Review: Catch a Falling Star by Kim Culbertson

Catch a Falling Star
by: Kim Culbertson
Now available!!!
Publisher: Point (Scholastic)
Source: ARC from publisher
Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:
A deliciously charming novel about finding true love . . . and yourself.

Nothing ever happens in Little, CA. Which is just the way Carter Moon likes it. But when Hollywood arrives to film a movie starring former child star turned PR mess Adam Jakes, everything changes. Carter's town becomes a giant glittery set and, much to her annoyance, everyone is starry-eyed for Adam. Carter seems to be the only girl not falling all over herself to get a glimpse of him. Which apparently makes her perfect for the secret offer of a lifetime: playing the role of Adam's girlfriend while he's in town, to improve his public image, in exchange for a hefty paycheck. Her family really needs the money and so Carters agrees. But it turns out Adam isn't at all who she thought he was. As they grow closer, their relationship walks a blurry line between what's real and what's fake, and Carter must open her eyes to the scariest of unexplored worlds - her future. Can Carter figure out what she wants out of life AND get the guy? Or are there no Hollywood endings in real life?

My Thoughts:

Fun, light-hearted read that's perfect to take for a day at the beach!

Catch a Falling Star was a quick read with a blossoming romance, and great first-person narration from our heroine, Carter Moon. The title is actually a great pun, because Carter's greatest passion is her love of astronomy (after her passion for Adam of course :)) 

This was a "Cinderella-like" tale of sorts, but Carter was definitely a feistier heroine, she has a mind of her own. She was a realistic leading character, while she doesn't want to admit it, she's a bit taken with the Hollywood heartthrob, Adam, and truth be told, Adam's just as stubborn in showcasing his own feelings for our heroine- but this allowed for some great squabbles between our two leads.

As I stated before, the romance was very light-hearted and sweet between these two, definitely nothing in-appropriate or worrisome. As well, there isn't an insta-love to be found with these two, there's definitely a build-up and you'll feel the connection between these two and the ending will have you either smiling and saying "aww" or rolling your eyes (while smiling despite yourself).

Of course, this is much more than a teen romance novel, Carter is also dealing with some difficult familial issues, specifically with her older brother, John. If I'm being completely honest, I think the up-and-down sibling relationship between these two was my favourite part of the book, it really helped to add drama to the plot.

This is a contemporary read with very little action, so much of the story is character driven, and Culbertson does a great job of writing in her supporting characters (specifically Carter's besties, Chloe and Alien Drake- inside joke) these two bring comedic relief throughout the story and help keep Chloe grounded when everything else around seems to be falling apart. Although I will state this- I feel as though there were some unresolved feelings between Drake and Carter, but this could just be the romantic in me looking for deeper meaning haha.

Overall, I would recommend this read to those who are looking for a quick read and light-hearted romance kick!

Happy Reading!!!

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