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The Moth and Moon
In the summer of 1780, on the tiny island of Merryapple, burly fisherman Robin Shipp lives a simple, quiet life in a bustling harbour town where most of the residents dislike him due to the actions of his father. With a hurricane approaching, he nonetheless convinces the villagers to take shelter in the one place big enough to hold them all—the ancient, labyrinthine tavern named the Moth & Moon.
While trapped with his neighbours during the raging storm, Robin inadvertently confronts more than the weather, and the results could change everything.
While trapped with his neighbours during the raging storm, Robin inadvertently confronts more than the weather, and the results could change everything.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2018
13 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Glenn Quigley
11 books77 followersGlenn Quigley is an author and artist originally from Tallaght in Dublin, Ireland, and now living in Lisburn, Northern Ireland with his husband, Mark.
His first novel, The Moth and Moon, was published in 2018 by Ninestar Press.
He has eight novels to date — The Moth and Moon, The Lion Lies Waiting, We Cry The Sea, These Young Wolves: The Knights of Blackrabbit book one, The Star We Sail By: The Knights of Blackrabbit book two, Teacup Promises, Curse of the Stag's Eye, and Heart of the Wren. He has a short story, Use as Wallpaper, all from Ninestar Press, and a novella named The Great Santa Showdown with JMS Books which was collected in the anthology 2023 Top Ten Gay Fiction.
His second novel, The Lion Lies Waiting, was runner-up in the 2019 Rainbow Awards list for Best Gay Book. His third novel, We Cry The Sea, was runner-up in the 2021 Rainbow Awards for Best Gay Book.
When not writing, he paints portraits in acrylics and watercolours. He also designs for the popular brand themoodybear.com. In 2022, he created a series of portraits based on characters from his Moth and Moon novel trilogy which were displayed in Kallio Library, Finland, and at a gay event in Estonia.
His first novel, The Moth and Moon, was published in 2018 by Ninestar Press.
He has eight novels to date — The Moth and Moon, The Lion Lies Waiting, We Cry The Sea, These Young Wolves: The Knights of Blackrabbit book one, The Star We Sail By: The Knights of Blackrabbit book two, Teacup Promises, Curse of the Stag's Eye, and Heart of the Wren. He has a short story, Use as Wallpaper, all from Ninestar Press, and a novella named The Great Santa Showdown with JMS Books which was collected in the anthology 2023 Top Ten Gay Fiction.
His second novel, The Lion Lies Waiting, was runner-up in the 2019 Rainbow Awards list for Best Gay Book. His third novel, We Cry The Sea, was runner-up in the 2021 Rainbow Awards for Best Gay Book.
When not writing, he paints portraits in acrylics and watercolours. He also designs for the popular brand themoodybear.com. In 2022, he created a series of portraits based on characters from his Moth and Moon novel trilogy which were displayed in Kallio Library, Finland, and at a gay event in Estonia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 2, 2018
I think it would be safe to assume that for most readers, we want to be swept away by a story. We want to be fully immersed in the setting, live in the characters heads and completely escape from our own present reality.
Well then, have I got a book for you. Let me introduce you to Glenn Quigley and his debut novel The Moth and Moon.
I don't think I managed to get to the end of the first page before I found myself already swallowed up by the storytelling. Quigley masterfully snatches the reader and plunks them down into a 1700's fishing village where the world might be devoid of all the technology we have today, but is lush and full of details. I swear I could smell the ocean as I read this - and I live in a land-locked Canadian province. There isn't a huge body of water anywhere near me. And yet, I was walking along the shores of Blashy Cove, passing through the various stores and merchants, and having a strong apple cider in the local village hub - The Moth and Moon.
The entire story revolves around Robin Shipp, a big bear of a man, clumsy, yet endearing, whose family's history colours how the townsfolk interact with him. And yet, despite their repugnant treatment of the man, he continually shows grace and kindness. Note to self - a good lesson for all of us to learn.
Of note - in Blashy Cove, the residents are perfectly able to take up and marry or be involved with any individual they'd prefer, and in fact, the matriarchs of the town often conspire to match-make couples of any gender configuration. What a delight - perhaps we'll get there in our own timeline sometime soon.
The author does a stupendous job of creating stress and tension as the impending storm seeks to bring about destruction - and having lived through two hurricanes myself (when I attended University on the East Coast of the US), I can assure you that Quigley adequately captured the intense feelings that come with the weight of doom that Mother Nature is quite apt in dolling out. The attention to detail is staggering, and yet, it never detracts from the story.
As the storm arrives, the interconnectedness of the citizens of Blashy Cove come to a front, as histories and prejudices are aired and confronted. The characters are real, their situations and reactions are believable, and I found myself rooting for Mr. Shipp on every page, despite the horrendous treatment he receives, and the lies that he discovers.
The book is utterly heart-warming. The connections between the townspeople need to be mentioned as well. In a small town, everyone knows or knows of, everyone else. Stories are shared and told, truths are stretched and sometimes broken altogether. The dynamics were perfect, the scandals are relatable as similar situations continue to occur even today. In other words, despite the time frame, this story has something that everyone can nod and say, "Yup, I know someone that happened to."
That right there is what I call "relatableness" (Yes, I know, that's not really a word, but I'm making it one) and that quality is, as far as I'm concerned, what makes a book stand out from all the others.
This is a definite must-read, and I am eagerly awaiting anything else that Mr. Quigley puts to paper.
Well then, have I got a book for you. Let me introduce you to Glenn Quigley and his debut novel The Moth and Moon.
I don't think I managed to get to the end of the first page before I found myself already swallowed up by the storytelling. Quigley masterfully snatches the reader and plunks them down into a 1700's fishing village where the world might be devoid of all the technology we have today, but is lush and full of details. I swear I could smell the ocean as I read this - and I live in a land-locked Canadian province. There isn't a huge body of water anywhere near me. And yet, I was walking along the shores of Blashy Cove, passing through the various stores and merchants, and having a strong apple cider in the local village hub - The Moth and Moon.
The entire story revolves around Robin Shipp, a big bear of a man, clumsy, yet endearing, whose family's history colours how the townsfolk interact with him. And yet, despite their repugnant treatment of the man, he continually shows grace and kindness. Note to self - a good lesson for all of us to learn.
Of note - in Blashy Cove, the residents are perfectly able to take up and marry or be involved with any individual they'd prefer, and in fact, the matriarchs of the town often conspire to match-make couples of any gender configuration. What a delight - perhaps we'll get there in our own timeline sometime soon.
