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Starry Child #1
The Starry Child
A Mysterious Child
Rainey Nielson is desperately worried about her daughter. Since the tragic death of her father, eight-year-old Sasha has not spoken a word. And sometimes, especially in bad thunderstorms, her behavior is strange and inexplicable. Rainey has taken Sasha to medical doctors, to child psychologists, to speech therapists. All the experts are baffled.
An Extraordinary Destiny
Matt Macinnes, a brilliant young linguist at Stanford University, recognizes that little Sasha's babblings are not her own invented gibberish—she is actually speaking in fluent Gaelic. Matt's understanding of Sasha opens a door to her secret world. At last someone can communicate with her, but what he discovers is both exhilarating and terrifying. Could a modern American girl really carry within her the soul of a long-ago Scottish princess?
The Starry Child is a spellbinding adventure filled with the mystical power of Celtic legends and the lure of Highland heather. It is also the story of a young widow who solves the riddle of her daughter while discovering her own destiny, and the story of a timeless love held in trust in the heart of a little girl.
Rainey Nielson is desperately worried about her daughter. Since the tragic death of her father, eight-year-old Sasha has not spoken a word. And sometimes, especially in bad thunderstorms, her behavior is strange and inexplicable. Rainey has taken Sasha to medical doctors, to child psychologists, to speech therapists. All the experts are baffled.
An Extraordinary Destiny
Matt Macinnes, a brilliant young linguist at Stanford University, recognizes that little Sasha's babblings are not her own invented gibberish—she is actually speaking in fluent Gaelic. Matt's understanding of Sasha opens a door to her secret world. At last someone can communicate with her, but what he discovers is both exhilarating and terrifying. Could a modern American girl really carry within her the soul of a long-ago Scottish princess?
The Starry Child is a spellbinding adventure filled with the mystical power of Celtic legends and the lure of Highland heather. It is also the story of a young widow who solves the riddle of her daughter while discovering her own destiny, and the story of a timeless love held in trust in the heart of a little girl.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 26, 2012
I am 13% into this book and can't seem to put it down. I am looking forward to seeing just how special the "wee" one Sasha is.
I just finished, what a wonderful exciting story. I love the way the author gives such detail of the fairies Pretty Penny being one of my favorites. This book was exciting from begging to end with wonderful twist and surprises.
I have found the second book of this series and looking forward to another adventure.
I just finished, what a wonderful exciting story. I love the way the author gives such detail of the fairies Pretty Penny being one of my favorites. This book was exciting from begging to end with wonderful twist and surprises.
I have found the second book of this series and looking forward to another adventure.
August 16, 2020
Gave up at 15%. Soooo slow moving and the mom was really irritating. She was so worried about her daughter getting abducted by that creepy doctor that she was willing to move across the country to escape him, but wouldn't let the school call the cops on him? And I couldn't figure out if Emma was living with them, or was just a creepily friendly neighbor? None of it made any sense; couldn't be bothered to stick around for the magic to start.
June 3, 2012
I loved almost everything about this book. Eight year old Sasha hasn't spoken a word since her father died in a plane crash three years earlier. Her mother, Rainey, is getting pressure from an unscrupulous doctor and also from government officials who feel her care of Sasha has been inadequate. Rainey and Sasha have one true friend, their Scottich neighbor Emma. Emma came to California from her home in the Scottish Highlands to be close to her son after her beloved husband died. It turned out that her son was good friends with a Stanford languages professor, Matt McInnes, whom he thought could perhaps help Sasha and Rainey. Eventually, an adventure in the highlands ensue. This book held my interest from the start and during much of the time of reading, I had a smile on my face. For anyone who enjoys romance (but not the explicit kind) with more than just a sprinkling of magic, this is the book for you.
October 22, 2012
It's about a Scottish legend and boy was it good!
Very flowing story easy to follow.
Started this on this morning Oct. 20th.Hard to put down but have to, to much things to do today. Very interesting story, fairies, warriors, etc... Will read more tonight.
