A moon rabbit. Three magical mishaps. Zero intention of behaving.Before Havenwood, there was Luna, a sharp-tongued moon rabbit who never meant to stay on Earth. She definitely never meant to get involved. But when trouble crosses her path, Luna discovers that being small, overlooked, and underestimated makes her very good at solving problems no one else can.
From suspiciously fluffy situations to a radish-related incident that spirals wildly out of control, and one unforgettable cabbage catastrophe, these three cozy magical tales reveal how Luna became the rabbit no one sees coming and no one forgets: • Fluff and Furballs • Radish Ruckus • Cabbage Catastrophe
L.L. Gray writes captivating, fast-paced fantasy full of wit, warmth, and magic. Her books transport readers to charming, cozy worlds brimming with lovable characters and whimsical adventures. A lifelong enthusiast of fantasy and myths, L.L. Gray blends humor and heart, inviting readers to escape into her spellbinding stories that feel like home—cozy, magical, and impossible to put down.
I adored this look into Luna’s life before Havenwood. Although Havenwood is part of what makes this series so special, it was nice to get the background and why Luna is the way she is. Thank the Chaos Cat that she is! This prequel reads like one story, but it is broken into three distinct parts with each focusing on a specific part of Luna’s life. It was a fun and entertaining read.
I doubt there's anyone on the planet who hadn't fallen in love with Luna! What a cool cat she is.... well... bunny actually... So getting the backstory on Ms Awesomeness herself, was sheer delight!
Each story flows into the next, book 1 delves into a very responsible, very conscience Luna, tasked with organising and executing a tea party for her goddess, Lady Kaguya. And then chaos erupts, literally, in the form of an arrogant cat and all hell breaks loose! Maybe not hell itself, but, in a panic to prevent more chaos, Luna jumps through the portal that ushered in the cat, can't get back and ends up stuck on Earth. The author did a superb job conveying Luna's anxiety and how she deals with it. I couldn't help feeling so sorry for Luna, she desperately wanted to go home but, as it was a no go.... "Every month she came with hope. Every month the portal remained stubbornly inert."
Book 2 had me giggling big time! Oh my heck, the characters are so much fun, this author's imagination immense! I mean, we get to see Luna "evolve" into the snarky, opiniated, her humourous retorts and, basically, what shaped her to be the "her" I love! Itsuki, hehe, loved him! He even introduces Luna to Nezumi, and thus started Luna's ninja training, which was hilarious! That final test...oh my word!
Book 3, Luna, not one to sink into despair, soon has a well established business, working as a magical fixer and and bounty hunter. Realising, she's a lot happier on Earth than she was on the moon. A job, by none other than Vivienne Silverthorne, lands Luna in Havenwood, where she meets Beatrice and there's no going back. She entrenches herself in Havenwood, calling it, the bookstore and Beatrice home. I gotta admit I was surprised, I was not expecting Vivienne Silver Thorne to appear! Cool twist!
I do enjoy how much fun these Havenwood books are. The author gives us humour and magic, mystery and problem solving, shenanigans and chaos and the coolest adventuring, all wrapped up in a nice cosy bunny basket.... I probably would have annoyed Luna by the smile that stretched across my face, which refused to ebate, even when I got to the end of the book. Another terrific read from this wonderful author!
Finally! We have a book completely devoted to my favorite Havenwood Mysteries character, the moon rabbit Luna (and don’t dare call her a bunny!). How did she become a Ninja rabbit? How did she wind up in Havenwood with Beatrice, Harper’s great grandmother? Where did her sass come from? The three delightful stories contained in this book give you a lot of this information, and more. Just like the Havenwood Mysteries series, there is humor galore, but also magic and suspense! While I missed the town of Havenwood (it does show up in the third story) and Harper and her friends, I loved getting to know more about Luna.
