Moonberry Lake
The place you’ve always longed for.
Stories that invite you home.
Are you looking for A Moment With Martha from her column in the morning newspaper?
Click the buttons below to read or listen!
I’m Holly Varni. I’m thrilled to introduce you to the fictional town and world of Moonberry Lake. Tucked away in the beautiful North Woods of Minnesota, Moonberry Lake reminds you of a simpler time, yet the struggles and drama revealed will feel similar to today. You’ll hopefully find something familiar in the quirky characters that speak to you and make you smile.
Moonberry Lake Books
Click on the book covers below to learn more and order a copy!
Listen to the Podcast
Listen to my podcast, Moments from Moonberry Lake. This is where you’ll find all the Moments with Martha! Click one of the titles below to listen to the most recent episodes. Or, click the “More Stories” button below to view all the episodes.
From the Blog
Click on an image below to read more stories and blog posts.
Recent Articles
Dandelions
As a child, one of my greatest delights was to stumble upon a field or neglected yard full of dandelions. The bright marigold yellow flowers were a free gift waiting to be plucked by the fistful to bring to my mother, who would put them into a glass jelly jar. I’d rub...
In the Back of the Fridge
Another friend of mine passed away. It shouldn’t come as a surprise when you reach my age, but nevertheless, it somehow always does. There’s sadness, disbelief, and then, to protect our fragile hearts, acceptance, which is accompanied with the consolation that my...
Baby Shower
What many pairs of baby shoes represents
Aging
I’m not a fan of moments that catch me by surprise. I was looking at my husband the other morning as he was reading the newspaper and nearly jumped back by how old he’s gotten. At first, I did a double take and thought, “Good grief, who is that elderly stranger...
Gaining Weight
Gaining weight in old age.
The Other Side of the Leap
“The difference between what we fear and what we want, is the width of an eyelash.” -Maggie Smith We did it. We made the leap. We moved far away from where we had lived. Not only in miles, but in culture, politics, weather, and landscape. It’s a new life. We left the...
Realizing that I’m Wilbur
Saying goodbye is never easy. It’s an emotional, heart-tugging experience that leaves you feeling somewhat lost. Almost as if an empty space opens up inside you, and you can physically feel the absence of the people you’re leaving. We meet, get to know, and then leave...
Memories in the mess
It’s an interesting thing to try to sell your home. There’s a process. I did the obvious and cleaned out the closets, removed clutter, tidied up until everything looked spacious and sparkly. Then our realtor came through with a different pair of eyes. Ones that were...
Seeing my future self… A Christmas Carol moment
I was sitting at a Castings Crown concert with my thirteen year old son, completely mesmerized by what was in front of me and it had nothing to do with the musicians. Don't get me wrong, the concert was wonderful. As fans of the group, we have attended one of...
Where you go, I go…
I married a man from the West Coast who loves the ocean. I use the word “love” but even that seems to be an understatement. He has a spiritual connection to the water. It’s as if the life force of the ocean is connected to his own wellbeing. I do not feel that way....
Who said it would be easy?
Hanging above the kitchen sink when I was growing up, right smack in between two windows that looked out to the backyard, was a small plaque with the words, “God forbid, life should be easy!” The quote was from Alan Alda. My parents loved the actor, the TV show...
Hang on, it’s going to be a wild & crazy ride
Anyone that goes through a personal crisis in their life will inevitably come out the other side speaking the same truth—I learned who my real friends are. We’ve all heard it. There are those that come in your hour of need and those that flee. This discovery comes...