Counting Stars

by Kathleen Long

When Bernadette Murphy’s brother, Mark, dies unexpectedly, her world is rocked. Jenny, the wife he left behind, skips grieving and goes straight into survival mode. That is, until she shows up at Bernie’s door in tears, holding a battered canvas journal in which Mark—once obsessed with adventure—had listed larger-than-life travel destinations. Before losing her brother, life had been great for Bernie—a new career and a nice romance—even though she wavers on her boyfriend’s proposal and wears her diamond engagement ring on a cord around her neck instead of on her finger. But inspired by Mark’s unique bucket list, Bernie puts her mom, her dog, her best friend’s angsty teenager, and Jenny into a borrowed RV and sets off on a cross-country road trip, sharing quirky adventures and unexpected turns along the way. But Bernie can’t run forever. Will she find a way to let go of the past, heal her losses, and open herself to life’s new possibilities?

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary

338 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 2015

About the author

Kathleen Long is the author of sixteen novels in the genres of women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and romantic suspense.

Kathleen has won a RIO Award and is a two-time winner of the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Her additional honors include nominations for National Readers’ Choice, RITA, HOLT Medallion, Booksellers’ Best, and Book Buyers Best awards, as well as appearances on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.

A native of Wilmington, Delaware, she now divides her time between suburban Philadelphia and the New Jersey shore.

When Kathleen is not plotting her next book or teaching creative writing, she spends her time bribing her tween to pick up her clothes, begging the dog to heel, and experimenting with photography.

Reviews

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this via Goodreads FirstReads in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much for indirectly putting this book on my radar :).
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The truth is everyone leaves a mark--countless marks--on those we love, those we meet, those we help along the way.

Sure, we'd veered off course and created our own route, but the roads we'd taken hadn't been the only things that changed.
Somewhere along the way, our trip had become far less about landmarks and far more about people.

This was such a beautiful book... four women on a at-first-seems-crazy journey, each having their own things in life to escape from and different reasons for being on the journey. The journey transforms from completing their beloved Mark's bucket list into something cathartic and unexpected for each of them.

Grief is something that connects all of us, we've all lost someone along the way and gone through that period of mourning. We can't imagine life without them. The pain eventually fades but never goes away completely... they live on in our memories and the stories we share and what they left behind for us.

Two examples for me if you don't mind hearing some personal stuff:

When my Tasha (her nickname was Little Tubby... long haired Chihuahua,my baby girl..sweetest soul ) died (2011), I was by myself. I was writing a letter while she said beside me on the couch. She got sick and threw up... I was getting ready to clean everything up and rinse her off when she had trouble breathing. I knew before I knew... she died in my arms, wrapped in one of the blankets she slept in on the end of my bed. I just sat there, my hand on her head... telling her again I loved her. My brother and his wife sat with me till mom and dad got home and helped me bury her... I just couldn't leave her. She died three days after her birthday, she was 11.

We buried her in favorite blanket with mom's angel bracelet.

What I kept of her was her collar (and I still carry it with me) and her blanket. It took me three months to workup the courage to visit her grave and talk to her. I felt her there with me and it felt something had lifted from my shoulders, and I knew she would always be with me, watching over her mommy.

Later on, I found her winter jacket with some of her fur still stuck to it... didn't know Dad had kept it.

I still talk to her from time to time, and I always get the feeling she hears me... make and think of that what you will.

Pop Pop died two years ago, very suddenly a few days after the holidays. We were told it was a massive heart attack and he didn't suffer (I was so glad to hear that). He was the strong silent type who would do anything for those he loved. Sometimes sarcastic and funny... a good man who had a good and interesting life and came from a big family. Grandma (who died when I was 7) I think was his soul-mate.

He was such a big presence that we all took for granted the stubborn man would outlast us all:). He was a jack-of-all trades-master-of-none type of guy. He didn't much care for the computer but he loved his digital camera and taking pictures... and loved to travel.

