Sunday, May 3, 2015

Blue Moon Bay by Lisa Wingate: Book Review



About the book from Bethany House: 
For Seattle architect Heather Hampton, a trip back to tiny Moses Lake, Texas, is hardly in the plan. Yet because a promotion hinges on the sale of the family farmland, Heather heads to the last place she ever wanted to go. She's determined to return home, signed contract in hand, the next day.

But the currents of Moses Lake take visitors on unexpected journeys. As Heather's stay lengthens, she discovers a family steeped in secrets and an unexpected connection to local banker Blaine Underhill, despite his opposition to Heather's project. With each new revelation and question, Heather can't help but wonder if the handsome banker--and the family she has come to know again--are crooks or crusaders. Somehow she must find out the truth before she loses everything she has worked for and everything she's found on the shores of Moses Lake.

My Thoughts:  When I picked up Blue Moon Bay to begin reading, I thought, "What a delightful cover." Having grown up near the water, I could feel the breeze rippling through her wispy dress or ruffling her hair.  So I cracked the cover and began reading.  Well, I was a bit put-off by Heather and her impatience with being forced to return home because of an impending family property sale and it's interrelation to a big project she is working on in her employment.  She has an attitude of "Let's just get this done and over with" and the same attitude seems to carry over to her fiance and her interactions with him.

So I wasn't liking Heather very much.  But then she arrives in Moses Lake, Texas, where she had spent a very unpleasant year or so and where her father had died she is engulfed with memories of past experiences and slights by people.  As she deals with her past and who she actually is today, we meet some interesting and delightful characters.  We soon see that Lisa Wingate is a master at character development.

You'll fall in love with the uncles with their funeral parlor and with Ruth, a Mennonite.  When you learn Ruth's story, you will be nearly in tears.  When you meet Blaine, a former classmate, you may swoon, you may say "Who does he think he is?", or you may say, "I see some real possibilities in him."  But when you meet Clay, the brother, you'll wonder - just as Heather does. 

Let's not forget, Roger!  He'll slobber all over you or knock you down in his exuberance.  Yep!  He's the dog in the story and what a dog!

Moses Lake holds many secrets.  Secrets of community. Secrets of family.  Secrets that have harmed and still harm.  It is a story of mystery and trust.  It is a ride of discovery and a great read.

About the Author:  Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, A Month of Summer, and The Summer Kitchen. Lisa and her family live in central Texas. Visit www.lisawingate.com

I rate this a 5 out of 5 stars.  ISBN: 978-0-7642-0822-5

DISCLOSURE:  I was given a complimentary copy of Blue Moon Bay by Bethany House a Division of Baker Publishing in order to provide an honest review.  All comments are my own and I was under no obligation render a positive review.

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