Palmetto Moon

by Kim Boykin

PLEASE NOTE THIS BOOK HAS A NEW COVER AND IS A SECOND EDITION OF THE ORIGINAL. Boykin writes "the kind of book that makes you want to lock the door, turn off the phone and read every page straight through to the end." The Huffington Post June, 1947. Charleston is poised to celebrate the biggest wedding in high-society history, the joining of two of the oldest families in the city. Except the bride is nowhere to be found… Unlike the rest of the debs she grew up with, Vada Hadley doesn’t see marrying Justin McLeod as a blessing—she sees it as a life sentence. So when she finds herself one day away from a wedding she doesn’t want, she’s left with no choice but to run away from the future her parents have so carefully planned for her. In Round O, South Carolina, Vada finds independence in the unexpected friendships she forms at the boarding house where she stays, and a quiet yet fulfilling courtship with the local diner owner, Frank Darling. For the first time in her life, she finally feels like she’s where she’s meant to be. But when her dear friend Darby hunts her down, needing help, Vada will have to confront the life she gave up—and decide where her heart truly belongs.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Southern, Adult, Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit

309 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2014

About the author

Kim Boykin was raised in her South Carolina home with two girly sisters and great parents. She had a happy, boring childhood, which sucks if you’re a writer because you have to create your own crazy. PLUS after you’re published and you’re being interviewed, it’s very appealing when the author actually lived in Crazy Town or somewhere in the general vicinity.

Almost everything she learned about writing, she learned from her grandpa, an oral storyteller, who was a master teacher of pacing and sensory detail. He held court under an old mimosa tree on the family farm, and people used to come from all around to hear him tell stories about growing up in rural Georgia and share his unique take on the world.

As a stay-at-home mom, Kim started writing, grabbing snip-its of time in the car rider line or on the bleachers at swim practice. After her kids left the nest, she started submitting her work, sold her first novel at 53, and has been writing like crazy ever since.

Thanks to the lessons she learned under that mimosa tree, her books are well reviewed and, according to RT Book Reviews, feel like they’re being told across a kitchen table. She is the author of A Peach of a Pair (8/4/2015), Palmetto Moon and The Wisdom of Hair and Echoes of Mercy, all women's fiction novels. Contemporary romance novellas include: Caught Up In You, Steal Me, Cowboy,Just in Time for Christmas, Sweet Home Carolina, Flirting with Forever, and She's the One from Tule Publishing.

While her heart is always in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, she now lives in Sedona, Arizona, the creative center of the universe, or her universe.

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were parts of this book I loved. And there were parts I hated. While I can accept that love at first sight exists, eventually the couple has to start having "real" conversations. That never happens in this book. Eventually it takes more than a "long, wet kiss," which is apparently the only way people know how to kiss in the Lowlands. The reader knows more about the characters than any of them ever learn about each other.

Most frustrating of all was the complete flip flop of the Hadley's and Justin in the last chapter. All of a sudden they're completely different people and understand Vada, even though all her life they haven't cared what she had to say. I also got tired of reading about Frank's hard on and didn't appreciate the f-bombs thrown in by Darby near the end. In reality, the whole Darby story line seemed like a bit of a waste and just an excuse to throw in the brothel with it's distinctive sex chairs.

The book is essentially a cleaner, more glorified Harlequin Romance with stories that wrap themselves up nicely and perfectly in a completely unrealistic way.

I'm a little confused as to why the blurbs about the book say that Darby hunts down Vada when in reality the opposite is the case. The blurb actually doesn't explain the book at all since Vada doesn't go back to Charleston because of Darby.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vada Hadley does not want to marry Justin McLeod. He is crude and he will keep her caged up like a bird with a broken wing. With a little nudge Vada takes flight and runs away. She ends up in Round O, South Carolina. A small town where everyone knows everyone else's business.

Frank Darling was a military reject. He wanted to go but due to a heart condition he was not able to. Ever since than, he has been a little bitter. He works as a cook at a local diner. From the first moment that Frank lays eyes on Vada, it is love at first sight.

Palmetto Moon is a charming read. The characters make you want to hop into the book and stay with them forever. I am glad that Vada stepped out on her own. She blossomed into a good woman. There was a time of two where she did revert to being a young child like and needing assistance but luckily she had Frank there by her side. Speaking of Frank, he is such a sweetheart. He was like a giant teddy bear with a heart of gold. I had such an enjoyable time with Vada, Frank, Claire, and her boys that before I knew it I was already done reading this book in a matter of a few short hours.

