A few years ago, I bought Heather Zydeck’s “Basil’s Searchfor Miracles” for my Reluctant Reader’s Pascha basket.  The miraculous occurred; he read it cover to cover before I had a chance to read it to him.  Since then, I have always thought fondly of both the book and Zydek’s skills as an author.

I was delighted to be offered the chance to review her new book, “Stranger Moon” and read it in one sitting. Set in the same fictional town as Basil, the book introduces Gaia who finds a moth wing in her late mother’s effects, and begins a search for the rare Luna moth.  

Together with her friends, her search leads her to the woods at night where they meet a mysterious woman who is both fascinating and scary.  As they learn more about the woman, they connect with the local Orthodox priest and a monk at a nearby monastery. 

Well written and populated with complex and sympathetic characters, this novel is a delight to read.  It explores faith, family, redemption, and finding beauty in unexpected places.

(FTC disclosure: I received a copy of this novel from the author)