A young, restless Alabama teacher searching for a sense of purpose accepts a position at a tiny Louisiana bayou school, where a lonely Cajun fisherman, a tight-knit community, and a legendary white alligator will change her life forever.
from Baker Book House
My Thoughts:
This book is easily one of my favorite reads of 2021. That feels like a big statement, but that’s because this book just makes my heart feel things.
Here’s the thing–full disclaimer here: if you’re looking for page-turning, action-packed, fast-paced writing, you aren’t going to find that within these pages. This is not an adrenaline rush. As with every other Luesse book I’ve read, this is a slow, rich chocolate that needs to be cherished as you read it.
I feel so protective of this book because I know anyone who doesn’t understand the beauty of it might find it boring or lacking in some way, but it’s not. For all that it is and all that it’s meant to be, it’s perfection. It is heart and heritage and love and story and friendship and community written in black and white across page.
I laughed. I swooned . . . many, many times. I worried. I teared up at the end. This book is a journey. Character-rich and full of heart, it’s a love letter to the bayou and the people who thrive there. If you are an emotional cheese puff who easily falls in love with characters, this book is the right one for you.
I fell in love with Ellie and absolutely adored her growth throughout the book. I FOR SURE fell in love with Raphe and Remy. Heywood was the best and I loved him and everything was perfect. Just well done. *chef’s kiss*
Under the Bayou Moon is available now, friends.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. All expressed opinions belong to me.
Purchase: Amazon | Baker Book House | Christianbook | Barnes & Noble
Book Boyfriend:
Raphe. My word, but he’s everything good. His heart is solid gold. He loves his people well. He works hard. He doesn’t say a lot, but he doesn’t have to because he makes his words count and he makes his actions say everything else. He’s the kind of guy you want in your corner always, and he’s the kind of guy who will stay in your corner once he chooses you. I swoon.
Soul of a Librarian 