There are a handful of Southern authors who've captured the salty essence of unique coastal towns and eccentric characters. Viola Shipman has done the same for the charm of Michigan's lakes including the big lake. I'd hoped a Wisconsin author would do the same for our very special northwoods, but until one does, I highly recommend Holly Varni and ON MOONBERRY LAKE, a refreshing tale set in northern Minnesota. Like so many other titles, it begins with a death, a return to a long ago home town, and a will. And just perhaps there is a secret. From that skeleton framework comes forth, the warmest and sweetest novel with just the right amount of disasters, humorous and serious, and a loving group of new friends that I would cherish as my own. Thank you Net Galley for an e-copy. All the opinions stated are my own.

this is a Christian love story. When her mother dies, Cora discovers she owns her grandparents lodge in Minnesota. Young Cora had loved visiting the lodge and one day her mother took her away and and told her they had died. Now she must spend a year rebuilding the lodge or lose the only place she loved. The town is happy to help her and keep her in Moonberry Lake. Can she trust her heart?

I absolutely loved this sweet novel. Cora Matthews has just lost her mother and using that as an excuse she breaks up for her fiancé and goes to Mooberry Lake Minnesota where she has inherited the Inn that her grandparents had. Years ago, without any knowledge as to why, Cora's mother took her away from the island and her grandparents. Cora never really recovered emotionally from this. She goes to the island thinking that she will flip the Inn, but as she stays there and makes friends, will she really be able to leave?
The characters in this book are so compelling, and I loved getting involved in each of their lives. I felt like I was reading about family. The book is Christian fiction, but it isn't overbearing at all. I honestly can't say enough about the book. Bring us more Holly Varni!

**Thank you, Holly Varni, NetGalley and Revell publishing for allowing me this e-version in exchange for an honest review.

On Moonberry Lake is a memorable book! It hit on all the right vibes to bring me out of my reading slump. Now I'm just sorry it's over and I have to wait until next year for another Holly Varni masterpiece.
This book has it all. The quirky, yet wise, characters will make you smile. We all might need a Widgy in our lives!
The setting is strong and weaves a grounding thread throughout the book. The evolution of the lodge remodel is tied to Cora's personal growth and while that may seem trite, it is subtle and flows with the story.
The romance was obvious and predictable, but is there harm in that?
And lastly, the wisdom, the overarching themes of second chances and redemption. Of seeing the essence of our neighbors, not their rough exteriors. Of opening ourselves to the peace that passes all understanding. The words and wisdom are lovely and will be appreciated by all who like good writing and a strong message. The author embraces the rule- show, not tell- and most will be glad enough to uncover little gems on our own.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Revell publishing and Holly Varni for the ARC of On Moonberry Lake.

Picture this: you just sat down in your book nook. You're cuddled up on an oversized chair, covered in your favorite oversized blanket. The fireplace is crackling, the candle is joyfully flickering, your coffee is yummy and it's snowing outside. You know that feeling? That cozy, wonderful feeling? THAT is "On Moonberry Lake." Every cozy feeling, every lovable character, every cozy small town is within these pages. I don't think I have ever loved a book more. The book follows the story of Cora, who is at a point of starting over in life. She is in need of answers, healing, some cozy moments, and some cozier friends. You will love reading her story!

What an incredible book! I'm so glad that I read this special book! Cora arrives on Moonberry Lake, which was home to her, as her grandparents' home. For some unknown reason, her mother took the two of them away, never to have returned until now, at her estranged mother's death. So Cora arrives with nothing, and, to her great surprise, has everything to gain! The unique friends and neighbors gradually become special to Cora. Kitty was one such person. Kitty tended to the nearby graveyard. She told Cora that, '"Spending time praying in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep. God has lots to say."' Kitty was able to see the best qualities in everyone and found ways to uniquely memorialize them. She seemed to have "discovered how to extract pleasure from everything around her." When Cora's home was totaled by a tornado, she was in shock. Then she had the insight that '"The of the building is standing. The rest can be rebuilt."' This strikes me significantly, since someone close to me had his home significantly damaged, too. Now I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
I appreciate the publishers allowing me to read this wonderful book, introducing me to a new author! The thoughts expressed are my own.

Cora's life was a mess. She inherits her grandmothers old lodge and goes there to see if that will help her life get back on track. Her main problem is that she has never known what true love is. Many people seem to remember her. But she doesn't remember them or her life on there before her mother took her away.

This was an ok book. Not one I would reread or go out of my way to recommend to someone as a great book. I probably won't read another book by this author.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Fun characters and a good story about second chances and making new friends. I liked the whole idea of this book (and really, the characters are probably the best part because they're all so fun). A bit on the Christian/preachy side for me, but a wholesome story.

Excellent debut novel!! What an utterly charming novel. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!