The author does a stupendous job of creating stress and tension as the impending storm seeks to bring about destruction - and having lived through two hurricanes myself (when I attended University on the East Coast of the US), I can assure you that Quigley adequately captured the intense feelings that come with the weight of doom that Mother Nature is quite apt in dolling out. The attention to detail is staggering, and yet, it never detracts from the story.
As the storm arrives, the interconnectedness of the citizens of Blashy Cove come to a front, as histories and prejudices are aired and confronted. The characters are real, their situations and reactions are believable, and I found myself rooting for Mr. Shipp on every page, despite the horrendous treatment he receives, and the lies that he discovers.
The book is utterly heart-warming. The connections between the townspeople need to be mentioned as well. In a small town, everyone knows or knows of, everyone else. Stories are shared and told, truths are stretched and sometimes broken altogether. The dynamics were perfect, the scandals are relatable as similar situations continue to occur even today. In other words, despite the time frame, this story has something that everyone can nod and say, "Yup, I know someone that happened to."
That right there is what I call "relatableness" (Yes, I know, that's not really a word, but I'm making it one) and that quality is, as far as I'm concerned, what makes a book stand out from all the others.
This is a definite must-read, and I am eagerly awaiting anything else that Mr. Quigley puts to paper.
November 17, 2019
This is a gentle, warm story of the fictional island of Merryapple in the summer of 1780, as her residents are beset by a hurricane. Among those residents are Robin, a middle-aged heavyset, sweet gay fisherman whose father left behind a scandal that has shadowed his life. Duncan, maker of fascinating mechanical wooden toys, who was the love of Robin's life before changes between them pushed them apart. And Edwin, local baker trying to go it alone in his business after the loss of his brother, who has had a crush on Robin for years.
These men are all ordinary people in many ways, not handsome, not athletic, not brilliant, just people with strengths and weaknesses. The folk around them are an interesting array of characters, from the lesbian couple with money, to the reluctant innkeeper, to the fishmonger too prissy to get close to his wares, to the small girl with an entrepreneurial spirit. On this fictional island, the idea that marriage or love should be only heterosexual has been soundly rejected, so there is no echo of homophobia and no axe of prison time hanging over these folk, as there would be in a typical historical.
That absence lets this unfold as a quiet tale of a weather disaster opening up old secrets and old wounds, getting people who have known each other a long time to see each other in a different light, regardless of the gender of the person they have wanted or loved. There is a happy ending, but this is not a romance. Its focus is broad across the characters, and even though Robin is the heart of the story, it is about him finding himself, understanding his past, and building his future, of which romantic love is only a modest part.
If you enjoy quiet, quirky, character-driven fiction (like, say, Elizabeth Goudge's het fiction like A City of Bells) then this story brings some of the same reading pleasure.
These men are all ordinary people in many ways, not handsome, not athletic, not brilliant, just people with strengths and weaknesses. The folk around them are an interesting array of characters, from the lesbian couple with money, to the reluctant innkeeper, to the fishmonger too prissy to get close to his wares, to the small girl with an entrepreneurial spirit. On this fictional island, the idea that marriage or love should be only heterosexual has been soundly rejected, so there is no echo of homophobia and no axe of prison time hanging over these folk, as there would be in a typical historical.
That absence lets this unfold as a quiet tale of a weather disaster opening up old secrets and old wounds, getting people who have known each other a long time to see each other in a different light, regardless of the gender of the person they have wanted or loved. There is a happy ending, but this is not a romance. Its focus is broad across the characters, and even though Robin is the heart of the story, it is about him finding himself, understanding his past, and building his future, of which romantic love is only a modest part.
If you enjoy quiet, quirky, character-driven fiction (like, say, Elizabeth Goudge's het fiction like A City of Bells) then this story brings some of the same reading pleasure.
March 18, 2018
This story is brilliant! I loved it so much and it was just right for reading on a cold blustery day.
I would describe this as romantic historical fantasy. The story takes place in a small village on an island. A hurricane blows in and causes havoc damaging property and homes, but as the villagers begin the clear the hurricane damage, secrets are revealed. The hurricane smashes open lies and reveals life changing truths, blowing away falsehood and resentment, and showing the villagers their reality. As the clean up begins new friendships are formed and old love is revealed and new love emerges.
This was just such a wonderful story and really emotional. It was gripping and had me shouting in places, gasping in others and laughing. I love it when I am reading a story that evokes emotions and this one did that in spades.
Robin, the main character, is a bit of an outcast. Most of the villagers in the small fishing village of Merryapple do their utmost to avoid him. He is big and clumsy but that isn't why they don't like him. They dislike him because they suspect him of being just like his father who was believed to be a bit of bad apple. The villagers believe that "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree". Robin gets on with his day to day life. He is a fisherman and has one friend, Edwin. Robin also has an ex partner, Duncan, who was once very close to him but any thoughts of having something more permanent with Duncan have been swept away.
So life goes on in the village of Merryapple. It is a place where same-sex relationships are accepted and life is simple but good. This idyllic simplicity changes when the hurricane arrives. It is Robin who notices the hurricane's approach and he warns the villagers. Most of them gather at the Moth and Moon, for shelter because it is the only tavern in the village.
Robin waits out the hurricane with the rest of the village but when he realises a young girl in the village is missing he mounts a daring rescue, rushing into the storm to find the young girl. This is just one of the many adventures that take place during the storm. This hurricane which destroys so much of the village homes and properties, actually brings life as well. The hurricane creates a situation in which Robin comes to learn some secrets and the truth about his life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It is an engaging story and it held my attention from beginning to end. Even after the story ended I want to know so much more about the villagers and about Robin. It is also the first time I am reading anything by this author but I will definitely be on the lookout for other books by him because I thought the story was just so beautiful and a simple, but intriguing fantasy.
After reading the book I wanted to know so much more about all the other islands and other people in the village. I also liked the way the story gradually reveals the different issues within the village and the different histories of the main characters and how they fall in and out of love. All of this is woven together into a deeply satisfying story.
The author is very gifted in the way he describes the world in which the villagers live, and the characters are engaging and this pulls the reader into the story. The village came alive in my imagination, especially Robin who is an endearing character. It was such a beautiful story and will put this book on my list of exquisite reads for 2018. I will definitely be looking out for other books from this author.
