CROOKED MOON GOES STRAIGHT TO THE HEART:
I tried forming a preconceived idea of what to expect from Lisette Brodey's novel, Crooked Moon, as her premise had already appealed to me. Ultimately, her story wound up touching me in ways I could not have prepared myself.

Each character's life is captivatingly cultivated and as unique as any person's I've encountered in real life. I found myself becoming attached to each, even the ones with whom I would not wish to personally associate. From the beginning, I found myself caring quite deeply about what became of these people from a fictional blue-collar neighborhood in Philadelphia, called Rainytown. Crooked Moon seems to blanket one with the common threads of human nature (through highly emotional and often intense personal experiences) all the while, being woven together by strands of snappy wit and downright charming repartee!

What may have surprised me the most, is Brodey's uncanny knack for the unforeseen plot twists, which found me saying (out loud) "Oh, this woman got me good!" So MANY times, she got me good, all right! While reading, it inspired me to explore, in greater depth, personal relationships that I have cultivated. So much so, that while enthralled with certain parts of the book, I found myself thinking, "Oh, this writer has 'wrecked' me!" I enjoy being wrecked. I long to be wrecked! For as much as I (and all who embrace this book) relate to this story of love and redemption ... for as much as I was laughing, I also did not expect to find myself weeping uncontrollably. I've been very fortunate to have few relationships with novels, as satisfying as this, and consider this one a lifelong cherished friend.

I highly recommend Crooked Moon for anyone willing to explore their own relationships (vicariously) through its multifaceted characters. Amazing, are the profound lessons you weren't even expecting to take away from the experience. Oh, trust me ... Lisette Brodey's Crooked Moon will "wreck" you good!

Sherrie Brand, Minneapolis, MN


After my wife and my niece raved about this book, I just had to read it. Not only was it very well written, but the author hooked me in by the first page. The development of the story and the conversations between characters was, for me, the best part of the book. I've read books before that had clever dialogue yet at the same time didn't feel genuine to me. And when I don't believe the characters are real people, I don't really care as much for the story.

The conversations in Crooked Moon were not only very real, but they made me laugh one moment, cry another, and think about my own life the next. In fact, there was one particular scene that affected me so much that I wanted to jump into the book and spill the character's secret! (But I didn't want to ruin the book for future readers!)

The author does a great job of painting portraits of people from all walks of life. As someone who meets so many different kinds of people every day in his own work, this was something that I personally could appreciate. I also loved the way the story took turns that I never saw coming and kept me guessing until the end.

And, the fact that my wife has twice asked me when Lisette Brodey's next book is coming out is just another testament to this very engaging and talented writer. For anyone who enjoys gritty, honest and flawed characters who truly feel the world around them, I couldn't recommend Crooked Moon more highly.

Ward Foley, Norton, KS (Author, Thank My Lucky Scars)

THE DELIGHTFUL, QUIRKY, “CROOKED MOON”
Lisette Brodey, in her debut novel, Crooked Moon, has given us a delightful, quirky story of family and friendship, of betrayal and forgiveness.

Brodey employs a wonderful use of language - combined with the occasional, hugely entertaining, and purposeful misuse of same - in leading the reader through the twists and turns in the lives of Callie Mason and Mary Frances "Frankie" Cavalese.

It's the vagaries of life that separated the two best friends after high school, and it's death that brings them back together. The emotionally charged reunion sizzles with the fears and insecurities that have festered through their 23-year separation.

Wright Gres (Author, Macedonia Passage: Dangerous Cargo)

CROOKED MOON IS FABULOUS!
Can you go home again? Do you want to go home again? What about the people who never left home? How can they return to what once was, when their lost loved ones come home? These are some of the issues that Lisette Brodey raises in her wonderful and moving book, Crooked Moon. The fingers of her story reach into your chest starting with the first chapter and begin to squeeze ever more so, chapter by chapter, until your empathy for Callie and Frankie gushes right out of your heart. I am so happy that I purchased this book and discovered a fabulous author in the process. I am giving this book to friends as gifts. I can't wait to read Squalor, New Mexico. Don't stop doing what you were born to do, Lisette.

Henry A. Leighton Jr.

Crooked Moon in an all-night page turning read. Each character is intense with their own hidden secrets. With each page, the suspense builds to such a point you can not put it down. Anyone who love a tale of friendship, heartache, and secrets will not be disappointed in Crooked Moon.

Lisette Brodey delves into each character, bringing them to life in your mind. A must read! I eagerly anticipate more from Ms. Brodey!

Sheri A. Wilkinson, Sandwich, IL

I REALLY HAD TROUBLE PUTTING IT DOWN:
I'm not a huge reader of drama; I'm mostly into sci-fi/horror type books... But a friend recommended this one, for which I'm very grateful. Like I said: not my normal pick for a book but this was very well written and I really really didn't want to put it down. I just had to know what happened next and....then after that...

It was a great read. I highly recommend it!

Merritt Awbrey, Prescott Valley, AZ
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