What do you think?
Rate this book
Blame it on the Moon
What if you went outside one evening to observe the Blood Moon and when you came back in, it was three years later, on the night of the next Blood Moon. And everything had changed during those lost years. There was another woman in your husband’s bed, younger and slimmer than you. Your daughter had gotten married to the man whose mother had taken your place. They have a daughter, who was named after a missing and presumed dead grandmother—you. What would you do? Try to reclaim your life? Or realize it was the time and the season for starting over?
46 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2023
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 5, 2023
I’m a fan of anything Marilyn Baron writes. When it comes to fiction, you might say I think she hung the moon. No matter the genre or form – and she writes in a variety of both – readers can expect to be delightfully entertained.
Such is certainly the case with her new short story, “Blame it on the Moon.” A departure from some of Baron’s more familiar themes of World War II and Nazi art theft, the tale is a delicious modern-day swirl of early-senior angst leading to late-in-life love thanks to a spooky, supernatural celestial incident.
You’ll want to devour “Blame it on the Moon” in a single sitting, but pace yourself and savor the compelling stage Baron sets.
It’s November 2022 and the Blood Moon is about to rise, reminding 71-year-old Petra of happier days long since eclipsed by life’s disappointments. The sun is setting on her marriage of nearly 50 years, as Alex barely notices her anymore. Her adult daughter, Beth, has moved to New York City, a universe away from her lonely mother in Atlanta. And Petra’s world has shrunk so much it might soon go the way of Pluto, scrubbed.
With Beth briefly back home for a conference, Petra sees the upcoming Blood Moon as much more than a lunar event. It’s a chance to forget, for one night at least, the tribulations of time passing – her cheerless marriage, escalating health issues and growing disconnect from life in general. So she sets about recreating some of her happiest mother-daughter memories of celebrating the universe back when hopes were as high as whatever heavenly body happened to be making waves on earth, in the news, and – possibly – on an unfathomable plane of existence for certain susceptible souls.
What Petra hasn’t mentioned to Beth is that particular lunar phenomenon, also called a Red Moon, is often associated with negative, scary occurrences. As if indeed a bad moon’s rising.
Eagerly anticipating the 5 a.m. eclipse, Petra prepares their stargazing staples – hot chocolate with marshmallows alongside Beth’s favorite snack of green jelly beans. When she is unable to rouse her daughter, and unwilling to face her husband’s indifference, Petra wanders through her penthouse condo on the 35th floor of a Midtown Atlanta high-rise, admiring the stunning views through wrap-around windows. Then, at the witching hour, she opens the door to the balcony and steps outside.
After what feels likes minutes to Petra, she slips back into the condo, determined to wake her daughter so she can see the magnificent sky. But it’s actually more than two years later, March 14, 2025 – the night of the next Blood Moon. And absolutely everything has changed. Her husband has a new love. Her daughter has married and had a child. Her friends have moved on. Then, just as a confounding black hole seems to be swallowing what’s left of her life, Petra’s world explodes in true supernova style.
Without sharing spoilers, I’ll just say Baron’s time warp story about wonderful mysteries and big worlds awaiting even 70-somethings is a refreshingly fun mix of “Moonstruck” with a dash of “Outlander” and “The Twilight Zone” sprinkled in.
Anyone who’s ever wished on a shooting star is in for a dream of a story. I’m over the moon about “Blame it on the Moon,” and enthusiastically give it five stars.
Such is certainly the case with her new short story, “Blame it on the Moon.” A departure from some of Baron’s more familiar themes of World War II and Nazi art theft, the tale is a delicious modern-day swirl of early-senior angst leading to late-in-life love thanks to a spooky, supernatural celestial incident.
You’ll want to devour “Blame it on the Moon” in a single sitting, but pace yourself and savor the compelling stage Baron sets.
It’s November 2022 and the Blood Moon is about to rise, reminding 71-year-old Petra of happier days long since eclipsed by life’s disappointments. The sun is setting on her marriage of nearly 50 years, as Alex barely notices her anymore. Her adult daughter, Beth, has moved to New York City, a universe away from her lonely mother in Atlanta. And Petra’s world has shrunk so much it might soon go the way of Pluto, scrubbed.
With Beth briefly back home for a conference, Petra sees the upcoming Blood Moon as much more than a lunar event. It’s a chance to forget, for one night at least, the tribulations of time passing – her cheerless marriage, escalating health issues and growing disconnect from life in general. So she sets about recreating some of her happiest mother-daughter memories of celebrating the universe back when hopes were as high as whatever heavenly body happened to be making waves on earth, in the news, and – possibly – on an unfathomable plane of existence for certain susceptible souls.
