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The Whitakers #1
The Moon Garden
Things can only get better…right?
Emily Brennan dropped everything to move back home to northern Michigan to take care of her sister and nephew. Her sister is sick; her brother-in-law is MIA; money is tight. With everything she has going, she’s certainly not looking for love, certainly not in the form of a guy that she’s secretly crushed on since the sixth grade. She doesn’t need some knight in shining armor to swoop in and make things right for her and for her nephew, Charlie.
But maybe that wouldn’t be so bad…
And just when things might be working out, she has to remember to expect the unexpected—in love, and in life.
Emily Brennan dropped everything to move back home to northern Michigan to take care of her sister and nephew. Her sister is sick; her brother-in-law is MIA; money is tight. With everything she has going, she’s certainly not looking for love, certainly not in the form of a guy that she’s secretly crushed on since the sixth grade. She doesn’t need some knight in shining armor to swoop in and make things right for her and for her nephew, Charlie.
But maybe that wouldn’t be so bad…
And just when things might be working out, she has to remember to expect the unexpected—in love, and in life.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2018
111 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 19, 2019
*4.5*
Well this was a pleasant surprise! The first half was a legit slow burn!
Emily didn't act like a martyr but she seriously couldn't catch a break so you can't help but feel for her. She gives up her education and career to take care of her sister with cancer and her nephew, she works two dead end, crappy jobs to support them, for a sister who takes advantage and doesn't appreciate her, but can't pay for the bills and her sister's medical bills because the sister's husband abandoned them. Then her car dies and Charlie's place on swim is compromised because she's not "involved" enough. On top of all of that her mom was an addict who forfeited her to CPS, father was absent, and she lost her stepmother to cancer. This girl can't catch a break. Until Luke.
He wants to swoop in and take care of her but she's reluctant to let someone come in a solve all her problems. And that's what makes her such a strong character. She knows when to stand on her own, but when to accept help as well.
I would have loved if they kept the slow burn going even longer, but, then, I always do. I'll definitely be reading more of this author.
Well this was a pleasant surprise! The first half was a legit slow burn!
Emily didn't act like a martyr but she seriously couldn't catch a break so you can't help but feel for her. She gives up her education and career to take care of her sister with cancer and her nephew, she works two dead end, crappy jobs to support them, for a sister who takes advantage and doesn't appreciate her, but can't pay for the bills and her sister's medical bills because the sister's husband abandoned them. Then her car dies and Charlie's place on swim is compromised because she's not "involved" enough. On top of all of that her mom was an addict who forfeited her to CPS, father was absent, and she lost her stepmother to cancer. This girl can't catch a break. Until Luke.
He wants to swoop in and take care of her but she's reluctant to let someone come in a solve all her problems. And that's what makes her such a strong character. She knows when to stand on her own, but when to accept help as well.
I would have loved if they kept the slow burn going even longer, but, then, I always do. I'll definitely be reading more of this author.
July 17, 2024
I like the author and have read several several of her books. There seems to be a pattern: the heroine is typically really beautiful but doesn't realize it; incredibly nice to everyone, and struggling to take on far more than her own responsibilities for often-unworthy family members. She is unaware of the H's attraction to her and wonders why he would be interested in her. There is an element of Cinderella story to these books.
These books contain descriptive sex. To me,
this continues to be a weakness of this author because the encounters sound somewhat clinical and occasionally uncomfortable in what I believe is an unintended way.
I upped this to 3.5 stars because I come back and read it periodically.
These books contain descriptive sex. To me,
this continues to be a weakness of this author because the encounters sound somewhat clinical and occasionally uncomfortable in what I believe is an unintended way.
I upped this to 3.5 stars because I come back and read it periodically.
September 12, 2025
It seems I read a different book than everyone else because most people seem to like it while I think this book is horrible. It was recommended to me as a romance book and 50% in I was like wait? I’m halfway through already? 🙂
The MMC and the FMC have so little chemistry it’s hilarious. I start the book knowing the FMC had a crush on the MMC but idk why. She never gives us any reason as to why she has this huge crush on him (which is the foundation of for her feelings him) and just goes on about how much she watched him when he was in a relationship with her sister and how hot he was.
I was also confused as to why he liked her because they barely had any conversations and suddenly they’re crazy for each other and exchanging I miss you’s. She seemed to constantly be 5 minutes away from a melt down and while I thought this was deserved because she was under a lot of pressure it didn’t make me confident in their connection. This is the type of romance book where I can 100% see the MMC getting a mid life crisis and cheating in 20 years because their romance was so lackluster. I would not call this book a romance because the romance felt more like a subplot and the main story was watching everyone step on the FMC.
The MMC’s dad hates the FMC and I hate when authors bring this trope in and not have the MMC defend her. I will say I DNF’d at 79% so it’s possible he did that later on but I will never understand why authors think it’s okay for their MMCs to introduce their partner to their parents and just stand there while they’re rude or make passive aggressive comments? No.
I could go on for hours about their relationship and lack of connection but let me focus on my biggest problem with the book. The FMC is a huge push over.
Why do authors do this? Why does a ‘good’ FMC in books always translate to a door mat who forgives everyone for treating her horribly? Is that what ‘goodness’ is about now?
Personally, the FMC should have left her sister to suffer. Ik Ik that sounds horrible of me. Her sister has cancer and I believe in giving the sick grace to grieve the loss of their health and what this means for their future but at what point do we admit this is verbal abuse?
Every time the FMC stood up an inch…in fact, a quarter of an inch, she apologized immediately. It was so depressing and upsetting to read. It ended up making me hate her. She stood her ground with no one. The MMC calls her sister a tramp(deserved but I digress) and says the FMC is just a waitress and yes he does explain that he was trying to defend her to his father but where was the heartfelt apology?
Another of the many reasons why I disliked the FMC is because anyone can see that her sister and her brother in law were horrible parents. She mentions this numerous times and it’s horrible to watch as the sister ignores Charlie (her son, the FMC’s nephew). And when the brother in law (Mike) showed up? Boy oh boy. I hope the little boy doesn’t follow in the FMC’s footsteps and grows a backbone because with an FMC like that raising you, you’re bound to have self esteem issues.
The MMC and the FMC have so little chemistry it’s hilarious. I start the book knowing the FMC had a crush on the MMC but idk why. She never gives us any reason as to why she has this huge crush on him (which is the foundation of for her feelings him) and just goes on about how much she watched him when he was in a relationship with her sister and how hot he was.
I was also confused as to why he liked her because they barely had any conversations and suddenly they’re crazy for each other and exchanging I miss you’s. She seemed to constantly be 5 minutes away from a melt down and while I thought this was deserved because she was under a lot of pressure it didn’t make me confident in their connection. This is the type of romance book where I can 100% see the MMC getting a mid life crisis and cheating in 20 years because their romance was so lackluster. I would not call this book a romance because the romance felt more like a subplot and the main story was watching everyone step on the FMC.
The MMC’s dad hates the FMC and I hate when authors bring this trope in and not have the MMC defend her. I will say I DNF’d at 79% so it’s possible he did that later on but I will never understand why authors think it’s okay for their MMCs to introduce their partner to their parents and just stand there while they’re rude or make passive aggressive comments? No.
I could go on for hours about their relationship and lack of connection but let me focus on my biggest problem with the book. The FMC is a huge push over.
Why do authors do this? Why does a ‘good’ FMC in books always translate to a door mat who forgives everyone for treating her horribly? Is that what ‘goodness’ is about now?
Personally, the FMC should have left her sister to suffer. Ik Ik that sounds horrible of me. Her sister has cancer and I believe in giving the sick grace to grieve the loss of their health and what this means for their future but at what point do we admit this is verbal abuse?
Every time the FMC stood up an inch…in fact, a quarter of an inch, she apologized immediately. It was so depressing and upsetting to read. It ended up making me hate her. She stood her ground with no one. The MMC calls her sister a tramp(deserved but I digress) and says the FMC is just a waitress and yes he does explain that he was trying to defend her to his father but where was the heartfelt apology?