Done and could of read more of this even if it was a longer book, BOY really glad I read this one. Very well writen, could really see the little Fairies by the way they were described same as the Highlands or the water falls. Just a couple of typos ( at times the number 1 was use as double LL's) but didn't but the story was so good most time I hardly notice even.
Very flowing story easy to follow.
Started this on this morning Oct. 20th.Hard to put down but have to, to much things to do today. Very interesting story, fairies, warriors, etc... Will read more tonight.
Done and could of read more of this even if it was a longer book, BOY really glad I read this one. Very well writen, could really see the little Fairies by the way they were described same as the Highlands or the water falls. Just a couple of typos ( at times the number 1 was use as double LL's) but didn't but the story was so good most time I hardly notice even.
March 11, 2012
Thought I preferred reality, until I read this author. She handles pacing so well, I couldn't put down this book. I bought into the fantasy. Loved the twists. Fanastic use of strong story/character questions. Thank you to Barbara Freethy for introducing me to Lynn's work.
June 6, 2012
Loved the Scottish folklore. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, as the fairy tale (sorry legend) aspect is usually not my thing. Going to delve into book 2 as soon as I get caught up on my Kindle downloads!
July 8, 2012
Such a magical and wonderful book! I truley enjoyed reading it!
February 29, 2024
I really enjoyed reading The Starry Child, and I'd highly recommend checking it out!
December 9, 2017
This book is a sweeping tale of love, faith and majesty. Rainey, Sasha & Matt follow a magical path to right ancient wrongs, along with as rich cast of supportive characters. Ms. Hanna spins one heck of a story! Looking forward to more from this author!
September 29, 2013
Going into this novel, I wasn't really sure what to expect. I certainly wasn't expecting the level of fantasy/legend that's between the covers. There are many things I liked about this novel: the Scottish setting and all things Highlands, the characters were well drawn (especially Matt), the lore and legends were enjoyable, and the magical elements were fun (what can I say? I love fairies and all things that sparkle). I also liked what started out as child psychology, when it came to Sasha and her muteness.
In addition to the things I liked about the novel, there were a couple that I didn't like so much. For one, I found Rainey to be rather annoying at times. I realize she was under a lot of stress, and it can be difficult to immediately trust someone you've just met, but for someone who almost became vice president of an ad firm (I think that was the nature of the company), she seemed a little too frazzled and not very sensible. Without giving too much away, I also feel that Sasha was robbed in the end (not that her mother intentionally stole anything from her), although it does make sense when considering Matt's role in the whole thing.
In the end, I also feel there were a few things left unresolved. Perhaps it was mentioned and I missed it, but I don't get why Sasha became a mute and would then only communicate in ancient gaelic; it doesn't make sense, given her role as revealed at the end when her mother had no gaelic through the majority of the book. Also, her battle with the evil villain doctor and child services was never cleared up at the end. I don't think you can just walk away from that kind of thing. But, perhaps I'm being too nitpicky, or just started skimming at the end and missed these things.
Overall, an enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to reading the second book.
In addition to the things I liked about the novel, there were a couple that I didn't like so much. For one, I found Rainey to be rather annoying at times. I realize she was under a lot of stress, and it can be difficult to immediately trust someone you've just met, but for someone who almost became vice president of an ad firm (I think that was the nature of the company), she seemed a little too frazzled and not very sensible. Without giving too much away, I also feel that Sasha was robbed in the end (not that her mother intentionally stole anything from her), although it does make sense when considering Matt's role in the whole thing.
In the end, I also feel there were a few things left unresolved. Perhaps it was mentioned and I missed it, but I don't get why Sasha became a mute and would then only communicate in ancient gaelic; it doesn't make sense, given her role as revealed at the end when her mother had no gaelic through the majority of the book. Also, her battle with the evil villain doctor and child services was never cleared up at the end. I don't think you can just walk away from that kind of thing. But, perhaps I'm being too nitpicky, or just started skimming at the end and missed these things.
