Once in a Blue Moon: A Novel

by Leanna Ellis

Bryn Seymour was nine years old when her mother died under mysterious circumstances on the same day Apollo 11 made its historic lunar landing. Forty years later—divorced, working as an obituary writer, and duly cynical—she meets Howard, a conspiracy theorist who knew her mom and believes a small Texas town may hold clues to what really fueled her demise. Seeking closure, Bryn goes along for this men-in-black ride. But upon meeting Howard’s son Sam, an outspoken Christian, she can’t decide whose beliefs are more pie-in-the-sky.The gravity of life has pulled Bryn down for decades. But a perfect love could be her first step to soaring. It only happens once in a blue moon.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Christian

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Award-winning author, Leanna Ellis, writes sweet, heartwarming romances and closed-door romantic comedies with heart, humor, and hope. With over a million books sold, Ellis has won numerous awards, including the National Readers' Choice Award. She lives in Texas with her husband where they raised their two children, who now live too far away living their dreams but apparently still like to come home, probably to visit their doodle siblings who never grow up and move away. Readers who love Hallmark-style, wholesome love stories, will love The Wedding Letter series and the coming Love Note sereies. You can find more about Ellis at leannaellis.com.

Reviews

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I began reading "Once in a Blue Moon", by Leanna Ellis, I soon realized that I was in for a rare treat. I have my favorite genres and types of characters, and those are my comfort reads. However, I love it when an author can take me some place new, make it a journey to remember, and introduce me to new friends to whom I don't want to say goodbye. That's exactly what Leanna Ellis did with "Once in a Blue Moon". Bryn Seymour is a journalist with a college-aged daughter, a divalistic cat, and real difficulty with close personal relationships. At age nine, Bryn suffered the tragic loss of her mother under mysterious circumstances. Bryn secretly carries guilt over her mother's death, and it is a guilt which colors every aspect of her life. Raised by her grandmother after her mother's death, Bryn has a challenging relationship with her own daughter. When Bryn's beloved grandmother Cora shows the beginning signs of Alzheimer's Disease, Bryn is forced to place her in a care facility. On a reporting assignment to cover the fortieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Bryn meets an eccentric older man, Howard Walters, who claims to have known her mother. Unable to resist learning more about her mother's life, Bryn becomes involved with Howard's seemingly paranoid conspiracy theories. Her life takes quite another turn when she meets Howard's son Sam, who is trying to come to terms with his "anything but average" father. Bryn and Sam share an immediate attraction, but it is a wonderfully written, subtle, slow-build attraction that still packs a wallop. While Bryn and Sam are still "works in progress", all of their emotional and physical aspects are in working order. How delightful that two people over forty are never categorized as middle-aged and are given a shot at a lovely, fulfilling romance. There is an underlying theme of faith and acceptance, which is just right for the story line. Sometimes, a leap of faith lands you in just the right place.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just finished reading, Once in a Blue Moon and have the biggest smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart. This story is fun, fun, fun. I’m so thankful to receive a review copy of this book.

At first I didn’t understand where Leanna Ellis was going with her story. When Byrnda Seymour meets Howard Walters, I realize then that Leanna uses the beginning to set up their strange encounter. Howard calls Miss Seymour to request she write his memoir, Bryn writes obituaries for a living - not books - but she’s willing to give it a shot for a chance to find out about her mother's life. Bryn’s life changes forever when she meets Howard. It’s bizarre and she writes this, “One small step for man, one giant leap off the cliff of sanity.”

Because of this encounter, I immerse myself into the story and Leanna Ellis’s endearing characters make a way into my heart. Howard thinks someone is trying to kill him because of the NASA conspiracy theory he’s researching and goes out of his way to stay safe, he says this to Bryn, “These precautions are paramount, for your safety as well as my own.”

I love the relationship Bryn develops with Howard’s son, Sam. Sam becomes her protector and friend. I really enjoyed their interaction. It’s honest, real and fun to read. Sam says this about himself, “Even though I was going about doing good so to speak, I was putting myself in charge, not God. I decided what needed to get done….and sacrifice time with my own family for God’s good—when He wasn’t asking that of me at all.”