Another of the many reasons why I disliked the FMC is because anyone can see that her sister and her brother in law were horrible parents. She mentions this numerous times and it’s horrible to watch as the sister ignores Charlie (her son, the FMC’s nephew). And when the brother in law (Mike) showed up? Boy oh boy. I hope the little boy doesn’t follow in the FMC’s footsteps and grows a backbone because with an FMC like that raising you, you’re bound to have self esteem issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2020
4.5 stars
My second Jamie Bennett book in a row and we have another winner! I mean, I'm not as obsessed with it as with Soft and Low (seriously, I kind of want to reread that one already and I only read it yesterday), but this was also very good. Less angsty than Soft and Low, although it still deals with difficult life situations.
I loved the heroine, she was just such a real(istic) character. I loved her humour and wit. I loved her relationship with Charlie. She was going through really difficult times and it was a bit weird to see a heroine being given so many free things (especially from the hero) and actually accept them, but I think that's actually what makes her a strong one - knowing when to pick her battles and being able to accept help when needed (especially when kid's needs are in question!).
Hero is still a bit of an enigma to me despite finishing the book, I don't think we get to know him and relate to him enough (except to the point of knowing he's a really good guy), but I liked them together.
This one had a very similar feel to Mariana Zapata (especially Wait for Me), although it's a bit steamier. Highly recommended for all the fans of slowburn and her heroines.
Side note: Oh, I almost forgot, but I know this kind of thing bothers a lot of readers - the hero used to be in a relationship with the heroine's sister. That's usually a turnoff for me, but since in this case they dated a long time ago as teenagers (in high school) and both have clearly moved on, it didn't bother me at all.
--------------
POV: 1st person (h)
story: 4
writing: 4.5
heroine: Emily, 25y, cashier at a grocery story and waitress at a bar. 5 stars. I loved her. She was real and resilient.
hero: Luke, early 30s?, businessman. 4 stars. He was a good guy, but I felt like I didn't get to really know him.
secondary characters: 4
couple/romance: 4
instalove? Instant attraction, but the relationship developes gradually.
steam: Moderate.
angst: Moderate
enjoyment: 4.5
ending:
My second Jamie Bennett book in a row and we have another winner! I mean, I'm not as obsessed with it as with Soft and Low (seriously, I kind of want to reread that one already and I only read it yesterday), but this was also very good. Less angsty than Soft and Low, although it still deals with difficult life situations.
I loved the heroine, she was just such a real(istic) character. I loved her humour and wit. I loved her relationship with Charlie. She was going through really difficult times and it was a bit weird to see a heroine being given so many free things (especially from the hero) and actually accept them, but I think that's actually what makes her a strong one - knowing when to pick her battles and being able to accept help when needed (especially when kid's needs are in question!).
Hero is still a bit of an enigma to me despite finishing the book, I don't think we get to know him and relate to him enough (except to the point of knowing he's a really good guy), but I liked them together.
This one had a very similar feel to Mariana Zapata (especially Wait for Me), although it's a bit steamier. Highly recommended for all the fans of slowburn and her heroines.
Side note: Oh, I almost forgot, but I know this kind of thing bothers a lot of readers - the hero used to be in a relationship with the heroine's sister. That's usually a turnoff for me, but since in this case they dated a long time ago as teenagers (in high school) and both have clearly moved on, it didn't bother me at all.
--------------
POV: 1st person (h)
story: 4
writing: 4.5
heroine: Emily, 25y, cashier at a grocery story and waitress at a bar. 5 stars. I loved her. She was real and resilient.
hero: Luke, early 30s?, businessman. 4 stars. He was a good guy, but I felt like I didn't get to really know him.
secondary characters: 4
couple/romance: 4
instalove? Instant attraction, but the relationship developes gradually.
steam: Moderate.
angst: Moderate
enjoyment: 4.5
ending:
January 9, 2021
First of all, I felt for Emmy what she had to go through. That woman could never catch a break. Even I became stressed out just reading about the amount of shit she had to put up with. While I know she might came off as martyr or a pushover to some people, honestly, I thought she did amazing. Yeah she could stand up for herself more often in regards to Cassie and the busy body Annie but where would that bring her?
Nothing. It would not bring food to the table, it would not fix her broken home, it would not help her take care of Charlie's needs. All she could do was to grit her teeth, and move forward in order to take care of her family. So yeah, it's hard for me not to be in awe of her strength. And Charlie, sweet Charlie--I've said this before but I love it when there are kids involved. He was so darned cute. His constant slip of the mouth--calling Emmy, mommy instead of her name broke my heart. He deserved better.
