Life is good in the small, coastal town of Kelby, Alabama. The days are busy and satisfying, if not a touch predictable, but change is in the air. Spring is coming, and it’s bringing with it more than tourist season.
When Cheney receives word that a package with her name on it has been found by a family friend near Glasgow, she decides to take Meara back to Scotland with her to retrieve it. Together, the sisters discover surprising evidence of an unknown life led by their father long before either one of them was born.
Noah’s happy life is shaken when her father falls ill, and the mother who abandoned her ten years before reappears with news that makes Noah question everything she thought she knew. Things are further set off kilter when Noah’s childhood crush, Keene, drives into town with all of his belongings packed into his truck…everything, that is, except his wife.
A Skye Full of Stars takes readers from war torn Scotland, where the Gannon family tree first took root, to the modern day southern shores of Alabama’s gulf coast. It’s a story about how blood isn’t always what it takes to build a family.
J.C. Wing is a bestselling, multi-genre indie author. She likes to pen family dramas, romantic comedies, thrillers, YA and the occasional limerick. She has written more than twenty novels, including The Color of Thunder, The Gannon Family Series ("The Skye Books"), the Goddess of Tornado Alley Series and the Whisper Creek Mysteries Series. She is the author of Acquainted with Butterflies, a collection of short stories, personal essays and poetry, and she is a contributing author of the Grey’s Harbor Series.
J.C. publishes under Black Cat Press, her own imprint. Her writing companions are Tara, the golden retriever of absolute happiness and Calvin and Cayenne, the cats of chaos.
This second book in the Gannon family series seemed, initially, to begin where Alabama Skye left off. Despite the vivid and intriguing descriptions that one has come to expect from J.C. Wing I will admit to feeling somewhat disappointed by what I thought was going to be an inevitable predictability for the first few chapters. In other words I feared the tale was going to be more or less along the lines of “the story so far”. So, while I was entertained by the wonderful exposition displayed by this talented writer, I was also fighting off mild cynicism about the mild sweetness and light that surrounded the main characters, Cheney, Greer, Meara and Noah as they lived their lives a few years on from Alabama Skye. I should have known better!
J.C. was just setting up the background scenery for the reader. When Cheney and her sister, Meara, take a trip to Scotland; and Noah has to confront some serious events and history about her parents back in Alabama, then the drama that begins to unfold front of stage had me gripped. The narrative goes on to skilfully and beautifully reveal tales of trauma, romance and sorrow such that I had to dab away many a tear before I reached the end of the novel. The author’s description of the events around the Clydebank Blitz in Glasgow, and Stella’s regrets while revealing her heartfelt tale to her daughter, Noah, were so well done that I had to read them twice, while full of admiration at the pictures conjured up before me. This is in addition to the real and captivating characters in the book, and the great descriptions of the Isle of Skye that tempt readers to become future tourists of the island.
I wound up enjoying this novel so much that it has replaced The Color of Thunder as my favourite J.C. Wing novel, even though I still needed a translation from much of “the Gaelic” expressed by Cheney Gannon; and even though, to use a lovely quote from the book: "Her smile was warm, her accent thick, and her speech like a bubbling brook rushing with enthusiasm".
J.C. Wing is an up and coming author that I am so glad that I was introduced to.
The second book in the Gannon Family Series naturally expands on the lives of Cheney and Meara, characters from the first book. I would suggest that you read the first book before beginning this one but it could be a stand alone novel also.
J.C. Wing does an excellent job in developing her characters and her novels have such a down home Southern appeal. This book has some surprises and at times will be very hard to put down.
If you enjoy novels by Belva Plain or Maeve Binchy, I can almost guarantee that you will love the novels of J.C. Wing.
I enjoyed this book so much. This author really has a way with words, this book was just as good as the first book. I really enjoyed the twists and turns and all the detail as well. Great story.
A Skye Full of Stars is, on the one hand a story about the strength of family ties, but at the same time it explores the very notion of family. What I took from it was that a sense of belonging is perhaps more important in defining who we are, than who we happen to be related to.
The opening lines grab the reader's attention immediately and hook us right in, in this sequel to Alabama Skye. It's the story of the extended Gannon family. Where that book concentrated on the story of Cheney and Meara, here we see Noah's character developed and through her, delve deep into the complex world of mother-daughter relationships. This book is darker than the first, and it is this, that makes it an even stronger book.
The Scottish section with the historical references to the Glasgow/Clydebank regions, particularly how they suffered during the bombing of the second world war were thoroughly researched, with just the right balance of fact and story. For me, my favourite setting in the book is the Alabama sections, as the writing is so assured, that I assumed that JC was writing about an area she had grown up in, and had to come from the South.
JC Wing's strengths are her characterisations, her adept storytelling skills and her ability to create a fully-realised story world. The weaving together of the Noah and Cheney stories has been astutely crafted, with the two storylines brought together for the nail-biting dramatic finish. Without giving too much away, the ending evoked Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief, for this reader.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
A sprawling family saga of woman, business and relationships. Two parallel stories held together by a family connection. Cheney, Meera and Jack go to Scotland to learn about their father and Noah, Nate and Keene deal with her dad’s illness and the fall-out from this.
