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Moon Over Edisto
Edisto Island was where it all came apart. Can the Bennett girls ever be whole again?
Once, they were the happiest family under the sun, crabbing and fishing and painting on beautiful Edisto Island in South Carolina’s lowcountry.
Then everything went wrong, and twenty years later the Bennett family is still in pieces. Mary Ellen still struggles to understand why her picture-perfect marriage came apart. Daughter Meg keeps a death grip on her own family, controlling her relationships at a distance. And eldest daughter, Julia, left it all behind years ago, forging a whole new life as an artist and academic in Manhattan. She’s engaged to an art dealer and has no intentions of returning to Edisto. Ever.
Then an emergency forces Julia back to Edisto to care for her three young half-siblings. She grudgingly agrees to stay a week. But there’s something about Edisto that changes people. Can Julia and her fractured family somehow manage to come together again under that low-hanging Edisto moon?
Once, they were the happiest family under the sun, crabbing and fishing and painting on beautiful Edisto Island in South Carolina’s lowcountry.
Then everything went wrong, and twenty years later the Bennett family is still in pieces. Mary Ellen still struggles to understand why her picture-perfect marriage came apart. Daughter Meg keeps a death grip on her own family, controlling her relationships at a distance. And eldest daughter, Julia, left it all behind years ago, forging a whole new life as an artist and academic in Manhattan. She’s engaged to an art dealer and has no intentions of returning to Edisto. Ever.
Then an emergency forces Julia back to Edisto to care for her three young half-siblings. She grudgingly agrees to stay a week. But there’s something about Edisto that changes people. Can Julia and her fractured family somehow manage to come together again under that low-hanging Edisto moon?
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2013
43 people are currently reading
982 people want to read
About the author
Beth Webb Hart
10 books87 followersBeth Webb Hart holds a B.A. in English Literature from Hollins College and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. Her first novel, Grace at Low Tide, was one of three finalists for the 2006 Christy Awards in the general/contemporary fiction category. She lectures on a variety of topics and has taught creative writing on the college and high school level. She serves as a writer-in-residence at Ashley Hall in Charleston, SC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
March 11, 2013
I love reading and when I read the storyline of this book, I knew I would want to review it. I used to live in North Carolina so when I get a chance to read a story about southern living I always look forward to the adventure. What also caught my eye was the authors name, Beth Webb Hart. My connection was made and I was intrigued to see what kind of story she had to offer. This quote says it so perfectly...
“Moon Over Edisto is a rich, endearing, can’t-stop-reading book about what matters most, the power of love to transform the human heart.”
Dorothea Benton Frank, bestselling author of Sullivan’s Island
The past has come knocking on Julia’s door. Can she summon the courage to answer betrayal with love?
Julia’s best friend, Marney, broke up her parents’ marriage years ago. Now Marney shows up at her Manhattan apartment, asking the impossible—come home to Edisto Island to care for the half-sisters and half-brother she has never known. Marney, recently widowed, has lung cancer. There’s no other family to care for the children while she’s in the hospital following surgery.
Julia loathes Marney. But if she doesn’t step in, her own mother—who has never gotten over the divorce—will be called upon to take care of the children. So she heads to South Carolina to keep the peace.
On Edisto, she begins to reconnect with the place and the people and she’s been running from her whole adult life. There’s the local doctor who once stole a kiss from her on that very beach, and the siblings she’s never known—especially the sister with selected mutism named Etta who’s the keeper of nearly every family secret . . . including the very one that just might bind-up Julia’s long-since shattered heart.
I hope you take time to read Moon Over Edisto, I really was captivated by the story and it touched my heart!
“Moon Over Edisto is a rich, endearing, can’t-stop-reading book about what matters most, the power of love to transform the human heart.”
Dorothea Benton Frank, bestselling author of Sullivan’s Island
The past has come knocking on Julia’s door. Can she summon the courage to answer betrayal with love?
Julia’s best friend, Marney, broke up her parents’ marriage years ago. Now Marney shows up at her Manhattan apartment, asking the impossible—come home to Edisto Island to care for the half-sisters and half-brother she has never known. Marney, recently widowed, has lung cancer. There’s no other family to care for the children while she’s in the hospital following surgery.
