Moon in the Water

Disclaimer: I'm not a Romance genre fan, and so I enter this review through the side door. As I read this novel I felt I could identify the conventions of the genre, but that the author Elizabeth Grayson goes beyond formula to turn in fine characterizations that grow over the course of the novel. "Moon in the Water" offers descriptions of bluffs and water, insight into life in the city as well as on the frontier, adventure, flashes of humor, a plot filled with little mysterious turnings, humor, and a continuous thread on the importance of family solidarity and loyalty. This was just the right book for me to read at this time, filled with many links to my life. "Moon in the Water," begins in 1867 about five years after my great grandfather quit his work on riverboats that ran along the Mississippi and founded a horticultural estate on the bluffs above that great water. The action starts in St. Louis and continually folds back to St. Louis, where I now live, so I was fascinated to find place names and learn tidbits about places known about in passing. The point Grayson describes at Hardesty's Landing could well have been my own stone ledge I went to in girlhood when I needed to sort out my thoughts. But Grayson's descriptions are so good I think any reader could enter the world she creates and happily stay there a long time throughout its 468 pages. Here's a passage I particularly liked as Chase gazes upon his wife and new baby: "Every man stores up memories, flickers of time that crystallize in the chambers of the mind, instants of beauty and simple truth that warm him when the world goes cold. Images that resonate as long as he draws breath. (p. 337). The core story of "Moon in the Water" is about honor and loyalty and that's a story that will remain contemporary as long as we care about our humanity. --Janet Grace Riehl, author, "Sightlines: A Poet's Diary"

If you love historical romance and haven't tried this author, you're really missing something. Ms. Grayson has the ability to paint a picture with words, taking the reader on a journey back in time, introducing them to characters that are believable and full of life. Moon in the Water is another hit. Chase is the type of man women dream about and Ann is just the sort of woman who deserves him. When they figure this out for themselves, romance blooms on the page. If it's time to add to your "to-read" pile, don't forget this one!

In 1867 in St. Louis, Commander James Rossiter offers Chase Hardesty a deal that the younger man cannot refuse. James will give ownership of the Star Line's just leaving the shipyard steamboat the Andromeda in exchange for Chase marrying his pregnant stepdaughter. Chase's life time dream would be fulfilled with this deal so though he questions why him he agrees to marry a woman he has never seen.Ann feels incarcerated in her stepfather's household. Though she would prefer not to wed this Chase whom she has just met, she sees the unknown devil being much better for her regardless of temperament than the known demons, her step-brother and James. She agrees too.Just after they marry, Chase captains a riverboat run to Fort Benton expecting that his bride would stay with her family. Instead Ann stows away on his ship. As they become acquainted and each one wins the other's heart, she knows that she carries a secret that she must reveal to Chase if he is to trust her, but believes that once the revelation is made, the marriage will dissolve.MOON IN THE WATER is a fast-paced trek on the Reconstruction Era Mississippi that will provide Elizabeth Grayson with many new passengers joining the ride. The vivid story line is reminiscent of the classic Life on the Mississippi, but this deep look back, also contains a delightful romance as the leading duet finds love before they find trust. Though the villain offers no redeeming qualities, post American Civil War readers (not just romance though that is a key subplot) will appreciate this picturesque trip along the mighty Mississippi.Harriet Klausner

Chase Hardesty, had no idea why the Commodore of the shipping line he worked for had summoned him to his home and was stunned when he was offered the captaincy, and the chance to own the newest steamboat of the Gold Star line, the Andromeda. The only thing he had to do was to marry the commodore's daughter. A heady proposal for a young man with no prospects other than what could be earned as a riverboat pilot, and knowing there'd be strings attached, Chase cautiously agreed to meet the young woman. Ann Rossiter, was most definitely brought up to be a lady of quality yet in her present state, four or so months pregnant, was not in any condition to dictate terms. She needed to get out of her step-fathers's house; to somehow secure her unborn child as well as her own future; and a husband was definitely not in that future. Ann, thinking that after her conversation with Chase, who had assured her he would not accept the bargain, was then astonished when her stepfather informed her that the wedding would be going forward the next afternoon. Feeling betrayed again, and with little choice in the matter, Ann was married to Chase, who thought life would go on as usual and he'd be shipping out that afternoon. But what he hadn't bargained for was that Ann would barge her way onto the Andromeda and demand to be taken along on the ride. As the two, traversed the western rivers together, Ann would be drawn to his gentleness and quiet strength, as he was drawn to her courage, strength and beauty. Attracted as she was, Ann would still keep her terrifying secret rather than be betrayed once more and when Ann's past revealed itself, would their marriage of convenience be able to weather the storm! This was an absolutely wonderful story, rich in western Americana historical aspects that will provide the reader with a truly rewarding and visually stunning reading experience. It is beautifully written with strong and well-defined characters, both main and secondary, with deep emotional strengths. Her characters will become so real to you that right from the start you'll be rooting for Chase to break down the barriers and help Ann to heal her soul after being so bitterly used. This is a terrific story with a plot that will engage the reader from the very first pages until the very end. It was a strong, tender and a beautifully satisfying love story that I heartily recommend! --- Submitted by Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for www.historicalromancewriters.com