There was two Christmas ornaments I loved more than most on his tree. It was a pair of elves with these dangling legs you could put through the arms linked together and they would be sitting on the tree like that and smiling at you like they had a good joke or story in mind. I remember always wanting to be the one that put them on the tree and having fun with my cousins decorating it when we were little, wrapping garland around ourselves and being just goofballs.

I took those and a wooden plaque of sorts from the kitchen that said "I am the queen of this kitchen and if you don't like then starve'... I didn't need anything else to remember him by. I'll always treasure the memories I have. A favorite of mine was he would pretend to forget our birthdays "Oh, it's YOUR birthday today"

The last Christmas we had with him, he had fun watching his grand-kids and great-grandkids and all his family opening presents and talking. He was content, but he also wasn't himself. He wasn't the type to go to the doctor unless he felt something was wrong.

I found myself wishing at times after that I had known and convinced him to go... I felt guilty for not visiting him more and calling just to talk. It took me awhile to get over that but I knew he wouldn't want me to beat myself up over it.
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""Your dad taught me to imagine our loved ones winking down from heaven," Mom said, her soft voice scattering my thoughts. "The stars represent memories of those we've lost and remind us of all the possibilities yet to be."

This book reminded me of pop-pop, Tasha, grandma and others in its spirit as I read along. Everyone here is dealing with grief and their problems in their own way. One isn't letting herself mourn, one is really weighted down by her grief, another is trying to keep busy and in control, and another has her own private worries.

The journey these women go on, is more than just a physical one... it's also an emotional and spiritual as well in ways. Sometimes it takes going away for awhile to let yourself move on... it that makes sense.

There were some really touching moments in this book. I'll leave you to discover them for yourself :)

I'm not sure words could accurately describe this book to the extent I want to, the feeling it left in me aren't easy to put into words, a good kind of speechlessness that leaves you with a warm glow inside after finishing it. It had me crying, laughing...

Would highly recommend, <3!

"She leaned forward and took my hands. "Honey, life is awful. Awful and wonderful, all wrapped up into one. Seems to me, you're doing the best you can with the hand you've been dealt."
````
"Sometimes in life, the puzzle pieces fall.
And sometimes they land exactly where they were always meant to be. "

"Maybe the best any of us could do was show up and leave something behind to be proud of--if only for a little while. "

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This takes place 3 years after the events in Chasing Rainbows, but can be read as a standalone. Wonderful story about dealing with grief, letting go and moving on. Sad but at the same time uplifting and even funny in parts. My second book by Kathleen Long. I'm definitely a fan now.
Great audio narration, too.

[Big Time Book Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly need about 10 stars for this book, but since I can't give 10, I'll settle for 5 and an explanation of why I love this so much.

I read the first book in this series, Chasing Rainbows, and greatly enjoyed the down to earth, family feeling of the characters and the entire story. There was so much love and caring woven into the story that I never wanted it to end.

Without realizing that this was the sequel to Chasing Rainbows, I requested Counting Stars from Netgalley. As soon as I started reading, I realized that Counting Stars followed Chasing Rainbows and I was so excited! I couldn't wait to dive back into Bernie's journey of self-discovery and was hoping this book would be just as good as the first one.

In case anyone was curious, I don't believe that you need to read Chasing Rainbows first because any necessary information from that book is covered by the author, but it's another great read, so check it out.
Kathleen Long did not disappoint and if anything, Counting Stars was even better than Chasing Rainbows! I'm so happy I got to spend hours visiting Bernie, Jenny, Anne and Ashley. The individual journeys that all these ladies went on during the course of this book have lessons that will likely touch most everyone without preaching or beating the reader over the head with them.

Touching scenes abound in this novel and if I were asked to pinpoint my favorite, I doubt that I could. I can't think of anything I would change about this story and while I realize this is probably the end of the story of Bernie, I really hope it's not.

If you enjoy books about self-discovery, love, family, confronting fears and getting on with life while you try to find your new normal, this is a book for you. Seriously. Read it. You'll love it.

Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read an early reader copy in exchange for my honest review. This is a book I've already recommended to friends and will be giving to both of my adult daughters.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible story about family, friendship and love. Bernie has been on autopilot since her brother died so suddenly. When her sister in law Jenny brings Bernie her brother's journal with all the places he wanted to visit they pack up an RV, the dog, Bernie's mother and a teenager and hit the road. Somehow the journey becomes becomes a trip for their dreams, not Mark's journal. Inspiring and well crafted with lessons for all, dream big, do it now and keep your friends and family close.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bernadette Murphy, known as Bernie to her friends and family, has a great life surrounded by her family, a wonderful man, her friends, and her dog. When her older brother Mark dies suddenly and unexpectedly, her world starts to crumble around her. Her sister-in-law Jenny shows up at her door one day with a book that Mark had written with all the places he wanted to go. It consisted of many of "the world's largest" attractions. Bernie wanted to take a road trip with her mom, Jenny, and her best friend Dianne to fulfill Mark's bucket list. With the help of her neighbor whose brother owns a recreational vehicle, Bernie learns how to drive the rv and is lent the vehicle so she can take the road trip. She finally convinces her mother, Jenny, and Dianne to take the trip with her. At the last minute Dianne backs out and sends her seventeen year old daughter Ashley in her place. Ashley wants to be anywhere but on this road trip. Her mom and Jenny aren't too thrilled to be there either. Bernie's boyfriend also shows up with her dog to see her off, because he's going on a road trip of his own, so Bernie sets out on her adventure with her mom, Jenny, Ashley and her dog Poindexter in tow. They set out for a three week, several thousand mile trip of the United States to visit the places on Mark's list and check off the sites they visit along the way. She also picks up souvenirs to keep as mementos of their adventure. The women initially find themselves at each other's throat, each dealing with their own lives in their own way. They finally start opening up to each other, actually get along, and start enjoying this adventure. They meet a wonderful woman named Myrtle and Bernie starts to reevaluate her own life. This was a wonderful book that really touched me and I couldn't put it down. This book definitely deserves more than five stars, but that's all they'll allow me to give. :) Kathleen Long is a phenomenal author and I highly recommend this book. I received a copy of Counting Stars in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://readertoreader.com/index.cfm?f...

