Book Review
On Moonberry Lake
On Moonberry Lake, by debut author Holly Varni, had many elements that contributed to an enjoyable read. There are interesting characters, unexpected events, positive themes, and more than a few heart-warming moments. Although these features had me finishing the book quickly, I was still waiting for something more from it even after I had finished.
Overall Rating: 2.5 out of 5
Goodreads Rating: 3 out of 5
Rating Breakdown
Plot: 2 out of 5
Characters: 3 out of 5
Writing Style: 3 out of 5
Personal Enjoyment: 2 out of 5
Synopsis
(From Goodreads)
Cora Matthews has long wondered why her mother stopped taking her to visit her grandparents’ lodge in the small Northwoods Minnesota town of Moonberry Lake. Now, after burying her mother and breaking off her engagement just two weeks before her wedding, Cora has a chance to find out. Once there, she is stunned to learn that the old lodge is her inheritance–with a surprising condition attached. Maybe some time to regroup on the shores of a beautiful lake is just what Cora needs to figure out what’s next for her.
What I Loved
Varni’s On Moonberry Lake featured several themes that brought charm to the story. Friendships in unlikely places, not relying on first impressions, and the importance of community were all important threads throughout Cora’s tale. It was enjoyable to watch her build a life and find a family and home after searching for those things her entire life. The people who were at the heart of the town were also the heart of the story, especially in their willingness to immediately take in Cora and make her part of the small town.
The cast of characters was incredibly memorable, which is important in a character-driven story like this one. Getting to know Sam, Widgie (and her dog), Kitty, and the rest made the book very interesting – and each could certainly hold up as the main character of their own novel. There was also a sweet romance, though it somehow felt rushed and barely begun simultaneously.
What I Didn’t Love
At times, the quirky characters of Moonberry Lake seemed a little too quirky, to the point where I was pulled out of the story. In addition, their over-the-top personalities seemed to overshadow the main character Cora, who didn’t always feel as fully developed.
More concerning, however, were some of the ideas and philosophies presented by many of these characters. At best questionable ones from a Christian perspective, but many with more dangerous implications – and these were never challenged. This included on-going statements and characterizations of some Moonberry residents.
It was also clear that Cora was searching for something, and while the novel indicates she found it in the community of Moonberry Lake. God was barely mentioned when there were many opportunities to express that this was what she was missing. I kept hoping that there was something deeper coming, that these things could be addressed, but they never were. Instead, Cora was encouraged to lean on her own strength and the community members of the town.
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