TATTERED STARS by author Catherine Cowles

This is my first time reading her work. Though the experience was good it did leave me with some unanswered questions about some parts of this story. Well, that's what fan pages are for to discuss them in depth.

For now, let's see what TATTERED STARS is all about. Everly's family lives off grid and her father treats everyone with suspicion to the point of violence. One such incident makes 11-year-old Everly report her father to the local sheriff. After which life irrevocably changes for her and her family.  Her mother sends her to live away from her family. More than a decade later, Everly, now in her late 20s, a vet tech by profession, returns home to Wolf Gap. 

Her reasons for returning are a little more than to face her demons head-on, it is the love of land and nature that Everly misses more. And maybe the boy with unforgettable eyes whose family too was deeply affected by her father's action. Everly knows better than to expect any kind of welcome from the town residents. Slowly she finds her footing, faces her fears and makes friends too along the way.

• Redemption of a kind, second chances, found family, love and justice are what make up TATTERED STARS. It is a story that gives us a glimpse of people, and communities who live to the beat of their drum. It's not exactly but almost a cult-like vibe we get from Everly's family. On the other hand, there's Hayes' family which gives us everything good in a family and community despite its bitter experience with life. 
• Hayes and Everly's is an unexpected love story given the horrifying incident in their lives courtesy of Everly's father. Yet their connection evolves naturally and beautifully. 
• They both carry responsibility and guilt for the events and actions of their families. It was heartbreaking to see them through that pain, frustration and hopelessness.
• The family, support system was pivotal given how isolating their living situation could be in a small town surrounded by nature on all sides. 
• The warmth in the story comes from its relationships; from family dynamics, friendships, love and some good old pet love. 
• There are moments of terror, frustration, infinite love, family bonds, genuine good of humans and hope despite what life throws at the characters. 

I enjoyed the warmth of human connections and the blossoming of love in an unexpected situation, which is why I would recommend this book.