Catch a Falling Star by Beth K. Vogt

Life doesn't always go according to plans. Dr. Kendall Haynes, at 36, had so many dreams. Her dream of being a doctor came true. She helps kids with severe allergies and asthma – something she knows well from her own childhood experiences. But her dream of marriage and a family? A dream that hasn't come true.

Lieutenant Colonel Griffin Walker had a dream too. But his dream of flying has been shattered. The Air Force grounded him because of bouts of vertigo. His parents' sudden death has complicated Griffin's life, making him the guardian of his sixteen year old brother Ian, a brother he hardly knows.

The worlds of Kendall and Griffin intersect with a crash when Ian and Griffin are out for a Mexican dinner and Ian starts gasping for breath. Kendall, who is having dinner with her (married or engaged) fellow doctor girlfriends, recognizes the dangerous signs of a severe food allergy. She comes to the rescue, much to Griffin's dismay. How was he supposed to know Ian was allergic to avocados!

That is the beginning of a very enjoyable Christian romance – yes, romance for people in their late thirties! But it is not an easy path for Griffin and Kendall. At that age, they are pretty set in their ways and each has lots of baggage. It was enjoyable to read how Vogt ultimately brought out the best in the two stubborn characters.

The prominent themes in this novel include singleness (particularly at an older age), adoption, loss of parents, loss of dreams and accepting God's plan for your life. I learned about some of the difficulties of adoption as Ian was adopted and Kendall has a staff person in the process of adopting. I also learned about the serious nature of some allergies. And, interestingly enough, I learned about “Jeep people,” people who love their their Jeep no matter what!

What a fun book. It is a great Christian romance, especially for people who have been waiting for years to see if God's plan for their life includes marriage and a family. There is a Reading Group Discussion Guide at the end of the book.

I am taking part in a blog tour and you can see other reviews here.

Beth K. Vogt is a nonfiction author and editor who said she'd never write fiction. She's the wife of an air force physician who said she'd never marry a doctor or anyone in the military. She's a mom of four who said she'd never have kids. She and her husband have three adult children and one ten year old. This is her second novel. Learn more about her at www.bethvogt.com.

Howard Books, 336 pages. Please visit your local Christian bookstore to purchase this book.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.