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Four Point Universe #8
Moonflower
Daria Grayson spent the last year crawling out from the rubble of her previous life with nothing save for the clothes on her back and the hand of her little girl clasped in hers. She never expected to find herself back in Seattle, starting over, and attempting to reconstruct some semblance of normalcy for her and her kid. With best friend Molly at her side, Daria begins to take a few cautious steps back into the world. When Molly convinces her to go on a silly adventure to raise her spirits, she meets Charlotte, Molly's cousin. Daria falls for the free-spirited artist and risks fracturing her delicately-structured existence. If Daria hopes to foster her connection with her newfound love, she must stand and face her greatest foe—herself.
- GenresLesbian
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2020
43 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Max Ellendale
33 books317 followersMax grew up just outside of New York City, spending most of her formative years outdoors creating wild ghost hunts with neighborhood kids, setting booby-traps to capture unwitting family members, and building clubhouses on top of ten-foot walls. Max wrote her first story at the age of twelve and titled it Circles of Friendship. Through the years, Max has written several short-stories and poems, all of which met the wrath of the “Not Good Enough” monster and ended in fiery demise.
Max regained her confidence when she began writing scholarly articles and research theses on her first trip through graduate school. It took several years for her to break the habit of the formal writing that marred her creativity. An additional Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing was Max’s biggest support in this. Max writes primarily sci-fi/fantasy, paranormal romance, and Young Adult stories.
Max regained her confidence when she began writing scholarly articles and research theses on her first trip through graduate school. It took several years for her to break the habit of the formal writing that marred her creativity. An additional Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing was Max’s biggest support in this. Max writes primarily sci-fi/fantasy, paranormal romance, and Young Adult stories.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 2, 2020
Excellent read
Max Ellendale is bang on form again with her latest book Moonflower. Although it is probably a tad misleading to label it as part of the Four Point Universe, as this may increase the expectations of the reader to reacquaint themselves with old favourites, it is technically true, and there’s a small cameo by my absolute favourites Dax and Willa.
Expertly weaving together a love story with the impact of trauma, this book felt like it trod a softer and less angsty path to love between Daria and Charlie than some of the author’s other books. That’s not to say that it’s all plain sailing however, and there are some dark themes here including domestic violence and the impact of trauma, all handled sensitively, a real strength of this author.
The two main characters are well rounded and believable. Daria's best friend Molly, stoner cop and also Charlie’s cousin, is a fantastic creation, fiercely protective and kick ass, with a side of fun.
A worthy addition to the Four Point Universe.
Max Ellendale is bang on form again with her latest book Moonflower. Although it is probably a tad misleading to label it as part of the Four Point Universe, as this may increase the expectations of the reader to reacquaint themselves with old favourites, it is technically true, and there’s a small cameo by my absolute favourites Dax and Willa.
Expertly weaving together a love story with the impact of trauma, this book felt like it trod a softer and less angsty path to love between Daria and Charlie than some of the author’s other books. That’s not to say that it’s all plain sailing however, and there are some dark themes here including domestic violence and the impact of trauma, all handled sensitively, a real strength of this author.
The two main characters are well rounded and believable. Daria's best friend Molly, stoner cop and also Charlie’s cousin, is a fantastic creation, fiercely protective and kick ass, with a side of fun.
A worthy addition to the Four Point Universe.
August 15, 2020
My recommendation is to read everything by this author
I love the community that this author creates because I believe it has to exist or we need to work to make it exist.
Domestic violence is not an easy subject to tackle but I like it that this author confronts it, and through Daria’s journey, shows the reader that there’s a path to happiness and joy again.
It was nice to visit Sequim again and dream about a small town in America accepting of LGBTQ+ persons.
I like the lack of obvious labels and stereotypes in this story because it opens up so many possibilities for the characters and for the reader to see themselves in the story. I’m glad that I took my time before starting this book because the new one will be out in a couple of days. I’m excited for the next episode.
I love the community that this author creates because I believe it has to exist or we need to work to make it exist.
Domestic violence is not an easy subject to tackle but I like it that this author confronts it, and through Daria’s journey, shows the reader that there’s a path to happiness and joy again.
It was nice to visit Sequim again and dream about a small town in America accepting of LGBTQ+ persons.
I like the lack of obvious labels and stereotypes in this story because it opens up so many possibilities for the characters and for the reader to see themselves in the story. I’m glad that I took my time before starting this book because the new one will be out in a couple of days. I’m excited for the next episode.
April 8, 2021
As per usual, this was a great read. I adored Ella and loved Charlie and Daria. Molly was a hoot and their friendship was hilarious. Hated the situation and the fear Daria lived with, but unfortunately its more common that anybody wants to admit. Wonderful job and can't wait for the next one
June 8, 2020
Hope, Healing, Forgiveness...Love...Wow, what a journey!
Honestly, I'm having a hard time putting into words what I'm feeling after reading this... There are so many layers to go through. The writing is superb as always. The characters and character development/growth...fantastic. And I believe everyone who reads this will come away with something...whether they connect personally or not, this is a story that leaves an impact.
Molly is awesome, her scenes were some of my favorite! Everyone should have a best friend like her...
Overall, I recommend reading this. And if you haven't seen a moon flower bloom check out youtube they have some really good videos, fascinating...
February 1, 2021
An excellently written book that deals with highly prevalent, sensitive subject matter.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
August 5, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
so good !!! sucker for a family dynamic and well developed complex characters, their relationship felt real and i was rooting for the two of them! paced well too huge bonus
so good !!! sucker for a family dynamic and well developed complex characters, their relationship felt real and i was rooting for the two of them! paced well too huge bonus
November 8, 2022
The emotions were less compelling like before. But still good.
October 31, 2020
Of all the books I have read by Ellendale this one made me concentrate the most on all of the characters not just the mains. The story is heart wrenching in its touches of reality, obviously under pinned by the authors knowledge and experience. The psychological damage which occurs when one human abuses another not just physically but emotionally can render the victim to reserve their trust for only those who prove it many times in many ways. This book is not all doom and gloom it is filled with elements of joy and love. On my first read through I experienced a sense of disjoint in the narrative but on second read through this was not the case. It was more that the characters were so fully fledged that as a reader I had to catch up with them and by the middle I was invested in where and how the story would pan out.
There are mentions of previous characters from the Four Point Universe but it is truly a stand alone read.
There are mentions of previous characters from the Four Point Universe but it is truly a stand alone read.
June 12, 2020
Good book but not 4 Point
“Every night, five days a week, I never knew who would be coming home to me. Would it be my loving, doting husband who cried when he learned he was going to be a father? Would it be the man who ignored me for days at a time? Or would it be the volatile sociopath that targeted me for whatever games his inner demons told him to?”
“Molly's doting only reinforced why I worried for her so. She was the one person in the world that I could trust completely. We had each other's backs and our values matched our missions. She was my person and we both needed each other. Maybe she wouldn't admit it, but I would. Always.”
“My heart throbbed, beating to a rewritten rhythm that belonged to the first line of an epic poem written for Charlie.”
“For once, I knew what safety felt like, and I never ever wanted it to end.”
+ • + • + • +
Its an entertaining story, but really doesn't feel like it really fits with or belongs in the Four Points Universe. Honestly, it would be considered a much better book if it wasn't saddled with the disappointment based on expectations of this series.
“Every night, five days a week, I never knew who would be coming home to me. Would it be my loving, doting husband who cried when he learned he was going to be a father? Would it be the man who ignored me for days at a time? Or would it be the volatile sociopath that targeted me for whatever games his inner demons told him to?”
“Molly's doting only reinforced why I worried for her so. She was the one person in the world that I could trust completely. We had each other's backs and our values matched our missions. She was my person and we both needed each other. Maybe she wouldn't admit it, but I would. Always.”
“My heart throbbed, beating to a rewritten rhythm that belonged to the first line of an epic poem written for Charlie.”
“For once, I knew what safety felt like, and I never ever wanted it to end.”
+ • + • + • +
Its an entertaining story, but really doesn't feel like it really fits with or belongs in the Four Points Universe. Honestly, it would be considered a much better book if it wasn't saddled with the disappointment based on expectations of this series.
April 11, 2022
Heartbreaking and Heartwarming!
So I have been ready The Four Point Universe books out of order based on what story catches my interest. This one did. The situation that Daria and her daughter Ella find themselves in at the hands of someone else is not uncommon. How Daria has been trying to move forward with her best friend and family around her and Ella is so sweet and supporting. When Daria meets Charlie, her whole world takes a big shift. As Charlie and Daria accept their attraction and move forward with their relationship, brings to Daria and Ella a happiness neither ever had. A supportive partner,family and friends can help you conquer past demons and finally envision a future. Great story!
So I have been ready The Four Point Universe books out of order based on what story catches my interest. This one did. The situation that Daria and her daughter Ella find themselves in at the hands of someone else is not uncommon. How Daria has been trying to move forward with her best friend and family around her and Ella is so sweet and supporting. When Daria meets Charlie, her whole world takes a big shift. As Charlie and Daria accept their attraction and move forward with their relationship, brings to Daria and Ella a happiness neither ever had. A supportive partner,family and friends can help you conquer past demons and finally envision a future. Great story!
July 16, 2020
Never Disappoints
Ellendale never disappoints and Moonflower is no exception. Talented writers don't come around often let alone talented writers who write content for women about women, particularly women who've survived stuff. Ellendale does that. Again, as always, I'm a fan. Coupled with newcomer, Corbi, this could be a winning duo. Bring it on, book 9! Bring it on Netflix or something because these books need to be a TV series.
Ellendale never disappoints and Moonflower is no exception. Talented writers don't come around often let alone talented writers who write content for women about women, particularly women who've survived stuff. Ellendale does that. Again, as always, I'm a fan. Coupled with newcomer, Corbi, this could be a winning duo. Bring it on, book 9! Bring it on Netflix or something because these books need to be a TV series.
June 8, 2020
Loved it!
I always love Max's books, this one was no exception. Both Max and Ms. Corbi did a fantastic job on this one too. The story of Charlie and Daria was beautiful. But my favourite character without a doubt was Ella. It was heartwarming to see her interactions with everyone. All in all, a must read.
I always love Max's books, this one was no exception. Both Max and Ms. Corbi did a fantastic job on this one too. The story of Charlie and Daria was beautiful. But my favourite character without a doubt was Ella. It was heartwarming to see her interactions with everyone. All in all, a must read.
April 13, 2024
Love in the Moonlight
Daria had survived the marriage from hell and is back in Settle with her best friend Molly, a Detective, and her family. Protecting her daughter, Emma is her top priority. When she meets Charlie, Molly’s cousin, she finds a part of her self she always knew existed. The love a a good woman, friends and family will be a life saver. Great series.
Daria had survived the marriage from hell and is back in Settle with her best friend Molly, a Detective, and her family. Protecting her daughter, Emma is her top priority. When she meets Charlie, Molly’s cousin, she finds a part of her self she always knew existed. The love a a good woman, friends and family will be a life saver. Great series.
June 8, 2020
Another hit for me!
There hasn't been a Max Ellendale book that I haven't fallen in love with, and Moonflower is no exception. A well written, thoughtful and emotional ride that I devoured in one sitting. Absolutely recommend this book, and cant wait to give it another read!
There hasn't been a Max Ellendale book that I haven't fallen in love with, and Moonflower is no exception. A well written, thoughtful and emotional ride that I devoured in one sitting. Absolutely recommend this book, and cant wait to give it another read!
August 5, 2020
Wow an emotional storyline
Wow an emotional storyline it had some real heartbreak but a lot of healing the storyline captured the real emotions of the effects of domestic violence it was incredible written heartfelt story congratulations
Wow an emotional storyline it had some real heartbreak but a lot of healing the storyline captured the real emotions of the effects of domestic violence it was incredible written heartfelt story congratulations
September 2, 2020
Moonflower is within the Four Point Universe but just barely. It can be read as a stand-alone.
Charlie is an artist and works at a local eatery. Molly is the cop cousin protector. Daria is a mom who is recently divorced from an abusive husband.
Charlie is an artist and works at a local eatery. Molly is the cop cousin protector. Daria is a mom who is recently divorced from an abusive husband.
February 21, 2021
Second chance romance
For Daria and Charlie, sharing secrets opened their world together. I liked to see Charlie develop a relationship with Ella's, Daria's daughter. Important lessons about domestic abuse and its impact on people's lives.
For Daria and Charlie, sharing secrets opened their world together. I liked to see Charlie develop a relationship with Ella's, Daria's daughter. Important lessons about domestic abuse and its impact on people's lives.
June 14, 2021
I really liked this couple & their connection to Sequim, Willa & Dax. ME is doing a great job of tying all the various characters together so far. She must have elaborate character charts to keep them “straight.”
May 19, 2023
Really good
I enjoyed this book very much. The series has not let me down yet. I enjoyed learning about the lives and their journey into finding and falling in live with one another.
I enjoyed this book very much. The series has not let me down yet. I enjoyed learning about the lives and their journey into finding and falling in live with one another.
June 13, 2020
Wonderful
I love this author! The series is great, I really hope there are more books on the way. Thank you.
I love this author! The series is great, I really hope there are more books on the way. Thank you.
July 5, 2020
Excellent as Usual
Great read. Well written, well edited, great character development, and great story. Ella is adorable. She made me smile so much!
Great read. Well written, well edited, great character development, and great story. Ella is adorable. She made me smile so much!
December 21, 2020
All the underlying emotions and feelings throughout the story. Great read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews