Audiobook Review: SHATTERED STARS by Shari J Ryan

About the Book

"You will lose your memory."

That's what a doctor told me at just twenty nine years old.

My headaches and exhaustion weren't from overexertion like I thought.
It was more.
A lot more.

Despite my unimaginable challenges, I found love at a time I needed it most.
Layne, a rising star and popular frontman, was unknowingly singing life into my soul through his allusive lyrics.
I lived and breathed for the mesmeric sound of his voice.

Kismet led us to a kind of love anyone would die for.
I'm devastated that Layne will be stuck loving me after I begin to forget him.
I can't bare the thought that we will once again be strangers, separated by forgotten memories.
I can no longer promise him a future like the one he vowed to me.
Layne is determined to help me get better.
I'm determined to make him see past my illness.

But avoidance is pushing him away faster than my shattering heart is forgetting.
Now I'm worried that I've lost precious time that neither of us can ever reclaim.
Realizing that making the love of my life happy is more important to me now than ever, I'm determined to face the music and find all of the right strings to make him smile again.

Then I'll be happy too, even if I don't remember...

My Thoughts

SHATTERED STARS is only the second Shari J Ryan book I have read, and once again she has turned me into a watering can. Even though it made me cry, I recommend this book.

The situation Dani and Layne find themselves in is heartbreaking. 29 years old, and being told she has already started to lose her memories puts incredible pressure on this otherwise strong relationship. It’s clear from the outset that Dani and Layne have an incredible love but their attitudes in how to go on given Dani’s prognosis differ greatly. I feel Ryan does an excellent job in expressing the fear, frustration, anger, helplessness and love that arise from Dani’s health issues.

The ending brings about a resolution but I still unsure how I feel about it. Yes, it’s believable but this latter part of the book was a tad too rushed for my liking. I needed more time to understand it, absorb it.

I listened to an audio version of this book narrated by Erin Bennett. I feel she did an excellent job in narrating this book. The many and varied emotions of the characters were conveyed wonderfully. I was immersed in the story from the start and the only thing that stopped me from finishing this book quickly was waiting to listen to this book while at home so I could be as emotional as I needed to be behind closed doors. 

About the Author

I’M A REAL PERSON, SOMETIMES LIVING IN A FICTIONAL WORLD

It has been about six years or so since I started writing books. However, I have been journaling since I turned nine. Writing has been my outlet for stress, anxiety, and adulting. When life gets hectic, it’s fun to daydream about being in a new place or meeting different people. Of course, life doesn’t always allow for such extravagance, so I enjoy creating new worlds and characters for myself and others who either like to read, and, or need a coffee break from life.

At first, writing was about the story, but over time, it has morphed into a type of art, wanting to create realistic people and places, and now, I focus on the craft of both story telling and character development. I strive to make each book better than the last because I love to grow and learn, research, and explore new ideas.

Writing is one of my biggest joys in life, and I’m grateful for the support I have received through the years, encouraging me to push ahead and keep growing. 

http://www.sharijryan.com/