I see a lot of people enjoying this and it has a solid rating on Goodreads, but it seems I'm not in the right headspace to appreciate it the way other people have. It's not that I'm triggered by the topics discussed in this story, such as abortion, abuse, and overall female suffering, it's just that I don't want to read about that right now. If you are in the right headspace for it, I think you may get something out of this kind of brutal read. Another thing I think is worth mentioning is that you should expect flowery writing. I'm not sure it matches the story and I felt a bit disconnected from it, but that's just my experience with it.

WARNING: it's yet another unpopular opinion review!!

I honestly didn't expect this to happen again so soon... I was intrigued by the premise of this debut, and I fully expected to enjoy my time with this historical fiction story mainly set in Kentucky. Sadly it wasn't ment to be after all, and I ended up struggling considerably to make it to the final page. Was it just my fickle reading mood acting up again? Maybe. I mean, most people do seem to love The Moonflowers so far... But I can't deny that I personally struggled considerably to find the motivation to keep reading. I'll try to explain why below.

First of all I have to repeat that the premise is without doubt intriguing, as it draws you right in once you realize the small town of Darren is hiding a lot of secrets. The setting works perfect for the story, and it makes for a great backdrop. BUT. I wish I had known beforehand that there was going to be so much focus on abuse, abortion and drama... Because I'm not sure I would have decided to read The Moonflowers had I known about these topics. I get what the author wanted to do by highlighting the impossible situation women would find themselves in back then, but this was just too much focus on abortion in a way that was too graphic and out there.

This wasn't even my main issue with The Moonflowers though. I think what was most difficult to overcome in this story was the fact that I somehow clashed horribly with the writing style. Why? The writing style was both extremely flowery and overly descriptive, and then I'm not even talking about the excessive use of similes. I can appreciate a simile or two along the way, but especially the first half was drowning in them and it made me feel more frustrated every time I came across another one. The same goes for the descripions, which were again excessive and slowed down the pace considerably. Do we really need to know every tiny gesture or every little detail about everything? In this case, I'm voting for no.

The story uses a dual POV structure, switching between Tig and Eloise. On top of this, the story also incorporates multiple flashbacks going back to the time before Eloise went to prison fifty years ago. While those flashbacks were intriguing as we got to learn more about what really happened back then, I wasn't a fan of how the switches between past and present were incorporated. The switches were often sudden and within the same chapter, and this again slowed down the pace considerably. To make things worse, I was never able to warm up to any of the characters in play. Especially since most of them (except for Tig and Eloise maybe) were actually quite underdeveloped and cliche... Seriously, why does almost every woman mentioned have to be a victim of abuse, and why do basically all men have to be monsters?! Oh yes, we get the mention that Jason is 'one of the good ones', but with the way Tig said it, it didn't really feel as a compliment either.

I'm not sure if it was my fickle reading mood acting up again, but the fact is that The Moonflowers and me didn't exactly get along. Between the flowery writing, overdose of similes, strong focus on abuse/abortion, unlikeable characters and too many cliches, this story definitely wasn't my cup of tea... I know that I'm in the minority though and most people do seem to love this debut, so take my review with a grain of salt if you think this story sounds like something you could enjoy.

A thoughtful debut that sees Tig discover there was more to her grandfather than she bargained for. This is very much about women, about women helping other women and sometimes paying a high price. Know that there's a bit of a heavy hand about men so focus on the positive messages. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Tig arrives in Kentucky to paint a portrait of town hero, Benjamin Costello, her grandfather. She wants to know him better so she turns to his childhood friend and the woman institutionalized for murdering him, Eloise Price.

This was a great story about strong and loyal women, and some horrible, abusive men. While dual time line, most of it takes place in the past and it’s quite the story. All the pieces fit in the end and there were a few unexpected twists. This is a strongly feminist tale that shows women sticking up for other women more than fifty years ago.

“These women alive in the darkness, these flowers that only bloomed in the night.”

The Moonflowers comes out 9/1.

I have been devouring all things Appalachian for a while. This book felt like the cocktail of perfection. IT gave history, it gave storyline, it gave deep in the mountains surrounded by trees. The cover is gorgeous, the writing is beautiful, I cannot wait to see what else this author will give us as she perfects her craft. I am 100% on board with reading any and all books that are women centered.

This book was fantastic!! The story telling was absolutely masterful. I loved how Tig uncovered these unknown stories from the past to paint this empowering picture. I loved how this showcases how powerful women are especially when we band together to give ourselves a voice

(Book for review courtesy of NetGalley)
Lake Union Publishing ~ August 27

Abigail Rose Marie's The Moonflowers is an atmospheric mystery, with an eerie setting full of disquieted characters. These types of mysteries ask What is this place? How did I get here? Who can I trust? There's always a river, trees, a weird old house, a weary woman who knows too much, and The Moonflowers offers all that and more. Antigone - Tig - Costello grew up with an academic artist father. She is an artist as well. His father receives a letter asking him to come to Darren Kentucky, birthplace of the father he never knew. He sends Tig instead. Tig knows little about her family roots, and when she asks about her grandfather, she is told to see Eloise Price, a patient in the town's Mental Asylum. Eloise knows Benjamin Costello best because she's the woman who killed him.

