It’s supposed to go like this. Boy meets girl, they fall madly in love with each other, battle some shit in their way, and after conquering the challenge, they ride off to their happily ever after.But, not one fairytale, or love story tells you that after that ride, life happens. We had our story, and we were supposed to live happily in our bubble forever. After one check-up, our bubble burst and … burst and reality started to invade. And now, facing the unsure road of IVF treatment, we have to be stronger than ever. Once again, we must go into battle for our happily ever after. Taking that first step was easy. Staying on this road is harder than we thought.
And now, with unexpected obstacles in the way, it’s not a question of if the IVF will succeed. It’s will we be strong enough to stay together and reach for the stars?
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In Wishing for a Star, Ana Balen touches upon one of the deepest fears of most women, infertility. For a woman who is going through or has gone through infertility this book will hit you deep to the core. You know the anguish, the heartbreak, the sadness. You know everything that Danielle is going through intimately.
This book deeply touched me, because I too faced this issue. I miscarried, at the age of 18, only 4 months into my pregnancy. The doctors all told me I would never be able to have children due to many issues my body had. All I had ever dreamed of being was a mommy. Never did I think that this going to be my life. I was put on birth control, which only screwed up my body even more. By the time I was 19 I know longer had a “time of the month”. It took five more years to get pregnant. I, personally, never used IVF or anything else. I almost lost my beautiful Z twice during the pregnancy and then once during the labor. The doctors called her a miracle. Five years later I had my son, two years after that I had my last child, my other son.
I wept with Danielle. My heart broke as I lived through all the treatments with her. Balen wrapped me in Danielle and Sam’s story. Their heart beats became my own. Sam and Dani became my friends, my loved ones, my tribe. And I rooted for them to get their star.
I am in shock that this is her debut book. Balen displays a natural born storyteller gene. She will have you crying, laughing, loving and understanding. I look forward to reading her future works. Thank you Ana for having the talent to bring such an emotional subject to the surface in such a beautiful and realistic tribute.
This is the first book that I have read in 2019 and I must say…this book is a honest, refreshing read about the struggles some women face with infertility. It is also a love story. A love story that made me laugh out loud, cry…real tears and hope with everythign in my that they made it thought the storm that they found themselves in and come out even stronger. I discovered this book and author from an event that I attended and decided that I must read it. I am so glad that I listened to myself!!!
Ana Balen has written a beautiful, honest, and raw love story. She has also given a voice to the millions of women who are stuggling with infertility and feelings of failure. Through Ana’s story, I found hope and faith that things will be ok in the end.
Dani and Sam’s love story is one that will stand the test of time. There is something magical about this couple that made me wish for their star from the very beginning of this story. I LOVE how Mrs. Balen not only told the story of their personal struggles, but also included a glimpse into the lives of those closest to them who were also affected by what was going on with this couple.
I took my time reading this story and got lost in the world that Mrs. Balen created for her readers. I HIGHLY recommend this story, not only for the love story…but for the battles that Sam & Danni fought through. This book provides comfort, hope, and so much more to the reader. This book is easily a five star read. (There are a few spots where the formatting is off ~ there is no space between words ~ but it is not a distraction from the beautiful story.) I honestly hope that you pick this amazing story up and get lost in this story. You will not be sorry!!!
____New Author Alert_________
First, the cover art and the title is perfect for the storyline.
This author tackled a sensitive subject matter, but nevertheless; it was written so beautifully. Not ashamed to admit, I shed a lot of tears.
The only warning I have about this book is … don’t listen to it at work, like I did. I tried to stop listening, but I couldn’t. If the warning is disregarded, have plenty of Kleenex close by or wear a long sleeve shirt. The choice is yours because tears are going to happen.
Lastly, without a doubt, your next book boyfriend can be found in Wishing For A Star.
P.S. Author Balen, just gained a new follower!!
I’m crying like a baby… So.Good… I have so much love for this story, so much respect for Ana, for writing such a raw and honest account of what some couples go through to get their star. Ana Balen
What an amazing debut novel. I was extremely impressed and engrossed in the story and the emotions. This is one of those subjects that is just so hard to address. What do you say to a woman who is unable to conceive? It’s true we all walk on eggshells, have no idea what to say or do and hate that what we consider good news will send them spiraling. All she wanted was her own star. This book is the emotional journey of a couple who loved each other so much she would rather divorce him than not have him receive his dream of being a grandfather. This emotional journey is filled with flashbacks to them getting together and different points of their lives. Each chapter is started with quotes from the author’s own journey. It is a beautiful well written story, one this debut author can be proud of and that you will enjoy.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this but I am so glad I did! It was an emotional rollercoaster and had some quotes in there that really struck home with me because of some situations I went through with my son and his heart defect. I highly recommend this book!
