Palmetto Moon by Kim Boykin whisks readers back to the late 1940s where times might changing in the rest of the world, but in South Carolina? Longstanding traditions and values continue to be deeply entrenched and previous transgressions always remain in the forefront of people's memories. But recent college graduate Vada Hadley is about to challenge many of the things her old moneyed family hold dear and, most surprisingly, she finds love when she least expects it. But will her loyalty to a beloved childhood friend destroy her chance at happiness? And will she ultimately allow her parents to decide her fate?

Vada is on the verge of what amounts to an arranged marriage when she grabs hold of her future by both hands and flees to the small town where she has been recommended for a teaching position. Unspoiled by her parents' wealth and her pampered childhood, Vada settles into her new life and quickly becomes close friends with war widow Claire Greeley and her three young children. But it is her budding romance with local diner owner Frank Darling that proves to be the most illuminating as she experiences desire, passion and love for the first time in her young life.

Vada is a very interesting young woman who thinks for herself, but she is a little naive due to her very sheltered upbringing. She is feisty and headstrong but she is also kind and compassionate. Her loyalty to her childhood friend is admirable but it is also frustrating because it leads her into making rash and foolhardy decisions. Her college years have given her a new perspective on her parents' expectations and when her protestations about her upcoming marriage fall on deaf ears, Vada has no choice but to strike out on her own.

Frank is the complete opposite of Vada. His life has been full of disappointment and loss and he feels stuck in a life that is not of his choosing. He is immediately drawn to Vada and he quickly begins courting her. Haunted by a disastrous mistake in his past, Frank is careful to keep their romance above reproach and his strong desire for her in check. He is definitely a product of the times, and while he has the utmost respect and admiration for Vada, Frank does not always understand her need for independence.

Frank and Vada rush headlong into a relationship and there is a bit of an insta-love feeling to their romance. A love at first sight storyline can be tricky and in Frank and Vada's situation, it is a little difficult to believe. Their relationship is full of stops and starts and when they are together, the story is crackling with sexual tension. But instead of trying to solve their problems together, Vada's default mode is to push Frank away. They reunite several times, only to have misunderstandings come between them. Their emotions and passion are believable, but getting them together permanently is an exercise in frustration (for them and the reader).

The secondary cast of characters is superb and their interactions with one another are delightful. Claire is still grieving the loss of her husband and she is desperate to find a better life for her children. While she is genuinely happy for Vada's romance, it is also quite bittersweet for her because it reminds her of what she has lost. Reggie Sheridan is an absolute breath of fresh air and his introduction lightens the overall story. Frank's relationship with Tiny is also quite refreshing and their banter is quite humorous.

Palmetto Moon is an insightful novel with a charming cast of characters. Although it is written from different perspectives, the story flows nicely with smooth transitions between the various points of view. Kim Boykin's descriptive prose easily brings the setting and the characters vividly to life. All in all, it is a very engaging novel that has depth and substance and a wonderfully heartwarming romance.
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AUTHOR: Darcy, Emma
TITLE: The Outback Bridal Rescue
DATE READ: 04/20/15
RATING: 4/B
GENRE/PUB DATE/PUBLISHER/# OF PGS Romance/2004/Harlequin/185 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE #3 in Outback Knights Trilogy
CHARACTERS Johnny Ellis/ musician; Megan McGuire/ joint heir of Gundamurra
TIME/PLACE Australian Outback/ 2000's
FIRST LINES: Johnny Ellis rode into the old western twon that had been guilt for the movie.
COMMENTS: This is the 3rd book in the trilogy featuring the 3 young men that were taken in by Patrick McGuire. They each were rebellious and had done something to illegal to put them away for awhile. Patrick McGuire the owner of Gundamurra gave them another chance on his Outback Station. Each of the 3 young men matured and learned well. They all had a bond to the McGuires and the land but went off to become successful in their careers away from this isolated area. This story features Johnny Ellis who has become a famous Pop/Rock star and now entering the movie scene. When Patrick McGuire passes, his will stipulates that both Megan, his daughter, and Johnny will hold equal shares to the land. Megan is resentful of this and thinks she is entitled to it all, but has secretly harbored feelings for Johnny altho she feels he has only seen her as is kid sister. She also feels his fame and fortune not suited to the Outback. Johnny, however, has had the limelight for the last 2 decades and is ready to settle down. He 's not sure why Megan is so cold to him and is almost ready to sell his share to her to make her happy… Always nice to travel to Australia. A nice read. ( )

1947 Charleston is the setting for Palmetto Moon. Vada Hadley is a young woman who is to be married to a man she despises. She tries desperately to figure a way out but the only way is to run. Run she does but not too far from home to a little town not far from Charleston. She moves in to a boarding house with very little money and is accepted for a position as teacher. While living in the boarding house she meets Claire, a young widow with three little boys who is looking for a man to help her raise her two boys. Frank Darling runs the local restaurant and falls in love immediately the first time he sees Vada. They each have their own secrets but start seeing each other romantically. Vada is also looking for Darby, a longtime friend, who Vada wants to reconnect with and make sure she is doing well.

In the meantime Vada's father and ex fiance, Justin, are looking for Vada and do eventually find her. Will she go back with them and marry Justin or will she go where her heart is? Well for the answer, you need to read the book and find out. I liked Vada because even though this is 1947, just after the war, where woman, especially in the South, have strict rules to follow. They do what their fathers require, marry the man that generally is picked by the father, an arranged marriage if you will. Vada is a strong character and wants to lead her own life even if that means being estranged from her accustomed way of life. Frank Darling is a hard working average man who will do anything for Vada. I did not like Justin at all, a pompous jerk, not at all what Vada needs for a life partner.

This is a character driven novel that depicts life in the south, not only with its prejudices and hatred. Characters who are full of life and meaning, who will grab your heartstrings. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book for review and was not monetarily compensated for said review. ( )

Its 1947 and Vada Hadley is going to be married to a rich Charlestonian by her rich father to help make both families more successful. It doesn't matter to her father that she doesn't love Justin and doesn't want to marry him. So the day before the wedding, Vada runs away to a small town and gets a job as a teacher. She gives up her fine life and beautiful clothes and lives in a boarding house. Its the story of her self discovery of who she is and what she wants out of life. The story is well told and the characters are very likeable. Its a fun quick read. ( )

This was a good book but a little too YA for my likes. ( )