Riva can’t remember a time in her life when unrest didn’t exist between the realms of Alorith. When King Darion proposes a peace treaty, Riva finds herself spending time in his kingdom, befriending the gentle king.
A dawn of peace has come, but in the dark hours before its arrival secrets are revealed that change everything. Torn between opposing sides of the treaty, Riva must make a decision: Will she stay true to her duty or to her heart?
Told over the course of one scene, “Moonflower” is a soft reminder that despite the shadows, we can always be found by the light.
4 stars ⭐️ Christian/Clean Fiction - Fantasy (magic)
Told in just twenty-six pages, “Moonflower” is a super short story but also super sweet! I will admit that I felt incredibly jipped because I wanted about, oh, at least 300 pages (I’ll even take half that—I’m not greedy!) of the events leading up to the event in this book because I wanted to see the events mentioned, but it was still a great read. 🥰🥹
Main Content- Darion tells Riva about the Light (capital ‘L’) and it being stronger than evil; Also him thanking the Light.
Mentions of kingdoms of elves, fae, dwarves, shimmerfolk, & animal shifters; Mentions of enchantments and magic (including protective enchantments casted on elven royalty).
Riva is supposed to kill Darion; Mentions of her being a would-be assassin & the plan of stabbing him and killing him;
Riva has always aimed to gain her father’s approval ,but he withholds it and taunts her with it.
1 hand kiss, 2 hair/forehead kisses, 1 kiss lasting a sentence, 2 kisses lasting a couple sentences.
Touches, Embraces, Blushes (up to a couple sentences).
Mentions of kisses & kissing; A mention of someone who was born out of wedlock.
I read it over breakfast and was giggling into my salad. 🤭 For such a short read, it’s beautifully poignant in truth & chock-full of heartwarming cutenesses. Darion and Riva are just too precious for words!!! 😍😍😍
Anna consistently nails a harmony of fluffy sweetness and thoughtful themes! Love it and can’t wait for more stories from this world!!
As always, I love me an Anna Christine story! Short, sweet, and always filled with so much heart. MOONFLOWER was no different. Though this one feels slightly more serious in tone than her previous stories, that doesn't mean it lacks whimsy nor the usual banter and wittiness she is known for. I believe this story showcases the many facets of Anna's talent, and I can't wait for other readers to meet Darion and Riva!
This is such a cute, sweet story about the power of light and love. It’s a quick read, but Anna does a great job of creating characters that draw the reader in just as quickly. I highly recommend this sweet short story.
This was really cute. Very short but I really liked it! I don't have much to say because this was like 25 pages long. It was basically just one scene though. also no song because this "book" is so short.
The Characters ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Riva ~ I liked her well enough I don't really have a lot to say about her though.
Darion ~ I liked him as well, still not much to say.
What To Expect 🗡️ Short Story (25pgs) 🗡️ Fantasy 🗡️ Romance 🗡️ Great Banter
Quotes ~~~~~~~ “Because lurking allows me to go unnoticed, and being unnoticed can be convenient,” I said airily. “And yet I notice you.” “That’s because you’re looking for me.” Darion smiled, nudging me with his elbow lightly. “Always.”
“And here I thought you were here because of my charm.” I almost snorted. He was hopeless. “No, that’s just what has kept you alive this long.” His grin widened. “You admit I’m charming.” “Your charm has never been in question.”
Content ~~~~~~~ ❤️🔥Romance| two minimal details kisses, one kiss with no details, blushing, they hug like three times,
🤬Language| none.
🗡️Violence| attempted murder
🏳️🌈LGBTQ| none
✝️Religion/Spirituality| mentions of the Light being greater than evil, thanks the Light
୨୧❝ ‘I don’t deserve this.’ his thumb rubbed circles on my back. ‘thank the Light that we don’t always get what we deserve.’ ❞୨୧
꒰🎶꒱ ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: don’t deserve you ⇾ plumb
excuse me while I go cry myself a river. 😭 I know, it feels so silly to be crying about a 26-page short story that is just a conversation between two characters, but this…this is my testimony. the fact that I don’t deserve God’s love, His mercy, yet it is given to me anyway…
y’all I’m crying while I’m writing this, I’m not even joking. I’m not usually this emotional. I didn’t cry at the end of Mockingjay, but this has me in a fit of tears.
now I’m angry that this isn’t available in a print edition, because I want to save this and and hug it to my chest and display it on my bookshelf, I love this novella so much. if the author is reading this review, please, please, PLEASE, consider releasing a print copy of this book.
this book is Romans 5:8 to me: “But God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” I’m sorry, but this kind of story is just…*sighs* I’m realizing this is just a gushing review, but this is how I feel, so deal with it
the forgiveness, the nods to God and Jesus, the theme of redemption and being forgiven of our past sinners, and forgetting sins, just blew me out of the water. I don’t care how short this is, you need to read it. go read it now.
I was a moonflower, but now I live in the Light
─────୨♡୧─────
꒰🗡️꒱ content warning (spoiler free)
➸spiritual content: none
➸sexual content: 1 hand kiss; 1 forehead kiss; 1 hair kiss; 2 non-detailed kisses; mentions of kisses; a mention of a girl being born out of a wedlock
➸language: none!
