On Moonberry Lake

Title: On Moonberry Lake

Series:  Moonberry Lake #1

Author: Holly Varni

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Christian Fiction

Source: Revell

My Review:

On Moonberry Lake is Holly Varni's debut novel. It is a contemporary fiction novel set in Minnesota.

You're always on the run toward something or away from it. The time in the middle is only long enough for you to retie your shoes. Why can't you ever settle in somewhere?

I have mixed feelings toward On Moonberry Lake. The book itself is a mixed bag. You have a small town of quirky characters, and there are quite a few to keep up with, New Age beliefs, some faith elements (more as the story progressed), heartache, trust issues, secrets, and so much more. I felt like I was wadding through a muddled mess almost the entire time. I did not connect with the characters and felt the pace was slow.

“… you’ll have a far more interesting and meaningful life if you open yourself up to people you have to work to understand.”

This is one of those stories that is going to be hit or miss. For me, it is more of a miss. I have seen other reviews that said they hadn't laughed so hard while reading a book. I did not find this to be a humorous read. Somehow, I missed the humor.

Cora experiences a lot of character growth in the story, and there are moments of sage wisdom. The book isn't terrible, it just wasn't for me.

Thank you to Revell 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): 

Cora Matthews has long wondered why her mother stopped taking her to visit her grandparents' lodge in the small Northwoods Minnesota town of Moonberry Lake. Now, after burying her mother and breaking off her engagement just two weeks before her wedding, Cora has a chance to find out. Once there, she is stunned to learn that the old lodge is her inheritance--with a surprising condition attached. Maybe some time to regroup on the shores of a beautiful lake is just what Cora needs to figure out what's next for her.

But Cora's days on the lake are anything but relaxing. The only thing that's a bigger mess than her own life is the dilapidated building she's living in. Add a cantankerous handywoman, an angry neighbor, and an elderly woman who spends all her time talking to the "residents" in the cemetery and Cora's not sure she can stick it out. But if she can, she may find a love she never expected--from the most unexpected people imaginable. This homespun tale of new friendships, sweet romance, and ordinary miracles will have you wishing you could spend a summer (or a lifetime) on Moonberry Lake.