Review & Giveaway: Eileen Goudge’s “Once in a Blue Moon”
October 27, 2009 by Jenn @ Frugal Upstate
Filed under General Frugality
GIVEAWAY CLOSED
I don’t know how many of you realize this, but I am a voracious reader. Seriously. As in I devour a book every two days when I’m in the mood.
If it weren’t for the library, I’d go broke!
So when I was approached about doing a book review and giveaway of Eileen Goudge’s new release Once in a Blue Moon, even though it had absolutely nothing to do with frugality I figured “What the heck!”.
This book was a bit of a stretch for me. I tend to either read Science Fiction/Fantasy, Historical Romances or Murder Mysteries. This book was none of the above. I think I would classify it as a relationship drama, with a little bit of romance thrown in. I have to admit that I wasn’t completely sure it was going to be my cup of tea-but it turned out to be an enjoyable, engaging book that I had no trouble completing!
Let’s get the basics out of the way. Once in a Blue Moon is the 16th book by 4 times NY Bestseller list author Eileen Goudge. At 323 pages it’s a nice long read-I used it to while away the time on the plane traveling back and forth to a conference.
The book opens with sisters Lindsay and Kerrie Ann as children. Their mother is neglectful and Lindsay acts more as a mother than a big sister to Kerrie Ann. The two girls would be completely adrift if it were not from their neighbor, a kindly retired exotic dancer who goes by the name of “Miss Honi Love”. When their mother is sent to prison for dealing drugs, the two girls are separated and sent into foster care.
The story picks up 30 years later. Lindsay is a quiet respectable bookstore owner in the town of Half Moon Bay who has never given up her unsuccessful search for her baby sister. She was adopted by her kind foster parents and grew up with love and stability. Kerrie Ann on the other hand had a rough go of it, bouncing from foster home to foster home, some of which were abusive. She ran away from the system young, got hooked on drugs and had a baby.
Kerrie Ann has her wake up call when her daughter is taken away from her. In her newly sober life she is trying to fight her addiction and fight to gain back custody of her daughter. Her lawyer finds out that she has a sister who she doesn’t remember, and Kerrie Ann sets out to reconnect in hopes that an extended family will improve her chances of reunion with her daughter.
Things do not go smoothly when the two are reunited. Kerrie Ann moves in with Lindsay (and Miss Honi, who Lindsay has sort of “adopted” in her elderly years) and the sisters try to find common ground and a sense of family while fighting not only for Kerrie Ann’s daughter, but also the future of Lindsay’s bookstore. Along the way there is some romance-but I’m not going to give you too many spoilers on that.
There is some predictability in the book-I mean really, who doubts that the girls are going to triumph over their opposition in the end. I for one don’t mind a little bit of a predictable happy ending-I read to enjoy, to see good triumph over evil and love to conquer all. Personally I WANT the happy ending-as long as it isn’t too unrealistic.
What I enjoyed most in this book was the relationships. Lindsay and Kerrie Ann act like real people. Everything isn’t instantly rosy. There are hurt feelings, embarrassment and guilt. It all rings true. The relationships between the sisters, Miss Honi, various boyfriends, even the foster parents of Kerrie Ann’s daughter are all things you can relater to and empathize with.
I left the book satisfied with the resolution, but wishing I could see what happened next in the lives of the characters. And really, when it comes to a book, what more than that can you wish for?
And just in case you are interested? I’ll be donating my copy of Once in a Blue Moon to my local library.
Now on to the fun part~the GIVEAWAY! This giveaway will run from today, October 27th through Friday, October 30th 2009.
The lucky winner will not only received a copy of Once in a Blue Moon but also a copy of Lady in Red. (I’m jealous because I haven’t had a chance to read that one yet-it’s on request from my local library!)
To enter:
#1-Leave a comment and let me know~what is your favorite genre of books?
Want extra entries? Each one requires a separate comment.
#2-Subscribe to Frugal Upstate (or let me know you already are)
#3-Tweet about the giveaway with a link back to this post.
Good luck everyone!
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love eileen goudge!
my favorite genre is lately british chick-lit; it’s nice to get away in something uplifting from time to time!
I love dramas and romantic books.
I’m already a follower.
I love classics – particularly British Literature from the 19th and early 20th century. For a fun and entertaining easy read I enjoy Belva Plain or Julia Alvarez.
I subscbe to your email updates. Thanks for a great giveaway, even if it isn’t about frugality!
I don’t know if I could ever just pick one genre! I love to read anything that is engaging and can “transport me” – even if it is just to anytown, USA. Classics, Sci-fi, comedy, you name it!
I’m also subscribed to your RSS feed.
Forever I read historical romance. Favorite for sure!
Most of the library books that I read are from the fiction section, although I don’t mind a romance every once in awhile. Good for you for donating a copy to the library!
I’m happy to be an e-mail subscriber!
I also don’t know if I can pick just one genre as I love reading and it depends on my mood
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I am already a email subscriber
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Tweet!
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My favorite type books is anything to do with the South
I’m an e-mail subscriber
I, too, am a voracious reader. I like mysteries,non-fiction, historical fiction, science fiction, biographies, self-help books, almost any genre. I am already a subscriber to Frugal Upstate.
I like thrillers – the ones that are intense and keep me guessing! thanks!
I’m an email subscriber, thanks!
I love to read all genres but my favorite tends to be historical fiction. Thanks for the giveaway!
I read anything but lately I have been into mystery/crime drama novels.
My favorite books are mysteries.
I subscribe to your blog!
I would have to say that my current favorite is romance. Since I have so little free time as of late I appreciate it more right now. Other times I am more of a fan of drama or sci-fi.
My faces are teen novels, scifi, and post aocalypse.
I also follow you on bloglines.
Period mysteries …. like Anne Perry’s work.
I love historical fiction, particularly if it’s set in France — but my reading tastes are pretty far-ranging.
I also subscribe to your blog.
I love crime novels but will drop everything to read a romance.
Like you I love to read…..especially Christian fiction whether romance, mystery, or intrigue.
I love to read too! I always have to have something to read or I go nuts. My favorite is romance – more contemporary romance, or chick lit. As long as there is a love story, I am happy. Love Eileen Goudge!
I love reading pretty much anything and everything but I absolutely adore historical fiction
I love to get lost in a good book. My favaorite is Christian fiction.
I enjoy getting lost in a good book. Favorite genre is Christian fiction.
I think if I had to pick just one it would be suspense. Since I read so much, it will really be easier to define the only thing I never read which is science fiction.
Great review. You definitely have me wanting to read this book.
SewCalGal
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I follow.
SewCalGal
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I’ve tweated on twitter
SewCalGal
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I am a big mystery/suspense fan. I also enjoy some types of fantasy. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
I love mysteries, especially cozies and good chick-lit. Thanks for the chance to win.