Fly Away with Me (Blue Moon Harbor #1) by Susan Fox

Fly Away with Me (Blue Moon Harbor #1) Reviews

• 
  Ami

  3.5 stars
  
  Fly Away with Me is my first experience with Susan Fox -- and unfortunately, while I enjoyed it, I wasn't completely loving it. I guess my biggest issue was with the romance. I don't know whether it is because the relationship starts as a holiday fling (I thought Aaron was a little bit too pushy) or because there is a bigger drama with both Eden's family (her mother's cancer) and Aaron's family (his sister, a single mother, is being evicted) -- but the romance is a little bit underwhelming.
  
  Considering that Eden and Aaron are quite different in characteristics -- Eden is more of a planner, more uptight and serious, with close relationship with her family versus Aaron who is all about fun, short term goals and has no plan for long term relationship -- I was expecting these two butting heads with sparks flying everywhere. I didn't feel like I got all of that, though. And I was slightly annoyed with what I thought of the "serious reserved city life BAD vs. fun relaxed small town life GOOD" premise that I seemed to conclude from this book.
  
  Having said that, I was VERY much interested with the "mystery" -- in this case, Eden's quest to find her missing aunt and what might have been going on with the cult, the missing leader, and the mysterious girl that Eden's aunt seemed to help all those decades ago. What happened to her? What other secrets that the rest of the cult member might have knowingly kept? I guess the mystery-fan in me is very much intrigued with all of those.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The ARC is provided by the publisher via
  Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
• 
  Dixie-Lee Campbell

  Enjoyed !
  
  My Mom LaDorna read it too and said is was very good and enjoyed it very much !!!
  :-)
  
• 
  Terri

  Review also found at
  https://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/...
  
  I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!  The expected publication is July 25, 2017.
  
  When I first started this story I was really excited as Eden was from Ottawa which is where I live. After reading thousands of books in my lifetime thus far, I finally came across the story that takes place in my own backyard.  Sort of....the story for the most part takes place on the island of Destiny however Ottawa features heavily throughout (more on this later).
  
  I'm having a difficult time sharing my thoughts on this story as I feel like I have a split personality when it comes to my enjoyment factor of the story.
  
  The first half of the story was great.  A beautiful rugged island, a beautiful man, quirky townsfolk and a mystery to solve.  That is a great combination.  To be honest, the fact that Eden was trying to locate a long lost relative was more appealing than the romance aspect.  I love a story that tries to solve a puzzle from the past so I was invested from the get go in the search for the elusive Aunt Lucy.  The fact that Aaron and Eden had an attraction was just a bonus.  I loved that they set ground rules that it was just a fling because we all know how well that really works out don't we!
  
  The second half of the story started to drag for me.  This occurred pretty much from the moment Eden returned home until the end of the story.  To me, this part went on simply too long.  After Eden's time in Destiny, I had expected that the story would start preparing to wrap up, that Eden and Aaron would find a way to make it work, or not, and then it would be done.  Instead, it was almost like there was a second story.  The reader gets to explore their love story in a different geographic setting (Ottawa), there obstacles however remained the same and nothing was really different.  I felt this part could have been shorter and it did impact my enjoyment of the story.
  
  Even though I have mixed feelings about this story, I see potential as to where this new series will go.  I believe the next story will feature Aarons sister and there are so many possibilities when it comes to her character.  I will be watching for the next instalment.
  
  Public Service Announcement:  I feel the need to defend my adopted hometown of Ottawa after reading this story.  I know it was featured to depict the contrast between Destiny and a city but I feel Ottawa was unfairly depicted as a big bad city.  As far as cities go, it is pretty small and rather beautiful and historic.  It is not the concrete playground that other bigger cities (which will remain nameless) in Canada can be.  If you are going to settle in a city, Ottawa is the perfect balance of city amenities with the feel of a large town.  It was accurately depicted as a conservative government town I must admit.  It was also fun to see familiar places mentioned such as the Byward Market (or known as only the market to us locals), Gatineau park, and of course parliament.  I must also say good choice with the location of Eden's parent house in the Glebe, a historic and expensive area for homes.  I digress, just wanted to express my thoughts!
• 
  patrick Lorelli

