On an archaeological expedition in Ireland, Moira is caught unprepared in a storm and struck by lightning. For Moira, that means being thrust back to medieval times, into a world where women are basically property and used as such. Here she runs into Padraic, a prince ruling over a small tribe of rather ill-mannered people. Padraic is immediately drawn to her and she to him. She begs his protection, not realizing that may mean defending her from his half brother, Ahern, and stirring up long-held resentments between the two.

To the rest of the “real” world, Moira’s lightning strike has left her in a coma. In the hospital, her care is turned over to Dr. Liam Mackenzie. Incidentally (or not, as the story plays out), Liam and Moira had a brief affair while he was studying to be a doctor in the States. When he returned to Ireland, Moira broke off the relationship. Single once again, Liam finds himself unable to leave the unconscious woman’s bedside. Can he discover the key to bring Moira back to herself?

This story is unlike most of the small press stories I’ve read. For a short story, it fits its format well. As a romance, I’m not so sure. I suspect the author either has a significantly higher post-high school education level than most or a love affair with the thesaurus. Don’t misunderstand. It’s a fascinating read. Whereas many stories rely on dialogue, this one falls back on more description, a bit off-putting until you slip into its rhythm. It has an old world flavor, reminiscent of some of the medieval era tales one has to read in college level Literature courses. Certain bits of it don’t quite ring true, particularly in the hospital scenes, but having not been to Ireland myself, who am I to say?

Celia Ashley’s taken a short story and plunked a lot of atypical scenes in it for it to still be called a romance: multiple rape attempts, forced seduction, a witch trial, and a drowning. And yet, at the heart of the story, it really is focused on the growing love between Padraic and Moira and the love lost and recovered between Liam and Moira. Sixth Day Of The Moon is an intriguing tale of lovers torn apart and reunited. It’s neither a simple-minded nor quick read, but absorbing nonetheless.