Stars in the Grass By Ann Marie Stewart

“The summer before I turned ten was idyllic—until August 3, 1970.  It perfectly describes a time when I thought the world was safe and good things lasted forever..."

Nine-year-old Abby McAndrews has just experienced her greatest loss, and in its wake, her family is unraveling with guilt, grief, and anger. Her father, Reverend McAndrews, cannot return to the pulpit because he has more questions than answers. Her older brother Matt’s actions speak louder than the words he needs to confess, as he acts out in dangerous ways. Her mother tries to hold her grieving family together, but when Abby’s dad refuses to move on, the family is at a crossroads.
 
Stars in the Grass, set in a small Midwestern town in 1970, is an uplifting novel that explores a family’s relationships and resiliency. Abby’s heartbreaking remembrances are balanced by humor and nostalgia as her family struggles with—and ultimately celebrates—life after loss.

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https://www.amazon.com/Stars-Grass-Ann-Marie-Stewart/dp/1634099508/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485548808&sr=8-1&keywords=stars+in+the+grass+by+ann+marie+stewart 

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing stories, putting on plays, or belting songs. Ever since grade school when my dad substituted me in for his turn at the Toastmaster podium and I held a captive audience with my speech, I’ve loved making people laugh and cry.

I grew up in Seattle, Washington and am a die-hard UW Husky (and Wolverine) after earning a Masters in Film/Television from University of Michigan. I originated AMG’s Preparing My Heart series, write the column “Ann’s Lovin’ Ewe” for The Country Register and blog for Mentoring Moments. My first novel, Stars in the Grass comes out February 2017.

When I’m not writing, I’m waving my arms directing musicals, teaching middle schoolers, or watching UVA Basketball or Madam Secretary. In my free time I hang out with my husband, raising two lovely daughters and a whole flock of fuzzy sheep on Skye Moor Farm, in Virginia--where unscripted drama provides plenty of entertaining material.

This book was so hard for me to get into. It is a hard book of loss and a family struggling to cope and to move past the death of a child. It took me a few days to read it. It's a hard storyline.

I loved Abby's voice and the story of hope but there was just something lacking and I can't put my finger on what  it was.

I will say that the author is one that I will try again. I loved the cover.

I gave this book 3.5 this is just one persons opinion. Maybe you will enjoy it.

 I received  this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own.