Title: The Stars
Shine Bright
Author: Sibella
Giorello
Pages: 400
Year: 2012
Publisher: Thomas
Nelson
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988
An FBI special
agent, Raleigh Harmon, is in trouble with the Office of Professional
Responsibility, a department in the Bureau for her actions taken on another
case. Her training as a forensic geologist
would do her little good in finding a job if the FBI let her go because all she
wants is another case and other chance within the FBI. Her aunt owns a shop that sells various rocks
and is willing to pay her more than double minimum wage. Raleigh thinks she is a kook, but a lovable
one.
Then,
enter Eleanor Anderson. She has been
pestering the Bureau for months with phone calls and allegations of wrongdoing
at the racetrack where her thoroughbreds run.
Finally, when they won’t take action, she offers to pay all the expenses
if they send an agent. Granting Eleanor,
a former star, her request, the FBI sends in Harmon, but not without some tough
orders she has to follow.
Harmon’s
mother is in a mental asylum because of the events that take place on a cruise,
causing her to have a nervous breakdown.
Harmon needs this job to pay her bills and take care of her mother. If her mother will ever speak to her again, is
still unknown. Harmon’s father was
murdered. That is what caused her to
leave the science lab as she had to have action. Eleanor’s speech and actions remind Raleigh
of her mother. Perhaps that is why
Harmon isn’t bothered by her orders to eat right, get rest, and do as she
says. But will Eleanor give Harmon
enough length on her leash so she can do her job without putting anyone in
danger, especially this kind, elderly woman?
Thoroughbred
horses are dying from something, and races seemed to be fixed with the losers
becoming big winners and winners becoming big losers. After a race in which a horse dies, an
investigation, of sorts, is launched and guess who looks guiltier than
anyone? Geology tests and blood tests of
the horses are performed. Will either
reveal what is going on?
Raleigh’s
faith is in Jesus and she reads the Word to bring her comfort amidst the
turmoil of living a lie in order to do her job.
Her fiancé wants her to come to Virginia and get married now. Every time Harmon makes plans, Eleanor
already has other plans, which causes problems in finding out what is going on
at the racetrack.
In this
work of fiction there are parts that will bring laughter to the reader while
trying to solve the mystery of the events at the racetrack. The story brings to the forefront internal
struggles of Agent Harmon that include her faith, her future, and her job. Anyone who sits and reads this novel will
enjoy the plot, subplots, and characters.
It is a rich piece of literacy work for readers of
all ages, one to enjoy on a quiet afternoon.
My rating is 5 stars!
