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Balsamic Moon
Balsamic Moon
Balsamic Moon
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Balsamic Moon explores the journeys and losses that survivors endure, the courage and persistence required to come through them.
Balsamic Moon explores the journeys and losses that survivors endure, the courage and persistence required to come through them.
Before Hurricane Katrina punished the city of New Orleans and the Gulf coast, neighbors Doreen Williams and Richard Girard were cordial but somewhat aloof. They came from different worlds and had few occasions to interact. But when the storm strikes and the levees protecting the low lying city of New Orleans burst, within a few short hours rising water sends the two scrambling into a cramped attic where they endure grueling heat, dwindling supplies, worries about loved ones, and the struggle to keep living.
Before Hurricane Katrina punished the city of New Orleans and the Gulf coast, neighbors Doreen Williams and Richard Girard were cordial but somewhat aloof. They came from different worlds and had few occasions to interact. But when the storm strikes and the levees protecting the low lying city of New Orleans burst, within a few short hours rising water sends the two scrambling into a cramped attic where they endure grueling heat, dwindling supplies, worries about loved ones, and the struggle to keep living.
The Book Commentary
“A novel that will lift your spirit, fill you with the warmth of humanity and keep you rooting for the two key characters. I couldn’t put this down. Balsamic Moon is one of the stories you read and pass down.”
Book Club Discussion Guide
Enrich your book club conversation with thought-provoking questions for Balsamic Moon.
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
Into the Crater
Into the Crater
Into the Crater
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Into the Crater is a tale of relationships shattered by fear and confusion, as well as a testament to the healing power of honesty, empathy, and love.
Into the Crater is a tale of relationships shattered by fear and confusion, as well as a testament to the healing power of honesty, empathy, and love.
The story focuses on two former friends, once romantic rivals, who reunite years after their relationship ended, for a camping excursion through the crater of Haleakala Volcano on Maui. One arrives driven by guilt and insecurity hoping to atone for his past actions; the other has come compelled to make a bold and presumptuous request.
As the men navigate the crater’s harsh beauty and challenging landscapes, each confronts unresolved emotional issues and changing circumstances. Along the way, they both learn how lingering misunderstandings have marred their lives, and impeded reconciliation and forgiveness.
The story focuses on two former friends, once romantic rivals, who reunite years after their relationship ended, for a camping excursion through the crater of Haleakala Volcano on Maui. One arrives driven by guilt and insecurity hoping to atone for his past actions; the other has come compelled to make a bold and presumptuous request.
As the men navigate the crater’s harsh beauty and challenging landscapes, each confronts unresolved emotional issues and changing circumstances. Along the way, they both learn how lingering misunderstandings have marred their lives, and impeded reconciliation and forgiveness.
© 2026 Alan Gartenhaus
© 2026 Alan Gartenhaus