not treat him differently because of his Asperger's. Julia and Sean have a special bond of friendship, and you could see the same happening with Carrie and Crank. It was totally endearing.
I had been hoping that Julia to reunite with an old friend since we learned about him in her book. And I was not disappointed. He was just as outspoken, completely protective, and had me laughing.
There were all kinds of travel snafus, shenanigans, and comical situations mixed in with the more emotional relationship drama. It all comes down to digging deep, admitting mistakes, and fighting for what is important.
Wishes on falling stars might be a load of bulls**t. But maybe this wish, I could do something about. Yes, we'd had a rough couple of months, Yes, I'd done some stupid things. But nothing I'd said or done, nothing Julia had said or done, was unforgivable...
This was a charming, short read but written in Charles' usual engaging style with humor and emotional depth. He somehow managed to make a short novella a perfectly complete story. I felt like I was in the car with them, going through the mishaps, worrying, and trying to figure out how to fix it all. There was miscommunication, jealousy, pain, and sadness. But there were also humorous and sweet times to. But just like with any of his other books, I felt it all. I loved getting to go back in time with these characters even though we already know what their future holds. And you can pick up small details in this alluding to the future especially with Carrie.....sigh....
“Carrie, you know, some day you’ll find a guy who will be your soul mate. Someone you would do anything for. Someone who makes you feel whole.”
I cannot wait for more in this series and he just announced there will be a new Thompson Sisters trilogy as well with the first one focusing on sister Andrea. I have loved every book I have read by Charles Sheehan-Miles. He has an amazing gift for words that are compelling and capture the small nuances of human emotion. He has created a world of such complex, lovable characters that I just cannot get enough of.
Thanks to Charles Sheehan-Miles for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at Reviews by Tammy and Kim.
"You're f***ing nuts, Crank. Nuts. Completely, absolutely crazy."
"Then go crazy with me."
I have to start out by saying that I love the Thompson Sisters books and Julia and Crank are my favorites. So I was excited that they were going to get a novella. This sits right in between A Song For Julia and Just Remember To Breathe.
It was fun to hop in the car with Julia, Crank, and their siblings Carrie and Sean for a memorable adventure. But I hated to see Julia and Crank having a hard time.
I love Crank. I have since the beginning and have never wavered. He is who he is and is usually not ashamed of it. I like Julia too. She is strong, outspoken, and smart. He and Julia had a good thing going. They were opposites that totally did attract. She opened up and let him in. He settled down a bit. And their lives seemed like they were going to mesh perfectly with her as their band manager. But their summer tour led to some issues with trust, hurt feelings, and miscommunication. The tension was thick, they were both floundering, and it broke my heart to see one of my favorite couples struggling.
I really enjoyed the rapport between Carrie and Sean. Their over the top science nerd talk and willingness to say whatever they were thinking added comic relief. They had a connection and they were two very intelligent young people with a lot in common. And they were not afraid to tell Julia and Crank exactly what they thought of their behavior. I love that both Carrie and Julia accept Sean and do not treat him differently because of his Asperger's. Julia and Sean have a special bond of friendship, and you could see the same happening with Carrie and Crank. It was totally endearing.
I had been hoping that Julia to reunite with an old friend since we learned about him in her book. And I was not disappointed. He was just as outspoken, completely protective, and had me laughing.
There were all kinds of travel snafus, shenanigans, and comical situations mixed in with the more emotional relationship drama. It all comes down to digging deep, admitting mistakes, and fighting for what is important.
Wishes on falling stars might be a load of bulls**t. But maybe this wish, I could do something about. Yes, we'd had a rough couple of months, Yes, I'd done some stupid things. But nothing I'd said or done, nothing Julia had said or done, was unforgivable...
This was a charming, short read but written in Charles' usual engaging style with humor and emotional depth. He somehow managed to make a short novella a perfectly complete story. I felt like I was in the car with them, going through the mishaps, worrying, and trying to figure out how to fix it all. There was miscommunication, jealousy, pain, and sadness. But there were also humorous and sweet times to. But just like with any of his other books, I felt it all. I loved getting to go back in time with these characters even though we already know what their future holds. And you can pick up small details in this alluding to the future especially with Carrie.....sigh....
