Moon in the Water

Rating:
Summary: ~ A Very Enjoyable Read ~
Review: A beautiful written story, that I will always remember, I loved Case you can tell he really loves Ann, you can't help but cheer for them. As I was reading the story I can picture the River boat I felt like I was it. This will definitely be a keeper for me.

Happy Reading
Lisa

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful and Tender Love Story on the Riverboat!
Review: Chase Hardesty, had no idea why the Commodore of the shipping line he worked for had summoned him to his home and was stunned when he was offered the captaincy, and the chance to own the newest steamboat of the Gold Star line, the Andromeda. The only thing he had to do was to marry the commodore's daughter. A heady proposal for a young man with no prospects other than what could be earned as a riverboat pilot, and knowing there'd be strings attached, Chase cautiously agreed to meet the young woman.

Ann Rossiter, was most definitely brought up to be a lady of quality yet in her present state, four or so months pregnant, was not in any condition to dictate terms. She needed to get out of her step-fathers's house; to somehow secure her unborn child as well as her own future; and a husband was definitely not in that future. Ann, thinking that after her conversation with Chase, who had assured her he would not accept the bargain, was then astonished when her stepfather informed her that the wedding would be going forward the next afternoon. Feeling betrayed again, and with little choice in the matter, Ann was married to Chase, who thought life would go on as usual and he'd be shipping out that afternoon. But what he hadn't bargained for was that Ann would barge her way onto the Andromeda and demand to be taken along on the ride. As the two, traversed the western rivers together, Ann would be drawn to his gentleness and quiet strength, as he was drawn to her courage, strength and beauty. Attracted as she was, Ann would still keep her terrifying secret rather than be betrayed once more and when Ann's past revealed itself, would their marriage of convenience be able to weather the storm!

This was an absolutely wonderful story, rich in western Americana historical aspects that will provide the reader with a truly rewarding and visually stunning reading experience. It is beautifully written with strong and well-defined characters, both main and secondary, with deep emotional strengths. Her characters will become so real to you that right from the start you'll be rooting for Chase to break down the barriers and help Ann to heal her soul after being so bitterly used. This is a terrific story with a plot that will engage the reader from the very first pages until the very end. It was a strong, tender and a beautifully satisfying love story that I heartily recommend! --- Submitted by Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for www.historicalromancewriters.com

Rating:
Summary: Beyond Excellent
Review: I am not a romance reader but I love this book and now I am reading her other books. Her writing pulls the reader into the story and lets the reader enjoy the ride. She is an excellent writer and deserves more publicity.

Rating:
Summary: Beyond Excellent
Review: I'd never read anything by this author before, but the excellent reviews this book kept getting (both here at Amazon and on other review sites) made me want to read it. And I'm glad I did! Though I don't usually read Americana/Western stories, the setting is post-civil war St Louis.

Chase Hardesty is a riverboat pilot who dreams of one day becoming captain of his own boat. It looks like his dream is about to come true when his employer offers him a deal: the captaincy of his newest, top of the line riverboat if Chase will marry his stepdaughter, Ann. Chase is stunned, confused and very tempted to accept. He agrees to meet Ann and discovers that she is obviously pregnant. She begs Chase not to agree to her stepfather's plan and Chase agrees. But later he has a change of heart and so Ann and Chase marry (much to Ann's displeasure).

Ann has been betrayed by men before (including her stepfather and his malevolent son), but had thought that Chase was different. Now married to him, she is reluctant to trust him or confide in him. Given the circumstances, Chase cannot blame her, but feels deep down that he made the right decision for both of them. He is determined to take care of Ann and raise her child as his own (he himself was adopted and raised in a large and loving family). He feels that he cannot yet ask Ann about her pregnancy or who the father is, and on a certain level he feels that it is irrelevant. She's his wife and the child she is carrying will be his. Rather than stay in St Louis under her hated stepfather's roof, she stows away on his boat on a trip upriver. Chase initially intends to send her back to St Louis ASAP, but as the trip progresses, they begin to open up to one another and a tender friendship begins to grow between them.

But on the trip, Chase notices some suspicious behavior on the part of some of his crew and ultimately discovers that someone is using his boat to run guns to the Indians. And while Chase struggles to find out who is responsible, he finds himself implicated and tangled in a web he could not foresee. But Ann has come to know (and love) Chase and staunchly defends her husband. Will Chase and Ann be able to prove Chase's innocence (and who is really behind it all)? Can they live happily ever after once Ann's secrets are revealed? You'll hope so!

