Ruby Moon: A TALE OF GREIF, GUILT, AND REDEMPTION

Ruby Moon is entertaining,  fast-paced, and features characters that are real.”–Readers’ Favorite

“Knipfer’s characterization is stellar in this novel, and she skillfully ties in the themes of faith, forgiveness, and trust.”–Wisconsin Writers Association

During the mid 1890’s, Jenay, a young woman of mixed French and Ojibwe descent, must survive the trauma of causing a horrific accident. Her maturity accelerates as the challenges of grief and romance enter the scene.

Amidst this drama, Jenay is caught in a web spun by Renault, a rich, charming man who once threatened the ruination of her father’s shipping company but now seeks something even more valuable…

Jenay must find where her strength lies in order to face the challenges life brings her or be washed away like driftwood on the tumultuous shores of Lake Superior. Life’s richest dramas play out under the banner of two ruby colored moons and become the hidden gems which forge her into a mature strong woman. Jenay realizes God is by her side, using even the harsh events of life to create something precious in her.

Fans of historical fiction, Christian historical fiction, coming-of-age novels, split-timelines, and mystery will enjoy this stimulating read!

“Ruby Moon is the type of book that hooks you from page one… and have you quickly turning the pages to discover more.”–Ya It’s Lit Blog

REVIEWS:

Readers’ Favorite:

“This novel is filled with drama and a writing style that is insightful. From the beginning, the author creates a sense of mystery, capturing sensations in a style that defies perception: ‘I see the moon, and I imagine the moon sees me—every hidden part. The blood red of a ruby is reflected upon its surface. It appears like a floating jewel, fit for a queen. The queen of death.’ The lyricism in the writing combines with the use of symbolism and the spiritual depth of the writing to transport the reader and makes for an inspiring read. The chapters are well-organized, each exploring an episode or an aspect of the plot, each written with timely paragraph breaks and phraseology that is designed to increase the level of drama in the story. Biblical references make for an additional level of richness in the story. Ruby Moon is entertaining, fast-paced, and features characters that are real.”

Wisconsin Writers Association: Gloria Bartel reviewing

“From prologue to epilogue, Jenny Knipfer’s Ruby Moon carries the reader through the enthralling catacombs of Jenay Follet’s mind to solve a murder mystery. This story uniquely cross-examines the past and present of all the major players on the stage, good guys and bad guys alike, which lends to the story’s theme of redemption as well as serving to discover the characters’ motivations and interests…

“Knipfer’s characterization is stellar in this novel, and she skillfully ties in themes of faith, forgiveness, and trust. The mesh of cultures in this novel are delightful and refreshing, as is the way she carries the readers through the story in non-chronological order using different perspectives and tenses. For the most part, these shifts are easy to follow because she gives section headers that note the date, making it easier for the reader to fit the puzzle pieces together. The non-chronology also makes for a more stimulating read.”

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING . . .

Goodreads:

“I didn’t quite know what to expect when I picked up this book. A debut novel can be a risk. But this story defied every fear, immersing me from the beginning into the lives of Jenay and Jacque, along with a bevy of unforgettable characters. However, these characters weren’t the only draw. No, it was Knipfer’s ability to weave a plot so multi-dimensional, so ripe with meaning, so full of depth, that I knew this story was something special.

“I highly encourage you to pick up this book. You will run the gamut of emotions, from laughter, to sorrow, to fear, to hope. Take a chance on this one. It does not disappoint!” — Kathryn V.

“The author does a lovely job of telling the back story of young Jenay growing up on the shores of Lake Superior. We finally understand what happened and the mystery of the first pages becomes clear.” —Ruth E.