A falling out between Cora's mother and grandparents upended her life. Her mother took her from the only home she knew never to return with her to the lodge by the lake in Minnesota where her grandparents lived. Cora is ripped away as a 7-year-old from her grandparents and the happy life she knew, only to lead a lonely life, frequently uprooted by her mother. This 7 year old, now 26-year-old finally makes it back after her mother dies. Cora is used to isolating herself "Loss was a companion that had become part of her long ago". She had a strained relationship with her mother and then inherits her grandparents lodge with the requirement but she has to stay for a year. For someone who frequently ran when life got difficult, this was a requirement she didn't know if she could meet. Sam understands that "walking into a memory must be strange".

I absolutely love Cora's journey of renovating her grandparents lodge and all the endearing and quirky people that she gathers along the way. Can she find a new meaning of family? Well, I guess you're going to have to read this and find out.

What a fun cast of characters!
Sam -'he stood with the solid build and nonchalance of John Wayne' was a good friend of her grandparents and is there to help her and be her friend.
Neighbor Joseph- "a quiet man, but you won't find a better listener or neighbor".
Kitty from across the street-"I'm Kitty, and I've been the caretaker of this cemetery for most of my life, so I know everyone." Loved her friendship and blessings jar. "God gives everyone a special talent, and sometimes it's simply to make life sweeter for the rest of us."
Widgy-"What's broken is my specialty". She is a hoot, quite the character, and does not coddle Cora AT ALL.
Ben-why do Cora's most embarrassing moments happen with him?
The two women at the grocery store are endearing. Mr. Wells is such a sweet man. "You know, you'll have a far more interesting and meaningful life if you open yourself up to people you have to work to understand. Take it from me -normal is overrated."
And lastly the wonderful Thursday morning tea ladies.

"People change when they come to Moonberry Lake. They shed their old skin and emerge into something new."

I HIGHLY recommend this wonderful novel by Holly Varni and I look forward with great anticipation to future stories by her!

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

“On Moonberry Lake” offers a heartwarming journey into a small-town setting with quirky characters, the promise of redemption , and a sense of community. The stunning cover and intriguing title initially drew me in, and I found myself quickly immersed in the charming world created by Holly Varni.

Cora undergoes a transformation, making her a relatable and endearing main character.

One aspect of the book that left me wanting was the Christian element. While the book is categorized as a Christian romance, I felt there were missed opportunities to delve deeper into this aspect of the story. Moments that seemed ripe for exploring faith and spirituality were not fully realized.

What truly shines is the book’s diverse and captivating cast of characters. They are the heart and soul of the story, each unique and quirky in their own way. Even though some of the characters may hold beliefs different from my own, I appreciated the variety and depth they brought to the story.

This clean and enjoyable read offers a glimpse into the power of personal growth and bonds of a tight-knit community, with well-drawn characters and themes of redemption. This new-to-me author has piqued my interest, and I would gladly explore more of her work in the future.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

On Moonberry Lake
By Holly Varni

Moonberry Lake, a place that feels like Mayberry. I couldn't help but hope and pray for this book to become a series (and it is! 🤗). I didn't want to say goodbye to the wonderful characters within these pages. From the resilient and straightforward handywoman, Widgy, to the kind-hearted elderly neighbor, Kitty. The people of Moonberry Lake may know everything about everyone by noon, but they'll be there to support you when you need it most. When Cora Matthews discovers she has inherited her estranged grandparents' lakeside lodge, she's far from thrilled about receiving a dilapidated home as a "gift." Her initial plan is to sell it and leave town, but the WILL requires her to live there for a year before doing so. That's when she encounters the colorful cast of characters who become her neighbors. Get ready to laugh and cry as you fall head over heels for this enchanting little town.

Thank you Revell for allowing be the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are all my own.

#onmoonberrylake #revellreads

This is such an interesting book all the way around with the characters, the settings. the happenings and interactions of the characters. I can't say too much about Varni's debut novel. I can see that she will quickly rise to the top because this was an outstanding first one. It held my interest from the very beginning. Cora was such an fascinating character and I loved reading of how she matured emotionally trying to understand what happened between her parents and her grandparents. Why did her mother take her away at a very young age and never never again mention or have anything to do with her grandparents. Will she ever learn the truth? She has inherited this rambling overgrown estate and what is she going to do with it? But as she interacts with the neighbors and all the people surrounding this rambling estate she definitely learns a lot about her past. Such an interesting book, one that you will not want to put down, once you open the delightful pages....Thanks to Revell for allowing me to read and review this fascinating novel.

I needed lots of tissues around while reading this story. I loved this contemporary novel filled with some romance and lots of learning about family and how to improve on your life. I loved Cora and Widgy. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

If you’ve been reading my blog any amount of time at all you’ll notice I read a lot of different authors. Some say they want the tried-and-true authors and won’t try a debut author. I say that’s nonsense. If I hadn’t tried this author, I wouldn’t have found a new favorite author with all the elements I love in books.

Moonberry Lake is heartwarming and charming and located in the beautiful North Woods of Minnesota. Its small-town descriptions will make you want to visit, and then stay. Cora hasn’t been in Moonberry Lake since childhood but when life doesn’t go as planned, she finds herself back there with a surprising inheritance, her family’s dilapidated lakefront lodge.

Her family has kept secrets from her and while in Moonberry she’ll try to work her way through them with some unforeseen results.

Now the characters living in Moonberry are quite an eclectic bunch. Everyone has their own opinion, and they are quite different from each other. They all openly welcome her, except for one character. I’m hoping to find out more about this character in a future book.

The renovation of the family lodge is going beautifully and while the construction is going on Cora has time to settle in and really talk to her neighbors, like so many of us don’t have time for now a day.

I have to say Cora’s character seemed a little naive, but I didn’t like her any less. Of all the characters if I had to choose a favorite I’d choose Kitty, there is something very special about her.

Let’s talk about a few other characters, the dental receptionist, she is annoying. No one would keep a dental receptionist on like that, even if you did like her and felt sorry for her. I still liked her though; I thought her character was funny. I also liked the man she helped around his house, who is so introverted. All quirky neighbors, all have a story to tell and a lesson to teach. You will fall in love with this heartwarming story and not want to leave it. I am greatly looking forward to another book in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Cora may feel alone after a loss but the quirky people in this town are there to help her. I loved the feeling of “helping neighbors,” in this sweet clean story. Cora has been through a lot of changes with the death of her mother, her grandparents and breaking things off with her fiancé. Now she needs to decide if she is going to start over after inheriting a lakefront lodge. It isn’t exactly in good condition but maybe it is just what Cora needs.
After being taken away by her mother when she was only seven, it is hard to be back in Moonberry Lake. I really don’t care for all the fuss after the funeral where everyone gathers to eat. Cora is told that, “ when grieved, we eat. Food is supposed to replace the emptiness in our hearts.” Cora just wants everyone to leave so she can be alone with her memories. Now she faces a big decision that could change her life.
I liked the emotional journey the author takes us on as Cora tries to understand what happened between her mother and grandparents. Discovering that her grandparents passed away later than she thought brings many questions to her. Hurt from not being able to see her grandparents, she need to know the truth. I couldn’t wait to unravel this mystery and watch Cora find a place she can call home.
For some reason this story brought back memories of my own grandparents. I adored them so much and every summer our family would go to their farm and spend two weeks there. It was a beautiful two story house complete with a wraparound porch, cattle, land that went on forever chickens running around the yard and a windmill that stood tall. But like Cora one summer we just stopped going. My heart went out to Cora as she replayed her memories in her mind. Yes those were cherished memories we both shared. Our grandparents made us feel loved and wanted.
There are some great characters in the book which for me made the story come to life. A man who thinks he can scare Cora off her land, the handy woman who can fix anything to the sweet old lady who takes care of the cemetery. Of course there is San who watches over Cora in a protective way. All this brings Cora to a realization that maybe she was brought here for a reason.
I loved how the story flowed as the author peeled away the pain and rejection Cora has felt after not being able to see her grandparents. Secrets will be revealed along with a deeper sense of belonging and forgiving for Cora. With a bit of romance and finding a family at last Cora will have to let go of the past in order to start a new beginning.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. The review is my own opinion.
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Cora Matthews returns to Moonberry Lake when her mother passes away suddenly. She discovers she has inherited her grandparents' lodge, a place she loved as a child but hasn't visited in many years. The lodge is in great disrepair, and as she sets about restoring it, she discovers a new community in this quirky little Minnesota town.

I wanted to read On Moonberry Lake because the story resonated with me. My mother also recently passed and I am working on a beloved old house restoration. I enjoy small town fiction and found the lakeside lodge setting appealing.

This book was a delight from start to finish. I love small towns that become almost a character themselves - like Mayberry or Lake Wobegon or Stars Hollow. There is a rich variety of quirky but lovable neighbors that Cora becomes acquainted with, and I loved meeting every one of them too.

The story of the lodge restoration held great interest for me, but I also enjoyed reading how Cora restored her soul and sense of place as she settled into this little community. There are a couple of twists and turns and even a sweet love story.

There is also great humor, as seen in the "Sightings and Satire" column of the local newspaper, with tidbits like:

"It’s that time of year again for the fire department to check and flush the fire hydrants. As torrents of water are released, residents are encouraged to use the water wisely by participating in public bathing. Come wash your dogs, cars, and children. Note that nudity is prohibited. Although all creation is to be celebrated, some is better left covered" (eBook location 5202).

It appears that On Moonberry Lake is going to be the first in a series, and I hope it is a long series - as I intend to read every book. I cannot recommend this charming and uplifting novel highly enough.

This was a beautiful story about new beginnings, second chances and new friendships if you are only willing to open and allow people to see more than what we usually are willing to share.

I loved every character in this story. Each one with their own uniqueness brought an aspect of growth to Cora but also experienced their own growth.

There was quite a few awkward moments Cora found herself in which added to some fun and light moments.

This was a well written story for a first novel. There are some small things which I personally felt could improve, but I am sure as the author’s career develops, the writing will get even stronger.

On Moonberry Lake, by Holly Varni, begins with Cora Matthews standing alone at her mother’s funeral. Her passing has left Cora struggling to make one tear fall. She has felt abandoned by her family for years. Her mother’s death was a surprise to Cora; however, her mother knew this day was coming. When Vora starts receiving odd stares from the strangers standing around her, she cannot help but stare back. What kind of strange world was she in!

Cora just broke off her engagement and now she is standing in Moonberry Lake, Minnesota all alone. Cora has not been here for twenty years, not since her mother took her away. This is the spot where her mother planned to be buried. After the funeral, Cora learns her mother’s final request. She has been given Cora the lease to her grandparents lodge, along with the requirement the she live there for one year!

As Cora starts looking around the lodge, she wonders how she will ever accomplish all the work that needs to be done. When an angry neighbor shows up at the end of her driveway claiming the lodge is actually on his property, Cora knows she has a fight on her hands!

Hold tight to see how the citizens of Moonberry Lake add to Cora’s life. They are definitely an interesting lot of individuals. By the end of this fun tale, you will be excited to see how God has shown Cora that she is truly not alone in this world!

I had never heard of Holly Varni before but I am sure glad I took a chance and picked up ON MOONBERRY LAKE. Ms. Varni instantly hooked me and pulled me right in from the very first page and never let me go. Hang on tight! It is going to be a very crazy and bumpy ride! Holly Varni’s debut novel gave me all the feels and I enjoyed every minute of it. It has just the right amount of romance, mystery, and historical fiction. Cora and Kitty are going to feel like the reader’s friends before the middle of this amazing story.

ON MOONBERRY LAKE shows how when we turn ourselves over to God anything is possible. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy clean reads with true to life characters. Friendship and love are a huge part of this story and both play a big role in people healing and moving forward. When Cora’s mother passed away, she inherited her grandparents old lodge where Cora loved to be. For seven years she was happy there until one day her mother ripped her away and she never saw her grandparents again. The one stipulation for her inheriting the lodge is she has to live there for one year. Cora decides to rehab and rebuild the lodge. This is where she meets Widgy who is a character like you have never met before!

All the characters in ON MOONBERRY LAKE are very relatable and not perfect at all. You can’t help but feel each emotion that they are dealing with. When one of them was happy, I was happy. When Cora was crying, I was crying too. I love when an author does that to their readers. I truly was an emotional mess after reading this heart tugging story. Now that I have read ON MOONBERRY LAKE and discovered Holly Varni I’m excited to read more of this new to me, auto buy from now on author. If you are looking for a heart tugging read that is filled with troubling times, but still fills you with hope, please take a chance and read ON MOONBERRY LAKE. It is so real that you need to keep the tissues close by because your emotions are going to be on one crazy roller coaster ride. Once you finish devouring this story, you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Moonberry Lake was an interesting place to visit. It sounds quite lovely and tranquil. Cora Matthews spent many summers with her grandparents there. She loved the freedom that she felt. Till one day a horrible rift opened between her mother and grandparents. Her mother never let her go back to visit them while they were still alive and never told her what was so monumental that she cut all ties with her own parents. Now Cora's mother has passed away and Cora finds herself back at Moonberry Lake for the funeral.

Life continues to get interesting as she finds out she has inherited her grandparent's lodge on the lake. It needs a lot of work, but it does hold some cherished memories for her. Also, Cora's mother has left a list of stipulations for her to do and keep, if the lodge is to remain hers. Cora is never one for staying around, not for jobs nor for fiancés even. But she figures she can stick around the lodge for a bit.

As Cora begins to bring the home back to life, she has an ally in Sam a neighbor. He introduces her to many of the townsfolk. They are quite an eccentric and quirky lot. I found myself chuckling at the oddities of all of them and wondered how Cora was going to quite fit in. Cora is determined to finish what she started this time, and then things really go south.

Filled with highs and lows, family secrets, and a town of assorted odd characters, Cora is going to maybe find the meaning of family that she has so long searched for. For some reason this story really surprised me. There is a thread of romance, but I think this story is about a woman falling in love with a town and its people.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.