[Ellen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I told myself a few books back that I should have backed away from reading Chic Lit. I didn't take my
own advice and read this book. I would call this book a "Tourist Trap" since it lures you in with a great
cover, wonderful premise, perfect time ( at least for me) in history, and area ( the South). Then it trips you up
by being not only boring, and repetitive, but unbelievable as while. Story is lost when you start hoping the nasty
evil landlady, or the screaming firebrand of a pastor show up. They don't.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1947 and Vada wants to work and live her own life. She's a society girl and her rich parents have found a suitable husband for her. Justin is the dream of most girls Vada's age, but for Vada being married to this man would be her worst nightmare. Her parents don't listen to her and she sees only one solution, pack her backs and run away. That is how Vada ends up in Round O, a small town where she finds a job and feels welcome.

Frank has a diner in Round O. When Vada walks into his establishment he knows she's the one. Vada lives in a boarding house and makes her own money. She easily gets along with people and she and Frank become good friends and more. Vada is thriving in Round O, but will she be able to keep her identity a secret or will her past catch up with her eventually? What will happen if it does, is Vada prepared to fight for her newfound freedom and the man who's won her heart?

Palmetto Moon is a wonderful romantic story. Vada is a strong and capable woman. She knows she will never be happy with Justin, so she decides to run away and start over. I admired her courage and kept hoping nobody would find her. Vada strongly fights for her rights, she doesn't want to be under anyone's thumb and total control is what her father and Justin are after. Frank is different, he lets her be herself and he admires her strong personality. They're a beautiful match and I kept hoping they'd find their happily ever after.

Kim Boykin's warm and welcoming writing style is a joy to read. She makes Round O and its inhabitants come to life in a fabulous way through vivid descriptions and heartwarming dialogue. Palmetto Moon immediately captivated me. I loved reading about Vada's journey and her fight for independence. It's a great topic for a story and Kim Boykin's execution is flawless. I really enjoyed reading this amazing book.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kim Boykin's novels have come highly recommended through one of the Facebook reading groups I participate in. I was thrilled when I was chosen to win one of her books for myself and my book club. She sent us Palmetto Moon and it proved to be an easy and entertaining read.

The two things that stick out the most are Kim’s use of description and character development. Her descriptions are so vivid that I felt like I was right there in South Carolina, circa 1947. I felt the heat, taste the food, and practically touch the items and places as they leapt off the page. The characters felt so accessible, as well. Kim presented multiple points of view throughout the story for readers to access all their feelings. While I don’t know that having Reggie’s point-of-view was necessary, the other narratives enhanced the plot. I would have loved her friend Darby’s narrative though. I wanted to see what was going on with her while Vada was trying to help her out of a bind. I really liked Claire and her story line became even more interesting as the book moved along.

What didn’t work as well was the flow of the story. I felt like it jumped around at times and that some material got dropped along the way. There were also some parts I felt could have been kept more subtle, as I did not need to know every time Frank was “excited” about Vada.

Overall, it was interesting to see the contrasts between Vada’s rich existence and the life that she was trying to forge for herself when she left that world. Given how modern she was, I kept forgetting that the story took place in 1947. (I only wish we had those prices now and that courtship was still the same…Frank didn’t need Tinder to woo Vada!)

My dream movie cast:
Vada: Julianne Hough
Frank: Billy Magnussen
Miss Wentworth: Morena Baccarin
Claire: Chyler Leigh

[Max "Mr Divabetic" Szadek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so special to me because Kim's beautiful story and lovable characters bring to life why women's empowerment is so important. I couldn't put it down because I was rooting for the characters right up to the end. I needed to read a story like this about strong women who are respected and accepted by their lovers, families and friends. A book about women who bond together to achieve their goals. I don't like that women are constantly being called 'b*tches" in today's media, music and films and reality shows like 'The Real Housewives' are only able to achieve their highest ratings when cast members are physically attacking each other. I think we have the opportunity to diffuse the messages being sent by today's media with more stories like Palmetto Moon. I believe that a woman who is able to achieve her highest potential will have very positive impact on her family and community just like we see play out with Kim's characters. I'm looking forward to interviewing Author Kim Boykin about Palmetto Moon on my free monthly podcast, Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2014, 6-7 PM, EST. www.divabetic.org

[Jennifer Vido · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took an advanced reading copy of this book along with me for a 10 hour car ride from Baltimore to Charleston,SC. Despite the hordes of traffic, the whining dog, and the heat, the trip flew by because I was immersed in the story. The author's writing style is similar to Karen White's in that she weaves an intricate storyline with rich characters and a vivid locale. Her attention to detail and poetic prose is truly awe-inspiring. The majority of the story takes place in the lowcountry outside of Charleston in 1947. Charlestonian debutante Vada Hadley is betrothed to Justin McLeod, a wealthy, debonair bachelor whose affections lie elsewhere. In order to maintain both family's vast fortunes, their parents have arranged for the two to marry. Yet Vada has other plans. In an attempt to save herself, she flees to Round O, South Carolina to start a new life. Amid the townsfolk, Vada tries her best to blend in by accepting a job as a school teacher. When the owner of the local diner tries to win her heart, Vada must choose between her privileged life in Charleston or the new life she has created on her own.

