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Mayhem and Moonlight

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She swore off fairy tales. He needs a real-life miracle.

Lillian Murphy isn’t holding onto dreams of happy endings anymore. These days, she’d settle for debt- and drama-free. But life has a way of tossing surprises her way, sparking a flicker of hope she thought she’d given up on.
Enter Luca Giordano, a whirlwind of ambition and purpose, determined to prove himself as a single dad in a town that feels just a little too unfamiliar. His plans for a fresh start are complicated by a fiery librarian whose mix of resilience and vulnerability is impossible to ignore.
As their worlds collide, Mayhem and Moonlight weaves a tapestry of sizzling chemistry, tender moments, and humorous escapades that will leave you rooting for love to bloom in a small, southern town. It’s a story about second chances, the strength to face chaos head-on, and holding on to hope.
Grab your copy and fall headfirst into the heart of Shelbyville .

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2025

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About the author

Jennifer Sienes

21 books499 followers
Award-winning author Jennifer Sienes is college-educated but discovered life experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance, and writing and puts it all together in inspirational contemporary fiction/romance. Her Apple Hill Series takes place in Northern California, and her Southern fiction Bedford County Series and Norfolk Southern Series are set in Tennessee where she now resides. When she isn’t writing, she works in her garden, refinishes old furniture, and dabbles with home décor.

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5 stars
132 (72%)
4 stars
33 (18%)
3 stars
11 (6%)
2 stars
5 (2%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Blossom Turner.
Author 23 books313 followers
July 24, 2024
Heart-warming, faith-based romance. A must read!
Jennifer Sienes is a masterful writer who creates characters one can relate to. Her storylines pull you in and do not let you go until that last page is turned.
Mayhem and Moonlight is a delightful but also realistic read, where two opposites meet. Lucas, abandoned by his wife and left as a single dad of three adorable boys, and Lillian who was jilted at the altar, neck-deep in debt, come together with real life wounds and stresses. The mayhem is a meeting of two hurt individuals who with the help of God learn to trust again. I loved how their relationship, then their love, grew out of the ashes of disappointment.
This second chance romance written with authentic southern charm will be sure to entertain and touch your heart.
Profile Image for Marguerite Gray.
Author 28 books642 followers
May 12, 2024
I love the word mayhem because isn’t that synonymous with life. We all have that little something that can trigger bad decisions or wrong impressions that turn into chaos. Lillian and Lucas are destined to clash as their baggage piles high. In the middle are three precious lives that render the adults’ decisions of utmost importance.
God is truly the author of time and place. Yet, mere humans have a hard shell and a hard core and often miss the appointments He has for us. Join Lillian, Lucas, and clan on a journey, bumping through the mayhem called life.
Bravo, Jennifer
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,163 reviews135 followers
June 3, 2024
I am not surprised at how quickly I became connected to the characters. The author has this ability to make her characters so realistic that readers come to think of them as friends. I love how this story is filled with struggles where our two main characters turn to God for help. Sometimes we think we can fix things on our own, but without God’s guidance we can make a mess of things.

Lillian has been so hurt by her ex fiancé that she isn’t sure she could ever open her heart again. She is left with massive bills from the wedding that never took place. I could feel Lillian become discouraged as she tried to support herself on her salary. Being a librarian certainly doesn’t pay well in some places and Lillian needs to find a place to live soon.

Luca has stepped up to take care of his three boys since his ex-wife abandoned them several years ago. He is becoming overwhelmed with scheduling work and making sure his boys are never alone at home. I loved how the author created a scenario where Lillian is the one who applies for the job as a live in nanny. At first there are a few adjustments like Lillian not knowing how to cook. That part was funny because I don’t cook either. Poor thing almost caught the house on fire once, just like I almost did.

The story moves at a good pace but Lillian and Luca don’t quite communicate well about some topics. I felt like they walked on egg shells at times just so they wouldn’t have to share their feelings. When gossip at church starts about them living together this causes Lillian to rethink her future. She has grown very close to the boys and doesn’t want to leave them. What will her next step be? And we can’t forget about Luca and his struggle to tell Lillian how he feels.