Julia loathes Marney. But if she doesn’t step in, her own mother—who has never gotten over the divorce—will be called upon to take care of the children. So she heads to South Carolina to keep the peace.
On Edisto, she begins to reconnect with the place and the people and she’s been running from her whole adult life. There’s the local doctor who once stole a kiss from her on that very beach, and the siblings she’s never known—especially the sister with selected mutism named Etta who’s the keeper of nearly every family secret . . . including the very one that just might bind-up Julia’s long-since shattered heart.
I hope you take time to read Moon Over Edisto, I really was captivated by the story and it touched my heart!
April 20, 2013
20 years ago, Mr. Bennett left his family to start a new one with his daughter's friend. All these years later, even after his death, his first family is struggling with hurt and confusion.
Julia is an artist, like her dad. She's engaged, but maybe not to the right guy. When her former friend, Marty, her dad's second wife, announces she has cancer, Julia has to decide if she is willing to return to Edisto to care for her 3 half-siblings during recovery time.
This book started a little slow for me. It actually took me a couple of attempts before getting into it. The chapters alternate between quite a few characters, and it took some time to sort through all of them. After I did, I actually enjoyed the many points of view.
Moon Over Edisto is a story of healing and forgiveness. It has a sad, overall tone to it. My heart went out to the children! They were so neglected, it just made me mad. While Marty is represented as a loving mother, it was shameful at the living conditions those children had to endure.
I enjoyed all the artistic references made! I don't have an artistic bone in my body, but I do enjoy reading about those who do. :)
Spoiler Alert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I didn't like the relationship progress in this story. In my opinion, when you have a fiance, you don't go on dates with other men. You also don't hug other men for comfort that you might have feelings for. Don't get me wrong. If you're having second thoughts about that fiance, by all means, don't marry him! I wish there was more honesty going on in regards to the fiance. Julia was cheating, in my opinion, even though there was no kissing while engaged. It was never addressed as such to satisfy me, in the end.
End Spoiler
If you enjoy slower books with a sad tone, tough issues, and little romance, Moon Over Edisto might be a good match for you. If you enjoy lighter, up beat Christian romance, I'd go elsewhere. In general, I tend to go more towards "light and fluffy". I did still find it enjoyable, though!
*I was provided a review copy through Booksneeze in exchange for my honest opinion.
Julia is an artist, like her dad. She's engaged, but maybe not to the right guy. When her former friend, Marty, her dad's second wife, announces she has cancer, Julia has to decide if she is willing to return to Edisto to care for her 3 half-siblings during recovery time.
This book started a little slow for me. It actually took me a couple of attempts before getting into it. The chapters alternate between quite a few characters, and it took some time to sort through all of them. After I did, I actually enjoyed the many points of view.
Moon Over Edisto is a story of healing and forgiveness. It has a sad, overall tone to it. My heart went out to the children! They were so neglected, it just made me mad. While Marty is represented as a loving mother, it was shameful at the living conditions those children had to endure.
I enjoyed all the artistic references made! I don't have an artistic bone in my body, but I do enjoy reading about those who do. :)
Spoiler Alert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I didn't like the relationship progress in this story. In my opinion, when you have a fiance, you don't go on dates with other men. You also don't hug other men for comfort that you might have feelings for. Don't get me wrong. If you're having second thoughts about that fiance, by all means, don't marry him! I wish there was more honesty going on in regards to the fiance. Julia was cheating, in my opinion, even though there was no kissing while engaged. It was never addressed as such to satisfy me, in the end.
End Spoiler
If you enjoy slower books with a sad tone, tough issues, and little romance, Moon Over Edisto might be a good match for you. If you enjoy lighter, up beat Christian romance, I'd go elsewhere. In general, I tend to go more towards "light and fluffy". I did still find it enjoyable, though!
*I was provided a review copy through Booksneeze in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 23, 2013
Moon over Edisto was a delightful novel. Although the author made a slow start introducing all the players, once she built momentum, I found it was difficult to put the book down.
There were five main point of view (POV) characters. Most of them I liked; one was downright unpleasant. The author did a great job of creating a unique "voice" for each character. She also employed a technique I've never seen before to help us know who was the POV character in each chapter: She used that person's name as the heading.
I was somewhat disappointed at how shallow the characters' faith was and how little it played into the story. Frankly, I expect more from a Thomas Nelson publication.
