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Blue Moon Lake #2
Harvest Moon
Getting past the librarian’s guard…
Trent Jamieson isn’t one for virtual romance, but there’s something about the intriguing woman he meets on the Internet he can’t resist. Then the small town bachelor discovers the mystery woman who shares her secrets with him online is the laced-up librarian in his self-defense class! Veronica Sussingham may just be his toughest student yet. Because how can he show the vulnerable beauty that some men are worth letting your guard down for?
Veronica returned to her hometown seeking shelter for her shattered spirit. The last thing she needs is a blue-eyed charmer who wants to show her how to live—and love—again. Then she discovers Trent is not just another admirer, but a man who knows her deepest secrets. Now Veronica must choose between running from her past—or finding future happiness with the kind of man she swore she’d never fall for….
Trent Jamieson isn’t one for virtual romance, but there’s something about the intriguing woman he meets on the Internet he can’t resist. Then the small town bachelor discovers the mystery woman who shares her secrets with him online is the laced-up librarian in his self-defense class! Veronica Sussingham may just be his toughest student yet. Because how can he show the vulnerable beauty that some men are worth letting your guard down for?
Veronica returned to her hometown seeking shelter for her shattered spirit. The last thing she needs is a blue-eyed charmer who wants to show her how to live—and love—again. Then she discovers Trent is not just another admirer, but a man who knows her deepest secrets. Now Veronica must choose between running from her past—or finding future happiness with the kind of man she swore she’d never fall for….
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2015
10 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Struth
13 books452 followersSharon Struth believes you’re never too old to pursue a dream. The Hourglass, her debut novel, was a finalist in the National Readers' Choice Awards for Best First Book, and her Blue Moon Lake Novels includes the Barnes & Noble bestseller, Share the Moon.
When she’s not working, she and her husband happily sip their way through the scenic towns of the Connecticut Wine Trail, travel the world, and enjoy spending time with their precious pets and two grown daughters.
She writes from the friendliest place she’s ever lived, Bethel, Connecticut. For more information, including where to find her published essays, please visit sharonstruth.com or visit her blog, Musings from the Middle Ages & More at www.sharonstruth.wordpress.com.
When she’s not working, she and her husband happily sip their way through the scenic towns of the Connecticut Wine Trail, travel the world, and enjoy spending time with their precious pets and two grown daughters.
She writes from the friendliest place she’s ever lived, Bethel, Connecticut. For more information, including where to find her published essays, please visit sharonstruth.com or visit her blog, Musings from the Middle Ages & More at www.sharonstruth.wordpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 23, 2015
2 stars. DNF @40%. Review posted October 23, 2015
It's the first time that this happened to me this year, but I've been reading three fantastic books in a row, and it saddens me to say that Harvest Moon by Sharon Struth did not even scratch a tiny little corner let alone the entire surface of my last three reads which were pure awesome sauce.
From the first chapter I did have problems to get into the story. The characters didn't hold my interest at all and the writing was way too formulaic, the plot cliched. Also, I'm just not fond of cheese and sap.
Authors should never just think that featuring a heroine will automatically gain a reader's affection. I don't want to minimize her ordeal in any way, but I need more than a horrible drama that happened decades ago to empathize with a heroine. I just didn't like Veronica. Well, the a hero wasn't much to write home about either. So I guess they were even.
The misunderstanding was beyond absurd and made me roll my eyes. Veronica didn't really when he feasted on her slender calves and high heels. She didn't
The scene when Cass told Veronica
I don't mind pearls at all but I do mind when a woman is wearing them who attends a self-defense class. My son plays soccer and one of their rules is no jewelry during practice nor during official games. I'm pretty sure it's written in the rule book of the FIFA. And one doesn't have to be a genius to know why: minimizing risks of injury.
Her voice flowed like soft velvet, her tone rich and sexy. She lifted her chin and opened her eyes, now sparkling with a playful glow, and launched the next line about an after midnight search for love. He breathed in her beautiful sound, hypnotized by the subtle sway of her body, as spellbinding as the beat.
Cheesy, much? Sorry but there was nothing spellbinding about that performance.
He looked down to the table, tracing a circle in the linen cloth with his finger while the pain of the divorce rolled across his chest, then vanished. Relief settled over him when the waiter poured his coffee, a reason to think about something else besides the one woman who’d claimed his heart.
Yep. They didn't know each other, weren't together yet, but @24% she'd claimed his heart already. Ludicrous.
The unbridled adoration the pair had for each other left an ache in Veronica's heart. Her gaze drifted across the room. Trent studied her and smiled. A tender smile. Some part of her wanted to do the same, but her lips seemed frozen, unable to move.
Since the writing and characters didn't appeal to me and I was suffering from a massive case of boredom, I decided to abandon ship at 40%. I really believe that Harvest Moon was as little inspiring as my review. Seems to me that I'm obviously still suffering from a serious book hangover.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy**
**ARC courtesy of Kensington Books Lyrical Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
It's the first time that this happened to me this year, but I've been reading three fantastic books in a row, and it saddens me to say that Harvest Moon by Sharon Struth did not even scratch a tiny little corner let alone the entire surface of my last three reads which were pure awesome sauce.
From the first chapter I did have problems to get into the story. The characters didn't hold my interest at all and the writing was way too formulaic, the plot cliched. Also, I'm just not fond of cheese and sap.
Authors should never just think that featuring a heroine will automatically gain a reader's affection. I don't want to minimize her ordeal in any way, but I need more than a horrible drama that happened decades ago to empathize with a heroine. I just didn't like Veronica. Well, the a hero wasn't much to write home about either. So I guess they were even.
