by Abigail Rose-Marie
Published
September 1, 2024
Pages
329 pages
Language
English
Publisher
Lake Union Publishing
Paperback
$12.49
Audiobook
$0.00
Audio CD
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In a powerful and poignant novel, an artist unravels her mysterious family history and its generations of women who depended on each other to survive. Tig Costello has arrived in Darren, Kentucky, commissioned to paint a portrait honoring her grandfather Benjamin. His contributions to the rural Appalachian town and his unimpeachable war service have made him a local hero.
But to Tig, he’s a relative stranger. To find out more about him, Tig wants to talk to the person who knew her grandfather best: Eloise Price, the woman who murdered him fifty years ago. Still confined to a state institution, Eloise has a lifetime of stories to tell.
She agrees to share them all—about herself, about Tig’s enigmatic grandmother, and about the other brave and desperate women who passed through Benjamin’s orbit. Most revealing of all is the truth about Whitmore Halls, the mansion on the hill that was home to triage, rescue, death, and one inevitable day that changed Eloise’s life forever. As Tig begins to piece together the puzzle of her mysterious family tree, it sends her spiraling toward a confrontation with her own painful past—and a reconciliation with all its heartrending secrets.
Amidst the backdrop of a small coastal town, The Moonflowers unveils a world where secrets bloom like midnight blossoms. Young artist Lily Sanders returns home after tragedy strikes, seeking solace under the painted skies and familiar whispers of the sea. Yet, her return stirs memories long buried and unravels hidden mysteries as she navigates through her tangled past and uncertain future.
With each step, Lily forges connections that blossom under moonlit nights, revealing truths she never dared to explore.
Lyrical storytelling entwines vibrant characters and awe-inspiring landscapes. Explores themes of healing forgiveness and familial bonds' intricate nature. Encourages embracing one's true self through introspection and resilience.
The Moonflowers captivates readers with its intricate tapestry of human emotions, woven against a scenic backdrop. Lily Sanders returns to her small town following personal tragedy, grappling with loss and finding comfort in familiar surroundings amidst newfound challenges. Her journey home unearths secrets long hidden beneath the town's idyllic facade.
As dusk fades into night, shadows deepen around her, illuminating truths. She discovers her roots intertwined with the history of others who share her yearning for connection. Lily encounters enigmatic figures, each harboring stories of their own.
With unyielding determination, she embarks on a quest for understanding, navigating through enigmatic and uncharted waters. This voyage of self-discovery unveils the undeniable power of vulnerability. Mystical twists reveal themselves through poetic prose and vivid imagery.
The Moonflowers artfully marries elements of romance and suspense. Every page resonates with poignant reflections on life and the courage to embrace life's uncertainties. Through this tale's mesmerizing journey, readers dive into Lily's world of introspection.
Her strengths and weaknesses are intricately portrayed, inviting readers to contemplate their own path of self-discovery amid a sea of moonlit dreams.
The Moonflowers enchants readers with its lyrical prose that ebbs and flows like waves beneath starlit skies This poetic quality draws readers into an immersive experience where every word is purposefully chosen Vivid imagery paints a picture of a town that feels simultaneously familiar and otherworldly The lush landscapes become characters within themselves providing a rich backdrop against which the story unfolds The novel's ability to weave suspense with deeply emotional narratives sets it apart It explores complex characters whose stories intertwine revealing the beauty and strength found in vulnerability and shared experiences.
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Based on 8851 ratings
Wow- this is such an important story, especially now. It honors the courageous women who helped others at great risk. It shows how critically important reproductive freedom is. It shares the deep, earthy glory of the Smokies. The best part- this is an engaging, beautifully told story. Thank you!!
A cast of richly developed characters in difficult circumstances forced to make impossible decisions. The town of Darren Kentucky should also be considered a character. I can't believe that this beautiful and stirring novel is the writer's first.
This was good. I was surprised by how viscerally I disliked Benjamin's character even when he was a child. The topic is difficult and the author was respectful. I was not surprised by the twist at the end but I was not disappointed. Ultimately the book has left me with a lot to think about. How the past shapes our lives. Can we change? What is inherited and what is learned.
Beautiful story masterfully constructed with satisfying surprises that feel like that last puzzle piece that completes a picture. It’s easy to develop an emotional connection to the characters. Also, really love the metaphors which don’t feel predictable and add wonderful imagery and ambiance to the story. Looking forward to reading more of her work. And I almost never write reviews, just to give an idea of how much I enjoyed this book!
When I began Moonflowers a day ago, I did not know what to expect. The description of everything is what hits you first. The gift of being able to so fully describe scenes, feelings, and characters so completely is a wonderful gift and truly makes this book as powerful as it is. It's a history lesson, a reminder, and a journey of discovery and healing. The story is layered and woven as the main character, Tig, goes back to her grandfather's hometown to help with an upcoming commemoration in his honor. She's haunted by her past, unsure of her family's history, and unaware she is going to commemorate the true history of Darren, Kentucky. And calling our Jason. Abbigal Rose-Marie balances the story with change. A surprising character. Trigger warning for anyone who has experienced abuse or assault. This is an emotional read but also a very necessary one.
This book has many layers just like the subject matter. The characters are well fleshed out. It doesn’t ever become too graphic or resort to shock value. The storytelling is brutal and hopeful. It tells the story of a community that, like so many others, has one story to tell on its surface and another in the shadows. It may seem that all flowers need sunlight to grow, but some flowers are at their most beautiful under cover of night where they can bloom in secret. Some women go missing and some choose missing. I know this is fiction, but the women depicted in these pages feel very real and their bravery rings true for today’s world. I won’t go into the plot enough to spoil it but I will say that this is a stark reminder of what is still at stake for women everywhere. It is also a reminder of the power women possess when we choose to uplift each other.
This is a story that is once again timely because of the political climate. A portrait of a time & people and very well written. Interesting and I didn’t want to put the book down, one of those books you must read within a few days because the story is so fascinating you want to know what happens next. A bit predictable but that doesn’t take away from the story, rather it makes sense. Great 1st novel. I look forward to reading more from this author!
SO beautiful and important for the times we are in as women. Empowering and full of truth. As a mother and grandmother of girls I’m appalled at where we currently are in our freedom. To have a choice is everything. Women have a voice and will NOT be silenced. Bravo to this author! It was truly a pleasure to read. We will NOT go back!