The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane was eagerly awaited after her last book, Ask Again, Yes. The Half Moon's main character is Malcolm, a bar owner recently separated from his wife, Jess, an attorney. The characters were well-developed, but I would have liked a little more backstory on Malcolm's father and relationship with Hugh as well as a more nuanced storyline about the infertitilty and how that became a central factor in so much of Malcolm and Jess's story. Overall, I loved this book. I think the plot moved along well and there were definitely some twists that I did not see coming that made it all the more enjoyable. I will continue to look forward to Mary Beth Keane's future publications!

The Half Moon ruminates on the unfulfilled dreams and expectations of a Hudson Valley bar owner and his wife, in a town that's already seen its best days, with an overlay of blizzard, missing person and (maybe) the mob. This story was so melancholic, maybe a little too real, and deeply interested in the slowmotion heartache and uncomfortable compromises of being married for a long time. I don't think I was quite in the mood for something so wistful when I picked it up, thinking it would be more about the drama of the snowstorm and mystery of where the drunk banker went. The Half Moon is a good title – like a glass it's neither full nor empty, it's a state in-between – and I liked Mary Beth Keane's writing here, I just felt the story sat too long in the discomfit of unresolved relationship and career issues. Maybe that's the point.

I absolutely loved "Ask Again, Yes" and I was not disappointed by "The Half Moon." Mary Beth Keane has a unique ability to immerse and engross her readers fully into her character's worlds. I was consumed by this book early on, and throughout the book I kept wanting to know what will happen in Gillam. There is a lot going on with both of the two main characters and it seems impossible that this situation will resolve itself fully. In the end, things don't go back to the way they were and that is for the best. I think this is a good lesson for real life too - that we all change over time and we have to adapt to keep moving forward.

4.5 stars that I have to round up to 5 simply because this one of those stories that make your heart sigh. It is complicated and will hit close to home for many people. It is brutally real and touches on the many mistakes we humans are prone to make. How easy it is to lose one's self in marriage and families and just day to day life. It is shockingly simple how we can forget who we are and why we made the choices we did. And while we would all like to think we are such complex beings, we are all pretty much the same and severely flawed, just trying to make it through without hurting ourselves and others along the way. I really loved watching the journey this couple took because it was so very real.

Life and love is both complicated and simple I suppose and Keane is excellent at telling these stories. There's always hope, even when it seems unlikely that things will eventually work out. This is far less about the bar and more about how two ppl navigate their marriage. Malcolm is incredibly likeable as a character; Jess much less so but that doesn't make her less relatable. We spend less time with her so maybe I'd have liked her better if her narrative was fleshed out differently but Malcolm really pulls the story through and it's very well written even if some plot points teeter on the absurd. I finished it in a day, it's a winding story in dual narratives and timelines that doesn't give you much time to breath but the weight of what this couple is under punctuated by a storm that brings that home means I just kept reading. 3.5 stars

Loved, loved this book. The story of a marriage dealing with debt, infertility, infidelity. Add some interesting characters and a missing person, one is captivated until the very end! Kudos to the author.

THE HALF MOON
BY: MARY BETH KEANE

Mary Beth Keane is rapidly proving herself to become one of my favorite Authors due to her exquisite writing. This is her fourth novel that is being published called, "The Half Moon," and I loved it. Coincidentally, before I knew this beautifully written contemporary novel was written I had recently enjoyed her historical novel called, "Fever," which captivated me because it tells the story of Typhoid Mary who is strong willed, and doesn't think that she is making people sick and causing their death. She doesn't show any symptoms so she doesn't believe it is possible that she is infecting innocent people. My favorites of her work are this one, and "Ask Again, Yes." The depth of the characters trials and tribulations are palpable and Mary Beth Keane has the ability to allow me to feel the emotions that her characters are feeling. I think anybody who has read "Ask Again, Yes" and loved it will also love this one. I have loved all three of her novels and am eager to read the one that I missed. I knew that I was in good hands and knew next to nothing about this one. You can trust me about that. That going in totally blind was a reading experience that was heightened by choosing to take that route.


One thing that I have noticed about her stunning characterizations, which is evidenced in this one, is that she can capture her male's thinking and actions due to her brilliant character development. She can write both the female and male genders both so realistically and convincingly that I was absorbed so deeply while reading, "The Half Moon." I read most of it in one sitting because I didn't want to stop reading this excellent novel. The pacing was fast and her adept knowledge at innately writing what feelings, thoughts, and actions of the married couple in crisis had me hypnotized as any thriller would.

