He already lost some of his regulars to the modern bar that recently opened. And Malcolm is trying so hard to keep his dream job, “ Half Moon” bar afloat! He always dreamed of owning a bar, didn’t he? He just followed his own father’s steps, but he may have made a deal with a devil: the previous owner Hugh is unreachable and his mobster like associates keep threatening Malcolm to pay his loan which passed its due date! And no matter how much renovations cost, the regulars of the owner are displeased with the changes he’s made. Jess takes a break to live with her mom who never gave Malcolm her full blessing to marry with her daughter. But they didn’t care because they had each other!īut when we move forward we understand they are separated. Jess found out she was expecting so they got married and they lost the baby. They met at young ages: Jess was aspiring lawyer candidate as Malcolm was playful, charming bartender. Their story reminds us our close friends or our siblings’ marriage story or maybe it’s your own story resulted with different consequences! That’s why it’s so well developed, grabbing your from the center of your soul, because it’s so real! It’s a sad, realistic, struggling marriage story! Jess and Malcolm’s story is nothing unique. This heart wrenching, genuine story directly captures your heart, make you think harder about your own life choices, embracing your fears, confronting your mistakes, chasing your dreams no matter how much risk you take! With a deft eye and generous spirit, Keane explores the disappointments and unexpected consolations of midlife, the many forms forgiveness can take, the complicated intimacy of small-town living, and what it means to be a family. Like Malcolm, she feels her youth beginning to slip away and wonders how to reshape her future.Īward-winning author Mary Beth Keane’s new novel takes place over the course of one week when Malcolm learns shocking news about Jess, a patron of the bar goes missing, and a blizzard hits the town of Gillam, trapping everyone in place. After years of trying for a baby, she is facing the idea that motherhood may not be in the cards for her. His smart and confident wife, Jess, has devoted herself to her law career. He sees unquantifiable magic and potential in the Half Moon and hopes to transform it into a bigger success, but struggles to stay afloat. When his boss finally retires, Malcolm stretches to buy the place.

Malcolm Gephardt, handsome and gregarious longtime bartender at the Half Moon, has always dreamed of owning a bar.

From the bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes, a masterful novel about a couple in a small town who must navigate the complexities of marriage, family, and longing.

Fever keane