An Amazon Charts bestseller.
A novel of secrets, memory, family, and forgiveness by the bestselling author of When Never Comes.
Lizzy Moon never wanted Moon Girl Farm. Eight years ago, she left the land that nine generations of gifted healers had tended, determined to distance herself from the whispers about her family’s strange legacy. But when her beloved grandmother Althea dies, Lizzy must … grandmother Althea dies, Lizzy must return and face the tragedy still hanging over the farm’s withered lavender fields: the unsolved murders of two young girls, and the cruel accusations that followed Althea to her grave.
Lizzy wants nothing more than to sell the farm and return to her life in New York, until she discovers a journal Althea left for her—a Book of Remembrances meant to help Lizzy embrace her own special gifts. When she reconnects with Andrew Greyson, one of the few in town who believed in Althea’s innocence, she resolves to clear her grandmother’s name.
But to do so, she’ll have to decide if she can accept her legacy and whether to follow in the footsteps of all the Moon women who came before her.
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September 1, 2020
Magic, murder, and love.
Wonderful characters butting up against some bigoted and hypocritical townsfolk. A murder mystery that needs to be solved, and really interesting relationships. Loved it!
Elzibeth (Lizzy) Moon is the daughter of Rhanna Moon, granddaughter of Althea Moon. Her ancestor came from France as a frightened, pregnant young lady and settled in New England. From there, she purchased a farm and raised her daughter. Lizzy, Rhanna, Althea, and Sabine all were born with gifts that they are to use to help people. Unfortunately, the people of Sandy Bay do not understand this. When two young sisters go missing and then show up in Althea’s pond, the gossip vine goes into overdrive.
Later, Lizzy has gone to New York for her career, Rhanna has left under the cloak of darkness and Althea is left to tend Moon Girl Farm. After her death, Lizzy receives notification and returns home to put the family farm up for sale. But before she does that, she wants to solve the murders of the two Gilman sisters and find out who really killed them. She steps on a lot of toes during her research.
Does Lizzy finally solve the 8 year old cold case murders? Yes. Who killed the sisters and why? That is not my place to tell you. I thought I knew, but the author threw in a few red herrings to stump the reader.
This was a good read it didn’t have so much magic or fantasy, as I thought, would have but it had the right amount, at some point at did forget that there was that magical element but then a few chapters later I did understand and got aware again of it.
Lizzy is the last of the moon legacy, she returned to finally put her demons to rest and ever the ones who still lurking from her family, they had this weird tradition where the women of the family had this fantastic gifts that can help them but not everybody is kin to this kind of gifts, people around town keep gossiping and trying to cast away the last legacy of the moon family.
but some people are more than open to getting to know the moons, Andrew a friend and acquaintance from childhood that has been in love with Lizzy for many years now is only about time for them to finally reconnect and get to know a little better.
There is mystery, secrets, and a town full of questions, something happened that tainted the moon name now Lizzy is determined to know what really happened and whos fault really is.
Lizzy was a hard character to like, she wasn’t complicated but I feel like she was too closed off and sometimes that really annoyed no matter how much the people around her try to get close she keeps pushing them away even at 90% she kept being guarded and that was kind of tiring.
Overall the story was good, I do feel like Lizzy needed more time to open up and even lower her walls, the last chapters were not enough for her to open, we were around 90% and she was still questioning too much but aside from that I really love the book.
An absolutely beautiful story of family legacy, forgiveness and creating our own path – with a dash of magic and romance.
It was a different type of story. not as predictable as some. Keept you thinking and the characters were well developed. It was an easy read.
Barbara Davis weaves a narrative with just a dash of magic about letting go and forgiveness with to pull the reader in. The Last of the Moon Girls will pull you in from beginning to the finish.
It is a beautifully written mystery, suspense, and thriller all rolled in one wonderful book!
I definitely will be seeking more Barbara Davis titles in the future!
