Moondance

by Caroline Tate

On the eve of his thirty-second birthday, I gave him the most shocking gift of his life— an accidental baby. 

Ellie Stone is slowly losing her fire. From sharp, witty, and fiercely stubborn to... still unbelievably moody?

While slinging java at the Dream Bean, she's fighting for her chance at a fruitful writing career under the lead of her handsome boyfriend, music nerd of a charmer, and top editor at The Southport Anchor, Mason Matthews. But after an emotional meltdown in the middle of a pet store, she feels like something is definitely wrong.

Divinely wrong.

Dangerously wrong.

And that something? It just so happens to be a baby. Taking up residence in her uterus. 

Will Ellie chance ruining Mason's five-year plan and the new promotion he's being promised with her accidental secret?

Moondance is a full-length, 70K word novel in the Stars Over Southport Series. It can be read as a standalone, but is best enjoyed after Book 1. Complete with an HEA, it's an accidental baby, small-town romance that begs one question: Will their relationship survive?

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2019

Reviews

[Lisa Aiello · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me. I really enjoyed this story of Ellie and Mason. Ellie is reluctant to dive head long into her relationship with Mason due to some previous abandonment issues. Mason is loving and supportive and gives Ellie the room she needs. However, he is definitely ready for the next step - moving in together. Ellie completely freaks out when he brings it up, but eventually comes around. But, there are other surprises in store for them that tests Ellie and her past issues cause her to make some assumptions and puts a rift between them. In the end, they do get their HEA and it was a enjoyable taking their journey with them.

[Marija · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I was going to have bigger enjoyment if I read the first Songbird book of this instalment, but I had fun reading Moondance alone too. It can be read as a standalone too. I liked the story and the characters that kept me awake late just because I had to finish the chapter and the next one, and the next one...
I like the authors writing style and I am looking forward of reading her next books

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a hard book to rate. I was happy that Mason and Ellie were together in the end. However, I really didn't like how Ellie tried to handle her pregnancy. The fact that she wasn't sure that she was going to keep it or even tell him pissed me off. My reason is simple she was supposed to be in a committed relationship with a man she loved. If she truly loved him she would have had no problem. Thankfully in the end it all worked out and they got their HEA.

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mason and Ellie are finding their feet in their relationship. Ellie has abandonment issues associated with her mom and does not understand how Mason could love her even after being in a relationship for more than a year. Mason is methodical in his daily life and they would not seem to be a good fit for each other. The setting is southern, small town and slow moving. Everything is easy going and uncomplicated. It is a relaxing read for a lazy day.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Hoffman - Booktastic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

This was my first day to read stories by this author. I loved both in this series. The journey of friendship between Mason and Ellie was special. A nice way to relax and read a story.

[C 10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good

Back to ugly crying again
Ellie and Mason grew so much in their relationship and when Ellie fell pregnant she thought it would all be over for them.
But Mason was great he loves her so much and the really got their HEA.
Thanks to this author for a great book

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

Ellie and Mason story is well written with strong and believable characters. Caroline knows how to get your interest an you can't put the book down.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moondance: An Accidental Baby
Small-Town Romance
(Stars Over Southport)
Caroline Tate

Moondance is a sweet small-town romance, a gripping story of a young woman’s quest of making her dream come true; as a full-time song writer and finding love along the way. Moondance is devastatingly heartbreaking story, filled with hope, love, and passion; which sends the readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and thoughts, with the best written ending that I have read in a long time. Although Moondance can be read as a stand-alone; it is helpful to read Songbird, to get the whole story of the main characters in this book.

We met our characters in SONGBIRD and now get to know more about them and their relationship in Moondance. Here we find our leading lady’s character working through her insecurities, and abandonment issues. Those overwhelming, insecurities and doubts come again; sending her in to an emotional tailspin. It will take all our leading male characters; steadiness, comforting and his optimistic outlook to reign her back in. Our leading male character being every woman’s dream come true: he is so patient and understanding; he showers our leading lady with love, and respect; nurtures her creativity and helps her gain confidence with herself and her writing talent. These characters have a simmering relationship and his sweet love for her; is absolutely endearing. Their feelings for one another are believable, without being soppy and Moondance has the HEA, at its best.