This is a fast read and while you don’t have to read the Havenwood Mysteries books to enjoy this one, I think you’ll enjoy learning about Luna more if you have. However, if you haven’t yet read any of the Havenwood Cozy Mysteries, this is also a great start and you may find like I have that Luna is your favorite character.
L. L. Gray’s books featuring Havenwood are complete stories with no cliffhangers and they are G rated, too, so your whole family can enjoy them. While there is violence in some, it’s typically not graphic and never gratuitous, and often tied in with magic. When there is romance, it is subtle and beautiful. The language is clean. Her characters in Havenwood are delightful, and you’ll wind up wishing you could visit there for a lengthy stay. Early on, I said that these books are like reading a letter from a very good friend whom you haven’t seen for a while, and I still feel that way about Ms. Gray’s books. Now that I know more about Luna and her past, I’m looking forward to the next Havenwood Cozy Mystery adventure!
Thank you to L. L. Gray for providing an advance review copy. You’re the best!
This enchanting novella consists of three short stories of magical mishaps and mayhem that tell us the stages how the sassy Moon rabbit ended up staying in Havenwood and along the way acquired various skills. Luna was in charge of hosting her first tea party on the Moon for Lady Kaguya when a chaos creature caused the entrance portal become shut with Luna left on the Earth. During her subsequent adventures when she tries to get back to the Moon and Lady Kaguya, her path leads her following a kitsune to meeting Master Nezumi and training at his dojo, a safe place for her to stay while she decides what she does next. After she becomes a Ninja rabbit who is also opinionated, adventurous and humorous, the magical craziness that encompasses Luna causes her to track down missing spell books. On the way of her subsequent adventures we meet up with characters from the Havenwood Series and learn how Luna becomes involved with Beatrice, Harper's great grandmother and the bookshop. This cements her decision to become a resident of Havenwood and put down roots. L L Gray weaves her magic with engrossing tasks and loveable (and some not so much loveable) characters. The novella is easily read and can be either a great introduction to the Havenwood Series, as after reading this you will want to read the series, or as a companion story. I really enjoyed reading this compilation of short stories with humour, magic and suspense. I thank L L Gray for the opportunity to do so.
What a magnificent, creative, fun magical read full of riddles and mysteries!! We finally get plenty of questions answered about the mysterious, sassy mouthed adorable Luna, the kickass ninja moon rabbit. Going back in time, Luna hosted a tea party for the goddess Lady Kaguya, but a gatecrasher in the form of a purple to midnight blue cat sowing chaos slipped through the portal. Revelling in his chaos, said cat wouldn't leave and the portal mechanism got stuck. In desperation, Luna jumped the portal to close it from the outside. After becoming anxious about being unable to get back, our adventurous rabbit decided it's time to explore Earth. Along the way she encountered a kitsune, Itsuki, who answered her questions with more riddles than answers, but he took her to Master Nezumi as a trainee of the Shinobi no Michi. Did I have a good laugh about her final test. Passing set her up for more adventurous travels and jobs and then came a job offer from non other than the formidable Vivienne Silverthorne from Havenwood. To read more of Luna's job and how a new partnership was born, do pre-order your copy asap. I can promise you that you will have quite a fantastic time reading it. It's just freaking awesome. I received an advanced review copy from the author and leave this review voluntary Thank Liz.
ARC Review: Havenwood Cozy Mystery Prequel Luna’s First Misadventures by L. L. Gray
Luna is absolutely a ninja. I have adored the Havenwood series for years, so the moment I had the chance to read about Luna, the sharp and unforgettable moon rabbit from the Havenwood bookshop, I grabbed this prequel immediately. It did not disappoint.
This collection follows Luna before Havenwood, back when she never intended to stay on Earth and certainly never intended to get involved in anything resembling trouble. Naturally, trouble found her anyway. From the moment she accidentally lets chaos slip into a tea party on the dark side of the moon, the tone is set. The cat in that scene gave me strong Cheshire Cat vibes and I loved every second of it.
