Article first published as Book Review: Born Under A Lucky Moon by Dana Precious on Blogcritics.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips, the respected New York Times bestselling author, was recently quoted; “Lucky the reader who picks up this funny, charming, and touching debut novel. I loved it.”

I couldn’t agree more. In fact, I didn’t just love it, I bonded with it! I fell in love with its colorful characters and wacky to wonderful plot. The novel became a funny and fabulous friend, one I looked forward to spending my down-time with. Nestled on the couch with a comfy blanket and a small glass of my favorite French wine, I turned the pages quickly, anticipating great story.Once the final line was read, I closed the cover on its four- hundred- and nineteen –fast moving pages, smiled to myself, and whispered one word; “Wow…”

Like a good friend, unforgettable and utterly endearing, our nightly conversations ( where I’d always play the intent listener) would be missed, but I predicted that somewhere, in the not- too- far- away- future, I’d rekindle the old friendship. Years from now, I pictured myself pulling it off an overcrowded, dusty library shelf, and reading it once again; Yes! It’s that good!

It’s not just a chick- lit- novel either. Sure, the female reader will absolutely fall in love with the story and the main character but I’m betting it will leave its magical mark on the male population too.

Why? (I can hear you asking.)

Because how many novels have the power to move you or make you belly-laugh in public? (-It’s embarrassing but true!) Dana Precious’ new book, Born Under A Lucky Moon, to be released on February 8, 2011, isn’t just another smart story written by another witty writer – it’s an event!

It’s a fast moving train ride, sweeping the reader into a world that’s richly entertaining and unpredictable. The pages have weight and contain interesting plot, filled with humor, twists and some surprises. Its original flavor is hard to describe but it’s delicious from beginning to end; a cream de la cream that not only rises to the top, but leaves the reader wanting more from Dana Precious, one talented- tale- spinner.

Dana Precious

Born Under A Lucky Moon is fictional, but it’s also based on the author’s real life events. Told in first person narrative, we meet Jeannie, the lovable main character. In chapter one, she tries to explain to Aidan, her would –be-fiance, why he should reconsider his proposal.

Quickly, the reader understands why Jeannie is hesitant to accept. Her past is layered with family drama and the icing is complicated, sprinkled with some sticky situations that mold the final masterpiece; a one of a kind love story- a family love story, that is.

In a series of flashbacks, the reader travels to mid-west Americana. It’s in the mid-eighties, where we meet the young, precocious Jeannie and her four older siblings who add the fun to family dysfunction and  dynamics.

In the present, Jeannie is a Hollywood ad exec, dealing with spoiled actors, Hollywood agents and executives; a sharp contrast to yesterday’s little Jeannie.

If you visit Dana Precious’ website, Born Under A Lucky Moon, you’ll find a marvelous quote taken from Life Lessons from Lemony Snicket (via tobeshelved-one great blog about books and their covers): It reads: “Deciding whether or not to trust a person is like deciding whether or not to climb a tree, because you might get a wonderful view from the highest branch, or you might simply get covered in sap. For this reason, many people choose to spend their time alone and indoors, where it’s harder to get a splinter.”

I’m so glad Dana Precious isn’t the kind of gal to run away from sticky sap or fear the sharp prick from one of life’s unpredictable splinters. Like a master artist, using spectacular, bold color, she has successfully painted with words a unique impression or portrait of one family. It’s a genuine article that might have been envied by the likes of Norman Rockwell; for Dana Precious has brilliantly captured and skillfully redefined his famous impression, “Freedom From Want”.

This is a feel-good, amazing read and ( just in case you haven’t guessed it yet), I”m  highly recommending it.

To learn more about Dana Precious, visit her website at http://bornunderaluckymoon.com/ and stay tuned…

Don’t forget to enter the Born Under A Lucky Moon Contest!

On February 9, 2011 4 lucky winners will be chosen to receive  a free copy of the Born Under A Lucky Moon novel or an Amazon gift card ($50 value). To learn more about how you can enter, go to this link: The Born Under A Lucky Moon Contest.

Good Luck!

You could also win a free kindle by submitting your email on She Knows--another wonderful writer’s blog, providing a wealth of information on all topics!

Coming Soon

I’ll be posting a new article next week, after my interview with Dana Precious. Hope you’ll check back and read more about this wonderful author!

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