Overall, I actually enjoyed the book. What I didn't particularly like however was Emmy's and Luke's relationship. Don't get me wrong, I guess they were cute, and yes, I did have some reservations seeing as how he dated her sister. Emmy did say she was the audience to their makeout sessions and etc. I know it was a high school thing but it was still icky as fuck to me. Still, I got over that pretty quickly.
Their relationship progression went from 0 to 100 in two seconds flat. It was weird as heck to me. From Emmy's side I get--he's had a crush on Luke since high school so she put this guy on a pedestal. It made sense why she was so quick to fall for him--she's a starry-eyed school girl when it came to Luke. Luke's interest on the other hand, made no sense to me. At first I could tell he sympathized with her. I think they spent time together twice, very briefly, before they started their physical relationship and professed "I-Miss-Yous". It literally gave me a whiplash.
I can't really explain it but I thought their relationship was unbalanced too. She put him on a pedestal without truly knowing him and he provided her with everything--it just made no sense.
Nothing. It would not bring food to the table, it would not fix her broken home, it would not help her take care of Charlie's needs. All she could do was to grit her teeth, and move forward in order to take care of her family. So yeah, it's hard for me not to be in awe of her strength. And Charlie, sweet Charlie--I've said this before but I love it when there are kids involved. He was so darned cute. His constant slip of the mouth--calling Emmy, mommy instead of her name broke my heart. He deserved better.
Overall, I actually enjoyed the book. What I didn't particularly like however was Emmy's and Luke's relationship. Don't get me wrong, I guess they were cute, and yes, I did have some reservations seeing as how he dated her sister. Emmy did say she was the audience to their makeout sessions and etc. I know it was a high school thing but it was still icky as fuck to me. Still, I got over that pretty quickly.
Their relationship progression went from 0 to 100 in two seconds flat. It was weird as heck to me. From Emmy's side I get--he's had a crush on Luke since high school so she put this guy on a pedestal. It made sense why she was so quick to fall for him--she's a starry-eyed school girl when it came to Luke. Luke's interest on the other hand, made no sense to me. At first I could tell he sympathized with her. I think they spent time together twice, very briefly, before they started their physical relationship and professed "I-Miss-Yous". It literally gave me a whiplash.
I can't really explain it but I thought their relationship was unbalanced too. She put him on a pedestal without truly knowing him and he provided her with everything--it just made no sense.
March 26, 2022
This is my first book I've read from Jamie Bennett and it won't be the last! I discovered her contemporary romance books on KU and was excited to give the first book a shot. I loved the family dynamics and relationships. I would have liked to see a little more spark and emotional development between Emily and Luke, but I think that just comes more from my personal preference for slow burn romance. It didn't take away from the overall story. The characters were well developed and I was rooting for Emily the whole time. I'm excited to continue through this author's backlist!
April 13, 2023
This was great up until the 90% mark. The couple was obviously mature enough with their relationship that the conflict came out of no where.
I loved Charlie he’s so precious 🥺 PROTECC HIM AT ALL COSTS!!!
I loved Charlie he’s so precious 🥺 PROTECC HIM AT ALL COSTS!!!
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November 4, 2019
November 2019 -- 5 Stars
This author has a formula, but I think it works most the time. I really liked this one.
Happy Reading!!
This author has a formula, but I think it works most the time. I really liked this one.
Happy Reading!!
November 12, 2020
1.5 star
it felt like Nicholas Sparks and Disney movies..
it felt like Nicholas Sparks and Disney movies..
June 17, 2023
Rating: 3.75 Stars
POV(s): Single—First Person (FMC)
Relationship: M/F
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
❥
Rapid Fire Thoughts:
❥
Title: “The Moon Garden (The Whitakers #1)” by Jamie Bennett
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Triggers: Yes
Tags/Tropes:
➢ Childhood-Crush
➢ Class-Difference
➢ Guardian-of-Child (FMC)
➢ Rich-MMC
➢ Sister’s-Ex
➢ Struggling-FMC
➢ Town-Golden-Boy-MMC
POV(s): Single—First Person (FMC)
Relationship: M/F
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
❥
Rapid Fire Thoughts:
➸ The FMC is a superstar and deserves the world, and the MMC is just the right person to give it to her.
