Thank you to Denise Devine for a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
SYNOPSIS
Charlotte LeDoux’s nine-year marriage to bootlegging kingpin, Gus “Lucky” LeDoux, is falling apart. The same day Char learns she’s pregnant, she catches Gus in the act of adultery and it’s clear he has no intention of ending the affair. Soon after, their night club is raided by Federal agents. As she flees from the chaos, Char becomes separated from Gus and she’s faced with a choice: search out her fugitive husband or change her identity and disappear. With her life in shambles and her future in doubt, she knows what she must do to protect her child.
Char alters her appearance and takes a job in domestic service for a private investigator. At first, living in Will Van Elsberg’s home is quiet, comfortable and safe, but everything changes the day Gus seeks out Will to find his missing wife. As Will’s investigation closes in on her, Char must once again make a decision. Should she run away again or face her violent husband and fight for her freedom? With her back to the wall, Char discovers she has more strength and determination than she ever thought possible.
LOVE LIST
- I loved that this book takes place during the roaring twenties. The mention of any story from this era turns my head. The expertly detailed setting had me feeling like I’d immediately been transported back in time.
- I loved that the first chapter was action packed and ended on a cliffhanger. There are few things greater for a book addict than knowing they need to read a book to the end.
- I loved the disappearing and reinvention arc of Charlotte LeDoux.
- I loved that every prediction I made about where the story would veer next was completely wrong.
- I loved the pacing of this story. There was never a dull moment. When I had to put the story down, I could not wait to pick it up again. Every chapter ended with me wanting to read ahead.
- I loved never being totally certain of Will’s intentions. Keep me guessing and I’ll keep reading.
- I loved the bits of Charlotte’s backstory that were deftly woven in. It was just enough to make me hope for a prequel.
- I loved that there were so many different elements to the story. There was heartbreak, hope, drive, and danger.
- I loved that this book read like a movie I’d like to watch.
- I loved that this is the first book in a series. Charlotte’s new life was just beginning and I wasn’t ready to say good-bye to her. Good storytelling is the art of creating characters the reader cares about. Denise Devine accomplished this beautifully.
REVIEW SUMMARY
This story starts off strong and will keep readers transfixed until the last page. The vivid details create an overwhelming sense of being transported back in time to 1925. There was never a dull moment. Every chapter will leave readers needing to know what will happen next. Throw your predictions out the window. Charlotte is full of surprises – right up until the end of the book. The pacing was excellent with twists and turns. This multi-faceted story offers a tale of heartbreak, hope, drive, and danger. As the story ends, Charlotte’s life is just beginning. Readers won’t be ready to say good-bye to her. Good storytelling is the art of creating characters the reader cares about. Denise Devine accomplished this beautifully. Thankfully, this is only the first in the Moonshine Madness Series.
Jill Piscitello 