“Carrie, you know, some day you’ll find a guy who will be your soul mate. Someone you would do anything for. Someone who makes you feel whole.”
I cannot wait for more in this series and he just announced there will be a new Thompson Sisters trilogy as well with the first one focusing on sister Andrea. I have loved every book I have read by Charles Sheehan-Miles. He has an amazing gift for words that are compelling and capture the small nuances of human emotion. He has created a world of such complex, lovable characters that I just cannot get enough of.
Thanks to Charles Sheehan-Miles for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at Reviews by Tammy and Kim.
October 23, 2013
Never have I met an author like Charles Sheehan-Miles. Every single book I’ve read of his, I’ve loved more. This novella is no exception. How he crams so much information and so much emotion and so much….just fabulous storytelling into an 8 chapter novella is beyond me. I laughed, I gasped out of shock and yes, I even sobbed (out loud…at my daughter’s gymnastics practice at that, the bastard). If you need more than that in a book, I’m not sure what you’re looking for.
This novella coincides with Crank and Julia’s story. In fact, it picks up right where A Song for Julia leaves off. Crank Wilson may be one of my favorite boys ever. Yes. You read that right. I called him a boy. He IS a boy. He deals with situations like a boy and acts like a pigheaded, well, toddler. One of my favorite characters in this book is Crank’s “little” brother Sean. Sean tells it like it is. He’s random and he is SO brutally honest.
“He kicked the sand and kept walking beside me. ”I see. Because: reasons.” What?” He shrugged. ”That’s what people always say when they don’t have a rational reason for their behavior. Because, reasons. You’ve got reasons, but you won’t talk about them. Because they don’t really exist.”
Sean and Carrie, Julia’s sister, have a special relationship in this novella. The way that Sean and Carrie connect in this book seriously brings a tear to my eye. Don’t fret though…a good tear. Not a typical Charles Sheehan-Miles tear.
“They’re both seventeen. And they bond over spiders and fruit flies and I don’t know what else.”
Julia Thompson is…well, I gotta be honest. I have sort of a girl crush on Julia. Bitch is STRONG. She’s cut throat. She knows what she wants and she gets it. Sure, she has trust issues, but Crank is the one person she has let in.
“I do trust you, Crank. That’s why this hurt so much.”
AAAND, in true Charles Sheehan-Miles fashion, the bastard made me bawl. I full out SOBBED in the middle of my daughter’s gymnastic practice.
“Carrie, you know, some day you’ll find a guy who will be your soul mate. Someone you would do anything for. Someone who makes you feel whole.”
(come on TLH readers. YOU KNOW YOU’RE SOBBING)
For real, go out and grab this. Charles Sheehan-Miles has done it again. Not only is this story beautifully told with interjections of wit and emotional moments but it is filled to the brim with situations that are REAL. These people are not perfect and that’s what makes me love them even more.
This novella coincides with Crank and Julia’s story. In fact, it picks up right where A Song for Julia leaves off. Crank Wilson may be one of my favorite boys ever. Yes. You read that right. I called him a boy. He IS a boy. He deals with situations like a boy and acts like a pigheaded, well, toddler. One of my favorite characters in this book is Crank’s “little” brother Sean. Sean tells it like it is. He’s random and he is SO brutally honest.
“He kicked the sand and kept walking beside me. ”I see. Because: reasons.” What?” He shrugged. ”That’s what people always say when they don’t have a rational reason for their behavior. Because, reasons. You’ve got reasons, but you won’t talk about them. Because they don’t really exist.”
Sean and Carrie, Julia’s sister, have a special relationship in this novella. The way that Sean and Carrie connect in this book seriously brings a tear to my eye. Don’t fret though…a good tear. Not a typical Charles Sheehan-Miles tear.
“They’re both seventeen. And they bond over spiders and fruit flies and I don’t know what else.”
