My Review of Once in a Blue Moon

Here's the description of the book from the B&H Fiction website:

"Bryn Seymour was nine years old when her mother died under mysterious circumstances on the same day Apollo 11 made its historic lunar landing. Forty years later—divorced, working as an obituary writer, and duly cynical—she meets Howard, a conspiracy theorist who knew her mom and believes a small Texas town may hold clues to what really fueled her demise. Seeking closure, Bryn goes along for this men-in-black ride. But upon meeting Howard’s son Sam, an outspoken Christian, she can’t decide whose beliefs are more pie-in-the-sky.
The gravity of life has pulled Bryn down for decades. But a perfect love could be her first step to soaring. It only happens once in a blue moon."

My Rating: Spring
(For my rating system, please see the sidebar.)

My Review:
This is a well-written and engaging book! There were several times I had to laugh out loud at Ellis' clever choice of words as well as her interesting cast of characters. Reading Sam's comment that "preachers like to kiss" was just one of many laughable moments. But what I really appreciate was Ellis' ability to weave together both sorrow and humor in such a way as to make the characters real. The dialogue seemed very natural, including the questions asked by Bryn when she's seeking answers on matters of faith.
On that note, I have to say I don't necessarily agree with everything in the book. Not to say that any material was offensive; rather, it was more that I wasn't sure that I agreed with all of Sam's beliefs (or how he worded them) or actions. However, a result of this was that it really caused me to ponder what Sam said and did, and to consider what it is I believe on certain subjects. And for that, I say bravo to Leanna Ellis!
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. Intrigue really adds a lot to this book, and that sense of mystery doesn't even end when the book does! But to find out more about that, you'll have to read the book for yourself!

*Thanks to Deborah Vogts for my copy of this book! I won this book on her blog--http://deborahvogts.blogspot.com/*