Book Review: Under the Bayou Moon

 

Restless with the familiarity of her Alabama home, Ellie Fields accepts a teaching job in a tiny Louisiana town deep in bayou country. Though rightfully suspicious of outsiders, who have threatened both their language and their culture, most of the people in tiny Bernadette, Louisiana, come to appreciate the young and idealistic schoolteacher as a boon to the town. She’s soon teaching just about everyone--and coming up against opposition from both the school board and a politician with ulterior motives.

Acclimating to a whole new world, Ellie meets a lonely but intriguing Cajun fisherman named Raphe who introduces her to the legendary white alligator that haunts these waters. Raphe and Ellie have barely found their way to each other when a huge bounty is offered for the elusive gator, bringing about a shocking turn of events that will test their love and their will to right a terrible wrong.

A master of the Southern novel, Valerie Fraser Luesse invites you to enter the sultry swamps of Louisiana in a story that illuminates the struggle for the heart and soul of the bayou

My Review

This is the third book I have read by this author. Sadly, this is the first one that I was not feeling as much. Usually, I feel a quick and strong connection with the characters. While, I liked Ellie and Raphe; they were more like casual acquaintances then friends. 

The sparks between Ellie and Raphe is sweet and kind. I like how Raphe is gentle towards Ellie. As the story progressed Ellie grew strong with her voice. 

What I do like about this author is that Valerie does write lovely stories. Ones that do bring the reader along for the journey. Thus the reason I will still read more books by this author; even if I did not "love" this book but "liked" it.