Land of Falling Stars

by Keta Diablo

After her parents die in a fire, Sophia Whitfield struggles to save her beloved home, Arbor Rose. The Civil War has devastated the South, and another blue coat has come to steal her meager possessions. Before the hated enemy inflicts his destruction, she shoots him. And soon discovers the soldier is Gavin, the champion of her childhood.

Gavin's dark secret lurks in Sophia’s future. When she discovers the truth, she's torn between a burning hunger for the man she truly loves and loyalty to Jesse, their childhood friend. The despicable acts of war have changed everything Sophia and Gavin once cherished. Yet somewhere deep in their hearts, the mystical Land of Falling Stars still exists.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Erotica, Historical Fiction, Erotic Romance, Audiobook

155 pages, ebook

First published December 19, 2008

About the author

Keta Diablo lives in the Midwest part of the United States on six acres of gorgeous woodland. When she isn't writing or gardening she loves to commune with nature. A pair of barn owls returns to the property every year to birth their young and show them off in the high branches of the oak trees. Nothing more adorable than these white fluffy babies with heart-shaped faces. A lifelong animal lover, Keta devotes her time and support to the local animal shelter. Emma LaPounce, a rescued feline, has been her furry companion for the last ten years.

Keta is an award-winning and best-selling author who writes in several genres: Western Romance, Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance and Contemporary Romance. In a past life, she wrote Gay Romance. Her books have received numerous accolades, including RWA contest finalist, Authors After Dark finalist, Top Pick of the Month and Recommended Review from top review sites, and Best Romance Finalist from The Independent Author Network.

Ps: For some strange reason, ghosts often show up in her stories, no matter the genre.

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Reviews

[Lori {Romancing the Dark Side} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romancing the Dark Side Review:

A heart wrenching historical romance with enough passion to start another Civil War!

With the impending end of the Civil War, Sophia Whitfield tries to hold on to the only thing she has not yet lost, her childhood home. Sophia is all alone in the world, she's lost her parents, brother and her fiancé has yet to return from the war, leaving her with just two slaves to help her defend her family estate from the enemy. When a Union soldier invades Arbor Rose, Sophia shoots first and asks questions later. She gets the surprise of her life when she realizes she's shot her childhood friend and savior, Gavin Langdale, who is now a soldier fighting for the North and not some Yankee trespasser. Gavin has come back to Arbor Rose to deliver a message to Sophia, but seeing her again brings up past emotions he can no longer keep a secret and soon fiery passion ensues between the two. Forgetting his purpose, Gavin gives into his desires with Sophia, with the hopes of winning her heart when all is finally revealed.

This is a passionate love story that begins when the main characters are young and transcends into their adulthood which makes the romance that much heartwarming. Sophia is an outstanding heroine, she's independent, smart, stubborn (which can be a bit frustrating), but knows how to hold her own. My only issue with her behavior comes from a scene where she experiences something traumatic and reacts to the situation by sleeping with Gavin, her reaction seemed a bit far fetched, especially for that period in time but I won't say any more!

Gavin is the epitome of chivalry and strength. He is everything you want in a hero, he's strong, patient, compassionate, with a wicked side in the bedroom...I fell for him immediately! The difference in their personalities works flawlessly and images of the classic Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Bultler came to mind while reading. Gavin and Sophia have a tumultuous relationship that keeps you on edge and bewitched from beginning to end.

I love a good historical romance, especially when it's infused with hot and sultry passion and Land of Falling Stars won me over. It's a beautifully written love story that captures not only the essence of the time but the internal struggle of the characters vividly enough for the reader to experience every emotion while reading. Adventure, unconditional love, forgiveness and acceptance make this a tantalizing read that will have your heart skipping out of pure excitement! Praise to Ms. Diablo for sharing this historical masterpiece with her readers!

{eBook courtesy of Bookish Snob Promotions for review.}

[Alaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance novels are sometimes referred to as female smut or pornography. Furthermore, a romance novel must have an "emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending."Land of Falling Stars is neither smut nor pornography but it definitely has an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending. Now I must admit it has been a while since I’ve read one of these novels, they are apparently referred to now as ‘erotic’ fiction. What I discovered is that while the genre has a different name they are still the same books that have been around since I was a child. I have very fond memories of my neighbours passing boxes of these books over the fence. A number of the local stay at home Mum’s would share them. When I was old enough to read them myself I felt as though I’d been let into a ‘secret’ woman’s club.

