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Mist and Moonbeams: Stories from the Great Lakes Edge
Dive into the mysterious allure of "Mist and Moonbeams: Stories from the Great Lakes Edge," a captivating collection of five short stories that traverse the heart and soul of the Great Lakes region. Each tale is a testament to the power of human emotion, the depth of the human heart, and the indomitable spirit of adventure that lies within us all.
Love in Her Two-Hearted
At 62, Sonny's world has been shaken. The love of her life, Mitch, is no more, leaving behind dreams yet to be fulfilled. They had imagined adventures together, tracing the footsteps of the literary giant Ernest Hemingway—from the vibrant streets of Paris, the thrilling rush of running with the bulls in Spain, to the wild expanse of the African safari. But now, with Mitch gone, Sonny embarks on an adventure of her own, an exploration of the Big Two-Hearted River by canoe. Dive into this stirring novella as Sonny faces rapids, untamed wildlife, and the challenges of survival. But amid the external obstacles lies an internal quest—a search for something elusive, something Sonny can neither name nor pinpoint. Join her as she paddles through the currents of grief, memory, and self-discovery, seeking a destination that might just surprise them both.
You Can’t Start A Fire With Moonlight
Under the mesmerizing glow of a super blue moon by Lake Huron, Michelle and Christopher find themselves entangled in a forbidden love that challenges everything they thought they knew about desire, loyalty, and betrayal. This tale of lost love and the quest for redemption is a haunting exploration of the choices that define us.
Confessions of an Efficient Cause
In the bitter winter of 1992, Chicago's Lake Michigan shoreline becomes the backdrop for a dark conspiracy that threatens the lives of students. Follow Detective Manuj Hemottia as he unravels the mysteries of a sinister organization, diving deep into a case that tests the limits of his determination and courage. This gripping story weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and the unyielding quest for justice.
A Hummingbird in Winter
How well can you truly know someone? In the frigid depths of a Toronto winter, Dash finds himself irresistibly drawn to the captivating Cynthia. But as their relationship unfolds, hidden truths and unexpected revelations challenge everything Dash thought he understood about love, connection, and authenticity. "A Hummingbird in Winter" is a poignant futuristic tale of self-discovery, questioning the very essence of the heart's desires.
Careful, Icarus
In the shadowy corners of Cleveland, Spider and his crew embark on a daring heist that could elevate them to the top of the criminal underworld. But at what cost? Torn between ambition and his love for his daughter, Spider's journey is a thrilling narrative of risk, redemption, and the fine line between dreams and delusions.
"Mist and Moonbeams: Stories from the Great Lakes Edge" weaves together a tapestry of human experience with the mystical allure of the Great Lakes. Each story invites you to embark on a journey of love, loss, discovery, and redemption, where the only constant is the profound connection between the human spirit and the natural world. Discover the magic, mystery, and majesty of the Great Lakes region through these unforgettable tales.
Love in Her Two-Hearted
At 62, Sonny's world has been shaken. The love of her life, Mitch, is no more, leaving behind dreams yet to be fulfilled. They had imagined adventures together, tracing the footsteps of the literary giant Ernest Hemingway—from the vibrant streets of Paris, the thrilling rush of running with the bulls in Spain, to the wild expanse of the African safari. But now, with Mitch gone, Sonny embarks on an adventure of her own, an exploration of the Big Two-Hearted River by canoe. Dive into this stirring novella as Sonny faces rapids, untamed wildlife, and the challenges of survival. But amid the external obstacles lies an internal quest—a search for something elusive, something Sonny can neither name nor pinpoint. Join her as she paddles through the currents of grief, memory, and self-discovery, seeking a destination that might just surprise them both.
You Can’t Start A Fire With Moonlight
Under the mesmerizing glow of a super blue moon by Lake Huron, Michelle and Christopher find themselves entangled in a forbidden love that challenges everything they thought they knew about desire, loyalty, and betrayal. This tale of lost love and the quest for redemption is a haunting exploration of the choices that define us.
Confessions of an Efficient Cause
In the bitter winter of 1992, Chicago's Lake Michigan shoreline becomes the backdrop for a dark conspiracy that threatens the lives of students. Follow Detective Manuj Hemottia as he unravels the mysteries of a sinister organization, diving deep into a case that tests the limits of his determination and courage. This gripping story weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and the unyielding quest for justice.
A Hummingbird in Winter
How well can you truly know someone? In the frigid depths of a Toronto winter, Dash finds himself irresistibly drawn to the captivating Cynthia. But as their relationship unfolds, hidden truths and unexpected revelations challenge everything Dash thought he understood about love, connection, and authenticity. "A Hummingbird in Winter" is a poignant futuristic tale of self-discovery, questioning the very essence of the heart's desires.
Careful, Icarus
In the shadowy corners of Cleveland, Spider and his crew embark on a daring heist that could elevate them to the top of the criminal underworld. But at what cost? Torn between ambition and his love for his daughter, Spider's journey is a thrilling narrative of risk, redemption, and the fine line between dreams and delusions.
"Mist and Moonbeams: Stories from the Great Lakes Edge" weaves together a tapestry of human experience with the mystical allure of the Great Lakes. Each story invites you to embark on a journey of love, loss, discovery, and redemption, where the only constant is the profound connection between the human spirit and the natural world. Discover the magic, mystery, and majesty of the Great Lakes region through these unforgettable tales.