This debut novel absolutely blew me away with the depth of emotion and characters so real they practically leap off the page. The story is told in dual POV and moves back and forth between the past and present of Dani and Sam’s relationship. I found it interesting that we get Dani in first person and Sam in third, something that would normally set my teeth on edge, but somehow, it just works for this one. As we go through the emotional roller coaster that is IVF treatment, I was drawn into Dani’s story so effectively that I felt her bitter disappointment at failed attempts, her jealousy at seeing another woman living her dream of becoming a mother, and her love for her husband, Sam. Gah! Sam! Every woman should have a Sam in their life. This romance, and make no mistake, it is a romance, runs the gamut of emotions – heartbreak, disappointment, friendship, hope, and a deep and passionate love.
The diagnosis of infertility can be a devastating blow to couple but more for the woman. As a woman who suffers from this, you always ask yourself “why me”? I never got my answer but for some women they do.
I felt the author handled the storyline perfectly and character development was spot on. I did take issue with Dani’s dad, but other than that, it was amazing story.
Reviewed by: Dana D.
This is the first novel that I have read by this Author and I hope to see many more. I loved this book! The author explores a difficult subject in a sensitive and respectful way. The characters were realistic and believable, and I felt like I was truly taking a journey with them. I was so completely wrapped up in this story that I laughed when they laughed and cried when they cried. I finished the book feeling like the characters were part of my family and I was grateful to have had a glimpse into their world. SIDE NOTE: God Bless and Good Luck to anyone going through this struggle.
This emotional story was beautifully written with characters that were so well created with detail and depth that Dani and Sam pulled me right into their story as it unfolded from page to page!
Beautiful & Heartwarming
This story will touch your heart, beautifully written. I don’t want to spoil the story, just know you will fall in love with Dani & Sam. I love how the story shows both of their perspective to the problem that is facing them & their marriage. Sam never gives up on her. Everyone will wish they had a Sam in there life; & all the Sams will wish they had a Dani. Thank you for sharing this lovely story. I found my star in different
When I first started this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. As I got deeper into it, though, I was floored by how emotionally raw it was. As someone who has not gone through infertility – but has suffered the loss of a child – I found myself relating with Dani’s grief and depression on so many levels. I felt so many emotions reading this book: anger over their situation, sadness over their unsuccessful IVF loss, happiness when they had their good moments, amusement at some of the flashbacks – and so many more. Reading about Dani and Sam’s journey to their star was one of the more emotional stories I’ve read this year, and I’m so glad I read this book.
Written in an incredibly personal and very detailed way WISHING FOR A STAR is a book I went into completely “blind”. I had no idea what length, author, etc.
The narrative of the story changes – it is told in first person from the female’s perspective and third person from the male’s perspective. This threw me off as the story unfolded and once I got used to the cadence and understand why I was being distracted, I was able to settle in for the story.
The love between the two main protagonists is stunning. The dedication he has for her is akin to # couplegoals and made me realize the little things my husband and I do for each other really DO mean a lot. The struggle this couple wrestles with is one that I have been a witness to, but have not had the experience of. After reading this story, I feel as if I have a more compassionate understanding of the whole process.
I read this book in one sitting and enjoyed the author’s notes at the end of the story to discover more about the author and her life.
A beautiful, emotional rollercoaster!!!
Wow! I can’t believe how much I cried reading this book; I burst into tears at random moments at the funny, poignant, heartbreaking and heartwarming lines. I honestly don’t feel I can say anything else to give this story the beautiful justice it requires, but what I will say is, just read this book and find out for yourself. Highly recommended!
“THERE’RE ONLY TWO things a man chooses in life. His best man and the woman he’s going to marry.” He removes his right hand from the wheel and, taking mine, he briefly looks at me. “And I chose you.”
New to me author and she didn’t disappoint, Wishing For a Star is an emotional journey. This is not just another swoon worthy romance, it’s so much more. Touching on religious beliefs, matters of the heart, family and friends, hopes and dreams that turn to despair. I could not put this book down until I read the last page. I had tears in my eyes, felt a tingle down my spine and goosebumps erupted on my skin. A wonderful story.
Unconditional love between a husband and wife. Sam and Dani are considered the perfect couple. There is no doubt about the love they felt for each other…it was something many people would envy. When they struggle to fall pregnant
Dani feels tremendous guilt for not being able to fulfil Sam’s lifelong wish to be a grandpa. Each roadblock creates doubt that starts cracking the foundations of their marriage as they embark on a heartbreaking journey.
This was a beautifully told story, that also absolutely broke your heart at times. Dani and Sam share an amazing love and life with each other, but things become strained as the two struggle to conceive. It’s a very relatable story, one that affects a lot of us, so it really tugged on the heart strings. Sam is just gorgeous and patient and a really special Man. Loved it
Dani and Sam’s story was a very intense and emotional rollercoaster with many twists and turns. Dani loved her husband so much. She wanted to do anything and everything to give him a child. This love story made me laugh and cry. She went through so much. Loved this book. Highly recommend.
This was such a heartbreaking story and I’m sorry about all they went through but at the end they get their happy ending.