Where the Forest Meets the Stars is Where Magic Meets the Heart

Book: Where the Forest Meets the Stars

Author: Glendy Vanderah

Rating: Seven Alien Girls/Ten

Synopsis: Joanna Teale(or Jo), is a grad student breast cancer survivor who is working in the woods to learn about birds after the death of her mother. She meets a lost little girl who claims to be from another planet and was sent to witness 5 miracles. After failing to get help from local authorities, she gets her neighbour Gabe to assist with taking care of Ursa. The three form a beautiful bond. However, Ursa’s past eventually catches up to her and deep secrets from everyone is revealed.

I loved this book. I found the ebook on Amazon and bought it because the premise was so promising. When I finished it, I felt elated, like Ursa herself had lifted me up the same way she did Jo and Gabe.

The story had a great balance between realism and fantasy. There was enough that made me feel grounded but there is enough whimsy in the story that made me feel like it was possible that there were aliens coming to earth.

The main three, Jo, Gabe and Ursa all felt real to me. With Jo, I was glad to see a breast cancer survivor as the hero of the story. It was refreshing to see that even though this woman did not have “the right womanly parts” she was still treated as a woman and not a victim. She is an intelligent and resilient woman with a lot of love to give.

The reclusive Gabe was a good representation of what depression can do to a person. He wasn’t overtly sad or dramatic about it. He exhibited a quiet strength though he was obviously struggling with the secret he was holding.

Ursa was my favourite. She is a highly intelligent child with a love for animals and Shakespeare. The mystery behind her past reels you in, wanting to know more. When her past was discovered, my heart broke for her.

The bond that the three form is beautiful and it hurts your heart when that bond is tested at the climax of the story. The novel is well-paced, and I absolutely love the modern whimsical feel of the story. If you want a heartwarming tale with a little bit of star magic, I recommend Where the Forest Meets the Stars.