When Mark died suddenly a month ago he left the three most important women in his life nearly paralyzed with grief; his wife Jenny; his younger sister Bernie; and his widowed mother, Anne. Bernie had spent hours with Mark as a child and remembered he had always kept a book of travel goals – a child’s bucket list – mostly gigantic sized roadside attractions. Jenny finds Mark’s book and realized he had never given up the dream of traveling to these sites; she had even reminded him that he had better things to do with his time. Bernie realizes that the largest ball of twine contest, the Annual Twine-A-Thon, is less than a month away and she gets the brilliant idea of taking her mother and sister-in-law on the road trip that Mark had always wanted to take. She also takes her dog, Poindexter, and best friend’s teenaged daughter along. They will travel over 7,000 miles in a borrowed motorhome named “Georgie”, and the first part of the trip isn’t met with the enthusiasm Bernie had hoped for. They were just four females sharing a motor home and driving a long way from home. However, the bonding begins when late at night, while lying on their backs on top of “Georgie” the women are counting stars and sharing their hopes, dreams, and grief.

COUNTING STARS is a beautiful story of the love of a mother, sister and wife for a young man who died way too soon. Kathleen Long’s imagery is constructed so beautifully that the reader can see the attractions for themselves. The travelers meet some interesting and wonderful people that help them in different ways. COUNTING STARS is an emotional and shining account of loss, grief, acceptance and love.

Betty Cox for ReaderToReader

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Counting Stars was the first Kathleen Long novel I have read. Three of the four women in the book have suffered the sudden loss of Mark, husband to Jenny, sister to Bernadette, and son of Anne, whose husband also passed recently. Jenny gives Bernie a journal Mark kept since he was a child. Bernie realizes that Mark continued his childhood fascination with weird roadside attractions, which started when Mark and Bernie saw the famous elephant statue near their home in New Jersey. Bernie has had major troubles in her life, Jenny is raising 3 children alone, and Anne has become a shell of herself since losing her son and husband.

Bernie's great (or wacky) idea is to have the 3 women, plus Bernie's best friend Diane, travel to all the attractions in Mark's journal. No one is excited about this trip, but Bernie is convinced that they have to fulfill Mark's "bucket list" in order to heal. Bernie manages to borrow an old, but well appointed RV, and the trip is on, reluctantly to say the least. At the last minute Diane bows out, but sends her surly seventeen year old daughter instead.

The road trip is, in turn, laugh out loud funny, touching, frustrating and tear filled as they travel over 6,000 miles. Did I mention Bernie brings her dog along too?

I enjoyed this book very much. The characters were well drawn and believable, the plot crazy but also believable, the roadside attractions fascinating, and yes, they all learn to "count stars".
I realized, after reading this book, that some of the characters appeared in a book which took place before this one. This is a stand-alone woman's lit novel and I look forward to Kathleen Long's other novels. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Elizabeth Eaton

[Annemarie Macken · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully emotive novel, which takes you on a journey of self-discovery and relentless emotions, leaving you feeling a lovely sense of optimism and belief in the future. The protagonist, Bernie Murphy, is suffering after the sudden death of her only sibling, but she thinks she is holding it together... well, she is, isn't she? Deciding an all-female road trip to fulfill her brother's childhood bucket list is the way to heal them all, she sets out to take her female relations on a trip of a lifetime - but, along the way, each of them must face their own personal struggles and that does not bode well for a three-week trip in an RV!
There are moments which will tug at every emotion possible and the inevitable lump in the throat is ever present, but the end will leave you feeling wholesome and optimistic, believing life holds such possibilities and it is up to us to make things happen - and counting stars is a lovely peaceful way forward...
This book would make a great film and it is so easy to visualise the dialogue and scenes coming to life around you as you read - the characters are well-developed and familiar, the situations so close to the hearts of us all, and from beginning to end this book just feels so right.
For readers who love a story which helps you believe in the good after bad, which tells you that life will go on even if you think it can't and for those who are looking for a happy ending, but not perfection, give it a whirl - you will not be disappointed.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a charming book and lovely group of people! I enjoyed meeting Bernie, Jenny, their mom, and Ashley, who while not a legal relation was definitely part of this family. I loved that Ashley's favorite meal is peas and that Bernie made one of her dreams come true. I could totally relate to how Jenny handled the distress of her husband's sudden death. Oddly, I particularly appreciated that Bernie is 44, not 30. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend. Thanks NETGALLEY and Lake Union for the ARC!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen Long's "Counting Stars" was an interesting read that gave me this overwhelming urge to rent an RV and make a cross-country trip. Ah, if only I could drive...