Bryn questions everything,” What could Howard know about my mother? And why do I care? Would I believe anything he might say anyway? I don’t actually know why I felt compelled to come here to talk with Howard. Maybe it’s just that I miss my mother.”

Sam is trying to make light of their situation when they suspect someone is following them. He says, “And its Bond…James Bond to you, ma’am.”

“Terrific. You’re living out your adolescent fantasy.” Bryn says.

‘Who said it’s my adolescent fantasy? It could be my current one.’ He winks.”

I enjoy Sam, a man after God’s own heart, trying to help his Dad, be there for his boys and live the best he can for Christ. He’s an outspoken and sincere man who can see through to the heart of Bryn. She is a woman haunted by a childhood secret, affecting every area of her life. I love the gentle, caring way Sam deals with Bryn and her secret. He wants to open her eyes so she could see for herself the light and make a choice to share with him what scares her. I love their flirting, fun and honest conversations.

I totally enjoyed every word of this book; I hated to see it end. I can’t wait to see what adventure Leanna takes us on next.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was chosen to be an Early Reviewer for this book I was a little worried. I had read the summary and thought it sounded interesting but I had failed to see the "Men in Black" part. I have some books in my collection that are deemed fairytale and the like but it is more about the art that interests me and not the writing. So, the first thing that starts going through my head when I am chosen and re-read the summary is Will Smith singing:

"The black suits with the black ray bans on
Walk in shadow, move in silence
Guard against extra-terrestrial violence...
Saw something strange, watch your back
Cause you never quite know where the MIB is at"

Yes, it is the theme song to "Men in Black" and my mind kept replaying it. It didn't help that when I received the book that right there on the front cover was a 'Man in Black'. Ok, so we weren't off to a wonderful start and as soon as I quit "bouncing, sliding & walkin" with Will Smith, I settle in to read.

I find from the very first page of the story I am laughing out loud and I am enjoying the writing style of this, previously unknown, to me, author. I also realize that my previous worries were unfounded.

Brynda Seymour lost her mother at age 9. After writing her mother's obituary she realized that she liked being able to lift someone's spirits with the words she wrote and she was good at it. As an adult, Bryn is a reporter and obituary writer for the Austin Statesmen. On assignment at a NASA function, Bryn is introduced to Howard Walters. Howard turns out to be an old friend of Brynda's Mother and soon Byrnda finds herself drawn into an experience that is out of this world. Bryn has carried a secret inside ever since the day of the first moon landing, the same fateful day her mother died. As she is drawn into Howard's conspiracy theory she is also drawn to Howard's son, Sam. As they each work toward a common goal, each looking for different answers, they find the healing hand of God touch each of their lives and make them whole again.

[WifeMomKnitter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brynda Seymour was only nine years old when her mother died mysterious on the same night that Apollo 11 touched down on the moon.

She is now a cynical obituary writer who likes to live her life on the edge. Her life changes completely when she is approached at the fortieth anniversary party by Howard Walters, a strange man obsessed with conspiracy theories, who tells her that he knew her mother. Eager to get answers to her mother's death, she follows Walter to Marfa, Texas where she begins to think that maybe Howard's theories aren't so bizarre after all.

It is there that she meets Howard's son, a preacher who has lost his way and is drawn to him. Could they find a love that only happens once in a blue moon?

I wasn't sure, at first, whether I was going to like this book. The whole "men-in-black" aspect was a little too out there for me. But I was pleasantly surprised at the way the story flowed. The author was really good at developing the characters so that you understood where they were coming from based on the events that have shaped them into the people that they are and what makes them tick.

So, all in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and her other three books (Elvis Takes a Back Seat, Lookin' Back Texas and Ruby's Slippers) are on my to-read list.

