Book Review: Once in A Blue Moon

19 Jan

Bryn Seymour was nine years old when her mother died under mysterious circumstances on the same day Apollo 11 made its historic lunar landing. Forty years later—divorced, working as an obituary writer, and duly cynical—she meets Howard, a conspiracy theorist who knew her mom and believes a small Texas town may hold clues to what really fueled her demise. Seeking closure, Bryn goes along for this men-in-black ride. But upon meeting Howard’s son Sam, an outspoken Christian, she can’t decide whose beliefs are more pie-in-the-sky.

The gravity of life has pulled Bryn down for decades. But a perfect love could be her first step to soaring. It only happens once in a blue moon.

About Leanna Ellis:

I’m a writer of quirky women’s fiction. I live in Texas with my husband and kids, along with our menagerie of critters — two dogs, two cats and a beta fish named Bobby. All the animals come to our homeschool, except for the fish and he just hasn’t learned to swim upstairs. I spend most of my days carting children to fencing, basketball, dance and soccer. It’s no wonder I escape periodically to the land of make believe — my imagination.

My Impressions:

Leanna Ellis is known for quirky characters and odd plot twists and turns.  By The Book read Elvis Takes A Back Seat a few years back, and it was a wild ride . . .  and lots of fun. Once in A Blue Moon is another novel with an iconic American backdrop – the NASA Moon landing in 1969.  Bryn Seymour’s mother died that fateful night.  Was it suicide, an accident or something more sinister involving little green men and that mysterious and silent Moon?  After meeting a retired NASA specialist who knew her mother, Bryn travels to Marfa, Texas, home to sage brush, cactus, mysterious lights and wild conspiracy theories.

Along with quirky characters, Ellis explores the impact of childhood trauma, parental mistakes and personal choices on lives, both our own and those we love.  Bryn’s journey to find out more about her mother leads her to finding herself.   Thrill-seeking Bryn also gets more than she bargains for when she encounters the most dangerous adventure of her life – entrusting her heart to someone else.

A quick to read, plot-twisting, fun book.  The revelations in the last chapters are not what you expect – a plus for readers expecting a predictable ending.  Pick up Once in A Blue Moon if you like contemporary romance.

Recommended.

(I received an Advanced Readers Copy of Once in A Blue Moon from Christian Review of Books in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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