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Where the Moon Keeps Her Heart
Fjörna is shy, quiet, sensitive. She is different. She tucks into the spaces inside herself, and in the woods, to breathe.
And yet she is stronger than she has any idea. She has a kind of magic that is subtle and so powerful it will strike fear in those around her – but she does not know it yet. And doesn’t magic always strike fear in those who need to understand their world, and to control it?
Fjörna has a voice, a fire blazing in her heart to honor and protect her kind, but she doesn’t know that yet either. All Fjörna knows is the rolling hills and vast orchards of the farm, and the little horseshoe town by the sea she calls home. The only home she has ever known.
Fjörna has a secret. It is in the very fabric of her being, and once she discovers it, she cannot unsee – she cannot unknow. She cannot go back to that quiet girl by the sea.
Fjörna does not long for great battles and great adventure. But great adventure will find her. Fjörna cannot know she has a destiny. She is too busy trying to find the words with which to share her heart, or being conscious of all the ways she is different.
Could a simple quiet girl be the answer to the question asked on the wind; in the trees; in the silent confused places in the hearts of all people?
When Fjörna finds her magic and opens her heart, the world will change – subtly at first, and then with a force no one sees coming, least of all her.
And Fjörna will learn that what makes her different may be the only hope for her kingdom.
And yet she is stronger than she has any idea. She has a kind of magic that is subtle and so powerful it will strike fear in those around her – but she does not know it yet. And doesn’t magic always strike fear in those who need to understand their world, and to control it?
Fjörna has a voice, a fire blazing in her heart to honor and protect her kind, but she doesn’t know that yet either. All Fjörna knows is the rolling hills and vast orchards of the farm, and the little horseshoe town by the sea she calls home. The only home she has ever known.
Fjörna has a secret. It is in the very fabric of her being, and once she discovers it, she cannot unsee – she cannot unknow. She cannot go back to that quiet girl by the sea.
Fjörna does not long for great battles and great adventure. But great adventure will find her. Fjörna cannot know she has a destiny. She is too busy trying to find the words with which to share her heart, or being conscious of all the ways she is different.
Could a simple quiet girl be the answer to the question asked on the wind; in the trees; in the silent confused places in the hearts of all people?
When Fjörna finds her magic and opens her heart, the world will change – subtly at first, and then with a force no one sees coming, least of all her.
And Fjörna will learn that what makes her different may be the only hope for her kingdom.
812 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2025
4 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 18, 2025
Where the Moon Keeps Her Heart is a YA fantasy experience not to be missed. The world building is masterfully designed with an engaging array of memorable characters filling each page.
Magic and mysticism, Royal Court politics with all its sly backstabbing and a Princess who is determined to decide her own future. All of this and more surrounds the central character who is coming into herself with finding first love, hidden powers and adventures of a lifetime.
This story captured my imagination and will not let it go. It is perfect for younger readers who crave adventure and want to see themselves on the page or older folks like myself who are forever chasing a good story.
This is Book One in The Moon Isle Chronicles. Hurry up Book Two please, please, please.
I received an advance review copy from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Magic and mysticism, Royal Court politics with all its sly backstabbing and a Princess who is determined to decide her own future. All of this and more surrounds the central character who is coming into herself with finding first love, hidden powers and adventures of a lifetime.
This story captured my imagination and will not let it go. It is perfect for younger readers who crave adventure and want to see themselves on the page or older folks like myself who are forever chasing a good story.
This is Book One in The Moon Isle Chronicles. Hurry up Book Two please, please, please.
I received an advance review copy from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this fantasy story. Even though it’s a long book, the writing style kept me engaged throughout the story. I was always wanting to find out what would happened next. The two main characters Inchante and Fjorna were both interesting characters. We are introduced to Fjorna, who starts out as an adopted small village girl, with her mentor teaching her. We see Fijorna grow up and develop her special abilities.
Inchante, is the princess and heir to the kingdom. Her father is deathly ill and she seeks out a cure for him. She learns about a mysterious person who practices magic and begins her quest to find this person and a cure. Inchante was not your typical princess, she was an excellent archer and horsewoman. She went out into the town dressed in plain clothes to disguise herself. She was my favorite character.
The relationship between Inchante and Fijorna was very mysterious and unfolding throughout the book. And since I hear there will be a sequel, I hoping that they will end up as a couple.
The world building in this story was well done giving us enough detail to immerse ourselves but not be overwhelmed by it. And the same with the magic, it was more focused on the natural world and not on objects.
Thanks to the authors for giving me an advanced copy of their book to read and review.
