Harvest Moon

Title: Harvest Moon

Series: Riverbend #3

Author: Denise Hunter

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fiction,

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Source: Net Galley

My review:

What a heartbreaking beginning to Harvest Moon! It is so heavy but completely captures your attention. While it is the third book in the Riverbend series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel.

The story alternates between the present and the past as it relays Laurel and Gavin's story. Younger Laurel gets on my last nerve with her insecurities and assumptions. It was annoying watching her self-destruct. Young Gavin is fine but a bit clueless, giving up easily when things get complicated. I could not believe how long they dated before they got married.

Emma is a darling, and your heart breaks for her. I think she is the star of the story. She is bright and lively, even in the midst of tragedy. The portrayal of her grief is realistic and gut-wrenching.

Don't let Harvest Moon's beautiful cover fool you. Harvest Moon deals with loss, grief, dementia, and more. While this is a heavier read, there is enough other stuff happening to prevent it from being a depressing read.

When Laurel and Gavin are forced to parent Emma, they are both still dealing with their past. It is beautiful how they set aside their differences to care for Emma the way she needs. Harvest Moon is a powerful story dealing with loss, guilt, forgiveness, second chances, and redemption.

The back cover gives a case worker a prominent role, and that is not the case at all. I also didn't feel like the situation with Mallory's mom was completely resolved.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

★★★⋆/5

Synopsis (Goodreads): 

When a tragedy leaves a divorced couple with guardianship of their friends’ little girl, Laurel and Gavin drop everything for the sake of the child. Meanwhile, a case worker begins searching for a more suitable arrangement, and the estranged couple move into their friends’ home to provide temporary care for Emma and manage the on-property apple orchard. As they work together to comfort the grieving child and manage the busy harvest, tempers flare—as does the passion they both remember so well. But will the seeds of love, still growing inside them, thrive and flourish? Or will grief and regret strangle the feelings before they can fully blossom?