I also wanted to know more about who Etta considered "the enemies" and how she came to make this distinction. Does she ever talk to anyone besides Charlie?
The book seemed to end awfully abruptly--on the one hand conveniently wrapping up some things (especially Meg/Margaret's resentment toward Marnie and her children), while at the same time leaving some loose ends conspicuously dangling (e.g.--the wedding plans interrupted by Julia's abrupt return to Edisto).
If you want a nice, warm fuzzy book to read, then this would be a nice choice. A great bonus is the vivid sampling of southern culture--pluff mud, tomato pie, crabs and all!
There were five main point of view (POV) characters. Most of them I liked; one was downright unpleasant. The author did a great job of creating a unique "voice" for each character. She also employed a technique I've never seen before to help us know who was the POV character in each chapter: She used that person's name as the heading.
I was somewhat disappointed at how shallow the characters' faith was and how little it played into the story. Frankly, I expect more from a Thomas Nelson publication.
I also wanted to know more about who Etta considered "the enemies" and how she came to make this distinction. Does she ever talk to anyone besides Charlie?
The book seemed to end awfully abruptly--on the one hand conveniently wrapping up some things (especially Meg/Margaret's resentment toward Marnie and her children), while at the same time leaving some loose ends conspicuously dangling (e.g.--the wedding plans interrupted by Julia's abrupt return to Edisto).
If you want a nice, warm fuzzy book to read, then this would be a nice choice. A great bonus is the vivid sampling of southern culture--pluff mud, tomato pie, crabs and all!
February 20, 2013
I have to be honest. I don't read a lot of Christian fiction set in modern times. I adore historical fiction (must be the history buff in me), but in my experience most other Christian fiction is just very sappy fluff, and predictable. So I was curious how Moon Over Edisto, by Beth Webb Hart would turn out. I was pleasantly surprised.
This book did have a measure of predictability to it, I suppose, but the story was unusual and different than most. The main characters are struggling with deep hurts and some serious family dysfunction brought on by betrayal and divorce. Just as in real life they each have their own response to their hurts: anger, denial, confusion, fear, guilt... The story develops as each is forced to face their own issues and how their issues are effecting those around them.
This book is thoughtfully and engagingly written and I enjoyed it very much. It was hard to put it down~always a good sign! Set in South Carolina, it has certainly made me want to visit this charming part of the country. The themes of forgiveness, grace, faith, and reconciliation resonate beautifully in this story and those are themes that are never outdated.
This book did have a measure of predictability to it, I suppose, but the story was unusual and different than most. The main characters are struggling with deep hurts and some serious family dysfunction brought on by betrayal and divorce. Just as in real life they each have their own response to their hurts: anger, denial, confusion, fear, guilt... The story develops as each is forced to face their own issues and how their issues are effecting those around them.
This book is thoughtfully and engagingly written and I enjoyed it very much. It was hard to put it down~always a good sign! Set in South Carolina, it has certainly made me want to visit this charming part of the country. The themes of forgiveness, grace, faith, and reconciliation resonate beautifully in this story and those are themes that are never outdated.
June 6, 2013
I love books from the Low Country. Just some kind of magic in them!
I love books about family, women so this one was right up my alley. The cover spoke to me, and it didn't stop there. Each page held such magic, as the Low Country does that I couldn't stop reading till the last page was turned.
On Edisto Island, at one time, the Bennett family seemed to have it all. But it fell apart, the 3 girls moving on and swearing to never come back. But the oldest, Julia, has to come back and take care of her 3 younger half-siblings. Then it all changes.
Does Edisto Island have that pull to keep Julia there once again? Woven together in such a way it will make you sigh with such contentment while reading. I feel as if the story was spun all around me, and I don't want to come out of it any time soon!
Beth Webb Hart is a fantastic writer and you MUST NOT miss out on this tale!
I love books about family, women so this one was right up my alley. The cover spoke to me, and it didn't stop there. Each page held such magic, as the Low Country does that I couldn't stop reading till the last page was turned.
On Edisto Island, at one time, the Bennett family seemed to have it all. But it fell apart, the 3 girls moving on and swearing to never come back. But the oldest, Julia, has to come back and take care of her 3 younger half-siblings. Then it all changes.
