Kellyn Roth's Reviews > The Star That Always Stays

This book was such an adorable, Betsy-Tacy-ish story that gave me alllll the childhood vibes. I used to read dozens of books like this, and it was just … the same style. The same vibe.

Granted, it was a little slow, but it can be fun to read something a little slow from time to time. I really enjoyed Norvia. However, my favorite characters were definitely Dicta, Virgil, and Vernon. Unlike others, I didn't REALLY care terribly much for most of the boys running in and out of Norvia's life (non-romantically, which means friends and brothers). Like, they were all right, but none of them, including Aylmer, really interested me. Overall, the family dynamics were AWESOME, though. I was so excited for Novia's new and improved family!! Especially her new big sister. <3 I loved her!

The plot was, as I said, a little slow. Even though it didn't particularly take a long time for the plot to get started, it still had a sloggy feeling. That was just the style of the book, though, and as I said, I didn't mind terribly. It was just worth mentioning that there were definitely some points where I was a little boring. I also really disliked the flashbacks as they always took me out of the story and were difficult to keep track of, despite being dated. I found myself skipping them to get to the "actual story," if you will. (Plus, you know. Despite Norvia's POV and all, I just couldn't buy into caring about her dad or anything related to him. I didn't love her mom, either, but in particular, I wanted to be away from her dad and move into her great new family! Did I mention her new family was great?)

It was also interesting hearing hints of several different cultures in this story, and seeing how, realistically, in the era there wasn't a lot of understanding or respect for different cultures OR for situations like Norvia found herself in (the child of divorced parents). (BUT OH MY GOSH HER STEPFATHER. I'm sorry, Alymer is all right, I guess, but find yourself a man like Norvia's stepdad. And I've honestly forgotten if he was Vernon or Virgil, but anyways, THAT GUY. Though I did like her stepbrother, too. He was basically Colin Lennox. Like, 100%. If you know, you know.)

Anywho, basically, this was an adorable story, and I highly recommend it for middle grade and adult readers. It's great for a nostalgia boost.