The book is divided into three connected tales that flow together as one delightful story. Fluff and Furballs, Radish Ruckus, and Cabbage Catastrophe each build on Luna’s misadventures and show exactly how she became the rabbit no one sees coming and no one forgets.
It is whimsical, magical, cozy, and full of the charm that makes Havenwood such a joy to read. I truly hope we get more of Luna’s life and eventually the beginnings of the magical bookshop in Havenwood. This prequel is a treat for longtime fans and a perfect introduction for new readers.
Luna's First Misadventures is a prequel to Gray's Havenwood Cozy Mystery series. It includes three adorable short stories about Luna, before she came to Havenwood. This book provided a little background into where Luna came from, and what makes her so special.
The first was Fluff and Furballs. Luna is working for the moon princess, Lady Kaguya. She's hosting a tea party on the dark side of the moon, when an uninvited guest comes through the portal.
The second was Radish Ruckus where Luna is earthside. She meet a kitsune named Itsuki who brings her to meet Master Nezumi, a mouse. This is where Luna receives her top secret ninja training. In order to graduate from the program she must locate a stolen radish.
The third was Cabbage Catastrophe. Luna is invited to Havenwood by none other than Vivienne Silverthorne. It seems there is a stolen book and Vivienne has hired Luna to recover the tome. This is also where Luna meets Beatrice Sullivan.
I have enjoyed every book in this series, including this one. I love this small town that Gray has created along with all the quirky characters and the cozy mysteries. The stories are heartwarming and yet always include a little mystery, a little magic, and a little mayhem. They are always entertaining. If you're a fan of the Havenwood series, you'll want to check this one out.
I want to live in L. L. Gray’s Havenwood. The coffee is great, the pastries divine, there are books galore, and the familiars are nonpareil! Gray’s Havenwood series has lively plots, engaging characters, and witty, snarky, dialog. The mistress of snark is the familiar, Luna, a moon rabbit. Luna is a ninja bunny who loves a good radish whenever and as often as possible. Luna’s First Misadventures is a prequel to the Havenwood series. It explains how Luna ended up in Havenwood as the nunchuck wielding protector of, and advisor to, a witch, a bookstore, and a town. L.L. Gray has taken pinches of myth from several cultures to get Luna to where she is and her recipe works. Luna is one of my favorite characters in the series and by far my favorite familiar of all time (apologies to my dog Maggie, who is firmly convinced that she fills that spot.) When I think of Luna I see the sword wielding rabbits of medieval tapestries. If you, like me, enjoy cozy paranormal mysteries (they are candy for my soul) jump into Luna’s world, and it is Luna’s world, at least as far as she is concerned! And, nota bene, try the entire Havenwood series. Luna’s “supporting” characters are a lot of fun too.
This prequel to the Havenwood series is such a fun book! It tells the story of the wonderful, snarky moon rabbit, Luna - how she came to earth and what her adventures were prior to coming to Havenwood, who she ended up working for as her first "job" in that magical town, and how she met Harper's great grandmother Beatrice. We learn the reason she dislikes cats (something that will be apparent in book 1 when we meet Mr. Wigglesworth) and where some of her unique sayings came from. It is, of course, laced with humor and magic!
I don't want to give too much away. There are delightful 3 stories in this book, each of which give you a bit more of Luna's story. It's a super easy and fast read, and will have you smiling and give you a better understanding and appreciation of the wonderful character of Luna.
You could read this before starting the rest of the series, or at any point in the middle.
I'll be reading the rest of the series with a new perspective, and am tempted to go back and re-read the earlier books!
I received an advance review copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I had ‘The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch’ on my TBR, not realizing it was a part of a series. When a random generator chose it as my next read I decided to start at the beginning with this prequel instead.
As of right now, I may not had the same appreciation for this installment compared to those who have read other books in the series.
The first two ‘mini books’ in ‘Luna’s First Misadventures’ were difficult for me to get through. Solely because I’m not much of a talking animals type. However, in the third ‘mini book,’ when the people were introduced, I found that I couldn’t put the book down!