With a surprise appearance of someone from the past their life’s start to become fractured. Oh how the past starts to affect everyone as Lillian makes a hard decision. The tension in the book is thick at times as these two are stubborn and allow a little pride to slip in. I loved reading how they both went to friends for advice and both were told to pray and trust God. If you want to know if Lillian and Luca can repair their relationship you need to grab a copy for yourself.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy.
2,198 reviews77 followers
April 11, 2024
Oh my stars. This book is heart-wrenching and heart happy all at the same time. This book is so full of emotions. Lillian Murphy has gotten herself in a pickle. She is heartbroken, humiliated, deep in debt and needs a place to live. Her friend, Sherrie, has the perfect solution.

Luca Giordano has moved to Shelbyville, Tennessee from Chicago with his three sons. You want to talk about culture shock. He is a productivity expert, but he cannot seem to get his house in order, and his kids are out of control. He needs help. Sherrie's husband suggests that he hire Lillian as a nanny. Their first meeting does not go well. However, Lillian decides to give it a shot. The road is going to be rocky, but with work and a whole lot of prayer, those little boys slowly steal Lillian's heart.

The characters will totally capture your heart. As usual the story is filled with the author's signature heart and her faith. This is uplifting fiction at its finest with multi-layered characters who are searching for hope, healing and a place to belong. The southern setting tickles this southern girl's heart as I could imagine myself living in Shelbyville. Most importantly the message of faith and prayer shout loudly through the pages as Luca and Lillian learn to lean on their faith and remember that prayer before making decisions is the best way to live their lives. There were times that I found myself laughing at certain scenes involving the children which provided just the right amount of light-heartedness to the story. Trust me when I say that you need to read this book.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,189 reviews22 followers
May 29, 2024
Mayhem and Moonlight is a wonderful romance novel that makes you feel like it’s part of your real life happening now. Lillian feels like her life is one disaster after another. Nothing seems to go right. She’s left at the altar. She has masses of bills to pay. Yes, she got all the wedding bills too. Plus student debt. And she’s only a librarian. Not a huge salary there. How can she make ends meet? What is even life anymore?

Enter our main male character. He has a need that Lillian can fill.

Luca has three little boys. He needs help with them. A Mary Poppins would be nice.

I can relate to Luca. There are times I think I’d love a Mary Poppins or a Nanny McPhee to come into my household. I’d settle for a Lillian as well.

The boys are adorable. Okay, well, they’re a bit mischievous too. But they’re boys.

Lillian has nowhere to live. Luca needs something to help get his boys and house under control. The solution is simple. Lillian becomes his live-in nanny.

And you can guess some of the fun and mayhem that come from that! This was such a fun novel and I really enjoyed reading it. This is one of those authors that I have come to love and respect because of how she can take hard situations and make them fun and enjoyable to read about while also not negating the hard.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
1,939 reviews
June 3, 2024
"Mayhem and Moonlight" by Jennifer Sienes is a work that combines Christian Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction, and Southern Fiction into the perfect mix. It is the third book in The Bedford County series. Lillian Murphy has been hurt badly and is trying to escape the hurt and the debt brought on by the drama.

Luca Giordano brings his three young sons to Shelbyville, Tennessee to escape the pain of his past. As a productivity expert, he can solve his clients’ problems. But managing his three sons proves to be more of a challenge.

When the two meet, Luca realizes the librarian, Lillian, may be able to provide solutions for him. But when the past comes barreling in, the author does a wonderful job of building the suspense about whether the two will get the happily ever after they deserve.

The author does an incredible job creating characters that keep you reading. The storyline moves along at an excellent pace. I love how the characters from the previous books play an integral role in this book. While you could read this book independently, I recommend reading the three books so you appreciate the dynamics the author creates.

So, if you want a book that combines Christian Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction, and Southern Fiction, check out Moonlight and Mayhem by Jennifer Sienes.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit, which did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read.
1,207 reviews29 followers
June 6, 2024
If you love to read clean and sweet fiction that has an authentic southern flair, you’ll love this book. Author Jennifer Sienes writes beautiful, faith-based fiction and her stories always touch my heart. After reading this one, I now have a new favorite among her books.

I loved the character of Lillian. Lillian is a sweet gal who, after finding herself left at the altar on her wedding day, is looking for a way to get a new start in life. But until she finds exactly what that new start looks like, she ends up accepting a job of taking care of three lovable, but rambunctious, little boys. Lillian soon comes to care deeply for these three little guys, but her relationship with their dad, Luca, doesn’t get off to the same great start. Can a girl with an impulsive nature ever have a great relationship with a productivity expert? Their opposite natures soon have an effect on each other, and the result is a delightful story that kept me turning pages to see how things would turn out for all of them.

The supporting characters in this book are as much fun as Lillian, especially her best friend, Sherrie. (Everyone needs a best friend like Sherrie.) This storyline covers all the emotions, and you’ll find yourself in love with those little boys, too. This story made me smile, and I enjoyed reading it.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Keren Herrera-Lyles.
341 reviews18 followers
May 1, 2024
Jennifer Sienes masters her stories perfectly. With characters that you can relate and stories that come close to your heart and pull the strings.

Lillian and Luca. They are both searching for something. And is their past choices that push them together to find the place they so are searching to belong. Luca and his sons are in need of love and discipline. Lillian is in need of a safe place to call home. And when they join together even though they know it won't be easy especially when things start to go through the grapevine. Is their faith and the knowledge that with prayer things always get better.

I enjoy the way the author always shapes her stories with a wonderful amount of God's message. And this story is just amazing. Also, it made me see myself in Tennessee.

But will the move to a different place bring what they both are searching for and need? Will they see that with prayer and trust in God they can find peace to their pain and hurt?

Always enjoy a story from Jennifer Sienes and highly recommend this one. That will make you feel connected to this characters and their story. She has you contemplate yourself as you read and enjoy the story.

Received an e-arc from the author/publisher. A positive review was not asked. All stated here are my own.
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,878 reviews52 followers
June 1, 2024
Jennifer Sienes is a favorite author of mine, I have read almost every book she has written. I am always excited when she releases a new book. Mayhem and Moonlight by Jennifer Sienes. It is Book 3 of The Bedford County Series.


I started this book and did not put it down for 4hrs, when I finished it. I really enjoyed Lillian and Luca story. They both have had a rough time with LIFE happenings lately. Lillian is drowing in debt from school and a wedding that didn't happen. She is struggling because her job doesn't pay well. Luca is a single Dad to 3 Boys and they just moved from Shelbyville, TN. He is usually a productive person and keeps things in order, but he is without help for caring for the boys. Lillian reluctanly accepts the job to be a Nanny for Luca. I really LOVE how Lillian and the boys get along and they really like her. Luca aIso notices how well the boys do when in Lillian's care. He starts taking notice of Lillian also and they slowly grow a relationship. I LOVE how they navigated through some LIFE Tumbles when they discover things about past relationships. There is a strong Faith message throughout the book and I appreciate that Lillian and Luca seek God when things get rough. I HIGHLY recommend this Clean, Sweet Christian Romance. FANTASTIC BOOK!
Profile Image for Donna.
68 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2024
This book was hard to put down. Lillian needs to find a place to stay. Luca needs someone to move into his house to help take care of his boys and handle some household chores. It would seem to be the perfect solution for both but Lillian is reluctant for several reasons. She doesn’t know Luca. She’s afraid to lose her heart to his sweet boys but she sees no other option. Lillian and Luca are both dealing with trust issues, hurt and anger from previous relationships. Lillian doesn’t know how to cook and Luca assumes she does. Add to this the gossip that naturally starts when she moves into Luca’s house and these are just some of the challenges they face. Both begin to realize their current issues are results of past choices made without first going to God for guidance. I recommend reading this captivating story to see what happens once they seek God’s will to help them through some very difficult decisions.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Profile Image for Karen Baney.
Author 45 books459 followers
May 31, 2024
Jennifer Sienes weaves a delightful romance full of healing and hope.