Copy provided by Ninestar Press via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 22, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Wow. It’s really all I can say. Whatever I expected from The Moth and Moon, it ended up being so much more. Elegantly written with emotion and detail, the story drew me in from the first paragraph. Honestly, it was impossible not to become swept up in the fictional reality of Merryapple and the small village at Blashly Cove. I think anyone who grew up in a small town will be able to relate to the sense of being that comes from living and working so closely with other people. All their foibles, pettiness, and kindness come out in the actions of daily life or in the wake of great upheavals. Because every small town has a secret and Blashly Cove is no different. The author does an amazing job of introducing the town and, more specifically Robin, Duncan, and Edwin. These men connected to one another in ways they don’t fully realize and learning about them is half the joy of The Moth and Moon. I mean when a sailor, a toymaker, and a baker walk into a bar it should be the start of a great joke, not an exploration of loss, love, and grief.
One of the best aspects of this book is the realism of it all and by that I mean the realism of its characters. Robin, Duncan, and Edwin aren’t handsome, plastic men. They’re middle aged, weary, and carrying a few pounds. But they’re all men we know – one a bit clumsy and something of a village outcast, one working himself too death to atone for some imagined debt, and another who clings to the good because he has endured so much of the bad. Their struggles are ordinary and therefore relatable. We feel for these men and the town itself because it could easily be our own.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Wow. It’s really all I can say. Whatever I expected from The Moth and Moon, it ended up being so much more. Elegantly written with emotion and detail, the story drew me in from the first paragraph. Honestly, it was impossible not to become swept up in the fictional reality of Merryapple and the small village at Blashly Cove. I think anyone who grew up in a small town will be able to relate to the sense of being that comes from living and working so closely with other people. All their foibles, pettiness, and kindness come out in the actions of daily life or in the wake of great upheavals. Because every small town has a secret and Blashly Cove is no different. The author does an amazing job of introducing the town and, more specifically Robin, Duncan, and Edwin. These men connected to one another in ways they don’t fully realize and learning about them is half the joy of The Moth and Moon. I mean when a sailor, a toymaker, and a baker walk into a bar it should be the start of a great joke, not an exploration of loss, love, and grief.
One of the best aspects of this book is the realism of it all and by that I mean the realism of its characters. Robin, Duncan, and Edwin aren’t handsome, plastic men. They’re middle aged, weary, and carrying a few pounds. But they’re all men we know – one a bit clumsy and something of a village outcast, one working himself too death to atone for some imagined debt, and another who clings to the good because he has endured so much of the bad. Their struggles are ordinary and therefore relatable. We feel for these men and the town itself because it could easily be our own.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
April 6, 2022
This was an unexpected treasure ... a story about a small remote fishing village that just so happen to have same-sex attracted characters (several in fact!) who are not despised nor rejected for being gay! This Utopian like scenario reminded me of that fabled Montanan town Big Eden featured in the movie of the same name. I loved all the characters in that movie ... and so of course I loved the characters here.
I can barely believe only a few days pass by from the start to the ending since the plot takes place over the duration of what could be termed The Big Storm; lives are changed, identities and perspectives transformed, history and legend re-written, truth and lies uncovered. As this is the start of a trilogy, I am now 'raring to go' with the rest of the series. 4 solid stars.
I can barely believe only a few days pass by from the start to the ending since the plot takes place over the duration of what could be termed The Big Storm; lives are changed, identities and perspectives transformed, history and legend re-written, truth and lies uncovered. As this is the start of a trilogy, I am now 'raring to go' with the rest of the series. 4 solid stars.
Read
April 13, 2018DNF. Just not my tastes.
December 21, 2020
somewhat charming but insipid, like a debutante who wishes they were at home having a nap.
the setting was... odd. i'm not sure exactly what the author was going for; it's historical, but it's alternate historical for no discernible reason - the only reason i can think of is convenience, as same-sex partnerships and marriages are completely accepted in this version of 18th century england. there is also a hint - just a hint! - of steampunk in a couple of clockwork devices mentioned. but the worldbuilding was absolutely dire. this could have been set in a modern day little Cornish island and literally nothing would change. it seems like a last-ditch attempt at originality that just jars.
the writing was humdrum and pedestrian, not bad and not good, just serviceable. i was expecting a little more romance - it was an undercurrent, really, and there was absolutely no chemistry between any of the characters. i'd be better off finding sparks in a pile of damp firewood than between robin and edwin.
in conclusion, it's not bad, just dull... which is one of the worst sins a book can commit.
the setting was... odd. i'm not sure exactly what the author was going for; it's historical, but it's alternate historical for no discernible reason - the only reason i can think of is convenience, as same-sex partnerships and marriages are completely accepted in this version of 18th century england. there is also a hint - just a hint! - of steampunk in a couple of clockwork devices mentioned. but the worldbuilding was absolutely dire. this could have been set in a modern day little Cornish island and literally nothing would change. it seems like a last-ditch attempt at originality that just jars.
the writing was humdrum and pedestrian, not bad and not good, just serviceable. i was expecting a little more romance - it was an undercurrent, really, and there was absolutely no chemistry between any of the characters. i'd be better off finding sparks in a pile of damp firewood than between robin and edwin.
in conclusion, it's not bad, just dull... which is one of the worst sins a book can commit.
April 20, 2022
This is one of those books with such a good heart that you hate to speak ill of it. But I didn’t love it the way so many of my GR friends have.
It's a sweet story about a quaint alt-historical village (same sex couples are a thing) where everyone knows each other. It meanders about, describing the village and villagers and telling many backstories along the way. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you’ll probably love this. I prefer a little more focus. And it needed a little more cleaning and polishing from an editor.
I did love that the romance is focused on men who are a bit older and, shall we say, more full-bodied than your typical gay love interests. Just not my cup of tea overall.
It's a sweet story about a quaint alt-historical village (same sex couples are a thing) where everyone knows each other. It meanders about, describing the village and villagers and telling many backstories along the way. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you’ll probably love this. I prefer a little more focus. And it needed a little more cleaning and polishing from an editor.
I did love that the romance is focused on men who are a bit older and, shall we say, more full-bodied than your typical gay love interests. Just not my cup of tea overall.
February 19, 2020
The Moth and Moon
BY Glenn Quigley
NineStar Press Publication, 2018
Five stars
The theme of the storm as metaphor, as catalyst, is not unknown in the world of literature. In Glenn Quigley’s lovely, lyrical “The Moth and Moon,” a hurricane sweeps down upon Merryapple Island off the coast of Cornwall, bringing with it the promise of devastation and, oddly enough, redemption.
Blashy Cove, the town on the little island, finds its emotional and cultural center in the ancient, mysterious labyrinth of an inn called the Moth and Moon. It is a town unlike other towns in the British Isles of the 1780s, when the story is set. Merryapple’s creative citizens have embraced technologies little known on the mainland, and have espoused a far more liberal notion of religion and human relationships than would be known in England, Scotland, or Wales at the time. One must simply embrace this bit of twee logic, and I for one was glad to do so.
