Hoover has stated that she does not particularly like books that push social significance and, in truth, none of her published work falls within the realm of contemporary realistic fiction. Preferring historical or science fiction, she nonetheless insists on the importance of realism. Historical and scientific detail must be handled accurately, Hoover argues, or the book will fail to hold the reader's attention. The author finds historical fiction a greater challenge in this regard, although she admits that her science fiction has met with greater success.

Despite her stated dislike for didacticism, Hoover's novels do tackle important themes. In The Shepherd Moon, all three child characters have had their lives warped by uncaring adults. Although born with the proverbial silver spoon in her mouth, Merry Ambrose is, in effect, an abused child. Her parents have no time for her and are interested in nothing...