➸ Maybe I’m just oblivious, but I was a bit caught off guard by the FMC and MMC’s first kiss; I guess I missed the signs that said they were both ready to pursue a romantic relationship with each other.
➸ I’m a bit disappointed that we didn’t get the MMC’s POV, but I didn’t struggle due to the lack of it, as the FMC’s perspective was done really well.
➸ Jamie Bennett did an amazing job portraying seven-year-old Charlie (usually authors make child characters seem too old for their age).
➸ I only found eleven editing errors: grammar, extra and missing words, as well as incorrect spelling. But other than that, the story was really well written!
❥
Title: “The Moon Garden (The Whitakers #1)” by Jamie Bennett
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Triggers: Yes
Tags/Tropes:
➢ Childhood-Crush
➢ Class-Difference
➢ Guardian-of-Child (FMC)
➢ Rich-MMC
➢ Sister’s-Ex
➢ Struggling-FMC
➢ Town-Golden-Boy-MMC
February 7, 2019
I loved this book and give it 5 stars (that's all Goodreads would give me).
This book is a stand alone romance, however, it is so much more. This is a book about a romance that takes place in the middle of the what is, HOPEFULLY, the most difficult part of our heroine Emily's life.
The only thing about this book I didn't love was the endless self-doubt of Emily. However, this girl had a reason to feel like there was something wrong with her. When all the people who are supposed to love you, fail you, it's easier to blame yourself than the people in your family.
Emily was easy to identify with, and despite her constant self sacrifice she was never one of those super annoying martyr/Mary Sue types; she seemed like a legit decent person trying to keep her head above water.
Luke (our hero) was also an awesome character. He was supportive and even though he wanted to jump in and help as much as he could, he was never the "savior."
The secondary characters were amazing as well. I loved Charlie and found him extremely well written and believable for his age.
I would recommend this book highly to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.
This book is a stand alone romance, however, it is so much more. This is a book about a romance that takes place in the middle of the what is, HOPEFULLY, the most difficult part of our heroine Emily's life.
The only thing about this book I didn't love was the endless self-doubt of Emily. However, this girl had a reason to feel like there was something wrong with her. When all the people who are supposed to love you, fail you, it's easier to blame yourself than the people in your family.
Emily was easy to identify with, and despite her constant self sacrifice she was never one of those super annoying martyr/Mary Sue types; she seemed like a legit decent person trying to keep her head above water.
Luke (our hero) was also an awesome character. He was supportive and even though he wanted to jump in and help as much as he could, he was never the "savior."
The secondary characters were amazing as well. I loved Charlie and found him extremely well written and believable for his age.
I would recommend this book highly to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.
April 29, 2019
So happy to have a new author to read!
I have 100% started these books out of order and I am still okay! I read Tuck first and now this one. They don’t seem to be intertwined, but I guess I will find out. (I plan to read them all!)
I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of this author before, she was recommended on a thread asking for slow-burn romance - many times people recommend a book saying it had that element and usually I disagree, not this time, I am so satisfied.
This one reminds me a little bit of “Wait for It” by Mariana Zapata which is one of my all-time favorite slow burn romances. It is the family dynamic, I love watching how extended family interact and how real love can be shown with sacrifice. It still was not as slow as the Zapata slow burn, but had all the right ingredients.
The chemistry between the two main characters was amazing...
I have 100% started these books out of order and I am still okay! I read Tuck first and now this one. They don’t seem to be intertwined, but I guess I will find out. (I plan to read them all!)
I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of this author before, she was recommended on a thread asking for slow-burn romance - many times people recommend a book saying it had that element and usually I disagree, not this time, I am so satisfied.
This one reminds me a little bit of “Wait for It” by Mariana Zapata which is one of my all-time favorite slow burn romances. It is the family dynamic, I love watching how extended family interact and how real love can be shown with sacrifice. It still was not as slow as the Zapata slow burn, but had all the right ingredients.
The chemistry between the two main characters was amazing...
June 16, 2021
Romance com um pé na novela das 20h.
Não é um romance com uma trama original ou diferente (mocinha de vida sofrida que cuida da irmã com câncer e sobrinho encontra uma chance com o amor), mas foi uma leitura rápida.