Does Edisto Island have that pull to keep Julia there once again? Woven together in such a way it will make you sigh with such contentment while reading. I feel as if the story was spun all around me, and I don't want to come out of it any time soon!
Beth Webb Hart is a fantastic writer and you MUST NOT miss out on this tale!
August 4, 2017
Twice in one week, I've been blessed by the discovery of a brand new author to read, and onto the best summer reading I can remember in awhile!
This book had everything you can want in a Southern Write, the talk of Low Country like you know it( I've only been there briefly once) but these woman( you know who I refer to) that write of it know how to bring you there, and raise you there, thru their writing and living skills. I have ordered all Beth Webb Harts books now and can't wait to sit and pore over them with my friends that I pass them on to. Keep writing Beth!
This book had everything you can want in a Southern Write, the talk of Low Country like you know it( I've only been there briefly once) but these woman( you know who I refer to) that write of it know how to bring you there, and raise you there, thru their writing and living skills. I have ordered all Beth Webb Harts books now and can't wait to sit and pore over them with my friends that I pass them on to. Keep writing Beth!
June 3, 2018
Yet again the discounted of South Carolina, pulls its own back to their roots. Divorce, scandal, and three young half siblings, change Julia life forever.
Julia a successful New York artist has sealed her heart and emotions away from Edisto Island, the land of her childhood. Engaged and her life going according to her plan, before a phone call changes everything. Her former friend, now her StepMother needs her to return home to help with her half siblings. A new favorite low country author. Lots of tears as l Julia answers the call of her heart.
Julia a successful New York artist has sealed her heart and emotions away from Edisto Island, the land of her childhood. Engaged and her life going according to her plan, before a phone call changes everything. Her former friend, now her StepMother needs her to return home to help with her half siblings. A new favorite low country author. Lots of tears as l Julia answers the call of her heart.
February 25, 2019
I enjoyed this book, as I read most of it while visiting Key West. (This lovely setting may have influenced me a little?) The contrast among settings kept my interest, and the main character Julia was so well-developed, as were the children. I felt that the ending may have been a little rushed. While this book was certainly not life-changing for me, it was most definitely enjoyable and I would recommend it for anyone who wants a good read.
May 12, 2023
I enjoyed this book - especially since I was in This part of the country while reading it. It says it’s Christian Fiction and I thought it was well done. Not sappy or in your face at all.
The ending was a bit rushed, but I didn’t mind. Love, forgiveness & family are the main themes of this book. I recommend if you enjoy books about the low-country & complicated family dynamics
The ending was a bit rushed, but I didn’t mind. Love, forgiveness & family are the main themes of this book. I recommend if you enjoy books about the low-country & complicated family dynamics
January 30, 2018
This is a haunting story that made me wonder how I would handle the situations encountered by the characters in it. I felt the beauty in the resolution of doing the right thing for the right reasons.
January 19, 2019
I checked this one out solely because Edisto was in the title and that is a sacred place for me. I know this is not a good method to finding great books. However it was better than I expected. I didn’t mind the story and it kept me engaged in the airport during my flight delay.
September 9, 2020
Much better than the last book I read by this author. A more subtle approach to Christian fiction. Although it has a predictable ending, the story is well-told and the descriptions of the Lowcountry are always memorable.
October 1, 2020
I love a book that will hold my attention and this book does just that. Very suspenseful. I couldn't wait to find out who the murderer was. I love trying to figure this out on my own. Very good.
May 9, 2025
I’m not sure how to describe how this book made me feel 🥹. I absolutely loved this book and will be reading more by this author! So much love and forgiveness! I just wished that there would’ve been one more chapter or epilogue, instead of the ending we got. I need more lol
September 13, 2017
This will pull at your heartstrings! Why have I not known this author before? Beth Webb Hart's characters really come to life.
December 27, 2017
This story was predictable but nice. I have spent much time on Edisto, so it was nice that the story was set there.
May 11, 2019
A sweet story set in one of my most favorite places, Edisto Island!
January 26, 2020
Did enjoy this book.
August 12, 2020
Hard-hitting themes, forgiveness and an unlikely family coming together make this a remarkable story. I loved seeing the growth in many of the characters. A wonderful story!
November 1, 2020
Enjoyable, if predictable. Light, quick read.
December 23, 2020
A Story of Hope
The story was amazing. Human nature at it's worst and best. A must read for anyone with a heart or conscience. Couldn't put it down. Full of tears and laughter.
The story was amazing. Human nature at it's worst and best. A must read for anyone with a heart or conscience. Couldn't put it down. Full of tears and laughter.
February 11, 2022
Moon Over Edisto
Easy and enjoyable reading with realism. Recommend for us readers who prefer a good story without smut. Plan to read this author again.
Easy and enjoyable reading with realism. Recommend for us readers who prefer a good story without smut. Plan to read this author again.
October 13, 2023
A great beach read at edisto.
June 5, 2024
Pretty good all things considered
November 4, 2025
Randomly picked up this book while on vacation in Edisto Beach and it was a great m, quick one day read. Highly recommend the book and the beach!
December 13, 2019
Beautiful book & setting! New York, Charleston & Budapest, what’s not to love...
March 10, 2013
Beth Webb Hart's Moon Over Edisto is a book that grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go.
Julia Bennett's childhood was spent in the South Carolina low country where she enjoyed the leisure of fishing, crabbing, and painting along the shores of Edisto Island. Her family and childhood were picture perfect until they weren't.
During their years in college, Julia and Marney were the best of friends. Because Marney didn't have a family of her own, Julia and her family welcomed Marney with open arms. Unfortunately, it was Mr. Charles Bennett's arms that Marney ran into.
Twenty years later the Bennett family is still in ruins. Mary Ellen, Julia's mother, never quite recovered from the shock of the divorce. Meg, Julia's sister, holds such a grudge that she even keeps her own husband and children at distance, being sure to keep control as much as she can. As for Julia, she left it all behind, vowing never to return to Edisto again. She fled to New York, became an academic and artist, and recently got engaged to a rising art dealer.
With the new life she was leading and the distractions, Julia thought she had everything under control. She had fought with her emotions enough--therapy and pills to assist--but they couldn't stay hidden for long especially when Marney showed up on her doorstep pleading for help.
Marney, a recent widow, has lung cancer and asks Julia to return to Edisto in order to care for her half-sisters and half-brother whom she has never met. Coming face-to-face with the woman who stole her life right out from under her forced the hidden past to rise like a lump in her throat. Julia couldn't let her mother do it, and asking Meg was fruitless, so she begrudgingly agrees to help for one week.
In such a short week, Julia falls in love with more than just the offspring of her father and Marney, but also a doctor who as a teen had stolen a kiss from her. Some questions still remain: Can Mary Ellen get over her divorce? Can Meg let go of her grudges? Which man will Julia choose? Will Julia ever forgive Marney?
Being a girl from the south who spent many summers at Edisto Island (not to forget to mention my husband is from Charleston), I really enjoyed this book. Beth Webb Hart did such an amazing job describing the area that I completely lost myself, imagining all the times I've spent fishing and crabbing out there during the summer with friends. Such great memories washed over me!
Aside from my own experiences in the area in which the story is set, the book as a whole is really good. Laughter and tears will be shed with this book.
My only complaint is the author's use of the same name for two different characters. That is one of the main rules in writing. To avoid confusion, refrain from using the same name for different characters. There was one sentence when I wasn't sure who the author was referring to until I moved on to the next few lines. My suggestion is that if she wanted to keep the same name, she should have referred to the younger as "Preston Jr."
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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."
Julia Bennett's childhood was spent in the South Carolina low country where she enjoyed the leisure of fishing, crabbing, and painting along the shores of Edisto Island. Her family and childhood were picture perfect until they weren't.
During their years in college, Julia and Marney were the best of friends. Because Marney didn't have a family of her own, Julia and her family welcomed Marney with open arms. Unfortunately, it was Mr. Charles Bennett's arms that Marney ran into.
Twenty years later the Bennett family is still in ruins. Mary Ellen, Julia's mother, never quite recovered from the shock of the divorce. Meg, Julia's sister, holds such a grudge that she even keeps her own husband and children at distance, being sure to keep control as much as she can. As for Julia, she left it all behind, vowing never to return to Edisto again. She fled to New York, became an academic and artist, and recently got engaged to a rising art dealer.
With the new life she was leading and the distractions, Julia thought she had everything under control. She had fought with her emotions enough--therapy and pills to assist--but they couldn't stay hidden for long especially when Marney showed up on her doorstep pleading for help.