Switching between these two storylines can be a little jarring in places – Noah and Keene’s picnic appears to come to a sudden end at the close of the chapter and then the storey moves somewhere else.
There is some superfluous detail, especially in the beginning. The reader does not need to know where Noah sourced her furniture for the salon, only that she is successful. Equally Cheney’s little anecdotes about the Scottish bridge add nothing to the storyline. In contrast, the Clydebank Blitz is woven into the narrative and is important as it relates directly to one of the characters.
As a character Cheney is distinguished by her strange way of talking. Travelling back to Scotland to retrieve her father’s possessions makes her backward looking and reflective. In contrast Noah has her salon, the potential of a new relationship and her father’s future well-being to consider. I like the fact that Stella as a character is so dysfunctional and breaks up the image of the happy blended family.
The novel is held together by the tension of the unknown rather than a source of conflict. We want to learn what Cheney’s dad left her and if Noah’s father will be all right.
Both father and daughter relationships are resolved at the end, leaving the door open for Noah to pursue a romantic relationship in the future.
Even though this is technically Book 2 in a series, you can definitely read this on its own, as it works very well as a stand-alone story.
The thing I liked most about it was the author's writing. Seriously, it was the perfect blend for me. Descriptive, but not too much so, usage of familiar vocabulary (mine isn't the best, I'm here to say!), and great flow. It felt like every sentence would just roll off my tongue.
As for the story, it is truly one of those gripping plots that keeps you interested and wanting to know how things will unravel. It has a sense of mystery once the characters start learning more about their father's history, so you feel like there's so much to discover as you keep reading.
My family is Scottish and so the setting being partially in Scotland was also a point of interest for me. Switching it up between there and Alabama helps keep US readers on familiar territory as well.
All in all, I highly recommend this read. It's great and you won't regret giving it a try!
This is a continuation of the story of the women in Alabama Skye. But this time, it's Noah's and Meara's story to tell. Noah finds things with her dad, and her mom, not really what she had expected. Meara travels with her husband, Jack, and half-sister Chaney, back to Skye. All are drawn to a mysterious box that may hold some answers to their father.
J.C.'s writing makes you feel that you are right there with Noah, trying to figure things out with her mom, and her feelings of what her dad is going through. Then there is the budding romance It feels like you're back in Scotland with Meara and Chaney as they travel through Chaney's homeland, letting what's in that box take them where it wants them.
Each one of these characters have their own personalities, their own quirks which make them all the more human. Not many authors can do that. My hat's off to you, J.C. for another wonderful book in the Gannon series. Can't wait for the next one.
I so enjoyed reading A Skye Full of Stars, the second book in the Gannon Family series. Once I started reading it I didn't want to put it down as J. C. Wing has a way of making you feel as if you know these characters and must continue to read in order to find out what will unfold next for each of them. She has a flare for exploring the different relationships (daughter to mother/father)(sister to sister)(female to male)(friend to friend)and threading the relationships together into a cohesive story line. Her descriptions of the characters and their environment makes them seem real and makes it seem as if you are a part of their lives too. I can taste the yummy food, smell Noah's unique hair products, see Jolly's silly t-shirts, and I want to go to Scotland and buy one of those stained glass creations from Heather and Moss. J. C. Wing has written a great sequel to Alabama Skye and I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
I was pleasantly surprised with A Skye Full of Stars. Despite not having read the first book, I was quickly drawn in and a felt at home. The story holds up on its own merits without book 1. The descriptions of the Isle of Skye were exceptional. Having visited the isle myself, I recall fond memories of the beautiful place, and J.C. Wing instantly transported me across a vast ocean back into that rugged beauty.
The characters are well done. Cheney, Meara, and Noah, are all recognizable, that is, they pass the litmus test of believable dialogue. We see something humane and relatable in both their actions and words. A great story which delves into not only life, but what it is to live.
Once again, I was given this ebook in return for an honest review. The plot is first-rate. As with the first book in the series, this book is rich in language and in its description of places and events. Every character retains the sincerity developed in the first book. There is bitterness to the story but it is balanced by the enchantment in the telling. I highly recommend both books.
JC Wing delivers another great book in the Gannon Family series. With the same wonderfully descriptive writing style and captivating characters this book will keep you turning pages well past bedtime.
JC Wing has written another poignant story about life, love and family. Her characters are strong women, who face life's challenges head on without giving up hope. The story is rich with history and heart-wrentching at times, but through it all is a strong bond of family in all of its forms.
This book will have you turning pages long after you should have gone to sleep. With descriptions making you feel you could close your eyes and be there in person and wonderful characters that will bring warmth to your heart. A truly enjoyable read.
An amazing story of love, loss and the true meaning of family. The Gannon family and those who they surround themselves with made me think of all the family I surround myself with that are not blood related to me. It also gave me a new desire to research my ancestors more.
My Review of a Skye Full of Stars by JC Wing I have been done with this book for a while. I just couldn’t find the time to write the review. I am finally getting around to it, but regardless of how long it’s been since I finished, I still remember every detail. This book has left a mark on my soul. The author has done it again. I have fell in love with all of the characters. They are a part of my imaginary family and the words that JC Wing has arranged into this beautiful story will forever inspire me. I like how this book focused on Noah and Keen’s story. I am honestly not a bit sad that things ended with him and his wife. I knew that he was destined to be with Noah and I am so glad that they ended up together before the story was over. I was absolutely crushed with what happened to Noah’s mother. She didn’t have to end it that way. I know she felt terrible and like she never belonged, but Noah had just found her again. It could have been different. Nate. Poor Nate. I can’t imagine the shock that he suffered when he found out the news. I love that his feelings for his daughter did not change. I didn’t expect them to, but there’s always the possibility. Meara. When the book first started I was so scared that something was wrong with her. I feel like she’s my aunt so I was worried that she had something medically wrong with her. I know she’s having a rough time dealing with her mother’s passing, but I hope that with time everything becomes easier for her. I am glad that they talked her into going on the trip with Cheney. I loved reading about their father’s history. It was like a totally different story. I would read the part about their adventure and be equally excited when it came back to what was going on in the states. I was always eager to get to the next chapter. I read this in a matter of days. I wonder why their father left that box of letters for Cheney? I know he was trying to tell her that her mother was not his true love. Maybe he was trying to tell her that’s why he left. She was too much of a reminder of his love. He wasn’t really present in either Cheney’s or Meara’s life so it boggles my mind as to why he would even care if she knew their story. I know that it was of some solace to Cheney and Meara to learn that little bit about their father rand their family, but I would have wished there were more answers. I could feel Cheney’s pain when they returned to Skye and she was standing in front of the blue house. I would assume I would feel the same way. Hard to breathe. Not sure if I wanted to go inside or not. I couldn’t believe she bought something from the gift shop that had took up residence in her former home. It would be a constant reminder. She’s one strong woman to be able to do that. I admire her. For more reasons than just that. JC, thank you so much for this wonderful story. I loved it so much. Please do not stop writing because you have a way with words that not many have the gift for. I love it when I read a book eagerly and I feel like the characters are a part of my family. Well, they’re a part of me now and will forever be in my head. I cannot wait to read your other work. If they’re even half as good as this series (and I know they will be) you will be finding more reviews like this from me. Oh, I should probably add that there are so few errors in this book it’s insane! I think I found one error and it was just a typo! Quite impressive! So, readers, if you like contemporary romance that will touch your heart and keep you turning the pages, this book is for you. This is a book I can see myself reading over and over. ~ Shelf Infatuation Book Blog
This is the second book in the series. It carries on the tales of the Gannons and their extended family. This is a story of family. Whether you're connected by blood or love. Jack, Meera and Cheeney travel to Scotland to find out about their father and unearth some rather startling information. Stories of the blitz and displaced families in wartime Britain have been well researched. Meanwhile, back in Alabama, Noah and Nate are battling with Nate's ill health when Stella turns up an rocks the boat a little more. This is a book that has you wanting to know what happens next. Will problems be solved? Will people fall in love? The end leaves you hoping there will be a third in the series.
J.C. Wing has fast become one of my favorite authors. I am in love with the families in her book and the trials they are going through are trials that could happen to everyone and she make you feel like you are experiencing them with the characters. I have laughed and cried as I read this book and I have even gotten a little mad. I love to read books that can touch my emotions!! Thanks J.C. I can't wait for the next one!!
This story did get more interesting at the start. But again in the chapters where the characters go to Ireland and Scotland on vacation the history of the country becomes long and tedious. It also has no real baring on the story. The chapters about Noah were interesting especially her past but the budding romance with Keene could have had more detail.
JC Wing delivers another great book in the Gannon Family series. With the same wonderfully descriptive writing style and captivating characters this book will keep you turning pages well past bedtime.
** A free copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. **
What a wonderful novel! Although this is technically a sequel it can be read as a stand-alone. Such a depth of storyline background and a focus on family that truly defines the word. A pleasant and clean read.
So happy that a second Gannon Family book was ready and waiting for me when I finished Alabama Skye! The author has done such a great job with this second book that they just flowed seamlessly, one to the other.
I loved the story of the journey to Scotland after finding out about a package left for Cheney and all the secrets and information she and Meara found out about their father. It was quite the story and after reading about it, one can almost understand why the man made the choices he did. It was just one more thing that brought all the Gannon ladies closer together.
Of course, then there is Keene. What can you say about Keene but oh, my goodness! Yes, that is all I can say without giving away too much about him. You'll just have to read about him for yourselves.
I'll just echo what I said in my review of Alabama Skye - this story is filled with strong women, lots of love, second chances and if you like any of those types of stories, this is the book for you. Check it out!