Aug 6, 2021

Under The Bayou Moon by Valerie Fraser Luesse REVIEW + GIVEAWAY

UNDER THE BAYOU MOON

by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Categories: Fiction / Christian / Historical

Publisher: Revell Date of Publication: August 3, 2021

Number of Pages: 352

When Ellie Fields accepts a teaching job in a tiny Louisiana town deep in bayou country in 1949, she knows her life will change--but she could never imagine just how dramatically. Though rightfully suspicious of outsiders, who have threatened both their language and their unique culture, most of the residents come to appreciate the young and idealistic schoolteacher, and she's soon teaching just about everyone, despite opposition from both the school board and a politician with ulterior motives. Yet it's the lessons Ellie herself will learn--from new friends, a captivating Cajun fisherman, and even a legendary white alligator haunting the bayou--that will make all the difference.

Take a step away from the familiar and enter the shadowy waters of bayou country for a story of risk, resilience, and romance.

Purchase Links: Baker Book House • Amazon •

Christianbook.com • Other Revell Books Affiliates

Under the Bayou Moon was soul and artistry. This was a beautifully descriptive and vibrant atmospheric piece. There were no corners cut with the author taking every opportunity to add a little gem in each scene keeping the setting alive and at the forefront. It gave me Where The Crawdads Sing vibes and I was loving it! I love such attention to detail! I love that I was able to escape to a completely different time and place each time I picked up this book!

Under the Bayou Moon was a heartwarming piece that held immense depth. Every character was so intentional from the very beginning helping uncover the many layers into each of the main characters. I will say that I fell in love with Ellie instantly! From peeping into a bar scene to making sure the children understand the artwork on the school floor. It was so easy to relate to someone trying to find their way after deciding to fight for themselves. She was inspiring, empathetic, strong, and relatable.

I can't wait to read this one again. A story like this with such immense detail is the type of story that each time you read it you pick up a different detail. I'd recommend this to someone that wants to be inspired, pulled in emotionally, and enthralled visually with such descriptive elements. Thank you Lonestar Literary Life for the free review copy!

Valerie Fraser Luesse is the bestselling author of Missing Isaac, Almost Home, and The Key to Everything, as well as an award-winning magazine writer best known for her feature stories and essays in Southern Living, where she is currently senior travel editor. Specializing in stories about unique pockets of Southern culture, Luesse received the 2009 Writer of the Year award from the Southeast Tourism Society for her editorial section on Hurricane Katrina recovery in Mississippi and Louisiana. A graduate of Auburn University and Baylor University, she lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband, Dave.

Website ║ Facebook ║ Blog

Amazon Author Page ║ BookBub

GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

ONE WINNER: A copy of Under the Bayou Moon, $10 Starbucks gift card, & Flavors of the Bayou seasonings gift box.   (US only, ends midnight, CDT, 8/13/2021)