Moon Over Edisto - eBook
4.7
5
10
10
This captures the beauty of the Low Country.
This book got off to a really slow start. So much so that I read less than one chapter before setting it aside for something with a faster pace. After reading four(!) other books, I remembered this book on my e-reader and how much I was looking forward to reading a book set in the Low Country, and forced myself back into it. IâÂÂm so glad I did.
Once Julia makes the decision to head to South Carolina and care for her younger half-siblings, the story really picks up. I could almost taste the salty air and smell the pluff mud once Julia made it to Edisto Island. Ah, home. The next thing I knew I had finished the book and was wanting more. The characters came to life best from EttaâÂÂs eyes. The silent child had the most insightful things to share. Meg has some justifiable anger towards her sister, but the way she treats her mother throughout much of the book bothered me.
Saying why would involve spoilers, so suffice it to say that I would love to see a sequel to this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneezeî.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade CommissionâÂÂs 16 CFR, Part 255 : âÂÂGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.âÂÂ
April 2, 2013
Moon Over Edisto
Life is messy and oftentimes the messiness inflicted on you is the result of othersâ actions. Several years before this story takes place JuliaâÂÂs father made a very messy decision. This decision shattered many lives and the cracks kept appearing even after he was gone. His actions set into motion repercussions for both of his families.
Julia has spent many years isolating herself from all of the pain and mess of her family. But sometimes there are journeys that we need to take. It may see as if we are doing something for someone else, but in the end we are the ones that are blessed.
Beth Webb Hart has once again woven a southern gothic dream (or is it nightmare) of a story. In this novel she allows her main character Julia to face the worst type of betrayal. The situation will have you yelling, NO NO NOâ¦thatâÂÂs not fair! But we all know that life isnâÂÂt fair, itâÂÂs about refinement.
I enjoyed the book so much. Coastal South Carolina is my favorite place to be and Beth puts you right there with the pluff mud between your toes and the salty breezes in your hair. After reading it someone asked me if it was a happy ending. I had to respond that I donâÂÂt really know. It wasnâÂÂt what Julia had planned, but it was definitely what God had intended all along. ItâÂÂs a story that leaves you speculating about what all of their lives were like ten years down the road. My bet is that there are lingering consequences but most days are happily ever after. This book is definitely worth purchasing and savoring and then passing along to many others.
March 4, 2013
Of Reluctant Reconciliation
Set mostly on an island off the coast of South Carolina, "Moon over Edisto" is the story of a woman forced by her compassionate nature to return to the home she ran away from. When the woman who destroyed her family comes to her in desperation, Julia just canâÂÂt say noâÂÂthough no one, except maybe her aunt, would have blamed her if she had. In a moment of crisis, Julia abandons overseas plans with her employer and fiancé in order to care for her three young half-siblings while their mother undergoes surgery. Back in her childhood home, she reconnects with the family and friends she left behind for a glamorous career as an artist in New York.
I loved this story of forgiveness and reconciliation. I especially loved the way God is portrayed as giving Julia what her heart desires through what seems to be great sacrifice. At one point, Julia thinks Marney is destroying her life a second time, when really sheâÂÂs inadvertently offering what Julia most wants and needs.
As I reached the end of the story, I started hoping for a sequel, though. JuliaâÂÂs story was complete as written, but the author left me with so many questions about Etta, Meg, Mary Ellen, and Jake. ThereâÂÂs plenty of material there for a second book, if this is what Hart has planned. IâÂÂll be eager to read it if it shows up on the bookstore shelves.
I received a complimentary eCopy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for this review.
February 18, 2013
It's easier to say grace than to show it
How long should we hold grudges? How do we forgive people when theyâÂÂre not sorry for what they've done to us? What does it say about us if we canâÂÂt show love to the people who need it most? Moon Over Edisto has a broken family, a lot of angst, and a heaping dose of grace.
Told from five different viewpoints, the story centers on Julia, a Manhattan artist who has no plans to return to Edisto where her family was torn apart years ago. She reluctantly returns only so her mother wonâÂÂt have to care for the children of the woman (Marney) who helped tear their family apart. At its core this story is about love and how one woman manages to show love to her worst enemy. In showing that love, Julia gets just what she didn't know she needed.
The author describes the beautiful Edisto setting and food very well. Makes me want to visit. One thing I couldn't get my arms around was Margaret/MegâÂÂs change in personality. She was nasty for 90% of the book, so I just didn't believe her supposed change of heart. Also, while I appreciated JedâÂÂs viewpoint since it added to the tiny romance element, I could have done without it. What I felt like was missing was Marney's perspective. She was depicted as this woman who did nothing but take from the Bennett family, both before and after she became ill. Where were her redeeming qualities? None of us are all bad or all good. It would've been very interesting to see her perspective. Finally, the conclusion was a little too neat. Still, I liked the overall message of the story.
February 16, 2013
Welcome to Christianbook.com! Sign in or create an account
Cart
0 items
Checkout
We now accept PayPalfor ALL orders