Lizzy Moon has no other choice but to go back to her hometown. Her grandmother has passed and it’s time she goes back to sort through what was left her life, and try to close that door on her life for good. She lets her boss know she will only be gone a few days at most, it should not take much longer than that to button everything up. But Lizzy couldn’t be more wrong!
Your childhood home, no matter what has a feeling to it. It is there whenever you visit or go back. Memories, scents, nostalgia of when life was simple for most and all you worried about was yourself and what you were doing that day as a child. Lizzy also finds an unexpected visitor on the grounds, and that explains who had sent her the letter notifying her of her grandmother’s passing.
As Lizzy starts to sort through her grandmother’s life, and take into consideration Evvie’s two cents here and there she comes to the realization that she, herself has unfinished business and the farm is in need of more care than what she was realizing. No one is going to buy this place, and not with the haunting fact that two girls bodies were pulled from that pond. This place is haunted, as most people claim.
She sets out to solve the crime of who killed those two girls, because it was not her grandmother as a lot of folks in the town had claimed, and to finally put their souls to rest, as well as the rumor-ville that’s been rampant for years. But as Lizzy starts to investigate on her own, threats and warnings come quickly in her direction and there’s obvious signs that someone wants the truth to stay buried and for Lizzy to leave quietly like she did years ago.
With help of an old detectives and the neighbor who was always sweet on her, Lizzy slowly starts to try and put new life in the farm and dig into the old case as best she can. Although she does not get much help from the local police until threats and a fire happens at the farm. That finally get’s their attention as well as Lizzy continuing to ask around about what happened that night.
As Lizzy makes more contact in town, she also comes to the realization that many loved her grandmother and knew she would never harmed those girls. She is finding that this town is not as cruel as it seemed when she was young, and that there are those who are willing to help or point her in the right direction. Things seems to be moving in the right direction when someone from her past, is dropped on the doorstep. Someone she never wanted to see again.
Can Lizzy solve the murders of the girls to lay their souls and her grandmother’s to rest, as well as the get the farm in working order to sell and deal with the ghost of her past who has so brazenly descended back home as well? Very good, quick light hearted read. I did enjoy this novel and will for sure read more by Barbara.
This book left me breathless. In tears, but not sad tears. Though it is a very emotional story and one that will make you cry in many places. It will also make you laugh out loud and in other places make your skin crawl. There is a lot going on in this story that will keep you turning the pages and wondering who did what. It’s a fiction with a mystery and some thriller all combined to make a story that is actually filled with true “magick.” From the first page to the very last word you will believe in magick.
This is the story of Elzibeth/Lizzie Moon, her grandmother and her mother. It’s also the story of two girls who were murdered and put into the Moon Girl’s pond. Althea, Lizzie’s grandmother was the one blamed for these teenaged girls death. Lizzie’s goal is to prove her grandmother didn’t do this. What she goes through to prove this will leave you one the edge of your seat. You will be holding your breath and at the same time filled with anxiety for her. Lizzie is on a mission and will not let anything stop her.
This book is about many emotions, love, sadness, loss, life, murder, mystery and magick. Throw in a few laughs and you have the perfect story. One that will keep you wanting more. You won’t want this one to end. It’s a heartfelt story of many women and the magick each one has. The story of a mother and daughter trying to find their way to each other. Of a grandmother who has the power to give them a push even from beyond. It’s not a paranormal by any means. It’s just the story that needed to be told now. One that will make you believe in things you never thought possible.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #LakeUnionPublishing, #BarbaraDavis for this ARC. This is my own heartfelt review.
A big 5/5 stars and a very high recommendation.. Read and enjoy.
