First Line Fridays: Ruby Moon by Jenny Knipfer

Happy Friday! 

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today, I'm sharing the first line from Ruby Moon by Jenny Knipfer.

"I see the moon, and I imagine the moon sees me -- every hidden part."

Have you read this novel? If not, check out the book blurb below and read my review here.

What are you reading this weekend? I'd love for you to share your book's first line!

Happy reading!

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About the Book:

RUBY MOON EMBODIES A TALE OF GRIEF, GUILT, AND REDEMPTION...

On the shores of Lake Superior in Ontario during the mid 1890's, Jenay, a young woman of mixed French and Ojibwe descent, must survive the trauma of causing a horrific accident.

Amidst this drama, Jenay is caught in a web spun by Renault, a rich, charming man who once threatened ruination of her father's shipping company but now seeks something even more valuable...
Jenay must find where her strength lies in order to face the challenges life brings her or be washed away like driftwood on the tumultuous shores of Lake Superior. 

Life's richest dramas are played out under the banner of two ruby colored moons and become the hidden gems which forge her into a mature strong woman. Jenay realizes God is by her side, using even the harsh events of life to create something precious in her.

July Reading Recap & August TBR

My July 2020 Reads: 

In July, I finished:

1. A Foreign Crown by Jen Geigle Johnson - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


2. A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden - ⭐⭐⭐⭐


3. A Bride of Convenience by Jody Hedlund - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


4. Coming Home to Maverick by Sophia Summers - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


5. Ruby Moon by Jennifer Knipfer - ⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

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Expected August 2020 Reads:

In August, I hope to read:

1. How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster - I'm slowly trodding through this one. It's not bad, it's just slow going....


2.  The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch. - Sequel to The Lost Lietenant.


3.  Great Poems by Kate Miles - currently reading and loving!


4. If I Were You by Lynn Austin - My local book club's selection for August!


5. The Water Keeper by Charles Martin - My husband has already read this novel and keeps telling me to read it so we can discuss it.


6. Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray.


7. Awakening Wonder: Opening Your Child's Heart to the Beauty of Learning by Sally Clarkson. - I'm excited to read this book as we head into our 2020-2021 homeschool year!

What will you read this month?

Book Review: Ruby Moon by Jenny Knipfer

About the Book:

RUBY MOON EMBODIES A TALE OF GRIEF, GUILT, AND REDEMPTION...

On the shores of Lake Superior in Ontario during the mid 1890's, Jenay, a young woman of mixed French and Ojibwe descent, must survive the trauma of causing a horrific accident.

Amidst this drama, Jenay is caught in a web spun by Renault, a rich, charming man who once threatened ruination of her father's shipping company but now seeks something even more valuable...

Jenay must find where her strength lies in order to face the challenges life brings her or be washed away like driftwood on the tumultuous shores of Lake Superior. 

Life's richest dramas are played out under the banner of two ruby colored moons and become the hidden gems which forge her into a mature strong woman. Jenay realizes God is by her side, using even the harsh events of life to create something precious in her.

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My Thoughts:

Ruby Moon by Jenny Knipfer stands as the first novel in the By the Light of the Moon series. This unique literary fiction novel features multiple character POVs, but the main character is young Jenay Follett. Her tale is truly a coming-of-age journey involving joy, heartache, trauma, and family.  I felt that the author captured the essence and experience of trauma with Jenay’s thoughts and actions. Jenay’s pain felt terribly authentic, but wise statements, often from Maang-ikwe, pepper the story with hope for healing.

As I mentioned, there are multiple POVs in Ruby Moon. Additionally, part of the novel is written as split-time with both timelines containing flashbacks. This complicated story structure forced me to read very slowly. Though the book is a little over 400 pages, it took me over three weeks to read. Without carefully reading, the narrative jumps are potentially confusing.

I recommend Ruby Moon to readers who enjoy literary/women’s fiction. The novel can be challenging both in content and reading experience; however, it will likely appeal to fans of coming-of-age stories.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.