When the Only Light Is the Moon

by Rita Wilson

Four women, four stories, and a chance encounter that changes everything.

Still reeling from a recent breakup, Demi, a Greek-American banquet manager, joins her mother, aunt, and cousin on a trip to Greece, hoping to clear her head, heal her heart, and take a break from an unfulfilling job. Her plans for a relaxing holiday are derailed when their rental car breaks down on their way to the coast; that is, until they are rescued by a villager and her charming grandson, Stavros. While Demi navigates this unexpected romance, her mother, aunt, and cousin examine their own fears, hopes, and dreams, aided by Charles, a witty British author who endears himself to them with his good humor and sage advice. Demi’s whirlwind romance ends abruptly when she returns to the States despite Stavros’s pleas for her to stay with him. Upon her return, she must confront her feelings for Stavros and her impossible job situation. With Charles’s advice in mind, the ladies tackle their issues.

Demi gets a job opportunity that would take her away from Pittsburgh, and she must decide whether to leave her family for a fresh start or stay where she has always been comfortable. The situation becomes more complicated when rekindling the romance with Stavros becomes possible. When fate intervenes, along with Demi’s ex, her path becomes even more tangled.

Set in a charming Greek village, When the Only Light of the Moon follows two sisters and their daughters as they navigate individual journeys of self-discovery through the unexpected help of strangers. The crystal blue Mediterranean skies and silvery olive groves provide a magical backdrop for this lively story of romance, realization, and renewal.

Genres: Fiction

252 pages, Paperback

Published May 21, 2024

About the author

Rita Wilson is an award-winning artist, writer, and educator. She has been published in Rune and Riverspeak Literary Magazines, wolfmatters.org, Voices from the Attic, the 100 Lives Anthology, and Wisdom of the Crone. Her first book, "Greek Lessons: A Cultural Odyssey", includes photos of several of her paintings, including “Better Times,” the painting of her mother and grandmother which graces the cover of her book.
Wilson earned her MFA in Creative Non-Fiction from Carlow University. A retired teacher, Wilson has held writing workshops in both creative and professional writing and has taught adjunct at the university level. She also serves as Non-Fiction Editor for the Northern Appalachia Review and is a Co-Director of the Writing Conference of Northern Appalachia. Wilson enjoys painting and writing from her home in Moon Township, where she resides with her husband, son, dog, and cat. Her latest novel, “When the Only Light of the Moon,” was released on May 22, 2024.

Reviews

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book, and I know for certain that I’ll reread it. It’s one of the most descriptive books I’ve read — I could picture everything so well that it felt like I was part of the story, too! I loved how the story was sectioned. It started by fulfilling my sense of wanderlust before transitioning in a way that gave me a sense of warmth and comfort. I flew through the second part — I couldn’t put it down!

Tucked neatly within the storyline, too, are interesting facts and trivia as well as impactful nuggets of wisdom. The characters and situations felt incredibly real, and I found myself deeply invested in the various character and relationship dynamics. I got so caught up in the story that I even found myself Googling nearby Greek restaurants and dreaming of Mediterranean cruises…

I would LOVE a second book that follows the main characters… I want to know more. I’ll be the first to preorder!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was caught up in this story of a Greek American family, with its dynamics, cohesiveness and Mother-Daughter dual narrative. This one plays with but defies genre, posing as a romance but flavoring with travelogue detail and featuring Greek food as a main element (almost a supporting character) throughout. It's also an interest portrait of the compromises, emotions and struggles of its female protagonists while asking essential questions along the way.
As a reading experience, this one was very satisfying and like with all good novels, I blazed through it thanks to good pacing and novelist art and engagement with the cast of characters and realistic settings (in Greece and Pittsburgh). I also like it as a portrait of a cohesive family and community, rather than a dysfunctional one. And, I'm still thinking it through and am anxious to reread. Very nice.

[Kiril · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed in the United States on August,30,2025
Rarely is such a unique perspective laid out so vividly. As someone from an immigrant family, I deeply resonated with this book. Whether your roots are in Greece / Balkans, the Bulgaria, Ukraine , or elsewhere. The experience of coming to America and assimilating while carrying the weight of your homeland’s history, is both a harrowing and exhilarating journey. This book captures that duality with remarkable depth.
I recommend this book to anyone who has Greek roots or wants to experience .Rita Wilson
talks ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3,’ surprise ‘phenomenon’ of the original film. I had these words in my head, oli mazi - "we're all together" — because that's really what the film is about.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really nice story set at a literary festival in Greece. Loved how all the of characters had their own journeys to go on however I felt like we needed more from each character. I enjoyed learning and reading about Greece and the culture the characters love and care for each other was really heart warming. A lovely relaxing read. Three Stars.
Thanks to Netgally and the publishers for a copy of this book

[roberta g corn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It made me want to schedule a trip to Greece! A very real, well crafted love story, that’s not too “cheesy.” The two generations of characters are wonderful, down to earth and very relatable. Although the ending was a little disappointing, I still highly recommend this excellent story. RC

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting was amazing & made me want to go to Greece immediately. But the characters did nothing for me & the plot did even less. It could have been good, it was just lacking something. Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely book. I is a enjoyable adventure romance. I enjoyed the visit to Greece. Rita’s description made me want to go there’s. I also enjoyed the time in Pittsburgh where I grew up. The characters were so likeable. Felt like they were my friends! I look forward to a sequel.

[Haley Broder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, and loved the imagery of Greece. Reading it felt so real in so many ways.

[Janet Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful story

Easy read, very real …want a sequel. Well done. Could tell the author put her heart into writing the story

[Jane Couttie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite sure on this one! I loved the settings and the characters but I can’t quite feel like something is missing. Like we don’t quite delve deep enough into each character. I felt like when will something more happen. It’s nothing against the author or story, it’s a lovely story set in a beautiful place but I think it just needed something extra unfortunately.
Where the book is set sounds absolutely beautiful though and I love the way the author uses Greek throughout the book.

[Lisa Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read about family, adventure and self- discovery. The author describes setting and characters in a way that you feel that you are right there. Loved the ending of the book.