I started to read A Message in the Moon author introduction. However, I stopped when I saw the phrase “my daddy” and the tone was that of a young child and not an adult. Everyone has their own dynamic with their family, but that was a turn off. And there is no rule saying I had to read it (as I knew it would really color my feelings on the actual story). Therefore, I skipped ahead to Roma Downey’s story.
Which also was not for me. It was sing-song and not very solid. The story felt like it was trying very hard to say something, but not coming out and saying it until she did. And that something was God. And not a spiritual god, a nice message with a more Christian tone, but not “obvious” one set of beliefs over another, but a God with a big G. God and nothing happens without him. And all the sadness and bonuses are only because of God. Not my cup of tea at all.
I lost the message of the story because that was tossed into the middle of everything and not slowly introduced. Had I read the introduction, maybe I would have realized this. Or paid more close attention to the author’s name. Downey is an actress known for Touched by an Angel, and other highly Christian faith-based projects. I am not sure if Holly Hatam also follows this same belief system, but their illustrations are nice, yet sweet. And while they are not “cotton candy” like but do have a lighter air to them. The details are simple, and the colors fit the tone, and neither are overly crowded or too busy. And there is a nice diverseness to the characters.
If you are looking for something heavily influenced by Christmas faith, then this book is due early/mid-October 2023 (I found via an online reader copy).
