On Moonberry Lake is a standalone novel by Holly Varni. It follows Cora Matthews as she tries to process all of the pieces of her broken life and put them together in a meaningful way. The story is a modern tale with all sorts of interesting characters. This jaunt through small town life is humorous and heartbreaking all at once.

The author has a way of describing people that really brings them to life. Readers will be attached and invested in finding out what happens to each person. One of the fun parts of the story is watching as the main character Cora begins to appreciate the unique traits of each of her friends.

It is improbable that this many individuals with so many quaint traits all live in the same small town. However, the appreciation and respect they show one another is a marvelous example for life. While much of the book has humorous interactions there is an undertone of serious introspection. Readers will start looking at those they know who are perhaps a bit different from others and try to understand what really drives a person to act the way he does. This book brings people closer to one another and encourages them to make connections.

Review of an Advance Reader Copy Provided by the Publisher

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore:  A person threatens if she doesn’t leave the property; a person leaves dead fish carcasses lying about.

Sex/Nudity: Non-married characters kiss and embrace.

Mature Subject Matter:  

Death of close family members.

Drug/Alcohol Use:

None