Whereas the first two took me 8 days to read through, the final one took me about an hour. I’m now looking forward for diving into the series.
The author has beautiful writing and story telling; her descriptions easily bring the story to life. In addition, her character creation is top notch. They all have these unique personalities that jump off the page. Not only did I find myself easily visualizing each character along with their mannerisms, but the way they spoke and the sound of their voices! I haven’t done character voices since my kids were little, it was quite enjoyable.
Luna is manning a portal for a tea party that lady Kaguya is holding on the dark side of the moon, their home. All I could think of was the cat that came thru bringing chaos was the Cheshire cat. Talking in riddles, answering only if it the right question. When they go to close the portal, it has been damaged. Only way to close it is Luna will go thru and close it from that side. It closed, and she waited every new moon for it to open again.she travels earth trying to find a moon goddess temple but runs into a Kitsune. His name is Itsuki and he leads Luna to Master Nezumi at his Dojo. Luna trains and the three become close. When it comes to a final test to find a stolen radish, well it is just funny. She passes and moves on into the world. Opens a successful Magical bounty hunter business tracing down lost magical items. She is hired by someone in Havenwood, Conn to locate The Silverthorne Family Ritual Book. Now we know how Luna got there. A book that makes you laugh and leaves you feeling good.
If you have ever wondered how Luna came to be a ninja or how she ended up with Beatrice in Havenwood, then you will definitely want to read this! This novella has 3 connected short stories spanning from when Luna was still on the to when she arrived on Earth and then how she met Beatrice Sullivan. Luna has to be one of my favorite animal companions and I adored this peek into her life before she met Harper! Luna is a fiesty, no-nonsense rabbit and I love her humor as well. Whether she is arranging a tea party or investigating a missing spell book, her attention to detail is second to none. We got to meet all the characters who shaped her past that we heard about in the Havenwood series as well see members of Havenwood prior to Harper as well. This was an absolutely adorable cozy book and I easily binge read it. Whether you have started the Havenwood series or not, I highly recommend this book! ANd if you haven't started the Havenwood series yet, you will definitely want to jump right in after this book.
So actually, Luna is the only ninja moon rabbit I have ever heard of, but that doesn’t mean she won’t always be one of my favorites. I absolutely loved these stories about Luna, where she came from, how she met Beatirice Sullivan, and how she came to be a resident of Havenwood. This book contains three short quick stories all about one of my favorite residents of Havenwood. As always, Luna takes no prisoners. She can be blunt to the point of rudeness, her wit and gritty determination to make the best of the circumstances she finds herself in kept me laughing from the first page to the last, and as always her colorful, or should that be tasty expletives crack me up. Each story in this book is a new twist in Luna’s life story, and a new adventure that makes Luna the wonderfully written, and imaginative character that I fell in love with, so I highly recommend this peek into Luna’s life to anyone who loves the Havenwood Paranormal Cozy Mysteries as much as I do.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.
No Harper and no Spellbooks, instead we go back in time before either and focus on everyone's favorite rabbit. In three short connected tales, we learn a little more about Luna's past on the moon, how she came to be on Earth, where she learned her ninja skills, and what led to her going to Havenwood. It's purely coincidental, I'm sure that the three stories are titled after expressions Luna utters whenever she's upset, or slightly annoyed, or just feeling sassy. I'm also hopeful that since the book is titled Luna's First Misadventures, there is the possibility of another collection of stories featuring Luna. Just as the first story in the series has been from the start, this latest offering in the Havenwood series is a joy to read. I could have finished it sooner, but like with all good stories, I found myself simultaneously wanting to hurry up to find out how it ends, but not wanting it to end.
This isn’t my normal genre so I wasn’t really captured by the story to start with. I haven’t read any of the other books with Luna in them either. I am not sure if that would have helped me get into this book. The more I read the more I found myself wondering what the other books starring Luna are like. I will give one a go at some point
I thought the characters were really likeable and well written. I did enjoy Agatha, Beatrice and Luna as a trio. They made me smile at times.
