Review: Beautiful, Raw and Real
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 3, 2014
Moonshine was the first book I’ve read by Regina Bartley. Since I was going in blind, I really had no idea what to expect. From the moment I met Shine and Ryker I was hooked. I had to keep reading, keep learning more about them and continue to follow their story. There was no lull, no place where things stopped or slowed for a while. There was only their emotional journey and my need to see it through to the end.Shine was a beautiful disaster of a girl and I couldn’t help but feel that painful tug on my heartstrings every time she hurt. She had been through something terrible and the pain of that experience consumed her. Her emotional distress was incredibly written throughout the story, allowing me to be completely absorbed into her world. Ryker is the guy every girl wants. I quickly fell under his spell. Ryker’s whole world comes crashing down around him the day that Shine’s life changes forever. Despite his own suffering, he is sweet and kind and compassionate. He was a beautiful character and I absolutely enjoyed getting to know him.Shine’s story was real and painful and at times devastating. I hurt for her and I cried for her. My heart broke and shattered and ached. Regina Bartley did such an amazing job putting to paper the events that haunt Shine and the reality of the inner conflict that developed as a result. The tragic moments of this story were handled with respect and grace. The characters felt honest and vulnerable and their emotions were entirely organic. From beginning to end I was invested in this book and never once felt disconnected from what was happening on the page. Moonshine left my heart raw but filled with love and light. This story was intense, emotionally overwhelming, and hopeful. Regina Bartley took me on a beautiful journey with Moonshine and I will definitely be reading more from this author.