Ms. Carline Tate knows how to get the readers interest; creating a realistic world for her characters that endure real life issues of abandonment and disastrous relationships; things the readers can not only understand but relate to, knowing where the leading lady has come from and where she is now. Ms. Caroline Tate has written an amazingly well-developed plot to this book, with strong and believable characters; that work together and nurtured their relationship that seems so real with a very satisfying ending. I really enjoyed reading this book and could not put the book down. I cannot wait to read more in this series and truly look forward to reading more from this author. I was gifted a copy of Moondance and feel that I need to share my feelings about not only this book; but the authors writing skills, both are deserving 4-stars each.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read that this book could be read as a standalone. At the time I didn't see the part about it being enjoyed more after reading the first book, Songbird. I have not read Songbird yet. My review is based on reading this book solely as a standalone.

I have to say that I agree that this CAN be read as a standalone. Having said that, I feel like I walked into the middle of a story. From the beginning of the book, I felt like I was either missing something or the writer was leaving something out.

This was a sweet small town romance that did make a number of references to how Mason and Ellie met, but I have seen that before in other books. Normally, in the other books, the couple in the second book has a small introductory part in the first book. I didn't realize Mason and Ellie had an ENTIRE first book.

I waffled back and forth between Ellie meaning a lot more to Mason, than Mason meant to her. I felt like Ellie had issues having to do with her mother, but had no explanation for what the issues were, or how they could be damaging her relationship. There were a couple of other times I felt like I was missing some important background information.

As a standalone, I can only give this book three stars. It was ok. It was sweet with an underlying sense of being angsty. I have to honestly say you should definitely read Songbird BEFORE you read this book. I suspect this book would really be more enjoyable after reading the first book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy received via Booksprout.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a continuation of Ellie and Mason’s story. We met them in SONGBIRD and now get to know more about them and their relationship. This story beautifully imparts the need for open communication in a relationship. Although they have revealed their love for each other, Ellie is still reluctant to commit herself fully to her relationship with Mason. Her childhood, her poor relationship with her parents and her nasty ex have left her with serious emotional wounds, ones that she has yet to reveal to Mason. When he asks her to move in with him, she panics. She tries desperately to deny that he asked her, then tries to shut him out. Mason knows her well enough to give her space and time to gather herself and to think things out. He is pleasantly surprised when she agrees to move in with him. Yet, there are other complications and surprises coming in their future. Her estranged mother makes contact and a surprise pregnancy send Ellie into an emotional tailspin. It will take all of Mason’s steady, comforting and optimistic outlook to reign in her rollercoaster thoughts and emotions. Will Ellie finally let go and share her secrets, her emotional wounds and her fears with Mason? Do they have a happily ever after in their future, or will Ellie cut and run like she has done in the past? I could not put this book down!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline Tate created a realistic world about Ellie and Mason. Ellie was abandoned by her mother, had a disastrous relationship, and is now working two jobs until her writing can provide her all the income she needs. She's been burned by familial and relationship loves. The reader will be able to understand where she comes from and where she is now.

Mason is the ultimate friend and boyfriend to Ellie. He asks her to move in with him and she does. She has a hard time grasping that they're together since she's used to the proverbial shoe dropping when she's happy. But Mason truly loves her. He is so patient, understanding, and helps her gain confidence. The insecurities and doubts come again when she finds out she's pregnant. She's afraid that an unplanned pregnancy will derail hers and Mason's lives and cause problems for Mason's plans. She does not want to lose Mason.

This story is devastatingly heartbreaking, hopeful, loving, passionate with the best written ending I've read in a long time. Ms. Tate plotted the story out amazingly well and rounded it out with a very satisfying ending. I can't wait to read more in this series.