Achei um pouco monótono e cansativo o fato das coisas nunca darem certo para a personagem principal, tudo que ela tenta dá sempre errado ou tem sua situação piorada. O romance é óbvio e agradeço pelo tempo dedicado a construção da relação, não foi instalove.
Final óbvio e satisfatório, leiam se quiserem, mas acho que a autora tem livros melhores, sem tanta desgraça acontecendo e sem te deixar para baixo.
Não é um romance com uma trama original ou diferente (mocinha de vida sofrida que cuida da irmã com câncer e sobrinho encontra uma chance com o amor), mas foi uma leitura rápida.
Achei um pouco monótono e cansativo o fato das coisas nunca darem certo para a personagem principal, tudo que ela tenta dá sempre errado ou tem sua situação piorada. O romance é óbvio e agradeço pelo tempo dedicado a construção da relação, não foi instalove.
Final óbvio e satisfatório, leiam se quiserem, mas acho que a autora tem livros melhores, sem tanta desgraça acontecendo e sem te deixar para baixo.
December 17, 2021
3.5 ⭐️
This book packs more of an emotional punch than I was expecting, with the good-girl, self-sacrificing heroine always taking care of everyone else (her sweet nephew, her selfish, sick sister and awful brother-in-law - ARGGHH!) at great expense to herself. It has kind of an old-fashioned romance feel to it, and you really want the rich hero to come in and fix everything (maybe I'm projecting here LOL). Though there are some brief steamy scenes they lack heat, and I didn't strongly feel the romance/chemistry between the main couple (though I did a little), but it doesn't really matter because the magic of this book is in the story/plot, and I did feel the emotion of that. More proofreading errors than this persnickety reader likes, but not enough to influence my rating negatively. Looking forward to making my way through this author's catalogue as I like her ideas/style.
This book packs more of an emotional punch than I was expecting, with the good-girl, self-sacrificing heroine always taking care of everyone else (her sweet nephew, her selfish, sick sister and awful brother-in-law - ARGGHH!) at great expense to herself. It has kind of an old-fashioned romance feel to it, and you really want the rich hero to come in and fix everything (maybe I'm projecting here LOL). Though there are some brief steamy scenes they lack heat, and I didn't strongly feel the romance/chemistry between the main couple (though I did a little), but it doesn't really matter because the magic of this book is in the story/plot, and I did feel the emotion of that. More proofreading errors than this persnickety reader likes, but not enough to influence my rating negatively. Looking forward to making my way through this author's catalogue as I like her ideas/style.
October 11, 2022
Once again, this author’s story didn’t disappoint. I really do enjoy a good damsel in distress/down on her luck but strong nevertheless romance trope. I will note that as I’ve found in her other books, every so often there are some typos. She needs a better editor.
Solid romance. I liked how the characters were portrayed; there were a good blend of different personalities. I felt for the heroine. Her situation was very dire. I felt emotionally sad and tired for her but admired her fortitude. Our hero was kind.
So all in all, this book was great. Be aware though that there is a character (not a main one) who has advanced cancer. That may or may not be a trigger for some readers.
Solid romance. I liked how the characters were portrayed; there were a good blend of different personalities. I felt for the heroine. Her situation was very dire. I felt emotionally sad and tired for her but admired her fortitude. Our hero was kind.
So all in all, this book was great. Be aware though that there is a character (not a main one) who has advanced cancer. That may or may not be a trigger for some readers.
December 30, 2025
one of my favorites!!! I may of felt the need for more of Luke's thoughts and feelings (what does he do for a living?) and a little less of Emily's struggle (repetition of a few key struggles) however I loved how she would get a disappointment but mostly figured it out. For example , ride bikes. Sometimes disappointed that Luke settled something for her without telling her(?) but other times thinking she wouldn't accept.(?)
Poverty is real. The contrast between her and Luke...
I live in northern Michigan (other side of state) but I'm still rural and this is written exactly like you're there ...small grocery, dive bar, beach glass and Petoskey stones!!!
Poverty is real. The contrast between her and Luke...
I live in northern Michigan (other side of state) but I'm still rural and this is written exactly like you're there ...small grocery, dive bar, beach glass and Petoskey stones!!!