Malcolm and his wife separate for reasons I won't disclose because I don't want to give any spoiler material that would steal any readers enjoyment in discovering why for themselves. If reading about the real reasons why a marriage could reach a crisis interests you, then look no further than this fantastic contemporary novel, that is dripping in realism. I have read three out of four of Mary Beth Keane's work, and she is impressive for Authors writing literary fiction and historical fiction. I highly recommend you to read her novels called, "The Half Moon," "Ask Again, Yes," and "Fever." I hope that you love them as much as I did. I am seeking out the novel that I haven't read yet, to read next. I will read anything that she writes. Five Plus Stars from me! A Favorite!

The reason that I have said very little about the plot is that you can read the synopsis to find out more about this wonderful novel. I personally feel the less that I know about a book the greater the enjoyment of a reading experience that I have. My reviews tend to reflect how a novel makes me feel,
rather than me summarizing what can be gleaned by reading the blurb. I just will end by saying that I really enjoyed this novel and it is masterfully written. I was sad to finish this because I was so invested in the outcome of what transpires and that I loved the characters, and will miss them. All that you need to know is that you will be addicted to this and the characters are real, and that they are easy to keep straight. Enjoy!

Publication Date: May 2, 2023

Thank you to Net Galley, Mary Beth Keane and Scribner for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#The Half Moon #MaryBethKeane #Scribner #NetGalley

I had to really sit with this one for awhile after I read it. I absolutely love the writing style of this and Ask Again, Yes. It took me a bit longer to get into this one, but once I did I was RIVETED. The characters are all so heartbreakingly human and it is both painfully relatable and absolutely infuriating. I don’t know whether or not I liked the ending, and I mean that in the best way - I was so genuinely conflicted by everyone’s decisions, and that felt like exactly how I was supposed to feel. Once again, Keane delivers a complex and thoroughly emotional story that sticks with you long after you’re finished.

I was very excited about reading this novel, since I loved Keanu’s earlier novel. This book focuses on Malcom Gephardt and his wife. Like many couples, their lives and happiness devolve around the problem of infertility. They are drained emotionally and financially by this problem. Their situation is made worse by the tremendous drain of THE HALF MOON, a bar Malcom has purchased after working there for many years.

I found the novel bogged down by the money and fertility issues that became repetitive. This was a dark story, which I found difficult to get through. The author does resurrect the story, but o simply didn’t enjoy it.

Thank you Netgalley for this novel by a very gifted author.

I enjoy domestic dramas about how tough marriage can be so this was right up my alley, I did definitely enjoy this but found it to be a bit slow in parts. Still absolutely worth the read.

I adored Ask Again, Yes and was SO THRILLED to see a new release from Mary Beth Keane. I just finished and I love this one almost as much. I really enjoy her writing style...I can't explain what it is exactly but it just really speaks to me. Great story and can't wait for the next one!

Malcolm began as a young bartender at The Half Moon and eventually becomes the owner. He is devoted to the success of the bar and the family of employees and customers that revolve around the bar stools; sometimes at the peril of his marriage to Jess. The couple is struggling with infertility and The Half Moon is teetering financially. The story takes place over the course of one week when a blizzard blows into town forcing the the bar doors to close and Malcolm and Jess to face the disarray of their life.

Themes include: unrealized dreams, various permutations of family, infertility, infidelity, temptation, and forgiveness.

Loved, loved this book. It’s a story about Jess and Malcolm, their marriage and their recent separation. It really drew me in and couldn’t stop reading!

I could not wait to get my hands on the book. Mary Beth Keane’s Ask Again Yes was one of my favorite books that I read that year and one I’d recommend to almost anyone.

This book had so much potential for me. I grew up as a kid of a bar manager/owner. I know how rough the business can be. At first the main couple’s struggles with miscarriage and infertility really tugged at my heart strings, having been through a bit of that myself.

However, after a bit, both of the main characters crappy decisions really just annoyed me. I didn’t necessarily blame the wife for leaving initializing, but the choices she made in doing so were not good. The husband definitely screwed up, multiple times. They both make some terrible choices regarding the bars financial woes. At one point I was ready to give up on the book because of this.

The most interesting part of the story ended up being a side plot that didn’t have a whole lot to do with the main couple. A bar customer goes missing. This is resolved without much fanfare at the end and really had no effect on the outcome.

Ultimately the resolution to the big issue of the bars finances comes out of nowhere which isn’t relevant to much of the rest of the story. The book dragged on and the ending sort of felt pulled out of a hat.

Malcolm Gephardt is a charming hard worker just dreaming of owning his own bar. He jumps at the chance when his boss retires and purchases the buidling against his wife's wishes. What happens next is magical!

I won't lie, I didn't enjoy the first third of the novel and was having trouble connecting with the characters and the plot. But BOY did it take off after that (snowstorm!) I loved the story and was very emotionally invested. This is not a thriller per se, but I was glued to this book until I found out how it ended. If you love family tales, weather based thrillers, or just love good writing, The Half Moon is for you!
#Scribner

Mary Beth Keane’s Ask Again, Yes contained some insights into the ways we turn away from things we want so badly to fix, and how we can hurt the people we love. The author’s The Half Moon returns to those same themes, this time within the confines of a marriage. Jess and Malcolm Gephardt, a childless couple in their 40’s have reached a crisis point in their lives and in their marriage. The story takes place over the course of one week in which Malcolm learns of his wife’s infidelity, a blizzard shuts down their community, and a patron of their bar, The Half Moon, goes missing. The Half Moon is a character driven novel, and its themes of self-doubt, self-discovery, betrayal and redemption can feel as insular and overwhelming as the small town in which the characters endure laser-focused scrutiny and judgement from both friends and family, and the narrative can feel pretty depressing. There are plot elements which feel a little forced, and not quite necessary, but the story builds well, the characters are well-defined, and overall, the writing is lyrical and leads the reader forward wondering how it will all turn out in the end.

Ms. (@marybethkeane) (@Mary_Beth_Keane) Keane does it again...dipping into the mundane, the every day, the things that make us and break us. While not as poignant as "Ask Again, Yes" (at least, to me), the characters in #TheHalfMoon totally resonated with me - Malcom and Jess, Patrick, Neil (jerk!), Gail, Artie and Hugh. You see yourself in these people, you've had their thoughts and doubts, you've noticed things the way they do, you have met and ARE these people. Ms. Keane has a real talent for tapping into our humanity - as frail and fickle and fiendish as it is. SOOO well done.

P.S. Thrilled to score an ARC from #netgalley. Thank you!

While I didn’t quite love this one as much Ask Again, Yes, MBK remains on my must read authors list. While Ask Again was about two families, this one was about just a husband and wife so it wasn’t quite as interesting for me. And the first half was just so depressing and somewhat suffocatingly so. Also the bar owner behind on bills and leveraged with the wrong guy is a been there done that plot element for me. Thankfully the book turned around in the second half in ways both realistic and engaging. So I’m glad I kept on and look forward to the author’s next book. 3.75⭐️

When I saw that Mary Beth Keane had published another novel, I was almost giddy. Ask Again, Yes is one my most favorite books, and to know that Keane had once again put pen to paper was exciting. I cleared my Saturday and dove in. Whilst this story has its strengths, there are a few hiccups that just kept me from loving it.

The Half Moon is the story of Malcolm and Jess, a childless couple in their forties, searching for meaning and direction. Malcolm is the proud(ish) owner of a run down bar called The Half Moon, and Jess is an accomplished lawyer. Both seem to be stuck in their own mid-life crises, reaching out for something tangible to define themselves and grasping only empty promises and disappointment. The tale floats through their journey, following the natural curves in the river, as the reader plays voyeur to their navigation of rough waters and scraping atop shallow banks.

The story itself is one that relates themes of self-doubt, self-discovery, betrayal and redemption—a heady combination that leaves the reader with a feeling of being weighted down with rocks in one’s pockets. The depressing narrative is a trudge with little to no lightness to ease the load. I felt as I read that I was slowly drowning in the mistakes and missteps of both Malcolm and Jess. Beyond the general tone, however, the biggest issue I had with the book was the structure.

Malcolm has a tendency to see everything through a lens of past events, though Keane’s attempts to recreate that lens seem arbitrary and capricious and make it sometimes difficult to follow. The story meanders from past to present, often a paragraph or two at a time, with no clear delineation of the jump. By the time the reader catches up to the time-line placement, the story moves yet again into another era. The best books are those that disappear in your hands as you become a part of the storyline. Here, however, it was a lot of work to keep track of where in the characters’ lives certain events happened, making it difficult to melt into the setting. One is constantly reminded that they must relocate themselves in relation to the events, which in turn separates the reader from the page as the adjustment takes place.

The news here, however, is not only bad. Keane’s genius in character development is once again on point, and every single character leaps from the page. Additionally, her prosaic text and ability to turn a phrase is positively brilliant. Finally, she leaves the reader longing to know more—to follow the lives of both Malcolm and Jess as they move forward.

Overall, it’s a book I wouldn’t have missed simply because of my love of this author. As a stand alone, without prior knowledge of Keane’s ability, I’m not sure I would have found it quite engaging. The structural issues and amount of concentration it took to readjust to the ever changing time line just make this more work than the investment warranted in returns.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner Books for providing me with an ARC for review. Publication is set for May 2, 2023.

Though many novels are hit or miss for me, The Half Moon had me invested throughout. I was a fan of Ask Again, Yes and this next novel didn’t disappoint me. I cared about the characters and I wanted them to work through the pileup of obstacles they were facing. It’s a good sign when I’m thinking about the characters after finishing the book.

A struggling relationship is at the center of the story. Surrounding them are mothers, friends, and acquaintances, a chorus of people, most of whom want to be helpful, a few of whom are trouble.

I wasn’t convinced by a few plot points, but all in all this was a novel I’d recommend.