In Sweet Music on Moonlight Ridge, Ramey Channell has painted a picture of simpler times when families lived close together and helped each other out, children were free to play and spark their imaginations without close adult supervision, and communities came together during hard times.

Lily Claire lives in the small town of Eden, Alabama where she spends most of her time with her cousin, Willie T. The two of them were born on the same day and they like to have adventures together. The two have an extended family of eccentric characters, including a “great-granddaddy” who kept possums in the house and a Cajun “Paw Paw” who could play the fiddle.

The stories of the two children playing games together can be funny, while other stories of dealing with family loss and helping find a missing baby are touching and sweet. Dialogue will have you hearing a southern twang in your head as you read along.

There’s a touch of mystery and magic in the air on Moonlight Ridge, and Channell has worked her own magic in creating this new series for young readers. (Note: there are a few swear words in the beginning of the book, but other than that nothing is inappropriate for readers starting at age 9).

The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.