Moondrop Miracle (Windy City Hearts)
This Christian historical novel begins in Chicago, 1928. It follows the tribulations of socialite Connie Shepherd, who is about to marry into an even more established society family when she weds her financier beau Winston. Connie can’t even remember the name of her maid, but appears to be allergic to alcohol, which keeps her clear-headed enough to realize her new husband has a drinking problem. She also loves her eccentric Aunt Pearl, whose wedding present is the formula for a home-brewed cat dandruff tonic. Connie has given birth to the delightful Scotty as deaths and the Great Depression wallop the family. Winston disappears to escape his shame and creditors.
Connie is left to grow up fast. With the help of several working-class women, she turns Aunt Pearl’s concoction into the Moondrop Miracle beauty product of the title, finds a deep and abiding Christian faith, and becomes a woman of substance.
Tightly written, fast-paced and event-filled, Connie’s story may follow a familiar trajectory but does it with style and telling detail. The author’s love of place and time is evident, though a swipe at first-wave feminism seemed inaccurate and mean-spirited in this big-hearted story.