Overall, an enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to reading the second book.
July 2, 2014
This book's plot is intriguing: a child retreats into silence after the death of her father. Her fear of lightning is so strong that she becomes a disruptive element in her school. Her mother is nearly bankrupt from paying for useless treatment for her daughter, and the state is on the verge of removing the child from her mother's custody and placing her in foster care. Then a man appears who converses with the child in Scots Gaelic, and the child answers. Who knew? I was on board for the trip to Scotland to reunite a magic sword and a stolen crown so that the spirits of a dead queen and her people can be freed. Or something.
I was okay up until the fairies appeared. I have a personal aversion to fairies, so that was the element that dropped the book down to three stars. Paranormal? Check. Magic swords and legendary crowns? Check. Psychic children who magically become fluent in Gaelic? Check. Fairies? I'm outta her.
If you are okay with fairies, you'll probably like this book. It is well written, well plotted, and the characters are engaging. The mother's anguish and despair when it seems she will not be able to protect her child are real and affecting. The child's frustration at her inability to make the grownups understand what she needs is also real. If it just weren't for those fairies . . .
I was okay up until the fairies appeared. I have a personal aversion to fairies, so that was the element that dropped the book down to three stars. Paranormal? Check. Magic swords and legendary crowns? Check. Psychic children who magically become fluent in Gaelic? Check. Fairies? I'm outta her.
If you are okay with fairies, you'll probably like this book. It is well written, well plotted, and the characters are engaging. The mother's anguish and despair when it seems she will not be able to protect her child are real and affecting. The child's frustration at her inability to make the grownups understand what she needs is also real. If it just weren't for those fairies . . .
October 6, 2012
Five Point Review:
1. The plot was interesting enough. After the death of her husband, Rainey was forced to not only pick up the pieces of her and her daughter's lives, but deal with her daughter's failure to speak. However, it was incredibly tough to get through. Even though the premise was interesting, the story just didn't grab me.
2. Matt: I don't know what it is but I just did not like him. He struck me as a weirdo and a creep. No bueno.
3. Language: I'm probably the only one that feels this way but the whole "ye-wee-lass" bit got old rather quickly. Yes, I'm aware that half of the main cast was Scottish and we are dealing with Scottish folklore but seriously...
4. I wish the author would have explored that psycho doctor that wanted to get his hands on Sasha. If anything, that was the only interesting part of this entire novel.
5. Overall: Incredibly difficult to get through and rather boring for the most part. Language was annoying and the characters...well, I frankly didn't care. I was able to make to 33% on my kindle until I was forced to call it quits. 1 star.
1. The plot was interesting enough. After the death of her husband, Rainey was forced to not only pick up the pieces of her and her daughter's lives, but deal with her daughter's failure to speak. However, it was incredibly tough to get through. Even though the premise was interesting, the story just didn't grab me.
2. Matt: I don't know what it is but I just did not like him. He struck me as a weirdo and a creep. No bueno.
3. Language: I'm probably the only one that feels this way but the whole "ye-wee-lass" bit got old rather quickly. Yes, I'm aware that half of the main cast was Scottish and we are dealing with Scottish folklore but seriously...
4. I wish the author would have explored that psycho doctor that wanted to get his hands on Sasha. If anything, that was the only interesting part of this entire novel.
5. Overall: Incredibly difficult to get through and rather boring for the most part. Language was annoying and the characters...well, I frankly didn't care. I was able to make to 33% on my kindle until I was forced to call it quits. 1 star.
July 11, 2015
Wow, what an odd book. I don't even know where to begin.
Rainey and her daughter Sasha, who has been mute since her father's death, have a lot of problems. The biggest being Sasha's behavior. Everything is spinning out of control. Then their dear neighbor Emma finds a linguist and they set off on a over the top fantasy expedition.
I really liked all of the main characters expect Rainey. Since she was the main character that was a bit of a problem but my goodness was she a negative whiner. Ugh. Eventually she got her life together, but I still wanted to slap her a ton. Sasha was amazing, I could have read the book just for her. What a strong and unique little girl. Emma was hilarious, just the kind of woman I would love to be. I loved Matt, what a cool guy. What he saw in Rainey I couldn't figure out, but I guess he saw her for who she could be when she calmed down.
All of the bad guys in this book were absolutely over the top bad. It was a tad ridiculous to be honest. I think it needed dialed back. The old blind Macwhatever? yeah, he was offensive, that was totally unneeded.
Rainey and her daughter Sasha, who has been mute since her father's death, have a lot of problems. The biggest being Sasha's behavior. Everything is spinning out of control. Then their dear neighbor Emma finds a linguist and they set off on a over the top fantasy expedition.
I really liked all of the main characters expect Rainey. Since she was the main character that was a bit of a problem but my goodness was she a negative whiner. Ugh. Eventually she got her life together, but I still wanted to slap her a ton. Sasha was amazing, I could have read the book just for her. What a strong and unique little girl. Emma was hilarious, just the kind of woman I would love to be. I loved Matt, what a cool guy. What he saw in Rainey I couldn't figure out, but I guess he saw her for who she could be when she calmed down.
All of the bad guys in this book were absolutely over the top bad. It was a tad ridiculous to be honest. I think it needed dialed back. The old blind Macwhatever? yeah, he was offensive, that was totally unneeded.
May 26, 2013
I loved almost everything about this book. Eight year old Sasha hasn't spoken a word since her father died in a plane crash three years earlier. Her mother, Rainey, is getting pressure from an unscrupulous doctor and also from government officials who feel her care of Sasha has been inadequate. Rainey and Sasha have one true friend, their Scottish neighbor Emma. Emma came to California from her home in the Scottish Highlands to be close to her son after her beloved husband died. It turned out that her son was good friends with a Stanford languages professor, Matt McInnes, whom he thought could perhaps help Sasha and Rainey. Eventually, an adventure in the highlands ensue. This book held my interest from the start and during much of the time of reading, I had a smile on my face. For anyone who enjoys romance (but not the explicit kind) with more than just a sprinkling of magic, this is the book for you.
February 27, 2012
Beware if you are a friend who trusts my judgement that this book is really good, but the love scene is a little more elaborate than any other book I've read. I'm a good little girl, and I read good little books, and it wasn't necessarily offensive, but it was definitely more descriptive than any other book I've recommended. There. I've stated my peace. I loved the idea of this book. I loved the characters. I loved the setting. Must. Visit. Scotland.
I read it because it looked good, and I get a free "borrow" from the Kindle Library every month on Amazon Prime (and none of my "to read" list is in the free lenders library). I had nothing to go off of besides that and it's overall rating in Amazon. I had a hard time putting it down.
I read it because it looked good, and I get a free "borrow" from the Kindle Library every month on Amazon Prime (and none of my "to read" list is in the free lenders library). I had nothing to go off of besides that and it's overall rating in Amazon. I had a hard time putting it down.
April 16, 2012
I had this book in my house for the longest time and once i finally read it i was amazed. This book is un like any other. The young Girl Sasha who hasnt spoke since her father died then out of no where speaking but in a dead irish language was really intresting. The reason why she acted out the way she did just to protect the acient fairies really surprised me. The last thing i would of expected an 8 year old girl to be doing. Overall this was a very intresting and unique book to read.
September 24, 2013
"The Starry Child" presents a new take on the Scottish paranormal romance novel; one that in many ways is more realistic than most (more mundane characters, settings, and interactions) and in others is terribly hard to swallow (dialogue, non-paranormal plot, etc.). Though much could be done to improve this tale (proofreading, more heat between the protagonists, better pacing, etc.), it's worth the $2.99 Amazon charges for the Kindle edition.
July 7, 2015
I wanted to love it - for example, I really thought the folklore in this book was excellent! I must say I did enjoy Sasha's character very much - I thought she was written very well!
However, there were a few happenings that just didn't sit with me. The romance didn't go over with me terribly well. Also, what happened with those "professionals" that just suddenly seemed to stop pursuing Sasha/Rainey?
However, there were a few happenings that just didn't sit with me. The romance didn't go over with me terribly well. Also, what happened with those "professionals" that just suddenly seemed to stop pursuing Sasha/Rainey?
February 26, 2012
This book was a bit more fantasy genre than I'm used to reading. It came up under historical fiction, but I think fantasy is more accurate. I did enjoy the book and it kept me engaged. I even went on to read the 2nd book in the series Circle of Time. You kind of just have to go with where the author is taking you and enjoy the ride! I will read the 3rd installment when it comes out.
April 11, 2013
Well I have a soft spot for faeries, elves, brownies and the like so this book was right up my alley. Plus! I am a believer in reincarnation and true love. This book blends the myths with todays world and it was fun. It takes you on a trip to the 5 sister falls in the highland country. Loved it!! This is one I would read again.
May 5, 2015
This was a fun and easy read. The main character's problems were a little heavy handed and extreme, but I wasn't terribly bothered by that and understood the author's need to push the characters to move the story along. I enjoyed the gradual reveal of the legend and enjoyed the characters. Will look into the next books in the series.
June 23, 2015
This book was fantastic! I read it in less than a day. I'm usually very skeptical of free downloads, and usually don't like the writing style or stories available, but this far exceeded my expectations.
Lynn Hanna has woven an absolutely magical story, and I strongly suggest anyone who is a fan of books like Outlander give this a go.
Lynn Hanna has woven an absolutely magical story, and I strongly suggest anyone who is a fan of books like Outlander give this a go.
June 5, 2016
Fascinating Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is well written, and keeps the readers interest. The Gaelic language throughout is interesting, but looking over the pronunciation at the end, showed me I was way off in pronunciation.
I would definitely recommend it to others, and am looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is well written, and keeps the readers interest. The Gaelic language throughout is interesting, but looking over the pronunciation at the end, showed me I was way off in pronunciation.
I would definitely recommend it to others, and am looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
June 1, 2012
THE STARRY CHILD is a love story wrapped in Celtic myths and a touch of fairies. It’s well written, with nice twists and turns, and deft descriptions of the characters and the landscape, easy to picture and relate to.
June 7, 2012
Great story....do you believe in fairies? Do you love legends from the Scottish Highlands? Do you appreciate well written verse and spellbinding narratives? Toss it altogether with a love story, then this is the book for you! Not a 'main meal' book, but defiinitrly a delicious dessert!!!
April 21, 2013
An unusual read about a gifted child who has not spoken since her father's death. When the usual state people sticki their noses where they do not belong, the mother is befriended by a Scottish man who takes them to Scotland to escape the authorties. An interesting and unusual read.
July 6, 2013
While I don't regret reading this book--it certainly held my attention--I found many things to be unbelievable or not quite fully explained enough for my liking. It had a very interesting premise and I liked the connections to Scottish mythology, but I won't be reading further books in the series.
August 9, 2014
So I had never even heard of the genre "paranormal romance" before. There was enough I liked about it to save it from being only one or two stars, but I probably won't venture down that fairy path too many more times!
May 14, 2015
Nice, but a bit too sweet.
I liked this Scottish Fairytale, but it it just went overboard on the sappy dramatic tone. Lovely descriptions of place and characters, especially the Child and the Fairies.
I liked this Scottish Fairytale, but it it just went overboard on the sappy dramatic tone. Lovely descriptions of place and characters, especially the Child and the Fairies.
August 11, 2015
Not my usual choice for reading, but I was intrigued by the blurb on Amazon. Fantasy, fairies, and falling in love - all in the space of about a week. Easy read, light read, requires much suspension of belief.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews