Pink Moon

Single Moms, Second Chances #3

by Stef Ann Holm

The California coastal town is named for its romantic beauty and spectacular moon. People here know that when a pink moon appears, something unexpected happens…

When single mom Lauren Jessup sees a picture of Bella Luna on a postcard, a strange feeling comes over her. And she decides on the spot to move with her six-year-old son to the small town. Did she pick Bella Luna, or did it pick her?

Lauren soon realizes she's not cut out for the waitressing job she takes, but she's a good listener, and regular customer Nick DiMartino needs a sympathetic ear: his ex-wife has come back to claim their son. Lauren begins to believe that she's found a real home here, even if staying means opening her heart to Nick, whose troubles threaten to end what has barely begun. But here in Bella Luna, under the magic of a pink moon, people soon learn to expect the unexpected.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Adult

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 2004

About the author

Stef Ann Holm was born in Southern California near Hollywood. With the fantasy worlds of Disneyland and Universal Studios at her doorstep, her imagination was stimulated at an early age. She attended Chatsworth High where Kevin Spacey, Mare Winningham and Val Kilmer entertained on the school's stage. As a semester elective, Stef Ann enrolled in drama and played a Fandango hostess in the chorus of Sweet Charity. It was the beginning and the end of her acting and singing career. She got a "C" in Drama and an "A" in Creative Writing.

She sold her first romance in 1987. While waiting for a load of laundry to complete at the laundromat, Stef Ann made up the name for her heroine, Camry, when she saw a Toyota Camry parked outside in the lot. Who knew that model would end up being so popular, making her in-depth research seem so shallow. Stef Ann has had twenty-three novels and one novella published. Her editor calls her contemporary romances, "Slices of life stories about real people."

Stef Ann lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband, extended family and beloved Beagle.

Reviews

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am attempting to read through a giant stash 0f "paper" books as I need to clean out my closet and also because I am having issues with my eyes and using screens. The purchase of a new book light has helped immensely.

I purchased this at the bookstore where the late Catsby the Bookstore Cat lived (RIP Catbsy. Only my husband got to see you; as you hid from me).

I used to read all of Stef Ann Holm's historicals. Her Harmony series is one of my favorites and she actually sent me an autographed copy of each new one back in the day. That's how nice she was. And I have lost them in my many moves and it absolutely breaks my heart.

This was a contemporary, my first foray into her take on the genre. She hasn't written in several years although her website says she has finished work on a piece of historical women's fiction.

This was nice. Small town (similar to Carmel, CA) with single parent hero/heroine. No evil exes. Mature, decent people. Were there children annoying? Yes. But I hate children. Good use of townspeople and good diversity.

A pleasant read.

[Jacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Wicked Reads.

Lauren and Nick are both single parents just trying to get by. They both worry about what’s best for their children and worry about losing them. When their paths cross they realize how close they have become and how, by taking a chance, they may just have a chance at a future together.
This book was a deep and sweet read. I really like Stef Ann Holm’s character development and the family love in this one is very evident. They are real people with real fears and struggles. So far this was my favourite book of the series. It was deeper and more emotionally captivating than the others were in my opinion. I really liked these two families coming together and would recommend this story to anyone who likes a somewhat suspenseful happily ever after.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."

This is a lovely story based in a town that maintains community values and welcomes strangers as friends. From the very beginning the place feels right, and that is a novelty to our female lead. When she meets Nick, the feeling gets even stronger. Through this slightly magical tale, we get to know a wonderful bunch of characters and watch them deal with the issues life throws at them. The twist near the end had some serious tears forming - such an old soul in a young body - very moving. I had every faith that I would be smiling by the end, just not sure till I got there, why that would be!

I recommend this story to you - it is uplifting and life affirming - two qualities we can never get in excess.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book of a three-book series, called "Single Moms, Second Chances."  It is a real winner; all the major characters make major improvements in their lives and understandings of their own motivations.  

Lauren is a single mom, struggling with one low-paying job after another.  On a whim, she decides to move to Bella Luna because of a beautiful postcard.  Lauren is an uptight mom who worries about her son.  She grew up in foster homes and wants more for her son, even though Billy's father bowed out soon after Billy's birth.  Lauren takes the only job she can find, as a part-time waitress.  Lauren seems to have a natural gift as a chef but has been unable to get anyone to give her a chance.

This book operates on a deeper emotional level than most, thus its high rating.  The people seem real and they struggle with their worries and fears.  Nick, the local hunk, lost his wife after the birth of their son, to the bright-lights-and-big-city of Los Angeles.  Debbie created a business in the movie industry and remarried.  Suddenly, after 6 years of absence, she decides she wants a life with her son, Nick-J.  She and her husband take Nick to court.  The outcome of the court case is important to everyone involved.  

Single Moms, Second Chances Book Series - Contemporary 
(1) Girls Night (2002) 
2)Lucy Gets Her Life Back (2006)
3) ** Pink Moon (2004)

[Stacey Elder · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasnt a bad book, but I was very confused about the magic that was suddenly given in the third book in the series. The same issue that I have with all of the books, I didnt understand the stakes and they didnt have timelines that I felt were being followed. Big issues were just brushed aside with simple solutions and not real conversations.

[Sandee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a well written harlequin romance. Very predictable from the get go. I gave it a three because I don’t really like that kind of book. If you are into them I think you would probably give it a 5.

[Katrina Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good could not put down

[N. Kuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite out of this series. A clean slate, new beginning. Sometimes, that is what we all need. A new start. This book was slow going as well, but a sweet sweet romance. I actually enjoyed it more than the other 2. Nick was awesome. I liked him a lot. Lauren was a great mom and I really connected with her on so many levels. Maybe because she's a lot like me, or how I wish I could be. Either way, this was a good read. All these books are stand alone, so if you're going to read them, I'd pick this one up first.

[Maris Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up at the library's used book sale based on the pretty cover and intriguing title. The story, while keeping my interest , seemed somewhat cliched and I was dismayed by the editing (words repeated more than once in a sentence, descriptive portions that felt incomplete---just two examples). What I particularly liked and felt the author got right was a sense of family love and loyalty. I'll definitely read more of Stef Ann Holm's novels despite my criticisms.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

re-reading an old favorite - a woman afraid to trust anyone, a man fighting for his son, in a magical place called Bella Luna...

[penelopewanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gets better as one goes along. Entertaining tale.

[Diane Tovar · Rating 4 out of 5]

love story..