Merryapple’s liberal view of the world, sadly, does not mean that the citizens of Blashy Cove are without prejudice, as their treatment of lonely oysterman Robin Shipp demonstrates. Nearing fifty, Robin has been alone on the island since his father seemingly abandoned him, raised mostly by family friend, the widowed Morwenna Whitewater. Not that Robin hasn’t got friends – especially the local baker, Edwin Farriner. There is mystery surrounding Robin’s former relationship with toymaker and carver Duncan Hunger, with whom Robin has not spoken in years. There is a bigger mystery surrounding the disappearance of Robin’s father and the death of Mrs. Whitewater’s husband, Barnabas.
All of this small-town drama bubbling beneath the surface is pushed aside when Robin spots a massive storm far off the coast, and calls to his neighbors on Merryapple Island to lock up their houses and congregate at the Moth and Moon for their own safety. It is in this setting that fear and loyalty will play out, dredging up the island’s secrets and forcing this tight-knit community to look closely at Robin Shipp and their own prejudices.
There is nothing sly about Quigley’s story. It is gentle and forthright, heartfelt and replete with kindness. There are no pretty boys making bedroom eyes at each other; only honest middle-aged men grappling with their feelings and their sorrows. While Robin is the star of the show, it is a great ensemble cast who give the reader a keen insight into human nature in all its light and darkness.
BY Glenn Quigley
NineStar Press Publication, 2018
Five stars
The theme of the storm as metaphor, as catalyst, is not unknown in the world of literature. In Glenn Quigley’s lovely, lyrical “The Moth and Moon,” a hurricane sweeps down upon Merryapple Island off the coast of Cornwall, bringing with it the promise of devastation and, oddly enough, redemption.
Blashy Cove, the town on the little island, finds its emotional and cultural center in the ancient, mysterious labyrinth of an inn called the Moth and Moon. It is a town unlike other towns in the British Isles of the 1780s, when the story is set. Merryapple’s creative citizens have embraced technologies little known on the mainland, and have espoused a far more liberal notion of religion and human relationships than would be known in England, Scotland, or Wales at the time. One must simply embrace this bit of twee logic, and I for one was glad to do so.
Merryapple’s liberal view of the world, sadly, does not mean that the citizens of Blashy Cove are without prejudice, as their treatment of lonely oysterman Robin Shipp demonstrates. Nearing fifty, Robin has been alone on the island since his father seemingly abandoned him, raised mostly by family friend, the widowed Morwenna Whitewater. Not that Robin hasn’t got friends – especially the local baker, Edwin Farriner. There is mystery surrounding Robin’s former relationship with toymaker and carver Duncan Hunger, with whom Robin has not spoken in years. There is a bigger mystery surrounding the disappearance of Robin’s father and the death of Mrs. Whitewater’s husband, Barnabas.
All of this small-town drama bubbling beneath the surface is pushed aside when Robin spots a massive storm far off the coast, and calls to his neighbors on Merryapple Island to lock up their houses and congregate at the Moth and Moon for their own safety. It is in this setting that fear and loyalty will play out, dredging up the island’s secrets and forcing this tight-knit community to look closely at Robin Shipp and their own prejudices.
There is nothing sly about Quigley’s story. It is gentle and forthright, heartfelt and replete with kindness. There are no pretty boys making bedroom eyes at each other; only honest middle-aged men grappling with their feelings and their sorrows. While Robin is the star of the show, it is a great ensemble cast who give the reader a keen insight into human nature in all its light and darkness.
September 5, 2020
I both love and hate giving 5-star reviews. I love them, because the book is amazing and I worth every single star. I hate them because people don’t trust them (including me). That said, this book, this novel that Glenn Quigley crafted is worth every single star and then some. The story doesn’t focus on pretty young gays, but gays who have a few years and a few pounds behind them. Making it that much more real. You never doubt these people are real and at one time were alive. The story reads like a historical event from a time long since passed. For every trope this could have hit, it missed them all and created something special and unique. I don’t want to give the story away, so I want say much about it other than the symbolism in the story is wonderful and having everything happen against the backdrop of a hurricane was perfect. I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
And to top it all off, I read this book in four days. That should say it all right there.
Read this book!
And to top it all off, I read this book in four days. That should say it all right there.
Read this book!
April 10, 2018
** 3.5 Stars **
This is not what I expected. For me it reads more like a fantasy-alternate-universe novel than a historical one. The writing is super descriptive (loved it!) and I had no trouble immersing myself into the story. I'm a big fan of the 'secrets and lies' trope. Robin and Edwin are endearing characters. I would have liked to have more information about the pagan beliefs of the islanders. On the whole, I liked it!
This is not what I expected. For me it reads more like a fantasy-alternate-universe novel than a historical one. The writing is super descriptive (loved it!) and I had no trouble immersing myself into the story. I'm a big fan of the 'secrets and lies' trope. Robin and Edwin are endearing characters. I would have liked to have more information about the pagan beliefs of the islanders. On the whole, I liked it!
read-sample-didn-t-buy
March 9, 2021Too much rambling. Was getting bored and lost by the fifth page.
August 8, 2022
My first experience with Glenn Quigley's writing and I’m definitely looking forward to more.
I’m not sure what this classifies as - a historical featuring a small fishing village in the late 1700s. There's so much more to enjoy! Local lore, gossip, a Hurricane, several daring rescues, drama, and a budding romance. This is also set in a town/area accepting of and embracing gay couples. The main romance is MM.
While the main character and focus is gentle giant Robin, Quigley also writes from the perspective of many other townsfolk. I like that the majority of the characters are older - with Robin being 50. Except for the adorable May Bell who was a delightful addition to the story and helped highlight the characters who interacted with her. While this is long - it’s in that good way where numerous tales and events come together for a wonderful (well, for most of the characters) ending.
I enjoyed the pacing and world building. And I always enjoy books with all the emotions. Robin has gone through so much in his life and continues to face adversity. I loved that so many questions were answered for him and that he’s finally found happiness, and not just romantically. This does not end on a cliffhanger and you could stop here - but Robin has more adventures in The Lion Lies Waiting. I’ll be reading that soon.
2022 - Saw this author on IG - I need this book in my life. 😍
I’m not sure what this classifies as - a historical featuring a small fishing village in the late 1700s. There's so much more to enjoy! Local lore, gossip, a Hurricane, several daring rescues, drama, and a budding romance. This is also set in a town/area accepting of and embracing gay couples. The main romance is MM.