The jilted Lillian is still licking her wounds when her roommate and best friend gets married. Financial troubles find her agreeing to be the nanny to Luca’s three amazing boys. As she nurtures the young children in a way they had missed due to their absentee mother, Luca finds himself drawn to her.
I loved the way the author wove both Lillian and Luca’s healing from past heartaches into the story. She created a beautiful blend of tension and hope, making me eager to get back to the story at the end of my work day.

Fans of Christian romance and sweet, clean romance will enjoy this beautiful single-dad, jilted bride romance. I highly recommend it.

Romance: Squeaky clean. Suitable for a YA audience too.
Faith: Both characters grew in their faith and understanding of God.

Disclaimer: I requested and received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of the publisher through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
1,333 reviews
May 29, 2024
Mayhem and Moonlight, by Jennifer Sienes, is the third book in the Bedford County series. This is a well written, easy to read and imagine story. It has wonderful characters who each have issues they are struggling with. This story is a reminder that God works in wonderful ways at just the right time. Lillian's roommate is getting married soon and Lillian cannot afford to live alone. At the same time a single dad, Luca, arrives in town with his three sons and realizes he needs someone to help with the boys and home.

This is such an enjoyable story. I found it hard to put the book down. I enjoyed how Lillian and Luca were introduced at just the right time. It was easy to see that the two lives would connect from the beginning as Lillian cares for and loves his boys. This is a wonderful contemporary story that deals with real life situations.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
6,217 reviews
April 19, 2024
Mayhem and Moonlight is the perfect addition to The Bedford County series. I read and enjoyed the previous books and this one is no doubt my favorite of the series. It was a pleasure taking this adventure with Luca and Lillian. Their story is one that I think many readers would be about to relate with. I loved reading every single page and did not want to put the book down until I finished the last page.

I am giving Mayhem and Moonlight five stars. I recommend it for reader fans and lovers of clean romantic fiction. I believe they will love as much as me. I would be interested in another installment from The Bedford County Series, as well as, more releases from the talented author, Jennifer Sienes.

I received a copy of Jennifer Sienes' Mayhem and Moonlight from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Holly Bleggi.
1,414 reviews30 followers
May 22, 2024
I enjoyed this story. I liked how by the end of the book both Luca and Lillian learned how to deal with their past instead of trying to ignore it. I also liked how they discovered what they wanted out of life. I liked how unexpected circumstances put them together and how they learned to work as a team while taking care of Luca’s sons. I liked seeing how much Luca and Lillian loved the boys and how they helped them deal with their move and the other things they had experienced in life. I also liked seeing Luca and Lillian fall in love as they spent time together and became a family.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
13 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2024
Mayhem and Moonlight is a delightful southern story.
Lillian has a problem. Her roommate is getting married, and Lil can’t afford the rent on her own.
Luca has a problem. He, a single dad of three boys, 9, 7 and 5, has just moved to a small town in middle Tennessee from Wheaton, Illinois. New to town, without family to help him with his boys, he needs a live in nanny.
Sherrie thinks she has the solution, but small towns seem to have a gossip problem. Is Sherrie’s plan a good one? And how does God’s plan work in this situation?
Mayhem and Moonlight has real people with real problems who realize they need God’s help.
Profile Image for Lisa.
247 reviews6 followers
April 23, 2024
Jennifer Sienes has once again delivered a soul touching read with this story of Lil and Luca!

This is a wonderful story of just how important it is to ask God for direction and just how simple it is to ask for help when we miss asking for direction to find ourselves in a bind.

It also shows us just how much time DOESN’T exist in God’s world as it does in ours! You can see this plainly in the unfolding of their lives.

I absolutely love this author’s heart for God and how much it comes through in her writing. I highly recommend this book and all others that she has written!

I was given a copy of this book by the author. My opinion is my own.
1,282 reviews4 followers
May 15, 2026
Entertaining story with good character development about a jilted underpaid librarian bride, laden with debt, who is somewhat coerced into helping out a newly arrived divorced dad with three young boys. Both develop feelings for one another but because of their past, hesitate to express them. Ironically, despite an Italian background and an Irish one for Lillian, they meet and become involved at a Baptist church, attempting to ignore the gossips who question their 'innocent' live-in arrangement. It's not until the reappearance of Luca's ex that becomes a turning point. A bit real life mixed with some fantasy that maintains one's attention throughout....
Profile Image for Rebecca.
179 reviews12 followers
May 28, 2024
“His gaze narrowed some, and he stared at me like I’d grown horns. It was no wonder my emotions were bouncing around like a ping pong ball gone wild.”

“You’ve changed my world from black and white to full-blown color. Can’t imagine living this life now without you in it”

Mayhem and Moonlight is the last book in the Bedford County series. I’ve truly enjoyed it and hate to see it over. The author always amazes me with her heartfelt and touching stories. The faith elements are the sugar on top that brings it all together.

Lillian Murphy has put herself up a creek with no paddle after her fiancé Billy leaves her with a huge wedding bill and walks away from the future their supposed to spend together. She’s suddenly bewildered and disgraced at the same time. Her friend Sherrie thinks she has the divine solution.

Luca Giordano has just moved to Shelbyville Tennessee from the suburbs of Chicago. He’s got three young boys that need a nanny while he works all day being a productivity guru.

Lillian is happy with her librarian job because it’s safe and peaceful. She thinks moving in with a divorced man with three kids will get the small town to talking. She’s not some magical miracle worker like Mary Poppins. Will this kind of arrangement be too much for her or can it really work for both of their benefits?

I liked how the author pulled it all together. It gave me all the happy feels and it felt like I was playing out a movie inside my head. It was really cute and quite beautiful sorta like the movie Overboard in some ways. I received an advanced copy from the author. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Profile Image for Evelyn Foreman.
769 reviews32 followers
April 8, 2024
This author’s prowess in delivering a story that unlocks the reader’s innermost emotions, can only come from a heart in tune with our Father, the Creator of all mankind! Captivating doesn’t even come close to describing this book, each character, each plot….her writing touches deep within, stirs the soul and reminds us that hope is always within reach, as we lean into that mustard seed of faith planted by God Himself in each of His children. I unequivocally endorse this book, this author!
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 43 books74 followers
September 26, 2024
Yes, romances are predictable, BUT I do love a good happily-ever-after ending. Mayhem and Moonlight gave me the HEA I wanted. The way Sienes writes, I could hear the Southern accent in my head as I read. After living in Tennessee and South Carolina, all those cute sayings ring true. I loved this book and can't wait to read more of her collection.
Profile Image for Nancy Atwell.
48 reviews
May 16, 2026
Mayhem and Moonlight

I enjoyed reading this book. Luca moved his three sons away from Illinois to give them a better life. He was drowning with his job and trying to raise the boys alone. So, he hired Lillian, who couldn’t cook or do laundry. Then the mother of the boys shows up after six years absence.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,631 reviews4 followers
May 22, 2024
This is a tale of a second chance at love for both the main male and the female characters. My heart ached for the three little boys that moved to a new town with their father. This is a clean romance
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.,
Profile Image for Lauri Gentry.
894 reviews26 followers
April 29, 2024
A sweet fun novel. The "romance" is light yet in the end there is love. A bit of a twist kept the story from getting dull. Faith and prayer is sprinkled throughout the book.

a favorite quote "Could have used a text message or email confirming He’d heard my prayer, but I’d have to make do with the slight sense of peace that came over me"
Profile Image for Jane Weiler.
171 reviews
May 5, 2026
Is it love.

A fun story of finding love. You will enjoy three little boys telling it like it really is in their eyes.
4 reviews
May 8, 2026
More mayhem than moonlight, but fun.

I enjoyed the realistic turmoil and the end result. I am looking forward to reading more in the future by this author
Profile Image for Saranne.
11 reviews
May 13, 2026
I really like the way they learned to lean on God individually.
85 reviews
May 22, 2026
Fun, sweet book. You’ll love the characters in this Christian fiction book. I thoroughly enjoyed this cute story.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews