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By the Light of the Moon #2
Blue Moon
The year is 1885 and unwed Vanessa Gulet must surrender her newborn son to her married twin sister, Valerie, to raise. A seed of bitterness grows in Vanessa. When the opportunity arises for her to have what she’s always wanted, Vanessa takes it despite the consequences to her family. Will Vanessa and Valerie remain at odds or will they allow the power of forgiveness to heal their strained relationship?
In a new town and reunited with her son, Vanessa finds more than she bargained for: love, friendship, and a home. Vanessa and Michael (the manager at her newly inherited business) feel the pull of attraction towards each other. Vanessa trusts him, but comes to question this trust when she finds he’s kept something from her.
Valerie, overcome with loss and grief, faces the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis just as her identity as a mother is threatened. Will she and her husband forge through these trials together or will these upsets cause them to drift apart?
Love seems to bloom in the most unlikely of places in Webaashi Bay for an old friend of Jenay’s and a woman who owns the local dress shop. A parallel tale of love, forgiveness, and reuniting lost things is spun by a local author adding another dimension to the tale of the Gulet twins and their saga.
In a new town and reunited with her son, Vanessa finds more than she bargained for: love, friendship, and a home. Vanessa and Michael (the manager at her newly inherited business) feel the pull of attraction towards each other. Vanessa trusts him, but comes to question this trust when she finds he’s kept something from her.
Valerie, overcome with loss and grief, faces the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis just as her identity as a mother is threatened. Will she and her husband forge through these trials together or will these upsets cause them to drift apart?
Love seems to bloom in the most unlikely of places in Webaashi Bay for an old friend of Jenay’s and a woman who owns the local dress shop. A parallel tale of love, forgiveness, and reuniting lost things is spun by a local author adding another dimension to the tale of the Gulet twins and their saga.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
366 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2019
7 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 10, 2020
This book is a continuation of Janay's story one that I was delighted to read.
Jenny has done a wonderful job in bringing life to these characters that I could really "see" them like it was an actual movie.
I adore the setting of the book. Lake Superior is my favorite lake of all time. It's so beautiful that it can make you not want to leave it. I know it does me.
I thought Knipfer has done a wonderful job with writing this story. I am really liking this series of books by her.
I loved seeing characters from the previous book especially Janay. She's still my favorite in this book as well.
Knipfer has offered hope, faith and love throughout this book and again she weaves it in beautifully.
This book does have a split time line between past and present to help the readers understand what it is that the characters are going through at that moment and time in their lives.
The only thing I didn't really like was the too descriptive scenes in the book. I had to skip over those but other than that I really couldn't see anything else wrong with the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
My thanks to Just Reads Tours for a complimentary book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
Jenny has done a wonderful job in bringing life to these characters that I could really "see" them like it was an actual movie.
I adore the setting of the book. Lake Superior is my favorite lake of all time. It's so beautiful that it can make you not want to leave it. I know it does me.
I thought Knipfer has done a wonderful job with writing this story. I am really liking this series of books by her.
I loved seeing characters from the previous book especially Janay. She's still my favorite in this book as well.
Knipfer has offered hope, faith and love throughout this book and again she weaves it in beautifully.
This book does have a split time line between past and present to help the readers understand what it is that the characters are going through at that moment and time in their lives.
The only thing I didn't really like was the too descriptive scenes in the book. I had to skip over those but other than that I really couldn't see anything else wrong with the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
My thanks to Just Reads Tours for a complimentary book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
June 26, 2025
1 star & 1/10 hearts. I’m honestly sad to have to rate these books so low, but they’re just not my cup of tea. This one had even more content than the first one... details about women’s bodies, desire, passionate kissing (before marriage), a man almost unfaithful to his wife, etc... Plus Vanessa never got saved. If you like romance, you’ll probably really like this book, because it’s deep & pretty well written, and the message was good. But I just find it’s got too much content for me. I really don’t recommend it at all, and definitely not for a girl under 18.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
December 4, 2020
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I love the cover of this book, the book cover is why I wanted to read the book, and it didn’t disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed this historical read from author Jenny Knipfer, though sometimes it was a difficult read because of the circumstances. Vanessa is not married and was forced by her dad to give up her baby to her sister. I can not even imagine how difficult this has to be. And I can surely understand the bitterness. There is a good amount of stuff going on in this book but I had no problems. It made for a different more entertaining read for me. This is a book I think anyone who enjoys a good clean historical fiction will love this one. I’m giving Blue Moon a solid four stars!!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I love the cover of this book, the book cover is why I wanted to read the book, and it didn’t disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed this historical read from author Jenny Knipfer, though sometimes it was a difficult read because of the circumstances. Vanessa is not married and was forced by her dad to give up her baby to her sister. I can not even imagine how difficult this has to be. And I can surely understand the bitterness. There is a good amount of stuff going on in this book but I had no problems. It made for a different more entertaining read for me. This is a book I think anyone who enjoys a good clean historical fiction will love this one. I’m giving Blue Moon a solid four stars!!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
August 2, 2020
I love it when writers write out of their own experience. I also like it when chronic health issues find their way into a plot line. Jenny Knipfer has done just that. Her author’s note at the end indicates that she has first hand knowledge of Multiple Sclerosis, which one of her characters is diagnosed with as part of the plot.
Blue Moon continues Jenny Knipfer’s By the Light of the Moon series. I found it easier to read than book one - maybe because I am now familiar with her writing style but I think it is more likely that her writing improved. She still uses multiple timelines as she did in Ruby Moon but I found them easier to follow in Blue Moon. She also employs multiple perspectives which she does well. The reader gets a glimpse into the various plot points from the perspective of more than one character. This allows the readers to learn more in depth information about a wider range of characters. I look forward to reading the next book in the By the Light of the Moon series.
Blue Moon is an adult novel. I do not think I would place it in a K-12 Christian school library as there are some (tastefully done) hints at an extra-marital affair which may not be appropriate for most in the k-12 audience. I think the book could be placed in a church library.
I want to thank JustRead Publicity Tours for the complimentary e-copy of Blue Moon. This is my honest review.
Blue Moon continues Jenny Knipfer’s By the Light of the Moon series. I found it easier to read than book one - maybe because I am now familiar with her writing style but I think it is more likely that her writing improved. She still uses multiple timelines as she did in Ruby Moon but I found them easier to follow in Blue Moon. She also employs multiple perspectives which she does well. The reader gets a glimpse into the various plot points from the perspective of more than one character. This allows the readers to learn more in depth information about a wider range of characters. I look forward to reading the next book in the By the Light of the Moon series.
Blue Moon is an adult novel. I do not think I would place it in a K-12 Christian school library as there are some (tastefully done) hints at an extra-marital affair which may not be appropriate for most in the k-12 audience. I think the book could be placed in a church library.
I want to thank JustRead Publicity Tours for the complimentary e-copy of Blue Moon. This is my honest review.
September 29, 2019
There's something about Knipfer's writing that touches your heart. Maybe it's the small town feel of her books, the endearing characters, or the plot that brings a message of truth and hope. And Knipfer wonderfully blends all these elements in her latest, Blue Moon. The second book in her By the Light of the Moon series, Knipfer continues to welcome her readers into Webaashi Bay, where we are welcomed back into the town and characters we fell in love with in Ruby Moon, the first book in this series. I am confident you will love this book just as much - if not more- than the first. For in this book, Knipfer has woven an entrancing tale we all need to hear.
May 25, 2020
In this poignant, tautly-paced three-book series, Knipfer elegantly explores grief, guilt, romance, and faith.
Set on the shores of Lake Superior in Ontario during the mid-1890s, the first book in the series tells the coming-of-age story of Jenay, a young woman of mixed French and Ojibwe descent, who after causing a horrific accident must learn to survive the trauma. The second installment narrates the story of the unwed Vanessa Gulet who is forced to give her newborn son to her married twin sister, Valerie, to raise. But she finds it hard to let go of the child, unaware of the chaos her impulsive decision will bring in her sister’s life. In the final installment releasing in June of this year, Knipfer pens an absorbing tale of life on the home front in Webaashi Bay, Ontario, as Luis, Oshki, and Jimmy set on to join the war as part of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces.
The storyline in the series follows the trajectory of Jenay, Vanessa and their children’s lives from the late 1800s through WWI and its aftermath. The narrative stays intriguing as it flashes back and forth in the past and the present with the flashback chapters from the protagonists’ lives forming the axis of the story. Knipfer seamlessly Interweaves various storylines and stays focused on the richness of the Ojibwe culture, faith, and family ties.
Readers struggling with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) will appreciate the journey of the Gulet twins as a vehicle for emotional healing. The large cast of characters in this multi-generation saga provides depth and richness to the several connected storylines; each character is thoroughly sketched and possesses his or her own fears, insecurities, hopes, desires, and inner voice; Jenay, who started her journey as a teenager surprises with her strength, faith, and the gift of love; all the other characters, especially Luis, Oshki, and Jimmy are compelling, their time in war offers both a grim perspective on life in the trenches and horror of war on a soldier’s psyche.
Christian symbolism woven into the story along with the open, faith-based questions about the very nature of reality will delight readers of faith.
Readers who love being trapped in a character's mind should relish this finely written, gripping series.
A must read for fans of historical fiction.
Set on the shores of Lake Superior in Ontario during the mid-1890s, the first book in the series tells the coming-of-age story of Jenay, a young woman of mixed French and Ojibwe descent, who after causing a horrific accident must learn to survive the trauma. The second installment narrates the story of the unwed Vanessa Gulet who is forced to give her newborn son to her married twin sister, Valerie, to raise. But she finds it hard to let go of the child, unaware of the chaos her impulsive decision will bring in her sister’s life. In the final installment releasing in June of this year, Knipfer pens an absorbing tale of life on the home front in Webaashi Bay, Ontario, as Luis, Oshki, and Jimmy set on to join the war as part of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces.
The storyline in the series follows the trajectory of Jenay, Vanessa and their children’s lives from the late 1800s through WWI and its aftermath. The narrative stays intriguing as it flashes back and forth in the past and the present with the flashback chapters from the protagonists’ lives forming the axis of the story. Knipfer seamlessly Interweaves various storylines and stays focused on the richness of the Ojibwe culture, faith, and family ties.
Readers struggling with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) will appreciate the journey of the Gulet twins as a vehicle for emotional healing. The large cast of characters in this multi-generation saga provides depth and richness to the several connected storylines; each character is thoroughly sketched and possesses his or her own fears, insecurities, hopes, desires, and inner voice; Jenay, who started her journey as a teenager surprises with her strength, faith, and the gift of love; all the other characters, especially Luis, Oshki, and Jimmy are compelling, their time in war offers both a grim perspective on life in the trenches and horror of war on a soldier’s psyche.
Christian symbolism woven into the story along with the open, faith-based questions about the very nature of reality will delight readers of faith.
Readers who love being trapped in a character's mind should relish this finely written, gripping series.
A must read for fans of historical fiction.
December 6, 2020
After reading the interesting Ruby Moon that is part one of this series, I was thinking to read the next phase of Jenay's life. Author's way of presenting life lessons and deep thoughts within a historical fiction plot felt remarkable.
The story starts with little Luis, the ten year old for whom a big secret is waiting and hopes are there for his understanding. They embark on a travel across the lake.
Blue moon majorly revolves around other characters, mostly two twin sisters, an unborn baby and the father and the husband. They are related to the protagonist Jenay about whom the first book painted an intriguing picture. Here the extramarital affair of Vanessa takes the story in the path full of twists. More details about Renoult's got unveiled as well. When the twin sisters father decided the final destiny of the unborn child of one of the twins, it didnot only break the mother down but became the main source of agony. It bloomed a heart full of bitterness that had power to last for a lifetime. Later when Valerie had to tread the deadly Multiple Sclerosis how did things between the two take a turn? What awaited in the end? Will forgiveness ever touch their relationship or the two siblings will be distance apart with the new child inbetween them forever ?
If you like historical drama fiction with twisted emotionally engaging family secrets, you may go for this thoughtful series.
The story starts with little Luis, the ten year old for whom a big secret is waiting and hopes are there for his understanding. They embark on a travel across the lake.
Blue moon majorly revolves around other characters, mostly two twin sisters, an unborn baby and the father and the husband. They are related to the protagonist Jenay about whom the first book painted an intriguing picture. Here the extramarital affair of Vanessa takes the story in the path full of twists. More details about Renoult's got unveiled as well. When the twin sisters father decided the final destiny of the unborn child of one of the twins, it didnot only break the mother down but became the main source of agony. It bloomed a heart full of bitterness that had power to last for a lifetime. Later when Valerie had to tread the deadly Multiple Sclerosis how did things between the two take a turn? What awaited in the end? Will forgiveness ever touch their relationship or the two siblings will be distance apart with the new child inbetween them forever ?
If you like historical drama fiction with twisted emotionally engaging family secrets, you may go for this thoughtful series.
November 25, 2020
Blue Moon, by Jennifer L Knipfer, has a distinctive and dramatic plotline. The story features identical twins, Vanessa and Valerie, who are able, like many anecdotal tales, to intimately know and intuit each other’s feelings. Also, the historical and medical accuracy of the time and of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are impressive. I am sorry that Knipfer has first-hand experience with MS, thereby giving her great insight and comprehension of the disease.
I had a hard time, however, getting into the book. Knipfer jumps constantly between different time frames and POVs. This can be a great tool for revealing more about a character or characters. However, when a point of view is introduced, then changes when a character reminisces or time and locations change, then again in the span of a few paragraphs or pages, then the changes become redundant. I know for many readers this probably isn’t a vexation, but for me the story becomes ponderous. I admire the author’s ability to write a novel this way.
Blue Moon works as a standalone, as enough backstory is covered you don’t feel you have missing pieces.
I enjoyed the story overall for its uniqueness and historical accuracy.
Due to a minor amount of adult subject matter, I would not recommend this to those under 13.
I received Blue Moon from Celebrate Lit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
I had a hard time, however, getting into the book. Knipfer jumps constantly between different time frames and POVs. This can be a great tool for revealing more about a character or characters. However, when a point of view is introduced, then changes when a character reminisces or time and locations change, then again in the span of a few paragraphs or pages, then the changes become redundant. I know for many readers this probably isn’t a vexation, but for me the story becomes ponderous. I admire the author’s ability to write a novel this way.
Blue Moon works as a standalone, as enough backstory is covered you don’t feel you have missing pieces.
I enjoyed the story overall for its uniqueness and historical accuracy.
Due to a minor amount of adult subject matter, I would not recommend this to those under 13.
I received Blue Moon from Celebrate Lit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
September 4, 2020
Guys!!! Blue Moon is such a good book. I'm actually enjoying the plotline even more than Ruby Moon. All the characters are giving me the feels: I love Vanessa and Valerie, Luis and Lily have very stolen my heart, we get to see my favorite characters from Ruby Moon again, and I hate Felix (in a good way... please tell me you get what I mean here) I fairly flew through this book... it's one of those that you can't put down once you're into it. I think the writing style is better in this one, too. (That, or I'm becoming accustomed... I'm not entirely certain. At any rate, I want to throw the book much less often than Ruby Moon) There are a few uses of mild language that do vex me, but overall, this book is INCREDIBLE! Once again, we have a very unique storyline, which I will say again, is very hard to do. I'm super impressed and I can't wait to read Silver Moon and find out what happens next. I hope we get to keep all my favorite characters' POVs, but frankly I'm rather astonished that the author can keep as many POVs going as she has and still do it quite well! Color me impressed. Also, I'm super into wanting to read the rest of Harold's novel!!!!!
i received a copy of this book from a tour, but this is my honest review
i received a copy of this book from a tour, but this is my honest review
July 5, 2020
There's so much life in Jenny Knipfer's books!
In Blue Moon, the author tells a breathtaking story of twins Vanessa and Valerie. When Vanessa reveals news about her extramarital pregnancy, her father's decision regarding the unborn child plants the root of bitterness in her heart. The whole family's life resembles a sleeping volcano.
Page after page, the author masterfully weaves other exciting characters into the story, including Jenay (the main character in Ruby Moon), her circle of family and friends, and the plot unfolds, revealing more and more new sides of each character. I loved so many of them!
Incredibly talented Jenny Knipfer sensitively reveals what was happening in people's minds at the end of the 19th century. It's such a compelling, thought-provoking, and intelligent read. I loved it very much!
In Blue Moon, the author tells a breathtaking story of twins Vanessa and Valerie. When Vanessa reveals news about her extramarital pregnancy, her father's decision regarding the unborn child plants the root of bitterness in her heart. The whole family's life resembles a sleeping volcano.
Page after page, the author masterfully weaves other exciting characters into the story, including Jenay (the main character in Ruby Moon), her circle of family and friends, and the plot unfolds, revealing more and more new sides of each character. I loved so many of them!
Incredibly talented Jenny Knipfer sensitively reveals what was happening in people's minds at the end of the 19th century. It's such a compelling, thought-provoking, and intelligent read. I loved it very much!
July 31, 2020
This is a well written book with a great storyline that continues from Book #1 in the series, Ruby Moon. However, 1st I am not a big fan of split storylines and these books go back and forth between the past and the present. Secondly there is too many sexual connotations in the book. Men admiring women’s bodies and an almost affair between a married man and single women. I like the Faith aspect but I don’t like how people just start praying for what they want from God but there is never any repentance that the Bible teaches. It is a wonderful historical romance otherwise and I am giving it a good rating because I believe it deserves it on the basis of the author’s subjects in the book, especially on the disease of MS which I understand she is personally dealing with. I wouldn’t recommend this book for young people.
January 2, 2021
Readers return back to Webaashi Bay to discover the next chapter in the lives of Jenay Cota and many others met in the first book of the By the Light of the Moon series. The thought that someone could find true love twice in a life time seems to have happen once in a blue moon. Is it possible that the characters in this book might find love twice?
The book focuses on forgiveness and moving forward, rather than living in the past. The quotes at the beginning of the chapter were spot on and added so much value to the chapter as well as the depth of the story. The characters of the story were very relatable as they went through their struggles. The book is the second book in the series and I felt like it would be better understood if read in order. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I enjoyed Ruby Moon but I enjoyed Blue Moon even more. I found myself engrossed in the story line to see where things would go next. I also felt like I got a better viewpoint of what someone with MS experiences, especially after learning that the author wrote from a personal viewpoint.
I would really recommend reading this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
The book focuses on forgiveness and moving forward, rather than living in the past. The quotes at the beginning of the chapter were spot on and added so much value to the chapter as well as the depth of the story. The characters of the story were very relatable as they went through their struggles. The book is the second book in the series and I felt like it would be better understood if read in order. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I enjoyed Ruby Moon but I enjoyed Blue Moon even more. I found myself engrossed in the story line to see where things would go next. I also felt like I got a better viewpoint of what someone with MS experiences, especially after learning that the author wrote from a personal viewpoint.
I would really recommend reading this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
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August 23, 2020I thought this book was much harder to follow than the first one in the series. I was pulled in by the intriguing story. I couldn't wait to see how it connected to the first book in the series but was immediately thrown off by all the time jumping especially when the novel kept jumping further and further back in time. Even though each chapter or section started with a date and time heading it was still confusing. I loved the story of the identical twins and the little boy and really wanted to enjoy the story but it was a struggle to follow the format. Though I loved the twist on the traditional story of having to give up a baby.
November 5, 2020
MY THOUGHTS:
What a different but very interesting story. Starting with twin sisters who have two very different personalities even though they are identical in looks. My heart broke when one is forced to give up all she holds dear. Regret and bitterness sets in and one twin takes matters into her own hands to be happy. An amazing story of healing of brokenness, loyalty, maturity, love and a bond between sisters that nothing can destroy. READ THE BOOK!
Blessings,
Karen
Rating: 5*
I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.
What a different but very interesting story. Starting with twin sisters who have two very different personalities even though they are identical in looks. My heart broke when one is forced to give up all she holds dear. Regret and bitterness sets in and one twin takes matters into her own hands to be happy. An amazing story of healing of brokenness, loyalty, maturity, love and a bond between sisters that nothing can destroy. READ THE BOOK!
Blessings,
Karen
Rating: 5*
I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.
August 5, 2020
Identical twins Vanessa and Valerie have shared a bond most people can only imagine. But life seems to want to pull them apart and divide them. As they come up against love and heartache, societal norms and demands, and crises of health and well-being, the sisters must choose to either love one another and remain in closeness and connection with each other, or let seeds of bitterness and doubt tear them apart.
Jenny Knipfer has crafted compelling characters. It is easy to relate to both of these women throughout this fantastic tale. They are easy to celebrate with and mourn for. As a surprising and painful medical condition becomes part of one sister’s life, another seems to be making her dreams come true. But it isn’t until they are reunited that they feel whole and complete.
This journey of love and loss, motherhood, sisterhood, and friendship is endearing and a definite must read.
I hope you grab your very own copy today!
While this is part of the By the Light of the Moon series, this book can be read independently and enjoyed. I highly suggest you check out Jenny Knipfer’s other two titles, Ruby Moon and Silver Moon.
I give this book 5 stars and consider it a must-read!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Jenny Knipfer has crafted compelling characters. It is easy to relate to both of these women throughout this fantastic tale. They are easy to celebrate with and mourn for. As a surprising and painful medical condition becomes part of one sister’s life, another seems to be making her dreams come true. But it isn’t until they are reunited that they feel whole and complete.
This journey of love and loss, motherhood, sisterhood, and friendship is endearing and a definite must read.
I hope you grab your very own copy today!
While this is part of the By the Light of the Moon series, this book can be read independently and enjoyed. I highly suggest you check out Jenny Knipfer’s other two titles, Ruby Moon and Silver Moon.
I give this book 5 stars and consider it a must-read!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
December 10, 2020
This is the second book in the light of the moon Siri’s and if I’m honest this book was amazing! Book one was really really. This doesn’t only cause a rift between the two sisters but also Valerie and God as she considers her self not a Christian anymore. Stewing on this for months in years she eventually kidnaps baby Louis who is 10 now and tell him they’re going on a grand adventure and this is where it all begins. I thought this book was brilliant I love ruby moon and thought it was a great book, but Bluemoon is just plain freaking awesome! I was glad to see all the characters were back and of course not all of them are happy which makes for a great book. I find this writer has a knack for the written word... I guess that’s why she is the author LOL! I cannot recommend this book enough. I do want to give a warning though there’s descriptions of female bodies and intimacy between people who want married. Having said that though this is what makes the world interesting and why we love books, because we could read about such debauchery from the comfort of our sofa. I received this book from Books sirens and I am leaving this review totally voluntarily. good, but this one is awesome! It starts with Valerie who is unmarried giving birth, with her identical twin sister Vanessa by her side. Vanessa is to take the baby, because she is married and it’s what’s best for Vanessa and the baby.
October 19, 2020
I loved the story of relationship between these two sisters! All of the emotions that go along with sisters, especially twin sisters, is found in this heartwarming story! Once again the author has brought to life the remarkable love of God through the power of forgiveness. It’s simply an amazing series and now on to Silver Moon!!
May 11, 2020
My mother was a twin, and while she and her sister were not identical, we always joked that they had a certain telepathy between them. This phenomenon is central to Jenny Knipfer’s Blue Moon, where the special relationship between identical twins Vanessa and Valerie--born to a life of privilege in late nineteenth-century Toronto--is perhaps irrevocably broken.
Valerie has chosen a conventional life with her husband Felix Wilson, a wine merchant. Her sister Vanessa falls in love with Renault La Rue, a dashing rail magnate, but their love does not last: she bears his child, Luis, without his knowledge, and her politically ambitious father demands that she allow childless Valerie and Felix to raise the boy as their own. Ten years later, when Vanessa inherits Renault’s business, she spirits Luis away to Webaashi Bay on the shores of Lake Superior to teach him about his father and claim her privilege as his mother.
Life in Webaashi Bay is fresh, romantic, and wild. The town “is attractively set, almost like a well-dressed lady. Superior is as her swishing gown of azure, the buildings as her waist, and the cliffs as her head and shoulders with the trees as her headdress.” Here, Vanessa finds a welcoming community of strong, independent women. But her new friend Jenay is linked to Renault’s mysterious death, and when Vanessa learns the truth, Jenay must work to overcome the harm her silence has done.
In the same way, Vanessa must find a way to repair the terrible rift she has created in her own family. Back in Toronto, Valerie is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and Vanessa is called upon to help her adjust to her new limitations. In the process, the two of them will learn new ways to parent the son they both cherish.
Each section of Blue Moon is rigorously time-stamped; while this technique ensures clarity, it can also be a little distracting. But Knipfer creates a strong sense of place, and she draws on her own experience with MS to depict the course of Valerie’s illness with great sensitivity. As the twin sisters seek to recover their special relationship, each finds solace and redemption in a faith based solidly on gratitude.
Valerie has chosen a conventional life with her husband Felix Wilson, a wine merchant. Her sister Vanessa falls in love with Renault La Rue, a dashing rail magnate, but their love does not last: she bears his child, Luis, without his knowledge, and her politically ambitious father demands that she allow childless Valerie and Felix to raise the boy as their own. Ten years later, when Vanessa inherits Renault’s business, she spirits Luis away to Webaashi Bay on the shores of Lake Superior to teach him about his father and claim her privilege as his mother.
Life in Webaashi Bay is fresh, romantic, and wild. The town “is attractively set, almost like a well-dressed lady. Superior is as her swishing gown of azure, the buildings as her waist, and the cliffs as her head and shoulders with the trees as her headdress.” Here, Vanessa finds a welcoming community of strong, independent women. But her new friend Jenay is linked to Renault’s mysterious death, and when Vanessa learns the truth, Jenay must work to overcome the harm her silence has done.
In the same way, Vanessa must find a way to repair the terrible rift she has created in her own family. Back in Toronto, Valerie is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and Vanessa is called upon to help her adjust to her new limitations. In the process, the two of them will learn new ways to parent the son they both cherish.
Each section of Blue Moon is rigorously time-stamped; while this technique ensures clarity, it can also be a little distracting. But Knipfer creates a strong sense of place, and she draws on her own experience with MS to depict the course of Valerie’s illness with great sensitivity. As the twin sisters seek to recover their special relationship, each finds solace and redemption in a faith based solidly on gratitude.