The book shows you how life can throw curve balls at you and that you don’t have to go with the flow. You can decide what path you take. It’s shows resilience and strength. This book was not what I thought it would be. By the time I finished it I was glad I had read it.
I read this as an advanced reader and these are my honest thoughts
I have been obsessed with Luna, since she hopped across the Havenwood bookstore. She is the kind of character that demands your attention, with her snarky demeanor and her ability to do, well, practically anything. I have long wondered where she came from... and this book answers, almost, every question I have ever thought to ask, quite a few that I didn't know I needed to ask, and left me asking more....
The book chronicles Luna's adventures from the literal dark side of the moon to Havenwood. And, wow, what an adventure... Along the way we meet literal gods and goddesses, check out a hidden dojo and learn, what the heck "Radish Ruckus" means. The author does a fabulous job explaining the snarky rabbit and everything that is happening to her.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Luna has always been a character (and quite a character) throughout the Havenwood Paranormal Cozy Mystery series by L.L. Gray. In these 3 short stories, we get a chance to know how a Moon rabbit became a Ninja Master and how she met Beatrice and became a part of the bookstore. You get to know which of her claims (boasts, brags…) are true. We also find out why cats are not her favorite creatures. Learning Luna’s motivations and watching her change, grow, and develop into the rabbit she is in the series was a fun experience. Even if you have never read any of the other stories, this is easily read as a standalone. If you have read the other stories, this prequel will help to appreciate Luna and her abilities even more.
Finally! We find out how a moon rabbit ended up in Havenwood!
I’ve always wondered how Luna ended up in Havenwood and the bookstore. This prequel answers all those questions and more. It’s a fast, fun read starting with Luna on the dark side of the moon and how she ended up on Earth and the rest you’ll just have to read for yourself. Everything is so wonderfully described and I really felt like I was right there next to Luna as she went through all these different experiences. This really is a cute story and just a wonderful escape into the world of L.L. Gray’s imagination that I cannot recommend highly enough!
I received a free advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
You know you're in for a treat when a book opens with our favorite moon rabbit arguing about misbehaving gods. The three stories in this book are a ton of fun to read as we get to find out more about Luna and how she came to stay in Havenwood. The stories are great for when you want something relaxing, but with a surprising amount of depth for a rabbit learning to be a ninja. I loved watching as Luna developed into the sassy ninja rabbit from the main series. While this book is listed as a prequel, you could read it at any point. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy cozy fantasy with magical animals.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Oh wow - this is the prequel story I didn't know I needed! I've read all the Havenwood stories and loved them, so when this prequel was announced I knew I'd read it, of course. However, I did not know how perfect it would be!
Learning about Luna's backstory puts so much into perspective and makes her so much more relatable. Her origins on the moon and her bravery are an excellent kick-off. Going through ninja training with her and finally seeing her introduction to Havenwood is so fun. I hope we'll see how she and Beatrice work together in future stories.
Until then, I'll look forward to the next Havenwood installment and my new love for Luna, the talking ninja moon rabbit...
Although I’m not a huge fan of short stories, I am a huge fan of this series and Luna, so I definitely had to read this prequel book. We discover the origins of Luna and her Ninja abilities, how she came to reside in Havenwood, and how Spellbooks was dreamed up. I love how she made so much of herself when she had nothing at the beginning. I’d love to learn more about where she came from and how things are going there…and a certain cat that Luna left behind. This is a fun prequel, and I know fans of this series will enjoy this. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Luna! If you've already met Luna in Havenwood, her stories are like finding the missing pieces of a captivating puzzle.
If you are just meeting Luna, these three short stories will reveal the secrets of her past that shaped this sassy, smart rabbit.
Either takes you on the twisty history of the route this rabbit followed to find Havenwood, to choose to call it home, and to share her discerning, snarky wit with her new neighbors - like it or not!