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kim Boykin.

First let me say, lovely cover.

I agreed to read this for a blog tour. And also from https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/pub... for allowing me to read it via Net Galley.

I really liked the concept of this story and I really loved how it developed. The blurb says it all really.

I don't like giving spoilers so I wont. I'm going to keep this review brief.

I had trouble sometimes piecing things together, I felt the author rushed a few things and left out some needed details.

There was a booth mentioned on a picnic? [I think] but where was the booth? Its not been mentioned prior to that or where they were. I got a little lost at times.

Just taking the pages and growing them more IMHO would make this a huge success. Those are the reasons I give it 3 stars. Good, but needs developing and expanding.

[Donna Ciriello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read the first chapter from the author's website (kimboykin.com). Wow! Can't wait to get my hands on this book!

Update: Loved it. The ending was not a surprise. You know this will be a "happily ever after," but you don't know how the characters will get there. The author does a great job of setting the scenes and holding your attention, but I have to admit, my favorite parts are the side characters. If this was a TV show or movie, it would win for best supporting actors. I love how Kim leaves us wanting to know more about all the characters, not just the main ones.
Now if she will just write those spin-offs.

[Chris · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't begin to say how disappointed I am in this book. It was a struggle to read.

[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Super Sweet Stars

I must say I was drawn to Palmetto Moon by the cover and summary. Who doesn’t love a run-away-fiancé? But something was lacking for me and I think when it comes down to it, Palmetto Moon was just not for me.

Summary

Vada is engaged to a man she doesn’t love. She’s marrying Justin for the family. She’s a young something gal in a tough situation. She wants to do right by her parents and marry Justin, but she can’t see herself with him. Justin isn’t even a catch, he’s a little old fashion and single minded. On an impulse Vada runs away.

She finds herself in a local diner, miles away and gaining a friendship with the handsome cook, Frank.

Review

I liked the idea of Palmetto Moon. I liked that it was set in the 1940’s and it kind of showed how the culture was back then. The book does touch a few issues on gay relationships, which I enjoyed reading and Vada was a Heroine I could read.

I think my issue was the connection and the way Palmetto Moon was written. First off, the book was written very dry. There’s a love of detail, descriptive writing and the time frame was very long. Also, the romance between Vada and Frank was lacking.

I felt like there was an insta-love on Frank’s part and I couldn’t see where it came from. I did like that Vada is this rich city girl and Frank was the guy on the wrong side of the tracks, but like I said, I didn’t see their connection. I think it’s because the romance was very light in the read.

The book does touch on the subject of women’s rights and how they should be in the 40’s, you know, staying home with the kids and not working. Vada tries very hard to purse a life that will make her happy, but she does have a complex, her parents.

There are some notable side characters, Vada’s friends and their hardships are interesting to read as well but I was mainly interesting in Vada and Frank.

Overall, there are a lot of “nice” elements in Palmetto Moon, but I am just not sure the writing style was for me.

An Arc was provided in exchange for an honest review

AMAZON

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is also posted on Book by Book.

Kim Boykin’s Palmetto Moon is a charming, simple novel. Set in South Carolina in the 1940s, it follows Vada Hadley as she searches for independence and love. Vada, running from the confines of an unwanted arranged marriage and wealthy Charleston society, finds herself on her own in the small country town of Round O, and I found Vada likeable as a character simply for her determination to forge her own way apart from family expectations. She easily secures her place in the town with housing at the boardinghouse and a job as the schoolteacher (though she never steps foot in the schoolhouse at any point within the narrative) and quickly begins to build relationships with the people around her.

The main relationship develops between Vada and the handsome diner owner, Frank Darling. Their relationship is sweet and tender, and since I love romance, many moments had me smiling. However, a lack of depth does become evident as the pages pass. Both Vada and Frank experience an (understandable) instant attraction to each other and soon label their feelings as “love,” but these feelings seem almost entirely based on a driving attraction and lack other supporting qualities. Though I did like these two characters together and enjoyed their expected ending, it would have been nice to see a bit more in their quickly moving relationship.