This is the story of two people, Sophia and Gavin who have loved each other since childhood. It is set in America during the Civil War, a very challenging and frightening time. It is a passionate story that even managed to have a few surprises in it. It even reminded me of Gone with the Wind in parts. I felt well connected to the characters and I was rooting for Gavin. Luckily for me when you read one of these books you are guaranteed the happy ending. This is a book that’s great for a quick read.

[Sally Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Civil war took everything from Sophie her mother, father, brother and her man. She stood alone in the world until the fateful day when a Yankee stumbled down her driveway having enough of pain and loss she raised her father's gun and shot him. Much to her dismay, her old wolfhound bounded off the porch and started to lick him in the face. She hurried to the wounded man's side and there on the ground lay her childhood friend. Floods of emotion filled her the kind that bubbles inside until you can no longer contain them. Can she save him and herself or will her stubbornness tear both of them apart. What happens next is a journey of insight into the soul that will leave both the characters breathless.
This is a well written historical romance with rich characters, plot and overall flow. The lovemaking while instence is not overpowering or out of place in the overall story. The characters are well rounded and follow their personal, journey well. This book is well worth the read. The fight scenes while a bit repetitive are not badly written and flow well with the rest of the plot.

[Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

In sum, I think the best way to reflect on this book is to say that it really wasn't my cuppa. Originally I got this at a bargain bin at my uni back in 2010 when someone no longer wanted it, so I'm guessing from the edition I have, they ordered it from Ravenous Romance and no longer wanted it. (Ravenous Romance no longer carries this title, so I held onto it for quite a while. I have no idea if this book has been updated or changed since that point, so I'm going from what my copy lent as I read it.)

My dislike wasn't so much for thematics or even the erotic elements of the story, but more or less, this narrative was full of many problems. The prose was repetitive - particularly when it came to the sensuous scenes between Gavin and Sophia, and apart from capitalizing on numerous period stereotypes and over the top conflicts for drama, there wasn't much holding this narrative together.

Sophia is a young woman who has no family (parents died some time before), and whose life had been completely destroyed by the Yankees during the Civil War. Her home's the only thing she has left, apart from her promised marriage to Jesse as she waits for him to return South. Sophia grew up with Gavin and Jesse, two of her childhood friends. Gavin has always loved Sophia (even saved her life when they were kids), but Jesse was promised her hand in marriage from a young age. Yet Gavin, a Yankee serving during the War, accidentally shoots Jesse on the battlefield, killing him. Gavin has to return to Sophia to deliver the terrible news and Jesse's final letter and message, for Gavin to take care of her and confess that Gavin has always loved her. (This conflict to me came across far too easily.)

Yet mistaking Gavin for an enemy Yankee, Sophia shoots Gavin as he's coming to deliver her the harsh news. (She doesn't recognize him as he's staggering to greet her from a distance). She nearly kills him and has to nurse him back to health. The two hit it off sexually (with a myriad of love scenes), but Gavin doesn't deliver the news to Sophia straight away that Jesse's dead. When Sophia finds Jesse's last letter in Gavin's things, she gets angry (she actually claws at him and bites his cheek, declaring her hatred for him) - things happen with respect to a vile guy who wants nothing more than to rape Sophia and kill Gavin. Sophia's manor gets burned down and Sophia hits her head on a bed post, rendering her blind.

So Gavin has to take her up north to a special school of the blind. On their journey there, Sophia's threatened with rape again, and other such things happened to the point where I just read to the end and couldn't care anymore. Especially considering Sophia uses her blindness at one point to determine whether Gavin really loves her.

In sum, this was just too much and I think nothing really defined the characters very well. Couldn't really follow the over the top scenarios, contrived drama, nor the repetitive sensuous scenes.

My hope is that the person who has the book now enjoys it more than I did, but I can't really recommend this for those who like erotic romance or erotica with a historical fiction grounding.

