The Moon In The Mango Tree by Pamela Binnings Ewen

I know, I know...TWO historical novels in TWO days...that's totally amazing for me!! But what can I say? They called to me and I had to answer:-)

"The Moon In The Mango Tree" is Pamela's third novel, and it is a huge, juicy reading experience. Set in the 1920's, Pamela's story takes us from the suffragette movement in the United States to the wilds of Siam. With gorgeous descriptive prose, she paints a vivid portrait of the country as well as the people and the times.

Barbara Bond is set to become a grand opera singer when she meets and falls in love with budding doctor Harvey Perkins. He admires her determination and free spirit, and she loves his generous nature and kind and gentle manner, and the two soon marry.

After Harvey returns from the war, he's a changed man. Now seeing the lack in other parts of the world, Harvey's dreams of mission work take precedence over Barbara's dreams of singing. But never in her wildest dreams would she ever imagine having to sacrifice as much as she does.

What follows is an amazing journey of expectations, finding yourself amidst the struggles of life, and learning to love people of other cultures. It's an illustration of the old saying, "Show God your plans, and then watch His plans unfold for you."

Pamela's story reads like a cross between "The King and I" and an old Judy Garland film. The dialogue is crisp and exact, with the description full and rich. You can't help but feel Barbara's growing frustration and resentment, and then change as she herself changes.

What adds even more depth to this story is knowing it is based on a true account. In fact, I encourage you to read more about "The Moon and the Mango Tree" by clicking here.

I have to confess, I'm only a little over a third of the way through this nearly 500 page novel...but I'm captivated, as I know you will be as well. I'm giving "The Moon in the Mango Tree" four out of five bookmarks, with a piece of sheet music as a charm.

Happy Reading!

Deena