- GenresShort Stories
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2024
5 people are currently reading
2940 people want to read
About the author
Paul Michael Peters
18 books388 followersPaul Michael Peters is a storyteller with an original voice who thrives at the edge of the human condition, blending humor and darkness with keen insight. His tales navigate the intricate dance between the mundane and the profound, capturing the ephemeral moments that define our lives with passion. His work invites readers into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, exploring life's shadowy corners with narratives that resonate with authenticity and imaginative daring.
Dive into the work of Paul Michael Peters and discover stories that echo the complexities of life: Right Hand of the Resistance, Mist and Moonbeams: Stories from the Great Lakes Edge, Broken Objects, Combustible Punch, The Symmetry of Snowflakes, Insensible Loss, and several beloved short stories like Mr. Memory and Other Stories of Wonder.
Dive into the work of Paul Michael Peters and discover stories that echo the complexities of life: Right Hand of the Resistance, Mist and Moonbeams: Stories from the Great Lakes Edge, Broken Objects, Combustible Punch, The Symmetry of Snowflakes, Insensible Loss, and several beloved short stories like Mr. Memory and Other Stories of Wonder.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 7, 2024
I received this book as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
4/5 stars because I got how 4/5 of the stories relate to the Great Lakes. I really liked the first story, You Can't Start a Fire with Moonlight. It delves into the story of a wife and mother dealing with her everyday life and the aftermath of infidelity.
The second story, A Hummingbird in Winter is the one that fell flat for me. It's a whirlwind, one-day romance story set in futuristic Toronto. And I think the futuristic setting was what made it fall flat, especially since the woman that the man fell in love with was a (major spoiler) . And the story raises the question of what makes emotions real but with the details of what's revealed it makes the emotions of that story really bothersome.
The third story, Confessions of an Efficient Cause was a murder mystery - thriller set in Chicago which was a fun enough read, I wish we'd gotten more details of the plot but it was a fast paced read. I guess that's a result of it being fairly short and focusing more on the detectives' story than what exactly the plot was. Also, really weird that they kept referring to the World Trade Organization as the World Trade. Not sure what the deal was with that but it was a bit distracting.
The fourth story, Careful, Icarus almost fell flat for me but I liked it's pretty clear theme of how crime justified by bettering the criminals family ultimately falls flat and just drags down the whole community.
The fifth story, Love in Her Big Two-Heart was the story of a recent widow's one person canoe trip down the Two-Heart River in the Upper Peninsula. The descriptions of her moment to moment struggles was captivating and this was easily my favorite story. Mostly for the description of the journey but the reveals at the end of the story definitely lent a new twist to everything and made everything a bit more interesting. Interesting bit of ambiguity at the end too, . That second reveal especially just chilled me.
Overall, this is an odd collection as the main connecting element is that each story takes place close to one of the Great Lakes. I suppose it does offer varying views of life on the Great Lakes, from a small town family to a big time sales executive to a drug dealer to a cop and back to the everyday with a grieving widow (though it turns out not that everyday).
Where it really shines is the description of day to day and minute to minute activities. The author really brings the drama of day to day actions to light and those parts of the book were really what shined most.
4/5 stars because I got how 4/5 of the stories relate to the Great Lakes. I really liked the first story, You Can't Start a Fire with Moonlight. It delves into the story of a wife and mother dealing with her everyday life and the aftermath of infidelity.
The second story, A Hummingbird in Winter is the one that fell flat for me. It's a whirlwind, one-day romance story set in futuristic Toronto. And I think the futuristic setting was what made it fall flat, especially since the woman that the man fell in love with was a (major spoiler) . And the story raises the question of what makes emotions real but with the details of what's revealed it makes the emotions of that story really bothersome.
The third story, Confessions of an Efficient Cause was a murder mystery - thriller set in Chicago which was a fun enough read, I wish we'd gotten more details of the plot but it was a fast paced read. I guess that's a result of it being fairly short and focusing more on the detectives' story than what exactly the plot was. Also, really weird that they kept referring to the World Trade Organization as the World Trade. Not sure what the deal was with that but it was a bit distracting.
The fourth story, Careful, Icarus almost fell flat for me but I liked it's pretty clear theme of how crime justified by bettering the criminals family ultimately falls flat and just drags down the whole community.
The fifth story, Love in Her Big Two-Heart was the story of a recent widow's one person canoe trip down the Two-Heart River in the Upper Peninsula. The descriptions of her moment to moment struggles was captivating and this was easily my favorite story. Mostly for the description of the journey but the reveals at the end of the story definitely lent a new twist to everything and made everything a bit more interesting. Interesting bit of ambiguity at the end too, . That second reveal especially just chilled me.
Overall, this is an odd collection as the main connecting element is that each story takes place close to one of the Great Lakes. I suppose it does offer varying views of life on the Great Lakes, from a small town family to a big time sales executive to a drug dealer to a cop and back to the everyday with a grieving widow (though it turns out not that everyday).
Where it really shines is the description of day to day and minute to minute activities. The author really brings the drama of day to day actions to light and those parts of the book were really what shined most.
January 21, 2025
I won a copy of Mist and Moonbeams, Stories from the Great Lakes Edge, from LibraryThing. There are five short stories; one for each of the Great Lakes. I was expecting a book about tales about the Great Lakes, the title says "from the edge". I have decided to give it a 4 star rating after thinking about it even though I did not care for all of the stories. The writing was clever and has imagination. The opinions are my own. These short stories are "Stories from the Great Lakes Edge". Edge is the word. I reviewed each story on its own so there is a lot of repeat. The book is signed by the author and it is a hard cover book. It will stay on one of my book shelves.
Lake Huron- You Can't Start a Fire With Moonlight:
A wife was unfaithful to her husband one time and lost her wedding ring when this happened.
The wife and husband love each other, have a family, and go to church.
The story is about her looking for the ring.
Only 54 pages.
The writing was good and since it was short a quick read, it kept me wanting to know if she finds it and how she tells her husband why it is missing.
I give this story a 3 star rating.
Lake Ontario: A Hummingbird in Winter:
Story two begins with a lady bumping into a man when he was in Canada on a business trip.
She takes him to his hotel room and cleans his scrapes on his legs. The story is in first person.
She stays with him until he leaves for home but will not give him how to contact her when he returns.
Stay with the story. The end was not what I expected.
I give the short story a 4 star because it was different.
Lake Michigan- Confessions of an Efficient Cause:
The story, Confessions of an Efficient Cause, begins with the death of a young woman. She is involved with a group called Save the Planet.
Detective Hemottia is working on the case as well as other detectives.
It was not an easy ready because of the violence but kept the reader in suspense.
I give it a 4 star read but I would not have continued the story if i had not won the book.
I guess the cause was the organization wanted to "Stop Corporate Greed and STOP THE WORLD TRADE".I won a copy of Mist and Moonbeams from LibraryThing. The opinions are my own.
Only 24 pages. I may do a re-read.
Lake Erie-Careful, Icarus
This short story was not a great read for me. It dealt with criminals.
Spider is involved with criminal activities. He loves his daughter and tells her what he is doing is for her.
Only 24 pages. I may do a re-read.
Lake Superior- Love in Her Big Two-Hearted:
This is the fifth and last book of short stories in Mist and Moonbeams.
A widow wants to get away and decided to take a canoe trip on Lake Superior. She has never paddled a canoe and or been to the the woods on her own. She does find adventure.
This story was longer than the others and maybe that is why I lost interest. I need to do a re-read.
As usual in the other stories in the book, be prepared for a surprise.
Lake Huron- You Can't Start a Fire With Moonlight:
A wife was unfaithful to her husband one time and lost her wedding ring when this happened.
The wife and husband love each other, have a family, and go to church.
The story is about her looking for the ring.
Only 54 pages.
The writing was good and since it was short a quick read, it kept me wanting to know if she finds it and how she tells her husband why it is missing.
I give this story a 3 star rating.
Lake Ontario: A Hummingbird in Winter:
Story two begins with a lady bumping into a man when he was in Canada on a business trip.
She takes him to his hotel room and cleans his scrapes on his legs. The story is in first person.
She stays with him until he leaves for home but will not give him how to contact her when he returns.
Stay with the story. The end was not what I expected.
I give the short story a 4 star because it was different.
Lake Michigan- Confessions of an Efficient Cause:
The story, Confessions of an Efficient Cause, begins with the death of a young woman. She is involved with a group called Save the Planet.
Detective Hemottia is working on the case as well as other detectives.
It was not an easy ready because of the violence but kept the reader in suspense.
I give it a 4 star read but I would not have continued the story if i had not won the book.
I guess the cause was the organization wanted to "Stop Corporate Greed and STOP THE WORLD TRADE".I won a copy of Mist and Moonbeams from LibraryThing. The opinions are my own.
Only 24 pages. I may do a re-read.
Lake Erie-Careful, Icarus
This short story was not a great read for me. It dealt with criminals.
Spider is involved with criminal activities. He loves his daughter and tells her what he is doing is for her.
Only 24 pages. I may do a re-read.
Lake Superior- Love in Her Big Two-Hearted:
This is the fifth and last book of short stories in Mist and Moonbeams.
A widow wants to get away and decided to take a canoe trip on Lake Superior. She has never paddled a canoe and or been to the the woods on her own. She does find adventure.
This story was longer than the others and maybe that is why I lost interest. I need to do a re-read.
As usual in the other stories in the book, be prepared for a surprise.
June 16, 2024
A smoothly absorbing collection of short stories, Paul Michael Peters’ Mist and Moonbeams runs the gamut of human emotion, always rising above wrong cards that might be chosen, always rising to play the right. Sandy beach and tourist tower come to life convincingly, as do very flawed human characters in their many different forms, bringing an authentic sense of people and place to each of these stories. Then there’s the glorious sense of place: the lakes—seen only on maps or in passing on long flights for me, but real places, evocatively drawn, in which hauntingly real stories play out.
Past, present, and future; scifi, mystery, drama, and crime; all are here in these tales. With twists that tear at the heart or soul, with echoes of music well-remembered, with American dreams, and lives writ large and small, and with the full inclusion of the senses, these are stories that pull you in, then invite you to wander, travel, and stay awhile. Highly recommended.
Disclosure: I was given a pre-release copy and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. No compensation was provided - just an ebook to enjoy and review.
Past, present, and future; scifi, mystery, drama, and crime; all are here in these tales. With twists that tear at the heart or soul, with echoes of music well-remembered, with American dreams, and lives writ large and small, and with the full inclusion of the senses, these are stories that pull you in, then invite you to wander, travel, and stay awhile. Highly recommended.
Disclosure: I was given a pre-release copy and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. No compensation was provided - just an ebook to enjoy and review.
May 25, 2024
I tried to like this book, but I didn't really connect to it. I read it over the course of twelve days, yet struggled to remember the plots of all five stories when I was done and sat down to write my thoughts. Going over my notes prompted me.
The author's style is a pleasure to read. He does a good job of describing the scenes and creating the appropriate moods.
Some of the dialogue was a bit stiff. People generally talk much more casually to one another, using more contractions, than those in these stories. And the author tends to get a bit preachy too quickly in some of the conversations that occur. I think very few people open up as quickly, or opine about life and death as readily to strangers, as the characters here did.
The first tale was my favorite. The desperation felt by Michelle was palpable. The resulting outcomes from her choices were realistic, and the reactions from the other principle characters were predictable, but understandable. One thing that didn't work for me was the idea of having sex in freezing cold water… I'm not sure that happens so easily.
My least liked story was "Lake Erie". This one was just sat there in the collection liked a lost puppy, out of sorts with the others and cowering in the corner. A very mundane attempt at a 'Twilight Zone-ish' story of greed and its repercussions.
The last story was a lovely tale of a recently widowed mother trying to escape the reality of her husband's death. From the start, the reader knows all is not as it seems, but will enjoy the journey to its touching conclusion.
I think a lot of people will like these stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
The author's style is a pleasure to read. He does a good job of describing the scenes and creating the appropriate moods.
Some of the dialogue was a bit stiff. People generally talk much more casually to one another, using more contractions, than those in these stories. And the author tends to get a bit preachy too quickly in some of the conversations that occur. I think very few people open up as quickly, or opine about life and death as readily to strangers, as the characters here did.
The first tale was my favorite. The desperation felt by Michelle was palpable. The resulting outcomes from her choices were realistic, and the reactions from the other principle characters were predictable, but understandable. One thing that didn't work for me was the idea of having sex in freezing cold water… I'm not sure that happens so easily.
My least liked story was "Lake Erie". This one was just sat there in the collection liked a lost puppy, out of sorts with the others and cowering in the corner. A very mundane attempt at a 'Twilight Zone-ish' story of greed and its repercussions.
The last story was a lovely tale of a recently widowed mother trying to escape the reality of her husband's death. From the start, the reader knows all is not as it seems, but will enjoy the journey to its touching conclusion.
I think a lot of people will like these stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
July 11, 2024
With a pretentious description like "Each tale is a testament to the power of human emotion, the depth of the human heart, and the indomitable spirit of adventure that lies within us all." I wasn't expecting a whole lot but luring me in with tales from my home state Great Lakes I thought I'd give it a chance. I did not enjoy any of these stories and while I liked the mention of towns and areas around the lakes, the stories were just not something I enjoyed nor found the messages of value.
For example, the initial story starts out with a mild sex scene and one rooted in infidelity. I thought the story was going the route of a Hitchcockian comeuppance where her journey to find her lost wedding ring was going to be a symbolic journey that would lead to her getting away with it barely or failing to understand the cosmic justice had against her. Instead, we find out that her husband is just a good man and she has no reason to do what she's doing. There was an instance where her son, through meeting a girl with a pet raven, finds his mother's ring and realizes it has no response to the revelation other than a sentence or two of "wait, what?" And the husband knew all along and was fine with it because he promised when they got married to be with her through it all. What utter garbage. No repercussions, no real characterization, no real responses of any value. And worse of all, nothing to be redeemed.
The other stories are flat including a conspiracy detective story that takes place somewhat in Chicago and somewhat in Kalamazoo/WMU. Ya know, there are big cities on the Lake Michigan side of Michigan that you can set your story in. This was another story where nothing really realistic happens including the super secret senator showing up while his hitman is in the process of taking out a witness only to get away because the senator showed up and told the hitman to get the job done. The other three stories didn't offer much more for discussion.
Really a disappointment with the stories and the utilization of the Great Lakes could have been better utilized. Final Grade - F
For example, the initial story starts out with a mild sex scene and one rooted in infidelity. I thought the story was going the route of a Hitchcockian comeuppance where her journey to find her lost wedding ring was going to be a symbolic journey that would lead to her getting away with it barely or failing to understand the cosmic justice had against her. Instead, we find out that her husband is just a good man and she has no reason to do what she's doing. There was an instance where her son, through meeting a girl with a pet raven, finds his mother's ring and realizes it has no response to the revelation other than a sentence or two of "wait, what?" And the husband knew all along and was fine with it because he promised when they got married to be with her through it all. What utter garbage. No repercussions, no real characterization, no real responses of any value. And worse of all, nothing to be redeemed.
The other stories are flat including a conspiracy detective story that takes place somewhat in Chicago and somewhat in Kalamazoo/WMU. Ya know, there are big cities on the Lake Michigan side of Michigan that you can set your story in. This was another story where nothing really realistic happens including the super secret senator showing up while his hitman is in the process of taking out a witness only to get away because the senator showed up and told the hitman to get the job done. The other three stories didn't offer much more for discussion.
