an interesting dual-time story about family and horses

I have been a fan of Elizabeth Musser for a very long time. Her books are thought-provoking and include complex and relatable characters. The latest of her novels, By Way of The Moonlight, is no exception. I loved the story of two women connected by family, faith, and passions. Nana Dale’s story begins in the early 1930s in Atlanta. Dale experiences both privilege and sacrifice. The modern day story featuring Dale’s granddaughter Allie is a journey of uncovering family secrets and a search for treasure. Both women are strong characters, but I think I loved Dale the best. The historical backdrop of her story is also fascinating. I learned so many things about Georgia (my home state) that I didn’t know before. The role of the Golden Isles during WWII is a story worth telling. There are lots of twists and turns in this family drama, and themes of family, home and legacy are strong. As always, Musser weaves a multi-strand story that leads to a very satisfying ending. Beautifully-written, By Way of The Moonlight is a highly recommended read!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

Filled with a love for all things equestrian, this story blends the past with the present. Dale's grandmother leaves a sort of scavenger/treasure hunt. Dale learns all about her grandmother's past and some secrets are brought to light. Dale's faith is rekindled and broken relationships are mended. ( )

I didn't know much about this one when I got it but had heard a few good things about it and so I was excited to read it and see what happened. What happened was what I expected more or less, but a bit different from other books I usually read.
The issue I had with this book is that it started slow, kept going slow for a while, then picked up, then slowed down, then picked up, and then ended. It was more on the slow-moving side of things than I'm used to reading and for a while there I wasn't sure if I was going to finish reading it.
It had dual timelines, one in the past with Dale and one in the present with Allie, and they tied together/complemented each other. It was also interesting how they tied the pandemic into this story as well. I was very intrigued and engrossed in Dale's storyline and wanted to know more about her story in the end. Allie's storyline was good and all, but Dale's story was what kept my interest. This also has a lot about horses so if you're a horse lover, historical lover, a fan of those kinds of things then you'll enjoy this story.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Bethany House/Bethany House publishers for letting me read and review this story. All thoughts and opinions are m ( )

By Way of the Moonlight is a beautiful dual-time story with characters that will stay in the reader's heart and mind for a long time. Lots of interesting information re WWII and the East coast of the US with German ships and our brave men and women patrolling the beaches. I enjoyed how the author reveals the past and its ultimate effect on the years ahead. Readers who love dual-time stories and stories about horses and WWII all threaded together will not want to miss this one. I was given a complimentary copy of the book through LibraryThing.com and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own. ( )