On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni

Cora Matthews has long wondered why her mother stopped taking her to visit her grandparents' lodge in the small Northwoods Minnesota town of Moonberry Lake. Now, after burying her mother and breaking off her engagement just two weeks before her wedding, Cora has a chance to find out. Once there, she is stunned to learn that the old lodge is her inheritance--with a surprising condition attached. Maybe some time to regroup on the shores of a beautiful lake is just what Cora needs to figure out what's next for her.

But Cora's days on the lake are anything but relaxing. The only thing that's a bigger mess than her own life is the dilapidated building she's living in. Add a cantankerous handywoman, an angry neighbor, and an elderly woman who spends all her time talking to the "residents" in the cemetery and Cora's not sure she can stick it out. But if she can, she may find a love she never expected--from the most unexpected people imaginable. This homespun tale of new friendships, sweet romance, and ordinary miracles will have you wishing you could spend a summer (or a lifetime) on Moonberry Lake.

My thoughts:

It is hard to believe that On Moonberry Lake is a debut novel, it is written as good or in some cases even better than a seasoned writer.   Cora Matthews inherits an old lodge in Minnesota which as it turns out is run down.

Cora has her hands full with the building being in disrepair, meeting a new neighbor in an embarrassing situation and a whole myriad of other challenges.  I loved the endearing, quirky cast of characters we meet in this novel, they made me laugh and cry. The sense of community made me want to pack my bags to head off to Moonberry Lake, where the people are ones, I would want to be friends with.

Widgy is a true gem, she is a no-nonsense, hardworking, handy woman. She is also cantankerous, funny and has a heart of gold.  There are several characters who stole my heart, made me chuckle and in some cases made me cry.

I cannot say enough about this book, other than I loved it and it is one of my top ten favorites so far this year.  This is a novel with memorable characters and written by a gifted storyteller.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.