Julia Thompson is…well, I gotta be honest. I have sort of a girl crush on Julia. Bitch is STRONG. She’s cut throat. She knows what she wants and she gets it. Sure, she has trust issues, but Crank is the one person she has let in.
“I do trust you, Crank. That’s why this hurt so much.”
AAAND, in true Charles Sheehan-Miles fashion, the bastard made me bawl. I full out SOBBED in the middle of my daughter’s gymnastic practice.
“Carrie, you know, some day you’ll find a guy who will be your soul mate. Someone you would do anything for. Someone who makes you feel whole.”
(come on TLH readers. YOU KNOW YOU’RE SOBBING)
For real, go out and grab this. Charles Sheehan-Miles has done it again. Not only is this story beautifully told with interjections of wit and emotional moments but it is filled to the brim with situations that are REAL. These people are not perfect and that’s what makes me love them even more.
October 20, 2013
Falling Stars is a novella from the Thompson Sisters series by Charles Sheehan-Miles, and it was perfect! So often, I think authors try to fit a whole story into a novella and it falls short. A novella just doesn’t usually provide enough pages to fit the depth of a full-length story. Falling Stars showcases a snippet of time in Julia and Crank's (A Song for Julia) life.
Even if the cover wasn't gorgeous I would've been picking up this novella right away.... I love Charles Sheehan-Miles' books. I know I will always get a nice, intricate story filled with a lot of emotion, and this beautiful addition did not disappoint. This probably sounds like an oxymoron - didn't I just say that wasn't possible with a novella? That's the genius of Falling Stars! Because we are only reading about a snippet in time, we still get our in-depth characters, background, and a mini story - all without feeling like we got jipped!
Falling Stars picks up a few months after A Song for Julia ends. We find Julia and Crank fresh off of the summer band tour and heading out on a road trip to take Sean (Crank's brother) back home to Boston, and Carrie (Julia's sister) off to college. I love books that have cross-country travel... it's always exciting. Family trips always bring about lots of fun memories you can look back on and laugh about later. The hijinks that ensue on this ill-fated car ride had me laughing, just as the tension had me biting my nails. Julia and Crank are obviously having some relationship "troubles" following the tour, while Sean and Carrie have a somewhat unconventional attraction lingering. With so many different personalities locked in a car, tensions are sure to mount. Crank and Julia are giving each other the silent treatment while Sean is spouting obscure facts and Carrie is trying to keep the peace. Factor in poor travel planning and one giant spider, and you have the makings of a very enjoyable novella.
Reading Falling Stars just wet my appetite for more Thompson Sisters novels. I hope there are many more to come!
5 stars for this delightful novella!
"You're fucking nuts, Crank. Nuts. Completely, absolutely crazy." I took one breath. Then I said, "Then go crazy with me."
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review which will post on Stories and Swag.
Even if the cover wasn't gorgeous I would've been picking up this novella right away.... I love Charles Sheehan-Miles' books. I know I will always get a nice, intricate story filled with a lot of emotion, and this beautiful addition did not disappoint. This probably sounds like an oxymoron - didn't I just say that wasn't possible with a novella? That's the genius of Falling Stars! Because we are only reading about a snippet in time, we still get our in-depth characters, background, and a mini story - all without feeling like we got jipped!
Falling Stars picks up a few months after A Song for Julia ends. We find Julia and Crank fresh off of the summer band tour and heading out on a road trip to take Sean (Crank's brother) back home to Boston, and Carrie (Julia's sister) off to college. I love books that have cross-country travel... it's always exciting. Family trips always bring about lots of fun memories you can look back on and laugh about later. The hijinks that ensue on this ill-fated car ride had me laughing, just as the tension had me biting my nails. Julia and Crank are obviously having some relationship "troubles" following the tour, while Sean and Carrie have a somewhat unconventional attraction lingering. With so many different personalities locked in a car, tensions are sure to mount. Crank and Julia are giving each other the silent treatment while Sean is spouting obscure facts and Carrie is trying to keep the peace. Factor in poor travel planning and one giant spider, and you have the makings of a very enjoyable novella.
Reading Falling Stars just wet my appetite for more Thompson Sisters novels. I hope there are many more to come!