  Eden Blaine is an attorney and she is dealing with her mother being sick with cancer and her own break up with her longtime boyfriend. Now her mother has asked her to look for her long lost sister who she has not heard from since she was a little girl in the late 60’s. Traveling to Alaska she meets Aaron Gabriel who is not looking for happily ever after. But he is looking at one beautiful women who he would like to get to know. Realizing that she is staying in his home town for a week he volunteers to help her in looking for her aunt. She agrees since the town is a very close knit community and it would be difficult for them to talk to an outsider. While there she meets a very eclectic group of people. Meanwhile Aaron is becoming more attracted to Eden but does not think he deserves to be happy since his childhood was so troubled. Eden is also attracted to Aaron but lets him know that she is a city girl and does not see herself living in a small town in Alaska. Things change a little when Aaron shows up at her place and stays for a week but like her he does not think he could make it in the city and she would not want him to. Still looking for her Aunt Lucy everything begins to change when she is found still living there and was just vacationing when Eden had arrived. Now they all have choices to make including her parents. The book and the ending are all very good. Overall a good story. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at
  www.1rad-readerreviews.com
• 
  Cathy Geha

  Fly Away With Me by Susan Fox
  Blue Moon Harbor #1
  
  This is a solid story introducing Destiny Island where they say your destiny awaits… When Eden arrives she is in search of her Aunt Lucy and also in need of some R&R. Aaron, the pilot that flew her to Destiny, and she converse, have dinner, agree to work together to find her aunt and also fall into having a short-term fling. There is little the two have in common and when Eden heads home it seems to be the end of the liaison. Seems to be… Anyway, there is much that happens including both of their families, a mystery to solve, a missing person to find, disease to fight, decisions about the future and some romance with a HEA for the two main characters. The story was well written and though I had trouble seeing Aaron and Eden together in the beginning they did grow on me as a couple and by the end of the book I was ready to read book two in the series.
  
  Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
  
  4 Stars
  
  
  
• 
  Rosemary

  Really lovely read.
• 
  Amelia

  The picturesque setting and unique individuals in the first book of the Blue Moon Harbor series come alive because of skillful wording and colorful descriptions. What is seen while flying over actual places in the Gulf Islands near Victoria, British Columbia makes me want to visit this beautiful area, and getting to know the many inhabitants in the small fictional town left me thinking they would make great neighbors. Characters created by Susan Fox are always very true-to-life, and the many highs and lows they must face when love unexpectedly enters their life is shown with much realism. Regardless of what is taking place, my own feelings were constantly being affected because of how connected I felt to these likable people. FLY AWAY WITH ME is an emotional journey of determining what is truly important in life.
  
  Though the scenery Eden Blaine first saw after landing in Vancouver is stunning, she has not come to do sightseeing. Her mother is desperate to locate a sister who has not been heard from for years, and finding the missing woman could lift the spirits of her ill parent. Eden’s aunt came to Destiny Island back in the 1960’s to join a commune, and there was no further contact. With no real leads, the Ottawa lawyer plans to talk with some of the older residents that might perhaps remember her relative.
  
  Getting to the bed and breakfast where she will be staying while in Blue Moon Harbor is achieved by flying on a seaplane, and Aaron Gabriel is the pilot. When he hears the reason that Eden has come to the area, he offers to assist her since he knows most of the locals. Because she does not have much time to search, agreeing to let him introduce her to folks will be beneficial. Although her long-time boyfriend is now out of her life, she is not interested is starting a new relationship. But having a short fling with the enticing pilot might just fit into her schedule.
  
  There is plenty of drama all throughout FLY AWAY WITH ME, where family matters and personal wishes collide. Eden is a very loyal daughter because the health problems of her mother come first. Putting the needs of those whom she loves before her own wants is always her main concern, but upon meeting Aaron, she dreams of a future that she knows is impossible. He may have a much different philosophy from Eden when it comes to love, but he surprisingly still finds himself being profoundly drawn to her. I was often held spellbound as I watched these two hopefully work through the many troubles that could keep them from forming a lasting relationship. The dilemmas tossed their way are certainly realistic, as what caused them to worry could arise in the life of anyone.
  