The characters were interesting and original and the story was quite intriguing as well. It was nice to see each character 'evolve' as the story progressed. The characters that they met along the way, such as Myrtle, were quite interesting as well.

A nice, light read, I would not hesitate to read more of Kathleen Long's books in the future.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching novel, featuring four women and their search to restore balance to their lives. Bernie's brother Mark dies suddenly, leaving his widow, Jenny, their three kids and Bernie's mom, bereft and lost. Finding a journal Mark wrote, a bucket list of sorts listing strange sights across the country, inspires Bernie to take her Mom, Jenny, and her best friend's daughter on a journey on an RV. Many heartfelt moments, have a box of tissues ready.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This stunning book is my favorite read this year! The characters are so real. I feel like I know them. I loved watching them change from four individuals reluctantly traveling in an RV to a cohesive team on a journey. Each woman learned more about the others in the group, and more importantly, each one learned more about herself. This book would make an excellent selection for book discussion groups.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed and I cried. This soul touching story is a must read for anybody who has lost a loved one. FIVE STARS!

I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy Trunkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just so sweet. I cried and I laughed and I felt a kin ship with Bernie. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Rachel J · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest I only chose this book because of the cover due to the bright colors on it. In all the reviews I read mid-read everyone loved this book but I wasn't a big fan of it. Bernie who is the main character just lost her brother unexpectedly. As kids they used to talk about all the places they wanted to visit as adults. Mark, her brother, made a book of everywhere that they wanted to go and even added to it as an adult, which Bernie was unaware of. Mark loved all the largest landmarks in the world such as the largest milk bottle in Boston, MA. After he dies, everyone who loved him is having a hard time grieving with their loss. Jenny, his wife, shows up unexpectedly to Bernie's door one night with Marks book. Bernie was unaware that he had kept it all those years and felt she had a duty to fulfill his long-awaited dreams. She piles her mom, dog, sister-in-law Jenny, and her best friend's daughter into an RV to drive across the country to visit all the landmarks in the book. As it turns out, the trip isn't everything she thought it would be but you'll just have to read to find that out.

The book was okay although it wasn't my favorite. Although I was interested to find out everything that happened in the end, I feel like the story itself was bland. For some reason, I can't put a pin on exactly what I didn't like. The beginning and end seemed to grasp my attention but the middle seemed boring to me. The beginning was interesting because she kept toying with the idea of going but wasn't sure. The end was interesting because they finally changed it up but saying that would ruin certain parts of the book. I felt like landmark, after landmark had the same story and certain things were mentioned a lot. I like books that go fast and I think this one was too slow moving for me.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished reading Counting Stars by Kathleen Long. Bernadette “Bernie” Murphy wants to fulfill a dream of her brother's. Mark wanted to travel around the United States and see all the big attractions (biggest ball of twine, giant rocking horse, giant tea pot). Mark died before he was able to see the attractions he had listed in a journal. Bernie wants her sister-in-law, Jenny (Mark's wife), her mother, and best friend, Diane to go on a three week trip to see the sights. It will be an interesting journey.

Bernie borrows Georgie Girl (a 35 ft. motor home) from her neighbor’s brother. Jenny arranges supplies and organizes them. On the day of the trip, Diane shows up with her daughter, Ashley. Ashley is seventeen years old. Diane wants Ashley to go in her place. Then Aidan Kelly, neighbor and would be fiancé, shows up with Bernie’s dog, Poindexter. Aidan had agreed to watch Poindexter while Bernie was away on the trip. He feels the need to get away by himself. Aidan would also like Bernie to make a decision. He proposed weeks ago and has yet to receive an answer. Bernie has been wearing the engagement ring on a cord around her neck. Maybe time away will help Bernie make up her mind about Aidan.

Bernie, Jenny, Anne, Ashley, and Poindexter are in for the trip of a lifetime. They are hoping to visit twenty-eight landmarks in three weeks. Jenny has a detailed itinerary. It will be a journey that they will never forget.