While the main character and focus is gentle giant Robin, Quigley also writes from the perspective of many other townsfolk. I like that the majority of the characters are older - with Robin being 50. Except for the adorable May Bell who was a delightful addition to the story and helped highlight the characters who interacted with her. While this is long - it’s in that good way where numerous tales and events come together for a wonderful (well, for most of the characters) ending.
I enjoyed the pacing and world building. And I always enjoy books with all the emotions. Robin has gone through so much in his life and continues to face adversity. I loved that so many questions were answered for him and that he’s finally found happiness, and not just romantically. This does not end on a cliffhanger and you could stop here - but Robin has more adventures in The Lion Lies Waiting. I’ll be reading that soon.
2022 - Saw this author on IG - I need this book in my life. 😍
February 8, 2019
I read book two in this series before picking up this one. I did so because I reviewed book two, The Lion Lies Waiting, for my LGBTQ+ book blog. My ability to find time for pleasure reading is slim to none because I review one book a week, plus have my own writing, a full-time job, and part-time graduate school. However, book two was so wonderful, I simply had to read this one. And I wasn't disappointed.
I highly recommend anyone who enjoys historical fantasies and/or wonderful diversity in their characters to read this series. It is an absolute pleasure.
I highly recommend anyone who enjoys historical fantasies and/or wonderful diversity in their characters to read this series. It is an absolute pleasure.
April 8, 2020
Let me start by saying I really, really enjoyed this book. The events of this novel are set in 1780, and I haven't read fiction set before the 19th century in such a long time so it was a really refreshing read.
The Moth and Moon follows the events in the life of a man called Robin Shipp over the course of a day-long hurricane, as it sweeps across the tiny island of Merryapple off the coast of Cornwall, and the effects of the hurricane on the village in the weeks after. The main premise of the book is that homophobia doesn't exist, consigned to the history of the 'previous millennium' where homophobic laws were imposed but lasted only a short time as society saw it as reducing them to 'mere livestock'. As much as I think books tackling the very real effects and structures of homophobia are important, it was so refreshing and lovely to read a book which visualises a world in which sexuality simply doesn't matter.
The essence of the book is Quigley's mastery over description, vividly detailing the landscape so that the reader can perfectly visualise the village and locate the hill, the bay, the lighthouse, and the central location of the novel, The Moth and Moon tavern. It's honestly worth reading the book for the locations alone, with the fairy tale set up of the gentle sea and 'pale blue-and-white striped-lighthouse that sat out at sea on its desolate little clump of rocks and scrub'. The star of the show though is definitely the tavern which seems like it must have been built by magic. It expands from the solid remains of the ship, being built upon with layer upon layer into a labyrinthine structure with staircases leading everywhere, causing the guests to get thoroughly lost, whilst the old ship's wheel-cum-candelabra steadily drips layers of wax on the floor below. I also appreciated the idea that even though the historic ship was a wreckage after running aground, in this form as a tavern it safely weathered the storm and protected an entire community of people.
I also loved how well-rendered the relationships were in the novel, with no shying away from the soreness of past love and how relationships can simply become lacking, but cause deep rifts and tensions and affect whole communities of people as a result. This isn't a place for earth-shattering romantic drama among the main characters (although there is some of that in the novel if that's your cup of tea) and I appreciate how sensitively the complexities of relationship and friendships and communities were approached and explored.
Another layer of the novel that I loved was the thread of Paganism, of 'the spirits of air and land and sea. Woden and Frig, The Wild Hunt and the Bucca, piskies and mermaids, the Green Man and the wights'. The fact that superstition reigns in the burying of the dead, with the idea that the tree could sustain life after death. These superstitions are only referenced and I would have liked to know more about how these beliefs influence the life of the village. The relationship of the village to religion is interesting though, as it's stated fairly early on that the only thing the village does not have is a church, which seems to hint at a rejection of religious institution at the same time as rejecting homophobia, which is intrinsically linked together throughout history. The idea of marriage in the book is really interesting as well, as both 'marriage' and 'hand fasting' are referred to, the latter of which is a Pagan tradition and like a kind of pre-marriage trial, or engagement. I wish this custom was explored a bit more but I really loved how it subverted the marriage institution in the book, and I love the Pagan influence in the town.
My only major problem with the book, and the reason I can't give it a complete five stars, is the depiction of women. In comparison to the men, such as Robin, Duncan, Edwin, and even Robin's father Erasmus, very few of the women get a fleshed out backstory, and even fewer are well-rounded characters like the men. I would argue Morwenna is the only complex female character in the novel, with an interesting backstory that is explored through the book, and different facets to her personality and reasons for her actions. Eva would be the next, but even then her characterisation felt contrived at some points in the book, as she would switch between a seductress-type (which was out of place and didn't make sense) to an aloof-ice-queen type within ten seconds in some scenes. Her wife, Iris, along with every other female character was relegated to types too, usually those of submissive roles (note that all the heroes of the book are men, usually the same six). If Iris had simply taken over the forgery (regardless of her 'dainty wrists and slim arms') then that would have cleanly subverted that problem. Also, every prominent female character in the book propped up one or more of the men at some point without their actions benefiting them much. Sylvia was fairly one-dimensional, the typical 'strong female character' that is actually just an abusive, spiteful, evil woman with no complexity or redeeming features, and that made her feud with Morwenna ultimately uninteresting. I like my villains with more depth to them. Of course, this is the year 1780 which would explain these characterisations to a degree, but part of me thinks that if a world in which homophobia doesn't exist can be imagined, then why rigidly defend gender roles?
Ultimately though the book was so well-written, and women like Morwenna definitely stood out which was great. Structurally, I was impressed with the book. The major plot twists were always weaved into further conversations and scenes in the novel which helped to process them when it felt like you were suspending your disbelief a bit too far. I especially loved the use of mirroring in the novel as a device to compare and tie together different relationships and conversations, a major theme being unprepared for difficult conversations, but that putting things off solves nothing and being forced into these conversations by uncontrollable events is often the only way to achieve resolution.
Some little gems from the book:
I loved this entire passage.
Honestly Edwin's pettiness(/pride) is great and I wanted more of it.
Some other little notes: I absolutely adored Duncan's glasses, and actually I really liked Duncan too.