Marney, a recent widow, has lung cancer and asks Julia to return to Edisto in order to care for her half-sisters and half-brother whom she has never met. Coming face-to-face with the woman who stole her life right out from under her forced the hidden past to rise like a lump in her throat. Julia couldn't let her mother do it, and asking Meg was fruitless, so she begrudgingly agrees to help for one week.
In such a short week, Julia falls in love with more than just the offspring of her father and Marney, but also a doctor who as a teen had stolen a kiss from her. Some questions still remain: Can Mary Ellen get over her divorce? Can Meg let go of her grudges? Which man will Julia choose? Will Julia ever forgive Marney?
Being a girl from the south who spent many summers at Edisto Island (not to forget to mention my husband is from Charleston), I really enjoyed this book. Beth Webb Hart did such an amazing job describing the area that I completely lost myself, imagining all the times I've spent fishing and crabbing out there during the summer with friends. Such great memories washed over me!
Aside from my own experiences in the area in which the story is set, the book as a whole is really good. Laughter and tears will be shed with this book.
My only complaint is the author's use of the same name for two different characters. That is one of the main rules in writing. To avoid confusion, refrain from using the same name for different characters. There was one sentence when I wasn't sure who the author was referring to until I moved on to the next few lines. My suggestion is that if she wanted to keep the same name, she should have referred to the younger as "Preston Jr."
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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."
February 18, 2013
Julia Bennett's family fell apart twenty years ago when she brought her friend home from college. Julia left it all behind her and forged a new life as a Manhattan artist. Her sister Meg lives in deep denial, raising the perfect family and posting it on Facebook; and her mother, Mary Ellen, is still trying to understand what went wrong. But a family emergency has brought about the unthinkable: Julia is going back to Edisto Island to look after her father's second family. Her feelings for three innocent children are stronger than she expected, and a reunion with her first kiss leaves her wondering if it is possible to go home again, after all.
Moon over Edisto is a beautiful story of a fractured family that is trying to recover from the ultimate betrayal. Each character has been wounded and suffers in her own way. The novel carries the feel and atmosphere of the South: slow, laid-back, and welcoming. It was a difficult book to put down, as each time I tried, I found myself homesick for Edisto Island and wanting to know what happened next.
Overall, the plot and storyline flow beautifully. A couple of scenes with Simon, Julia's fiancé, seemed like unnecessary filler, but otherwise, it was perfect. The point-of-view shifts between characters, but as it changes with each chapter, and the chapter heading gives the reader advance warning, it is a comfortable shift.
Although Julia is the main character, they are all equally interesting. I could imagine Mary Ellen, growing older in her small town, still trying to piece together the fragments of her life after being discarded by her husband, and wondering why she was not enough. Meg, at first, irritated me with her self-righteous little perfect world. But as the story progressed and I saw how damaged Meg was by her father's actions, I could not help but feel sorry for her. I also enjoyed a little chuckle when she was updating her Facebook status; this is exactly what so many people seem to do there: they project the life they wish they had and hope everyone believes. And then there is silent little Etta, the secret keeper. It seems that the second family are in need of healing, as well.
Although this novel is classified as Christian fiction, it is not the typical Scripture-heavy story where everyone skips into the sunset. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but everyone does not care for the style. This is a clean story, but with realistic, modern situations with which the average reader can identify. The Scripture-based themes of forgiveness, healing, and redemption are presented in such a way that represent the Biblical teachings without alienating the non-churchgoing reader.
Recommended for teens and older.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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.”
Moon over Edisto is a beautiful story of a fractured family that is trying to recover from the ultimate betrayal. Each character has been wounded and suffers in her own way. The novel carries the feel and atmosphere of the South: slow, laid-back, and welcoming. It was a difficult book to put down, as each time I tried, I found myself homesick for Edisto Island and wanting to know what happened next.
Overall, the plot and storyline flow beautifully. A couple of scenes with Simon, Julia's fiancé, seemed like unnecessary filler, but otherwise, it was perfect. The point-of-view shifts between characters, but as it changes with each chapter, and the chapter heading gives the reader advance warning, it is a comfortable shift.