Overall score: 1/5 stars

[Teagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

check out the review over at www.bookwenches.com = 4.5

The war is coming to an end, and all that Sophia Whitfield has ever known is gone. Her family is all dead, her home is falling apart, all the slaves have left but two. Her childhood friends went off and fought for different sides: Jesse, her betrothed, for the South and Gavin, her savior, for the North. Little does she knows that the Yank she just shot is Gavin, and he holds a secret that he must tell her. Gavin has always loved Sophia, from the time he saved her from drowning and even now with her bullet hole in his chest. When he found out she was betrothed to Jesse from infancy, he had to hold his feelings in check and not let her know of his love. Now Jesse is gone, and though Gavin is a broken man from what has happened in the war, he has come home to tell Sophia the news. Unfortunately, their desire that burns so hot for each other brings them together, and he hasn’t been able to tell her. Conflict upon conflict conspires to keep them apart, but can they find happiness even through it all?

A story that has the ups and downs of a roller coaster and keeps the reader hanging on with bated breath, Land of Falling Stars is captivating. I thrive on conflict in a story, and there is what I would term “superior” conflict here. My heart was contracting with the highs and lows of the emotions in the story. Never a dull moment. Gavin is particularly enticing; he is strong yet compassionate, and I couldn’t get enough of him. Sophia, on the other hand, tends to be childish and annoying at times. Thankfully, her personality is the perfect foil for Gavin’s and works well with the story line. The author has a great knack for weaving words together to bring a vivid picture to the reader’s mind. Ms. Diablo tells a wonderful story.

--Teagan

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5!THE LAND OF FALLING STARS by Keta Diablo is an exciting historical erotic romance set during the Civil War. It is the story of Sophia Whitfield and her childhood friend Gavin Langdale.Sophia Whitfield,is alone,her parents and brother was killed,her finase has not been heard from in a while(he is fighting in the war),her home place has been burn,and she only has two servants left at her side.Gavin Langdale,is handsome, a childhood friend of Sophia's,a soldier for the Union and is coming home to reveal a horrible mistake.What he finds is the beautiful,sexy Sophia.Whom he has always loved. "The Land of Falling Stars" has hot sex,sensual tension,love and hate,right and wrong,danger,secrets, romance,a devoted wolfhound,the horrors of war,and its aftermath.This is the story of a Southern Lady and a Yankee soldier who faces the aftermath of the war between the states. Any historical,erotic,romance reader will enjoy this fast paced,action packed story where the hero and heroine,not only enjoy each other but has that love-hate relationship with banter and wit,while learning to love each other without all the baggage.A must read.Received for review from the author. Details can be found at the author's website and My Book Addiction and More.

[Kathryn Merkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Civil War has been particularly brutal to Sophia Whitfield. After the death of her parents & brother in the fire that destroyed their summer home, she is the only one left to save the family plantation Arbor Rose from their former overseer who will stop at nothing to see her married to his son to gain control of her families’ property. With only 2 servants remaining to help her, Sophia’s pinning all her hopes on her fiancé, Jesse, but he’s off fighting for their beloved South in the war & she hasn’t heard from him in months.

Gavin Langdale grew up with Sophia & Jesse, but when the war broke out, he chose to fight for the North. Now he’s back with a secret he doesn’t know how to tell the girl he’s loved from afar since they were kids, because once she knows Jesse isn’t coming back & why, she will never forgive him.

Sophia & Gavin’s relationship is so full of angst you would think it would make the book unreadable, but Keta Diablo skillfully crafts their conflict & I found myself enchanted in spite of the I love you/I hate you see-saw they seem to be trapped on for most of the book.

Land of Falling Stars is the steamiest North vs South romance I’ve ever read & one I highly recommend if you believe that love really does conquer all.

[Donna (BLHmistress) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When this book was offered on tour, I knew I had to sign up - last book I read from Keta, I became an instant new fan and couldn't wait to read this one. My first love was Historical romances specifically the Civil War. Reading this book was like returning home.

This book effected me in so many ways one being frustration. Not in a bad way though. Sophia, I love love this character but wow is she stubborn. I kept thinking what more does Gavin have to do to!! Yes, I nearly screamed(at 4am not good when you have a sleeping family). Keta writes such a believable storyline that I did feel all the emotions the characters felt. Especially at the end - frustration I tell you..

Action packed, roller coaster ride with loads of hot smexy action!!. I hope we will get to see Gavin and Sophia again in the future. I could have kept reading on and on and not got a bit bored with it. This was a reading in one setting kind of book.

So if you love the Civil War and You want some hot smexy action with intrigue and yes a few hair pulling moments(in a good way) please I beg you to go get this book. It's so worth it!!