I do have a few very minor criticisms. Chase is not the sharpest guy around, but in a way, this is realistic as he was raised on the frontier without a formal education (though he works hard to read and educate himself). And the reader will likely figure out who is the father of Ann's child fairly early on, but it takes Chase almost the entire book (though in fairness, as I mentioned, I don't think it really mattered to him). And it may take some time to warm up to Ann in the beginning, though one can certainly sympathize with her plight. I had no such problem with Chase. He's sweet, kind and earnest, if a bit naive, and I really liked him a lot. An enjoyable read and highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Tender, poignant and terrific!
Review: I'd never read anything by this author before, but the excellent reviews this book kept getting (both here at Amazon and on other review sites) made me want to read it. And I'm glad I did! Though I don't usually read Americana/Western stories, the setting is post-civil war St Louis.

Chase Hardesty is a riverboat pilot who dreams of one day becoming captain of his own boat. It looks like his dream is about to come true when his employer offers him a deal: the captaincy of his newest, top of the line riverboat if Chase will marry his stepdaughter, Ann. Chase is stunned, confused and very tempted to accept. He agrees to meet Ann and discovers that she is obviously pregnant. She begs Chase not to agree to her stepfather's plan and Chase agrees. But later he has a change of heart and so Ann and Chase marry (much to Ann's displeasure).

Ann has been betrayed by men before (including her stepfather and his malevolent son), but had thought that Chase was different. Now married to him, she is reluctant to trust him or confide in him. Given the circumstances, Chase cannot blame her, but feels deep down that he made the right decision for both of them. He is determined to take care of Ann and raise her child as his own (he himself was adopted and raised in a large and loving family). He feels that he cannot yet ask Ann about her pregnancy or who the father is, and on a certain level he feels that it is irrelevant. She's his wife and the child she is carrying will be his. Rather than stay in St Louis under her hated stepfather's roof, she stows away on his boat on a trip upriver. Chase initially intends to send her back to St Louis ASAP, but as the trip progresses, they begin to open up to one another and a tender friendship begins to grow between them.

But on the trip, Chase notices some suspicious behavior on the part of some of his crew and ultimately discovers that someone is using his boat to run guns to the Indians. And while Chase struggles to find out who is responsible, he finds himself implicated and tangled in a web he could not foresee. But Ann has come to know (and love) Chase and staunchly defends her husband. Will Chase and Ann be able to prove Chase's innocence (and who is really behind it all)? Can they live happily ever after once Ann's secrets are revealed? You'll hope so!

I do have a few very minor criticisms. Chase is not the sharpest guy around, but in a way, this is realistic as he was raised on the frontier without a formal education (though he works hard to read and educate himself). And the reader will likely figure out who is the father of Ann's child fairly early on, but it takes Chase almost the entire book (though in fairness, as I mentioned, I don't think it really mattered to him). And it may take some time to warm up to Ann in the beginning, though one can certainly sympathize with her plight. I had no such problem with Chase. He's sweet, kind and earnest, if a bit naive, and I really liked him a lot. An enjoyable read and highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Another wonderful read from Elizabeth Grayson
Review: If you love historical romance and haven't tried this author, you're really missing something. Ms. Grayson has the ability to paint a picture with words, taking the reader on a journey back in time, introducing them to characters that are believable and full of life. Moon in the Water is another hit. Chase is the type of man women dream about and Ann is just the sort of woman who deserves him. When they figure this out for themselves, romance blooms on the page. If it's time to add to your "to-read" pile, don't forget this one!

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining
Review: In 1867 in St. Louis, Commander James Rossiter offers Chase Hardesty a deal that the younger man cannot refuse. James will give ownership of the Star Line's just leaving the shipyard steamboat the Andromeda in exchange for Chase marrying his pregnant stepdaughter. Chase's life time dream would be fulfilled with this deal so though he questions why him he agrees to marry a woman he has never seen.

Ann feels incarcerated in her stepfather's household. Though she would prefer not to wed this Chase whom she has just met, she sees the unknown devil being much better for her regardless of temperament than the known demons, her step-brother and James. She agrees too.

Just after they marry, Chase captains a riverboat run to Fort Benton expecting that his bride would stay with her family. Instead Ann stows away on his ship. As they become acquainted and each one wins the other's heart, she knows that she carries a secret that she must reveal to Chase if he is to trust her, but believes that once the revelation is made, the marriage will dissolve.

MOON IN THE WATER is a fast-paced trek on the Reconstruction Era Mississippi that will provide Elizabeth Grayson with many new passengers joining the ride. The vivid story line is reminiscent of the classic Life on the Mississippi, but this deep look back, also contains a delightful romance as the leading duet finds love before they find trust. Though the villain offers no redeeming qualities, post American Civil War readers (not just romance though that is a key subplot) will appreciate this picturesque trip along the mighty Mississippi.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining
Review: In 1867 in St. Louis, Commander James Rossiter offers Chase Hardesty a deal that the younger man cannot refuse. James will give ownership of the Star Line's just leaving the shipyard steamboat the Andromeda in exchange for Chase marrying his pregnant stepdaughter. Chase's life time dream would be fulfilled with this deal so though he questions why him he agrees to marry a woman he has never seen.