5 stars for this delightful novella!
"You're fucking nuts, Crank. Nuts. Completely, absolutely crazy." I took one breath. Then I said, "Then go crazy with me."
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review which will post on Stories and Swag.
October 23, 2013
Let me start by saying that Charles Sheehan-Miles is brilliant. I love reading everything he writes, and Falling Stars is no exception. The Thompson Sisters series is one of my favorites, and having a chance to revisit some of my favorite characters in this novella was a real treat.
Well written as always, Mr. Sheehan-Miles takes us further into the formative months in the relationship of Crank and Julia. We learn about their insecurites with one another. We see their stubbornness and the negative effect it can have on their relationship. And we find out just how deeply they love one another, and how much that love can overcome.
The book is filled with moments of humor. From Sean's unedited remarks, to an unexpected passenger on the road trip, there were laugh out loud funny situations. There are moments so fraught with tension and drama that I felt uncomfortable reading them. At times throughout the story I wanted to strangle Crank and slap Julia, as they went back and forth from one being a jackass to the other. And as always, Charles doesn't fail to add in a few bittersweet moments. If you have read The Last Hour you will find yourself sobbing over the subtle foreshadowing.
I'm not usually a big fan of novellas. They either overwhelm me with the amount of story the author tries to fit into them, or they leave me yearning for so much more. But...in Falling Stars, Charles gave me just the right amount to make me happy. I enjoyed meeting a few new characters, and I really loved getting to know Sean and Carrie a bit more. And...well...really...who doesn't love Crank and Julia?
Overall, another extremely fulfilling offering from Mr. Sheehan-Miles that left me feeling satisfied and at the same time excitedly awaiting the next Thompson Series novel.
Well written as always, Mr. Sheehan-Miles takes us further into the formative months in the relationship of Crank and Julia. We learn about their insecurites with one another. We see their stubbornness and the negative effect it can have on their relationship. And we find out just how deeply they love one another, and how much that love can overcome.
The book is filled with moments of humor. From Sean's unedited remarks, to an unexpected passenger on the road trip, there were laugh out loud funny situations. There are moments so fraught with tension and drama that I felt uncomfortable reading them. At times throughout the story I wanted to strangle Crank and slap Julia, as they went back and forth from one being a jackass to the other. And as always, Charles doesn't fail to add in a few bittersweet moments. If you have read The Last Hour you will find yourself sobbing over the subtle foreshadowing.
I'm not usually a big fan of novellas. They either overwhelm me with the amount of story the author tries to fit into them, or they leave me yearning for so much more. But...in Falling Stars, Charles gave me just the right amount to make me happy. I enjoyed meeting a few new characters, and I really loved getting to know Sean and Carrie a bit more. And...well...really...who doesn't love Crank and Julia?
Overall, another extremely fulfilling offering from Mr. Sheehan-Miles that left me feeling satisfied and at the same time excitedly awaiting the next Thompson Series novel.
October 23, 2013
The story goes back in time to Julia and Crank while on the road and both learning about their own insecurities, things are not going well and they need to fix it.. How? Thats the question.
They set off on a road trip with Carrie and Sean as they take Carrie to get settled in college and the trip takes twists and turns along the way. It was written in alt POV between Julia and Crank and it worked beautifully, as does all of Charles’ novels. I felt like I was going home and meeting up with family again, this is how the characters in The Thompson Sisters novels make me feel.
It was wonderful to meet up with everyone again but the main event for me was reconnecting with Sean. He was outstanding in this novella, his relationship with Julia almost as highly charged as Crank’s. She’s his best friend and if you hurt her beware!! Also his blossoming relationship with Carrie was sweet to watch. She is wise beyond her years and they blend together like strawberries and cream.We also meet up with another character from the past but because this is a short novella I’m not giving details, I just want to add that it made me teary when we did.
This is a romance, the past wasn’t always sweet for Julia and Crank, and this part of their lives is a test of their strength and love for each other. Charles writes beautifully, I’m a huge fan and I was delighted to revisit the past again, this only makes me more excited about his next Thompson Trilogy.
