Month: September 2023

On Moonberry Lake is the first book I’ve read by Holly Varni. The main character, Cora, returns to the hometown of her grandparents for her mother’s funeral. She learns that she has inherited the lodge once owned by her grandparents if she lives up to certain stipulations left in her mom’s will. She remembers many things from her childhood, but she is inundated by things she does not understand. From the very beginning, she encounters some very eccentric characters. These characters are well written, and ones the reader will delight in coming to know. At times, you will want to laugh out loud, and at other times you will want to cry. This book grabs the reader early on and is filled with surprises. I will definitely add Holly Varni to my want to read list.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The opinions in this review are my own.

This is Rebekah Millet’s debut novel.  The personality of the main female character, Julia Monroe, jumped off the page from the very beginning.  She has this humor about her that is so relatable.  And her alternative to cursing is hilarious.  I got a very authentic feeling when reading this novel.  I really enjoyed all of the secondary characters as much as I did the main characters.  This book was just such a great read.  Even though this book is over 300 pages I did not feel as though any of the story could have been left out.  I am really looking forward to any future novels by this author.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The opinions in this review are my own.

I really like books by this author. The main characters in this book are Pete Ryman and Wilma Jacobson. Pete Ryman is the garage truck driver in the small town of Sleeping Grass, Montana. He has one friend, Windy Ray, and his pet pig, Pearl. Wilma Jacobsen is an older widow. She employs a lady named Lily as her housekeeper even though she does not really need one, but she likes the company. All of these characters bring life to this novel. I find myself so drawn into their stories that I feel as though I am there with them. This book really has heart behind it and it definitely comes out as you read.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The opinions in this review are my own.

I am a big fan of Christmas novellas by Melody Carlson so I make it a point to read them. This novella revolves around the main character, Adelaide. She finds out that the father she never knew is a king. At first this novella seemed somewhat predictable but then there are several things that make it unique. The author did a great job of making the stepmother into someone that you cannot stand. She would definitely fall under the evil stepmother category. There are also some interesting Christmas traditions mentioned in this novella. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The opinions in this review are my own.