Ann feels incarcerated in her stepfather's household. Though she would prefer not to wed this Chase whom she has just met, she sees the unknown devil being much better for her regardless of temperament than the known demons, her step-brother and James. She agrees too.

Just after they marry, Chase captains a riverboat run to Fort Benton expecting that his bride would stay with her family. Instead Ann stows away on his ship. As they become acquainted and each one wins the other's heart, she knows that she carries a secret that she must reveal to Chase if he is to trust her, but believes that once the revelation is made, the marriage will dissolve.

MOON IN THE WATER is a fast-paced trek on the Reconstruction Era Mississippi that will provide Elizabeth Grayson with many new passengers joining the ride. The vivid story line is reminiscent of the classic Life on the Mississippi, but this deep look back, also contains a delightful romance as the leading duet finds love before they find trust. Though the villain offers no redeeming qualities, post American Civil War readers (not just romance though that is a key subplot) will appreciate this picturesque trip along the mighty Mississippi.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Don't miss this one !
Review: There is one especially good reason to read MOON IN THE WATER.

Her name is Elizabeth Grayson.

As always, Ms. Grayson has done her painstakingly accurate historical research, and it shows beautifully in this book

The story flows here much like the river that is the heart of it.

More important than even the wonderful view of life on a riverboat, Grayson gives us rich and real characters who are living that life.

We watch Ann Rossiter grow from an insecure young girl, to a strong and compassionate woman who learns to take care of herself,and those she loves.

Ann hides a painful secret. Afraid to trust anyone to help her, she learns she must first trust herself, if she is to become the person she wants to be.

Chase Hardesty is the man we all want in our lives as a husband, brother, or friend. Strong and hardworking, this handsome riverboat pilot is determined to better himself, and to make life better for those he cares about. This includes his reluctant new young wife. However, Chase is not "too" perfect, which makes him all the more believable amd likable.

Chase is, above all, a man of honor, who must put his convictions to the greatest test he could possibly face. One of the best heroes I've read in a long time.

Although their relationship begins as one of mutual convenience, this young couple must work together to build a real marriage.

Wonderful secondary characters, very important to me, are here too. Chase's slightly egnigmatic brother, Rue, the rest of his loving and eclectic family, the colorful riverboat crew, and a villian who actually gave me chills, all help to make this a vivid and believable book.

MOON IN THE WATER is an example of what I always hope for in a Romance novel.

Realistic characters I can understand and care about. An exciting, "can't wait to see what happens next" story. Dialog that reads the way people might actually talk to each other, and a romance that is tender, passionate , and completely convincing.

Elizabeth Grayson is a truly excellent writer, and in my opinion, this book is one of her best.

Do yourself a favor, board the riverboat Andromeda, and experience the lovely MOON IN THE WATER.

Rating:
Summary: Don't miss this one !
Review: There is one especially good reason to read MOON IN THE WATER.

Her name is Elizabeth Grayson.

As always, Ms. Grayson has done her painstakingly accurate historical research, and it shows beautifully in this book

The story flows here much like the river that is the heart of it.

More important than even the wonderful view of life on a riverboat, Grayson gives us rich and real characters who are living that life.

We watch Ann Rossiter grow from an insecure young girl, to a strong and compassionate woman who learns to take care of herself,and those she loves.

Ann hides a painful secret. Afraid to trust anyone to help her, she learns she must first trust herself, if she is to become the person she wants to be.

Chase Hardesty is the man we all want in our lives as a husband, brother, or friend. Strong and hardworking, this handsome riverboat pilot is determined to better himself, and to make life better for those he cares about. This includes his reluctant new young wife. However, Chase is not "too" perfect, which makes him all the more believable amd likable.

Chase is, above all, a man of honor, who must put his convictions to the greatest test he could possibly face. One of the best heroes I've read in a long time.

Although their relationship begins as one of mutual convenience, this young couple must work together to build a real marriage.

Wonderful secondary characters, very important to me, are here too. Chase's slightly egnigmatic brother, Rue, the rest of his loving and eclectic family, the colorful riverboat crew, and a villian who actually gave me chills, all help to make this a vivid and believable book.

MOON IN THE WATER is an example of what I always hope for in a Romance novel.

Realistic characters I can understand and care about. An exciting, "can't wait to see what happens next" story. Dialog that reads the way people might actually talk to each other, and a romance that is tender, passionate , and completely convincing.

Elizabeth Grayson is a truly excellent writer, and in my opinion, this book is one of her best.

Do yourself a favor, board the riverboat Andromeda, and experience the lovely MOON IN THE WATER.