Linda Windsor's Blue Moon ~ Reviewed

Blue Moon
By Linda Windsor
WestBow Press
ISBN 0-7852-6064-1

Once in a Blue Moon, fame and fortune actually take a backseat to friendship and love.

Jeanne Madison has earned her PhD at 26 and secured funding to find and excavate a treasure-laden 18th century caravel off the Yucatan coast. Between her mentor and a handful of graduate students, years of study, and all the government cooperation a marine archeologist could want, she’ll find the Luna Azul—or Blue Moon—by hook or by crook. When a tight budget forces her to hire Captain Gabriel Avery and his rust-bucket, Fallen Angel, the comely PhD’s not sure it won’t be the latter.

The incorrigible skipper has the swarthy good looks of a Hollywood pirate and pushes every last one of Jeanne’s buttons—even some she didn’t know she had. His history of brawls, bullion, and well, romantic escapades may well sink the whole expedition.

As the race for the Luna Azul treasure with an unscrupulous competitor gets heated, more than the fajitas start to sizzle. Soon Jeanne, the captain, and her crew must take a gigantic leap of faith, one that may salvage more than gold—perhaps even a hardened heart.

Linda Windsor is known for her “Hystericals”—contemporary romantic comedies with a dash of suspense—and this book delivers her style as promised. After meeting Captain Gabe Avery in chapter one, I knew romance could not be avoided. I’ll admit I’m a sucker for a man with long, dark hair, but combine that with a tanned Adonis figure and add a British accent, and no wonder Jeanne Madison fell for him.

Once Windsor brought her characters together aboard the Fallen Angel, comedy was destined to follow. I especially enjoyed the humorous friction between a slobbery, overgrown Labrador mix and the pompous academian Dr. Remy Primston.

My only complaint is the ‘dash’ of suspense. For my tastes, it wasn’t nearly dashing enough. Moments meant to be tense didn’t increase my heart rate. Even the climax didn’t worry me. In general, I thought the plot to be rather predictable.

Not overtly theological nor intense, I would recommend Blue Moon as a great read to pack into your beach bag. A sweet romance plus an easy to follow story equals a fine summer getaway. Go for it.

Reviewed by Michelle Griep