[Andrea Guy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keta Diablo is one of my top finds from this year. Land Of Falling Stars is a awesome historical erotic romance set during the Civil War period.

What I really like about Keta's story is how she balances out the plot with the hot and steamy sex. (Yes there's a lot of that going on). Sophia and Gavin have quite a history together. They are old friends separated by the sides of war. Then there's the matter of her being promised to the best friend that Gavin just happened to have killed in battle.

Oh yeah, there's a lot of conflict.

There's also a ruthless neighbor that wants her property and her body.

Drama is everywhere...and in the midst of it...Sophia is blinded. Literally!

I think the way Gavin dealt with Sophia's blindness was admirable. This is the kind of event readers don't expect to find in a romance novel, but Keta made this work.

I particularly loved the scenes with the gypsy clan, they were very descriptive and vivid.

If you are looking for a new author to try and like historical romance...you have to give Keta Diablo a try!

[Chloe Waits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keta Diablo


Land of Falling Stars lured me in immediately with its lyrical title, and hot cover art. I was instantly captivated by the haunting love story of Gavin and Sophie. So much so I bought it on the spot.

And, I am very glad I did. Engaging, fully realized characters, with a passionate love story that is at once steamy and tender. Gavin won me over as a intense hero fighting against his demons, and Sophie as a heroine trying to reconcile her heart and the past. Complexly layered plot and conflicts added to this poignant tale of star crossed love. Keta Diablo has created a historical romance that manages to blend all these elements with a subtle maestro's touch. I will definitely look forward to reading her work again very soon!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional rollercoaster with a complicated plot
Sophia has had her fair share of tragedy since the war. Everyone she ever loved had been taken from her. She is at the end of her rope, but tries to put on a strong front. I can understand her actions throughout the book, she is a bit of a fickle girl, and cannot make up her mind about Gavin, she hates him, she loves him she hates him and so on. I really wanted to slap some sense into her several times throughout the book, but I think that is what gives the story the feeling of realism. Who knows what you would do or how you would feel being in that situation during the civil war in the late 1800’s.
Gavin was not thinking too straight himself either, he needed to just tell Sophie the truth from the beginning, I get that it is probably pretty hard to do in real life in that situation but you just know it is going to blow up in his face, which it does of course.
There is incredible chemistry between those two and a lot of passion that is well done and spaced throughout the book, it also had a complicated plot that went beyond the romance that included murdering neighbors, ghosts and deep loss. Overall a well written story with plenty of tension, fast pace and an epic romance. I highly recommend to read.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

Just at the end of the Civil War, Gavin returns to a farm near Fredericksburg, Virginia owned by the family of the woman he loves. Actually, he’s loved Stephonia since they were kids, but she was promised to his best friend Jesse. The three had said goodbye as Jesse marched off to fight for the South and Gavin to fight for the North, leaving Stephie at home with her family. A few miles from that very farm, in the fog of battle, Gavin fires a bullet at a Rebel soldier and finds out only too late that he’s killed Jesse. How is he going to tell Stephie that little tidbit?

This is a wonderful love story set in a tumultuous time. Highly recommended for the story, the setting, and Ms. Diablo’s writing style!

[Brande Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost I wanted to thank JennJ & Heather D who both recommended Land of the Falling Stars to me when I reviewed Keta Diablo's Decadent Deceptions!



Then second a great many thanks to Keta for writing such a damn good book!



I couldn't wait after reading DD that I had to run over to Ravenous Romance to buy Land of the Falling Stars after I quickly read the blurb! And wow, blow me away, it was knock your socks off, better chug some Dunkin Donuts French Vanilla Coffee (XL), cause baby.... it's going to be an all-nighter.... again kind of book!



To say I loved this book is an understatement, so let me tell you a little about what I thought without (I hope), not giving away too many spoilers.



Sophia has been is the only one left, her brother and parents are killed in a fire during the Civil War just outside Fredericksburg, VA. Her heart longs for her betrothed and childhood friend Jesse who joined the south in their fight so long ago. Fighting to survive everyday for food and just another day on run down home of her childhood, she shoots a Yankee coming up the path to the house. Too far to see his face she fires her gun hopefully killing him. Or so she thought until she realizes it is Gavin, her other childhood friend and panic at possibly killing him sets in. Thus setting the wheels in motion for the turbulent months ahead that neither Sophia or Gavin could have seen coming. Gavin was only coming back to Sophia to tell her his terrible secret, Jesse isn't coming home. Through an emotional scene at the beginning of the story which without reservation captured my heart and squeezed it, we learn of Jesse's fate at the hands of his best friend Gavin. Knowing he must deliver the news and the last letter to Sophia, Gavin is startled when he wakes up in Sophia's home being mended back to health. A man of honor and so torn between his deep love for Sophia and the disparate need to honor Jesse's last wishes a friendship he can't fight the need he has for her. The bone crushing, heart on fire, passionate yet carnal need he has to rip Sophia dress off and throw her down on the best, spread her legs and make her his kind of need. Oh yes, he wanted her, ever since she was 10 and he 13 Gavin knew he was in love with the feisty girl when he saved her life all those many years ago! Now that girl was a lucius woman, to bad she was promised and in love with his best friend. Or so he believed.
Sophia WAS feisty, strong-willed to have survived on her own (w/the help of two ex-slaves), but she too is having a hard time with her feelings (a.k.a., wanton thoughts, desire) for Gavin. How can this be! She loves Jesse! No longer able to hold back Gavin takes Sophia in one of many smokin hot sex scenes I must admit I couldn't get enough of!
But hold on to your skirts because what happens next is the catalyst for my sleepless all-nighter! Sophia learns of Jesse's death and not in the best way. Oh how is she going to ever forgive Gavin. So lost in his own self pitting thoughts sometimes, poor Gavin, all hope for a happy ending feels so far fetched as new danger arises. Or rather one that has been there for some time. The murderous father-son duo that not only wants Sophia but her land. Before the end Sophia will lose everything she holds dear to her heart, unless she can get past her own fears and let Gavin in. She takes him for an emotional ride, so much guilt and sense of duty he will have to give her more than just a little tough love if he wants to get past the walls she has built up. So much pain for Sophia, truly loved her spirit, although at times I wanted to pinch her into submission, oh why did she have to be so stubborn and toss away Gavin's heart! Through circumstances beyond their control Gavin and Sophia must travel to Boston, only making it as far as Maryland, were ..... he leaves her. Yes, I said it, with a reluctant and heavy heart they part. Circumstances be damned! A love like theirs is once in a lifetime. What are they thinking!! Too stubborn those two!
The aphrodisiac is love, love with a heeping side of forgiveness and acceptance. Makes for one phenomenal read that will keep your heart pumping and the pages turning, not just from the delightfully sinful sex, oh no, the drama and suspense will carry you through till the end!

[Krissy · Rating 1 out of 5]

First off I read the paperback. Not ebook but I could not find the paperback version on this site. Now onto my review:

I had this book on my wish list for over a year on my favorite book swap website. Finally somebody was able to send it to me and I was super excited! Then I quickly became super disappointed. I have never had a sex scene "make" the book for me. I need more meat to my novels other than just a great sex scene. And up until now I have never had a sex scene ruin a book for me. Well it finally happened. The first intimate scene between H & h was so horribly disappointing and lacking that I couldn't even finish the book! The hero has been in love with the heroine since childhood. Like, passionately so. She was engaged to a mutual friend though. But she was extremely attracted to the hero. So just the first few chapters of the book the sexual chemistry and tension was on point. It made it even better that the sexual attraction the hero was feeling also stemmed from a very sincere love. Well when they finally get to making love for the first time I expected fireworks. I expected so much feelings going back and forth between the H & h that your chest would hurt. I expected an explosion of emotions. Especially since the author loaded the book with such great sexual tension. But, alas, I got none of that. This was what the reader was given: And I quote verbatim...

"Caught up in a delirious maelstrom of heat, Sophia floundered in a world created only for her and Gavin. she felt warm and cold and her lungs begged for precious air. Wrapped in a cocoon of decadence, reality blurred. Gavin was swimming toward her, screaming out her name. The water swirled above her head, sucked her under, and then total peace claimed her. A strong arm plucked her from her watery grave and delivered her into the light. Tears blinded her and she soared through the sky, onward, to the Land of Falling Stars"

Seriously? WTF did I just read? I even went back a page thinking I missed something. But nope. That was it. I was so let down I stopped reading at that point. I felt I was book teased for lack of a better word. It happened so quick that if I blinked I would have missed it. What made it worse is that I waited a year for this book. I will not be reading anything else by this author and I definitely will not be recommending this book. That's it. One star only because I can't give it a half of a star.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

For more reviews, please visit Hesperia Loves Books

Land of Falling Stars is a wonderful Historical Romance that captures the essence & traumatic experiences of the Civil War period beautifully. Author, Keta Diablo does a superb job of helping us travel back in time to the war-torn South with her superbly written & very detailed scenes.


Sophia has lost everything to the war – her home, family, & fiancé. Her story is heart-wrenching and really brings home how truly horrific the time was. She has a strong will and refuses to give up even as things only continue to get worse. I really enjoyed her character and the strength that she possessed, however, at times she came across as selfish & spoiled. Although it was not an aspect that I felt detracted from the story. She is torn between the love that she should feel for her fiancé and what she actually feels for Gavin. Her struggle helps propel the book forward and keeps you turning the page.


Gavin has loved Sophia ever since saving her at 13 yrs old. He could barely stand to watch as his best friend, Jesse, was promised to the girl he loved. He is such a strong lead character who struggles with what he should do and what he wants to do. He is tired of always hiding his feelings and decides to go after what her wants. His character was my favorite because he had the ability to love completely, protect without suffocating Sophie and he was able to take her tantrums in stride and not give in. He along with Sophie’s dog, Ricochet, exude a fierceness that makes the book so worthwhile, and it leaves you feeling such satisfaction at what they accomplish. The secondary characters help round out the cast and added such an authentic aspect to the story. The ending was great, however, I wish that we would have seen more of Sophie & Gavin after they returned home. An Epilogue would have been wonderful and would have completed the book, IMO. So often in romance we get the angst & tumultuous road leading up to the HEA, which is great to turn the page, BUT I want to see them together too


If you love Historical Romance genre books then this should definitely go on your TBR list.

[Ronda Tutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating and Sensually Moving!

Wow! This novel was such a moving and heart felt story. The story captivated me immediately just from the first paragraph. War is such a horrible time as the South and the North leave pillages of carnage behind in their wake, but that is not the worst of it when one is promised to marriage of one of the soldiers sent off to fight the war along with your childhood best friend is fighting on opposite side.

What you will find in this story is strength, survival, faithfulness, dedication, betrayal, love, friendship, healing, loneliness, death, and bitter sweet emotion that will take you on a ride between sorrow and bliss. The connection between Sophia and Gavin is intense with a mixture of love and hate. Their erotic romance scene is sensually hot, tender at times, and wildly rough leaving the reader wonton themselves as the words come alive on the pages and leave vivid images to fantasize about.

I loved the independence of Sophia even through the turmoil she was put through and how she guarded her heart even through a mental blindness of accepting reality. Gavin is the savior every woman dreams of, a man bound by loyalty to follow his best friend’s promise, a man who would give the world to the woman he loves to make her happy, and a man that is resistible and insatiable.

There were times however that I just wanted to reach in and grab Sophia’s shoulders and shake the crap out of her. The drama in the book will definitely have you reeling with emotion as I felt happiness, sorrow, aroused, and even got teary eyed through parts of it.

I cannot forget about the loyalty of the wolf-hound in the story, he was the most trained and brilliant protector throughout the whole story. Also the gypsy’s won my heart immediately with their unconditional kindness and their magical faith of healing.

What can I say, I totally loved it! Definitely a book to keep on the shelf to read over and over again, therefore I highly recommend this historical read for all genre readers and I am truly a fan of Keta Diablo and look forward to reading more of her works.

Excellent Read!

[Tishia (Paperback Opinion) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Land of Falling Stars is a wonderful historical romance that takes place during the Civil War. Sophia has lost everything. Her parents and brother were killed. Jesse, the man she is to marry, hasn't returned from the war. When Sophia and Jesse's childhood friend comes back home from the war, Sophia is confused by her feelings for Gavin. As they slowly become closer, Gavin continues to keep the truth from Sophia – that Jesse isn't ever coming back.

I haven't read many historical romances – I mostly stay in the paranormal romance genre. I really enjoyed this book though, and it definitely pays to read outside your usual genre every now and then. I have to admit that Sophia and Gavin both drove me insane!! Sophia is a stubborn, spoiled brat. Gavin is a stubborn jerk. They both are so stubborn when it comes to their pride, they continually risk their relationship. Just when you think that it will never work, they fall into each others arms with so much passion it heats up the pages.