Really a disappointment with the stories and the utilization of the Great Lakes could have been better utilized. Final Grade - F
June 8, 2024
A group of stories, the backdrop of which is one of the Great Lakes. The stories are all very different. The About the Author at the end of the book identifies the author as "a storyteller with an original voice who thrives at the edge of the human condition, blending humor and darkness with keen insight. His tales navigate the intricate dance between the mundane and the profound, capturing the
ephemeral moments that define our lives with passion. His work invites readers into a world where
the ordinary becomes extraordinary, exploring life's shadowy corners with narratives that resonate with authenticity and imaginative daring." His descriptive phrasing lends superb detail in everything between raindrops and the depth of human emotions. Even the story titles contain a dry humor and an inside joke that attracts the reader to want to investigate.
You Can't Start a Fire With Moonlight involves a mother and wife struggling with every day life and the search for something more. Will her search lead to a revelation or more doubt?
A Hummingbird in Winter shows that all is not as it seems. Are our emotions real? Can we recapture something that we lost earlier in life?
Confessions of an Efficient Cause investigates the death of a young woman and the tendrils that are attached to her. This easily could be expanded into a novel. It explores the emotions of the investigation from the perspective of multiple characters, including their personal lives, yet it all connects in the end.
Careful, Icarus juxtaposes greed and sensitivity. The easy life and the things that make life unique.
Love in Her Big Two-Hearted is a complicated tale of a widow trying to find her way through the fog of grief and the search for meaning.
ephemeral moments that define our lives with passion. His work invites readers into a world where
the ordinary becomes extraordinary, exploring life's shadowy corners with narratives that resonate with authenticity and imaginative daring." His descriptive phrasing lends superb detail in everything between raindrops and the depth of human emotions. Even the story titles contain a dry humor and an inside joke that attracts the reader to want to investigate.
You Can't Start a Fire With Moonlight involves a mother and wife struggling with every day life and the search for something more. Will her search lead to a revelation or more doubt?
A Hummingbird in Winter shows that all is not as it seems. Are our emotions real? Can we recapture something that we lost earlier in life?
Confessions of an Efficient Cause investigates the death of a young woman and the tendrils that are attached to her. This easily could be expanded into a novel. It explores the emotions of the investigation from the perspective of multiple characters, including their personal lives, yet it all connects in the end.
Careful, Icarus juxtaposes greed and sensitivity. The easy life and the things that make life unique.
Love in Her Big Two-Hearted is a complicated tale of a widow trying to find her way through the fog of grief and the search for meaning.
June 29, 2024
mist and moonbeams sells itself on weaving stories of human experience with the mystical allure of the Great Lakes. Honestly, some of these stories could occur anywhere but 3 are better with the lakes as a backdrop. The 5 stories are the perfect length...enough to weave a web to draw in the reader. .
Story One: you can't start a fire with moonlight is a story about infidelity. The story was kind of ruined for me when I found an inconsistency between a ring that was a family heirloom yet later in the story it is revealed that the ring was purchased somewhere...do you buy a family heirloom from your grandmother? I've never heard of that. Anyway, I understood the story to be about how a supposedly secret infidelity can affect a family and does it really stay a secret? Your spouse says he knew all along and forgives you, but forgives you for what...losing the ring or the infidelity...does that mean the spouse is a cheater too? Ahhh..the fine web we (think) we weave.
Story Two. a hummingbird in winter - futuristic tale about the relationship between a robot and human partners. The story implies the perfect partnership, but is it really?
Story Three. Careful Icarus - A drug kingpin tries to hide his activities from his family while setting them up, financially, for life. However, he loses control of his "creation" and ends up destroying everything he loves.
Story Four. Confessions of an efficient cause - this is the best story in the book; good cop / bad politician; lots of suspense, character development and mystery.
Story Five. Love in her Big Two-Hearted. This was an emotional story about families and how they deal with tragedy....until the end and the hammer comes down. Great Ending!!
Story One: you can't start a fire with moonlight is a story about infidelity. The story was kind of ruined for me when I found an inconsistency between a ring that was a family heirloom yet later in the story it is revealed that the ring was purchased somewhere...do you buy a family heirloom from your grandmother? I've never heard of that. Anyway, I understood the story to be about how a supposedly secret infidelity can affect a family and does it really stay a secret? Your spouse says he knew all along and forgives you, but forgives you for what...losing the ring or the infidelity...does that mean the spouse is a cheater too? Ahhh..the fine web we (think) we weave.
Story Two. a hummingbird in winter - futuristic tale about the relationship between a robot and human partners. The story implies the perfect partnership, but is it really?
Story Three. Careful Icarus - A drug kingpin tries to hide his activities from his family while setting them up, financially, for life. However, he loses control of his "creation" and ends up destroying everything he loves.
Story Four. Confessions of an efficient cause - this is the best story in the book; good cop / bad politician; lots of suspense, character development and mystery.
Story Five. Love in her Big Two-Hearted. This was an emotional story about families and how they deal with tragedy....until the end and the hammer comes down. Great Ending!!
July 12, 2024
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
As outlined in the blurb, this book comprises a collection of five ‘short’ stories themed loosely around the location of the Great Lakes region and ordered by the mnemonic HOMES: Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and Lake Superior.
With the shortest of the five stories coming in at five chapters and the longest two both twenty-one chapters long, you definitely get your value for money in terms of sheer page numbers and if you are looking for variety of style and content you are covered there too. The stories range from a thoughtful, moralistic exploration of midlife fears and family complexities, to a futuristic meet-cute with a twist; from a murder mystery that leads to wider conspiracies and corruption, to an overreaching attempted drug-lord; and finally, a journey of self-identity, grief, healing and survival down the Big Two-Hearted river.