‘I love you,” she said. Her voice quieter than mine and more cautious. I hated that caution. I hated that I was part of the cause.
I opened my mouth , unable to think. Then I said, ” Im paralysed with fear”
ARC was received from the author for an honest review
They set off on a road trip with Carrie and Sean as they take Carrie to get settled in college and the trip takes twists and turns along the way. It was written in alt POV between Julia and Crank and it worked beautifully, as does all of Charles’ novels. I felt like I was going home and meeting up with family again, this is how the characters in The Thompson Sisters novels make me feel.
It was wonderful to meet up with everyone again but the main event for me was reconnecting with Sean. He was outstanding in this novella, his relationship with Julia almost as highly charged as Crank’s. She’s his best friend and if you hurt her beware!! Also his blossoming relationship with Carrie was sweet to watch. She is wise beyond her years and they blend together like strawberries and cream.We also meet up with another character from the past but because this is a short novella I’m not giving details, I just want to add that it made me teary when we did.
This is a romance, the past wasn’t always sweet for Julia and Crank, and this part of their lives is a test of their strength and love for each other. Charles writes beautifully, I’m a huge fan and I was delighted to revisit the past again, this only makes me more excited about his next Thompson Trilogy.
‘I love you,” she said. Her voice quieter than mine and more cautious. I hated that caution. I hated that I was part of the cause.
I opened my mouth , unable to think. Then I said, ” Im paralysed with fear”
ARC was received from the author for an honest review
October 24, 2013
Ah, Crank and Julia... They were what started my love for the "Thompson Sisters" series and the intense and memorable characters and the well-told and heart-wrenching stories that each of the sisters had to tell. ^.^ So, having this novella, "Falling Stars", by Charles Sheehan-Miles is a wonderful bonus because fans of the series are able to glimpse what happened after the summer tour of Morbid Obesity and how it affected Crank and Julia. Of course, I'm assuming this is set after the events of "A Song for Julia" but, as the author himself states, each book in the series is meant to be a stand-alone so there's always a possibility of an inconsistency here and there. ^.^
Aside from being happy to have more of Crank Wilson and Julia Thompson, I was glad that Sean and Carrie, Crank and Julia's respective 17-year-old siblings, made a much-deserved reappearance. There's a dynamic between Sean and Carrie that's both fascinating and touching. ^.^ On the other hand, Crank and Julia appear to be going through certain trust issues and they so needed to communicate better.
I felt that this novella wanted to point out that even though a fictional couple gets their happy ending in one novel, more often than not, not everything is peachy-keen afterwards. It's like what happens in real life...there are bumps along the road and it's a matter of being able to maneuver over those bumps in order to make a relationship stronger. But hey, maybe that's just how I see it. Hehe.
"Falling Stars" definitely gets a five-star rating and I'm looking forward to the second "Thompson Sisters" trilogy, beginning with "Rachel's Peril" coming out in a couple months or so! ^.^
Aside from being happy to have more of Crank Wilson and Julia Thompson, I was glad that Sean and Carrie, Crank and Julia's respective 17-year-old siblings, made a much-deserved reappearance. There's a dynamic between Sean and Carrie that's both fascinating and touching. ^.^ On the other hand, Crank and Julia appear to be going through certain trust issues and they so needed to communicate better.
I felt that this novella wanted to point out that even though a fictional couple gets their happy ending in one novel, more often than not, not everything is peachy-keen afterwards. It's like what happens in real life...there are bumps along the road and it's a matter of being able to maneuver over those bumps in order to make a relationship stronger. But hey, maybe that's just how I see it. Hehe.
"Falling Stars" definitely gets a five-star rating and I'm looking forward to the second "Thompson Sisters" trilogy, beginning with "Rachel's Peril" coming out in a couple months or so! ^.^
December 24, 2013
*WHAT A SWEET RIDE!*
- - - - -
I loved the Thompson sisters! I haven't read the third book but I'm sure I will adore it! As for this novella, we trailed behind Crank's and Julia's misunderstandings when the band was on tour. In the end, I was glad they all found the light.
Charles Sheehan-Miles'sFalling Stars reminded me why I loved Crank and Julia in the first place!
Beautifully written.
*THE CHARACTERS: Julia Thompson was a fierce sweetheart. Some might find her annoying in this one but she had a point in her reasons. I loved how strong and, at the same time, sweet she was. Just beautiful. Crank Wilson was a compelling written character. His tough guy attitude would almost slip if he showed you his caring side. You could really see how he really loved Julia. Julia Thompson and Crank Wilson were one of the unforgettable written characters!
*THE BOOK: The storyline was quite great and well-planned. The conflict was mild. The series of events was smooth and moving. The writing style of Charles Sheehan-Miles was bold, engaging and interesting.
WHAT I REALLY LIKED:
- The tension between the characters.
- Charles Sheehan-Miles kept the mystery quite well and that made me turned the pages for more.
- The new characters. Sean, Carrie, Dea and Barry.
- Almost the entire book.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I think their problem was quite simple.
- I hoped this was a bit longer. The "forgiveness" act was written in a rushed way, for me.
Overall, this was a fine novella! I definitely recommend this one.
- - - - -
I loved the Thompson sisters! I haven't read the third book but I'm sure I will adore it! As for this novella, we trailed behind Crank's and Julia's misunderstandings when the band was on tour. In the end, I was glad they all found the light.
Charles Sheehan-Miles'sFalling Stars reminded me why I loved Crank and Julia in the first place!
Beautifully written.
*THE CHARACTERS: Julia Thompson was a fierce sweetheart. Some might find her annoying in this one but she had a point in her reasons. I loved how strong and, at the same time, sweet she was. Just beautiful. Crank Wilson was a compelling written character. His tough guy attitude would almost slip if he showed you his caring side. You could really see how he really loved Julia. Julia Thompson and Crank Wilson were one of the unforgettable written characters!
*THE BOOK: The storyline was quite great and well-planned. The conflict was mild. The series of events was smooth and moving. The writing style of Charles Sheehan-Miles was bold, engaging and interesting.
WHAT I REALLY LIKED:
- The tension between the characters.
- Charles Sheehan-Miles kept the mystery quite well and that made me turned the pages for more.
- The new characters. Sean, Carrie, Dea and Barry.
- Almost the entire book.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I think their problem was quite simple.
- I hoped this was a bit longer. The "forgiveness" act was written in a rushed way, for me.
Overall, this was a fine novella! I definitely recommend this one.
October 25, 2013
This man is still at the top of my list for fave NA series - I flippin love thee absolute shit out of these Thompson sisters, even had to tell my husband all about their stories!
Too short (which is the point of a novella but I say it's too short sheerly because I'm addicted like a damn junkie) lol. But onto review-y goodness...
Alright - we got Julia & Carrie, Crank & Sean on a road trip to New York and then Boston. Mucho tension between Crank and Julia and mucho feels between Sean and Carrie.
This was a pretty great fill-in story for events alluded to in the other novels i.e. Sean & Carrie. But also, one of the important things for me was that it filled the only gap I felt was present in the novel, A Song for Julia. It was something I complained about in my review which was the lack of detail in the consummating love scene. To recap my issue briefly, in the novel we totally see and experience the growth of C&J's bond, so I really wanted to see that come to fruition when they were finally together. To see the physical connection play out alongside this great emotional connection but alas, all we got was the beginnings and then it's the next morning.
But with this novella, we (well at least I) finally got the HEA scene I'd been wishing for in the novel. I loved wrapping up that loose end, so thank you CSM! Thank you! And that spider story, LMAO, priceless! This was a great little treat and anyone who's a fan of this series, pick it up quicktimes.
Too short (which is the point of a novella but I say it's too short sheerly because I'm addicted like a damn junkie) lol. But onto review-y goodness...
Alright - we got Julia & Carrie, Crank & Sean on a road trip to New York and then Boston. Mucho tension between Crank and Julia and mucho feels between Sean and Carrie.