The misunderstanding was beyond absurd and made me roll my eyes. Veronica didn't really when he feasted on her slender calves and high heels. She didn't
The scene when Cass told Veronica
I don't mind pearls at all but I do mind when a woman is wearing them who attends a self-defense class. My son plays soccer and one of their rules is no jewelry during practice nor during official games. I'm pretty sure it's written in the rule book of the FIFA. And one doesn't have to be a genius to know why: minimizing risks of injury.
Her voice flowed like soft velvet, her tone rich and sexy. She lifted her chin and opened her eyes, now sparkling with a playful glow, and launched the next line about an after midnight search for love. He breathed in her beautiful sound, hypnotized by the subtle sway of her body, as spellbinding as the beat.
Cheesy, much? Sorry but there was nothing spellbinding about that performance.
He looked down to the table, tracing a circle in the linen cloth with his finger while the pain of the divorce rolled across his chest, then vanished. Relief settled over him when the waiter poured his coffee, a reason to think about something else besides the one woman who’d claimed his heart.
Yep. They didn't know each other, weren't together yet, but @24% she'd claimed his heart already. Ludicrous.
The unbridled adoration the pair had for each other left an ache in Veronica's heart. Her gaze drifted across the room. Trent studied her and smiled. A tender smile. Some part of her wanted to do the same, but her lips seemed frozen, unable to move.
Since the writing and characters didn't appeal to me and I was suffering from a massive case of boredom, I decided to abandon ship at 40%. I really believe that Harvest Moon was as little inspiring as my review. Seems to me that I'm obviously still suffering from a serious book hangover.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy**
**ARC courtesy of Kensington Books Lyrical Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
October 20, 2015
Veronica and Trent should not work. While Veronica's need to keep herself safe makes her uptight and closed off, Trent's well-earned wildman personality lets him keep an arm's length from romantic entanglement. Through their alternate personnas as Etta and Ry--the two unsuspectingly corresponding on a music blog--we get to see who they are behind the walls they keep. When Trent figures out the woman whose gotten under his skin in real life is the same woman who touched him so deeply online, things get really complicated.
There will be no spoilers here. The various mysteries in this story are just enough to keep pulling the reader along, while never detracting from the tug-of-war romance between Trent and Veronica. It's not just a story of how two people find one another and fall in love. It is one overcoming the past, and triumphing over the many ways that past messes up the present.
Great read. Best I've read from this author to date. If you like small town romance with a bit of intrigue, this one is for you.
There will be no spoilers here. The various mysteries in this story are just enough to keep pulling the reader along, while never detracting from the tug-of-war romance between Trent and Veronica. It's not just a story of how two people find one another and fall in love. It is one overcoming the past, and triumphing over the many ways that past messes up the present.
Great read. Best I've read from this author to date. If you like small town romance with a bit of intrigue, this one is for you.
October 26, 2015
I received an Advanced Released Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Harvest Moon is book two in the Blue Moon Lake Series. Once again Sharon Struth has written a beautiful love story that everyone can relate to. Sharon's books are filled with real situations and characters that have flaws and insecurities just like we do. This isn't a book where the main characters fall in love or lust with each other at first site, jump into bed together and get married all within a few weeks of meeting one another and I found that to be very refreshing! In Harvest Moon, Sharon creates so much depth in her story line and we get to see real growth within her characters and the overall story.
Veronica is a very likable woman. While in College, she experienced a tragedy that left her feeling broken. Since the event, Veronica has been living her life making choices that are safe and that essentially leave her closed off from really living and loving.
Trent has had a troubled past and is just looking to make a fresh start. He desperately wants people to see that he has changed and wants them to give him a chance.
Trent and Veronica meet and slowly they heal one another. For Trent, Veronica is the one person he feels completely comfortable sharing tough things about his past with. He senses her unease and works hard at gaining her trust and reassuring her that he will be there to catch her if she falls. For Veronica, Trent is the one person that makes her feel things again. Because of his encouragement and support, she begins to face her demons and take her life back. Slowly, the walls that these two have built up around their hearts begin to crumble and they find love.
Although Trent and Veronica seem like a very unlikely pair, together they are perfection!! Harvest moon is a real treasure that will have you laughing, loving and hoping.
Veronica is a very likable woman. While in College, she experienced a tragedy that left her feeling broken. Since the event, Veronica has been living her life making choices that are safe and that essentially leave her closed off from really living and loving.
Trent has had a troubled past and is just looking to make a fresh start. He desperately wants people to see that he has changed and wants them to give him a chance.
Trent and Veronica meet and slowly they heal one another. For Trent, Veronica is the one person he feels completely comfortable sharing tough things about his past with. He senses her unease and works hard at gaining her trust and reassuring her that he will be there to catch her if she falls. For Veronica, Trent is the one person that makes her feel things again. Because of his encouragement and support, she begins to face her demons and take her life back. Slowly, the walls that these two have built up around their hearts begin to crumble and they find love.
Although Trent and Veronica seem like a very unlikely pair, together they are perfection!! Harvest moon is a real treasure that will have you laughing, loving and hoping.
November 16, 2015
4.5 stars
Harvest Moon is a great read. It's a romance about two damaged people who find hope, common ground and ultimately love in one another.
Etta and Ry, their online aliases, first meet on a blog about music. Later, Veronica and Trent, their real names, meet in an elevator and then again, the old fashion way, as they share friends and a town of residence in common.
Online, bolstered by a veil of anonymity, the couple shares secrets, fears and truths that constantly draw them closer to one another. In person, a similar thing happens, but the pace is different. I loved the way the author crafted the character interactions and allowed the reader to hear first-person accounts of their lives via their emails to one another. It's all very well done. This is my first book by Sharon Struth, but now she's on my radar and I'm a fan.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Harvest Moon is a great read. It's a romance about two damaged people who find hope, common ground and ultimately love in one another.
Etta and Ry, their online aliases, first meet on a blog about music. Later, Veronica and Trent, their real names, meet in an elevator and then again, the old fashion way, as they share friends and a town of residence in common.
Online, bolstered by a veil of anonymity, the couple shares secrets, fears and truths that constantly draw them closer to one another. In person, a similar thing happens, but the pace is different. I loved the way the author crafted the character interactions and allowed the reader to hear first-person accounts of their lives via their emails to one another. It's all very well done. This is my first book by Sharon Struth, but now she's on my radar and I'm a fan.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 26, 2015
This is a new-to-me author. This would be the second book of hers I’ve had the pleasure to read and it won’t be my last. The biggest thing I love about her writing is the realism. She has this way of pulling me into the lives of her characters, who are so realistic I’m immediately drawn into following them. By the end of the first scene, I’m already invested in Victoria and her life.
I won’t give away spoilers, but I will say that the suspense is well done, because it’s subtle. The author gives just enough to keep me turning those pages, because she makes it personal, so that I’m not drawn into a plot, but into these characters’ lives. This, honestly, is something I find very rare, so it’s always a special treat to read.
Very well done. I definitely look forward to more from this author.
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. A positive review wasn’t promised, and my opinion is my own.***
I won’t give away spoilers, but I will say that the suspense is well done, because it’s subtle. The author gives just enough to keep me turning those pages, because she makes it personal, so that I’m not drawn into a plot, but into these characters’ lives. This, honestly, is something I find very rare, so it’s always a special treat to read.
Very well done. I definitely look forward to more from this author.
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. A positive review wasn’t promised, and my opinion is my own.***
October 9, 2015
This might be my favorite book in the series so far. In the previous book we got to meet Trent and learn about his adoption and addiction. Now finally we get more about his life and the man who he has become.
Trent happens to run a blog about music and he has been emailing a blogger for awhile. They are able to speak freely and talk about things that they love. What Trent doesn't know that his secret email buddy happens to be Veronica.
Veronica was raped in college and has never told a sole. Although she has dated she still feels like she is a broken woman until Trent sweeps her off her feet and she learns how to trust again.
I loved how these two didn't know until pretty much towards the end of the book that they were secret email buddies. I thought it was cute when Ronnie starts telling her email buddy about Trent.
One thing that I was expecting was that Trents mother would find out who really is the father of Trent. But sadly that never happened. Maybe in the next book? Hopefully. It would make a great conflict for this family and the town.
I really do like this series. It's simple and a little different. The author did a great job in making each story unique and I love how it unfolds. Also the author brought in rape and addiction but I didn't feel like it was too overwhelming. Everyone has a story and these two broken people heal each other.
I hope this series continues and I can't wait to see what will be next with this author or these characters.
Trent happens to run a blog about music and he has been emailing a blogger for awhile. They are able to speak freely and talk about things that they love. What Trent doesn't know that his secret email buddy happens to be Veronica.
Veronica was raped in college and has never told a sole. Although she has dated she still feels like she is a broken woman until Trent sweeps her off her feet and she learns how to trust again.
I loved how these two didn't know until pretty much towards the end of the book that they were secret email buddies. I thought it was cute when Ronnie starts telling her email buddy about Trent.
One thing that I was expecting was that Trents mother would find out who really is the father of Trent. But sadly that never happened. Maybe in the next book? Hopefully. It would make a great conflict for this family and the town.
I really do like this series. It's simple and a little different. The author did a great job in making each story unique and I love how it unfolds. Also the author brought in rape and addiction but I didn't feel like it was too overwhelming. Everyone has a story and these two broken people heal each other.
I hope this series continues and I can't wait to see what will be next with this author or these characters.
February 22, 2016
As with other books by Sharon Struth, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this tale of discovery. Veronica and Trent both have struggles to overcome. Each becomes the others strength in building a better life, but not without some very interesting happenings. I'm looking forward to future books in this series. Each of these books have been heart warming with delightful conclusions, and meaningful purpose. This book dealt with a very true to life and difficult topic-date rape, and the recovery and healing needed after such devastation. It's a compelling tale that will have you rooting for these two main characters. Though I do most of my reading late at night, and my eyelids often start to drift closed, I kept eagerly turning the pages to the finish line.
December 22, 2015
I enjoyed this book even more than the last one in the series! It was nice to see Duncan and Sophie again after enjoying them in Share The Moon, but I really enjoyed meeting his brother Trent. There's just something about two injured souls finding each other that pulls at the heartstrings, so having him find Veronica was really comforting to read.
Trent Jamieson has had a dramatic life, but he's finally coming into himself and finding that he's happier being himself and living an honest life. He has moved closer to his brother to take a new job for a Vineyard they are starting up, he has an interesting friendship with someone he met on-line, and he's looking forward to the future.
Veronica Sussingham is a haunted soul due to past happenings in her life, so she has been leading a plain, unfulfilling life where she can feel safe and comfortable. She has felt the first excitement in her life in many years by chatting with a guy online for the past 6 months. He really gets her. Then in walks Trent to add to the excitement with his sexy smile and glimmer in his eyes each time he teases her.
When they put two and two together and realize that they not only like each other in real life, but they are looking at the person that has been sharing their life with them virtually for months, will they be happy with who they see in front of them?
** Received free in exchange for an honest review **
Trent Jamieson has had a dramatic life, but he's finally coming into himself and finding that he's happier being himself and living an honest life. He has moved closer to his brother to take a new job for a Vineyard they are starting up, he has an interesting friendship with someone he met on-line, and he's looking forward to the future.
Veronica Sussingham is a haunted soul due to past happenings in her life, so she has been leading a plain, unfulfilling life where she can feel safe and comfortable. She has felt the first excitement in her life in many years by chatting with a guy online for the past 6 months. He really gets her. Then in walks Trent to add to the excitement with his sexy smile and glimmer in his eyes each time he teases her.
When they put two and two together and realize that they not only like each other in real life, but they are looking at the person that has been sharing their life with them virtually for months, will they be happy with who they see in front of them?
** Received free in exchange for an honest review **
February 2, 2016
Trent has made some serious mistakes in his past. But he's matured and has now been clean and sober for three years. Veronica's pasted is shadowed by a tragic event and she's now reluctant to enter into any relationships. But she's found love with an anonymous blog writer whom she's never met. They share a lot of common interests and seem to understand each other. Veronica feels safe sharing her darkest secrets with him. But the guy, Trent, that she meets in real life is also pulling her out of her past and into the present. Can she be in love with two people?
This book was clearly in a series, something I missed when picking this up to read. The book works as a stand-alone, but would be much better had I read the previous book and knew the innuendos the author was leaving for the readers of book one. The author did a great job of taking a sweet romance and adding the darker elements that the two main characters were suffering from. I think she handled the sensitive subjects well. The plot was predictable, but sweet. Overall, the story or characters didn't grab me, but the subject matter was handled so well that I found myself enjoying the book more than I would have, had it been missing.
I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book was clearly in a series, something I missed when picking this up to read. The book works as a stand-alone, but would be much better had I read the previous book and knew the innuendos the author was leaving for the readers of book one. The author did a great job of taking a sweet romance and adding the darker elements that the two main characters were suffering from. I think she handled the sensitive subjects well. The plot was predictable, but sweet. Overall, the story or characters didn't grab me, but the subject matter was handled so well that I found myself enjoying the book more than I would have, had it been missing.
I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
December 22, 2015
Harvest Moon is a sweet romance about healing and second chances. It's second in the series (after a 1.5 novella--
Twelve Nights
--that didn't have any overlap in characters that I could see) and I have to admit, I did feel at a bit of a loss not having read the first one in the series (
Share the Moon
) prior to this one. Harvest Moon appears to pick the story up where Share left off, and I think I might have gotten a better feel for Trent's situation had I read the other book first. It wasn't a huge deal, but I did feel behind the times a bit for much of the book.
Despite that, it was an enjoyable read.
Veronica has been hiding a secret for twenty years--and it's a pretty big deal. It's the reason she came back "different" from graduate school, and the reason that she moved back at all--had the event not occurred, she would have taken a job in D.C. rather than back in her small hometown. A culmination of factors--including a situation that her niece is having at school and an upcoming reunion where she is likely to encounter the person who caused the event for the first time in twenty years--makes now the time that she's finally going to deal with her issue. I found her journey back sympathetic and believable for the most part, but question that her mystery pen pal (who, for all of his being anonymous and seeming benevolence, is still a man she doesn't know) is the first person ever she'd tell about what happened.
Trent's moving to Blue Moon Lake for a fresh start--a recovering alcoholic and addict, he's taken a marketing position at his brother's new winery both as a chance to begin again and as a way of testing his resolve. A good chunk of it is also because his old job was working for his brother, who sold the company at the beginning of the book to embark his new venture. Trent's three years sober, but he's also moving closer to some pretty major family drama (a truth was revealed in the last book, the repercussions of which are still making the rounds in this one) that will test his resolve before the book's end. His journey felt pretty realistic, though in parts he did seem to get through challenges a bit too easily.
Veronica and Trent's romance relied fairly heavily on a series of coincidences, but was very sweet overall. He did a nice job of helping her through her issues, though, which makes up for a lot. He definitely should have told her sooner that he'd figured out he was her electronic pen pal--I agree with not having done so right away, but he had a pretty fantastic chance to reveal it a little while later and didn't take it. Fortunately for him, Veronica forgave him soon after and he wasn't required to make a grand gesture (he does end up making one, but it would have all been for nothing if she hadn't voluntarily shown up where he was that night, so I don't know if it should really count). I think I would have liked to have seen him put more of himself out there to mend the rift between them than actually happens, but it was a sweet scene nonetheless.
I'm definitely tempted to go back and read book one, just to get a more complete picture. The synopsis of book three (Bella Luna) makes it appear to be more of a standalone than this one was; I don't think either the heroine or the hero were in Harvest at all.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Despite that, it was an enjoyable read.
Veronica has been hiding a secret for twenty years--and it's a pretty big deal. It's the reason she came back "different" from graduate school, and the reason that she moved back at all--had the event not occurred, she would have taken a job in D.C. rather than back in her small hometown. A culmination of factors--including a situation that her niece is having at school and an upcoming reunion where she is likely to encounter the person who caused the event for the first time in twenty years--makes now the time that she's finally going to deal with her issue. I found her journey back sympathetic and believable for the most part, but question that her mystery pen pal (who, for all of his being anonymous and seeming benevolence, is still a man she doesn't know) is the first person ever she'd tell about what happened.
Trent's moving to Blue Moon Lake for a fresh start--a recovering alcoholic and addict, he's taken a marketing position at his brother's new winery both as a chance to begin again and as a way of testing his resolve. A good chunk of it is also because his old job was working for his brother, who sold the company at the beginning of the book to embark his new venture. Trent's three years sober, but he's also moving closer to some pretty major family drama (a truth was revealed in the last book, the repercussions of which are still making the rounds in this one) that will test his resolve before the book's end. His journey felt pretty realistic, though in parts he did seem to get through challenges a bit too easily.
Veronica and Trent's romance relied fairly heavily on a series of coincidences, but was very sweet overall. He did a nice job of helping her through her issues, though, which makes up for a lot. He definitely should have told her sooner that he'd figured out he was her electronic pen pal--I agree with not having done so right away, but he had a pretty fantastic chance to reveal it a little while later and didn't take it. Fortunately for him, Veronica forgave him soon after and he wasn't required to make a grand gesture (he does end up making one, but it would have all been for nothing if she hadn't voluntarily shown up where he was that night, so I don't know if it should really count). I think I would have liked to have seen him put more of himself out there to mend the rift between them than actually happens, but it was a sweet scene nonetheless.
I'm definitely tempted to go back and read book one, just to get a more complete picture. The synopsis of book three (Bella Luna) makes it appear to be more of a standalone than this one was; I don't think either the heroine or the hero were in Harvest at all.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2016
ARC REVIEW
This is book two in the Blue Moon Lake series. From what I can tell it is not necessary to read the previous book or even the novella in between them, The past events are pretty much summarized and put into context so it isn't necessary to read the other books prior to this one. It is a small town romance series and i usually like those but I couldn't connect with the characters in this one. Trent and Veronica are perfect for each other. Trent needs redemption and he finds his chance in wounded soul of Veronica who just coincidentally turns out to be the same woman he fell in love with online.
Veronica meet Trent online, but unbeknownst to either of them, for personal safety they never revealed real names. So when they meet in person they have no idea who they were to each other. Trent has slowly fallen in love with the woman, and Veronica even though she is dating someone else at the beginning of the book feels guilty for having feeling for a man she has never actually meet.
It is explained to us that in the past Trent was an asshole, but is now mending his ways a recovering alcoholic and divorced from his poisonous wife he is trying to make up for his past misdeeds. In doing this he quit his big corporate job and became the marketing manager for his brother new winery, goes to AA meetings and to make amends to his biological mother volunteering as a self defense teacher for the community center. Veronica is a quintessential librarian, very vanilla. It's all because her final year in college she was date raped, and being raised the way she was she never told anybody, she let it fester inside her and for years she has been hiding this. Until her niece approaches her about a boy who is making her uncomfortable and basically assaulting her. Veronica tells her niece what she needs to do, what she never did and that's tell someone also as an added security she agrees to take self defense classes with her. Veronica soon has to deal with the emotional baggage she has been carrying around all this time and with she finally confiding in her sister and her online friend she slowly begins the healing process.
Overall, this was a sweet kind book, the healing Veronica goes through and falling in love with Trent was good. But that's all it was good.
This is book two in the Blue Moon Lake series. From what I can tell it is not necessary to read the previous book or even the novella in between them, The past events are pretty much summarized and put into context so it isn't necessary to read the other books prior to this one. It is a small town romance series and i usually like those but I couldn't connect with the characters in this one. Trent and Veronica are perfect for each other. Trent needs redemption and he finds his chance in wounded soul of Veronica who just coincidentally turns out to be the same woman he fell in love with online.
Veronica meet Trent online, but unbeknownst to either of them, for personal safety they never revealed real names. So when they meet in person they have no idea who they were to each other. Trent has slowly fallen in love with the woman, and Veronica even though she is dating someone else at the beginning of the book feels guilty for having feeling for a man she has never actually meet.
It is explained to us that in the past Trent was an asshole, but is now mending his ways a recovering alcoholic and divorced from his poisonous wife he is trying to make up for his past misdeeds. In doing this he quit his big corporate job and became the marketing manager for his brother new winery, goes to AA meetings and to make amends to his biological mother volunteering as a self defense teacher for the community center. Veronica is a quintessential librarian, very vanilla. It's all because her final year in college she was date raped, and being raised the way she was she never told anybody, she let it fester inside her and for years she has been hiding this. Until her niece approaches her about a boy who is making her uncomfortable and basically assaulting her. Veronica tells her niece what she needs to do, what she never did and that's tell someone also as an added security she agrees to take self defense classes with her. Veronica soon has to deal with the emotional baggage she has been carrying around all this time and with she finally confiding in her sister and her online friend she slowly begins the healing process.
Overall, this was a sweet kind book, the healing Veronica goes through and falling in love with Trent was good. But that's all it was good.
December 11, 2015
Trent has returned to live in his hometown several years after leaving in a spectacular fashion. He’s put to bed some demons from his past, but there are still some hanging around. By day he works with his brother at the recently purchased vineyard, and by night he writes music and plays in a band. While he’s divorced, and doesn’t mind keeping company with a woman now and again, he has no interest in settling down in a long-term relationship again, so he is confused when the reserved librarian repeatedly captures his attention.
Veronica has been running from her past for several years, too painful to do anything more than cope. No man has caught her interest again, until recently, when she befriends a man on a blog that she frequents, and also begins to take notice of the man who teaches the self-defense course that she is enrolled in.
The story looks at life after trauma, where both characters need to assess what they are doing and where they are going. To some degree, both need to open themselves up to each other, to love, and therefore also to hurt. Veronica, in particular, is not so sure it is worth the risk.
This book is a standalone story although it is one of a series. I had some trouble following all their characters mentioned and their relationship to each other, but that only minimally disrupted my focus. Overall I thought this was a good book, an interesting premise, some humor to offset the harder parts, and worth the time to read.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC, from which this review is based, in exchange for an honest review.
Veronica has been running from her past for several years, too painful to do anything more than cope. No man has caught her interest again, until recently, when she befriends a man on a blog that she frequents, and also begins to take notice of the man who teaches the self-defense course that she is enrolled in.
The story looks at life after trauma, where both characters need to assess what they are doing and where they are going. To some degree, both need to open themselves up to each other, to love, and therefore also to hurt. Veronica, in particular, is not so sure it is worth the risk.
This book is a standalone story although it is one of a series. I had some trouble following all their characters mentioned and their relationship to each other, but that only minimally disrupted my focus. Overall I thought this was a good book, an interesting premise, some humor to offset the harder parts, and worth the time to read.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC, from which this review is based, in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2015
This was a cute story, even if slow at times. I loved Trent and Veronica's initial meeting -- however... how your siblings could be engaged and you've never ever met is beyond me (heck, my brother and his now wife met and spent all their non-married time in Okinawa, and I still met her via Skype). But regardless, they certainly had a meet-cute, even if they had no idea who the other truly was initially.
Or for a little while, for that matter.
Veronica and Trent meet in an elevator of all places -- Veronica is running behind and needs to drop something off with her sister's fiance before heading to a key note speaker event and just as the elevator doors are shutting, Trent jams his arm inside, slowing down her mission.
While Veronica was the type to internalize her eagerness, if you will, Trent certainly externalizes it. Running late? Whip into a parking spot and quickly commandeering the elevator. And pressing the button one (or twenty) too many times. Veronica's cool distaste for him (while secretly admiring the good looking man) was certainly fun.
I loved Veronica's past and how she fought to be the independent woman she'd become. Equally, I loved Trent's decide for change in life -- even though he still had his little black book.
It did take me some time to fully engage with the story, but as a whole, this is a certainly a fun, cute story that most contemporary romance readers will enjoy.
*received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.
Or for a little while, for that matter.
Veronica and Trent meet in an elevator of all places -- Veronica is running behind and needs to drop something off with her sister's fiance before heading to a key note speaker event and just as the elevator doors are shutting, Trent jams his arm inside, slowing down her mission.
While Veronica was the type to internalize her eagerness, if you will, Trent certainly externalizes it. Running late? Whip into a parking spot and quickly commandeering the elevator. And pressing the button one (or twenty) too many times. Veronica's cool distaste for him (while secretly admiring the good looking man) was certainly fun.
I loved Veronica's past and how she fought to be the independent woman she'd become. Equally, I loved Trent's decide for change in life -- even though he still had his little black book.
It did take me some time to fully engage with the story, but as a whole, this is a certainly a fun, cute story that most contemporary romance readers will enjoy.
*received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2015
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Lyrical Press for ARC.
This was different from other books I have read.
I would give this book 4 1/2 stars.
First Veronica was in her thirty and Trent was in his forty. It was refreshing to people older than early twenties.
Both had trouble past and they were struggling to overcome it. Veronica had difficulty continuing her relationship and Trent had trouble past (secret regarding his birth and people considered him to be trouble maker.
They met each other in an elevator when it got stuck.. Both had a very different first impression of each other but both can't forget about each other.
I wasn't sure if I would like Veronica from the start. She seems very closed and dark character. But she is emailing Ry, she was genuine and seem different.
I love the fact Veronica and Trent had online relationship without knowing each other's name. They both open up to each other without knowing who they were. Eventually Trent figured it out but he was afraid to break it to Veronica when she just started to trust him. What should he do???
Story weaves and out of their past and how it effected Veronica as of now and how Trent is trying to help her.
I did end up loving the story at the end. It was slow at some time but I thought it was necessary for both characters. I would recommend this story to whoever loves reading about love, lost, heartbreak and healing.
This was different from other books I have read.
I would give this book 4 1/2 stars.
First Veronica was in her thirty and Trent was in his forty. It was refreshing to people older than early twenties.
Both had trouble past and they were struggling to overcome it. Veronica had difficulty continuing her relationship and Trent had trouble past (secret regarding his birth and people considered him to be trouble maker.
They met each other in an elevator when it got stuck.. Both had a very different first impression of each other but both can't forget about each other.
I wasn't sure if I would like Veronica from the start. She seems very closed and dark character. But she is emailing Ry, she was genuine and seem different.
I love the fact Veronica and Trent had online relationship without knowing each other's name. They both open up to each other without knowing who they were. Eventually Trent figured it out but he was afraid to break it to Veronica when she just started to trust him. What should he do???
Story weaves and out of their past and how it effected Veronica as of now and how Trent is trying to help her.
I did end up loving the story at the end. It was slow at some time but I thought it was necessary for both characters. I would recommend this story to whoever loves reading about love, lost, heartbreak and healing.
July 1, 2017
Trent Jamieson isn’t one for virtual romance, but there’s something about the intriguing woman he meets on the Internet he can’t resist. Then the small town bachelor discovers the mystery woman who shares her secrets with him online is the laced-up librarian in his self-defense class! Veronica Sussingham may just be his toughest student yet. Because how can he show the vulnerable beauty that some men are worth letting your guard down for?
Veronica returned to her hometown seeking shelter for her shattered spirit. The last thing she needs is a blue-eyed charmer who wants to show her how to live—and love—again. Then she discovers Trent is not just another admirer, but a man who knows her deepest secrets. Now Veronica must choose between running from her past—or finding future happiness with the kind of man she swore she’d never fall for…
A great read. Highly recommended. It is not a book about how a woman grows up, but how a woman grows stronger. 5 stars.
Veronica returned to her hometown seeking shelter for her shattered spirit. The last thing she needs is a blue-eyed charmer who wants to show her how to live—and love—again. Then she discovers Trent is not just another admirer, but a man who knows her deepest secrets. Now Veronica must choose between running from her past—or finding future happiness with the kind of man she swore she’d never fall for…
A great read. Highly recommended. It is not a book about how a woman grows up, but how a woman grows stronger. 5 stars.
December 19, 2015
Review Posted at HarlequinJunkie.com
do virtual romances have a happy ending? Although Trent Jamieson doesn’t believe love can be found online – at least for him – he’s tempted by the woman he’s been sharing his adoration of music with. If only she’d agree to meet with him in person. Soon enough, he finds his wish may have been granted when he meets Veronica Sussingham – a woman that shares a similar past to his online mystery woman. Is it possible she’s the one sharing her shattered past with him? Read More
December 9, 2015
A wonderful sweet read that had me hooked from the very beginning. Trent and Veronica are two characters that I connected with right away and my fondness for them only grew as the story unfolded. The kindness and caring that Trent shows Veronica just grabbed my heart. The story is very interesting and has little secrets and twists throughout. Very enjoyable read that I would recommend to everyone.
January 17, 2016
Thank you for another great read Sharon Struth! I enjoyed catching up with many of the characters in "Harvest Moon," who feel like old friends now. I enjoy a well-written book with relatable characters and Struth has done that again with this new story in the Blue Moon Lake series. I'm looking forward to the next book.
March 3, 2016
4.5/5.0
When the reader is introduced to Veronica, her life is ruled by fear. "Harvest Moon" is not only about love, but why she decides to conquer that fear.
Read full review in the 2016 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
When the reader is introduced to Veronica, her life is ruled by fear. "Harvest Moon" is not only about love, but why she decides to conquer that fear.
Read full review in the 2016 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 21, 2016
I loved reading Sharon Struth's "Harvest Moon" from start to finish & looking forward to #3. She has a lovely way of creating realistic characters that are truly romantic & not routed in fantasy which is refreshing for this genre of writing. Her witty way with words also made me smile as I read her novel & I can't wait to read #3 in her novel series.
March 8, 2016
It was sweet and romantic. The characters complimented each other wonderfully. Trent and Veronica make the perfect couple. From heartbreak to love. The parts of Ry and Etta were a perfect way to bring them together without them realizing until later. The scenery was beautiful and the story was well written. I loved reading their story.
March 7, 2016
Another author that is new to me. I won a copy of Harvest Moon in a Goodreads giveaway. I haven't read a romance novel in years but really enjoyed this one. I really liked the realism. I also liked the fact it's not 20 somethings and there really are second chances in life. It's well written and I will definitely be looking for the author's other books.
January 1, 2016
Online dating can really be a challenge in anyone's world, but when all your hopes are placed on the online description of your date then nothing but the opposite comes into play. Fun read with some twists & turns for the reader.
June 24, 2016
I was highly anticipating the release of this book, having read the first in this series, Share the Moon. It had been a while since I read "Share", but upon starting Harvest Moon, I instantly became immersed in the quaint Connecticut town centered around Blue Moon Lake once more.
This story begins where Share the Moon left off, although this one could be a stand alone read. Trent Jamison (Duncan Jamison's adopted brother), is looking for redemption. Upon learning years ago that his entire life was a lie, he'd buried himself in drugs, hoping to ease his emotional pain. After his father fires him from the family law firm, his brother Duncan gives him a second chance and hires him to help with their new vineyard in a sleepy Connecticut town. So Trent moves from New York to the backwoods, hoping to create a new life.
Veronica Sussingham, the local librarian, has a past that haunts her, although she's kept it to herself. But when a school reunion brings back haunted memories, she turns to the only person she knows would never judge her. Living in a small town has its drawbacks, but her online crush, a musician blogger that she's never met, becomes her sounding board during a difficult time, and she finds herself falling in love with someone she's never met--that is, until Trent Jamison comes to town.
A lawyer by trade (and because his cold-hearted father demanded it), Trent would much rather spend his life using his musical talents, and he's created an online persona to do so. Seen as a womanizer by most, nothing could be further from the truth. And, through his blog, he meets and communicates with the first woman that truly understands him. They communicate back and forth via email, and while he'd never met "Etta", he feels drawn to her.
The problem is, he's caught between two women who melt his soul. The local librarian in his new town is a vision of loveliness with quiet demeanor and the voice of an angel, and after a quirky meet and greet in a malfunctioning elevator, Trent and Veronica's paths seem fated to cross. As the story moves on, he's falling in love with both women, and he isn't sure which one to choose. Perhaps fate has something up her sleeve after all?
I've read several of Sharon Struth's books, and I've liked every one. She has a gift for feel-good poignant storytelling with a lot of depth and three-dimensional characters, and I always lose myself in her stories. Harvest Moon was no different. Trent and Veronica were both likeable characters, and both have complicated pasts. The interaction between them is both tender and exciting (loved the karaoke scene), and you can't help but want their HEA. Complex character development intermixed with an intriguing plot line are "must-haves" for me, and Sharon's books have never disappointed in these regards. Her plots flow effortlessly, and I never want the story to end! Sharon writes sweet romances; and while I'm usually a spicy romance kind of girl, the chemistry between her hero and heroine is so well-developed, I'm always satisfied by the end. I can't wait for the next book set at Blue Moon Lake!
This story begins where Share the Moon left off, although this one could be a stand alone read. Trent Jamison (Duncan Jamison's adopted brother), is looking for redemption. Upon learning years ago that his entire life was a lie, he'd buried himself in drugs, hoping to ease his emotional pain. After his father fires him from the family law firm, his brother Duncan gives him a second chance and hires him to help with their new vineyard in a sleepy Connecticut town. So Trent moves from New York to the backwoods, hoping to create a new life.
Veronica Sussingham, the local librarian, has a past that haunts her, although she's kept it to herself. But when a school reunion brings back haunted memories, she turns to the only person she knows would never judge her. Living in a small town has its drawbacks, but her online crush, a musician blogger that she's never met, becomes her sounding board during a difficult time, and she finds herself falling in love with someone she's never met--that is, until Trent Jamison comes to town.
A lawyer by trade (and because his cold-hearted father demanded it), Trent would much rather spend his life using his musical talents, and he's created an online persona to do so. Seen as a womanizer by most, nothing could be further from the truth. And, through his blog, he meets and communicates with the first woman that truly understands him. They communicate back and forth via email, and while he'd never met "Etta", he feels drawn to her.
The problem is, he's caught between two women who melt his soul. The local librarian in his new town is a vision of loveliness with quiet demeanor and the voice of an angel, and after a quirky meet and greet in a malfunctioning elevator, Trent and Veronica's paths seem fated to cross. As the story moves on, he's falling in love with both women, and he isn't sure which one to choose. Perhaps fate has something up her sleeve after all?
I've read several of Sharon Struth's books, and I've liked every one. She has a gift for feel-good poignant storytelling with a lot of depth and three-dimensional characters, and I always lose myself in her stories. Harvest Moon was no different. Trent and Veronica were both likeable characters, and both have complicated pasts. The interaction between them is both tender and exciting (loved the karaoke scene), and you can't help but want their HEA. Complex character development intermixed with an intriguing plot line are "must-haves" for me, and Sharon's books have never disappointed in these regards. Her plots flow effortlessly, and I never want the story to end! Sharon writes sweet romances; and while I'm usually a spicy romance kind of girl, the chemistry between her hero and heroine is so well-developed, I'm always satisfied by the end. I can't wait for the next book set at Blue Moon Lake!
July 13, 2016
Harvest Moon is the second book in the Blue Moon Lake Series by Sharon Struth.
I don't rehash the blurb or give spoilers in my review. Ms. Struth tells the story of two people, who in a very clever twist, are keeping the same secret from each other without knowing it, but who need healing, redemption and true love. And she's told it very well.
Sophie and Duncan are back from Share The Moon (Book 1) but the story revolves around Duncan's brother Trent, who comes back to town lugging a little baggage and a town scandal from years past.
Since a traumatic incident in college, Veronica has sort of retreated from life. She prefers quiet and safe, like the very nice but boring man she's dating.
The characters are multi-dimensional, humorous, and hurting but come across as realistic and relatable. A couple sub-plots and characters round out the story well. If you're a fan of comtemporary romance, you'll enjoy this book as much as I did. I'm looking forward to the third in the series.
Harvest Moon is a stand alone, but it does help to have read Share the Moon - also a great read!
I don't rehash the blurb or give spoilers in my review. Ms. Struth tells the story of two people, who in a very clever twist, are keeping the same secret from each other without knowing it, but who need healing, redemption and true love. And she's told it very well.
Sophie and Duncan are back from Share The Moon (Book 1) but the story revolves around Duncan's brother Trent, who comes back to town lugging a little baggage and a town scandal from years past.
Since a traumatic incident in college, Veronica has sort of retreated from life. She prefers quiet and safe, like the very nice but boring man she's dating.
The characters are multi-dimensional, humorous, and hurting but come across as realistic and relatable. A couple sub-plots and characters round out the story well. If you're a fan of comtemporary romance, you'll enjoy this book as much as I did. I'm looking forward to the third in the series.
Harvest Moon is a stand alone, but it does help to have read Share the Moon - also a great read!
August 12, 2016
Blue Moon Lake 2: Harvest Moon by Sharon Struth is my first read by this author.
I didn't read the first book in the series, but didn't feel behind in any way. It seems the books can be read as stand alones, which is great because you can always go back and pick up the rest should you accidentally start in the middle like I did.
The characters are likeable with their own issues to work out. A plot twist is revealed in the blurb, and the reader can quickly figure out what is going on before the characters do. The setting is pleasant with the desire to know the stories of the side characters better.
The book does deal with a heavy women's issue: rape and the long term effects on a woman who doesn't receive help to work through it and live a healthy fulfilled life. The topic is addressed with sensitivity.
Heads up: the characters have off page sex. Also, scenes leading up to it, nearly went past the tipping point of steam for me, especially the scene where Veronica is topless.
Overall, the story is well done and worth reading.
I didn't read the first book in the series, but didn't feel behind in any way. It seems the books can be read as stand alones, which is great because you can always go back and pick up the rest should you accidentally start in the middle like I did.
The characters are likeable with their own issues to work out. A plot twist is revealed in the blurb, and the reader can quickly figure out what is going on before the characters do. The setting is pleasant with the desire to know the stories of the side characters better.
The book does deal with a heavy women's issue: rape and the long term effects on a woman who doesn't receive help to work through it and live a healthy fulfilled life. The topic is addressed with sensitivity.
Heads up: the characters have off page sex. Also, scenes leading up to it, nearly went past the tipping point of steam for me, especially the scene where Veronica is topless.
Overall, the story is well done and worth reading.
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