I read an advanced copy via Booksprout and I leave my voluntary and honest review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional roller coaster, one is taken on the ride with Ellie as she battles through the issues that have plagued her all her life. Experience has shown that people initially go into fight or flight mode in order to survive a painful or stressful youth. Ellie displays all the attributes of a survivor with her somewhat aggressive mode of coping. However, with Mason's gentle humour and wisdom, she slowly lets go and begins to relax into their relationship. Their funny and cute relationship is uniquely their own, one that has evolved out of their opposite personalities. However, it is their very different temperaments that bring out the best in each other. The story is romantic and well written, with underlying life lessons we could all benefit from. Moondance follows on from Songbird and although the story is a standalone, with many of the characters appearing in this one too, it does give the reader better insight into the plot if one has read it first. The novel comes to a happy conclusion, leaving one with a satisfied feeling. I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Christine Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic continuation of Mason and Ellie's love story that captivates readers with their wit, passion, life adventures and challenges, with a secret and healing thrown into the mix. Moondance was a great sequel to Songbird in showing the growth and maturity that Mason and Ellie have gone through as a couple and as individuals. I absolutely loved the feeling of "home" Ellie experiences with Mason and vice versa. Caroline Tate conveyed the message that although falling in love and making life choices with someone is scary, having a partner and making new dreams together brings more meaning to life with the right person beside you. An absolutely captivating story with wonderful characters readers will love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Bremer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moondance is the continuation of Ellie and Mason's story. To be honest, I didn't think there needed to be a continuation of their story. I loved Songbird and thought it had a great ending. I had some trouble getting into Moondance. There is a side trip with Ellie's mom that is distracting and could have been left out. About a third way in, the story finally picks up and starts to draw you in. As things become complicated with Ellie, you care about how things will work out for her and Mason. Like Songbird, you will enjoy the love of family, friends and new acquaintances. I am glad there was a second story of Ellie and Mason and it is well worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Himanish Prabhakar · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review is 3.8 stars.

The book started on a good note and ended on a good note but I think in middle I felt little disengaged and that made me feel little lost. The characters are good, but I think there are plenty of the room to make them better than they already are. Sometimes I felt the characters were confused in their own dilemma. The story is good and plotting is done beautifully. Scenes and dialogues are nicely written. I found little imperfection in the pace of the story which was uneven throughout the book.

If the characters were expanded and written more deliberately then the whole outcome was really good but I suppose the author missed that. On n all a good book to read which had a really good potential to become better.

[Juliana Ignácio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved seeing the Songbird characters again. Ellie and Mason are very interesting characters.
While Ellie battles through the issues that plagued all her life, Mason does everything to show that his love for her is unconditional.
Although they have very different personalities, this is what makes them fit so well. The love they have for each other is perfect.
But when Ellie discovers that she's pregnant, she's afraid that this may affect her relationship with Mason and disrupt his plans, since she doesn't want to lose him.
I loved the story and the ending was perfect. I highly recommend the reading.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Nelia D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

Oh, I loved this book, continuing Mase and Ellie’s story from Songbird.

Ms Tate is a marvel. She is a wordsmith. She elevates an ordinary emotion, an ordinary sensation, an ordinary situation... to extraordinary.*

Quote: "Silence is part of the music... But our love is the entire orchestra,"

My heart broke for Ellie with her fractured past, but Mason… Oh, his patience, perseverance and love conquers all! This book evoked so many emotions, it was really hard to put down. Truly worth five stars!

* Someone wrote something similar somewhere some time ago...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could tell there was more to Ellie and Mason’s story at the end of Songbird. This book picks up one year into their relationship. Ellie’s best friend is going away to school and Mason wants her to move in with him, but she’s afraid to give him that control after what happened with her ex. He finally gets her to agree to move in and she finds out she’s pregnant. Her mother always resented getting pregnant with Ellie, so she thinks it’s the worst thing that could happen and that Mason will be so angry with her. But he’s actually really sweet when she tells him. The ending to this book was pretty sweet too.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much I will be reading it again soon. Ellie is such a sweetheart with insecurities brought on by a lifetime of people who should love her don’t so then she meets Mason who loves her to pieces but being hurt so many times it’s hard for her to grasp that not only does she deserve to be loved but is. Mason is a dream come true he not only loves her but does everything in his power to make sure she not only feels loved but knows it. I could not put this book down it’s so powerfully written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ellie and Mason's story from Song Bird and this story picks up where that leaves off, so I would suggest reading it first. They've been seeing/dating well over a year and Mason ask Ellie to move in with him. Ellie doesn't believe she's deserving of love but when she finds out she's pregnant her way of thinking begins to change. Mason is beyond excited about becoming a father.
This is such a beautiful conclusion to a well written love story that just melted my heart! Oh, the epilogue was such a nice extra feel good ending that to me put the icing on the cake!!!


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MaLoBe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lot of angst and a whole lot of love

That read gave me all the feels. I cried, I laugh, I felt angst and was even nervous. I guess I was going through same motions as the main characters. I really connected with Ellie. I didn't read their first book but I kind of have feeling their journey to the point there found themselves wasn't easy. I was overwhelmed by the amount of love that flows between both of them. It was really nice to witness how close and connected they were and how besides all the circumstances patience and communication in the relationship is important. I enjoyed every single chapter of this book and was really happy and content by the end of the story.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Moondance" is Ellie and Mason's story. They're a normal couple, just making their way through life. She's got some baggage in her life, which sometimes skews her thinking (as do we all,) but she's plucky. He's an attractive, somewhat nerdy guy. They're a great couple, who actually talk to each other about issues, when they arise. They share a love of Van Morrison, which is where the book gets its name. (All the talk about him had me playing his music in the backgroud while I read.) I thought the book started a little slowly, but Ms. Tate reeled me in and kept me turning pages. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a clean romance.

[Tammy]

This book can hit home with anyone that a mother had left a child behind with there grandparents or even another family member. Ellie was left with her grandparents when her mother left her with no explanation. Years later Ellie questions herself with her new boyfriend Mason and after a year together he pops the question of Ellie moving in with him. After ignoring the question Mason leaves it be and then its moving day. Its the every day in life they live together and Ellie then gets pregnant, she questions herself once again with self doubt. But Mason is on the good guys and truly loves her and after time they both get the HEA.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline Tate is a true wordsmith. Her beautiful, descriptive language is utterly mesmerizing and her references to music are enchanting. This book is filled with raw and gripping emotions. Moondance picks right up where Songbird ended. In spite of Ellie's many insecurities, the reader is taken on a discovery as she finally develops into the woman Mason always knew she could be. Every young woman should find a supportive boyfriend like Mason. In this book, the reader will definitely feel their connection. Great read!

[Nathathida Atirekasâra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never realise that this is a continue book from Songbird, I just think why I'm familiar with Mason and Ellie so I search my library and find it. I am happy to know more about their relationship. This book is about the 2 different people have a relationship and living together. Ellie has her issue about her mom and it shows through the book. I'm glad that Mason is her secure and his family is so supportive. I decided to give it 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Crain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This intricately woven story will grasp your interest and heart at the same time! Mason and Ellie's relationship is complicated most especially by Ellie's difficult past. You will be struck by Mason's complete love of and devotion to Ellie through all her moods and emotions. Moondance is an unforgetable and deeply touching story of ultimate trust!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Heart-Rending Tale of Survival and the Power of True love!

[Lcr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moondance is a wonderful sequel and although it could be read as a stand-alone I recommend you read Songbird first to fully appreciate the depth of this beautiful book. The characters are great and their relationship is so real and complex in some ways yet so easy in others. This is a story of how life can change in a moment and how two very different people handle it. Moondance is beautifully written and will keep you reading until the very end. I cannot recommend this book highly enough .. I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Miss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie and Mason have been together for over a year now and things couldn’t get any better. She is happy and in love but she fears something will happen to throw their plans out of order. And sure enough. A baby happens. I loved the way the author wrote this story and I definitely look forward to reading more books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Review of Moondance by Caroline Tate

Ellie and Mason - 4 Stars

This is the second book in this series and should be read after the first book. I loved the chemistry between these two quirky characters and the way that she discovers she is pregnant. This is one heck of a rollercoaster read. With all the twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Definitely worth taking the time to read and enjoy.

**********
**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**

[Debra Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saga of Mason and Ellie continues and it is an amazing enjoyable read. As they continue to work on their relationship they face a number of ups and downs and insecurities especially Ellie. The storyline is flawless and believable; the writing is fluid and flows smoothly. It is an engaging page turner with fantastic dialogue and a well-developed and consistent plot. The end is beautifully written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.