To Catch a Falling Star: The Graham Saga, Book 8

...someone once wrote: "When I approach the closing pages of a great novel, a feeling of profound regret comes over me, for I realize I am about to sever a relationship with characters I have grown to love. And to abandon a corner of the world in which I have spent rewarding weeks, months and even years, for I read slowly and carefully. I feel, when the pages dwindle, as if something good were being stolen from me, something precious that would not be replaced. You may laugh at what I say next, but when I realize how few pages are left I ration myself, only so many each day, and when the final one looms, and I close the book, I stare at the back for many minutes, aware that something precious has touched my life."Ms. Belfrage has such an astounding talent of delivering precise and explicit narrative balanced with superb, emotional dialogue. Description of emotions and feelings are spot on direct and completely, deliriously consuming...propelling the reader...enthralling and engulfing us ..and placing us within the story lines with absolute precision. In little time, you're quite invested emotionally with Alex and Matthew and all the secondary characters....and it's very, very difficult coming to the end of the story --- for now I am forced to say "farewell" to my dear friends. Brilliant!

The writing is for the most part fine. It felt right that Alex and Matthew got to return to Scotland for a time, and then came back to Maryland. Hard though for me to understand how detached she was over the death of her first son, who basically went through hell finding his way to her for help when he fell through time again. That she was able to shrug off Rosie ( one of the help living on her property) deliberately speaking out & getting the soldiers to take Isaac away - and to a drawn out & painful death far from any family he knew - was something that bothered me a lot. Perhaps it was in keeping with her general detachment from Isaac, and their relationship where the one constant was him not being a priority. Aside from some anger that she bit back & never gave vent to - she decides it was his own fault for being in the wrong time. Matthew & Alex decide they can't throw the groundskeepers off their land because where would they go. Rosie conveniently becomes all sack cloth & ashes thereafter, when she knew exactly what she was doing & the likely outcome when she drew the attention of the soldiers to Isaac.There were many parts of the book I enjoyed - the return of Carlos, her friendship with Mrs. Parson, how Simon comes to the aid of Sarah. Also Simon's romance with Kate. I would have liked to have some sort of glimpse into the last part of their lives, and the legacy this time traveler with knowledge of the future & much knowledge of health matters from the future & how this advantage might have helped generations after her. Especially since by rights she would have been dead hundreds of years before she ever should have been born in the 20th century. I loved this series & perhaps for that reason I was hoping for a bit more from this last novel that could have tied it all together.

This is the last book in the Graham saga and I find myself uncharacteristically relieved. Usually I am sad to be ending a journey that began so many books ago. While I must emphatically state that these books are well crafted, with characters that come to life in the reading of words. This is no small feat, I've read plenty of books that have not been successful in real character development. So..you may ask why 3 stars? The truth is there is simply too much turmoil, almost gratuitous in nature. I enjoyed many of the characters and their adventures. I just felt tired at the end of this last installment and I can't help but wonder how anyone could maintain their sanity in such constant turmoil. I would be remiss if I didn't reiterate that I did read all 8 books. Obviously that has to mean something.

I read all eight books in the series and I must admit, I couldn't wait to sit and read more. Belfrage is a master at presenting actual historical events in to this fantastical tale about time travel and magic paintings. I loved it! The only criticism I can admit to is that of the author's obssession-like descriptions of the sex scenes between the two main characters, Alex and Matthew. It became so redundant and boring and sophomoric that I would actually skip paragraphs. I am no prude, believe me, but these sex-laden pages, every other chapter, took away from the tale.

It was with trepidation I began reading this the eight book and last book in The Graham Saga. Not because I feared I’d be disappointed, but because it was the last. I was not disappointed. Matthew and Alex and their extended family are as wonderful in this book as in all the preceding ones. And even better, from recent interviews I’ve understood Ms Belfrage is presently busy with a next book.As always, Ms Belfrage pulls off an exciting story against a beautifully depicted setting. As always, she has me hoping that someday a crossroads will open at my feet. Someday. For those as yet not acquainted with Alex, her wonderful husband Matthew and all their adventures, I can but say congratulations – you have a marvellous journey in front of you!

I have been unable to put down this series. I have laughed, cried and cheered. I have binged read all of the books so far in this series. Now waiting hopefully for the next book to come out soon and trying to catch up on my housework! Bravo Anna Belfrage and thank you for the wonderful adventures and in bringing these characters to life!

I'm not even sure where to start with this one. My heart is heavy when I think that it may be the last in this very special series of books. I have eagerly anticipated the release of each book in this series and have finished each of them within days of release. I have also reread the series a few times. If you just stumbled across this book and haven't read the others, I recommend starting from the beginning with A Rip in the Veil. You won't be sorry. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Ms. Belfrage can be convinced to write another.