Summer in the Moon Garden
A tale of friendship, reinvention, and second chances.
Welcome to Criss Creek, Illinois—where golden summer nights, blooming gardens, and the quiet courage to begin again set the stage for a season of change. When Kat returns to her hometown after the collapse of her twenty-year marriage, she’s not the only one at a crossroads. Her best friend Jess is facing her own reckoning. Together, they make a bucket list to reclaim joy, purpose, and the parts of themselves they lost along the way.
But when Kat’s first love reappears, and Jess uncovers a life-altering secret, both women must decide what they’re willing to risk for a second chance.
Summer in the Moon Garden is a heartwarming novel of friendship, reinvention, and the unexpected ways life can bloom again—no matter where you’ve been.
Available Now! Dive into a journey of self-discovery and resilience.
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What Early Readers Are Saying
“A great summer read! I fell in love with the characters and by the end, I felt like one of the family. The story moved beautifully, the character development was perfect, and I couldn’t put it down. I devoured it and never wanted it to end.”
“Deep, honest, raw, and heartfelt—this book gives the mind plenty to ponder and the heart so much to feel. It’s the kind of story that stays with you. My first by this author, but definitely not the last.”
Recipes from the Book
Recreate the flavors of the story with recipes inspired by the book’s culinary moments, bringing the narrative to life in your kitchen.
Blog Post Links
Visit Kristie’s blog for more insights and behind-the-scenes content related to ‘Summer in the Moon Garden.’
Meet Jess Dalton: A Fierce and Tender Heroine in Small-Town Women’s Fiction | Summer in the Moon Garden
If Kat is learning how to move forward, Jess Dalton is learning how to stand her ground. In Summer in the Moon Garden, Jess is the woman you want in your corner—fiercely loyal, quietly determined, and the kind of friend who shows up when everything feels like it’s...
Sweet Mama Jane’s Cinnamon Rolls
These are my take on The Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon rolls. I cut her recipe in half and I use cream cheese frosting instead of the glaze from her recipe—they never disappoint. Soft, buttery, and generously frosted, they’re everything a cinnamon roll should be....
Meet Kat Bauer: A Story of Starting Over, Second Chances, and Rediscovering Herself
In Summer in the Moon Garden, Kat Bauer is a woman standing at a crossroads. After twenty years of marriage, Kat’s world is quietly falling apart. Her once-loving husband has become distant. Her marriage is unraveling. And the house she poured her heart into is...
Second Chances in Life and Love
Second chances—those slippery, almost mythical opportunities we long for—often feel like something that happens in books or movies rather than in real life. “If only I could do it all over again…” How many times have you thought those words to yourself? Maybe it was...
Unlocking the Magic of Romance in Women’s Fiction
As an author navigating the ever-changing landscape of publishing, I've recently found myself exploring the magic of romance in women's fiction. I've discovered that the line between genres is often blurrier than we might think—and that's a beautiful thing. My...
Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Nothing beats a batch of well-made cookies—they’re the ultimate comfort, indulgence, and recipe for happiness. There’s something magical about chocolate chip cookies that takes you back to the cozy, carefree days of childhood. So grab some butter, set it on the...
Ghost Stories to Moon Gardens: My Novel’s Journey
From Supernatural Fascination to Moon Garden Inspiration The mystical and unknown have always captivated me. I grew up in the 80s, a golden era for supernatural horror. This environment fueled my obsession with ghosts and the paranormal. I spent hours in our town’s...
The Inspiration Behind My Latest Novel
When I sat down to write my latest novel, Summer in the Moon Garden, I never imagined the journey it would take me on—both creatively and emotionally. The seed of this story was planted during a bittersweet reunion with my high school friends. We were a...
Kristie Booker
Kristie Booker is a celebrated author known for her heartfelt contemporary women’s fiction. Her stories often explore themes of friendship, family, and personal growth. Originally from rural Illinois, Kristie now resides in Chicago, where she draws inspiration from both city life and her small-town roots. Her novels are a testament to the resilience and quiet strength found in everyday life.
