An incisive novelist in the Southern tradition, Michael Morris has garnered comparisons to Harper Lee and Flannery O'Connor. Set during the tumult of World War I, Man in the Blue Moon follows Ella Wallace, a single mother fighting a corrupt banker to keep her family's ancestral land. So when a mysterious man arrives on her doorstep with promises of help, Ella reluctantly places her trust in him. But it soon becomes clear that things aren't on the up and up, putting Ella's land-and her family-in jeopardy.
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"This book was an excellent, southern-style novel about a woman and her three kids after her husband ran out on them. Morris's characters are deep, real, and believable. Plus, there is a mysterious man who comes to town in an unusual way, creating a lot of buzz because he has a particular gift."
— Ryan (5 out of 5 stars)
“Michael Morris has been one of my favorite Southern writers. His new novel is reason for great celebration—a beautifully wrought portrayal of small-town Southern life. Buy it. Read it.”
— Pat Conroy, New York Times bestselling author of South of Broad“Man in the Blue Moon evokes the best in Southern novels from Pat Conroy, Flannery O’Connor, Eudora Welty, or Walker Percy, with a healthy dose of mystery.”
— Miami Herald“A magical and mesmerizing page-turner rooted in hardscrabble Florida during WWI…Morris’ narrative is subtle and supple, with overtones of the wry Southernisms of Flannery O’Connor, the rural Florida backdrop of Their Eyes Were Watching God, and a good helping of powerful and mysterious faith. Book clubs should devour this rich, carefully observed mix of characters, time, and place.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Morris has created a magical portrait of a rural southern town on the brink of personal and global change. Richly detailed and highly visual, Man in the Blue Moon carries readers quickly and completely into the heart of this tight-knit rural community. It is a beautifully written and deeply memorable story of abandonment and loss and of the redemptive powers of hard work, faith, and forgiveness.”
— Booklist (starred review)" A good read and the commentary at the end really fills in the missing details. An authentic feel "
— Michelle, 2/12/2014" Unusual story of struggle and love with a bit of the miraculous intertwined. "
— Sherry, 2/9/2014" Good book. Poor Ella had a lot of bad luck. However the ending was good. "
— Joy, 1/27/2014" Absolutely loved this book! Everything about it! "
— Sharon, 1/19/2014" The book blurbs exaggerated somewhat, but isn't that usually the case. "
— Pamela, 1/19/2014" Didn't finish. zzzzzzzzz.... "
— Mkb, 12/30/2013" This southern writer is superb, a master at setting the southern stage with characters that seem to walk off the page. Hated this one to end! "
— Karen, 12/23/2013" This is such a fantastic book!! I literally read it on one Saturday morning, could not put it down. Michael's writing is so easy-flowing and enjoyable. An entertaining story based on a true story his grandfather once told him! "
— Marissa, 12/17/2013" Pretty good. Would be interested to check out his other books "
— Wendy, 11/28/2013" I really liked it. Especially loved the descriptive imagery and setting of the story. Definitely recommend for anyone to read. "
— Cristin, 11/24/2013" a southern writer who captures time and place in a way that reminds me of Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter. a strong heroine who keeps going against the hardest of times. Description of Florida and the characters drives the writing though the plot is interesting too "
— Kathy, 10/16/2013" Very compelling. Would read more by this author. "
— J, 7/19/2013" strange story! "
— Marilyn, 4/26/2013" A new favorite for me! Loved the era, the heroine, the heat! Great read! "
— Polly, 2/2/2013" Everything a novel should be. "
— Diana, 12/3/2012" Enjoyed this. Southern story about strangers, faith, family, land and prejudice. Great back story of where the inspiration came from. "
— Janene, 11/14/2012Tom Stechschulte (1948–2021) was an acclaimed narrator and winner of the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration. He had been a college athlete and business major when a friend dared him to audition for a play. He got the part and traded the locker room for the dressing room, eventually taking him to New York City and to recording audiobooks.