Suzy Button is grieving. Grieving for her dead mother, but also for the friends she's left behind, the father who no longer laughs and the life that she once had. In desperation she finds herself in the garden in the middle of the night, under the light of a supermoon, wishing everything would change.
And suddenly, it does.
Into school walks Rhiannon, a fearless new girl who makes Suzy her instant best friend. And Rhiannon seems to make things . . . happen. If Suzy wants something, somehow Rhiannon can make it friends, beach parties, midnight photoshoots under a moonlit sky . . . Suzy's life is finally moving forward again.
But where did Rhiannon come from? She doesn't seem to live in Sallycove. Why can't Suzy go to her house? And why does she never have any stuff?
Suzy might be her best friend, but does she really know who Rhiannon is?
I am an illustrator and a writer. I create picturebooks for kids and write novels – middle grade and YA. I love to travel but, so far, my books have travelled more than me - they've been translated into many languages, including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Persian and Finish.
I'm Irish, a Dubliner, born, bred and buttered. I run on coffee and chocolate. My most recent novel, On Midnight Beach, is a YA reimagining of the legend of Cúchulainn, and it has been shortlisted for several awards, including the 2021 Carnegie Medal.
“She asked me, “Be my sister Sister, sister of the moon” …. Some call her sister of the moon, Some say, illusions are her game They like to wrap her in velvet Does anyone, ooh, anyone know her name” Fleetwood Mac, words by Stevie Nicks, Album Tusk, 1979
26th August is NOT just another day for nearly 16 year old Suzy Button. It’s the first anniversary of the day her mum dies and life is rubbish without her despite her father’s decision for a change of scene, relocating them from the city to Sallycove. Her dad is not in a good way either, zombie like, struggling with overwhelming grief. Suzy even makes wishes to the moon, after all, her mum was into things like that. Star of the Sea school is difficult for her too, very difficult, no thanks to Casey and Clodagh, the alpha mean girls. That is, until new girl Rhiannon Albedo arrives and then things start to look up. However, who exactly is Rhiannon and where does she live???
This is a captivating, charming, heartwarming, life affirming tale which is magical, amazing and full of atmosphere as the outstanding cover suggests. It’s wonderfully written with some fantastic descriptions that leap from the pages. Suzy’s personality and character come across beautifully in this first person narrative. It’s like she’s not only in a dialogue with herself but with the reader and inevitably, her mother. She’s funny, smart, insecure, talented and understandably conflicted. As for Rhiannon - pure magic and through her she gains lovely friends in Pod, Jazzy, Derry and Paul. You can well imagine Casey and Clodagh as those girls exist everywhere but they do make for some lively scenes both in school and on the beach!
The novel has multiple layers to it. I love the mystical element especially that of the moon which is indeed magical. The inclusion of actual places in Ireland adds to the mystique. Another layer is obviously grief but also coming back to life and there’s friendship too among other things. It’s comforting yet also suspenseful and tense, funny yet also sad, magical yet also real, sensible and safe but also foolish, exciting and reckless (they are teens!) it’s contained and thoughtful yet also wild and free, there’s being solitary and then not so, there’s kindness and its polar opposite and there’s illusion versus reality. The moral if there is one - be braver and laugh. A lot.
Overall, I had no idea what to expect with this but I loved it from start to finish. It’s classed as YA but as I’m way beyond that I’d say anyone could read this and get something from it. I sure have.
Finally, sisters of the moon spiritually means connecting in truth, sharing stories, connecting with and to divine wisdom and forging an unbreakable bond of sisterhood. Suzy Button definitely does that.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Faber and Faber.
Suzy Button has been struggling since her Mum died and they moved to a new town, so in desperation, one night she wishes on the moon for a new best friend. The next day, Rhiannon arrives. Rhiannon is wild and free and doesn't care what anyone thinks about her and Suzy's life improves as soon as she arrives. But there's also something strange about her - Suzy has no idea where she lives, she sometimes says strange things like she's from a different time, and it seems like she can make things happen.
This is a whimsical and moving story about grief, friendship and growing up. The portrayal of teen friendships is particularly authentic and poignant.
look, this book had all of the elements I love. friendships, mystery, intrigue, female main characters, exploration of grief. there was so much I was excited for but it kind of fell flat. I’m not sure if it was meant to be surprising but I pretty much had guessed the plot of the book by page 50 and after that bit everything seemed to fall a little flat? I didn’t really there to be any risk or on the edge of my seat moments, I knew that everything was always going to end the way it did
Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick’s Sisters of the Moon is a poetic and poignant YA novel that blends Celtic mythology and magical realism with themes of loss, friendship, and self-discovery. The story follows Suzy Button, a young girl weighed down by the grief of losing her mother and struggling to find her place in a new town and school. On the anniversary of her mother’s passing, Suzy makes three wishes to the moon under a supermoon’s glow—a scene that captures the yearning and mystical hope that permeates the novel.
