Born Under a Lucky Moon

Born Under a Lucky Moon marks the debut novel of author Dana Precious. And I really hope shes at work on her second, because I loved this book! Jeannie Thompson and her four siblings grew up in the town of North Muskegon, Michigan. Jeannie is in her late thirties, very successful in the film industry and has a boyfriend, Aidan, that she loves very much. It is when Aidan asks her marry him, that Jeannies tightly held life begins to unravel. How can she explain to Aidan that... My family isnt like your family. our family seems to have everything under control at all times. But stuff just happens to my family. I think of it as really funny, but apparently other people dont. Like Walker (Jeannies ex-husband), or most of the other spouses in my family. A lot of them are ex-spouses now. My family seems to be very trying on the people we love. When Aidan asks for an example, she begins... This is just one story of my family. It starts with a long-planned wedding on a Saturday, followed by a surprise wedding on Sunday. It ends with a murder and a sex scandal. Like every relationship in every family, this story doesnt reside in the black and white of right and wrong, it resides in the gray area called love. Now really - how could you not want to delve into the pages of a book with an opening like that? Born Under a Lucky Moon alternates between 1986 and the present 2006. Each story is equally addicting, but the story of the 1986 weddings had me actually laughing out loud. Precious has created wonderfully warm, funny, loving, quirky characters that you cant help but love. As Tom the handyman says... I didnt say you werent all crazy. But Ive never seen a family pull for each other so much. And this is the part of the story that really shines. The love between the family members is tangible and incredibly heartwarming. Through thick and thin, crises and joys, each of them is there for the others. The present day tale in 1986 is just as charming. I found myself reading just one more chapter late at night in order to get back to the other story. A really strong debut novel, one I absolutely recommend! Its the perfect summer beach read.

This novel is a true hidden gem, one of the best first efforts by an author Ive had the chance to enjoy. Ms. Precious easy use of first person narrative drew me immediately into the story and I never wanted to leave. A delightful book that touches upon many of lifes defining moments and turbulent issues that we all face, woven around shocking events that few of us have ever experienced. A delightful journey, I highly recommend it.

I loved this book! I havent sat down and read a book in years. I currently live in Muskegon area and was recommended this book by a friend. Such a feel good, fun, and exciting story!

I could not put this entirely readable, charming story of worlds and lifestyles intersecting down. Precious writes with a keen eye and a sense of humor that gives her characters humility and humor. If you want a multi-generational love story with all of the trimmings including self-discovery, mystery and Hollywood... this is it. The book is... Precious.

Lock the door and turn off the phone. Once you start reading about the Thompson family, you wont be doing anything else until you find out how this story ends. The Thompsons live in Michigan. They are the kind of big, sprawling family that things just seem to happen to. With five kids, theres always some drama. Evan is the only son. A ship captain, he also has his own TV show and is the voice of reason. Elizabeth is the ultra-organized, ever so chic oldest daughter. Sammie is the vagabond artist. Lucy, rebelling against everything, runs off and joins the army. Jeannie, the youngest, grows up with her role firmly fixed. She is the mediator, the fixer, the one who soothes the rough spots. Its no wonder that she ends up as a marketing executive on major Hollywood films. Who else can handle the thousand and one crises that are a part of every movie? But theres something now that Jeannie cant fix. Aidan is a successful Hollywood producer whose only ambition left is to marry Jeannie and settle down. But Jeannie cant commit. Theres always some crisis to fix, some problem only she can solve. Will she learn too late that you cant live your life always putting everyone else first? Readers will laugh out loud at this family and love them and their foibles. The writing is witty and fresh, and the characters remind you of your best friend from high school. This book is recommended for readers who are looking for a way to make sense of their lives and not let lifes misfortunes stand in their way. This is Dana Precious first novel, and readers will be anxiously awaiting her next.

Written in chapters from past to present, back and forth, Jeannie Thompson tells her story...and quite a story it is. Her large family in Michigan is a close, albeit wild, bunch of characters. However, they always pull together for Jeannie and each other in all of lifes craziness. With a good career, Jeannie also finds a good man. Afraid to introduce him to her quirky family, out of fear they may overwhelm him, she tries to avoid it. She really need not worry, though. Their zest for life, easy way of dealing with things, and their ability to be true to themselves make them, and Jeannie, what and who a family should be. And that is what matters.

Having grown up in this wonderful town, I was excited to read and reminisce. Dana is such a fabulous writer that I quickly got hooked into her story and could not put the book down! Thank God we have a snow day today so that I can sit by the fire and finish the book. I really cant wait to find out what is in store for us next. I anxiously await her next novel (better get going Dana, Ive been looking for a long time for this good read...dont make me wait that long again please!)

This book captures all the joy and angst and zaniness of a large family and an even larger extended small town where everyone knows everyone, The contrasting settings of LA and its over the top movie folks with hometown Muskegon offers an excellent and very funny point counter point. I have found out that much of the story is true which offers an additional deliciousness to the tale.

Jeannie Thompsons life has never been boring. Her family is filled with colorful, and often embarrassing, relatives who seem to be the victims of some of the oddest things; making them the talk of the little Michigan town where they live. It is 2006, and Jeannies longtime boyfriend is thinking of taking their relationship to the next level. Shes not sure they should rock the boat. Not only are they both busy in the entertainment industry, she knows how other boyfriends have felt about her less than normal family, and shes not sure Aidan will be any better. As Jeannies past and present collide, she must reconsider her life growing up near the Great Lakes of Michigan, and the career she carved out that has alienated her from her family. Debut author Dana Precious pulls together a stellar plot, quirky characters, the love/hate relationship we can have with our family/stomping grounds, and a romance to come up with a major winner. I loved everything about this book. Once I started it, I couldnt put it down. I read it in one day. Born Under A Lucky Moon is filled with laughs and tears, unexpected twists, family, and down home charm. Its about the Thompson family, but it could be about any family. Born Under A Lucky Moon is the perfect book to choose if you want a great read that is funny, yet moving.

I wanted to become a part of this wonderfully crazy family. With all the twists and turns this is truly a journey you wont soon forget! It is a book that you will pick up and not put down until you have exhaled your last laugh, and cried your eyes dry.