Title: Man in the
Blue Moon
Author: Michael Morris
Pages: 400
Year: 2012
Publisher: Tyndale
What do
you think this story is about? Sometimes
when reading a summary of a story we think the novel sounds intriguing and
therefore worth reading. Man in the
Blue Moon sure caught my attention for being set during the timeframe of
World War I. As works of fiction go, I
love those that include history the most.
Over the last year of reading fiction or non-fiction, each author has
brought their stories or knowledge out for others to enjoy.
In the Florida panhandle, Ella is
trying to keep a store running as well as raise her three sons. Ella is a gifted painter and her aunt has
plans for Ella to study her craft in France, until Harlan brings change. Harlan marries Ella and after an accident becomes
addicted to opium. One morning Ella gets
out of bed to find he has left her, and years later she is still waiting for
his return.
Clive Gillespie wants all the land
that Ella owns, promising her dying father to always keep it in the
family. Clive harbors feelings so dark
and deep that all he wants to do is take from Ella. Through various schemes he is always
attempting to bypass people or laws to get what he wants, but what causes him
to never attain it?
As you continue to read through the
novel, you will come across many interesting characters. Man in the Blue Moon is part mystery, such
as when a man shows up in a crate supposedly to help Ella with her
problems. Part of the novel deals with
the understanding of what real faith is compared to what it is thought to
be. Overall, the threads of family,
love, loyalty, trust, and sacrifice come together to weave a masterpiece of
fiction.
When I started reading this book,
the story seemed to move slowly and I was curious to see where the author would
have the reader end up. There are
various twists and turns to the mystery first shown in the beginning
chapters. In the pages, there is a broad
range of characters and interactions that are well-crafted. Ella is the lead female character, who
through various trials learns to forgive and embraces the risk to love
again. Lanier Stillis is a man who comes
into the story with a veiled background and learns the true gift God has given
him and how to give it back for God’s glory.
There have been other Michael
Morris writings I have liked better than Man in the Blue Moon, but don’t
let that keep you from reading and sharing this novel. Morris has written a story that broke my heart
one minute only to knit it back together is some endearing way.
My rating is 3 ½ stars.
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988,
FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457