Still, Palmetto Moon is an entertaining and delightful summer story. Readers of Southern fiction looking for a light and easy read will surely be pleased with its endearing characters and storyline. Thanks to Kim Boykin and Pump Up Your Book, I received a copy of Palmetto Moon and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its 1947 and Vada Hadley is going to be married to a rich Charlestonian by her rich father to help make both families more successful. It doesn't matter to her father that she doesn't love Justin and doesn't want to marry him. So the day before the wedding, Vada runs away to a small town and gets a job as a teacher. She gives up her fine life and beautiful clothes and lives in a boarding house. Its the story of her self discovery of who she is and what she wants out of life. The story is well told and the characters are very likeable. Its a fun quick read.

[Kathy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story! There were so many interesting characters and twists and turns in the novel that it made it hard to put it down! A different kind of Charleston novel with Vada Hadley as the rich Charleston girl who has a mind of her own and gets what she wants - love, respect, and a true partnership with her marriage! Another wonderful novel by Kim Boykin!

[Catherine Faulkenburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Campy but enjoyable. I liked the descriptions of the small town but the characters are somewhat one dimensional. One thing I seriously could have done without was the descriptions of the here's erections. I get it, he was hot for the woman, but it kind of was a cheap way of describing his feelings for her. I liked The Wisdom of Hair a lot better than this one

[Megan Perales · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book! I loved the idea of an empowered female finding her own path and felt the concept had a lot of potential. But, unfortunately I found it quite juvenile in its approach. As the reader, I felt I was following along with the outline of a typical storyline with anticipated plot points and arcs rather than being immersed in the journey of the characters.

Additionally, the plot had several irrelevant diversions and lacked depth and development. For example, the primary relationship of the book felt superficial and forced. Their moments of intimacy were described with far too much unnecessary detail and were uncomfortable to read.

I appreciate the difficulty of writing a book, but I had to really push through to finish this one. Overall, the plot was forgettable and regrettably not a novel I would recommend.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love good Southern fiction and I've enjoyed other books I've read by this author, but this book was so disappointing. The story of a rich girl who runs away from her parents and the man they want her to marry was so melodramatic and repetitive that I had a hard time finishing it. The story had so much potential because Vada, the lead character, left in part to find her missing best friend. This story line went pretty much nowhere. Vada makes new friends, finds love and gains some backbone by the end of the story, but if I had to read that she was sad and cried one more time, I think I would have thrown the book against the wall!

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story- Vada is expected to marry Justin to merger two wealthy Charleston families in this southern tale set in 1947. But Vada does not love him and dreads the expectations and her parents lack of willingness to hear her. She has really been raised by Rosa Lee and Desmond the black servants, that her parents still treat as slaves. Vada runs away to a a crossroads in rural South Carolina. It may only be 50 miles from Charleston, but it is a whole other world where she truly grows up, falls in love and comes into her own.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, except that sometimes the main character’s need for independence seemed a little too progressive for the times. Boykin’s characters are vivid and well done, and the story keeps moving.

I read it as an e-book, and the formatting was a problem. There was no space between scenes or points of view, so I was confused for a short time until I figured out that there was a shift. I’m sure the printed book is clearer.

[Stephene Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

New favorite

I waited a long time to buy this book and so glad I finally got it ,love the fact it was so old school, not trashy or jump into bedish like today's book. I miss when people had standards.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!

Great southern read! Loved the characters and the story. Perfect ending! Recipes of food mentioned in the book at the end.

[Natasha's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the southern backdrop of this novel. The characters keep you entertained and the book itself is a quick read.

[Laurel Fallon · Rating 1 out of 5]

After the second chapter I skimmed the book. (A technique I learned from my sister)! Why do I feel I have to finish every book I start??
Pass on this one SORRY 😐

[Phil McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story good plot twists

In some instances too wordy. But interesting and novel plot twists. The food added to the plot makes it more southern.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

More immature writing than I anticipated.

[J.D. Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the story, but not sure how I feel about the ending. Overall a good book.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the premise but didn’t like the fact that a grown man acted like a 15 year old when it came to a girl.

[Sara Morcom · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. Extremely light reading. Storyline was a bit over the top. Worth a read of you are looking for a light distraction.

[Mary Lindsey Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet, southern, feel-good novel.

[Heather Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a cute love story, but many times, I found myself not really liking the main character.