Counting Stars had some good moments, but overall it was just an okay book. Would I purchase this book? The answer would be no. I enjoyed the large exhibits, the large RV, and Ashley with the knitting looms (I love knitting looms). I liked the meaning of the stars. They would gaze up at the star at night. The stars represent memories of the people we have lost and remind us of all the things to come in our lives. What a lovely thought. I was hoping that this book would be an enjoyable read, but I found myself skimming through a lot of it (I speed read through the boring sections). The book does contain a nice ending with good results for the characters. I just found the book lacking (boring). I give Counting Stars 3 out of 5 stars (which means it is just medium or vanilla).

I received a complimentary copy of Counting Stars from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Check out my blog for more details: http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...

[Beth Peninger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this free readers edition. In exchange I am providing an honest review.

Counting Stars is a follow up title to Long's Chasing Rainbows. I wouldn't say sequel, although it certainly is, but follow up because it can be read as a stand alone and Chasing Rainbows is not required reading to pick this story up.
Bernie is blocked. She has writer's block and isn't sure what to do about it. 31 days, seven hours, and approximately 32 minutes ago her brother Mark had died from a sudden and unavoidable heart complication. She hasn't been able to write since then. The problem is writing is her livelihood, it's how she pays the bills. 31 days, seven hours, and 33 minutes after her brother Mark died suddenly his widow, Jenny, shows up in tears on Bernie's front porch. Carrying a book in her hand and babbling about not taking Mark seriously Jenny pushes the book at Bernie and flees back to her house and her children. It's Mark's "Bucket List" book - created long before bucket lists were a thing. And Bernie decides that the best way to unblock her writer's block and honor her brother is to travel his bucket list and mark it off for him. She manages to coerce her Mom, Jenny, and her best friend Diane, into riding along on this "in memoriam" adventure. With a body switch the day of departure, Bernie and the girls hit the road in an RV named Georgie and a lot of reluctance that this bucket list is going to do much good.
I really liked this book. It may partially be due to the fact that I just lost my Aunt, who died unexpectedly and entirely too young, and so living life to the fullest is at front and center of my heart and mind. It's also partially due to the intrigue of bucket lists and living them out. And Long's bucket list theme for Mark is especially intriguing to me. Cheesy but lighthearted and oh so fun. I want to take the trip and make those stops - and I hate road trips! So kudos to Long for making me want to hit the road, in an RV, and tour the nation for kitschy tourist stops. Long's characters are warm, relatable, and easy to empathize with. There are some important lessons about the grieving process woven into the story as well. All in all a really good read.

[Laura.125Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on [www.125pages.com]

3.5 Stars

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Counting Stars is a slow burner. It gets better the further you read, when the emotions of the characters have had time to build. Primarily set during a road trip with an octogenarian, her mid-life daughter and daughter-in-law, and her daughter's best friend's seventeen-year-old daughter (oh and a dog); this story at first glance seems to be a comedy movie set to page. The premise of fulfilling a dead man's bucket list raised the story from the trite stereotype and made for an interesting angle. A little too much time was spent on visual description, but when the emotions began to build, the story found its footing. From there it crescendoed to a richly nuanced tale of heartbreak, loss and love. Bernie as the main character was, perhaps, the weakest link until almost the very end, but the strong supporting cast bolstered her. That being said, Counting Stars was above average and I did really enjoy the read.

"The surface of the bay had broken into countless ripples, and each captured the light of the hazy moon and tossed a reflection across the water. Endless ripples. Possibilities. Invisible from one perspective, limitless from another."

Biggest cliché - "One man hurt me emotionally, so all men are bad."

Have you read Counting Stars, or added it to your TBR?

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Did I ever tell you why your dad and I counted stars?....Your dad taught me to imagine our loved ones winking down from heaven...The stars represent memories of those we've lost and remind us of all the possibilities yet to be."

Bernie (Bernadette) has just lost her brother, Mark. Her sister-in-law, Jenny, drops off a journal that Mark had started as a child and kept adding to as an adult (unbeknownst to either Bernie or Jenny). Mark had always been fascinated by larger-than-life creations. As children, Bernie and Mark had promised to visit many of these tourist attractions when they got older, but it never happened. When Bernie realizes that Mark kept adding to his journal, she decides that she needs to go on the trip for him, especially when she realizes that the annual twine-a-thon for the World's Largest Ball of Twine is taking place in Kansas in a few weeks. She borrows an RV and with much begging and cajoling manages to convince her mother, her sister-in-law, and her best friend to go on a three-week road trip to see the sites Mark always wanted to see, ending with the Largest Ball of Twine. At the last minute, Bernie's best friend begs off and sends her teenage daughter, Ashley, instead. As one can imagine, things do not start off well with three very reluctant participants. However, over the course of the trip, the four women slowly begin to address the various issues in their lives, deepen relationships, and learn a lot about themselves and others.

