Moonlight and Oranges [Paperback]

Elise Stephens (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2011

A timeless tale of young romance.

Lorona Connelly is ready for a change from her carefully planned, bookish life. When sparks fly at a costume party, she embraces a chance for romance with the handsome Kestrin Feather. However, she quickly realizes that even love and destiny may not be enough to overcome the reality of an overprotective mother-in-law and Kestrin's long, tarnished history of relationships. When Lorona's curiosity leads her to Kestrin's journal, doubt plagues them both with insecurities and threatens the relationship. Can true love overcome the odds, or was their whirlwind romance just a frivolous crush?

Author Elise Stephens shares a journey of young love, fate, and wounded trust in the story of Lorona and Kestrin, a couple who must learn to overcome their fears to share a life together.

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Booktrope Editions (November 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935961357
• ISBN-13: 978-1935961352
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,772,587 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Elise Stephens received the Eugene Van Buren Prize for Fiction from the University of Washington in 2007, where she also received her degree in Creative Writing. "Moonlight and Oranges" is her first novel and was a quarter-finalist for the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.

She lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband where they both enjoy swing dancing, eating tiramisu, and savoring the flavor of local live theater.

Visit her and read her blog at www.elisestephens.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a perfect work, but an enjoyable one November 11, 2011

By D. Scott Phillips

Format:Kindle Edition

I should not have liked this book. I'm not a fan of romance. I don't read a lot of YA books. I read it because of a friend's referral. And when I learned that it was based on the Greek mythology of Cupid and Psyche, a story that had been masterfully retold by one of my favorite authors, it seemed doomed to a fast perusal followed by a quick dislike.

What I found was not a perfect work, but an enjoyable one, filled with wit and humor and characters that are quirky yet believable, and set in a Seattle that is both familiar and mythologized. It is not a regurgitation of an old story but the product of an author passionately exploring themes of love, betrayal, and what it really means to say "I do". The elements of the Greek myth are clearly present, though the casual reader can enjoy the story without ever knowing of its origin.

If you're a Seattle native, you'll discover the local references like delightful Easter eggs, but the story transcends its geography. If you're looking for a Harlequin romance, you'll probably want to search elsewhere, as this is the mature work of an author who deftly handles her prose and descriptions, and she will force you to think about your life and your relationships as she explores the rocky crags of marriage in a tactful way, without a wisp of steam.

I would recommend this book to my sisters, my mother, and any of my women friends, though I won't be buying it for my nephew. On the other hand, I believe that any men, who want to learn about the women in their life (especially if he is married or thinking about getting married), could read this and find an enjoyable place to do so.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Live To Read December 7, 2011

By Chels

Format:Paperback

This book has everything that is promised in the Goodreads Summary. Lorona is a different sort of character. She certainly isn't perfect, she can be abrasive, but she will likely remind the reader of his/her friends or at least be a familiar face. She can also be compassionate, determined, and sweet. When she meets Kestrin, she knows that he just might be "the one" for her. It doesn't take long for them to develop a relationship and begin to take steps towards legal devotion to each other.

Kestrin complements Lorona. He is more cautious, quiet, and kind. Together, the two make a good couple that the reader will enjoy reading about. However, not all is perfect in their love bubble. Lorona discovers a few things she isn't sure that she's happy about regarding Kestrin and learns that not everyone is that happy that she is with Kestrin. Lorona must make a difficult decision about hers and Kestrin's potential as a couple.

Overall, this book was well-written and a fun read. Many readers will be able to finish this book within two days or so, it can be hard to put down. The cover itself will draw in any reluctant readers and Lorona's character will hold their attention. It is easy to get drawn into Lorona and Kestrin's whirlwind romance and tough decisions. This book is recommended to young adult/adult readers.
*Complimentary copy received for this review, does not affect my opinion in any way*

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I Couldn't Stop Reading November 11, 2011

By Nadia Ifland

Format:Kindle Edition

I can count on my fingers the number of books that I haven't been able to put down until they were finished, and this is one of them. I pulled an all-nighter, completely engrossed in her beautiful story of Lorona and Kestrin.

I highly recommend this book!