And a final gem? The reason she can't stand cats!
I received this book as an advanced reader. Now, L.L. Gray is offering you this gift - Enjoy Luna's First Misadventures!
Luna is given the honor of security at the open portal (for a tea) to the moon. The moon cat comes through and won't go back. Luna accidentally gets caught on the moon!!!! Her adventures there have to be read to be believed, and she isn't sure she wants to leave the moon for earth!!! What a suspenseful lead into the Mystery in the Margins! Luna teaches us many lessons along her journey. I liked that she learned how to be still and watch... Looking forward to more Luna adventures. I voluntarily read a free copy of this and am giving MY honest opinion without remuneration of any kind .
I received this as an ARC. I love all Havenwood books. It was really fun getting some of the backstory for Luna. I love her even more now. The First story was kind of difficult for me to get into and follow just because of the number of characters and unnecessary details, so I wish that had been handled a little bit differently. But I really enjoyed learning how Luna became the bad-A** ninja, superspy, moon rabbit that she is.
I can't want for the next Havenwood story. (AND PS- Would love for Mr. Wigglesworth to have a little bit of intrigue in his story too- cursed? evil villian? reincarnate?)
I loved reading this book and have read LLGray’s other books that take place in Havenwood. Luna is a magical rabbit that lives on the moon. She accidentally leaves a time travel door open and goes in to close the door on the other side. Unfortunately she can’t get back and is trapped on earth. She is on her own and begins a journey to explore and to learn more about the creatures that live on earth. She’s sassy, strong willed and learns self defense while joining with some humans to solve a mystery. It’s a fun book to read and I really enjoyed learning about how Luna came to live in Havenwood. I highly recommend this book.
Luna, the ninja rabbit has been a fun and interesting character in the Havenwood mysteries, so it was great fun to read her backstory. Luna’s story begins on the moon, where she serves the moon goddess. Forced to seal the moon’s portal after a chaos cat enters, Luna finds herself trapped on Earth. We learn her path to becoming a ninja rabbit and how she finds herself in Havenwood. This was an entertaining way to learn about Luna and to solve a mystery at the end! Than L.L. Gray for the opportunity to read the ARC.
What a wonderful prequel to the Havenwood cozies, starring our favorite rabbit, Luna. Where did this delightful, snarky rabbit with the magic and ninja moves come from, and how did she land in Havenwood? It's all explained in this book I had the delight to read and truly couldn't put down until the last page. I've read all the books, so going back is really fun. I just might need to re-read them again while waiting for the next in the series!
Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy - much appreciated.
This story fills us in on how our favorite moon rabbit Luna arrived in Havenwood. At first I was sad at what happened to her but then as she traveled the world and learned new skills and met other magical critters you really get drawn into the story. It was nice finding out how she ended up in Havenwood, met Beatrice and became part of her life. I really love this series and sassy Luna and this book answered a lot of questions about her and who she is. I was honored to read an early copy and this is my honest opinion.
Absolutely delightful stories about a ninja moon rabbit named Luna. Perfect for any age. I first met Luna in the Havenwood cozy mysteries an engaging and magical series. This collection of stories tells us the history of how Luna becomes the strong, intelligent, bodacious ninja rabbit that she is. If you haven't yet read the Havenwood cozy mysteries this is a wonderful introduction to one of the most beloved characters. If you have been following it eagerly reading each new book, Luna's history explains why shes is the popular character she has become. I highy recommend this book and series.
If you are a Havenwood fan like me, then you will love Luna’s First Misadventures. Such a wonderful way to learn how Luna became Luna. And if you haven’t entered the Havenwood world yet, this is the perfect way to do so, following Luna’s fluffy tail. All the stories took me to faraway places, and I loved meeting the fox and the mouse. I’ve been wanting to go to Japan. I hope I see them there. Lol. It was so cozy to end up in Havenwood and see how some characters there started, too! Definitely five carrots!