I had never heard of Holly Varni before but I am sure glad I took a chance and picked up ON MOONBERRY LAKE. Ms. Varni instantly hooked me and pulled me right in from the very first page and never let me go. Hang on tight! It is going to be a very crazy and bumpy ride! Holly Varni’s debut novel gave me all the feels and I enjoyed every minute of it. It has just the right amount of romance, mystery, and historical fiction. Cora and Kitty are going to feel like the reader’s friends before the middle of this amazing story.

ON MOONBERRY LAKE shows how when we turn ourselves over to God anything is possible. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy clean reads with true to life characters. Friendship and love are a huge part of this story and both play a big role in people healing and moving forward. When Cora’s mother passed away, she inherited her grandparents old lodge where Cora loved to be. For seven years she was happy there until one day her mother ripped her away and she never saw her grandparents again. The one stipulation for her inheriting the lodge is she has to live there for one year. Cora decides to rehab and rebuild the lodge. This is where she meets Widgy who is a character like you have never met before!

All the characters in ON MOONBERRY LAKE are very relatable and not perfect at all. You can’t help but feel each emotion that they are dealing with. When one of them was happy, I was happy. When Cora was crying, I was crying too. I love when an author does that to their readers. I truly was an emotional mess after reading this heart tugging story. Now that I have read ON MOONBERRY LAKE and discovered Holly Varni I’m excited to read more of this new to me, auto buy from now on author. If you are looking for a heart tugging read that is filled with troubling times, but still fills you with hope, please take a chance and read ON MOONBERRY LAKE. It is so real that you need to keep the tissues close by because your emotions are going to be on one crazy roller coaster ride. Once you finish devouring this story, you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Moonberry Lake was an interesting place to visit. It sounds quite lovely and tranquil. Cora Matthews spent many summers with her grandparents there. She loved the freedom that she felt. Till one day a horrible rift opened between her mother and grandparents. Her mother never let her go back to visit them while they were still alive and never told her what was so monumental that she cut all ties with her own parents. Now Cora's mother has passed away and Cora finds herself back at Moonberry Lake for the funeral.

Life continues to get interesting as she finds out she has inherited her grandparent's lodge on the lake. It needs a lot of work, but it does hold some cherished memories for her. Also, Cora's mother has left a list of stipulations for her to do and keep, if the lodge is to remain hers. Cora is never one for staying around, not for jobs nor for fiancés even. But she figures she can stick around the lodge for a bit.

As Cora begins to bring the home back to life, she has an ally in Sam a neighbor. He introduces her to many of the townsfolk. They are quite an eccentric and quirky lot. I found myself chuckling at the oddities of all of them and wondered how Cora was going to quite fit in. Cora is determined to finish what she started this time, and then things really go south.

Filled with highs and lows, family secrets, and a town of assorted odd characters, Cora is going to maybe find the meaning of family that she has so long searched for. For some reason this story really surprised me. There is a thread of romance, but I think this story is about a woman falling in love with a town and its people.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Title: On Moonberry Lake


Author: Holly Varni



Ch: 32



Pg: 335



Genre: Christian Contemporary



Rating: 4.5 stars



Publisher: Revell



On Moonberry Lake is the debut novel by Holly Varni. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. As I tend to be ifffy about books dealing with the death of the characters mom. It can go one of two ways good or really bad. On Moonberry lake went very good. As grief effects everyone differently. And the book showed that.


Cora was my favorite because she was the one, I related to the most. But Widgy is a close second as well as the characters in the small town. Though the small town is in Minnesota it’s easy for anyone who spent time in a small town to relate to. Because every small has fill in the blank.


I can’t wait to read the next book from Holly.





I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Well, Cora Matthew's life isn't going as she would have liked. Not at all. Her mother passed away. Cora is no longer engaged. And...she has inherited her family's dilapidated lakefront lodge. Cora had happy times there as a child with her mother and grandparents. She has no idea why her mother moved her away to never return again. Well, Cora has inherited the lodge on one condition...she must remain there for one year. One year, okay. She can surely manage that, can't she? Then, she can sell it and move on.
Cora decides to tackle the job of repairs so she can be more likely to sell it. There are surprises-some of the nice kind-some not for Cora.
She learns there are wonderful people there. And, just maybe, she is beginning to love Moonberry Lake once again and longs to put down roots.
This story has wonderful characters. This is the first book I've read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Revell through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

“… you’ll have a far more interesting and meaningful life if you open yourself up to people you have to work to understand.”

Y’all are in for a real treat with Holly Varni’s debut novel, On Moonberry Lake! For starters, it is one of the best debuts I’ve ever read, and I easily fell head over heels for the town of Moonberry Lake and its quirky characters. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much reading a book… the kind of laughter that squeezes weird noises out your throat and tears from your eyes. At the same time, it’s full of so much heart and sweet friendship that it uplifted me in other ways besides ‘just’ the humor.

“Tell me, Sam, how is it that, if miracles come in all different packages, you manage to find me the two most bizarre ones?”

On Moonberry Lake may be following Cora Matthews and her return to the small town that held such happy childhood memories – and a really sad one – for her. But it’s very much not just Cora’s story. No, this novel is a love letter to small towns and unlikely friendships, to the family you build around you and the faith you make your own. And oh my goodness, this Minnesota lake town is overflowing with eccentric characters that will capture your heart, just like they do Cora’s: the endearing Mr. Wells, goodhearted Sam, precious Kitty, quiet Joseph, artsy Arielle, verbose Ruth Ann, swoony Ben, intuitive Delphinium, persnickety Alma, befuddled Grace (honestly, bless her heart), and the quirkiest of them all – Widgy (who defies explanation). Each and every one of these characters quickly became like family to Cora, and they felt the same to me, too. I’m already craving another visit with them! (I also can’t neglect to mention the delightful ‘Sightings and Satire’ section of the local paper interspersed occasionally through the story.)

“Your friendship has given me sustenance.”

The faith aspect of On Moonberry Lake is more subtle than overt, but several characters do have a relationship with God that impacts their daily lives. And part of Cora’s growth throughout the book revolves around her recognizing God’s Presence in her life, that she has never been alone despite how she felt, that His voice comes as a whisper rather than a scream. I loved watching how this knowledge begins to change Cora’s outlook and her decisions. While I had a couple of minor theological differences with a subplot involving Kitty’s work in the cemetery, overall I appreciated how the author shows how slowing down to listen to God can transform your life.

“How can ya move forward if you don’t got nothin’ behind ya?”

Bottom Line: If I could give On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni more than 5 stars, I would. I was frequently torn between being goodnaturedly horrified for Cora and guffawing at her unique predicaments. And yes, the author’s way with words and characters made me laugh more than any book in recent memory, but tucked away between the laugh lines of this heartwarming story is also a sweet message of friendship, faith, restoration and personal growth. It’s about learning what makes a family, seeing God’s hand in your life, and taking the time to know the people that others might dismiss. The romance is sweetly swoony and beautifully written. Perfect for fans of Garrison Keillor, Jan Karon, Mary Connealy, or Jennifer Beckstrand!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

Even though the leading lady of On Moonberry Lake is twenty-six years old, it still feels like a coming-of-age story. Maybe that is because Cora Matthews feels like she lost her childhood when her mother took her away from all she had ever known and loved without ever explaining why. As a result Cora had never been able to put down roots, that is not until she returned to the small town of Moonberry Lake, Minnesota, a town filled with unforgettable characters. On Moonberry Lake will make readers cry and then laugh until they cry. Numerous times I stopped my husband in whatever he was doing to read hilarious excerpts aloud to him. (I have a broken right hand and wrist. So, I am not currently much help around the house) It brightened my day, and I think it brightened his, too.

The only iffy element of this book for me was that a couple of characters had a new age edge to them. I would recommend this book to mature Christians that could separate the wheat from the chaff, but would be less likely to recommend it to new Christians or unbelievers.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

First off, I will tell you that I loved this book. It is one of those books that you savor. I really did not expect this book to be what it was.

There were more laugh-out loud parts in this book than any I've read in a long time. Which I had totally not expected. The story is character driven with a little mystery thrown in. And there were so many quirky characters, Kitty and her job, Widgy and her dog plus so much more, Ruth Ann at the deli and Mr. Wells just to name a few. All these and more became Cora's family.
Cora is the main character, she has just lost her mom, inherited an inn and is in need of a family. Cora is kind, strong, stubborn and generous. Her friend, Ben is warm, sweet and exactly who Cora needs.
The themes of grief, hope, positive attitude, determination, open hearts and having a unique family were what moved throughout this story.

I so enjoyed this book but I must say a few things niggled at me. There were several things that felt like new age thought, such as “the universe wants you to cross paths” or “Bread centers you” Since it was to be a Christian book, why not say God may be making something happen.
But I also realize these were not the main characters in the story and that we all often have friends with other views. Also the mention of God did increase as the book when on, which I appreciated.

All in all I would recommend this book highly. I loved living in Moonberry and didn't want it to end. Thankfully the next book is coming and this book gives a sneak peak of that one at the end.

Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book The opinions are entirely my own.

I received an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed this story of a young woman learning what family truly means. It had all the best aspects; family, secrets and love. Highly recommend!

On Moonberry Lake
Holly Varni
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cora Matthews loved her grandparents' lodge in the small Minnesota town of Moonberry Lake. She's never understood why her mother took her away as a child and never allowed her to return. Following her mother's unexpected death and her own broken engagement, Cora returns to Moonberry Lake and learns that she has inherited the lodge that has fallen into disrepair. With the help of a quirky cast of locals, will Cora finally be able to find answers and put down roots in the only place that's ever felt like home?

This was a new author to us and a different type of book than our normal read. The story centered around a town community and taking the time to invest in people. The main female lead realizes that instead of running when things get uncomfortable, she can turn to her neighbors who have become the family she has always wanted. The story was sprinkled with colorful characters from an elderly cemetery caretaker to an eccentric female repairwoman that help her look at the world in a different way to see how much she is valued and loved.

We received an advance copy from the publisher. This is our honest review.

The beginning of this narrative is amusing and scary at the same time; I had no idea what was about to happen. Just like Cora, readers are unaware of mother's mysterious departure from Moonberry Lake years ago. Cora never intended to return to Moonberry Lake, but Cora’s mother had stipulations she had to follow. Cora had to live at the lodge for a full year before she could receive her mother's inheritance. The lodge needed a lot of care and repair.
Could she do this? Could she be Happy? Cora cherished the memories of the first seven years in the Lodge. That was until her mother tore her away from the only place, she called home. The only soft spot in her heart were the cherished memories of living with her grandparents at their lodge on Moonberry Lake.

Finding a book that is both entertaining, thought-provoking, fun, and makes you smile at the same time is rare. This is an incredibly captivating story about friendship, a tight-knit community who rally around those who are having troubles, and value life even in the most difficult circumstances. This book reminded me a little of the book Dear Henry Love Edith by Becca Kinzer for the fun community of eccentric characters the author created.

I adored this story and the funny community newspaper columns that made me laugh. This book, which is the author’s first, will make you feel good inside when you close the book. Pay attention to this author who has a bright future. You don’t want to miss this humorous, moving, and inspiring novel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

On Moonberry Lake is a wonderful debut novel by Holly Varni. Cora is trying to start a new life for herself after her mom passes away. She needed a new start. Sometimes she had hard situations, but I took heart in her journey through the book. I enjoyed the quirky and enduring characters in the town. Characters take the lead in this story. I appreciated how friendship and love is a theme of the book. There were also some very humorous moments where I was smiling a lot. Wonderful moments of understanding and community. Also mixed in was a lovely touch of romance.
Thank you to the publisher for the Netgalley copy. I received a review copy from the publisher. All views and opinion expressed are my own.

On Moonberry Lake is a journey into the inner workings of a small Minnesota town complete with a host of quirky and peculiar characters. A lot of time was spent in the first part of the book laying out the personalities of the townsfolk,
*Widgy the gruff handywoman, sometimes crude in her unfiltered comments
*Kitty the elderly neighbor who tends a forgotten graveyard and see the blessings in most everything
*Arielle the hippie artist with a new age perspective
*Ruth Ann the grocery checker who critiques every grocery purchase
*Ben the lifesaving dentist who just wants to get to know Cora

With so many main characters, and even more I didn't name, it was easy for the story to be more character driven than plot driven. However, about halfway through readers start to get the real story of Cora Matthews and her search for identity, a place to belong and a forever home.

I enjoyed the Sightings and Satire column in the town paper, part humor part ridiculousness, but it did help lighten the story when the plot got heavy.

My favorite lines where some of Kitty's sage wisdom,
"I always write down my blessings and put them in a jar...Whenever I feel blue, I look through them to feel happy again. There's nothing like a dose of gratitude to put things back into perspective."

On Moonberry Lake is tagged as a Contemporary Christian Romance, one of the reasons I was drawn to it, but it's a bit short on the Christianity and the romance is sparse. The other category tag of small town rural fiction is the more accurate of the two.
I rate this book 3.5 stars rounding up to 4 based on how enjoyable the second half of the story was. I appreciate Revell Publishing making a copy of On Moonberry Lake available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

Very satisfying read. Love each unique character and the small town feeling. I will be looking for other titles that Holly Varni has written. Pick this one up and you will not be disappointed.

On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni was a delightful novel. Telling the story of Cora Matthews as she navigates her newfound life as she finds that she has inherited a lakefront cottage from her family. There is a stipulation that she must live in the cottage for one year. Since she has come off of a broken engagement, she needs this time to recuperate.

Her inheritance needs to be redone as the plumbing, electrical, and cosmetic reconditioning of the cottage needs to be done if she is to live there for a year. Enter her neighbors! What a group of eccentric people she encounters. What followed as I read was a total transformation of Cora and the acceptance of people who are not your normal friends.

Ms. Varni’s writing reminded me so much of novels by Fannie Flagg. I started the book, not being too interested…just reading because I was sent a free print novel and was planning to write a review for it. However, I found this book so inviting that I read it in two days. The continuing rapport between Cora and her neighbors escalated to sincere friendships.

I highly recommend this book and know that you will fall in love with its characters just as I did.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author but it won’t be the last. I love small town communities and the feel of small towns. When I read books like this one, I secretly wish it was me living in the pages instead. I was immediately drawn into the story and didn’t want it to end. I’m still thinking about the characters long after having closed the last page. Ready for the next in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to give it a positive review. All opinions listed are my honest opinions.

Despite the slow start to the book, I found it to be an enjoyable read. The cavalcade of eccentric characters that find their way into Cora's life kept me entertained as I read further into the book.

Cora is painted as an interesting character. She has inherited a run down lodge that her grandparents had owned with the condition that she live there for a year. She has conflicting emotions about it but sets about renovating the lodge in the hopes of opening it once again to the public.

As the renovation progresses in fits and starts, she becomes determined to unearth the secret behind why her mother left Moonberry Lake and took her from her grandparents. She soon discovers finding the answer to one mystery just leads her to another.

I liked the spiritual aspect and the inclusion of God in this book. There is romance involved but nothing overtly sexual. If you like stories of family, small town life and a hint of romance, you will enjoy this book.

Readers who enjoy quirky characters and lots of humor will enjoy this book. The author has a knack for keeping readers engaged in this heart warming story. The small town atmosphere where everyone knows your business is center in this story. There are lessons to be learned from every character. Very enjoyable! Looking forward to the next book.

I was very pleasantly surprised with this read!

Varni is a new-to-me author, and _On Moonberry Lake_ defo won't be my last book by her. It was really, really good--with plenty of character depth and change over their story arcs; literal-LOL moments (the clips from the newspaper were particularly a riot!); and twists and turns that kept me guessing to the end. Faith and Scripture are sprinkled throughout, as well--yay!

The romance is there, too, but a back burner to other storylines, which I appreciated. I read a lot of romance ChristFic, which is great--but it's equally great to spread the reading love and enjoy other things! And this book's release is especially timely with the holidays approaching; that can look a little, or a lot, different from year to year, and it got me thinking about the family one chooses. I'm blessed to have an amazing family whom I love dearly--and am enjoying getting to know new people in a new area too! So this was perfect! (And yay for small-town community, especially as I start binge-watching Hallmark-type movies ... I mean ... who said that? :D)

One of the characters is a bit of a hippie--she really is a hoot, and I enjoy her very much, but I did sometimes struggle with some of her commentary and how it fit in with the greater Christian narrative throughout (or if it wasn't supposed to, hehe). But it certainly got me thinking!

That aside, an excellent read, and I'm very happy to see that at least one more book set in the town is coming!

(I also just discovered while writing this that _On Moonberry Lake_ is Varni's debut novel. WOW! An awesome debut!)

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This novel was a pleasure to read. The characters are what make it fun and there are plenty of them. There are oddballs who made me laugh. There are older ones who have amazing insights into life. There are sweet neighbors who are more than willing to help Cora and a really grouchy one who wants her gone. There is the colorful history of the area to learn and personal secrets to uncover. There is a potential romance suitably hampered by heart breaking misunderstandings. The plot centers around the idea of being independent verses allowing others to see our needs. Allowing others to help us may just be what gives meaning to their lives.

This pleasant novel is vague on Christian faith, however. There are references to broader spiritual experiences than one might expect in a novel from a long time Christian publisher. Varni also includes the common plot point of an unexpected storm to spice up the action. Other than that, an enjoyable novel. Varni's writing style is engaging and I'll be looking for more from her.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

A book that you can't put down! "On Moonberry Lake" has everything that you will love in a book. It has a great storyline that pulled me in from the very beginning.
Moonberry is a small town and has all the quirkiness you would hope to find in a small town. The characters of Moonberry are so real and lovable when you first read about them in the story. The storyline is great and makes you feel like you have transported to this town called Moonberry.

Rating - 5 out of 5

I will recommend this to others

I received this complementary book from the publisher through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my and min alone.