Review: On Moonberry Lake

On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni
My rating: 💛💛💛

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.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*


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About the book:

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.

But Cora's days on the lake are anything but relaxing. The only thing that's a bigger mess than her own life is the dilapidated building she's living in. Add a cantankerous handywoman, an angry neighbor, and an elderly woman who spends all her time talking to the "residents" in the cemetery and Cora's not sure she can stick it out. But if she can, she may find a love she never expected--from the most unexpected people imaginable. This homespun tale of new friendships, sweet romance, and ordinary miracles will have you wishing you could spend a summer (or a lifetime) on Moonberry Lake.

About the author:

Holly Varni is a native Minnesotan of strong Norwegian descent, who was

raised in the Lutheran Church that Garrison Keillor made a career depicting. Between the lutefisk, grumpy grandparents, and the crazy neighbor who mowed his lawn wearing pajamas, the seed to becoming a storyteller was planted. She wants to give readers characters they can connect with, admire, laugh at, and most of all love.

She is podcast host of “Moments from Moonberry Lake,” and author of the “Moonberry Lake” series.

In her personal life, she married a University Professor with the same chocolate eyes as her romantic lead. They live on the Central Coast of California with their three sons. The characters of Moonberry Lake and their unique stories came about as she was trying to survive being a boy mom. When not doing laundry or writing, she has the privilege of being a Hospice volunteer, where she sits with the dying and listens to their stories.