Rhiannon, an enigmatic new girl, enters Suzy's life shortly after her midnight wish, bringing not only friendship but also a curious ability to make Suzy's wishes materialise. Rhiannon’s presence adds layers of mystery, and her oddities—like having no clear background or possessions—hint at a magical origin that intrigues both Suzy and readers alike. Through her friendship with Rhiannon and the bonds she forms with her peers, Suzy begins a journey of healing, embracing life and her unique talents.
What sets Sisters of the Moon apart is its striking atmosphere and character-driven storytelling. Fitzpatrick’s writing is steeped in Irish coastal charm, with vivid depictions that evoke the salty breezes and moonlit beaches of Sallycove. Suzy's internal dialogue - funny, raw, and painfully real- draws readers into her world, making her emotional growth deeply resonant. The novel’s mystical elements, rooted in lunar symbolism, create a backdrop that feels both magical and grounded, reinforcing the power of belief, resilience, and the sacred bond of friendship.
Sisters of the Moon is a mesmerizing, heartfelt read that resonates with themes of healing, self-acceptance, and the magic of friendship. It’s a journey that feels grounded in reality yet tinged with just enough magic to make it unforgettable. A must-read for YA fans and anyone drawn to stories of myth, mystery, and moonlit musings.
This novel is perfect for readers seeking a gentle yet profound exploration of grief, growth, and the irreplaceable beauty of a found sisterhood.
Suzy Button is still feeling like an outcast in the seaside town that she and her father recently moved to, after the passing of her mother. She’s struggling with the dark, friendships, and her body is still feeling the after affects of stress and grief. So, on the first anniversary of her mother’s death, she decides to go out and make a wish on the moon, as a way of marking the day, as her mum was into mystical rituals like that. She wishes to no longer be afraid of the dark, for her period to return, and for friendships to come into her life.
A few days later, a new girl shows up at school, called Rihannon. She’s a little odd, knows a lot about brilliant poets, has never had cheddar cheese, and claims to be from France. She also very quickly becomes Suzy’s best friend, and the world seems to open its doors for Suzy once again. But is she really from France? And how come Suzy is never invited back to her house?
I thought this book was lovely. It handles grief, friendships, and the turmoil of being a teenager, all with a little sprinkling of magic dusted throughout. It also shows Suzy grappling with her inner self quite a lot. A stand out chapter, for me, shows her stream of consciousness while attending a beach party, and the utter whirlwind of her thoughts as the night progresses. It really encapsulated the inner turmoil that is the mind of a young teenager, and how it feels when you’re trying to find your way.
The book is very engaging, and it’s so nice to see Suzy slowly re-emerge from the fog she’s been in, and grow and flourish alongside her new friends. I felt like it was wonderfully balanced alongside the more magical elements of the book, which I also loved. A very heartwarming YA read.
Thank you to the publishers, and Netgalley, for the copy to review.
Suzy Button is grieving for her mother who died a year ago, she is struggling at school where the class mean girls seem to target her and there is no support from her father who is stuck in his own bubble of grief. Despite her fear of the dark, she goes outside at night and makes a wish to the moon. The next day things start to change for the better. A new girl called Rhiannon joins her class and becomes her friend, changing Suzy’s life and allowing her to move on. But who is Rhiannon? Why does she never mention her home life and how does she seem to make things happen? This is a lovely YA read. Set in Ireland, the descriptive writing is so evocative of Suzy’s seaside home, I felt like I had been through the tunnel to one of the beach parties myself! The friendships which develop between Suzy and Pod, Jazzy, Derry and Paul feel so authentic and heartwarming and the mystical element of the story weaves into the background without ever becoming unrealistic. We really get to know Suzy as she re-engages with life, starts to take risks and find herself again. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I'm incredibly grateful to Netgalley and the wonderful publisher for gifting me a copy of Sister of the Moon. This heartwarming book chronicles Suzy Button's journey as she navigates through the loss of her dear mother and embraces a new life with her father at a new all-girls school. Despite facing various challenges, including physical struggles, following her mother's passing, Suzy's story takes a beautiful turn when, on the anniversary of her mother's passing, she makes three heartfelt wishes upon the moon, bringing about beautiful changes in her life. It's a touching tale beautifully portrays Suzy's passage through grief and her blossoming friendships, especially with her newfound kindred spirit, Rhiannon. This book is a true gem, filled with hope, resilience, and heartwarming connections.