The Moonflowers goes at a slow place and draws readers in, just as Eloise draws Tig in with her stories. The novel deals with women's issues - health concerns that still elicit blushes and anger today. Tig herself is dealing with trauma and finds kindred spirits in the ghosts of her grandfather's past. Tig begins to heal after learning the truth behind the murder of this town's "greatest citizen." The Moonflowers is a quiet revelation that the things that need to change often don't, yet we need to keep fighting the fight.

The Moonflowers is beautifully written and I was quickly captivated by Eloise and Tig. The story is both heart-wrenching and heart-warming. I enjoyed how the stories of the members of the small town of Darren were woven together. They tell a dark history of the town and the strength of the women determined to fight against it! It is difficult to believe this is a debut novel as it was so exquisitely written. There are some extremely difficult topics addressed throughout this story, so proceed with caution.

The Moonflowers follows Tig Costello as she travels to Darren, Kentucky, to paint a portrait of her late grandfather, Benjamin, a local hero. Here she meets Eloise Price, the woman who supposedly murdered Benjamin fifty years ago.

Eloise’s story reveals a hidden past filled with women seeking refuge from abuse and desperate for help with secret abortions. As Tig listens to Eloise, she uncovers shocking truths about her family. Please be aware that there are some heavy, and heartbreaking themes covered here.

Overall, "The Moonflowers" is a compelling read, perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery and strong female leads. The descriptions of the landscape are so detailed that you can actually picture the mountains (in particular) so clearly, it’s like I was there!

What can I say about this book. There is so much. Right off the bat, I was hooked by it within the first few pages. It was a world wind of up and downs. I laughed, I cried hard and it was all over so fast.
I really appreciate the author shining a light on a very important part of the story that one point or another has been written in many women’s lives throughout history.
I loved this book very much and I hope that readers will enjoy it as much as I did.
10/10 would recommend wholeheartedly.

Thank you, Lake Union Publishing, for gifting me this ARC. This debut novel is set to be published on September 1, 2024.

I was instantly drawn to the cover and title of this book. Although I didn't feel a connection with the overarching plotline, the story itself is well-written. This book is filled with unique characters, all with troubling secrets awaiting to be uncovered. There are decent twists along the way and a good level of depth.

Overall, it is an average book. I found myself relieved to be done with it. This one was tough to get through - I hate to say it, but it wasn't my cup of tea.

I seem like the outlier, so don't let my review deter you from picking this one up in September 2024!

There are lots of things I loved about this book. The setting, the characters, the vibes, the storytelling… Overall I think it was very memorable. Unfortunately, it took a while to fully pull me in and it made the book feel really long. I think most of my “negatives” could have been saved by a more clear timeline and less repetition. In saying this, the second half of this book was easily 5 stars and after debating, I’ve decided to give this 5 stars because of the way I felt upon finishing this book. Read this if you’re looking for a historical mystery in a small town with strong female characters!

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Abigail Rose-Marie for this ARC ebook. The Moonflowers will be published September 1, 2024.

What a wonderful debut novel! This story connects the past with the present perfectly.
Tig has had something happen to her while in art school and returns home to live with her dad. He’s received a letter to paint a portrait of his deceased dad that he’s never met. He opts to send Tig instead. The story has family connections to the past. Tig continuously learns more about her grandfather and everything that happened in the past.
There are many characters that you will love or hate, but some you will change your mind about as new discoveries are made. The characters are powerfully written, and you learn a little more in each chapter.
You’ll have to read it to discover the ways the past and present connect. The author did a beautiful job with this book. I look forward to seeing more.

"The Moonflowers" by Abigail Rose-Marie is a haunting and beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of family, memory, and the impact of the past on the present. The story follows Tig Costello as she arrives in Darren, Kentucky, to paint a portrait of her grandfather, Benjamin, a local hero who was murdered fifty years ago. To uncover the truth about her grandfather and her family's past, Tig seeks out Eloise Price, the woman who killed Benjamin and who has spent her life in a state institution.

Rose-Marie's writing is lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of life in rural Appalachia and capturing the emotional depth of her characters. The novel is told through alternating perspectives, shifting between Tig's present-day investigation and Eloise's recollections of the past. This dual narrative adds layers to the story, allowing readers to see how the events of the past continue to reverberate in the present.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of memory and the ways in which the stories we tell ourselves about our past shape our present and future. As Tig delves deeper into her family's history, she is forced to confront uncomfortable truths and reevaluate her own understanding of her family and herself.

Overall, "The Moonflowers" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy literary fiction with a strong sense of place and richly drawn characters. Abigail Rose-Marie has crafted a compelling story that is both haunting and hopeful, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

This heart wrenching story about womanhood set in rural Kentucky opens with mysterious circumstances. Tig is visiting Darren, Kentucky at the request of her father who isn’t prepared to take the trip himself to honor the father he never knew. The beloved mayor murdered 50 years ago by Eloise Price.

When Tig gets to Darren however, she finds the one person who might actually know something about her grandfather is the woman who murdered him. Through Eloise, Tig discovers all sorts of uncomfortable truths - the painful burden women in her family have carried and the truth in her own blood. She makes her mark on the Costello legacy in Darren in her own way, putting together the pieces and honoring history with her art. Tig and her story are so deeply grounded in reality that the mystery of Darren is so much more plausible.These are real stories that speak to real truths. Abigail Rose-Marie creates a rich atmosphere in rural Darren where you can hear the creak of the old floorboards and Mae in the kitchen making her soap. The dialogue is rooted in real southern charm.

The men in this story show so much range. You cannot comment on the skill this author exhibits without talking about her understanding and portrayal of men. There are great examples of good hearted men and so much of what rips your heart out in this story is the multitude of people - what someone is really like, so full of layers, lies, and misunderstandings. Peter Pan and Wendy, desperately trying not to grow up. What it is like to know someone in so many stages of life and the stories and misunderstandings that haunt you even years later.

Someone can be good to you and hurt someone else.

Good intentions don’t soften harsh blows.

Him loving you doesn’t keep you safe from him.

Why is the love of a man so often coated in violence and hate?

Why can’t people respect what they don’t understand?

These stories are so universal you feel the tendrils of the women in your family pull at you through time, reminding you of how hard life was and can still be. How much more work there is to go. This story is more relevant than ever, especially coming out of the middle of the United States in 2024. This is the history of Darren and so many other small midwestern and Appalachian towns. I hope people everywhere read this. I hope women’s book clubs everywhere analyze and decode this, adding and sharing their own stories about the women nearby, in their past and their families who have helped each other.

This story is so incredibly important, told so beautifully I highly recommend it. Everyone should read this book. Well done Abigail Rose-Marie. This is a stunning story that ripped my heart out and touched me to my core. I can’t stop talking about it. You should be so proud of yourself. Creating, writing and telling this story is such an accomplishment. I can’t wait to see what other stories you will tell us.

5/5 Stars

I was happy to be back in the state of Kentucky even if only a short while.
I enjoyed the family history of Tig. Her secrets are what kept me turning the pages of this book.
Wonderful captivating characters that will leave you thinking about them long after their story is finished.
I don't really have a favorite character because I loved all of them.
I didn't really like the writing style but the storyline was captivating and thats why I chose the book.
This will be a 5 star book for me because each of these characters touched my heart in more ways than one.
I highly recommend this book! It will leave u spellbound throughout these characters' journey of healing, love and hope for the future.
My thanks for this great debut novel. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

RELEASE DATE: August 24, 2024
GENRE: historical fiction
TOPICS& THEMES: abortion, abuse, family secrets, assault, rape, grief

Well, it is surprising that this is a debut novel. I am pleasantly surprised by that fact.
We follow Tig, who comes back to the small town that has strong connection to her family. She is planing to commemorate a grandfather she has never met and who is a town hero. Along the way she meets with his killer and learns a lot about town history, her grandfather, her family, but also comes to understanding about herself.

I recommend it!!

4,25 stars

- thanks to Netgalley and the publisher or the copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion

I received this ARC from NetGalley and I'm choosing to leave a review. I really loved this one. It took me too long to read, but that was just because I'm in a weird semi-slump mood.

This story is about courage, and bravery to do the right thing even if you are ostracized for it. The story was sad and heartbreaking at so many times. It really focuses on the treatment of women during the 40s and 50s. And how even today women are seen as property and objects. Also how some men can be viewed as heroes because of their public persona but they can be evil behind closed doors. And through the years that is often over looked or forgotten. It honestly reminded me of a Fried Green Tomatoes vibe, which happens to be one of my all time favorite movies. Especially the relationship between Ruth and Eloise, it reminded me so much of Ruth and Idgie.

It was just a very moving story. I have a feeling I will think of it often. I would definitely recommend.

4 1/2 stars. This is a beautifully written puzzle, search for one’s identity, gothic overtones and historical fiction wrapped up in a beautiful captivating novel. Why only 4 1/2 stars? I am still left with some unanswered questions. I selected this novel to preview before publication based on the beautiful cover but I was completely captivated from start to finish. The author created some very interesting characters and compelling story lines. She included twists and turns to hold the reader’s interest. I don’t want to add any spoilers but one story line is particularly relevant in our current history. This is also a story about strong, courageous women. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel.

many thanks to netgalley, lake union, and the author for this advanced copy! requested this book intending to read it for women's history month and it's april now but i'm always down to learn more of different women's stories throughout history. i do have monthly reading themes though and this month is spring/rebirth (but really it's just books with colorful/flowery covers lol) and this book also fit somehow!

this is a story of a woman uncovering a town hero's past and discovering the truth about the three women who saved the life of her own grandmother and countless other women. rebirth, a new chance at life away from abusive households and traumatic experiences—this is what women seek coming up the hill to whitmore halls. it's heartbreaking yet hopeful.

"There are so many things for a woman to be afraid of, I think. Crowded bars. Empty rooms. Parking garages. Dark alleys covered in graffiti. It's so easy to think that much of the world is bad."