The Last of the Moon Girls is a haunting tale, part romance, part mystery, part story of learning to love who you are. The legacy of generations of Moons could end with Lizzy Moon, the last of the Moon girls and she’d like nothing better. Having grown up in an unusual, sometimes suspect, family, Lizzy longed for a “normal” life away from Moon Girl Farm. After earning a college degree and landing a job with a successful perfume company in New York, she thought she’d finally done it. But the death of her beloved grandmother, Althea Moon, calls her back when Lizzy learns she’s inherited the property that’s been in the family for centuries.
Expecting to leave her corporate New York position long enough to settle affairs and put the farm on the market then get back to the life she’s carefully crafted for herself, she returns to Moon Girl Farm only to find that things aren’t quite as she’d expected. She finds she simply can’t leave until she’s cleared her grandmother’s name regarding the murder of two teen girls eight years previous and find the real killer who’s still at large. Then there’s the man who lives next door. The one who’s been in love with her since they were young. He’s all grown up now, but just as smitten.
Evvie is an unexpected presence living in Lizzy’s grandmother’s home. She’d been Althea’s dear friend and caretaker, though Lizzy hadn’t even known she’d existed. Seemingly cantankerous at first, Evvie shows Lizzy that true family doesn’t always mean blood-related.
The townspeople are a mixed bag of those who fear and hate the Moons for their different ways and those who love them for their kindness and healing abilities. Within this community is a killer who seriously resents Lizzy’s insistence on uncovering his identity.
The Last of the Moon Girls is peopled with fascinating, well-drawn characters, suspense, romance, forgiveness, and wisdom. It’s a page-turner from beginning to end. This story has a very Alice Hoffman feel. Fans of Practical Magic should certainly enjoy The Last of the Moon Girls.
I enjoyed this book. It kept my attention.
Lizzy is part of a special family. Every woman in her family for generations has had a special, unique gift. The gift of healing. And when two girls die and are found in the Moon Girl Farm pond, the town accuses Althea, Lizzy’s grandmother, of being a witch.
Lizzy has been away from her family farm for quite a while. She has made a name for herself in NYC and she has no intention of ever coming back. Then she hears the news of her grandmother’s death. And the guilt of the past cannot keep away. She is determined to clear her grandmother’s name.
Lizzy is a force to be reckoned with. But, she has a soft side. Lizzy is a character I loved from the start. And let me tell you…nothing is going to stop her from finding the truth! She does not care who she makes mad or who threatens her. She is going to find out who the murderer is.
This is a story about family, love, and friendship. I enjoyed everything about this tale. The chemistry of the characters, the mystery and even the rumor mill of the town made this story unstoppable.
If you need a fantastic read…this is it!! Grab it today! Plus this cover is fabulous!
This story hooked me from the very beginning. I always enjoy stories that have a little magic involved. Lizzy has been walking around with a wall built around her since she was a child. She never wanted to be different and was well aware of how the town talked about the Moon Girls. She only wanted out of this town. The death of 2 young girls on their property has made it even worse so once the opportunity to go off to college came she never looked back. She heads back to NH to the farm to take care of things once her Grandmother passes and clear her family name of the deaths and some people are not happy she’s back. Lizzy isn’t prepared for all the changes that happen.
They don’t call themselves witches… they are simply the Moon girls.
Now and then I come across a book I just love. The Last of the Moon Girls is one of them. Not only is it a fascinating story, but it is written so well, it’s like a ‘comfy jumper’ giving you that snug, cosy warm feeling. This is a story on three levels. Firstly, it’s about being happy in your own skin, not being ashamed to be you, and well basically just going for it. Next, there’s a murder mystery that needs solving. Two young girls have been murdered and left in the Moon Girl Farm’s pond. The murderer is not known, but fingers are pointing, and tongues are wagging… well they were found on that farm, with those women. Lastly, the story as old as time, is love. And this is delicately and gently women into the other two points.
I was also happy to see that bestselling author Barbara Davis, has priced this book at $4.99/£3.29 and also put it in KU, so if you are a kindle unlimited member you can read it for free. So many bestselling authors list their e-books so high it irritates me, so kudos to Barbara for not being greedy.