[Linda B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Description:
Bryn Seymour was nine years old when her mother died under mysterious circumstances on the same day Apollo 11 made its historic lunar landing. Forty years later—divorced, working as an obituary writer, and duly cynical—she meets Howard, a conspiracy theorist who knew her mom and believes a small Texas town may hold clues to what really fueled her demise. Seeking closure, Bryn goes along for this men-in-black ride. But upon meeting Howard’s son Sam, an outspoken Christian, she can’t decide whose beliefs are more pie-in-the-sky.
The gravity of life has pulled Bryn down for decades. But a perfect love could be her first step to soaring. It only happens once in a blue moon.

My Review:
Everyone has their secrets. Bryn Seymour has a life-long heartbreaking secret and a heart that has been broken too many times. Howard believes there are conspiracies going on all around him. There is a loving but distant relationship with his son, Sam and the emotional issues that crossed generations are obvious.

Leanna Ellis has created a fun, smart, mysterious, and quirky novel that just may be my favorite book this year. It has such an interesting storyline with eccentric characters, a unique mystery, an emotional spiritual struggle, and a truly romantic love story. Each of the well developed characters touched my heart, and I could feel their life struggles. I loved everything about the book and I hope there is a sequel in the works!

[Edwina Cowgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue, laughter, family, love, mixed in with characters you immediately like makes Once in a Blue Moon a fun book to read! Here is the back cover synopsis:

She was only nine years old when her mother died under mysterious circumstances on the same day Apollo 11 made its historic lunar landing. In the decades since, thrill-seeking journalist Bryn Seymour has defied gravity, pushing each moment to count. Inwardly, though, she’s resisted any close encounters. Skydiving is easy. Staying in a relationship? Not so much.

On assignment to write about the fortieth anniversary of the first moon-walk, Bryn meets Howard, a loopy old gent full of conspiracy theories who drops a bomb on her world: he knew her mother. Could a small Texas town hold the secret to her mother’s demise? Seeking closure, Bryn goes along for this men-in-black ride .But upon meeting Howard’s attractive son Sam, an outspoken Christian, she can’t decide whose beliefs are more pie-in-the-sky.

The gravity of life has always pulled Bryn back down to earth, but a perfect love could be her first step to soaring. The kind of love that only happens once in a blue moon.

This is a great book to help you relax after a crazy day and would be fun to take on spring break or add it to your summer reading list.

[Valerie Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second novel I’ve read by Leanna Ellis. While it’s a very different tale from Ruby’s Slippers, I found the main character, Bryn Seymour, to be fascinating. Her memory of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon is colored by the fact that her mother died that evening under strange circumstances, when Bryn was only nine. Now she’s a reporter/obituary writer whose memories don’t add up. Her Nana, who raised her after the death, won’t talk about what happened, so when Bryn meets a strange (very strange…) man who claims to have known her mother, Bryn follows him to Marfa, Texas, in an effort to unlock the mysteries.

But Howard Walters is a paranoid conspiracy theorist who used to work for NASA, and he regrets contacting Bryn. Now he’s reluctant to talk to her, and she’s equally reluctant to share her own memories. Bryn is a flawed heroine with some serious trust issues of her own, but she’s made sympathetic because of losing her mother traumatically at a young age. We’re rooting for her to uncover the secrets–the ones inside her, the ones Howard holds, and the ones they stumble across along the way.

It takes a special man to teach her to reach for faith and love. You don’t come across a guy like that every day. Just once in a blue moon.

[Christy Trever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once in a Blue Moon by Leann Ellis isn't quite sure if it's a conspiracy thriller, contemporary romance, or family drama. Brynda Seymour's mother died forty years ago as Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. She was raised by her Nana, but has spent the time since living life on the edge, engaging in risky behavior and always falling for the wrong guy. When she's contacted by Howard Walters who claims that her mother's death is part of a conspiracy from NASA, she's pulled into his paranoid world where she meets his son Sam, a former preacher. Sam and Brynda have immediate chemistry, but can she fall for a guy who believes in the Lord who allowed her mother to leave her orphaned at nine years old? Ellis is very skilled at creating fully fleshed characters and writes with a terrific sense of humor. Her books always have a light touch, guaranteed to make readers smile. While the books struggles to settle into a genre, it's still an enjoyable story. The truth about Brynda's mother is rather shocking, but Ellis handles it with grace and there's an excellent message of acceptance and learning to let go.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryn Seymour is attending a NASA celebration for the 40th anniversary of the moon landing when she is introduced to Howard Walters, who whispers something about a lunar landing conspiracy in her ear. Soon after, Bryn discovers her mother knew Howard before she died, and goes back to find him and see if she can get some answers about the mysterious circumstances surrounding her personal tragedy. She also meets Howard's son, Sam, and an undeniable attraction is immediately formed.Through these two very different men, Bryn learns to finally let go of the sorrows she's held onto for so long.

