Ellen Schreiber
Once in a Full Moon
Full Moon, Book #1

Review brought to you by Maja

Once in a Full Moon is a new novel by Ellen Schreiber, a writer, artist, and former actress also known for her collection Vampire Kisses. Unlike her previous works dealing with vampires, this time, Ellen serves us with a werewolf in disguise.

The plot of Once in a Full Moon is rather simple; Celeste Parker is an ordinary girl in a relationship with Nash, a star jock who treats her well and sometimes neglects her. Celeste’s two best friends are popular, snobbish, self-centered girls whose boyfriends also fit the jock profile. They all live in a small town called Legend’s Run divided by wealth and privilege and Celeste’s group automatically excludes anyone who lives on the wrong side of town. However, nothing is what it seems as the ‘wrong side of town’ turns out to be (to Celeste’s great surprise) a more free, playful and charismatic place to live, full of freedom and genuine people. However, Celeste’s group dissipates as a new student comes into town named  Brandon Maddox, isolated for his unprivileged background. He is charming, magnetic and mysterious and seems to develop an interest in Celeste, despite her over-bearing jock boyfriend.

The two start spending time together, as Celeste is drawn to the charismatic and enigmatic Brandon. Her boyfriend becomes more attentive, sensing Celeste’s attention has shifted to the newcomer. Coincidentally, wolves start gathering around Legend’s Run and at one point threaten Celeste. Brandon saves her and she realizes she is in love with him, Problems start when people start fearing a werewolf, as witnessed by a news reporter in Legend’s run. Brandon notices with horror that he is morphing into a beast every full moon and wonders whether to share his secret with Celeste. The ending offers an interesting turn as young lovers face a challenge – will Brandon’s secret bind them or set them apart?