In "Lucky", romance author Staci Stallings has done it again. Weaving a story of hope for two characters whose past would hold them captive, she reaches past the pages of her novel to touch the lives of those who read the words.

One minute you are deep into this compelling story, the next you are hit with a truth so clear you know God is talking to you.

Mary Bell Foster, ACFW Member

Kalin Zane has only recently shaken a serious drug addiction that destroyed his music career just as he reached the brink of fame. He has a second chance, but the band he plays with is trying to suck him back into a lifestyle of drugs and women. As he leaves a wedding gig to escape the band's plans to get high, he stumbles over Danae, weeping and distraught over her boyfriend's callous betrayal.

He gives her a ride home, and a few days later, she emails him to say thanks. They become one another's supporters via the internet, as she attempts to break free of the expectations and live her life, and he tries to stay away from the dangers of a rocker's life style and rebuild his career.

Kalin is nothing like the guys Danae usually dates. His tatoos, t-shirts and ripped jeans, and rocker haircut are far from the Ivy League looks of her last beau, and yet he is incredibly perfect for her, on the inside. But can these two get past their emotional baggage and deal with the mistakes of their past, and still build a hopeful future together?

Stallings weaves a beautiful love story based on characters with real-life problems and complex emotions. You'll love this one!

Lisa Tuttle, ACFW Member

Danae Scott's life appears to be as beautiful as the dress she is wearing when we first encounter her in Staci Stallings novel, Lucky. She is close to finishing her teaching degree, in a 7-year relationship with a man from an excellent family and all signs indicate that a marriage proposal is on the horizon. It is only after the story begins to unfold that we realize Danae's life is just as uncomfortable and restricting as her emerald green satin gown.

Kalin Lane is living out the realities of a life gone wrong. His rock star good looks and mesmerizing accent draw women to him like bees to honey but he holds them all-and life- at arm's length. Kalin's only interest is in trying to recoup the promising career that was once within his grasp.

Danae and Kalin are two very different people, one appears to have it all, one appears to have lost it all. In one moment, their lives intersect and they embark on a journey of self-examination that brings them closer to truth, to God and to each other.

Stallings presents the blossoming faith of her protagonists in a manner that allows us to make the journey with them. There are no fast conversions. Lucky presents an honest exploration of truth and lies, actions and consequences, hopes and despair and the role that God plays in it all.

Lucky is a book for anyone that has looked at their life and asked the question, "How did I get here?"

Anita Aurit, ACFW Member

This story begins with the presentation of an idea or preconceived notion and takes a decided twist to end where you don't expect. From the moment the *real* hero was introduced, I couldn't stop reading. Again, the use of country music as a backdrop for the story appealed to me, but with this one focusing on a hero who hadn't yet made it big and exploring his journey toward that ultimate goal, I felt more attached than in Cowboy. By the end, I had a smile on my face and a feeling of success for both the hero and heroine at finding and reaching their dreams.

Another good read. These have inspired me to perhaps pen something highlighting my own brushes with the celebrity world. Certainly something to ponder. :)

Amber Miller, Heartsong Author

Lucky by Staci Stallings is a great book. Staci has woven this love story like a fine tapestry.

Kalin and Danae are colorful, real characters. Readers will instantly connect with them and have to keep reminding themselves they are only characters. Her scenes are real, her descriptions rich and the emotions of the characters are felt within the heart of the reader. Each character faces a personal inner darkness that threatens to ambush every success in life. The darknesses mingle as the two characters meet and begin a slow journey of the heart.

As the weaver of a tapestry must use dark threads to bring out the detail and beauty of the colors in the picture, Staci uses the darkness in the lives of Kalin and Danae. A finished tapestry shows a beauty that would not exist without the black threads. And the same is true in the lives of Kalin and Danae. We travel with them as God weaves through their black to give them more than they could ever ask or imagine, something Staci calls 'X-better.' Staci Stallings was able to use the darkness in their lives to bring out the detail of God's grace and the beauty of true love.

Chandra Lynn Smith, ACFW Member