Lilies in Moonlight, by Allison K. Pittman (giveaway)

I have to be honest and tell you that the only reason I probably chose to pick up and read Lilies in Moonlight was because I'm big into 'light and fluffy' reading here in this last month of pregnancy. Suddenly all fiction holds some appeal, whereas most of the time I tend to gravitate towards the non-fiction variety. But we need a little variety in our reading from time to time, don't we?

I received an e-mail from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group asking if I'd be interested in reading this title and I said I thought I definitely probably was. Set in the 1920's, post World War I, I thought the premise of the book sounded intriguing. The storyline is this:

Lily Margolis, a flapper girl out on her own, is trying to make a living. However, she's doing a pretty poor job of it, trying to get by as a door-to-door cosmetic sales girl. She ends up at the home of the wealthy Burnside family where the matronly Mrs. Burnside takes a shine to the girl. Through a rather interesting set of events, Lily finds herself drunk in the Burnside's backyard and is taken into the home to be cared for by the decree of Mrs. Burnside.

The love interest, (which you know has to exist), is Mrs. Burnside's disfigured son, Cullen. Cullen was injured in the Great War and tends to keep to himself, feeling self-conscious about his injuries. As you have to suspect, he falls for Lily. The only problem is? She's not a Christian. I give you two guesses as to how their love story plays out. And that's being generous.

Yes, it is predictable.

I started Lilies in Moonlight and was so annoyed by the flippant flirtations of Lily that I wrote my contact at Waterbrook Multnomah and said I didn't think I could finish and review this particular title. It's just not my style. As you all know, I'm not a big fan of Christian fiction as a general rule, but I was interested in giving this one a go. My contact encouraged me to try reading onward, and told me that the character of Lily does make some mature improvements. So, I took her advice and picked it back up. And I even enjoyed it, despite it's predictability!

It is not brilliantly written. It isn't anything I would typically read. However, it served its purpose for me at this time quite well. I was entertained. I was curious about Cullen, given his war injuries. He was probably my favorite character in the book because his faith did seem strong and he had been through more, in terms of challenges, which gave him depth of character that I found lacking in Lily. I haven't read many books (if any?) set in the 1920's and I liked the historical aspect of that. I could envision the scenes that Pittman wrote and Lily does improve with time.

So I'm not opposed to it, although I do realize I'm not blowing a trumpet sound for this one. I read it. I liked it. I think if you like Christian fiction (which I know a great many of you do!) then you will no doubt enjoy this read.

I'm happy to say that Waterbrook Multnomah offered one copy of Lilies in Moonlight to one of you. Would you like to win? Simply leave a comment below. This contest will be open through Tuesday, April 12th and is open to U.S. Residents only.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER (as selected by random.org) IS #9 - Pam K. CONGRATULATIONS!

For a bit of fun and a good distraction, this book fit the bill for me. I now offer it to one of you.

Best to you!

My thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for sending a copy for me to read. Obviously, these opinions are my own and I'm grateful for their graciousness in letting me give it a try!