Thanks to NineStar Press and Netgalley for a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Moth and Moon follows the events in the life of a man called Robin Shipp over the course of a day-long hurricane, as it sweeps across the tiny island of Merryapple off the coast of Cornwall, and the effects of the hurricane on the village in the weeks after. The main premise of the book is that homophobia doesn't exist, consigned to the history of the 'previous millennium' where homophobic laws were imposed but lasted only a short time as society saw it as reducing them to 'mere livestock'. As much as I think books tackling the very real effects and structures of homophobia are important, it was so refreshing and lovely to read a book which visualises a world in which sexuality simply doesn't matter.
The essence of the book is Quigley's mastery over description, vividly detailing the landscape so that the reader can perfectly visualise the village and locate the hill, the bay, the lighthouse, and the central location of the novel, The Moth and Moon tavern. It's honestly worth reading the book for the locations alone, with the fairy tale set up of the gentle sea and 'pale blue-and-white striped-lighthouse that sat out at sea on its desolate little clump of rocks and scrub'. The star of the show though is definitely the tavern which seems like it must have been built by magic. It expands from the solid remains of the ship, being built upon with layer upon layer into a labyrinthine structure with staircases leading everywhere, causing the guests to get thoroughly lost, whilst the old ship's wheel-cum-candelabra steadily drips layers of wax on the floor below. I also appreciated the idea that even though the historic ship was a wreckage after running aground, in this form as a tavern it safely weathered the storm and protected an entire community of people.
I also loved how well-rendered the relationships were in the novel, with no shying away from the soreness of past love and how relationships can simply become lacking, but cause deep rifts and tensions and affect whole communities of people as a result. This isn't a place for earth-shattering romantic drama among the main characters (although there is some of that in the novel if that's your cup of tea) and I appreciate how sensitively the complexities of relationship and friendships and communities were approached and explored.
Another layer of the novel that I loved was the thread of Paganism, of 'the spirits of air and land and sea. Woden and Frig, The Wild Hunt and the Bucca, piskies and mermaids, the Green Man and the wights'. The fact that superstition reigns in the burying of the dead, with the idea that the tree could sustain life after death. These superstitions are only referenced and I would have liked to know more about how these beliefs influence the life of the village. The relationship of the village to religion is interesting though, as it's stated fairly early on that the only thing the village does not have is a church, which seems to hint at a rejection of religious institution at the same time as rejecting homophobia, which is intrinsically linked together throughout history. The idea of marriage in the book is really interesting as well, as both 'marriage' and 'hand fasting' are referred to, the latter of which is a Pagan tradition and like a kind of pre-marriage trial, or engagement. I wish this custom was explored a bit more but I really loved how it subverted the marriage institution in the book, and I love the Pagan influence in the town.
My only major problem with the book, and the reason I can't give it a complete five stars, is the depiction of women. In comparison to the men, such as Robin, Duncan, Edwin, and even Robin's father Erasmus, very few of the women get a fleshed out backstory, and even fewer are well-rounded characters like the men. I would argue Morwenna is the only complex female character in the novel, with an interesting backstory that is explored through the book, and different facets to her personality and reasons for her actions. Eva would be the next, but even then her characterisation felt contrived at some points in the book, as she would switch between a seductress-type (which was out of place and didn't make sense) to an aloof-ice-queen type within ten seconds in some scenes. Her wife, Iris, along with every other female character was relegated to types too, usually those of submissive roles (note that all the heroes of the book are men, usually the same six). If Iris had simply taken over the forgery (regardless of her 'dainty wrists and slim arms') then that would have cleanly subverted that problem. Also, every prominent female character in the book propped up one or more of the men at some point without their actions benefiting them much. Sylvia was fairly one-dimensional, the typical 'strong female character' that is actually just an abusive, spiteful, evil woman with no complexity or redeeming features, and that made her feud with Morwenna ultimately uninteresting. I like my villains with more depth to them. Of course, this is the year 1780 which would explain these characterisations to a degree, but part of me thinks that if a world in which homophobia doesn't exist can be imagined, then why rigidly defend gender roles?
Ultimately though the book was so well-written, and women like Morwenna definitely stood out which was great. Structurally, I was impressed with the book. The major plot twists were always weaved into further conversations and scenes in the novel which helped to process them when it felt like you were suspending your disbelief a bit too far. I especially loved the use of mirroring in the novel as a device to compare and tie together different relationships and conversations, a major theme being unprepared for difficult conversations, but that putting things off solves nothing and being forced into these conversations by uncontrollable events is often the only way to achieve resolution.
Some little gems from the book:
'Once they were gone, the people picked through the remains, seeing the value in certain aspects and thoroughly disregarding the rest, scouring the regime clean from the face of the world and consigning it meekly to the tomes of scholars and students'.
I loved this entire passage.
'Edwin fought the urge to tell him his fruit cake was already quite moist enough and didn't require butter'.
Honestly Edwin's pettiness(/pride) is great and I wanted more of it.
'"Those two, I mean, imagine! Getting married. To someone from Blackrabbit Island! There should be a law against it!"'
Some other little notes: I absolutely adored Duncan's glasses, and actually I really liked Duncan too.
Thanks to NineStar Press and Netgalley for a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2019
It's hard to write a review that encapsulates how charming this book is. Yes, there's a love story, but that's only part of what this tale explores.
The world building is excellent, especially as the entire first chapter sets the scene of a small town about to brave a horrendous storm. All characters are well realised. Most are eccentric. None are forgettable.
But this is Robin's story. He's clumsy and not well liked in this town, even though he has a heart of gold. To say any more would rob you of how magic this tale is. So, simply treat yourself to a love triangle, a pub that is the heartbeat of this community and a few delightful twists and turns.
The world building is excellent, especially as the entire first chapter sets the scene of a small town about to brave a horrendous storm. All characters are well realised. Most are eccentric. None are forgettable.
But this is Robin's story. He's clumsy and not well liked in this town, even though he has a heart of gold. To say any more would rob you of how magic this tale is. So, simply treat yourself to a love triangle, a pub that is the heartbeat of this community and a few delightful twists and turns.
March 27, 2018
This book was so simple on the surface, but so, so good. It was a different book from what I usually read in a lot of ways. It's historical fiction, the main characters are all a little bit older (in their 30s or 40s, I believe?), and there's no grand adventure or major conflict. No magic, no aliens, no bells and whistles. Just the story of a man, his life, his relationships, and his home and how they weather a hurricane.
Like I said, the premise sounded simple, but from the beginning every line drew me in and got me more and more invested in Robin and his life. On the surface it's fairly straightforward, but with the catalyst of the hurricane, the layers of Robin's past and the entire island of Merryapple are peeled back one at a time, and with every new revelation the reader is drawn deeper into this world.
