Catch A Falling Star by Kim Culbertson | Rating: ★★★★★

As a note, a finished copy of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

"Maybe that’s why we like looking up at night. For a moment, our immediate atmosphere shifts on us and reminds us we’re all part of something wide and far."

The plot of the story is simple and very intriguing to romantic young minds who dream about what it’d be like dating a celebrity. It will appeal first and foremost to younger teenagers as they go into their summer vacation looking for something fun to dive into. Which is fitting: Carter Moon’s small town is pretty much being taken over during the summer by Hollywood; a teenage heart throb is filming his latest flick there.

During this time, she is approached by one of his (Adam Jakes) team and is offered some serious cash (which is needed) to play pretend girlfriend to improve his fast burning reputation. After some consideration, she was rightfully offended by the offer, she decides to do it: mostly to help raise some money for her struggling gambling addict older brother.

Let’s get down to business first: yes, the plot is cheesy and has the potential to come across like a bad Disney movie. Yes, it’s targeted at teen girls and yes, it’s sweet and romantic and a little unrealistic. But the thing is, Kim Culbertson makes it good; she makes me shamelessly love the story and the romance of it all.

And the story could have gone downhill in a cheesy fanfiction sort of way, but Kim Culbertson makes it charming and engaging. Somehow, she takes such a generic fangirl plot and turns it into something that will genuinely make readers smile and fills the pages with thoughtful moments, as well as some pretty funny moments.


She does the perfect job in crafting this world and gives us plenty to smile about.

Kim Culbertson is a talented writer, truthfully, and definitely knew how to approach this fairy tale sort of plot with just the right amount of realistic bits. And in her writing, it makes the story all the more tender and unique in spite of the initial description. Even if you don’t appreciate the whole love story plot, I think it’s safe to say you could find yourself enjoying different moments throughout the pages.

My favorite parts were the blog entries that Carter and her friends write as they star gaze. I found it all very interesting and some parts of their entries, I tagged instantly to keep quotes from it. Carter’s friends, Alien Drake and Chloe, are minor roles in the novel but they manage to stand out and play greatly in the bigger plots. I liked them all quite a bit and genuinely enjoyed reading their interactions.

I especially liked the ‘big’ reveal and the final party that Carter attends as Adam’s “girlfriend”. Of course, that includes the scenes that follow the story until the very end. I thought it was all cute and thoughtful, a perfect balance of both worlds. And I liked that Carter seems to be on the path to spread her wings more when it comes to her future.

My only complaint of the story is that while I’m glad the ending was sweet and played on Hollywood endings, I wished there had been more to it when it came down to what would happen to Carter’s brother. Other than that, the story was the perfect teen romance and will sure to be loved amongst many readers. How couldn’t it be?

Overall, this novel surprised me. It wasn’t at all what I thought it’d be and I’m so glad that it surprised me like it did. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I hope my readers will pick up a copy, too. And maybe fall in love with it the same way I did.