Each story is well-written, immersive and completely different to the others, so while they are gathered together for your entertainment under this one cover, I highly recommend savouring them individually for the greatest effect and impact (I read them all in one go and found myself expecting sci-fi or mystery elements to crop up in the last story because my mind was attempting to make links that just didn’t exist!).
There is truly a little of everything here, making it an ideal volume to introduce new readers to this author’s writing and a multi-fictional treat for returning readers.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
As outlined in the blurb, this book comprises a collection of five ‘short’ stories themed loosely around the location of the Great Lakes region and ordered by the mnemonic HOMES: Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and Lake Superior.
With the shortest of the five stories coming in at five chapters and the longest two both twenty-one chapters long, you definitely get your value for money in terms of sheer page numbers and if you are looking for variety of style and content you are covered there too. The stories range from a thoughtful, moralistic exploration of midlife fears and family complexities, to a futuristic meet-cute with a twist; from a murder mystery that leads to wider conspiracies and corruption, to an overreaching attempted drug-lord; and finally, a journey of self-identity, grief, healing and survival down the Big Two-Hearted river.
Each story is well-written, immersive and completely different to the others, so while they are gathered together for your entertainment under this one cover, I highly recommend savouring them individually for the greatest effect and impact (I read them all in one go and found myself expecting sci-fi or mystery elements to crop up in the last story because my mind was attempting to make links that just didn’t exist!).
There is truly a little of everything here, making it an ideal volume to introduce new readers to this author’s writing and a multi-fictional treat for returning readers.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
June 27, 2024
The set of five stories is craftily written. With the link being the Great Lakes, that is all that you can pinpoint. Each story is an amazingly different genre. You have emotive fiction, sci-fi, crime drama and more.
The stories are short but so well written that the reader is drawn in immediately. The short stories have the richness of a full novel. An excellent collection of works to read sitting on the dock on a summer afternoon on Lake Superior.
Lake Huron - While not a story that appealed to my interests, it is beautifully done. My Huron experiences are better, though, I do admit birds are everywhere but I love what they do.
Lake Ontario - A spectacular story that I loved every moment of. Brilliant sci-fi that I would read again and again and again.
Lake Michigan - Fans of Chicago P.D and FBI shows will just love this story. It has everything you want. There will be times when you are wondering where Voight or Maggie is...
Lake Erie - If you are a fan of Snowfall or even the older classic Breaking Bad, then this lake story is for you. Another incredibly well written story that shows the story that was told about California in 80s is a story about life south of Lake Erie too.
Lake Superior - Where someone might go for a visit if they are using the Ten Commandments as a checklist? An excellent drama/adventure story that will keep the reader going until the end. Remarkable writing here.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
The stories are short but so well written that the reader is drawn in immediately. The short stories have the richness of a full novel. An excellent collection of works to read sitting on the dock on a summer afternoon on Lake Superior.
Lake Huron - While not a story that appealed to my interests, it is beautifully done. My Huron experiences are better, though, I do admit birds are everywhere but I love what they do.
Lake Ontario - A spectacular story that I loved every moment of. Brilliant sci-fi that I would read again and again and again.
Lake Michigan - Fans of Chicago P.D and FBI shows will just love this story. It has everything you want. There will be times when you are wondering where Voight or Maggie is...
Lake Erie - If you are a fan of Snowfall or even the older classic Breaking Bad, then this lake story is for you. Another incredibly well written story that shows the story that was told about California in 80s is a story about life south of Lake Erie too.
Lake Superior - Where someone might go for a visit if they are using the Ten Commandments as a checklist? An excellent drama/adventure story that will keep the reader going until the end. Remarkable writing here.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
August 22, 2024
I received this book as part of an Early Reviewer Program.
I didn’t know what to expect from this book, so I went in with a completely open mind. I really enjoyed my reading travels through the Great Lakes.
This is a series of short stories, each taking place around a single Great Lake, but all very different. They are slices of life from very different backgrounds, which means there’s something for everyone. From the inner-city drug dealer to grieving widow in the wilderness alone, the stories kept me engaged. Tales ranged from the past, today, and the far future. They held various jobs and positions in their own small world. Each revolved around a single person or a small group, reminiscent of Austen or a Bronte sister.
Each character faced an internal dilemma, facing uncomfortable aspects of their own personalities. They faced their realities and dealt with them, one way or the other; not everyone survived the journey (and it’s not who you think). I had not heard of Paul Michael Peters before but look forward to reading more of his work.
I don’t usually mention the physical aspects of a book, but as I get older and my eyes are not as sharp as they were 20 years ago, I notice more. The book is a well put-together hardcover with nicely sized font on a crisp white background. The quality and easy-to-read print would be worth a higher price to me as a devoted reader. It will remain a keeper on my shelves for years to come.
I highly recommend this book to any adult. It would be equally at home as a lakeside beach read or snuggled up next to a winter fire.
I didn’t know what to expect from this book, so I went in with a completely open mind. I really enjoyed my reading travels through the Great Lakes.
This is a series of short stories, each taking place around a single Great Lake, but all very different. They are slices of life from very different backgrounds, which means there’s something for everyone. From the inner-city drug dealer to grieving widow in the wilderness alone, the stories kept me engaged. Tales ranged from the past, today, and the far future. They held various jobs and positions in their own small world. Each revolved around a single person or a small group, reminiscent of Austen or a Bronte sister.