I'm having a very hard time articulating just what was so great about this book, or even what it is "about," per se. It's about a town weathering a hurricane in the bar that is the heart of the town, (and later, Robin getting stuck in a lighthouse with his ex and his current love interest-amazingly enough, it all goes much smoother than you'd expect). It's about the history and secrets of a town that's very accepting in some ways (all sexual orientation are accepted as normal), and very judgmental in others. It's about normal, flawed, well-meaning people making peace with themselves and with others. It's about relationships, and the many forms that they can take.
There were a lot of things that I loved about how this book was written. I love that almost nobody is completely lionized or demonized. I love that the characters actually talk about their problems and think about their own faults. I love that love isn't restricted to the young and attractive, and doesn't always have to be dramatic and whirlwind. I love that value placed on community and simply being a good person, in whatever way you can.
It was just awesome. I don't want to write more and give too much away, but I would absolutely recommend this to pretty much any reader. It's different than a lot of books I read, and it's good in a subtler, quieter way. This book doesn't just tell a good story, it's a full experience that touched me in a way that was completely unexpected, and gave me appreciation for the meaning of the little, mundane things in life.
Like I said, the premise sounded simple, but from the beginning every line drew me in and got me more and more invested in Robin and his life. On the surface it's fairly straightforward, but with the catalyst of the hurricane, the layers of Robin's past and the entire island of Merryapple are peeled back one at a time, and with every new revelation the reader is drawn deeper into this world.
I'm having a very hard time articulating just what was so great about this book, or even what it is "about," per se. It's about a town weathering a hurricane in the bar that is the heart of the town, (and later, Robin getting stuck in a lighthouse with his ex and his current love interest-amazingly enough, it all goes much smoother than you'd expect). It's about the history and secrets of a town that's very accepting in some ways (all sexual orientation are accepted as normal), and very judgmental in others. It's about normal, flawed, well-meaning people making peace with themselves and with others. It's about relationships, and the many forms that they can take.
There were a lot of things that I loved about how this book was written. I love that almost nobody is completely lionized or demonized. I love that the characters actually talk about their problems and think about their own faults. I love that love isn't restricted to the young and attractive, and doesn't always have to be dramatic and whirlwind. I love that value placed on community and simply being a good person, in whatever way you can.
It was just awesome. I don't want to write more and give too much away, but I would absolutely recommend this to pretty much any reader. It's different than a lot of books I read, and it's good in a subtler, quieter way. This book doesn't just tell a good story, it's a full experience that touched me in a way that was completely unexpected, and gave me appreciation for the meaning of the little, mundane things in life.
December 17, 2019
Completely gorgeous. I took a little longer reading this book than I usually would because - frankly, I was luxuriating in the language and I loved it too much to finish.
The characters feel authentic, the story is compelling and beautifully written. The author’s voice is strong, delicate, addictive. I am totally in love with this story and I need more.
Set in 1780, The Moth and Moon is the story of Robin Shipp, a burly fisherman, and the residents of Blashy Cove, during a terrible hurricane. Robin is shunned by much of the village, due to rumours which have circulated for many years with regard to his late father. Even though Robin has a kind heart and a caring, considerate manner, the other villagers seem quite sure that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and as such, view him with suspicion.
What is quite glorious about this is that is has nothing to do with his sexuality. Where the story is set, on the tiny island of Merryapple, separate from the mainland and its attitudes, same-sex relationships cause no greater flutter of scandal than heterosexual relationships. I really loved that as a concept.
The bond which develops between Robin and Edwin is satisfyingly sweet, and just gorgeous. I adore the character-driven novel and this does not disappoint. There are plenty to laugh with, cry with, sympathise and stew over.
The descriptive power of the author is immense. I don’t lose myself all that often; something in my house will distract me, at least momentarily, from what I’m reading. Not so, with The Moon and Moth. I could smell the sea. I could see every inch of the pub and the storm-wrecked streets. I could feel the rain and wreckage in the air.
Loved, loved, loved this novel.
The characters feel authentic, the story is compelling and beautifully written. The author’s voice is strong, delicate, addictive. I am totally in love with this story and I need more.
Set in 1780, The Moth and Moon is the story of Robin Shipp, a burly fisherman, and the residents of Blashy Cove, during a terrible hurricane. Robin is shunned by much of the village, due to rumours which have circulated for many years with regard to his late father. Even though Robin has a kind heart and a caring, considerate manner, the other villagers seem quite sure that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and as such, view him with suspicion.
What is quite glorious about this is that is has nothing to do with his sexuality. Where the story is set, on the tiny island of Merryapple, separate from the mainland and its attitudes, same-sex relationships cause no greater flutter of scandal than heterosexual relationships. I really loved that as a concept.
The bond which develops between Robin and Edwin is satisfyingly sweet, and just gorgeous. I adore the character-driven novel and this does not disappoint. There are plenty to laugh with, cry with, sympathise and stew over.
The descriptive power of the author is immense. I don’t lose myself all that often; something in my house will distract me, at least momentarily, from what I’m reading. Not so, with The Moon and Moth. I could smell the sea. I could see every inch of the pub and the storm-wrecked streets. I could feel the rain and wreckage in the air.
Loved, loved, loved this novel.
March 18, 2018
In 1780, Blashy Cove is a very progressive town, with running water and legal same sex marriages. An unexpected hurricane drives most of it residents into the cavernous the Moth & Moon, local tavern and inn. While they wait out the storm, fisherman Robin Shipp is forced to face demons from his past. Can the town and Robin pull together in the aftermath of the storm and pick up from the devastation to their homes and lives?
A wonderful combination of action, adventure, emotion, and romance. Once you start reading you will not want to stop! Full of real, relatable characters. They have flaws both physical and emotional; no one is picture perfect in Blashy Cove! However, most are lovable.
I like the descriptions given to the buildings and the surrounding area. It helps immerse the reader into the story. My favorite part of this book, however, is the idea of Blashy Cove, a place where homophobia does not exist. Same sex marriages are common and the norm. No one has to fight for their place. It is refreshing.
My only negative comment is that the physical description of The Moth & Moon gets repetitive throughout the first few chapters.
I highly enjoyed this read and definitely would recommend it to anyone. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
A wonderful combination of action, adventure, emotion, and romance. Once you start reading you will not want to stop! Full of real, relatable characters. They have flaws both physical and emotional; no one is picture perfect in Blashy Cove! However, most are lovable.
I like the descriptions given to the buildings and the surrounding area. It helps immerse the reader into the story. My favorite part of this book, however, is the idea of Blashy Cove, a place where homophobia does not exist. Same sex marriages are common and the norm. No one has to fight for their place. It is refreshing.