Inchante, is the princess and heir to the kingdom. Her father is deathly ill and she seeks out a cure for him. She learns about a mysterious person who practices magic and begins her quest to find this person and a cure. Inchante was not your typical princess, she was an excellent archer and horsewoman. She went out into the town dressed in plain clothes to disguise herself. She was my favorite character.
The relationship between Inchante and Fijorna was very mysterious and unfolding throughout the book. And since I hear there will be a sequel, I hoping that they will end up as a couple.
The world building in this story was well done giving us enough detail to immerse ourselves but not be overwhelmed by it. And the same with the magic, it was more focused on the natural world and not on objects.
Thanks to the authors for giving me an advanced copy of their book to read and review.
December 9, 2025
“Each of us has a truth to who we are, and if we turn away from that truth, our spirit wastes away.”
I had the pleasure of receiving a copy of “Where the Moon Keeps Her Heart” from Isa Ingram, and I’m so grateful I had the chance to read it and share my honest thoughts. All opinions below are my own.
This book was a great start to a fantastical story. Isa and Noelle added plenty of rich details to build the world and give depth to the characters. The story flowed well and was comfortable to read. The pacing was a bit slower than my usual reads and the book was longer, but I still really enjoyed moving through the story and joining the main characters on their adventures. I’m really looking forward to the next book and the continuation of the story, especially since this one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. You can clearly tell there’s much more to come.
“Being afraid of something does not mean we avoid it. If anything, it might mean that we’re on the right track.”
The story begins with Fjörna, a young girl from a small coastal town who becomes an apprentice to the local healer, Naima. We then meet Princess Ichante, whose father is gravely ill and beyond the help of their court physician. Believing forgotten magic may be the answer, Ichante seeks out Naima after hearing of her unmatched skill. Their paths converge when the princess asks Fjörna and Naima to return with her to try to save her father, who reluctantly agrees to let them help. This is where their adventure truly begins: a long journey to the mountains, Fjörna listening more to her magical senses, Cindri the magical cat, the truth about the past uncovered, and the connections made along the way. This story will keep you engaged and eager to learn what’s going to happen next.
“The way in which we see something greatly determines both how we engage with it, and how its personality forms as it grows. We all have an intrinsic nature, but who we develop into has as much to do with how we’re treated, how we’re seen, as it does with our inborn soul.”
If you’re drawn to stories filled with quiet magic, sapphic representation, rich world-building, heartfelt connections, and a journey that slowly unfolds into something much bigger, I highly recommend giving “Where the Moon Keeps Her Heart” a read.
October 7, 2025
The author was kind enough to send me an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
The author posted the following to describe her book:
A fantasy adventure for gentle spirits.
In this book you will find:
Strong friendships
Engaging conversation
Wise-women healers
Girls with swords
Mythic creatures
First love
Sapphic love
Moon magic
Epic quest
All of this sounded right up my alley, so I was excited to read this. And now, I'm so glad that I did.
The style of the writing is quite lovely, very soft and lyrical. I love how the author describes the characters, their feelings, the atmosphere, etc.
I really liked the characters. Naima is the kind of mentor figure that I love to see, and Fjorna is very sweet, with a quiet strength. Definitely a style of protagonist that I haven't seen as often, but one that I enjoy. Ichante is another type of protagonist that I love. Strong, with a good heart, yet still very human.
The sapphic romances are very sweet, and you can't help rooting for them. For those wondering, the romances are closed door. Intimate relations are alluded to on occasion, but there is no graphic content.
This book, like the romances in it, is a *slow* burn. And I love a good slow burn. The cover lists this as book one of a series, and I'm really looking forward to the next one. This opening installment does a great job of setting up the world, the characters, and the quest. It's very much a beginning, and I look forward to seeing where the authors take things next.
The author posted the following to describe her book:
A fantasy adventure for gentle spirits.
In this book you will find:
Strong friendships
Engaging conversation
Wise-women healers
Girls with swords
Mythic creatures
First love
Sapphic love
Moon magic
Epic quest
All of this sounded right up my alley, so I was excited to read this. And now, I'm so glad that I did.
The style of the writing is quite lovely, very soft and lyrical. I love how the author describes the characters, their feelings, the atmosphere, etc.
I really liked the characters. Naima is the kind of mentor figure that I love to see, and Fjorna is very sweet, with a quiet strength. Definitely a style of protagonist that I haven't seen as often, but one that I enjoy. Ichante is another type of protagonist that I love. Strong, with a good heart, yet still very human.
The sapphic romances are very sweet, and you can't help rooting for them. For those wondering, the romances are closed door. Intimate relations are alluded to on occasion, but there is no graphic content.