Published 1 August 2024. This is a story that although it covers grief and friendship also has a magical element. Suzy Button's mum died a year previously and neither her nor her father have ever really moved forward. On a full moon, as she used to do with her mother, she goes into the garden and makes three wishes to the moon. The next day, everything seems to change - coincidence? One of her wishes was to have a friend. In her new school, she is the butt of the jokes from the mean girls in the class, the class leaders. That day, Rhiannon arrives and a friendship develops. Rhiannon is a mystery, from her way of talking to the fact that Suzy is never allowed to visit her. But through Rhiannon, Suzy gains friends, and develops a reckless streak. Written in first person, Suzy's personality shines - even when she is arguing with her inner self. This is a charming story of friendship entwined with moon magic. A lovely YA read.
Even though this is YA and I'm in my late 40s I really connected with the main character, Suzy. My mum died 5 years ago and so the emotions that Suzy was feeling and that disconnect I could appreciate. Having that inner negative monologue is something I've lived with every day and has held me back.
I loved living vicariously through Suzy and the friendships she made along the way, with mysterious Rhiannon, and the people they pick up along the way. it was a quick read and but there was so much story behind it that it is one that will definitely stick with me
I truly think this is a great coming of age story, and I'd 100% recommend it.
When I saw the cover of SISTERS OF THE MOON, I knew it would be a fun YA read. Teens dancing on the beach at night in front of a stunning moon absolutely exudes the aliveness of teenage freedom. Then there’s the emotional turmoil – the despair of losing a parent, the drama of high school mean girls and the thrill of a first crush. Add to that a big dose of magical realism and you have a recipe for an absorbing, atmospheric story with a central character that I felt for in every way. Highly enjoyable.
I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this book and I am so glad that I did! It was beautifully written and a wonderful story that I finished in one sitting. I feel like it’s one of those books that carves a special place in your heart and stays with you forever. I really enjoyed reading Suzy’s story! I’ll definitely be recommending this book to everyone I speak with about books because it was just absolutely delightful to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Faber & Faber for the advance reader copy.
I really enjoyed this book, the author has a great way of drawing you into everything in the story. I liked how this felt like both a magic book and also how to deal with grief in whatever way it comes into your life.
The main characters are likeable and their friendship feels like two teenage girls trying to figure out life.
Overall I enjoyed this and will be looking out for more by the author.
When we were warned her friend jumps off a cliff I was assuming it was suicide but that was unexpected! I feel bad for Suzy I really liked Rhiannon <\3
This is a very imaginative, thoughtful and charming YA novel, set in Ireland and telling the story of a 16 year old girl who has to start again in life. Appropriate for age 12 upwards.
4 ⭐️ Genre - Coming-of-age, Fantasy Themes - Sisterhood, magical realism, grief Publishes - 15 August
I went into this book with zero expectations and ended up finishing it in 2 days. It was a poignant coming-of-age story about grief, self identity, and the nudge of a little magic towards the path of self-love 🩷
Suzy Button, grieving the loss of her mother, her friends, her father's laughter, and her old life, finds herself in the garden under a supermoon, desperately wishing for a change.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Rhiannon, a fearless new girl who becomes her best friend and seems to possess the ability to make things happen. With Rhiannon's influence, Suzy's life begins to move forward again as she gains new friends, experiences beach parties, and engages in midnight photoshoots under the moonlit sky.
This teen book is about a grieving girl who finds her way back into the community after the death of her mother.
Suzy Button is dreading returning to school after the long summer holidays, friendless. But a new girl arrives and has taken a shining to her. She is confident, even if the way she speaks is rather olde-worlde. Before Suzy knows it, this new girl is dragging her to social places, whether she likes it or not. But this girl is rather secretive about herself, and Suzy Button suspects she is not who she seems to be, and is determined to get to the bottom of it.
This is a lovely book, especially for young readers suffering from loss, or feeling lonely at school. The target audience will be able to relate to the Suzy's life eg wanting to fit it with the popular group, hanging out with friends, school trips.
This was a beautiful story following the life of Suzy Button, who is surrounded by grief after her mother died, and struggling in school with no friends. One day a new girl, Rhiannon arrives, and the two become instant best friends. Over the course of the story, Suzy begins to notice that Rhiannon can make certain events occur and she becomes suspicious of this new friend and where she has come from. I thought this was a very well-written story and explored the themes of grief and depression really well, including how it can manifest differently, as seen in Suzy’s father. The theme of friendship was beautifully explored and showed what it was like to be a teen in high school, making these new relationships and finding out who you are. A fantastic read.