This book is filled with so many different emotions. One moment you may be fanning yourself from their intense love making, the next moment might make you teary-eyed, and a little bit later you might find yourself thoroughly frustrated with these characters – but you'll love every minute of it. I wasn't quite expecting the book to end where it did, I wanted to know more. I don't know if there will be a sequel or not, but I would love to read more about these characters.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Land of Falling Stars is one of those books I wish I could give more than 5 stars. I had so many emotions going through me while reading this. It was sweet, passionate, tragic, heart-felt, erotic, heroic....... The characters were great. Sophia is very strong-willed and stubborn. I loved her personality. Gavin was sometning else lol. He was also very strong-willed and stubborn. He's in love with Sophia and very picky about it. He doesn't really put all of his fillings out there but he expects her to and gets angry when she doesn't. He's very sweet and the love he has for her is tangible but he gets angry easily and sometimes agressive, ironically I really liked this about him. He holds a terrible secret from Sophia when he shows up. We all have read this part in some book or saw it in a movie but it never gets old: he wants to tell her but can't, she finds out and thinks he's been keeping it from her and lieing to her and she hates him. This is just the beginning with some crazy guy wanting to marry her (even if it's by force), his even crazier father, a fire and so much more. This book is one giant rollercoaster of events and emotions and I enjoyed every minute of it :)

I also had to mention Ricochet, Sophia's Wolfhound. This dog was incredible, loving and extremely smart. If your not a dog lover, you will be at the end of this book.

I plan to read many more of Mrs. Diablo's books and label Land of Falling Stars a must read!

[Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well as you know Keta Diablo contacted me about reading one of her three erotic eBooks ( Land of the Falling Stars , Dust Moonlight and Decadent Deceptions ) so she could get the word out to readers about her lovely erotic historical and paranormal eBooks. I had the hard job of choosing only one of those 3 wonderful books that I really wanted to read. But in the end I chose Land of Falling Stars because it was a erotic historical during the Civil War time period. I love historical romances and I've never read a historical erotic romance before especially during the Civil War so I was really glad to get to read and review this eBook. The heroine Sophia Whitfield is a southern belle but it's almost the end of the Civil War and she's penniless with her parents and brother all dead in slave uprising that killed them in a fire. Her home is the only thing she has besides her two beloved slaves and she loathes all Yankees for what they took from her lands. So it isn't much of a shock that she would shot the first Yankee she sees walking towards her beloved home because she is not going to put up with any Yankee wanting to take all that she has left.

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[Grace Elliot · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Land of Falling Stars” is the story of a love triangle set against the background of the American Civil War.
Sophia is fixated on her fiancé, Jesse, waits for his return, but doesn’t know he is dead. When childhood friend, Gavin, arrives back from the war, Sophia is attracted to Gavin but confused by her love for Jesse. As events spiral out of her control she finds herself tricked and learns to hate the one man that truly loves her. Sophia has to lose everything, including her sight, before she can start to see the truth.
“Land of Falling Stars” is a true page turner and a delight to read. Ms Diablo’s strength lies in her characters who are believable and complex. I loved the tension between Sophia and Gavin, and the bitter-sweet love between them was very poignant. It’s difficult not to enthuse about this book without giving the plot away, because there are so many memorable moments but each is key to the plot. Needless to say I loved this book and look forward to discovering other books by the same author.

[Lela Whitus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into this book with high hopes after reading many good recommendations for it, but I was underwhelmed by it. The characters were well written. The imagery of the words was there, but... I'm not sure. It lacked a certain... Something to keep me interested. I would recommend trying it, by all means, but it was not an easy nor enjoyable read to me.

[Francine \ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keta Diablo writes in a surreal and reader-friendly tone, an eye for detail that transports the readers back in time with its descriptions, and laced with witty conversations that are amusing and entertaining.

I was given an e-book copy of this novel by BTS. I was not compensated for this review. All conclusions are my own responsibility.

Read more of my reviews at btsemag.com

[Sharon Chambers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really think the author lost the storyline. Sophia couldn't admit she loved Gavin. At the end, she tricks him pprofessing his love for her again. The whole point was her pride getting in the way, not his. She should have gone to.him.

[Lori Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an erotic romance Gone with the Wind. I LOVED IT!

[~ Lei ~ Reading Is An Adventure ~ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tried to finish a couple of times, just couldn't get into.

[Lindap · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 Stars