This is a well-written and interesting story. The characters are engaging -- sometimes you want to hug them or hang out with them, other times you want to yell at them. The book has multiple subplots, which help keep the reader interested. Warning, if you are the emotional type, you will likely tear up multiple times while reading this book. Well worth reading.

I received a copy of the eBook from Net Galley in exchange for a review.

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Counting Stars, by Kathleen Long, is her second book featuring Bernadette "Bernie" Murphy. Bernie is a columnist who lives with her big shaggy dog, Poindexter in the same neighborhood as her fiancé, that is if she ever makes it official. Life was going along rather smoothly until the sudden death of her older brother, Mark, from the same ailment as their dad a few years back. Now, Bernie isn't doing so well, writer's block has arrived with her grief and she doesn't see a way back to where she was. That is, until her sister-in-law, Jenny, brings her Mark's bucket list, the journal he began as a kid of the big places he wanted to see someday.

It is at this point that Bernie comes up with the idea that they need to take a road trip to see these places, especially when she learns that Mark's most recent entries were just before his death. Bernie suggests that Jenny, her mom, Anne, her best friend, Diane, and she go check off Mark's list as a way to deal with their grief.

In a borrowed RV, the ladies, with a substitution of Diane's teenage daughter, Ashley, and the addition of Poindexter, begin the journey, with the destinations Mark had written about, sketched, and taped clipped articles to the pages. But as the saying goes, "it is not the destination, but the journey that counts."

And this journey is one of love and healing, secrets and sharing, and friends and family. Their course may be true, but wrong turns along the way brings them to a good homecoming. This story is sometimes intense in emotions, sometimes funny, and always page turning. I thoroughly enjoyed Counting Stars and highly recommend it

[Michelle Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues the story from Chasing Rainbows, which I adored! I couldn't put this book down.

Bernadette (Bernie) Murphy has suffered great loss in her life. The recent, unexpected death of her brother Mark sets her on a journey. Her sister in law Jenny hasn't been able to grieve the loss of her husband and shows up on Bernie's doorstep one day with her husbands "adventure/bucket list" journal. Bernie decides to plan a trip with Jenny, her mom and her best friend in an effort to cross off places her brother listed in his journal. Her best friend decides last minute to send her rebellious teenage daughter in her place on the trip and you will find out why as you get further into the story. A bucket list of places and sites, what an adventure! I couldn't put this book down. It pulled at my heart strings more then once. Each of these female characters are going through something. It isn't until you are on the adventure with then, that you understand exactly what that is. The journey started with the women being disconnected and not really excited about seeing Mark's sites. I loved seeing the relationships grow and bloom. Seeing compassion and emotion and healing. Relationships between family and friends and women, a perfect combination. I laughed and I cried and a must read!!! Pick up your copy and see where this journey leads, you won't be sorry!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an electronic copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Counting Stars is a charming book about a grieving wife, sister, and mother attempting to come to terms with the unexpected death of their loved one. The road trip that ensues made me laugh in places, especially the reference to the big blue bug in Rhode Island (which is my hometown landmark). Too bad they did not travel past there during Christmas, when Nibbles Woodaway sports a Rudolph nose. Bernadette Murphy is my favorite character in the book, as her determination to bring her deceased brother's dream to life is admirable. Despite setbacks and attitude problems, Bernie's overwhelming enthusiasm for the journey eventually won over the group. I especially like how Bernie and her Mom are able to come together and provide the backbone of the traveling family.

Text is missing from an entire page of this book, but hopefully this issue will have been fixed with final editing.

Overall, Counting Stars is a very uplifting story that shows there are possibilities that can come despite tragedy. It allows the reader to take the journey with Bernie, her Mom, Jenny, and Ashley, as well as imagine their own bucket list. Well written with a great flow, I highly recommend Counting Stars and look forward to reading more by this author.