I have long been a fan of Leanna Ellis' writing, and reviewed her last book here. This newest story, however, beat all the others out of the race. By far my favorite! Ellis writes a compelling story about presumed crazy ideas but makes it seem completely natural. There is a bit of an intoxicating relationship between Sam and Bryn - when Sam gives a smoldering look to Bryn, I swear I felt it myself! An absolute pleasure to read.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started this book, I had a hard time "getting into" it. Bryn's character wasn't someone I really liked at first. She was a bit too cocky and a bit too full of herself for my taste. As the book progressed though, her character made more sense, and I really came to enjoy her cynicism and sardonic humor.

The story was enjoyable and had enough mystery to keep you guessing, enough romantic tension to keep you wondering and drooling over hunky Sam, and enough weirdness to make you wonder if Howard's story could be true. Once I really got into the story, I finished the book in no time. This turned out to be a really fun read!

I rated this book adult because the main character is about middle aged, she's a cougar with a daughter in college. Honestly, I was a bit surprised in the beginning with this being Christian fiction. It pushes the line a little bit - but as it continues on, the Christian tone gets stronger. Honestly, I liked the more mature tone and the lack of innocence in the main character. It gave more of a sense of reality to Bryn.

[Diane Holm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quest for truth….Beware of what you seek!

Leanna presents a story filled with quirky characters, imaginative situations, and a mysterious past. The descriptive wordage is bold and easy to visualize. I was a bit “Lost in Space” in the beginning but after the third chapter the story becomes smoother with a comfortable flow.

The reader will encounter precarious situations, potential danger and lots of laughs. There is ample opportunity for sleuthing alongside Bryn, searching for the truth about her mother’s death. Along the way her heart faces new challenges. Emotions, once easily suppressed, surface and raise havoc with her sensible way of life, or is it?

If you are up for high flying adventure then “Once in a Blue Moon” will launch you into space.

[Stephanie Lindsay Hagen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once In A Blue Moon" has all the elements of a good story: romance, suspense, comedy, drama etc... Being a Christian-based book, I found the religious references non-intrusive so I wasn't irritated by them. I did, however, find the movie references overdone. Less is more.

I enjoyed all the characters and how each dealt with their personal struggles. I also enjoyed the history lesson. I was a young child at the time of the moon landing and it was pleasant to go back in time and relive that moment. I wonder if there really are crystal palaces on the moon! Leanna Ellis is very readable.

[Judie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second Leanna Ellis book. Her books are thought-provoking. They have humor and lots of
emotion. It was different in a good way.

[Teresa Merriman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure I would like this book. It was written around the mystery the main characters died of. Was it suicide, an accident or did someone do something to her?
She died on the night of the Apollo Moon Walk. She is an obituary writer, divorced with a daughter. She is contacted by a rather strange man who wants her to write about his life. He is very secretive and strange and he was working for Nasa during the time her Mother died, he knew her Mother which does convince her to get involved with him in the first place. She so wants to find out if it was her fault her Mother died when she was nine. she has always thought that it was her fault and has lived with it all of her life. The book was interesting, it did hold my interest. There were elements of romance, mystery, intrigue....
Here is the description of the book from Good Reads:
Bryn Seymour was nine years old when her mother died under mysterious circumstances on the same day Apollo 11 made its historic lunar landing. Forty years later—divorced, working as an obituary writer, and duly cynical—she meets Howard, a conspiracy theorist who knew her mom and believes a small Texas town may hold clues to what really fueled her demise. Seeking closure, Bryn goes along for this men-in-black ride. But upon meeting Howard’s son Sam, an outspoken Christian, she can’t decide whose beliefs are more pie-in-the-sky.The gravity of life has pulled Bryn down for decades. But a perfect love could be her first step to soaring. It only happens once in a blue moon

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sci-fi meets conspiracy theory gone wild, NASA, the moon walk, and reporters, all abound in Once in a Blue Moon.

Brynda Seymour is an obituary writer and a inspirational stories reporter, but she is on a personal journey. A quest to learn more about her mother who died when Bryn was only 9. However this journey is perhaps more than Bryn expected and can deal with. She will face her fears of being alone, and of being the one responsible for her mom's death.

When an old aquaintance of her moms appears with an explanation that "they" were the ones who killed her mom Bryn grabs ahold of this, and leans on it like a life preserver. Who are "they"? Why would they want her mom dead? An attraction to the son of her mom's friend will distract Brynda and have her exploring why romance has not been successful for her.

A book that will take time to digest as you sort out the story, but a story worth reading. Love, excitement, danger and mystery all in one book. 347 pages $14.99 US 3 and half stars

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bryn Seymour was only nine years old when her mother died. She will never forget the day. It was the same day that the Apollo 11 was launched.

Now years later, Bryn is attending the commemoration of the Apollo 11 launch. Bryn hears her name being called. She turns and meets a man by the name of Howard Walter. Howard tells Bryn that her mother’s death was all part of a conspiracy. At first Bryn believes Howard is a crazy but just as she is about to think Howard is speaking some truth, Howard’s son, Sam tells Bryn that his father has Alzheimer’s and doesn’t know what he is talking about.

I really enjoyed Ruby’s Slippers by Leanna Ellis. Her latest novel, Once in a Blue Moon missed the mark for me, just a little. It still had the quirkiness that I loved about her last book but I didn’t get a full connection with the characters. Bryn seemed like a nice person but she kind of faded into the background with her quietness. I did like the crazy adventure that Bryn, Howard and Sam took. This book may have left me a little blue but I still plan to check out Leanna’s next novel.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now I can really say that I've read a Christian Romance novel. How interesting, that it has such a different climax than a normal novel, or a normal romance novel. I won't tell you what it is, just in case you ever want to read it, but I will have to say that there were a couple of redeeming qualities in the book, at least enough for me to read the whole thing. I had a very hard time reading the main character's motivations. I think she was consistent in why she made the decisions she did, but I'm not sure. The big reveal in the end did seem consistent with her level of weirdness. It was an OK book, and I don't think I would recommend it unless someone wanted to read a novel about older retread people seeking romance and then finding their newly found faith instead.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not at all what I was expecting. I thought the story was going to revolve around Bryn's mother's death, and thought she would eventually find out that in her child's way of trying to help her mom was not what caused her mother's death . For me, the jury is still out on that one. Interwoven with Bryn's search, Howard's, conspiracy theories, and Sam's desire to build a relationship with the father he never really got to know, is a beautiful love story. Though love stories are not usually my thing, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

[Michelle Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read with just enough conspiracy theory to be intriguing. Bryn Semymour has learned to live life on her own terms. A journalist, she lives on the edge all the time. Tasked with writing about the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, she finds herself involved in a story stranger than anything she could have imagined. And perhaps, she will also find the love she has run from all of her life. Of course God might have some thoughts about this journey she is on.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Christian fiction book with a lot of twists and turns in the plot. It has romance, mystery, drama, & comedy, & faith issues. I loved this story because it was so different than the regular fiction I read. It kept me on my toes, & I love that!

[Maureen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read it to the end, but I really did not enjoy it as much as the other book I read by this author. Silly story.

[Lisa Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, but not quite as well as her Amish vampire series.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and will gladly recommend it. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters. The end leaves me wondering whether there is a sequel.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A better than average inspirational romance/drama.

[Diane Eggert]

I never really could get into this book, it was a hard read for me..