Moon Hall

by Gabriele Wills

Two women who live a century apart. Two stories that interweave to form a rich tapestry of intriguing characters, evocative places, and compelling events. Escaping from a disintegrating relationship in the city, writer Kit Spencer stumbles upon the quintessential Norman Rockwell village in the Ottawa Valley, where she buys an old stone mansion, Moon Hall. But her illusions about idyllic country life are soon challenged by reality. Beneath the seemingly calm backwater run powerful currents, dramas already close to breaking the surface. In her rural community of farmers, hippies, and yuppies, Kit unwittingly precipitates events that will change them all forever. Violet McAllister, the ghost that reputedly haunts Moon Hall, comes vividly to life through her long-forgotten diary. From the gritty shantytown of the newly-minted capital of Canada to the extravagant balls given by the popular and flamboyant Governor General and his wife, Violet's tragic tale unfolds. Kit feels a bond with this strong and passionate woman, and realizes she must grasp her own happiness while she can. Moon Hall is a haunting tale of relationships in crisis, and touches on the full spectrum of human emotions - from raw violence and dark passions to compassion and love.

368 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2004

About the author

Ideally I would be sitting on a dock by the lake with a cat on my lap, a glass of wine in one hand, and a good book in the other. (Don’t ask how I’d turn the pages or get the cat near the water.) Failing that, I love to recreate an era in which I can immerse myself (and readers), by weaving compelling stories around meticulously researched facts. My characters are best friends, whom others are now calling “cherished friends”. If you want a glimpse of my world, visit my book trailer on YouTube.
I've been thrilled with the response from fans, who have made comments such as "You have created a masterpiece. I loved every moment..." and "I haven't been that emotionally invested in a story in many years." More comments can be seen on my website, where signed books can also be ordered online at https://www.mindshadows.com .

Reviews

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not being a big fan of historical fiction, I started Moon Hall with some apprehension but I was pleasantly surprised. The book, which by the way, is written by Gabriele Wills, who is a goodreads author, deals with two women whose lives are lived one century apart. The chapters go back and forth to the life of each of these women. We are able to see the parallels as well as the differences of lives lived in different centuries. I thoroughly enjoyed the reading of this book as I learned a great deal about Ottawa's past in the nineteenth century. What keeps me from giving a fifth star to the novel is twofold. There are too many characters in both centuries and everyone seems to have lived a miserable life. Not that I expect story lines to be sugar-coated, but the constant misery of each character is tiresome, at times. Having said this, I must say that I am looking forward to reading the other books written by Gabriele Wills.

[Donna Mcnab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just read this book for a second time and enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time. I am now awaiting the third book of the Muskoka series that is to be out in December. In the meantime I may read the second book in the series again, just to remind myself of what all the characters are up to before settling in with the third book, which I am very much looking forward to. Keep up the great work, Gabriele! You are providing all your fans with many hours of enjoyment.

[Teddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kit Spenser wants to get away from the city. Somewhere quiet, where she can write her next novel. She finds a small, charming village in the Ottawa Valley and buys a stone mansion with the name, Moon Hall. She soon realizes, that the village, the people, and the mansion are not what they seem. For starters, there is said to be a ghost in Moon Hall.

Her name was Violet and she grew up in Moon Hall and lived there her entire life. It holds all of her secrets until happens to find her diary. Kit develops a strong bond with Violet, through her words and the shattered life she lived.

Kit also is visited by her new neighbors , some who want to be friends and some who want to work for her. She becomes good friends with the hippies that live in a commune, just down the road.
In turns we learn more about Kit and Violet and the era that she lived it.

I loved both the historical and modern-day plots! Wills is an excellent story teller and her characters come to life. They grab the reader and won’t let go! She captures place and time in poetic prose. I felt like I was there, in both time periods, bearing witness. In fact, I would love to see it be developed into a movie!

I became a fan of Wills’ writing from the first novel I read of hers. It was ‘The Summer Before The Storm’, book 1 of her ‘Muskoka’ series. I highly recommend the series and ‘Moon Hall’. If you love historical fiction and excellent character development, you will love Gabriele Wills!

[Anne Patkau · Rating 1 out of 5]

* "Moon Hall" is an Ottawa Valley country mansion where Gabriele Wills tells two stories, of Violet (the only person I like) in 1879, and Kit escaping heartache in Toronto a hundred years later. Opening with Violet hanging herself, Kit discovers her diary and unfolds the unnecessary tragedy. Quaint country bumpkins contrast with pretentious literati. Bland surfaces hide turmoil in complex situations. Violence bursts bucolic peace.