[Deanna Lynn Sletten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Counting Stars is a continuation of Kathleen Long’s novel, Chasing Rainbows. Bernadette “Bernie” Murphy finds herself in a slump in her career as a columnist and is desperately looking for something to restart her creative juices. Her brother, Mark, has recently died, leaving her shaken. When Mark’s wife, Jenny, shows up falling to pieces one day with a book Mark had been keeping since childhood of places he’d wanted to visit—the largest ball of twine, the largest teepee, etc.—Bernie comes up with an idea. She wants to take her mother, sister-in-law, and her best friend on a road trip to visit all of the sites in the book. The problem is, no one wants to go.

Counting Stars is a heartfelt and humorous story of four women all finding their way as they travel across country fulfilling a loved-one’s bucket list. At first, no one is having fun and Bernie begins to wonder why she made everyone go in the first place. But slowly, through adventures and mishaps, they all begin to reconnect again and each one finds that little piece inside of them that had been lost or misplaced. It’s a touching, entertaining story about reconnecting with family. I enjoyed this story and I’m sure you will too.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of Counting Stars from NetGalley for an honest review and this is my review.
This book was a very good book about loss and how to find your way again after someone you care about is gone unexpectedly. I liked how Bernie tried to help her mom and her sister-in-law deal with the unexpected passing of her brother by forcing them all to go on a road trip to all the places he wanted to see since he was a child. Even though the group, including an unhappy seventeen year-old, did not want to go at first over time the group manages to work through a number of squabbles, problems of their own and their grief to learn a lot about themselves, family, dealing with grief and putting your past to rest.
This was a well written book with a lot of emotion and a number of likeable characters. I am not going give spoilers but like I said the book takes you through the whole process of how Bernie tries to honor her brother and at the same time tries to help herself, mother and sister-in-law in the grief process and in my opinion the writer did a very good job with it in this story.
I am giving Counting Stars four out of five stars.

[Fluff Smut & Murder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGallery.com and to the publisher for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I was so excited to have the opportunity to read this book. Not only is it a wonderful, original plot, but the character growth of everyone was just so honest, so real. It is an excellently written tale of loss, grief, and appreciation.

What I loved: Pointdexter reminds me of my dog – never listening and thinking they’re human. I laughed out loud during the skunk scene.

What I didn’t love: There wasn’t information about the contact information for the tourist locations mentioned throughout the book. I would have loved the store information to purchase an angel candle like Bernie did.

What I learned: While I know I’m not a camping person, I think I may be open to the idea of traveling in an RV – but driving it scares the bejeezus out of me!

Overall Grade: A-

www.fsam15.wix.com/fluffsmutandmurder

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We all wanted to leave a mark-proof that we were there, proof that our life mattered. The truth is that everyone leaves a mark-countless marks-on those we love, those we meet, those we help along the way."
This is a discovery that Bernie makes on a road trip with her family, following the sudden death of her brother. After Mark's death, Bernie rediscovers a journal that Mark started when they were kids; a book of landmarks across the country. Bernie hopes that by fulfilling her brother's bucket list by visiting the landmarks he'd noted, that she could somehow regain the closeness they once had. Her mother and sister-in-law reluctantly go along with her idea, and the 3 of them, Bernie's dog, and her best friend's teenage daughter embark on a journey in a borrowed RV. What follows is a charming, heartfelt story of 3 generations of women coming to terms with loss and grief and opening up their lives to new possibilities.

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the characters were interesting. It was a fresh plot that hasn't been used time and time again. I also like happy endings :)After the death of my own husband, I could relate to Jenny and Bernie's Mom. I could also relate to Bernie since I lost my brother and father as well.

Won from the Goodreads website.

[Michela Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It really resonated with me. The story built itself up slowly, magically into the climax. A really well crafted story, whose message will stick with me a long time.

Proper review to come.

[Wendy Fitzanko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and entertaining

I was looking for a book to read that didn't focus on romance, action, or mystery. This book served its purpose in a delightful way. It was a story of living life as a journey after your world gets turned upside down. It was very enjoyable.

[Bubble Bath Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Counting Stars was a wonderfully moving, female bonding story that we absolutely loved. And highly recommend. Read our of Counting Stars by Kathleen Long.