This book, like the romances in it, is a *slow* burn. And I love a good slow burn. The cover lists this as book one of a series, and I'm really looking forward to the next one. This opening installment does a great job of setting up the world, the characters, and the quest. It's very much a beginning, and I look forward to seeing where the authors take things next.
October 8, 2025
4.5 Stars
Where the Moon Keeps Her Heart by Isa Ingram and Noelle Ingram.
I had zero expectation coming in while reading WTMKHH, all I knew was it is a fantasy novel. Have you ever been on a ride where you were a passenger in a new place so you just let the driver lead on and you're just enjoying the view, absorbing the sites and sounds, just letting the driver carry you to wherever your destination is? This was exactly how it felt like reading WTMKHH. Before long I am 30% in and invested in all the characters, and while I wasn't reading I would find myself remembering scenes from the book, imagining the setting like it was a movie playing in my head. I found that the story grew on me and despite its massive and daunting number of pages, somehow I persevered and read it through to the end!
The main characters were developed with a strong foundation and distinct personalities. I noticed this even with the side characters where they were not just one dimensional. They were constantly evolving which made for a more interesting read. The evolution of events were also well timed, well placed and beautifully developed. It felt like being in-step with the characters as they discovered their paths, truths and lies.
I haven't read a thoroughly written fantasy book that wasn't devastating, however, Where the Moon Keeps Her Heart seems to be just that, an actual feel-good 800+ page fantasy book that doesn't compromise on its composition. It's rare to find a meticulously well-written and layered fantasy book that makes sense. This book deserves more attention, more buzz because I truly appreciate the writing and the story.
Where the Moon Keeps Her Heart by Isa Ingram and Noelle Ingram.
I had zero expectation coming in while reading WTMKHH, all I knew was it is a fantasy novel. Have you ever been on a ride where you were a passenger in a new place so you just let the driver lead on and you're just enjoying the view, absorbing the sites and sounds, just letting the driver carry you to wherever your destination is? This was exactly how it felt like reading WTMKHH. Before long I am 30% in and invested in all the characters, and while I wasn't reading I would find myself remembering scenes from the book, imagining the setting like it was a movie playing in my head. I found that the story grew on me and despite its massive and daunting number of pages, somehow I persevered and read it through to the end!
The main characters were developed with a strong foundation and distinct personalities. I noticed this even with the side characters where they were not just one dimensional. They were constantly evolving which made for a more interesting read. The evolution of events were also well timed, well placed and beautifully developed. It felt like being in-step with the characters as they discovered their paths, truths and lies.
I haven't read a thoroughly written fantasy book that wasn't devastating, however, Where the Moon Keeps Her Heart seems to be just that, an actual feel-good 800+ page fantasy book that doesn't compromise on its composition. It's rare to find a meticulously well-written and layered fantasy book that makes sense. This book deserves more attention, more buzz because I truly appreciate the writing and the story.
November 27, 2025
Where the Moon Keeps Her Heart is one of my favorite books I read recently.
Isa and Noelle did an amazing job creating a world that feels like its own, real, deep and full of magic. The characters are unforgettable, from Fjörna, Streya and Ichante, to the side characters that all support the story and help characterize the world with their perspectives and personalities.
This is a coming-of-age/YA read, but it is so full of depth, it is so good at asking important questions and it goes so deep into the characters feelings, that it is absolutely lovely to read as an adult too. I did find myself wishing I could have read it as a teen though; I think I would have benefitted so much from the perspectives I found in it, but even reading it today it felt profound, healing, and like a warm hug.
I highly recommend WTMKHH to everyone, but I think it will especially resonate with anyone that has ever felt insecure or different because of their sensitivity. Feeling deeply can be so obviously a gift when we are surrounded by the right community of people that see us for who we truly are, when we’ve learned to trust the unfolding of things, and this book shows you just that.
I’m re-reading this book right now and loving it once again. I can’t wait for Book 2!!:)
Isa and Noelle did an amazing job creating a world that feels like its own, real, deep and full of magic. The characters are unforgettable, from Fjörna, Streya and Ichante, to the side characters that all support the story and help characterize the world with their perspectives and personalities.
This is a coming-of-age/YA read, but it is so full of depth, it is so good at asking important questions and it goes so deep into the characters feelings, that it is absolutely lovely to read as an adult too. I did find myself wishing I could have read it as a teen though; I think I would have benefitted so much from the perspectives I found in it, but even reading it today it felt profound, healing, and like a warm hug.