Although Julia is the main character, they are all equally interesting. I could imagine Mary Ellen, growing older in her small town, still trying to piece together the fragments of her life after being discarded by her husband, and wondering why she was not enough. Meg, at first, irritated me with her self-righteous little perfect world. But as the story progressed and I saw how damaged Meg was by her father's actions, I could not help but feel sorry for her. I also enjoyed a little chuckle when she was updating her Facebook status; this is exactly what so many people seem to do there: they project the life they wish they had and hope everyone believes. And then there is silent little Etta, the secret keeper. It seems that the second family are in need of healing, as well.
Although this novel is classified as Christian fiction, it is not the typical Scripture-heavy story where everyone skips into the sunset. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but everyone does not care for the style. This is a clean story, but with realistic, modern situations with which the average reader can identify. The Scripture-based themes of forgiveness, healing, and redemption are presented in such a way that represent the Biblical teachings without alienating the non-churchgoing reader.
Recommended for teens and older.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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.”
February 22, 2017
Excellent read.
March 5, 2013
MOON OVER EDISTO BY BETH WEBB HART BOOK REVIEW
Nowadays, it seems everyone’s family is dysfunctional. Julia’s, though, may be a tad more dysfunctional than others. With a successful career as an artist, Julia thought she had left her painful past behind her. But, when her stepmother appears on her doorstep all that changes in an instant. Marney isn’t simply a stepmom. She & Julia are only a year apart in age & were college friends. In fact, Julia brought Marney home with her which in turn launched an affair that ended her parents’ marriage. Now, Marney wants Julia to come home to Edisto to care for her half-siblings because Marney has cancer.
Each chapter slips between viewpoints. From Julia, to her mother, Mary Ellen & so forth, we see how each individual has been deeply affected by the sins of Julia’s father. But now that tragedy has struck, can old wounds be bound for the children’s sake or does Marney have to sleep in the bed she made?
Truly, this is a believable story. Julia is the depiction of so many people who have been hurt due to infidelities. Mary Ellen’s story is heart wrenching. After being married for half her life, she’d grown accustomed to a specific lifestyle & had to abruptly adjust to being self-sufficient & single. Even Marney is someone that many can relate to. While she certainly wasn’t innocent, she isn’t the first of us to be caught in sin.
Every character has depth & their feelings aren’t sugarcoated. I think that it was makes this book so fantastic to read. Mary Ellen’s loneliness, Julia’s anger, Meg’s busy life- there’s a piece of every woman in each of them. Beth Webb Hart has woven a dynamic tale that lingers with the reader after they’ve finished reading. Her plot is fabulous and there is an air of mystery as we wonder how the entire scenario will play itself out.
Many readers will adore this book & become Beth Webb Hart fans. I rate it a 5 of 5 stars.
I received 1 eBook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Nowadays, it seems everyone’s family is dysfunctional. Julia’s, though, may be a tad more dysfunctional than others. With a successful career as an artist, Julia thought she had left her painful past behind her. But, when her stepmother appears on her doorstep all that changes in an instant. Marney isn’t simply a stepmom. She & Julia are only a year apart in age & were college friends. In fact, Julia brought Marney home with her which in turn launched an affair that ended her parents’ marriage. Now, Marney wants Julia to come home to Edisto to care for her half-siblings because Marney has cancer.
Each chapter slips between viewpoints. From Julia, to her mother, Mary Ellen & so forth, we see how each individual has been deeply affected by the sins of Julia’s father. But now that tragedy has struck, can old wounds be bound for the children’s sake or does Marney have to sleep in the bed she made?
Truly, this is a believable story. Julia is the depiction of so many people who have been hurt due to infidelities. Mary Ellen’s story is heart wrenching. After being married for half her life, she’d grown accustomed to a specific lifestyle & had to abruptly adjust to being self-sufficient & single. Even Marney is someone that many can relate to. While she certainly wasn’t innocent, she isn’t the first of us to be caught in sin.
Every character has depth & their feelings aren’t sugarcoated. I think that it was makes this book so fantastic to read. Mary Ellen’s loneliness, Julia’s anger, Meg’s busy life- there’s a piece of every woman in each of them. Beth Webb Hart has woven a dynamic tale that lingers with the reader after they’ve finished reading. Her plot is fabulous and there is an air of mystery as we wonder how the entire scenario will play itself out.
Many readers will adore this book & become Beth Webb Hart fans. I rate it a 5 of 5 stars.
I received 1 eBook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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