“I gave this story a five star because of the setting of the book and the way the author has described the scenes in the story. In turn, that made me feel like I was there feeling the frustrations of Janay as she comes of age and learning right along with her.”–Lori

“I truly enjoyed the story and the premise of the book. I found it fairly unique, which is hard to achieve when you’re on your 3000th Christian fiction.”—
Erica Pait

“The book shows the labour of love that was put into the story. The detail, the style and the plot twist are commendable.”–Praise

“I would recommend this book, I especially enjoyed see the growth in faith as she worked through her past and moved into her future.”–Katherine Hoch

Amazon:

“This was a most unique book. Most of this story centers around Jenay in her 17th year and what a year that was. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish! I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.” —Linda R.

“The storyline kept me riveted and the description of the lifestyles, the countryside and the way things were in that period of history was not only captivating… I can easily recommend this book and can’t wait to get my hands on the second in the series!” —Debbie W.

“What make this epic novel stand out is the lyrical, poetic and honest writing from its author. The very first page is almost a sonnet and one of the best beginnings to a book I have every read…

“It does not always happen but when it does it feels miraculous. I’m talking about when you read a book and you are immersed in it… When I got to the last page I closed the book and held it to my heart.”-–Linda McCutcheon

“The writing is poetic and lyrical and it was easy to get lost in the beautiful words. Biblical references add a deep, spiritual element to the story. Ruby Moon is fast-paced and well-written. The plot is multi-dimensional and you will find yourself holding your breath, waiting to see what happens next.”--Brenda Webb, author of A Thousand Mothers

“The main character, Jenay, is an extremely relatable dynamic character. Knipfer doesn’t just tell the reader about Jenay’s immense internal struggle, she shows the reader and makes the reader really understand. One of my favorite parts of the book was understanding more about the Ojibwe culture and customs. Jenay’s aunt provides details about Ojibwe customs and guides Jenay to make the right decisions. I did not expect the ending of this book! What a twist! I am so excited to read the next book in the series!”--Emily G.

‘ I loved that the author added scripture and quotes throughout the entire book pertaining to that particular vein of the story. I also greatly appreciated the symbolic implication of the story of the thief on the cross that shows God’s true forgiving power.”–Lisa

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book . The blend of scripture , nature , and a complicated love story took me to another place which was entertaining yet relaxing . I held myself back on the last several chapters rationing them daily so it wouldn’t be over.”–Amazon Customer

“The story is richly developed and the characters have a depth to them the makes you hope for their best. I didn’t want to put the book down and stayed up way too late trying to find out what happens next. You can visualize what the shore looks like with the excellent description of the area. You won’t be disappointed!“–Kerri A.

Facebook:

“I am awed by every aspect of her creativity! The depth and details and anticipation in her writings are incredible! I highly recommend this to everyone!” —Judy A.

BookBub:

“I felt so much of everything while reading this book because Jenay is a genuine relatable and sympathetic character. The prose is just beautiful with a lyricism that ebbs and flows perfectly. I love a story that sounds to me like a song, and this one certainly did.” – JypsyLynn

“Jenny does a fabulous job of crafting realistic characters and bringing their world to life. Ruby Moon is definitely on my read again list because I enjoyed it so much. I am starting Jenny’s next book, Blue Moon, next. She is a talented author and I highly recommend Ruby Moon!”–Regina Walker, author of We Go On

Book Review Bloggers and Sites:

The Red Headed Book Lover:

“Jenny is a talented wordsmith who knows how to be creative and brazen with her thoughts and think outside of the box. I adore how Jenny took risks with Ruby Moon and decided to put a twist on a much-loved genre; this is incredibly hard to do and even harder to pull off, so it is safe for me to write that I adore Jenny’s literature! I tried my hardest, but Knipfer continuously keeps her readers on edge with her sheer brilliance!”

Ya Its Lit Blog:

“Ruby Moon is the type of book that hooks you from page one. It is intriguing and gorgeously written. The prose is set up perfectly to keep you guessing as to what happened, will happen, and occurred. This book will pull you in and have you quickly turning the pages to discover more. It’s a mystery with gorgeous style writing all wrapped up into one neat little book.”