Mad Moon by Alissa C. Miles

☆☆☆☆
ebook, 191 pages
Expected publication: September 4th 2020 by Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
About the Book:
Jo Evans is eight years old. She loves her mama and wants nothing more than for them to be safe from her abusive father. So, when her mother, Catherine, decides they should leave, Jo packs her few belongings and readies herself for their escape to Wimbee Island, South Carolina, to her Grandmother Bibba's house. Homecomings are never easy and when Jo and her family settle in at Bibba's, Jo realizes she's connected to a past she knows nothing about. Three generations of women. Three generations of abuse, lies, and betrayal. Later, as an adult, when Jo becomes a wife and mother, she longs to feel grounded in her roles. She knows she must return and face the dark moments of that summer spent on Wimbee.

Historical, Southern fiction is my favourite genre. This is also on the side of coming of age and I enjoy that as well. I can't believe the average rating for this story is so low, I absolutely loved it. It is a short book, at less than 200 pages, and I was able to read it in one sitting. The length isn't the reason why though, I was just so captivated by Jo(sephine) and her family.

This book shows the complexity relationships have and those you can rely on. Life is never easy and we should trust our hearts to guide us through difficult situations. Mad Moon is an emotional read that will hit you right in the heart.

The settings are vividly described, especially the beach scenes. The most appealing thing is the characterization. Each of the main characters has compelling attributes and flaws which draw in the reader as their stories evolve. It's easy to become emotionally attached, cheering for them or shouting at them, suddenly realizing you're holding your breath, feeling the tension relieved only to be ramped up again.

This is the kind of story where you live alongside the characters. It'll trigger emotions, sometimes in the most unexpected ways. And it'll leave behind a little piece of itself for you to ponder long after you're done reading. That is a sign of a really good book.

Thank you NetGalley, Alissa C. Miles and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.

#MadMoon #NetGalley