This was a pretty great fill-in story for events alluded to in the other novels i.e. Sean & Carrie. But also, one of the important things for me was that it filled the only gap I felt was present in the novel, A Song for Julia. It was something I complained about in my review which was the lack of detail in the consummating love scene. To recap my issue briefly, in the novel we totally see and experience the growth of C&J's bond, so I really wanted to see that come to fruition when they were finally together. To see the physical connection play out alongside this great emotional connection but alas, all we got was the beginnings and then it's the next morning.
But with this novella, we (well at least I) finally got the HEA scene I'd been wishing for in the novel. I loved wrapping up that loose end, so thank you CSM! Thank you! And that spider story, LMAO, priceless! This was a great little treat and anyone who's a fan of this series, pick it up quicktimes.
February 12, 2014
4.5 Stars
Once again I was impressed by the writing of Charles Sheehan-Miles. I'm a huge fan of the Thompson Sister's series. "A Song for Julia" is my favorite book out of the three. I was excited to get my hands on this novella to get more of Crank and Julia's relationship. Although these two are total opposites they are perfect for one another. I was surprised to see that they were having troubles while out on the road with Crank's rock band Morbid Obesity. Jealousy can destroy any relationship and it is threatening to rip these two love birds apart. Their relationship is damaged when they hit the road across the country with their siblings. While these two are barely speaking Sean and Carrie are along for the ride during this awkward time. The conversations between Sean and Carrie cracked me up. They are both such science geeks and I loved the interaction between the two. Sean has really grown up and I loved his character in this novella. He was my favorite part. It was also nice to get to see Carrie while she was younger. I was super excited when they make a pit stop to visit a very special person from Julia's past.
This novella reminded me why I fell in love with Crank and Julia in the first place. It was so well written. I laughed, I felt the struggles and I was reminded what love can over come. I loved every minute of it and I hope there will be more books in this series.
Once again I was impressed by the writing of Charles Sheehan-Miles. I'm a huge fan of the Thompson Sister's series. "A Song for Julia" is my favorite book out of the three. I was excited to get my hands on this novella to get more of Crank and Julia's relationship. Although these two are total opposites they are perfect for one another. I was surprised to see that they were having troubles while out on the road with Crank's rock band Morbid Obesity. Jealousy can destroy any relationship and it is threatening to rip these two love birds apart. Their relationship is damaged when they hit the road across the country with their siblings. While these two are barely speaking Sean and Carrie are along for the ride during this awkward time. The conversations between Sean and Carrie cracked me up. They are both such science geeks and I loved the interaction between the two. Sean has really grown up and I loved his character in this novella. He was my favorite part. It was also nice to get to see Carrie while she was younger. I was super excited when they make a pit stop to visit a very special person from Julia's past.
This novella reminded me why I fell in love with Crank and Julia in the first place. It was so well written. I laughed, I felt the struggles and I was reminded what love can over come. I loved every minute of it and I hope there will be more books in this series.
October 20, 2013
4.5 stars ☆☆☆☆ ½ for Falling Stars. I LOVED this, yet I love everything Charles writes. he is so wonderful and talented. Crank and Julia have many issues and we can clearly see that early on. I love these two, I really was pulling for them and wanted them to make it work. Of course, they are both stubborn and needed Mr.Buff military man to set them straight and Dea, I loved those two. Dea was highly amusing and a sweetheart. This book was hilarious, I found myself chuckling many times. Sean and Carrie were a hoot, those two are perfect together and I hope to read their story one day. That is all I'm going to give away, if you want to find out how this story ends, and if Crank makes it right, you will have to read to find out!
great story <3
Some quotes I loved:
"Then go crazy with me."
"Jesus, Julia. I want to hug you forever. I want to hold you in my arms all night long. I want to make love to you. But more than that...I want to touch you. I want you to be mine."
"If you want me to be yours, you might just have to make me yours, buddy."
great story <3
Some quotes I loved:
"Then go crazy with me."
"Jesus, Julia. I want to hug you forever. I want to hold you in my arms all night long. I want to make love to you. But more than that...I want to touch you. I want you to be mine."
"If you want me to be yours, you might just have to make me yours, buddy."
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