Born Under a Lucky Moon

This was one of those books that I couldnt stop reading. Its one of those rare occasions when you discover a brand new author and you pick up their book and you fall instantly in love. Yes this was that such book. I started reading it during my lunch break at work and I did not want to put it down. Yes, I was even contemplating reading the book while I was working but alas I dont want to get fired so sadly the book had to be put away until I got back home. As soon as I did get home, I savored the rest of the story like a fine wine or some good cheese. Seriously, this is one of the best stories that Ive read this year. I love sister stories and this book is full of them. There are four sisters (and 1 brother) in the Thompson family. Jeannie is telling the story of the summer of 1986 where everything that could possibly go wrong and crazy for her family does. There is so much hilarity in the story and so much going on that it could have possibly gone awry. But Precious weaves everything perfectly together. I cant believe how much could happen with one family but it did. From surprise weddings, gas leaks, a sexually charged priest and everything in between. That summer was one to remember. And remember Jeannie does as she reminiscences about it in 2006 to the man that shes in love with but afraid to fully commit. 20 years later, she finds herself working in Hollywood and beings super stressed about her job. She is also hiding her family from her boyfriend because she doesnt want to lose him the way she did her ex-husband on account of them. Reading about the background scenes of the movie scene was fascinating. Its not all glitz and glamour to get those big budget movies out there. Its a frantic world and even when you give 200%, it still wont be enough. I can understand being embarrassed or even a bit ashamed of your family. It happens to almost anyone. Jeannies family didnt seem all that bad to me (ok except for her dads mom, yes she was very touched). In fact, they seem like a family that loves each other and truly cares about each other throughout the years. I loved reading their story and all their adventures. I think that anyone who comes from a family with multiple siblings will really enjoy this story. Theres so much emotion, realism and honesty in this book. This is honestly one of the best debut books that Ive read and I cannot wait to read more from Dana Precious. A great read to enjoy during the upcoming summer break. HIGHLY recommended.

Born Under a Lucky Moon made me laugh, made me cry; made me happy, made me sad. Totally awesome! Highly, highly recommended.

Some of the things the characters do irritate me (they are too forgiving in my opinion, like when they do nothing about a neighbor who is a Peeping Tom) and you wish many of the characters would come to their senses. None of these irritations bothered me enough to make me dislike the book, though, and its probably because you know, eventually, that they will figure it out. I appreciate that the author was able to create a romance without writing in sex scenes. Im not a prude, but in general sex scenes in books make me cringe. The author also knows a lot about her settings and her main characters career because they are her own. Overall, this was a sweet story with likeable and relatable people. I was reminded of my own family several times and the book had a very satisfying ending, so I found it quite enjoyable. This is a solid book; I will recommend it to family and friends.

Im in love with North Muskegon Michigan, and Ive never even been there. Reading this book makes the place seem like the coolest little lakeside town ever. The way this author weaves the fabric of life there is masterful. With the touch of a true Michigander, she plants us in the world of the solid midwestern citizen--the kind whose deadpan fortitude provides hilarious contrast to the main character, Jeannie, and her close but craziness-prone family.You can smell the damp, hot summer air and feel worn wood of the dock beneath your feet as you read about Jeannies summer at the shore back at home with her family, who are both her biggest problem and her greatest asset. The antics that surround them are so appallingly entertaining, they remind us to appreciate family life for all its ridiculous and beautiful imperfections. Worth the read for the Grandma scene alone.

This is an EXCELLENT read!! With very minimal language, and no bed room scenes, lots of laugh out loud moments and just plain awesome writing style, this is a book that is sure to hit home with most anyone! The authors skills are phenomenal and she captures the reader from the start. She takes that reader on an adventurous and crazy whirlwind ride between two different years for her main character and when the readers land....well, its a surprise! From a surprise wedding (for an already married couple!) to M-80s (dont yall know how to clear away gophers???) to missing teeth after an accident, this book makes the reader laugh out loud, and be thankful for their family, no matter how crazy and whacky they may seem to be. Its told back and forth between the 80s and 2006, two very important times in Jeannie Thompsons life. Shes got a life like no other thats for sure! Shes been hit by an ambulance, she has a wild-side granny who likes to run away (while shes naked!), not to mention that she used to get to go to Chi-Chis (man, I miss that place!). All these things happen to poor Jeannie and it really makes it a fun read, as she is telling her story to her boyfriend, Aidan. Shes just not sure about introducing him to her family. After all, the old ladies at her Episcopalian church held the preacher hostage, cause he was helping them! Oh and shes been told that she was born under a lucky moon....well, Im not so sure it was a lucky moon...more like a lucky curse. LoL! Its just all around H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!!! So, please give this author and her fabulous work a chance. Its 5 star worthy and highest praises are shouted from this reader! I definitely and truly recommend this book to all the women out there (and Im sure theres a guy or two who may read and find the laughs in this humorous book!). I am anxiously awaiting the release of another of Dana Precious books! *This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review*

Dana Precious Born Under A Lucky Moon is the most well written and enjoyable book I have read in a very long time. As a publisher I have read a lot of books but this one is one I would recommend to anyone who love a good story. You will find yourself laughing and saying, OH NO! as you read the comical situations that the main character - and her family - get into. Grandma running loose naked in the middle of a parade is one fine example. Thank you Dana for such a fun and interesting read. I hope we will be blessed by many more books by this author. Ginger Marks DocUmeantPublishing

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.

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.

Jeannie Thompson, a marketing executive for Oxford Pictures in Hollywood, has a problem. Her wonderful boyfriend Aidan has asked her to marry him, but shes hiding something. She has a family. A crazy family in Muskegon, Michigan that just might preclude her from being wife material. She wasnt the first time around. Despite loving him like crazy, she refuses to give him an answer. She explains to him by beginning to tell him the story about her familys crazy double wedding. Along the way, she comes to terms with the family and the hometown in Michigan that makes her who she is. I make no secret about loving my home state of Michigan. There was no way I was turning down this book. In Born Under a Lucky Moon, I found a book almost as familiar as a trip back home. Toss in a healthy dose of crazy family antics and I was set for several afternoons of reading pleasure. Dana Precious made Jeannies family come alive. They had so much personality. I could relate so easy to the nuances of living in a larger family. With each chapter set in Michigan, I felt closer to her. It wasnt just her growing up years in Michigan, though. I could relate to living so far away from home. Roanoke is by no means Los Angeles, but its still an entirely different culture. I really enjoyed my time spent with Jeannie and her family. Reading Born Under a Lucky Moon made me feel at home without being homesick. Reading it was like a celebration of my roots as I enjoyed the antics of the Thompson clan. Dana Precious has such a wonderful sense of humor that flows so well into writing. I really enjoyed this book. If youre looking for a fun beach read for this year, pick up Born Under a Lucky Moon. Even better, plan your vacation along Lake Michigan while youre at it. You may never want to leave.

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!