December 2, 2020
Blue Moon by Jenny Knipfer is book 2 in the Light of the Moon series. I have read book one. You can see my review: HERE. This book is set in 1895 on the shores of Lake Superior. I love this time period and all the history that goes into it. Last story we met Jenay, and this one we meet unwed Vanessa Gulet who is forced to give her newborn son to her married twin sister, Valerie, to raise. I cannot imagine this and the pain that it would have caused. Vanessa's father has made this decision and it has caused a seed of bitterness to grow in and settle into her heart.
Vanessa stays involved in the child's life and spends time with him daily. When he is 10 years old, she finds out that the child's father has passed away and she has an inheritance. Vanessa takes her child and leaves her sister a note. She then tells the child that she is his actual mother. (I can only imagine the shock on his poor face!) Both Vanessa and Valerie want what is best for Luis. It was interesting to watch all this play out.
This book contains romance, some tragedies, lots of forgiveness, and how family is everything. I cannot wait until the next book in the series.
Trigger warning - This book is not suitable for those under the age of 13. There are talks of extramarital affairs', women's bodies, passionate kissing and sexual connotations.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own.
Vanessa stays involved in the child's life and spends time with him daily. When he is 10 years old, she finds out that the child's father has passed away and she has an inheritance. Vanessa takes her child and leaves her sister a note. She then tells the child that she is his actual mother. (I can only imagine the shock on his poor face!) Both Vanessa and Valerie want what is best for Luis. It was interesting to watch all this play out.
This book contains romance, some tragedies, lots of forgiveness, and how family is everything. I cannot wait until the next book in the series.
Trigger warning - This book is not suitable for those under the age of 13. There are talks of extramarital affairs', women's bodies, passionate kissing and sexual connotations.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own.
December 4, 2020
I liked "Blue Moon" by Jenny Knipfer a lot better than I did the first book "Ruby Moon" in the series. This book really kept me reading and I wasn't tempted to stop reading like I was the first one. This book kinda of is a continuation of the first book. I say this because some of the characters that are mentioned in book 1 is also in this book.This is a story about an unplanned pregnancy and then having to cover it with a lie and it cover MS.
I recommend reading this series in order but I suppose a reader could enjoy the first two as a standalone, I don't know about the third as I haven't read it. But, again I ask why would you want to read a book in a series without starting at the beginning to get the whole series, yes, I am a greedy reader, I want it all. I can't wait to start book 3.
This book has love ,sadness, kidnapping romance, misunderstandings and forgiveness. I liked the descriptions of how a mine is mined also, because my stepfather worked in a mine.
There is one scene that has a grandfather groping a young granddaughter. I am glad that the scene is short and not very graphic.
I received a contemporary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
I recommend reading this series in order but I suppose a reader could enjoy the first two as a standalone, I don't know about the third as I haven't read it. But, again I ask why would you want to read a book in a series without starting at the beginning to get the whole series, yes, I am a greedy reader, I want it all. I can't wait to start book 3.
This book has love ,sadness, kidnapping romance, misunderstandings and forgiveness. I liked the descriptions of how a mine is mined also, because my stepfather worked in a mine.
There is one scene that has a grandfather groping a young granddaughter. I am glad that the scene is short and not very graphic.
I received a contemporary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
November 21, 2020
I can’t contain my excitement that I am reading another book by this author. I love her writing style that keeps me on my toes. It is very important that readers play close attention to the dates at the beginning of paragraphs and chapters. It may seem like you can’t follow but be patient. As you get into the rhythm of how the author tells the story you will be submersed in the characters and fall in love with each detail the author accentuates.
This story is about twins Vanessa and Valerie. It is a tangled web of deceit, lies, surprises and a big lesson in forgiveness. I did feel for Vanessa as she deals with rejection and a great loss that will tear the twins apart. I loved how the author gave us both sides of the issue from the perspective of each twin. Did Vanessa do something that is unforgivable? When is it okay to take back something that you believe is yours even though you destroy bonds and families? It is a hard decision and I had a hard deciding who was right.
Valerie is given a gift that she has longed for only to see it stolen from her. Will she be able to forgive her sister’s betrayal? It broke my heart as I read that Valerie had been diagnosed with MS. It is not a kind disease and the author gives us an honest look at how it affects someone. I appreciate the author’s honesty about this disease and if you read her notes you will understand why this illness is personal for her.
The story does not lack twists and kept me on my toes. I was anxious to see how the twins would resolve their differences. What I liked the most about this story was the emotions that the author was able to convey in order for readers to become invested in the characters. Twins on different sides trying to do the right thing must come together to overcome hurt, dishonesty, pride and forgiveness in this story that embodies the true meaning of family and the importance of compassion.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
This story is about twins Vanessa and Valerie. It is a tangled web of deceit, lies, surprises and a big lesson in forgiveness. I did feel for Vanessa as she deals with rejection and a great loss that will tear the twins apart. I loved how the author gave us both sides of the issue from the perspective of each twin. Did Vanessa do something that is unforgivable? When is it okay to take back something that you believe is yours even though you destroy bonds and families? It is a hard decision and I had a hard deciding who was right.
Valerie is given a gift that she has longed for only to see it stolen from her. Will she be able to forgive her sister’s betrayal? It broke my heart as I read that Valerie had been diagnosed with MS. It is not a kind disease and the author gives us an honest look at how it affects someone. I appreciate the author’s honesty about this disease and if you read her notes you will understand why this illness is personal for her.
