"BY THE STARS," by Lindsay B. Ferguson, Bonneville Books, $18.99, 319 pages (f)
When California native Kate Clayton starts school in Utah after her parents' divorce, her classmate Cal Morgan is smitten after just one look. In "By the Stars," Cal struggles against the obstacles that keep him from Kate, hoping to win her trust and her heart in the process. With World War II looming on the horizon, it will take all Cal's patience and determination to keep their love alive.
Author Lindsay B. Ferguson has an eye for a good story and a sweet romance. "By the Stars" has all the elements of a thrilling adventure: love at first sight, the world at war, a young woman with a guarded heart, and separated lovers trying to connect over space and time.
As a novel, though, it lacks the suspense, drama and passion of a war romance. Although the book's focus could have been on love and war, the plot lingers on autobiographical details and meanders too slowly for thrills. Stilted prose also distracts from the story.
Utah natives and Latter-day Saint readers will find familiar themes and places in this novel. Ferguson is a Salt Lake City resident, and her characters frequent downtown Salt Lake City sites such as Liberty Park, the Beehive House and the (now demolished) Coconut Ballroom.
Both Cal and Kate are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Cal serves a Mormon mission. "By the Stars" is truly a love letter to the Salt Lake Valley and the LDS religion.
Readers looking for a chaste romance and a low-key war story are likely to enjoy "By the Stars," but those looking for a gripping plot may want to pass.
"By the Stars" contains some nondescriptive scenes of war violence but no profanity or sexual content.
Rachel Chipman has a bachelor's degree in family life and human development. Her current goals are to read more, write more and learn to type while holding her infant daughter. Her email address is racheldchipman@gmail.com.