Synopsis:~
Bryn Seymour was nine years old when her mother died under mysterious circumstances on the same day Apollo 11 made its historic lunar landing. Forty years later-divorced, working as an obituary writer, and duly cynical-she meets Howard, a conspiracy theorist who knew her mom and believes a small Texas town may hold clues to what really fueled her demise. Seeking closure, Bryn goes along for this men-in-black ride. But upon meeting Howard’s son Sam, an outspoken Christian, she can’t decide whose beliefs are more pie-in-the-sky.The gravity of life has pulled Bryn down for decades. But a perfect love could be her first step to soaring. It only happens once in a blue moon.
My take:~
You never quite know what you are going to get from a Leanna Ellis book and that is the very thing that makes them special! In Once in a Blue Moon, Leanna creates wonderfully abstract characters from Bryn, with the staid job but wildly adventurous spirit, Howard, the elderly conspiracy theorist driven by irrationality and Sam, the former pastor living with regrets over how he treated his family. Funny, poignant, adventurous and romantic in equal measure, Leanna’s talent ensures the story doesn’t become outrageous despite the subject matter. The spiritual elements are woven with subtlety yet with a pleasing directness. Once in a Blue Moon will appeal to readers who enjoy a story out of the ordinary, just like Howard!
With thanks to WynnWynn Media for my review copy
Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Bryn Seymour
Reviews of Elvis Takes a Back Seat and Lookin’ Back, Texas
What’s Cooking? with Leanna
Interview with Leanna
Open Giveaway
With thanks to the wonderful generosity of B&H Fiction, I have four copies of this book to give away. Two for my Aussie readers and two for my North American readers.
To enter, post a comment on or before Sunday 21st March, 2010 leaving an AUS or US/Canada tag at the end so I can enter you in the correct draw.
March 10, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Hi Rel, Please enter me for this book! Thanks!
Tami from Tree Swing Reading (U.S.)
March 10, 2010 at 2:48 pm
I just discovered Leanna Ellis! I read Ruby's Slippers and really enjoyed it. (you can read my review here)
I would love the chance to read this one. Please enter me! (USA)
inspiredbyfiction[at]gmail[dot]com
March 10, 2010 at 2:59 pm
O please enter me ๐
suitejuju@gmail.com
FL, USA
March 10, 2010 at 3:20 pm
I have a copy, Rel, so don't include me. I just want to encourage readers who love a quirky, very well-written book, to get in this drawing or go buy this novel. Loved it.
March 10, 2010 at 4:01 pm
I love the name, Bryn. Sounds like a really interesting book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Amy artsyrockerchick[at]aim[dot]
USA
March 10, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Please enter me too. I love these book reviews you do. Thanks
March 10, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Looks very interesting would love to win.
Jessica
bluenichols(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
US
March 10, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Leanna is a great writter I would love to win this book, I am in the good old USA
mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net
March 10, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Hi, y'all! Just thought I'd stop by and say hello! Thanks Rel for reviewing Once in a Blue Moon. So delighted you liked it so much! Thanks for those who've read it and put in a good word! Hope y'all have a blessed day!
Blessings,
Leanna
March 10, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Leanna always weaves into her storylines people and events that I can relate to, and her writing also grabs my emotions. I look forward to reading this book and appreciate the chance to win a copy.
cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net
USA
March 11, 2010 at 7:09 am
Please enter me for a chance to win! I just finished reading "Ruby's Slippers" today, and I really enjoyed it!
Thanks!
stokes[dot]a[at]suddenlink[dot]net
March 11, 2010 at 6:43 pm
I love Leanna Ellis. A lot of depth encased in humour…so, at the risk of upping my TBR pile, could you please enter me too?
AUS
March 13, 2010 at 6:22 am
Please enter me in the draw Narelle, thanks!
(AUS)
March 14, 2010 at 11:24 am
Pop me in please Rel and thanks for all your hard work putting this blog together.
AUS
March 15, 2010 at 12:14 am
Several other sites have been reviewing this book. Each time I read about it I am more interested. I would like to be entered for this drawing.
Diane Marie Shaw
needmorewordscs[at]gmail[dot]com
USA
March 15, 2010 at 4:44 pm
I just won this book on another blog, so you can take my name out of this drawing. Thanks! ๐
March 16, 2010 at 12:18 pm
This book sounds really good. I'd love a chance to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
USA
March 20, 2010 at 2:39 pm
The review of this book is soooo
good and I would love to win it.
I am from Canada.
cenya2 at hotmail dot com