Viviana Enchantress of Books: Book Review: At The Stars by Elisabeth Staab

At the Stars
by Elisabeth Staab

Blurb:

A GIRL TRYING TO LEAVE HER PAST BEHIND
I was a normal teenager who loved music and dancing, until the day I was attacked in my favorite record store. A few years later when my mom succumbed to depression and took her own life, I couldn’t stay in my hometown with all the memories and the curious stares. I decided to get in my car and just go – except my car decided it was done going outside a tiny place called Evergreen Grove. That’s where I found Jake. Or I guess Jake found me.

A GUY WHO CAN’T LET HIS GO
For the last eight years, all I can think about is the day I ended another man’s life. Then I manage to save Cassie’s, and I feel like maybe I’ve got some kind of second chance. To do what I couldn’t before, or maybe even for something bigger. Something like love. If only I could feel like I deserve her...

Available for purchase at

Viviana's Review:
Gatta start with the cover! Usually I don't mention or discuss covers, but WOW! Not only is it a stunning photography by Michael Stokes but the cover model Adam Von Rothfelder truly embodies Jake. This is a perfect example of an author reaching out to a photographer and commissioning work!

Elisabeth's first NA novel and it was sweet and an enjoyable quick read. I literally read it in one sitting and didn't want to put it down because I was enjoying my quiet time reading! As I'm sitting here typing up the review, I'm trying to remember why exactly I enjoyed it so much and BANG! It didn't follow many of the New Adult tropes!! WOOHOO and THANK YOU Elisabeth!!!

There are those moments where Jake tries to push Cassie away with the "I'm not a good guy" speech or he tries to have that internal conversation with himself (for the reader's information) on why he's no good for Cassie, but not once does it come across as whiney or is it so overly done where you want to jump through your kindle and smack him. Also, Cassie isn't sitting down and saying "poor sad me" or "I'm so broken and unloveable because of my tragic past". On the contrary, she is one tough cookie who doesn't allow her past to make her a helpless victim.

AT THE STARS is a story about two individuals who's past is dictating their present and limiting their future. Cassie's past is full of hurt (physically and emotionally), abandonment and betrayal. Jake is haunted by the death of a man he believe he caused. Together, they both learn to trust and realize that while one must realize that while the past is part of you forever, you do not have to let your past forever rule you. Cassie helps Jake realize that while he may have been the one to through the punch he wasn't the cause of death, not really. Jake helps Cassie realize that she can trust people to be there for her.

Elisabeth also introduces secondary characters that you'll become intrigued with and will want to reach out to her to ask "So... when will they get their own story?". Both Dante (Jake's friend) and AJ (Cassie's friend) are two of those characters. The good news, Dante's story is next and I can't wait! Elisabeth will be tackling some taboos that are "about time" and I'm extremely happy she's doing this. Its about time the subject is approached and I know she will do it with the upmost respect and realism as she is a true professional.

Overall this was a great, easy and fast read that you won't want to put down. You'll fall for the characters and will want to read more about them!