The Moonlight Child

By

Karen McQuestion

I have just finished a novel that tugged at my heart with such an emotional pull. Just like a Karen McQuestion story does.  I love her books!    This is a story of a little girl no one knows exists except for the family she's living with.  A little girl named Mia.  She's known no other life except the one she's in. She knows something is different about her place in the family but she is so innocent and trusts what she's told.   She's such a sweetheart and all she wants to do is please her "family".  

This is also the story of Niki.  A young 18 year old girl just out of the foster care system with no family to live with.  An attorney, Amy,  has taken an interest in Niki and suggests she get her feet on the ground by staying with Amy's mother Sharon.  This is a perfect scenario that puts Niki and Sharon together and the story plot that unfolds when they become suspicious by what they see in the house across the backyard.  A little girl doing dishes late at night (The Moonlight Child) and suspicion arises as to why this would be.  

This book was so emotionally charged.  I went through the gamut of all the emotions possible with the characters, Ms. McQuestion has created in this story.  "Niki had learned that people had layers, and sometimes what lurked underneath the prettiness could be ugly and cruel."  The characters in this book are so well developed.  The way Ms. McQuestion brings them to life with their emotions and traits is so realistic.  They became people I could very well have met and gotten to know.   Whether they are likable or ones I dislike with a passion, each one is minutely detailed and individualistic.  I could feel their characteristics and what kind of people they were.  

 I fell in love with little Mia.  My heart was wrapped around her little finger. Such a sweetie.  No matter what was going on, all she wanted to do was please.  She has a connection and attachment to Griswold, "her faithful canine companion"....that really touched my heart.  Griswold is so loyal to her.  

 

  Niki and Sharon built a relationship that was so beautiful. One that was meant to be and so natural for them.  Niki just needed someone to love her and Sharon was there. Niki is just who Sharon needs in her life, too.  

  My heart broke for Wendy and Edwin.  Their daughter has been missing for years and there's been no word from her.  Their hope is she will come home.  How heartbreaking and devastating. 

 Then there were the characters I really despised.  My mom instincts kicked in and couldn't believe how narcissistic Suzette was.  She is a crazy mess and so self-centered.  Her husband, Matthew and son, Jacob, were victims of her self-absorption and ego.  

This book is so very good. The premise of the story is fascinating.   It's complex but written as to build the story up so that I had to keep turning the pages.  There was suspense, drama, secrets, mystery, and tragedy.  There is also loyalty, love, friendships, determination and truth seeking.   It's a novel that I had a very hard time putting down.  From the poignant beginning chapter Ms. McQuestion captured me into the pages and took me on an intensely riveting ride to the climactic end.  Very well done!  

I want to thank the author, Karen McQuestion, for the honor of reading this fantastic book. All opinions and thoughts are my heartfelt own. It is definitely a five star read for me.