Man in the blue moon (2012)

In MAN IN THE BLUE MOON, Michael Morris has given us a lovely novel that crosses many genres. It’s southern literature, historical fiction, an inspirational tale, and it has a bit of magic to it too. Rather than put it in one of those categories though, I’ll just say that it’s a great story with terrific writing to propel it.

MAN IN THE BLUE MOON begins with Ella Wallace struggling to support her children, keep the family land, and move on after her husband has left her for his real love: opium. With World War I as its backdrop, Ella’s story of survival gives Morris an opportunity to look at faith, family, and friendships, and how those elements intertwine in the context of small-town life.

As is the case with many of my favorite books, some of the secondary characters are the ones who grab my attention and take the story from good to great. My favorite, Reverend Simpson, hung in the background as a good conscience should, and any time he took to the podium of his church, I was ready to pay attention. Sure, some of the other residents of Dead Lakes, Florida were a bit stereotypical, but Morris’s writing ensured that I didn’t really notice that until I had finished the book.

It’s easy to see why PUBLISHERS WEEKLY chose MAN IN THE BLUE MOON as one of its Best Books of 2012 in the Religion category, describing it as “everything faith fiction ought to be and usually isn't: a fabulous (as in fable) and subtle tale of love, loyalty, grit, and on-fire imagination, a Southern stew lightly seasoned with the mystery of faith.”
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In MAN IN THE BLUE MOON, Michael Morris has given us a lovely novel that crosses many genres. It’s southern literature, historical fiction, an inspirational tale, and it has a bit of magic to it too. Rather than put it in one of those categories though, I’ll just say that it’s a great story with terrific writing to propel it.

MAN IN THE BLUE MOON begins with Ella Wallace struggling to support her children, keep the family land, and move on after her husband has left her for his real love: opium. With World War I as its backdrop, Ella’s story of survival gives Morris an opportunity to look at faith, family, and friendships, and how those elements intertwine in the context of small-town life.

As is the case with many of my favorite books, some of the secondary characters are the ones who grab my attention and take the story from good to great. My favorite, Reverend Simpson, hung in the background as a good conscience should, and any time he took to the podium of his church, I was ready to pay attention. Sure, some of the other residents of Dead Lakes, Florida were a bit stereotypical, but Morris’s writing ensured that I didn’t really notice that until I had finished the book.

It’s easy to see why PUBLISHERS WEEKLY chose MAN IN THE BLUE MOON as one of its Best Books of 2012 in the Religion category, describing it as “everything faith fiction ought to be and usually isn't: a fabulous (as in fable) and subtle tale of love, loyalty, grit, and on-fire imagination, a Southern stew lightly seasoned with the mystery of faith.” ( )

Title: Man in the Blue Moon
Author: Michael Morris
Pages: 400
Year: 2012
Publisher: Tyndale
What do you think this story is about? Sometimes when reading a summary of a story we think the novel sounds intriguing and therefore worth reading. Man in the Blue Moon sure caught my attention for being set during the timeframe of World War I. As works of fiction go, I love those that include history the most. Over the last year of reading fiction or non-fiction, each author has brought their stories or knowledge out for others to enjoy.
In the Florida panhandle, Ella is trying to keep a store running as well as raise her three sons. Ella is a gifted painter and her aunt has plans for Ella to study her craft in France, until Harlan brings change. Harlan marries Ella and after an accident becomes addicted to opium. One morning Ella gets out of bed to find he has left her, and years later she is still waiting for his return.
Clive Gillespie wants all the land that Ella owns, promising her dying father to always keep it in the family. Clive harbors feelings so dark and deep that all he wants to do is take from Ella. Through various schemes he is always attempting to bypass people or laws to get what he wants, but what causes him to never attain it?
As you continue to read through the novel, you will come across many interesting characters. Man in the Blue Moon is part mystery, such as when a man shows up in a crate supposedly to help Ella with her problems. Part of the novel deals with the understanding of what real faith is compared to what it is thought to be. Overall, the threads of family, love, loyalty, trust, and sacrifice come together to weave a masterpiece of fiction.
When I started reading this book, the story seemed to move slowly and I was curious to see where the author would have the reader end up. There are various twists and turns to the mystery first shown in the beginning chapters. In the pages, there is a broad range of characters and interactions that are well-crafted. Ella is the lead female character, who through various trials learns to forgive and embraces the risk to love again. Lanier Stillis is a man who comes into the story with a veiled background and learns the true gift God has given him and how to give it back for God’s glory.
There have been other Michael Morris writings I have liked better than Man in the Blue Moon, but don’t let that keep you from reading and sharing this novel. Morris has written a story that broke my heart one minute only to knit it back together is some endearing way.
My rating is 3 ½ stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )

Despite her aunt’s warnings, Ella Wallace proceeds to marry a farmer who cannot give her the life she deserves. After three children and hard work on the land and in the home, Ella learns her husband has abandoned her. To make matters worse, a scrupulous banker is determined to take her land from her. Alone, she struggles to keep her farm solvent without any outside help. Then one day, she receives a notice that a parcel awaits her. She believes it to be a clock, something her husband foolishly purchased but something she might be able to sell to help pay the banker before he forecloses. When she opens the box, out jumps a man, Lanier Stillis, a distant relative of her husband. Lanier has been accused of a crime he did not commit and hopes to find a refuge with Ella. It turns out he works hard with Ella in an effort to help her save her home and lands.

Lanier, however, is not all he seems. In fact, he has a gift to heal those who are sick or wounded. As word spreads, some seek Lanier out for help while others look upon him with suspicion and mistrust, tarnishing poor Ella’s reputation as people begin to shun her.

Set in Florida panhandle in the early days of the 20th century, this novel is one of great depth and fascinating characters. As the main character, Ella stands up against adversity with strength and courage. As the story unfolds, and as each character is introduced, they each play a pivotal role in the story.

This character driven novel is written with detailed descriptions and eloquent prose, while telling a darn good, poignant story. ( )

Ella is a smart woman brought low by a no good man. Her aunt had high hopes for her and she was hoping to study art and hopefully go to Europe some day but she fell hard for con man Harlan and his smooth talking ways. Soon she finds herself alone and trying hard to pay off a mortgage Harlan took on her land by forging her name. A mortgage he took with the help of a local shady, sleazy banker who wants Ella's land for himself.

Just as things seem to be at their worst a box arrives from the Blue Moon Clock Company. It's fully paid for and Ella figures she can just sell the clock and put the money towards the mortgage but that box brings her much more than a grandfather clock! The contents of the box will change her life in more ways than one.

Oh, what a fantastic book. Finally, after a string of "eh" books this was one I could lose myself in and just enjoy the magic of the writer's words. Mr. Morris brings WWI era panhandle Florida to hot, humid life. The characters are so well defined as to be recognizable in people I know and their quirks and manners bring the town of Apalachicola to life. You really want to root for this woman who has been beaten down by life, her useless man and her supposed friends. You want her to succeed.

The writing is simple, almost spare but it is perfect for the story and what a story! Built upon a tale spun to the author by his grandfather and constructed into a novel of complexity and depth with traveling preachers, false healers, real healers and strong women. All woven together in a tale that was very hard to put down. ( )