My only negative comment is that the physical description of The Moth & Moon gets repetitive throughout the first few chapters.
I highly enjoyed this read and definitely would recommend it to anyone. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
March 12, 2023
I picked up this novel by Glenn Quigley at my local Library and I’m so happy that I did. I recently bought Glenn’s latest novel and saw that his debut novel , The Moth and Moon, was available to a borrow. So I thought, why not?
The author transports us back to 1780 to a quaint little fishing village in Merryaple, introducing us to Robin Shipp. Most of the village didn’t get on well with Shipp because of the actions of his father and this honestly broke my heart. But then disaster strikes and only Shipp knew what was coming!
Robin is all about the sea because he finds solace there but it has caused problems in the past. The way Quigley’s use of words is astounding to say the least. The way he describes sounds, smells and even surrounding gives you no other choice but to enjoy being enveloped in the authors world. When the hurricane hits, oh may word, I was on the edge of my seat and could not put the book down. The angst, suspense and cathartic of it all was intense and loved every second of it.
I have rated this 5 starts and cannot wait to read on!
The author transports us back to 1780 to a quaint little fishing village in Merryaple, introducing us to Robin Shipp. Most of the village didn’t get on well with Shipp because of the actions of his father and this honestly broke my heart. But then disaster strikes and only Shipp knew what was coming!
Robin is all about the sea because he finds solace there but it has caused problems in the past. The way Quigley’s use of words is astounding to say the least. The way he describes sounds, smells and even surrounding gives you no other choice but to enjoy being enveloped in the authors world. When the hurricane hits, oh may word, I was on the edge of my seat and could not put the book down. The angst, suspense and cathartic of it all was intense and loved every second of it.
I have rated this 5 starts and cannot wait to read on!
September 18, 2018
A beautifully written romance. I had picked this book after reading one with an overload of sex and this turned out to be a sweet surprise. I applaud the author for daring to publish a m/m romance with no sex at all. It was quite refreshing.
The story is about Robin, a fisherman and his village . Robin is a gentle bearish guy ,considered simple by few of his villagers. On seeing a storm approaching he gathers everyone in the local tavern ( The Moth &Moon). The forced proximity and the events that follow soon reveal many secrets and new relations are forged.
You get a comprehensive view of Robin's village and its occupants, their dynamics. Its rare to see such details in m/m romance. Hoping for more from this author.
June 8, 2021
'the moth and moon' is an incredible book, so beautifully written and a totally enthralling read. A soon as I started the book I knew I couldn't put it down, I just had to keep on reading. I was instantly drawn into this late Eighteenth-century world, I could see, taste, and smell Merryapple, it was like I was there myself and I wanted to be a part of this amazing place. The characters are so very strong and the writing so descriptive without being overly so for the sake of it. I really savored reading every page and word and needed to read it again upon finishing it. I knew then that it was then time to begin the next book and I just couldn't wait!
March 11, 2022
Loved it!!
I was drawn I to this book from.the very beginning. The storyline is great, and the characters are all interesting. I love the names of the towns, islands and characters as well, they make it easy for someone like myself to remember who is who. Upon finishing this book, I immediately downloaded the next in the series.
I was drawn I to this book from.the very beginning. The storyline is great, and the characters are all interesting. I love the names of the towns, islands and characters as well, they make it easy for someone like myself to remember who is who. Upon finishing this book, I immediately downloaded the next in the series.
July 6, 2021
A beautiful story well written
The book is not quite what I expected but still well worth reading. Less derring-do and more emotional drama.
The characters feel real and draw you into their various dramas and crises. I’ll definitely be reading the next book in the series.
The book is not quite what I expected but still well worth reading. Less derring-do and more emotional drama.
The characters feel real and draw you into their various dramas and crises. I’ll definitely be reading the next book in the series.
November 28, 2021
This is a strange story. Quirky, seemingly set in an alternative universe, with some steam punk happening on the side. I couldn’t quite get hold of the characters, but was involved enough to keep reading, and to buy the next book in the series.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
January 4, 2019
4.5 stars. Really lovely. Beautiful debut novel. I was quickly pulled in by both the story and the characters. I adored Robin so much! <3
April 18, 2022
more like 2.5 stars rounded up. a cute story (with a gorgeous cover!) that would have benefited hugely from some more editing.
Read
June 30, 2022Well, so I loved this more than I can say. The story was interesting from the moment I began reading until I finished it. I won't go into detail other than to say, if you haven't read this book, you need to. If you love historical fiction, with a lot of heart, this book will melt your butter!
December 30, 2019
Wow, I was totally transported into fishing village life in Merryapple, 1780. The protagnist is a simple Cornish man who is clumsy, kind and completely endearing. As the book unfolded, I really began caring deeply about many of the characters.
The story arc is as moody as the storm, relationships and tensions in the little fishing village. I was torn between reading voraciously and not wanting the experience to end.
I'd recommend reading on a dark winters evening, preferably with a bit of a storm. And I'll be a tad jealous if you do!
I wish The Moth And Moon was a real pub that I could visit and enjoy one of the Merryapple ciders!
The story arc is as moody as the storm, relationships and tensions in the little fishing village. I was torn between reading voraciously and not wanting the experience to end.
I'd recommend reading on a dark winters evening, preferably with a bit of a storm. And I'll be a tad jealous if you do!
I wish The Moth And Moon was a real pub that I could visit and enjoy one of the Merryapple ciders!
March 17, 2018
Arc recieved from Netgalley
This is a lovely little story. It takes a bit to get into as at times it gets bogged down by the details and descriptions of every bit of scenery, room, etc. Though once it picks up its such a lovely tale of a village and how a hurricane both brings them together and also washes out all the secrets kept hidden. Its full of the clearing of old pains such as with Robin and Duncans relationship and finding new love later with Edwin and Robin. It is about the pain and cost of secrets and how they can take a toll on the person but also the effect of being freed from them. Their are cute kittens and jaunty sea captains.
Overall this is a lovely debut novel.
This is a lovely little story. It takes a bit to get into as at times it gets bogged down by the details and descriptions of every bit of scenery, room, etc. Though once it picks up its such a lovely tale of a village and how a hurricane both brings them together and also washes out all the secrets kept hidden. Its full of the clearing of old pains such as with Robin and Duncans relationship and finding new love later with Edwin and Robin. It is about the pain and cost of secrets and how they can take a toll on the person but also the effect of being freed from them. Their are cute kittens and jaunty sea captains.
Overall this is a lovely debut novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews