I received this as an ARC from BookSirens and the author, Kristie Booker, for an honest review. I'd first like to thank BookSirens and the author for extending this offer to read this. While I don't fully understand what a moon garden is, the book was lovely. This book touches on real adult life problems with marriage, divorce, empty nesting syndrome, and finding yourself through challenging times. While the plot was unsurprising and contained plot twists you could see coming from a mile away, I did not care. This was cozy and I was along for the ride. It took me out of my head long enough to feel like I was experiencing the summer nights of small town Illinois. The FMC, Kat, and her best friend, Jess, embark on a summer long journey of personal growth, finding out who they are, while relying on the people who matter the most to them. If you have experienced any kind of life at all, there is something here to relate to and you feel for the characters. There is a second chance romance that evolves here but it is more tender with a lot of pining rather than any type of spice. This book was clean and it touched on deeper matters of the heart. If you want a HEA wrapped in a bow, this book is it.

I volunteered to read this book as an arc reader because the title alone reeled me in. The description of the moon garden brings back memories of my teenage years spending my summer with my grandmother in California, and the late nights I spent just relaxing in her back yard garden while the moonlight hit all the beautiful flowers as I just thought about life… what I looked forward to after summer break and in the next year of my life. The things I’ve done in life I wish I did differently. And as I read the book, the moon garden that was described within served the same purpose. The book is about many different parts of Kats life. It’s about a beautiful friendship between Kat and Jess that held strong while they both grew up, started careers, got married, had kids, and lived miles apart. They pick up where they left off when they are together again. And even struggled with their marriages together (in different ways). It’s about small town romance and second chances with the one she should have never let go. The one that (to Kat) shouldn’t have been there for her when she hurt him so badly. It’s about family (and this was such a huge thing for me! I love a close knit family). One that sticks together and is there for one another in the toughest of tough times. It’s hard for me to come up with the words without spoiling the book for everyone else. But, this book was amazing. I took my time reading it to be sure I took it all in and didn’t rush through. I am so glad I chose to read this one as an ARC reader. I will be buying the paperback for my bookshelf because this one deserves a spot, and to be read again. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Summer in the Moon Garden by Kristie Booker is a warm, heartfelt story about second chances, deep friendship, and the courage to start over! When Kat’s twenty-year marriage falls apart and her twin sons head off for the summer, she escapes back to her small hometown of Criss Creek. There, she reconnects with her best friend Jess, who’s quietly dealing with her own crumbling marriage and a secret that could change everything. The two women make a bucket list, part rebellion, part self-discovery to shake off the weight of their pasts. But Kat’s plans get complicated when Danny, her first love, reappears, and old feelings rise right alongside old regrets. Over the summer, they’ll have to decide whether to stick with what’s safe or reach for the life they’ve always wanted. Kristie Booker captures small-town charm, the power of friendship, and that bittersweet mix of nostalgia and hope! It’s perfect for anyone craving a summer read with heart!