➸drugs/alcohol/smoking: none!
➸lgtbq+: none!
➸magic/witchcraft: mentions of enchantments and magic
➸violence: none!
➸other: a mention of bloodlust; mentions of assassins
➸possible triggers: none!
─────୨♡୧─────
꒰🌸꒱ quotes
➸ “Because lurking allows me to go unnoticed, and being unnoticed can be convenient,” I said airily. “And yet I notice you.” “That’s because you’re looking for me.” Darion smiled, nudging me with his elbow lightly. “Always.”
➸ “His arms wrapping around me. He cradled me to his chest so sweetly, as if I were something to be cherished. Protected. Loved.”
➸ “Are you mad?” “Trusting to a fault,” he corrected. “You shouldn’t be! It’s going to get you killed.” “I’m pretty sure that’s what I meant when I said ‘to a fault.’”
➸ “Because people are evil, and they will continue to be evil if you only respond in kind. But there is goodness. There is Light. And it is so much stronger than the evil. Loveis stronger, Riva.”
Short and sweet, but I enjoyed every word!! I look forward to the expansion of this world! I loved the flirting because it felt very real and reminded me of how my fiancé and I flirt with each other. 10/10 would recommend!
When I first started reading "Moonflower," it seemed cute, nice, but I wasn't really invested...
Until Riva did something completely unexpected (and no, it wasn't a kiss, though that did happen, too). ;)
Riva is such a surprising character and Darion is such a gem. I appreciated that Anna didn't make Riva an in-your-face boss lady who needs no man, while still making her a capable, feminine young woman. (Please take notes, Hollywood.)
I also appreciate her care with Darion, making him sweet and gentle without falling into the "lovable idiot" trope. He's quite debonair, actually.
Anna's writing is light and doesn't draw unnecessary attention to itself, layered with realistic interactions, interesting backstory, and depth.
"Moonflower" is a surprising and, dare I say - intriguing - quick read. I'm looking forward to more installments in this universe, and maybe seeing these two again!
If you're looking for a super sweet and fluffy short story with a splash of angst, this is IT
I had the honor of reading early versions and then an ARC and it just keeps getting better and better! the whole story spans just one scene, one setting, but you kinda get a feel for the whole world at large too. And even the single setting itself feels lush and vibrant.
And the CHARACTERS. Riva was soft but Angst but so desperately looking for the light and she's just ❤️
And Darion. He's kind and patient and bright and gentle and funny
Like good gawsh can a fictional man get any more attractive????
If you're looking for a blend of cozy and angst (cozy angst is a thing right?), you're gonna want to get this story ❤️
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. It is a clean fantasy short story. The main characters are King Darion and Riva. Riva has spent the summer with King Darion and fallen for him. She came on a mission though. Will she fulfill that mission? Will she be honest with Darion? Even though this book was short (26 pages) I really enjoyed it. Darion was so sweet and the perfect book boyfriend. As the book said the Alorith Alliances are just beginning. I am excited to see what happens next.
This short story was beautifully written with sweet and charming characters. The story begins by slipping right into a high point of tension and pulls the reader in by feeding them and threads of backstory while maintaining that tension. Personally, I wish the story could have been longer so I could explore this world more thoroughly but as a short story it was well contained and ends neatly!
Anna Christine packs so much drama and emotional turmoil into her short story Moonflower. Her concise storyteller doesn’t leave the author wanting for anything … except more of these characters.
Fall in love with King Darion and Princess Riva as she struggles to find the light when she has only known a world of darkness.
I’m absolutely obsessed!!!🤩 I need more of this world (& Anna’s beautiful writing) this instant! This story was so touching & evocative, even in its brevity. I am absolutely in love with everything about it & can’t wait for more stories in this world!
Anna’s writing is entrancing & deeply encouraging. This story is such a blessing & I am so excited for more to come!✨
Darion is THE sweetest and Riva brings a lil bit of intrigue and a whole lot of angst. I love them both. I also love love love the way the strong themes of light and love and forgiveness wove in. Highly recommend this little story!
This story was like my favorite slice of cheesecake. Absolutely delicious with all the right ingredients to make it a perfect blend of sweet and filling, but now I want more! I'd love to read more of Darion and Riva's story! If you love elves, royals and espionage give this short story a try!
Very cute!!! I love how cute and cozy Anna's style is. My only complaint is I wish it could have been longer! (Yes, yes, I knew it was a short story going in...its a compliment to the writer that I wanted more!)
This is a very quick read. Eventhough we spend very little time with these characters, they still feel quite real. Many people will be able to relate with Riva.
This story is so sweet!! A great clean, cozy, plot twisty, and very well-written short story! 100% recommend and would totally reread. I can't wait to read more by this author! :D
Note: I did receive an eARC copy of this book by the author, but my review is honest :)
This book was short and sweet. I couldn’t help but feel like I was missing information. I went back and looked to see if it was tied to other books and it is not. It was an easy read so if you need something to boost your reading goal, I would recommend this one!!