The story does not lack twists and kept me on my toes. I was anxious to see how the twins would resolve their differences. What I liked the most about this story was the emotions that the author was able to convey in order for readers to become invested in the characters. Twins on different sides trying to do the right thing must come together to overcome hurt, dishonesty, pride and forgiveness in this story that embodies the true meaning of family and the importance of compassion.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
July 9, 2020
Twins at Heart
Vanessa and Valarie Gulet are identical twins. When Vanessa trusts a sweet talking man named Renault and he leaves her an unwed mother she must surrender her son to her twin sister to raise as she is married . Her father gives her no choice. She smolders with the injustice and jealousy as her son call's her twin sister mom and she is only auntie.
Vanessa lives with Valarie and Felix and grows closer to her son as she is the one that plays games with him and spends time with him. One day when he is ten years old she finds out that Renault has passed away and left her a small fortune and a business in Webaashe Bay. She leaves with her son Luis, leaving only a note for her sister, and travels with him to Webaashe Bay. She tells him she is his mother and that Renault is his deceased father.
As Vanessa and Valarie struggle to do what is best for Luis , and struggle with Valarie's diagnosis of MS they learn once again to be twins and what it means to be family.
This book was a great book two in the series. I really enjoyed reading it. It had Romance, tragedy, sadness, misunderstandings, reconciliations and love. The feel of a small town where everyone knows everyone and all are friends and neighbors and help each other.
I love the description of the mining and how it was carried out from beginning to end. I also love the interaction between the other characters in the story. The poetic quality of the book and the verses throughout were very refreshing and made for a wonderful read. There is also a wonderful tart recipe in the back of the book.
This book was a joy to read and now I can't wait to start on book three and see how the series ends. I would recommend this book and this series.
Thanks to Jenny Knipfer and Book Sirens for allowing me to read a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Vanessa and Valarie Gulet are identical twins. When Vanessa trusts a sweet talking man named Renault and he leaves her an unwed mother she must surrender her son to her twin sister to raise as she is married . Her father gives her no choice. She smolders with the injustice and jealousy as her son call's her twin sister mom and she is only auntie.
Vanessa lives with Valarie and Felix and grows closer to her son as she is the one that plays games with him and spends time with him. One day when he is ten years old she finds out that Renault has passed away and left her a small fortune and a business in Webaashe Bay. She leaves with her son Luis, leaving only a note for her sister, and travels with him to Webaashe Bay. She tells him she is his mother and that Renault is his deceased father.
As Vanessa and Valarie struggle to do what is best for Luis , and struggle with Valarie's diagnosis of MS they learn once again to be twins and what it means to be family.
This book was a great book two in the series. I really enjoyed reading it. It had Romance, tragedy, sadness, misunderstandings, reconciliations and love. The feel of a small town where everyone knows everyone and all are friends and neighbors and help each other.
I love the description of the mining and how it was carried out from beginning to end. I also love the interaction between the other characters in the story. The poetic quality of the book and the verses throughout were very refreshing and made for a wonderful read. There is also a wonderful tart recipe in the back of the book.
This book was a joy to read and now I can't wait to start on book three and see how the series ends. I would recommend this book and this series.
Thanks to Jenny Knipfer and Book Sirens for allowing me to read a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
November 30, 2020
Blue Moon by Jennifer Knipfer has a refreshingly new storyline. I found this book highly entertaining. Historical romance had never been my preferred gender but as I read more well written books like this one, I am finding myself enjoying them. The characters in this story are brought to life through the author’s descriptions. The places are described in detail. Personalities abound and occasionally clash. There are many twists and turns along the journey. Finding relying on faith is an important part of this story. Life does not always go as we hope or plan. This theme finds itself here in this book. The only thing I didn’t care for was a little too much detail which didn’t really add to the story, in my opinion as in describing rooms and clothing, for instance. Family relationships are sometimes difficult. And even more so as outside influences affect them. I would recommend this book especially for those that enjoy historical Christian fiction.
This book was provided through Celebrate Lit and the author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts.
This book was provided through Celebrate Lit and the author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts.
September 29, 2019
Having read the first book in the series By the Light of the Moon, Ruby Moon, and connecting with that story, I eagerly accepted the chance to be an advanced reader for the next installment in the series, Blue Moon. This segment focuses on twin sisters Vanessa and Valerie and how Luis, the baby born to unmarried Vanessa, changes life for both women as he is given to her married, childless sister Valerie and her husband to raise. As Vanessa is devising a plan for a new life her to take back her son and be a mother to him, Valerie learns she has Multiple Sclerosis. The sisters’ story weaves us back to the shores of Lake Superior and Webaashi Bay and reintroduces familiar characters from Ruby Moon as they meet and become part of Vanessa and Valerie’s story. Using a split time line, scenes from past events give the reader an understanding of current happenings for the characters as a story of heartbreak, love, friendship, health issues, familial bonds and faith unfold. The flashbacks and side stories of some of the supporting characters added depth to the the story and created a sense of connection and community among the characters in the book. Knowing that the author herself is also working through the trials of Multiple Sclerosis made Valerie’s story of how she was handling the disease realistic.
November 25, 2020
Teach me how to live this life and live it unafraid of what may come.
Identical twins, carbon copies but are they really? Vanessa and Valerie have always been easily mixed up, until life sets them on completely different paths. Unmarried and pregnant, Vanessa must give her newborn son to Valerie and her husband Felix to raise as their son. You must remember this is 1885 so a great deal of stigma is associated with being a single mother, something that we perhaps do not understand today. I expect I would be most unhappy to be considered an auntie to the child that I carried and gave birth too, so the bitterness Vanessa feels seems almost acceptable.
Every now and again, I’m sure everyone imagines what they might do if they won that windfall. Vanessa did and made some decisions that affected the rest of her life and the lives of those around her. What would you have done in her circumstances? Between temptation, illness and new friends you will certainly want to read until the end.
Blue Moon is my introduction to the By the Light of the Moon series. It can be read as a standalone, but I’m sure reading book #1 first would make many things easier to understand. I received this ARC through CelebrateLit. All impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
Identical twins, carbon copies but are they really? Vanessa and Valerie have always been easily mixed up, until life sets them on completely different paths. Unmarried and pregnant, Vanessa must give her newborn son to Valerie and her husband Felix to raise as their son. You must remember this is 1885 so a great deal of stigma is associated with being a single mother, something that we perhaps do not understand today. I expect I would be most unhappy to be considered an auntie to the child that I carried and gave birth too, so the bitterness Vanessa feels seems almost acceptable.
Every now and again, I’m sure everyone imagines what they might do if they won that windfall. Vanessa did and made some decisions that affected the rest of her life and the lives of those around her. What would you have done in her circumstances? Between temptation, illness and new friends you will certainly want to read until the end.
Blue Moon is my introduction to the By the Light of the Moon series. It can be read as a standalone, but I’m sure reading book #1 first would make many things easier to understand. I received this ARC through CelebrateLit. All impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
November 30, 2020
Wow. This was a good story. I read the first in the series and enjoyed the author's writing style. She continued her unique storylines and I couldn't put it down. Twins, one married, one not. A baby. Oh the feels and the hurt.
I liked the different points of view and timelines. There is a lot of explaining about how things are the way they are without feeling overwhelming or confusing. I loved the setting and the scenery, it made me feel in the book. I cannot wait for the next book. I truly have fallen in love with the author's style and characters.
It was a 4/5.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
I liked the different points of view and timelines. There is a lot of explaining about how things are the way they are without feeling overwhelming or confusing. I loved the setting and the scenery, it made me feel in the book. I cannot wait for the next book. I truly have fallen in love with the author's style and characters.
It was a 4/5.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
November 27, 2020
A work of historical fiction, this second book in a series chronicles part of the lives of two twins – Vanessa and Valerie. Vanessa became pregnant out of wedlock and their father forces Vanessa to allow her twin and brother-in-law to raise the child.
I enjoyed the storyline and how the author handled the situation between Valerie and Vanessa. However, this story jumps around from character to character too many times for my liking. Vanessa provides the main focal point of the story along with her relationship with her son Luis, who believes she is his aunt. Jumping from characters to characters and from past, present, and future, I sometimes had to reread in order to know whose view I was reading. Yet in the long run, I have to say I am glad I read this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
So check it out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the storyline and how the author handled the situation between Valerie and Vanessa. However, this story jumps around from character to character too many times for my liking. Vanessa provides the main focal point of the story along with her relationship with her son Luis, who believes she is his aunt. Jumping from characters to characters and from past, present, and future, I sometimes had to reread in order to know whose view I was reading. Yet in the long run, I have to say I am glad I read this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
So check it out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
November 20, 2020
Blue Moon is a story of lost motherhood, separation from family, forgiveness, and new beginnings. My favorite character is Vanessa. She went through loss, heartache, and indifference due to her father's actions. Vanessa's sister, although a twin, was considerably different. She went through loss also and had to deal with ongoing symptoms of MS.
The story is written in the first person which isn't my favorite but was well worth the read. The storyline was interesting, all the characters had their own personalities that contributed to the story's excitement and suspense. The message throughout carried a Christian theme of love, and hardship, and hard feelings that forgiveness can rectify. The ending wrapped up nicely.
I received a copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
The story is written in the first person which isn't my favorite but was well worth the read. The storyline was interesting, all the characters had their own personalities that contributed to the story's excitement and suspense. The message throughout carried a Christian theme of love, and hardship, and hard feelings that forgiveness can rectify. The ending wrapped up nicely.
I received a copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
October 20, 2020
Blue Moon is the second installment from the By the Light of the Moon series by Jenny Knipfer. Since it is my first book I have read by this author and series, I believe this one can be read as a stand alone. The writing style was a bit different than what I am used to. Once I got used to it, I quickly started enjoying this story. It involves some heavy issues that kept me engaged and made want to keep reading until I was finished.
I am giving Blue Moon four and a half stars. I would be interested in reading the first book of the Light of the Moon series, Ruby Moon, as well as, the third book, Silver Moon. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy historical fiction.
I received Blue Moon from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Blue Moon four and a half stars. I would be interested in reading the first book of the Light of the Moon series, Ruby Moon, as well as, the third book, Silver Moon. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy historical fiction.
I received Blue Moon from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
September 28, 2019
Being a lover of historical fiction and having read Ruby Moon, I was eager to start reading Blue Moon by Jenny Knipfer. This book is a must read for anyone and especially those of us who like Lake Superior and it’s surrounding area as a setting for the book. The book is engaging, insightful, well researched, and informative. I enjoyed following along with Vanessa and Valerie as they encountered difficulties in their lives. I especially enjoy the quotes that begin each chapter and the bonus recipe at the end of the book. Thank you Jenny Knipfer. #historicalchristianfiction #bluemoonjennyknipfer #christianromancenovels #historicalromancenovel
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