What Petra hasn’t mentioned to Beth is that particular lunar phenomenon, also called a Red Moon, is often associated with negative, scary occurrences. As if indeed a bad moon’s rising.
Eagerly anticipating the 5 a.m. eclipse, Petra prepares their stargazing staples – hot chocolate with marshmallows alongside Beth’s favorite snack of green jelly beans. When she is unable to rouse her daughter, and unwilling to face her husband’s indifference, Petra wanders through her penthouse condo on the 35th floor of a Midtown Atlanta high-rise, admiring the stunning views through wrap-around windows. Then, at the witching hour, she opens the door to the balcony and steps outside.
After what feels likes minutes to Petra, she slips back into the condo, determined to wake her daughter so she can see the magnificent sky. But it’s actually more than two years later, March 14, 2025 – the night of the next Blood Moon. And absolutely everything has changed. Her husband has a new love. Her daughter has married and had a child. Her friends have moved on. Then, just as a confounding black hole seems to be swallowing what’s left of her life, Petra’s world explodes in true supernova style.
Without sharing spoilers, I’ll just say Baron’s time warp story about wonderful mysteries and big worlds awaiting even 70-somethings is a refreshingly fun mix of “Moonstruck” with a dash of “Outlander” and “The Twilight Zone” sprinkled in.
Anyone who’s ever wished on a shooting star is in for a dream of a story. I’m over the moon about “Blame it on the Moon,” and enthusiastically give it five stars.
June 22, 2023
Strange things can happen on a blood moon, as Petra soon discovers. Everything has changed but is this a nightmare or a second chance at life. I can safely say this book is the most original premise I’ve ever read. It had me thinking thoughts I haven’t had since I was in university. Blame it on the Moon is an unputdownable read you’ll finish in one sitting.
It starts with the world-building. Marilyn Baron is a prolific author who knows how to create an addictive yet relatable world. She uses words to lure the reader into the world she’s created. It’s such an immersive reading experience.
The characters are well-written with emotional tension. I connected with Petra right away. She’s a woman who’s been through a lot and then deals with what happens as a result of the blood moon. Her family has moved on without her. What should she do? This is her dilemma and it’s a realistic one. The other characters are well-drawn and make an impact.
The writing is sophisticated and yet has a realistic vibe. Marilyn Baron describes each scene with emotion and accuracy. Her characterization and descriptive narration paint a picture that draws the reader into the story. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop until the very last page.
If you’re looking for an original story, pick up Blame it on the Moon. I strongly recommend this book to all readers.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
It starts with the world-building. Marilyn Baron is a prolific author who knows how to create an addictive yet relatable world. She uses words to lure the reader into the world she’s created. It’s such an immersive reading experience.
The characters are well-written with emotional tension. I connected with Petra right away. She’s a woman who’s been through a lot and then deals with what happens as a result of the blood moon. Her family has moved on without her. What should she do? This is her dilemma and it’s a realistic one. The other characters are well-drawn and make an impact.
The writing is sophisticated and yet has a realistic vibe. Marilyn Baron describes each scene with emotion and accuracy. Her characterization and descriptive narration paint a picture that draws the reader into the story. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop until the very last page.
If you’re looking for an original story, pick up Blame it on the Moon. I strongly recommend this book to all readers.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
August 2, 2023
BLAME IT ON THE MOON, Marilyn Baron, Author;
Romantic Fantasy
What happens when you watch a blood moon? What if you’re dreaming of better days or what ifs? Is there magic in the blood moon? Petra just might think so. You might too after reading her story. Recommended reading for a different kind of fantasy experience.
Romantic Fantasy
What happens when you watch a blood moon? What if you’re dreaming of better days or what ifs? Is there magic in the blood moon? Petra just might think so. You might too after reading her story. Recommended reading for a different kind of fantasy experience.
August 5, 2023
From the author of an art history series comes a new venture, a fantasy with a blend of romantic themes. This was a trip into a jelly bean-themed series with a story centered around the moon’s phases. An engaging must read.
September 30, 2023
For a quick read that’s a total delight, try this imaging of watching a blood moon from a balcony in Atlanta that takes you to a surprising journey’s end. Things might not be what you think they are but you can always blame it on the moon! Recommended for an evening’s entertainment
August 1, 2023
One night in an Atlanta high-rise condo, a woman steps onto the balcony to see the moon. It’s a blood moon. What happens changes everything. I rate this 4 out of 5 stars for fantasy readers.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews