Revell Blog Tour Review: Under a Blackberry Moon by Serena B. Miller

Under a Blackberry Moon
by Serena B. Miller
Copyright 2013
Revell Books
ISBN: 9780800721183
The Story:
Which wilderness is more treacherous--the one she must cross to find her home . . . or the one she must traverse to find love?

Just a few days after she gave birth alone in the northwoods, a recently widowed young Chippewa woman stumbled into a nearby lumber camp in search of refuge from the winter snows. Come summer, it is clear that Moon Song cannot stay among the rough-and-tumble world of white lumbermen, and so the camp owner sends Skypilot, his most trusted friend, to accompany her on the long and treacherous journey back to her people.

But when tragedy strikes off the shore of Lake Superior, Moon Song and Skypilot must depend on each other for survival. With every step they take into the forbidding woods, they are drawn closer together, until it seems the unanswerable questions must be asked. Can she leave her culture to enter his? Can he leave his world to enter hers? Or will they simply walk away from a love that seems too complicated to last?

Get swept into a wild realm where beauty masks danger and only the truly courageous survive in a story that will grip your heart and your imagination.



“Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”


My Thoughts:
Under a Blackberry Moon is the latest in a line of terrific historicals from author Serena B. Miller. As in her previous book, A Promise to Love, it took a few chapters to warm up to the hero, Isaac "Skypilot" Ross, but in the end Moon Song and Skypilot's story is a treasure. Under a Blackberry Moon isn't so much a romance but a story of survival and strength.

Moon Song, was blessed to escape with her life and that of her newborn son's during the midst of one of the harshest Michigan winters. After a season of tender care and friendship at the hands of the local lumber camp owner and his wife, she's ready to head back to her own family on the Chippewa Indian reservation. Skypilot accompanies her on the journey -- but trips aboard steamships aren't always the safest route. When their plans go tragically awry, they must fend for themselves in the unforgiving wilderness and fight the feelings that grow between them.

From the first few chapters of this book, I didn't think this was going to be a romance. I loved the sort of camaraderie and friendship that both had towards each other. The friendship between Moon Song and Skypilot worked well, but then the romantic aspects jumped out from nowhere and seemed a bit forced. Skypilot seemed very reluctant to acknowledge her as woman at first and then it jumped straight to wanting a serious relationship with her. It didn't work for me, however, I still enjoyed the journey and spiritual growth of both Moon Song and Skypilot. Anytime you can see the evolution of the character on the page and feel yourself become a part of that character's story, it's a book worth reading. Moon Song's gradual acceptance of the Christian faith and Skypilot's gentle teaching saved this book for me. A lot of times the spiritual messages can be forceful and unnatural but it worked great in this story. If you enjoy Christian romances I might not recommend starting out with this one, try A Promise to Love (MY REVIEW HERE), but I definitely recommend that you read this one if you like a little adventure and history.

*I receive complimentary books for review from the publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*

 ~ My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars ~

Available now for pre-order from Amazon or your favorite bookseller.

To learn more about the author visit her website:
www.serenabmiller.com


Happy Reading!


Comments

  1. Lovely, well-written review as usual, Renee. I'm glad you enjoyed this and that it worked for you, for the most part.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you so much! I always appreciate your kind words. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for your honesty. This sounds like one I might like actually. I like when romances sorta pop. Great review.

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