Under the Bayou Moon: A Novel

I really enjoyed this read, from beginning to end it was a breath of fresh air to keep turning the pages. A young woman is coming to teach these poor children who have been traumatized by previous teachers, and we get to watch as Ellie puts herself out there. There is the love of a child, of a community, and a love for their fellowman, and it flows from individual to another. The banter is at times laugh out loud and the, and the caring is so heartwarming! Be sure to read the epilogue, we are gifted! I received this book through the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

Under the Bayou Moon was an emotional, adventurous, and soul-lifting story of a woman searching for where she belongs. When Ellie Fields arrives in the tiny bayou country town of Bernadette, Louisiana, she instantly falls in love with the nature-filled country and unique and personable people. But is what she finds enough to anchor her heart to the bayou? This was such a beautiful story. The author did a perfect job of painting the landscape of Bernadette, from the sights and sounds of the bayou, to the unique, tightly-knit community, and the spicy, delicious cuisine. Even the history of the area comes to life through the words of Ellie and Raphe’s story. I fell in love with the culture and people--their big hearts and rich history. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Bernadette! Ellie (Juliet) is such a pearl. Her heart for others is so grand, but I loved her witty personality. The banter between her and Heywood had me laughing over and over. It is impossible to read Ellie’s story and not fall in love with her. You will be cheering for her to find her place and purpose in this world from the first chapter. The love story between Ellie and Raphe is so deliciously slow, soft, and sweet. The author did a fantastic job of creating a deep, lasting connection. I just love these two together. Sigh. Overall, I would highly recommend Under the Bayou Moon to any Christian historical fiction fans. It is a perfect read for those clinging to the last days of summer adventure.

EVOCATIVE! Valerie Fraser Luesse has written an evocative story set in the sultry swamps of Louisiana in the late 1940s-early 1950s. She introduces the world to a young teacher, Ellie Fields. Ellie has left the confines of the life she knows so well in small town Alabama and accepted the challenge of a teaching job in tiny Louisiana town deep in the bayou country. Tiny Bernadette, LA is filled with many sets of challenges for the idealistic schoolteacher. Yet, Ellie feels an immediate love for these people and one man in particular wins her heart. Cajun fisherman Rafe marries Ellie and they create a safe haven for the nephew that Rafe is adopting. In an area well known for not accepting outsiders, this mix of many different types of people have come together in one accord to accept the new school teacher. Why? Because she LOVES their children with everything in her being and loves each one of them the same amount as the others! She has even come up with a way to teach the African American children as well as the illiterate adults. She knows they are a proud people but some of them never had the opportunity to go to school. When the area is shaken by the largest crisis they have ever had to face, it is rewarding to see neighbors helping neighbors, friends helping friends and even strangers helping others! When push comes to shove, Luesse paints a beautiful word picture of what the Good Samaritan as well as true resiliency look like. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.