  Emotions run high in the story, and Susan Fox depicts responses with honest reactions and heartfelt discussions. Whether a situation pertains to the romance between Eden and Aaron, or relates to an unforeseen family predicament, every situation comes across as believable. The mystery of what happened to the aunt is cleverly handled, and I kept hoping for a happy ending. There are more books to come in the Blue Moon Harbor series, and I am very eager for the next story being released later this year.
  
  I voluntarily reviewed the book and all comments are my honest opinion
• 
  Suze

  Eden's mother is desperate to find her sister. She's ill and wants to know what happened to her beloved older sibling now that she still has the chance. Therefore she sends Eden to Destiny Island, the last place she knows her sister was staying many years ago. Even though the trip isn't a holiday, Eden's pilot Aaron is determined to make her enjoy her stay. He will also help her with her search and in the meantime they can spend their free moments together.
  
  Eden isn't looking for a relationship and Aaron doesn't think he'll ever find someone he wants to stay with for a long time, so they both feel the same way about being attached. Will their attraction change their minds and will Eden find what she's looking for or is she going home with just good memories of the man she met on the island? Destiny Island has a magical effect on people, will Eden be able to forget about it and move on once she leaves it behind?
  
  Fly Away with Me is a wonderful romantic story about two strong main characters. Eden and Aaron both know what it's like to look out for other people. They do everything they can to make their loved ones as happy as possible. Eden is cautious and levelheaded. She never does anything spontaneous, but meeting Aaron brings out the best in her in many different ways and she can finally loosen up. Aaron didn't have an easy childhood and he's never seen good examples of loving successful relationships between people close to him. That's why he doesn't believe he will ever have one either. When he meets Eden something shifts. They're amazing together, but they don't live in the same part of the country, so keeping in touch would be difficult. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out if they'd have a chance at true love.
  
  Susan Fox writes about a beautiful setting in a fantastic vivid way. I loved reading about Destiny Island, a place that has a terrific vibe. I was mesmerized by it from the start and liked every single page of the story. Eden is falling in love with both a man and an island and that is something I could easily imagine. Susan Fox has written a spellbinding story filled with impressive emotional layers and plenty of surprising twists and turns. I really enjoyed reading this gorgeous book.
• 
  Cardyn Brooks

  Eden and Aaron's story in Fly Away with Me reads as an authentically present-day mainstream romance in its inclusiveness and integration of all kinds of people woven into a believable tapestry. (Didn't love the fact that the absentee dads are mostly non-Anglo. Sigh)
  
  My disappointment isn't related to Susan Fox as the author and very talented storyteller. It's about the cover art (over which she likely has no control). On pg.3 Aaron's complexion is described as "Medium brown skin." His brown skin is also referred to more than once. If mainstream publishers are so fearful of alienating ACW (Anglo, Caucasian, white) readers by showing a non-Anglo person on the cover, then don't use an image with people or show them in shadow at sunset or some other image that's not a complete denial of how the character's skin is described.
  
  Being featured in mainstream contemporary fiction is still a rare occurrence for non-Anglo characters and visual acknowledgement of that inclusion is an integral element that reinforces it.
• 
  Bec

  
  After all her ailing mother's been through, Eden Blaire is determined to find her long-lost aunt; a woman that once had ties to a commune on the Pacific Northwest island she's travelling to. Luckily, she's broken things off with her long-time boyfriend and she doesn't have to worry about anything interfering with her search, especially not a man demanding her attention and taking it away from her mission. However, she never expected to meet Aaron Gabriel, a man with ties to the island and who doesn't believe in happy ever after. Will the week they spend together be enough, or will Aaron realize that happy ever after is possible for him?
  
  Ms. Fox has penned a delightful read in this first story of her Blue Moon Harbor series, encompassing wonderful main characters that have so much to overcome to be together; an array of eccentric secondary characters that had me hoping that they'd have the information Eden needed to find her long-lost aunt; and dialogue that had me charmed by the hero and his determination to show the heroine that she needs to have fun. The way this story started had me liking the heroine immediately, because of her determination to do everything she can to help her mom through the tough times she's been through lately, and if that means trying to find her long-long aunt than that's what she's going to do. Will she be successful?
  
  The dialogue was well-written, compelling and I enjoyed the journey the hero and heroine took to their happy ever after. Both have a love for family and are willing to do anything for their loved ones, even though the hero feels like he's failing sometimes when it comes to his troubled sister. Will he finally find a way to help her and get her to accept the help he offers? Moreover, the heroine is resilient, brave and I liked how determined she was to find her long-lost aunt, even though Aaron is a major distraction. I also liked how the heroine was willing to accept help from the hero, because she really needed someone on her side, if she was to be successful in her pursuit.
  
  While the hero, he's been through a lot in his life. He was always in trouble growing up and I liked that he managed to turn his life around. Certainly, he surprises the heroine when she realizes all that he has accomplished and that he's not the carefree, laid-back island guy she believes him to be. I also liked how kind and caring he was to the heroine's situation and how much he helps the heroine. It's palpable the people on the island love or respect the hero, so why wouldn't they want to help.
  
  Overall, Ms. Fox has delivered a worthwhile read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance full of passion and had me hoping the hero and heroine would be able to overcome their biggest obstacle of all -- the fact that they live so far away from each other; and the ending had me glad that everything worked out for the best with the heroine getting to have the best of both worlds -- her family close by and her forever after with Aaron. Certainly, her aunt had the best of plans. I would recommend Fly Away with Me by Susan Fox, if you enjoy island romances, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Stacy Finz, Melissa West, Donna Kauffman and Catherine Anderson.
  
• 
  Kate Vale

  First in the Blue Moon Harbor series and a delight to read, particularly because it takes place in an area of Western Canada that I know well. It was nice to read place names I could so easily see in my mind's eye. This story introduces us to Eden Blaine, her parents and sister, and their life in Ottawa, which is stressed by her mother's breast cancer diagnosis.
  
  Also introduced is Aaron Gabriel, a local private plane pilot who owns his own company and ferries people to the beautiful island of Destiny just off the coast of British Columbia and among the other coastal islands.
  
  Eden needs to relax and Aaron is the guy who convinces her to do so, even though her initial visit to Destiny Island is to find a long-lost sister of her mother's. Eden's aunt has been missing since she fled her home in her teens. But with Eden's mother so ill, the entire family is certain that finding her sister might help her to focus on getting well rather than fearing her death.
  
  Trouble is, Eden doesn't find her; that is, not until the people she had wanted to talk to who weren't on the island during her short stay return and Aaron puts them in touch. However, finding that relative in only part of the story whose details appear to prevent Eden and Aaron for getting together except for brief intense periods of love-making. Will they ever be able to stay together? Doesn't look it, until that missing sister of Eden's mother comes up with a plan that may have an effect on both the breast cancer diagnosis and Eden's future with Aaron. Rather than spoil the surprise, I'll encourage you to discover it on your own.
• 
  Jennifer

  I read the first chapter on the RT VIP website and was really intrigued so I requested it on Netgalley. I thought there was a lot of potential from what I read and was really looking forward to reading the whole thing. Unfortunately all I can say was that it was just okay, and I *hate* having to say that. For me, the main characters ended up being the drag on the story.
  
  Eden is a lawyer from Ottowa who travels to a small island in British Columbia searching for clues to the whereabouts of her aunt Lucy. Lucy disappeared from Ottowa in 1969 and the last letter received from her was sent from Destiny Island where she and her boyfriend had joined a commune. Aaron owns a charter business and is the pilot flying Eden to the island and offers to help her interview some of the island’s more eccentric residents.
  
  Things heat up between Eden and Aaron during the course of the week she is there, while the hunt for her aunt appears to be unsuccessful. A secondary story line about members of the commune is introduced, however I didn’t really understand the necessity. I’m assuming it must factor into a future book in the series, but to me it was a distraction from the main mystery in this book.
  
  I actually liked most of the secondary characters in this book better than the main ones, but I never grew to care about Eden and Aaron which was disappointing. I will read the future books in the series to see what happens because I did like the setting, and maybe they will allow me to change my mind about this initial outing.
• 
  Michele

  I received my copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
  
  OK - I am not a big romance novel fan. I find them predictable and most times mind numbing. I usually turn to them after binge reading several psychological thrillers/mysteries in a row. I occasionally enter giveaways outside my comfort zone just to see if one of the books will change my mind about a genre. In this instance, I am so glad I did.
  
  I fell in love the characters - Eden and Aaron. I love Aaron's nickname for his niece, Arianna, which is Fairy-ana. There is definite romance and hot love scenes. There is a bit of a mystery in which Eden is looking for her mother's long lost sister, Lucy. In fact, this is how Eden and Aaron meet. There is another mystery inside the mystery of Lucy that isn't completely answered in this first book. Eden's mother, Helen, is suffering from cancer and their close family is struggling.
  
  This story is the first story that I have read by Susan Fox (who also writes under two other names). I am totally hooked and cannot wait to read more about Blue Moon Harbor. I laughed, I cried, and I am so wishing I could actually meet these characters. I am also a big fan of Canada - Vancouver, Victoria, and Banff. So the location of the story was a major plus for me also.
• 
  Gale

  Start to a new series with Fly Away With Me and there is much going on. I won’t go into detail, don’t want to give away any spoilers, but Eden Blaine travels to a Pacific Northwest island to try to find a long-lost aunt for her mother. It has been many, many years since Eden’s mom has seen her sister but Eden wants, and needs, to do this for her mother. Eden’s familial ties are strong so taking time out of her busy work schedule is stressful however she does it out of love for her mother. On her trip to the island, she is flown in on her last leg by a seaplane pilot, Aaron Gabriel. Ah, sparks fly when they meet and keep getting stronger each day. The story is not only about finding Eden’s aunt but an awakening by both Eden and Aaron to help them towards their HEA. Both of them have such diverse views of family and reading about them getting closer makes a great story. There were times that I wanted to nudge Eden out of her comfort zone, shake her up a bit. She could get stuck in a rut (in her thinking) and seemed to not be as open to change as Aaron; I really liked his character. Good story – and we learn much about Blue Moon Harbor. Let’s hope we get to go back again!
• 
  Cheryl

  This book is a charming read. I like the island of Blue Moon Harbor. It is a place I would want to visit. The people and the atmosphere have a ease and pleasant aura about them that makes me want to be friends with everyone.
  
  I do agree with another reader that I thought that Aaron came off a little too heavy in the beginning towards Eden. Yet, at the same time, I feel like it was the nudge that Eden needed to open herself towards possible love again. Which, speaking of the romance between Eden and Aaron. It was sweet. There was a connection that went beyond just sex. So for me it was the right amount for this story. Author, Susan Fox let the story be the main focal point and Eden and Aarons romance played out among it.
  
  What I took away from this book is opening your heart to new opportunities, second chances, and family. This book is a nice start to this new series from author, Susan Fox. Readers of contemporary romance stories will enjoy this book. Blue Moo Harbor had me over the moon for more!
  
• 
  Toni

  
  Sometimes you need a book that is a little slower. A little more involved. A little less 100 miles an hour to the HEA and then done. Susan Fox’s latest and the start of her Blue Moon Harbor series, Fly Away With Me, is such a book. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of action and an underlying mystery that keep readers turning pages; the overall pace is just slower. Perfect for a summer afternoon lazing by the pool (or in the air conditioning). Aaron and Eden are fully developed characters and the world surrounding them is unpredictable. Together they face challenges and heartache, but come out so much stronger. I really enjoyed spending time in this new world Fox has created. I can’t wait for the next installments of this series.
  
  I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
  
• 
  Ann-Maree Howarth

  As I started reading this book it brought back so many memories of my Canada trip last year. I just love Vancouver and the island area in which the author’s description was very vivid in my mind as I read. This is the first book of Susan Fox I have read and I just love it so much. It was lovely to read a full book where you feel like the characters have taken the normal amount of time to get to know each other. The story has many different messages unfolded in this great story from love, childhood drama, rebellion, struggles, illness, a search for missing person, intrigue, family commitment, and growth.
  I received a free copy of the book and have voluntarily written an honest review. I can't wait to read the next chapter in this great new series "Blue Moon Harbor".
  Full review at
  www.readingfortheloveofbooks.com
• 
  Isha Coleman

  For me Susan Fox epitomizes home. Her characters are relatable, her words are profound and her stories are priceless. Fly Away With Me delivers lessons in love, words of wisdom and the ability to hope. Eden has a promise to keep and answers to seek as she sets off into the unknown beauty of this island hideaway. Beautiful scenery, welcoming people and her tempting guide have her rethinking her life and losing her heart. Ms. Fox knows how to set off the waterworks. Be prepared to laugh and shed a few tears and along the way learn what it means to face down fears.
  
  Copyright of Night Owl Reviews
• 
  Millie

  Fly Away With Me by Susan Fix is the first book i read by this author. It is the first book in a brand new series. Edan Blaine came to Destiny Island in Vacouver to find her aunt who came in 1960's to join a commune. Edan wants to find her aunt for her Mom who is ill and has missed her sister. Aaron Gabriel is the pilot who flies her to the island and after hearing why she is there decide to help her get answers. While reading this I not only wanted Edan and Aaron to find their HEA, but also one for Edan's Mom. This was often times a very emotional read and heartwarming. I highly recommend this book. I received a copy from Netgalley.
• 
  Bungluna

  This is a solid story that starts out as a instant attraction / holiday romance and develops into a slow burning build up to a love that's totally believable. The obstacles the couple encounter are both geographical, (they live on opposite coasts,) and emotional, (both of them have personal issues going on that consume a lot of their emotional reserves.)
  
  The writing was solid and the descriptions of the setting made me want to book a holiday there right away. I very much enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book in the series. There's a bit of a dangling mystery (extraneous to the main story) that hopefully will be solved somewhere along the way.
• 
  Stephanie

  Destiny Island, with its eccentric locals, vibrant art and restaurant scene, and free-spirited past, captivated me fairly quickly. However, I seemed to enjoy learning about the island and piecing together the mystery of Aunt Lucy than I did the actual romance aspect of the book.
  
  While I enjoyed reading about Aaron and Eden’s adventures and seeing the way Eden blossomed as a person throughout their romance, I expected their story to wrap up much sooner. The second half of the book was quite dragged out and I found myself skimming the pages at times. Despite this, I’m optimistic for the rest of the series and will probably end up reading the next novel on Miranda.
• 
  Peggy

  I enjoyed this richly woven story. There was mystery, romance, pain, family life and wonderful relationships. The story takes place in Blue Moon Harbor, the Pacific Northwest. The description of this area has me wanting to book my next vacation there. A Pilot meets a Lawyer from Ottawa and they are
  very drawn to each other. It was heartfelt and sweetly done. The issues they face aren't easy. This isn't
  "insta love" it's gritty and real and very well written. Looking forward to the next book in the Blue Moon Harbor Series.
  arc received from Netgalley for honest review
• 
  Kristi Lewis

  This book is about a Eden Blaine who is a taking a trip to find her mother's long lost sister. Eden lives a hectic life. She is a lawyer and is recovering from a breakup with her boyfriend. She is going to Destiny Island which is a place that she's never been to before.Aaron Gabriel is the pilot that is taking Eden to her destination. He's had a difficult childhood. He doesn't have much faith in long lasting relationships. This book is fast paced and impossible to put down once you start reading it. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
• 
  Laurel Greer

  I highly enjoyed Fly Away With Me. Aaron was one of those hot heroes I wanted to materialize on my doorstep. Eden was relatable, and even though I wanted to shake her a few times, she was always well grounded in her conflict and her goals. The real star for me was the island and its residents - the third main character of sorts. Having grown up partly on a Gulf island, the nostalgia was real and the detail delightful. I look forward to returning in the next books in the series.
  
  Received an ARC in exchange for an impartial review.
• 
  Jeanne

  Really lovely setting for the book. Liked the overall feel of the story just wished it hadn't dragged in places. There was the initial reason for the trip and then so much more thrown in. Didn't really need the side story of the dark side to the commune unless this was opening up for another story. Really glad we got to see the progression of the relationship and not 'instalove'. Dealing with the hurdles is part of the reality check in life.