“This novel is a quietly devastating, deeply human exploration of what it means to come undone—and slowly, painfully, put yourself back together.
Following Deni, a young woman raised in a rigid religious environment, the story traces her journey through control, rebellion, guilt, and ultimately, self-awareness. What sets this book apart is its refusal to simplify. There are no easy villains, no miraculous transformations, and no tidy redemption arc. Instead, we’re given something far more honest: a life in transition.
The writing is intimate and immersive, placing the reader directly inside Deni’s mind as she struggles to reconcile everything she’s been taught with everything she begins to feel. Her relationships—especially with Lynx, Star, and her father—are layered, imperfect, and emotionally authentic.
The novel’s pacing builds toward a shocking turning point, then shifts into a quieter, reflective second half that explores consequence and identity with remarkable depth. By the end, the story doesn’t offer certainty—but it offers something better: the possibility of living fully in the present.
This is not a conventional coming-of-age story. It’s messier, braver, and more truthful than that.
A powerful, lingering read.” (Beta Reader, “Gloria’s Daughter)
“The last third of the book was a masterclass in subverting expectations and
sticking the landing. You delivered an ending that was both shocking but not
surprising, meaning that while the events were exciting and unexpecting, they
never felt unearned or out of character. It was really well done.” (Pikko’s House Editor, reading “Gloria’s Daughter”)
“She makes the home of her story within the space of social anxiety and holds you there reliving your most inelegant and life-forming moments until release and there is a talent in her ability to do so. There is heart, tragedy, and a well-rounded knowledge about how the deep the insecurities of the mind project, outwardly, into our lives. With “Follow Through,” Moore has created a narrative that shows as much tenacity as a writer as her characters do in determination.” (Joey Cruse, Editor of Fleas on the Dog, reading “Follow Through”)
“I thoroughly enjoyed every temptation (especially her crush on Lynx), and Deni’s inner world that’s brimming with this dark humor at times. She isn’t someone you’d know you’ll love, but you get to cheer for her and just can’t put the book down because you want to know how the journey ends.” (Beta Reader, reading “Gloria’s Daughter”)
“This is also clean, well-written, and very tight in terms of pacing and suspense. But best of all? This is really a tragic love story, and it personally speaks to those of us who are in relationships we cannot let go, to people who have left us and are with other loves when they should have been with us because our connection was the strongest. This is a powerful little story. About grief, about letting go, about true love, and about tragedy. Fantastic. This is very much our vibe here at 34 Orchard—and that’s not easy for us to find. Out of over 1000 submissions, we took on 18—and some of them are for future issues.” (Editor, 34 Orchard, reading “Lexie”)
“As one of our prose reviewers noted in greenlighting the story, it’s a ‘cringeworthy read of current vulnerabilities’.” (Editor, BoomerLitMag, reading “Donut”)
“This story is fantastic. The characters and their issues and quirks are so painfully real I felt like they could step out of the story. Such a great illustration of suburban life with all its petty competitions and the yawning ennui of everyday existence with the dream of escape that will stay just that. A dream. Great story!” (Reader, Fiction on the Web, reading “Yard Sale”)
“This story is wonderfully crafted and the narration was simply fantastic. I felt a mixture of emotions while reading and felt that for a short story it packed a massive emotional punch!” (Beta reader, reading “BlueJay66”)
“This is truly a terrific piece.” (Editor, TYS, reading “Inherited Depravity”)
“Touching and relevant…should be required reading for parents.” (Beta Reader, reading “Thursday Afternoon”)
“I am wary of publishing animal stories, but this one strikes differently, what with the warmth and intelligence of Cecil so beautifully expressed…” (Editor, Fabula Argentea, reading “Cecil’s Guidebook to the Perfect Day”)
“Bizarre and surreal without being inhuman, reminiscent of early Stephen King” (Beta reader, reading “The Chauffeur”)
“Wildly dark and humorous! I read it with a dropped jaw.” (Beta reader, reading “The Mayor of Marzipan”)
“This left me disturbed for several days.” (Beta Reader, reading “Poached Souls”)
“If you want to know why GenX-ers are the way they are, this explains a lot of it.” (Reader, reading “Thursday Afternoon”)