From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker comes an epic story about sacrifice, friendship, and the awe-inspiring power of love.Maggie: Ten years ago, Cash Armstrong stole my heart. Then he promptly joined the army—dragging my best friend with him—and left me crying on the front porch in a red sequined prom dress. Now he’s back. They’re both back. Cash, the one who … he’s back. They’re both back. Cash, the one who still has my heart. And Luc, the one who saved my life.
Cash: How do you know if you’re at the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end? That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out since a traumatic brain injury made me “unfit to serve.” I’m back in New Orleans, and picking up the shattered pieces of my past means I must confront where my life’s journey began… and where it all might end.
Luc: Long ago, Maggie May was mine. Not mine in the way you might think. She was mine because she was my only friend. Then Cash came along and we became brothers by something stronger than blood. We became brothers by choice. When tragedy struck, I was forced to make a decision that changed all our lives. I thought, after ten years, it was safe to come back home. I was wrong…
more
4.5 stars–IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES Volume 2 by Julie Ann Walker continues to focus on the contemptuous relationship between three friends whose lives were destroyed ten years earlier: twenty-six year old Magnolia ‘Maggie’ May ; and twenty-eight year old Cassius ‘Cash’ Armstong, and Lucien ‘Luc’ Dubois.
Some background: Ten years earlier Maggie Carter’s life spiralled out of control when the boy that she loved disappeared on the night of her prom, never to be heard from until present day. His best friend Luc volunteered to take Maggie to prom but life as they knew it was about to come crashing down. Fast forward to present day wherein Luc and Cash have returned home from their years in the US Army, only to find themselves back in the past facing the same threats, secrets and lies as so many years before.
Told from three first person perspectives (Maggie, Cash, Luc) IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES continues to focus on the fragile and battered reunion of former high school best friends, best friends whose secrets run dangerous and dark. Cash is losing his battle with both the bottle and his pain, and in doing so pushes away the people who love him the most.
Meanwhile Maggie learns that not all is as it seems when Luc turns her less than well-ordered life into a hurricane of epic proportions. The love she has for Cash begins to deteriorate as he continues to pick at the never ending scab forcing our heroine to rethink what and who it is she wants.
IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES Julie Ann Walker reveals the fragile bond and love between friends who have weathered h*ll, and lived to tell about it. From the horrors of war, to the battle back home, Maggie, Luc and Cash must face the reality that has become their lives. Determined to take down the people in charge, our trio set out to cull the herd of those trying to destroy their lives. Another heart breaking and impassioned instalment from Julie Ann Walker.
This was such an entertaining read.
I liked it.
Great trilogy…highly recommended
I finished the series days ago and still the characters are in my heart. This was such an emotional read, I got so attached to the many characters. Loved the setting, New Orleans.
I had to read the next book immediately so I knew what happened!!!
Great book
Emotionally painful to see how Luc and Cash and Maggie support each other, protect one another and undoubtedly hurt one another. It’s life and love and friendship. It’s desperation and hope and fear.
But that cliffhanger? Glad I waited for all three books to be out do I don’t have to wait!
This is the second book in this trilogy and if you didn’t read the first book go read it first. You have to read these in the order designated or you will be lost! These are not standalone books. This one is more emotional and heartbreaking. Maggie May is still wearing her heart on her sleeve and Cash is becoming more of a wreck in his day-to-day. His brain injury is devastating and taking a toll. He is drinking to excess and losing weight and becoming abusive. Luc on the other hand is trying to be the go between for everyone and everything for everyone. There are forces in the background working against them and I am sure this is all going to come to a head in book three, especially since this one end on a cliffhanger! Book three, here I come…
This is an epic journey of three friends. Their friendship and love spanned across time even when they were separated for ten years. Follow Luc, Cash and Maggie on their emotional journey as they handle their friendships, love , loss and mystery. These books are a spellbinding, emotional rollercoaster from the first book until the last. It was hauntingly beautiful.
Here’s the tale of three kids who loved each other and were the closest of friends.Then life happened and the military helped change their lives in unforeseeable ways. Old secrets hang on. Now life really happens. A must read. I read all 3 together.
As the story progresses for Maggie, Cash and Luc, the past is rushing to catch up. Thanksgiving is celebrated, Christmas and finally New Years. It seems other people are seeing things more clearly. Maggie can’t seem to make sense of anything. Will the plan be realized? Stay tuned for Volume 3.
The second book in this series is just as good as the first. The letters that Maggie wrote years prior help to bridge the gap between the past and present. The author seamlessly ties all the characters lives together in a way that makes the story that much more powerful and wonderful. This book makes you wanting more.
The history of the characters of this book is amazing. I’ve enjoyed reading the letters to Cash and Luc that Maggie wrote that are featured in this volume. I still have so many questions, but I’m enjoying the journey. They’ve had some interesting and fun adventures, some trying moments, plus old love and new love. FYI – this volume ends on a cliffhanger so be prepared to gasp and gape like a fish out of water. I’m writing this review as I’m dying to start the final volume to see what happens.
The BKI books are probably my favorite series so when I had a chance to review this Trilogy by Julie Ann Walker I jumped on it. I was a bit apprehensive when I received the books and read the synopsis and realized this was a totally different type of book. All I can say is WOW – what an emotional ride. I loved and hated them at the same time. Great read!! Would give higher stars if possible.
In Moonlight and Memories Volume Two picks up right where Volume One left us, smack in the middle of the angsts relationship between Maggie, Cash and Luc. Maggie has given the men letters that she wrote the first year after they left in the military and the chapters are interspersed with her teenage thoughts and memories. Cash returned from the military with a traumatic brain injury and is working on his own issues. Luc is caught in the middle. In the meantime, the men’s return has stirred up an old unsolved crime and the police chief is gunning for them. I don’t normally go for the really emotional reads, but I could not put these books down.
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
Emotional and heart wrenching…this second volume requires tissues. The push and pull of Cash’s feelings for Maggie make you dizzy. Maggie’s forever forgiveness for Cash is questionable. Luc’s solid presence and loyalty to his two friends is admirable. Each one of them is hurting and at times it is tough to push past. There are some suggestions or foreshadowing that make me a bit anxious because right now I’m desperate for everything to be put to rights and everyone is happy. I’m jumping right into the next volume because the suspense and uncertainty of what fate has in store for this trio is all consuming.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Continueing on to volume 2 things are still as difficult as usual….
Possible SPOILERS
Maggie really wants to help Cash with his head injury but does he really want it?
Maggie, Cash & Luc are exploring New Orleans and learning new things as they go…but something between the group is changing, some for the better and most aren’t!
Wanting thungs to move along faster Cash & Luc were able to get some evidence from Cash’s “sperm donor” to hand to the DA to start an investigation into the dark side of his life.
Maggie has finally realized things aren’t the same between her and Cash any more so she needs to be ok with it. Maggie needs to move on to better things…
But just as the holidays are winding down…..
I was glad to see this picks up right where book 1 leaves off. I love Luc even more here! There is a bit more tension between Maggie and Cash, but it is necessary for them to work through. I also really liked Maggie’s letters, which give more insight into the past. I really like Maggie and feel for what she went through, but it can be frustrating when she gets to blinded. It does seem that is starting to change, which is great. The ending, as usual, is a gripping cliffhanger so I can’t wait for book 3!
*I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own
More!
This Second Volume picks up where Volume One leaves off with Cash and Luc, former U.S. Army Green Berets, returning to NOLA after serving multiple tours and being gone from Maggie’s life for ten long years. They are civilians now and no longer gangly boys but hard muscled, fully grown, HOT, seasoned warriors. Cash has bought a run down cottage to while away the hours fixing it up with the help of Luc.
Maggie is more than surprised, secretly pleased, but also very hurt that they came back with no warning and act like they expect to pick up where they left off. Over time, the reasons why they left and never communicated are slowly revealed but certain details and memories, better left in the past, are now immediately in their present needing attention.
I love the details of Maggie’s every day life as they are described in colorful moments in her bar, on her balcony and with her Aunts. I love her Aunts! They seem like the proper “Southern Bells” one reads about in historic sagas, throwing wonderful parties and teas, proper manners, coming from “old money” and deep societal influence. I love how they took Maggie and her sister in when their parents were killed in hurricane Katrina, loving and guiding them as if they were their own.
Nicely grown up and no longer afraid, it’s heartbreaking how Cash still has to deal with his mean, abusive father, enduring his anger and his physical blows. No longer the gangly, pitchy, boy with acne, Luc has grown up and filled out into a very hot, gorgeous man with a quiet, commanding presence giving Maggie reason to look at both as men and not the boys of their youth. As Sheriff Sullivan is still vigilant with his harassment, all three feel the past quickly catching up with them and the mystery surrounding what happened in the swamp all those years ago keeping their nerves on edge and Maggie nervously ready to spill the truth.
NOLA seems like a different world where there is no hustle and bustle like the larger cities, everything takes on a slow and lazy way about it. Charming and friendly on the outside, given the right circumstances, danger and ugly darkness can live right around the corner.
This story is an emotional telling that grips your heart, steals your breath and throws both right back at you. Mysterious in its secrets, intense in its feelings and heartfelt in the love and support of friends and family, this story ramps up the ugly intent of the sheriff’s pursuit of his own brand of justice and the fierce meanness of Rick towards his son. We learn that the bayou has its beauty but also has its secrets which will thrill you as they spill out when you least expect it. I can’t wait to see what happens next!