Camille Wright loves math and has plans to enroll in Princeton's Aerospace Engineering program after graduating. Being a wallflower through high school allowed her plenty of time to study and get top grades, but now, her academic advisor insists she needs to create a more rounded portfolio for college admission. Camille reluctantly signs up for drama, never realizing that her fifteen minutes in the sun will forever destroy the wallflower in her.

Jaylon Quinn has it all: good looks, confidence, a steady and beautiful girlfriend, and the lead role in every school play. Yet, as graduation time nears, he has to decide on the direction his life will take. Being a star in high school doesn't guarantee a successful future. Events in his life lead him to question some long-held dreams, and wonder if they were his dreams at all.

Realistic and riveting dialogue move this story along, carrying readers on a current of emotions. Author Staci Stallings has a true talent for creating scenes and characters using dialogue. This reviewer felt as if she were beside these characters, listening to their conversations and commiserating with them. Because of this, the story has a smooth flow, making it a delight to read.

Especially wonderful was the author's use of the drama class and the assignments given to the students. The drama class became a mirror to the main story, as the author uses the school play and the reading assignments to move the action along. This part of the story gets high marks for creativity, as well as for the research involved.

The main and secondary characters were all brought to life with an artist's touch. The dialogue exposes their hearts, dreams and fears. The author gently shows readers the minds of her characters by letting them tell their own story in their own words. The result is a moving and memorable experience.

While the plot involves teenagers, this story will be appreciated by everyone who loves a well-written tale, filled with innocence and romance. This is the kind of story that a mother can read alongside her daughter.

Dreams by Starlight encourages readers with this wonderful line: "All that you can do is all that you must". Staci Stallings has given readers her "all" in this book, and this reviewer calls it a "must-read".

Thanks Staci, for writing something worthwhile!