Each character faced an internal dilemma, facing uncomfortable aspects of their own personalities. They faced their realities and dealt with them, one way or the other; not everyone survived the journey (and it’s not who you think). I had not heard of Paul Michael Peters before but look forward to reading more of his work.
I don’t usually mention the physical aspects of a book, but as I get older and my eyes are not as sharp as they were 20 years ago, I notice more. The book is a well put-together hardcover with nicely sized font on a crisp white background. The quality and easy-to-read print would be worth a higher price to me as a devoted reader. It will remain a keeper on my shelves for years to come.
I highly recommend this book to any adult. It would be equally at home as a lakeside beach read or snuggled up next to a winter fire.
July 4, 2024
This is a book with a number of stories. Several of them stand out for me. The first one was misleading to begin with. Kind of dull and had a hard time picking it up again. But the writer manages to fool us all as the story unfolds. A lonely business man meets what he thinks is a very likeable beautiful women. The surprise is not what you surmised it would be. Another story was about a greed single father of a little girl who gets out bu illegal means to provide the best for his daughter. Like most greedy people the don't know when to stop. Again an ending that you are likely not to guess. The last book was about a recent widow who wants to get away after she buries her husband and decided on a canoe trip. It is not what she imagines it will be and she manages to get hurt. Through much of this story I had a great deal of empathy for her and could connect with her. But she trips and is unconscious and wakes up with 3 young men who rescued her. This is where I started losing interst in the story as they all start thie discussion that you would not imagine 3 young men on a fishing trip to know about. She makes it home and starts a new life. Would recommend it in that the writer manages to offer new material that will cause you to think. Some of the stories you will like while not others.
November 29, 2025
I won this book from a Goodreads Kindle giveaway!
There’s something about a Michigan setting that always tugs at me a little- maybe it’s the hush of winter woods, or the way the lake holds its secrets like a second shoreline. That’s what drew me into “Mist and Moonbeams.” Having lived in Michigan for the past three years, I was excited to see the Great Lakes mythos woven into a collection of short stories.
A couple of the stories did catch my attention- those moments where the atmosphere felt just right, or the premise had that shimmer of intrigue I’m always hoping for in a short story collection. But overall, this one didn’t quite land for me. Some stories leaned a bit predictable, and I found myself anticipating twists before they arrived. Others had endings that simply didn’t resonate with me. And while I expect a mixed experience with short story collections, this one left me more detached than invested.
Still, the sense of place was hands-down the highlight. Peters captures a version of Michigan that feels familiar- the foggy edges, the quiet magic, the oddness that sits just beneath the everyday. I just wish the stories themselves had pulled me in with the same strength as the setting. Not a new favorite, but a reminder that the landscapes we’ve lived in can still feel like home on the page, even when the stories don’t fully enchant.
There’s something about a Michigan setting that always tugs at me a little- maybe it’s the hush of winter woods, or the way the lake holds its secrets like a second shoreline. That’s what drew me into “Mist and Moonbeams.” Having lived in Michigan for the past three years, I was excited to see the Great Lakes mythos woven into a collection of short stories.
A couple of the stories did catch my attention- those moments where the atmosphere felt just right, or the premise had that shimmer of intrigue I’m always hoping for in a short story collection. But overall, this one didn’t quite land for me. Some stories leaned a bit predictable, and I found myself anticipating twists before they arrived. Others had endings that simply didn’t resonate with me. And while I expect a mixed experience with short story collections, this one left me more detached than invested.
Still, the sense of place was hands-down the highlight. Peters captures a version of Michigan that feels familiar- the foggy edges, the quiet magic, the oddness that sits just beneath the everyday. I just wish the stories themselves had pulled me in with the same strength as the setting. Not a new favorite, but a reminder that the landscapes we’ve lived in can still feel like home on the page, even when the stories don’t fully enchant.
May 21, 2024
Many of the stories left me wanting more, which I feel is slightly annoying in the best way. I sometimes wished characters emotions were expanded on more, but I can appreciate that it was perhaps beneficial to the story to leave things open ended. I don’t know if that makes sense? I enjoyed the creative plots and detailed descriptions of places and things. I was utterly enchanted by the last story, “Love in Her Big Two-Hearted”, having grown up near Lake Superior. And the descriptions of grief felt very real and raw. Certainly provided me an escape from my own troubles.
Paul gave me an early copy while visiting the cafe I work at. He is a joy to know, and I feel I can be completely honest reviewing his writing. It’s easy reading, but heavy stories.
Paul gave me an early copy while visiting the cafe I work at. He is a joy to know, and I feel I can be completely honest reviewing his writing. It’s easy reading, but heavy stories.
July 25, 2024
"Mist and Moonbeams: Stories from the Great Lakes Edge" by Paul Michael Peters is a captivating collection that immerses readers in the enchanting world of the Great Lakes region. Peters masterfully weaves together tales of mystery, magic, and everyday life, painting vivid landscapes and unforgettable characters with his eloquent prose. Each story is a gem, brimming with emotion and a sense of place that transports you to the water's edge. This book is a delightful escape, offering a blend of nostalgia and wonder that lingers long after the final page. Peters' storytelling is both evocative and compelling, making "Mist and Moonbeams" a must-read for those who appreciate the beauty of finely crafted short stories.
November 5, 2025
Mist and Moonbeams: Stories from the Great Lakes Edge by Paul Michael Peters is a captivating collection that masterfully blends the mystical charm of the Great Lakes with deeply human experiences. Each story whether following Sonny on the Big Two-Hearted River, uncovering forbidden love under a super blue moon, navigating conspiracies along Lake Michigan, or confronting the complexities of relationships and ambition feels both immersive and emotionally resonant. Peters’ prose balances suspense, introspection, and poetic detail, making each tale linger in the reader’s mind. This collection is a poignant exploration of love, loss, courage, and redemption, offering both adventure and reflective depth. A must-read for lovers of short stories that connect heart and place.
June 1, 2024
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
“Mist and Moonbeams: Stories from the Great Lakes Edge” by Paul Micheal Peters is a collection of five short stories each set in the vicinity of one of the Great Lakes. I enjoy short stories and I like that each story has a different set of characters, themes and plots.
This collection has a bit of everything, a cheating wife, a sort of love story, a crime drama, a lesson in greed, and a story of loss.
A gave four stars because I enjoyed it and would recommend it to my friends.
“Mist and Moonbeams: Stories from the Great Lakes Edge” by Paul Micheal Peters is a collection of five short stories each set in the vicinity of one of the Great Lakes. I enjoy short stories and I like that each story has a different set of characters, themes and plots.
This collection has a bit of everything, a cheating wife, a sort of love story, a crime drama, a lesson in greed, and a story of loss.
A gave four stars because I enjoyed it and would recommend it to my friends.
July 12, 2024
We just got home to Norway after a wonderful visit to North America were we toured around Great Lakes’ Huron & Ontario, and they are vast! To a European they seemed like mini-seas, which made Mr Peters’ collection of short stories all the more timely. While I don’t pretend to know many of the locations sited, the relatability of the characters and themes could represent many northern coastal communities on either side of the Atlantic. Congratulations on a warm collection of tales.
September 1, 2024
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Basically a collection of five short stories loosely based around the Great Lakes. The last one seemed a little off to me, but the others were an interesting blend of contemporary fiction and science fiction.
Thank you to the author and publisher for my free Kindle copy.
Thank you to the author and publisher for my free Kindle copy.
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June 11, 2024The cover is an almost identical replica of the Great Lakes edition of the Field Notes notebook. Not sure if it's just a copy, or if they worked with Field Notes on an approved replica.
Field Notes original can be found here: https://fieldnotesbrand.com/products/...
Field Notes original can be found here: https://fieldnotesbrand.com/products/...
July 9, 2025
5 short stories
I enjoyed the stories very much. The fictitious characters in each Great Lakes story were totally relatable,being from the Great Lakes. Particularly loved Superior. Is it a must read,no,but I highly recommend it for an enjoyable summer read.
I enjoyed the stories very much. The fictitious characters in each Great Lakes story were totally relatable,being from the Great Lakes. Particularly loved Superior. Is it a must read,no,but I highly recommend it for an enjoyable summer read.
May 4, 2024
The stories were interesting and well written, but I didn't find any of them uplifting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 7, 2024
I enjoy this writer. His stories take place in parts of this country that feel real to me. I have read a few others of his and they are usually worth the time.
July 9, 2024
I love the Great Lakes and was so looking forward to reading these stories. Sadly these 5 stories just didn't work for me-they could have taken place anywhere (with the exception of the story 5). Love in Her Big Two-Hearted was the most interesting and the only one I felt that could truly take place on the Great Lakes. I'm sure there is an audience for this book-I think they would work better as separate books and an expansion on the plots.. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2024
I won this book in a giveaway on this site.
First off, I greatly enjoyed the author's writing and creativity. Each story was unique from each other and had engaging characters. I'd like a longer version of "Careful, Icarus." I feel like that story alone could be drawn out into a novella at least.
I was a bit disappointed that the location of the stories are basically the only thing that ties them in to the Great Lakes. I grew up in the thumb of Michigan was looking forward to the lakes being more present in the stories but that's just what I was kind of expecting. The closest we get to the lakes being a part of the story is in Chapter 1 of the very first story.
There was one inconsistency I found: in the first paragraph of Chapter 2 in "You Can't Start a Fire With Moonlight," it says that the ring Michelle lost "had once belonged to Mike's grandmother. A family heirloom that signified not just their union, but a lineage of commitment..." But in Chapter 8, when she was buying the ring from a pawn shop, it says "Three thousand? That is precisely the original price Mike had paid for it years ago." It's a small detail; and doesn't change the point of the story, just one I needed to make note of.
First off, I greatly enjoyed the author's writing and creativity. Each story was unique from each other and had engaging characters. I'd like a longer version of "Careful, Icarus." I feel like that story alone could be drawn out into a novella at least.
I was a bit disappointed that the location of the stories are basically the only thing that ties them in to the Great Lakes. I grew up in the thumb of Michigan was looking forward to the lakes being more present in the stories but that's just what I was kind of expecting. The closest we get to the lakes being a part of the story is in Chapter 1 of the very first story.
There was one inconsistency I found: in the first paragraph of Chapter 2 in "You Can't Start a Fire With Moonlight," it says that the ring Michelle lost "had once belonged to Mike's grandmother. A family heirloom that signified not just their union, but a lineage of commitment..." But in Chapter 8, when she was buying the ring from a pawn shop, it says "Three thousand? That is precisely the original price Mike had paid for it years ago." It's a small detail; and doesn't change the point of the story, just one I needed to make note of.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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