The Moonflowers, the debut novel from writer Abigail Rose-Marie, will sit with me for some time. A story about women and women's health while taking place so far in the past couldn't be more timely as what we're currently living today. I will admit that I nearly DNF'd this book before the halfway mark due to the uncomfortable feelings certain aspects of the story were inspiring in me, but something told me to stick with it and I'm glad that I did. The women in this story were utterly awe-inspiring in their bravery and courage and I found myself cheering for them throughout while utterly. disparaging many of the sneering male voices that populated the small town of Darren this novel takes place in.

I found the prose of this story utterly haunting and was captivated by the detail in which Abigail Rose-Marie captured in describing Darren and it's inhabitants. To that end, Rose-Marie has such a way of writing characters that are so utterly despicable and for lack of a better word, ugly, that I found my lip turned up in disgust whenever they opened their mouths. You'd think this wouldn't be an enjoyable experience but it truly wasn't.

Thank you #NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this spellbinding novel! I will be adding Abigail to my "must read" author's list moving forward. 5⭐️

I highly recommend THE MOONFLOWERS for fans of women's fiction and book club fiction. (And don't you love that gorgeous cover?!)

Get ready for some explosive secrets lurking beneath the surface.

I happen to be from Appalachia so I can confidently say that the author does a wonderful job of setting the scene in Appalachia without delving into harmful (and inaccurate) stereotypes. There's a remarkable sense of place that shines through the pages.

As secrets are revealed, the pages practically turn themselves. Family history can be haunting, and this is a compelling story, elegantly told. I look forward to more from this author.

The ending provides a satisfying conclusion while still coming across as realistic.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-galley; all opinions in this review are 100% my own.

Tig Costello has come home from Chicago to recover from a tramatizing experience. Her father, David, a noted artist, believes an invitation he has received may be just the answer to help in Tig’s recovery. The invitation is to participate in celebrating the life of Darren, Kentucky’s most celebrated citizen, Benjamen Costello, Tig’s grandfather, by painting his portrait to hang in City Hall. Reluctantly Tig agrees. It’s an opportunity to learn more about her almost secretive family history.

Darren has barely changed from the days when Benjamen served as mayor of the town in which he grew up, fought in the war against the Nazi’s and return home with intentions to put Darren on the map.

Unfortunately all good intentions were never realized. As Tig learns there is a lot going on in Darren which can be traced to a childhood friend of Benjamen, Eloise Price. And what Tig learns is that one strange night Eloise murdered Benjamen and buried him in her beloved forrest.

What could have compelled Eloise to murder her friend. Although Tig is warned off about visiting Eloise, who currently resides in the state mental institution, Tig continues to visit Eloise while Eloise spools her story slowly. She has no reason to hurry, Tig is her only visitor in years.

It’s a story as old as the hills of Darren and as contemporaneous as the problems we face in our divided nation today. I highly recommend this timeless story.

<i> I received an advanced readers copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, </i>

I have to say that I never read historical fiction but this book has turned me in the direction of trying some more. It was such a good read.

<b><u>What I liked:</u></b>
- The way the story was told. No heavy amounts of talking, just when into telling the story of the time and coming out of it with scene breaks
- How it handled talk around rape and abortion. Showing the importance of the need to have an escape plan when in a terrible situation
- It shows the even though some people do great things (like going to war) it doesn’t mean they are a good person deep down.

<b><u>What I disliked:</u></b>
- It felt a little description heavy at points but that’s more a personal preference

<b>5 out of 5 stars, I loved everything about this book. It was eye opening and starts a great conversation around the overturn of Roe v. Wade.</b>

In this compelling novel, secrets smolder beneath the surface, igniting a journey of discovery and bravery that transcends the ordinary. The author masterfully unveils the complexities of life in Appalachia, where shadows conceal more than just the landscape. Through the eyes of its captivating female protagonists, we traverse a landscape fraught with challenges, yet illuminated by an extraordinary resilience that defies the odds. A haunting tale that resonates long after the final page is turned, this book is a testament to the indomitable strength found within the heart of Appalachia's daughters.

Thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC of this wonderful story!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - any story that centers around women always has me hooked. This was a poignant story about Antigone (“Tig”) Costello trying to uncover the roots of her family’s past. Along the way in her journey of finding the truth, she uncovers stories of the strong and courageous women who fought for themselves and other women during a time where they had no voice and no right to choose. Oftentimes in these stories, the characters meet such dreary ends, so it was so nice to see the women in this book find solace.

I love books about Appalachia, family secrets, and institutions. This book hit all three out of the park. It was deeply haunting, and I absolutely loved it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the opportunity to read The Moonflowers by Abigail Rose-Marie, a stunning debut reinforcing beliefs that as much as some things have changed, the more they have, sadly, stayed the same. It speaks forcefully and eloquently of the power of women when united. Highly recommended

The name and cover of this book caught my eye immediately, but the story that unfolds within its pages will be what stays with me for years to come.

The Moonflowers By Abigail Rose-Marie is a stunning and devastating tale about three women in the hills of Kentucky who fought for the safety of women in a world dominated by brutal men. Told from the perspective of Antigone, Tig for short, the book begins with her as she drifts aimlessly through life as she tries to recover from a sexual assault that she ensured while she was an art student. She finds herself in the hills of Kentucky to paint a portrait of her grandfather who, although portrayed as a town hero, has a disturbing past. Tig uncovers some dark secrets but also unravels a worthy and heroic story. One worth fighting to tell.
The Moonflowers, although a brilliant work of fiction, brings to light a real-life storyline that has been reapeated endlessly over time. Women being controlled, treated poorly by men with little to no protection from the law.... but also the brave women (and men) that dared to fight passionately for the safety of all women.

Thank you #NetGalley, not only for access to read the ARC of this memorable novel but also for adding a new author to my must-read list!