October 29, 2023
Emmy is a very likeable character except for her doormat behavior towards her sister. I hated her sister except for her one redeeming moment near the end of the book where she finally does one thing right for Emmy.
Do people really have relationships and not discuss their past before hopping into bed? Luke was allegedly some sort of player and it never comes up in discussions?
Another bonus for the super fun character of Annie. Jamie Bennett has a knack for writing side fun characters and Annie is a great one!
Do people really have relationships and not discuss their past before hopping into bed? Luke was allegedly some sort of player and it never comes up in discussions?
Another bonus for the super fun character of Annie. Jamie Bennett has a knack for writing side fun characters and Annie is a great one!
March 31, 2025
I loved she accepted help. It gets on my nerves when FMCs with kids/family to support act all I don't need any support. Like this isn't about you? Letting pride get in the way of letting your family's financial wellbeing is 🥴
The writing was a bit odd, but their decisions made sense. I wish she'd gone back to school at the end, though
I don't know why the last two pages before the epilogue even happened and Charlie's paternity was just ignored??
The writing was a bit odd, but their decisions made sense. I wish she'd gone back to school at the end, though
I don't know why the last two pages before the epilogue even happened and Charlie's paternity was just ignored??
September 27, 2019
I enjoyed The Moon Garden. I liked how Emily persevered and was true to her values and beliefs. I enjoyed her romance with Luke. I did wish that people were a bit more forgiving towards Cassie and that Cassie was more accepting of Emily’s help, but I guess that’s how some people are and the story reflects that people aren’t perfect. I look forward to reading more by Jamie Bennett.
August 6, 2025
I liked the Michigan setting. I enjoyed the read, I just felt a lot of the writing was so extreme, and the romance happened so quickly. It felt like the characters barely knew each other but they were instantly crazy for each other, which felt a bit hollow to me. I did like the MC's friends and her nephew.
September 28, 2019
Future Lifetime for Women Movie
The is a story about an overcome. True, but so depressing. The ending was satisfying but cheesy. Ugh. I kept waiting for the annoying background music.
The is a story about an overcome. True, but so depressing. The ending was satisfying but cheesy. Ugh. I kept waiting for the annoying background music.
March 27, 2021
I really liked this book. Sweet and short. I teared up a lot with the hardships in Emmy’s life.
I only wish she wasn’t such a doormat to her cruel sister and that her sister’s appalling treatment of her was addressed. We as readers know Cassie was a bitch but Emmy only says something in passing.
I only wish she wasn’t such a doormat to her cruel sister and that her sister’s appalling treatment of her was addressed. We as readers know Cassie was a bitch but Emmy only says something in passing.
March 28, 2021
A Beautiful story. Emily is taking care of her sister, who is sick with cancer, and her adorable nephew Charlie (7 years)
She is struggling with everything and do her best for them.
I enjoyed a lot this book, despite all the sadness of the situation, due to all the funny and nice details.
She is struggling with everything and do her best for them.
I enjoyed a lot this book, despite all the sadness of the situation, due to all the funny and nice details.
December 28, 2022
pretty emotive but great
this one was a gutwrencher.
Rooting for the underdog and cheering when life stops sucking, masterful writing draws you gently into the lives of the characters.
this one was a gutwrencher.
Rooting for the underdog and cheering when life stops sucking, masterful writing draws you gently into the lives of the characters.
Want to Read
February 22, 2025The FMC drops out of her doctoral program to come back to her small town and take care of her sister and her nephew. She is struggling to make ends meet and the MMC is the golden boy from her high school that she always had a crush on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2025
This was good and kinda white saviour-y but the FMC needed it damn. I would've been so pissed off of my sick sister treated me that way and she's taking care of the son too who is super sweet and confused with trauma
March 6, 2019
I just couldn't get over the relationship Luke had with her sister. I thought I could but I just couldn't. Love this author and I knew what I was getting into, so the fault lies with me.
June 19, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❣️
July 12, 2019
Felt like ive read it before
It was just ok
It was just ok
January 2, 2020
Good
Happy ,magical , do good things and they will come back kind of story
.gives off a good vibe in midst of tragedy
Happy ,magical , do good things and they will come back kind of story
.gives off a good vibe in midst of tragedy
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