I highly recommend WTMKHH to everyone, but I think it will especially resonate with anyone that has ever felt insecure or different because of their sensitivity. Feeling deeply can be so obviously a gift when we are surrounded by the right community of people that see us for who we truly are, when we’ve learned to trust the unfolding of things, and this book shows you just that.
I’m re-reading this book right now and loving it once again. I can’t wait for Book 2!!:)
December 31, 2025
Where the moon keeps her heart
This immersive cottage-core novel transported me into a nostalgic and magical iteration of the multiverse. Woven adjacent to history, it has not only reimagined, but rewritten a world where the warmth and charm of the past are experienced through a lens of possibility.
Centering women, and illuminating the nuances of queer women and their faceted ways of relating, this novel offers a gentle invitation into the hearts of its characters.
The rich detail allows a seamless emersion into a time and place where love, courage, and connection to the seen and unseen worlds is celebrated and danced with.
This story shares a profoundly apt cosmology of our embodied connection to the earth and the matrix of energy that swirls within all living beings. It is a timely reminder, and reflects both the shadows and the hopes we presently face in our collective experience.
Musing with what ifs… what if the intrinsic nature of women, of people to listen to the earth, to pay heed to the elements was valued as sacred.
Soooooo looking forward to the next book in the series and continuing the journey.
This immersive cottage-core novel transported me into a nostalgic and magical iteration of the multiverse. Woven adjacent to history, it has not only reimagined, but rewritten a world where the warmth and charm of the past are experienced through a lens of possibility.
Centering women, and illuminating the nuances of queer women and their faceted ways of relating, this novel offers a gentle invitation into the hearts of its characters.
The rich detail allows a seamless emersion into a time and place where love, courage, and connection to the seen and unseen worlds is celebrated and danced with.
This story shares a profoundly apt cosmology of our embodied connection to the earth and the matrix of energy that swirls within all living beings. It is a timely reminder, and reflects both the shadows and the hopes we presently face in our collective experience.
Musing with what ifs… what if the intrinsic nature of women, of people to listen to the earth, to pay heed to the elements was valued as sacred.
Soooooo looking forward to the next book in the series and continuing the journey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2025
Kindle
Isa & Noelle certainly know how to weave a tale of fantasy, magic and love. I was immediately tangled up in the prologue with Naima, Bjorn and Soyala. I loved each of them, quickly followed by Fjorna, Streya, Siskia, Inchante & Ylva. I felt like I went with them on their journey to find the elusive flower. The only reason I didn't give it a perfect rating was because in the end, I had way more questions than answers. I love HEAs, not to say this wasn't an HEA per say, but, the authors leave you with innumerable possibilities of outcomes. Both Owen and Lukacha were kind and loveable. Perhaps the cliffhanger is to entice the reader for future books? I also strongly shipped Inchante & Siskia and also Fjorna & Streya, although in both relationships, the objections seem insurmountable. All in all, a very good read and I hope to see some follow up books in the future.
Isa & Noelle certainly know how to weave a tale of fantasy, magic and love. I was immediately tangled up in the prologue with Naima, Bjorn and Soyala. I loved each of them, quickly followed by Fjorna, Streya, Siskia, Inchante & Ylva. I felt like I went with them on their journey to find the elusive flower. The only reason I didn't give it a perfect rating was because in the end, I had way more questions than answers. I love HEAs, not to say this wasn't an HEA per say, but, the authors leave you with innumerable possibilities of outcomes. Both Owen and Lukacha were kind and loveable. Perhaps the cliffhanger is to entice the reader for future books? I also strongly shipped Inchante & Siskia and also Fjorna & Streya, although in both relationships, the objections seem insurmountable. All in all, a very good read and I hope to see some follow up books in the future.
November 3, 2025
I will admit that this book is LONG.This is an ARC review, and so I will be fully honest.
It is my attempt to expand my sapphic book collection so seeing this up for ARC I jumped on it. I'm about 1/3 of the way done and the book has me hooked. The writing does feel, at time, a little plain but I enjoy this because, as an amateur writer, it feels like it is something that I could one day write which admittedly makes me connect on another level. It's not plain in a boring way but in a simple and easy to read way.
A great many female characters, and strong ones at that. Yet they also have their own struggles. They aren't superwomen but everyday people trying to live in this fantasy world filled with worries and fears that they need and want to over come.
So far, I am greatly enjoying this book and I cannot wait to finish it.
It is my attempt to expand my sapphic book collection so seeing this up for ARC I jumped on it. I'm about 1/3 of the way done and the book has me hooked. The writing does feel, at time, a little plain but I enjoy this because, as an amateur writer, it feels like it is something that I could one day write which admittedly makes me connect on another level. It's not plain in a boring way but in a simple and easy to read way.
A great many female characters, and strong ones at that. Yet they also have their own struggles. They aren't superwomen but everyday people trying to live in this fantasy world filled with worries and fears that they need and want to over come.
So far, I am greatly enjoying this book and I cannot wait to finish it.
November 23, 2025
Magical queer coming of age journey of identity exploration and self-knowing
Where the Moon Keeps her Heart is a beautiful, magical, and queer coming of age story filled with relatable characters, words of wisdom, and slow-burn romance. This young adult fantasy novel takes you on the protagonists journeys of self-discovery, identity exploration, big questions about how the world works, and learning to trust in their own deep knowing. The protagonists embark on a journey where self-trust is imperative, and they must face challenges to their values to succeed. I recommend this book to any lovers of young adult fantasy, particularly LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults who could benefit from seeing a little bit of their selves in the characters. I would have loved to read this as an adolescent, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series even now.
Where the Moon Keeps her Heart is a beautiful, magical, and queer coming of age story filled with relatable characters, words of wisdom, and slow-burn romance. This young adult fantasy novel takes you on the protagonists journeys of self-discovery, identity exploration, big questions about how the world works, and learning to trust in their own deep knowing. The protagonists embark on a journey where self-trust is imperative, and they must face challenges to their values to succeed. I recommend this book to any lovers of young adult fantasy, particularly LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults who could benefit from seeing a little bit of their selves in the characters. I would have loved to read this as an adolescent, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series even now.
December 13, 2025
I received an ARC copy from Isa Ingram but all opinions are my own.
This was a great intersection of a YA sapphic coming-of-age story with a thrilling fantasy adventure. It was pretty long, but very readable. My only gripe is that there were a few stylistic choices that took me out of the narrative, but that's more an issue with the editing than the writing and that could totally just be a me thing. Overall, it has a great cast of characters, especially female characters, interesting world-building, and a compelling plot, and I would highly recommend to anyone wants to read more sapphic lit or fantasy lit, and especially people like me who like both at the same time!
This was a great intersection of a YA sapphic coming-of-age story with a thrilling fantasy adventure. It was pretty long, but very readable. My only gripe is that there were a few stylistic choices that took me out of the narrative, but that's more an issue with the editing than the writing and that could totally just be a me thing. Overall, it has a great cast of characters, especially female characters, interesting world-building, and a compelling plot, and I would highly recommend to anyone wants to read more sapphic lit or fantasy lit, and especially people like me who like both at the same time!
October 30, 2025
I found this story to be surprising in so many delightful ways. It presents a world that feels both familiar and completely fresh. The characters defy conventional expectations in their thinking and growth throughout the story, which is refreshing.
The prose is lyrical and descriptive. The themes of respect, the interplay between choice and fate, and the expansive nature of love are beautifully woven into the adventure and, as in all great fantasy, a journey.
I genuinely hope there’s another book!
The prose is lyrical and descriptive. The themes of respect, the interplay between choice and fate, and the expansive nature of love are beautifully woven into the adventure and, as in all great fantasy, a journey.
I genuinely hope there’s another book!
October 29, 2025
It was an honour and pleasure to be given the opportunity to read this book as a part of its ARC journey.
I don’t usually read fantasy, but my curiosity got the better of me. I found Where the 'Moon Keeps Her Heart' quite charming. The story follows Fjorna’s journey as she begins to understand her magical gift and navigate her evolving relationship with Streya. Their connection unfolds slowly, with tenderness and emotional depth.
Interwoven with this is the story of Princess Ichante and her companion Saskia…..a thread that brings its own urgency and quiet longing. The two narratives complement each other, offering different shades of love, duty, and desire.
At over 800 pages, it’s a substantial read. For me, dipping in and out created a manageable flow, allowing time to absorb the characters and their world. Readers who enjoy richly detailed, emotionally layered storytelling will find much to explore here.
I don’t usually read fantasy, but my curiosity got the better of me. I found Where the 'Moon Keeps Her Heart' quite charming. The story follows Fjorna’s journey as she begins to understand her magical gift and navigate her evolving relationship with Streya. Their connection unfolds slowly, with tenderness and emotional depth.
Interwoven with this is the story of Princess Ichante and her companion Saskia…..a thread that brings its own urgency and quiet longing. The two narratives complement each other, offering different shades of love, duty, and desire.
At over 800 pages, it’s a substantial read. For me, dipping in and out created a manageable flow, allowing time to absorb the characters and their world. Readers who enjoy richly detailed, emotionally layered storytelling will find much to explore here.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews