The Book
When Ellie Fields accepts a teaching job in a tiny Louisiana town deep in bayou country in 1949, she knows her life will change—but she could never imagine just how dramatically.
Though rightfully suspicious of outsiders, who have threatened both their language and their unique culture, most of the residents come to appreciate the young and idealistic schoolteacher, and she’s soon teaching just about everyone, despite opposition from both the school board and a politician with ulterior motives.
Yet it’s the lessons Ellie herself will learn—from new friends and especially from a captivating Cajun fisherman named Raphe (Ra-fae)—that will make all the difference.
Take a step away from the familiar and enter the haunting waters of bayou country for a story of risk, resilience, and romance.
Review
Hullo, this is Darcy, and I’ve just returned from a trip to the Louisiana bayous of 1949.
Seriously, my favorite thing about this book was how the author drew you into the entire culture of her tiny town on the bayou. The description was lovely–you could see the gorgeous landscape around you–but more than that, you entered into a whole little world, sequestered along the banks of the winding waterways.
The story starts out slowly and gradually gains traction to drive ahead. While I didn’t connect with the story on a deep emotional level, both the main characters were people I could respect and root for. And let’s not forget their dear friend Heywood, part comic relief, part thought-provoking philosopher. A great cast of secondary characters and a strong sense of local culture really created a wonderful atmosphere.
There is little violence, and it’s very tactfully covered. Romance is sweet rather than sizzly. (I personally loved the way the romance developed.) The faith component is subtle.
If you enjoy women’s fiction that pulls you into a bygone era, and a story that runs deep and quiet, with hidden twists like the bayou, look for Under the Bayou Moon, releasing August 3, 2021.
This review was originally featured in episode 7 of the Historical Bookworm Show.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Valerie Fraser Luesse is the author of Almost Home and the bestselling, Christy Award–winning Missing Isaac. Her third novel, The Key to Everything, was inspired by a true story. An award-winning magazine writer, Luesse is best known for her features and essays in Southern Living, where she is currently the senior travel editor. Specializing in stories about unique pockets of Southern culture, she has published major pieces on the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi Delta, Acadian Louisiana, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Her editorial section on Hurricane Katrina recovery in Mississippi and Louisiana won the 2009 Writer of the Year award from the Southeast Tourism Society. The author lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband, Dave—and a mischievous orange cat named Cheeto.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
