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Review: Between Stairs and Stardust: Finding Ever After #1

Between Stairs and Stardust book cover on blue background

One of the things I wish I could do is to take advantage of past Kindle releases that are no longer available. Unfortunately, this was the case with Finding Ever After, which was released four years ago. While it's no longer possible to find this book again, some authors have made their novellas available separately, which is what I found with Pepper Basham's story called Between Stairs and Stardust. From all of my searching, I believe that hers is the only one that can be purchased as a physical copy, although the second story, Entanglements by Rachel McMillan, is available on Kindle. I'm not sure how to track down the other two stories, but imagine how lovely this collection would be as a paperback!

Book Synopsis

An illustrator in hiding

A millionaire with a gardening fascination

And the possibility of a perfect fit for a happily-ever-after

Once upon a time…

A young illustrator, forced from her home in Boston, must return to her Blue Ridge Mountains to escape a scandal. Certain that her dreams are on hold, Stella Emory doesn’t expect to find a prince charming in the form of James Craven, a young man who works in the gardens of the famed Biltmore Estate. Brought together unexpectedly, the two begin a tender friendship inspired by James’s little sister and the story of Cinderella, but James isn’t all he seems. As their friendship grows into a romance, the truth of James’s millionaire status shakes Stella’s confidence. When her past follows her to Asheville, Stella thinks her chance at romance with James is over, but will a Christmas masquerade and the remnants of a charm bracelet somehow provide the magic Stella needs to clear her name and claim her own happily-ever-after?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Between Stairs and Stardust is a charming read that follows the story of Cinderella as depicted by a set of charms on a bracelet (see what I did there?). It wondrously unfolds how Stella Emory and James Craven meet and how they get to know one another beyond society's dictates at the time. Set at the iconic Biltmore Estate and its grounds, readers can immerse themselves in a magical setting created by Pepper Basham. Her use of lyrical language to paint vivid imagery transports you to a place where you can allow your imagination to blossom. Stella and James' sweet story not only speaks to how imagination and stories can spark our view of God, it also conveys how our ability to create is a gift from our Creator, such as with Stella's illustrations and James' gardening.

There are so many elements in this book that stood out. Everything from the power of rumours and gossip to how life-changing generosity can play a role in other people's lives. Though there is villainy involved, this story is hopeful and fulfills a yearning for love, acceptance, and belonging. Trusting in God's plans is also central to the story, as is a powerful scene regarding justice (though I don't want to give away one of my favourite parts of the book!). As Stella and James find their own ever after, readers can be reminded of how God masterfully writes our stories and that they are not yet done.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📖
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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