Wow, what a beautiful heartfelt story. Lizzie Moon leaves the family farm 8 yrs ago to find her way in the business world leaving the herb farm and family legacy behind. When her grandmother dies, she returns planning to take some momentos and sell the farm. Can she walk away from her legacy? This book is a must read for everyone. One of the most heart felt storys of the year. Drama, love, mystery with some “magic” mixed in. This book has all the feels and more. I highly recommend it
Wow did I love this book! I loved the magical aspect, the mystery aspect, the characters, the complicated family relationships, the coming home vibes. Davis is an excellent storyteller that somehow left me feeling both satisfied and incredibly emotional.
If you love strong women and great writing, this one is for you.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review.
The Last of the Moon Girls opens with a murder, an event that happened in Lizzy Moon’s past. If that doesn’t bother you, read on! If it does bother you, as it did me (I needed VERY strong encouragement to go further), please continue on. You’ll be delighted with Lizzy’s coming home story. Coming back to a place she vowed never to see again, a place that harbors memories she’s done everything in her power to forget.
But the ties that call her home are strong. Persistent. You can’t wash away family. You can’t simply turn aside because family is lodged deep within. And when Lizzy returns to Moon Farm, her family home, those memories rush in hard. Haunting.
Life is a constant cycle of good and bad. To temper this, author Barbara Davis lovingly and skillfully weaves in the aspects of life we all long for. For Lizzy the bad are the murder and the stain of judgment on her family’s name. The good are Evvie’s friendship, Rhanna’s secrets that evolve into understanding, Andrew’s long-standing hope for love. And over all is Lizzy’s grandmother’s journal that shows the glorious wisdom and beauty of a well-lived life. All of these pieces of humanity are available to Lizzy if she can find the courage to embrace them.
I couldn’t read the part about the murder. I’m too squeamish. But that’s only a small part of The Last of the Moon Girls. The deliciousness lies in Lizzy’s journey. Her coming home. Coming back to the woman she truly is.
Immersive, cold-case mystery set in a small town in Maine wrapped around a mystical woman and her ancestors. Suspenseful, richly crafted, and tightly woven, this is magical realism at its best.
This was a very good book. Characters were described very well. There was a bit of witchery which was something I enjoyed very much. A bit of tragedy and suspense all wrapped up with some romance. Will read this author again.
The Last of the Moon Girls is an incredibly beautiful story that I never wanted to end.
I love when a novel is not afraid to cross genres. This novel has everything you would want in a mystery, family dynamics, magic and some history to boot!
I was hooked from the beginning of the book when two girls dead bodies were found . The main suspect is Althea Moon.
The characters were delightfully written and well fleshed out.
The story is captivating and complex. The literary imagery was fantastic.
The story flowed so well .
A little romance, a little magic, and a murder mystery that kept me captivated from page 1.
Highly recommend this excellent novel.
What is it like to be the last of the Moon girls?
Lizzy wasn’t sure, but she WAS the last of the Moon girls.
When her grandmother passed away and Lizzy found a journal from her, she knew she had to go home to settle the estate.
It turns out that along with the estate, she is going to try to settle the rumors that her grandmother had something to do with the deaths of two teenage girls eight years ago.
The farm Lizzy lived on with her grandmother when she was a child brought back so many memories when she returned.
It also gave us a glimpse into the life Lizzy lived and the love that was there.
There was a love from way back but not the love of her family. It was a love that Lizzy had always resisted, and his name was Andrew.
We follow Lizzy as she tries to solve the mystery of who really did kill the Gilmore sisters.
Ms. Davis outdid herself with THE LAST OF THE MOON GIRLS.
We are treated to her beautiful pull-you-in story telling skills and storyline, a strong female character, a mystery, family ties, and love.
THE LAST OF THE MOON GIRLS is a sweet read that includes suspense and a little bit of magic. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.