When a man starts losing weight (but not getting any smaller), he uses the strange situation to subtly affect change in his small town.
When we meet Scott, he's embroiled in a nasty disagreement with his lesbian restauranteur neighbors about their dogs pooping in his yard. He's super-busy with a big project for his website development business, but unhappily divorced and lacking human connections. He visits with a retired doctor about the weight problem, not because he thinks there's a cure but because he wants someone to confide in.
As his health problem becomes more extreme, Scott takes on "fixing" things with his neighbors as a project. A sort of quest, as you may.
I had a hard time starting this book - I actually read the first 30 pages twice, because I'd set it down for quite a while and had to begin again. But once I got into it, I was hooked. It's a modern parable about the "weight" of one person on a community. Bonus: I had no idea what would happen in the end!
Showing posts with label small business owners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label small business owners. Show all posts
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Fields Where They Lay by Timothy Hallinan
Both a Russian mobster's deadline and Christmas are looming large for burglar-turned-detective Junior Bender, and it's likely either or both will be the death of him.
In this installment of the Junior Bender series (#6 if you're counting), our ethically questionable hero is stuck in a decaying suburban mall trying to figure out why store loss numbers are so out of whack. Also, what to buy for holiday gifts.
The book's funny, and this series has a wry wit that's unlike anything else. A dying mall is hardly anyone's dream, and the fact that Junior is stuck circling, circling, circling this pit of despair is a great setup for his equally dark introspection about the state of his life and love.
There's a great cast of characters in the store owners and mall regulars, with a few of Junior's friends mixed in too. It might not put you in the holiday season, but it's a great read.
In this installment of the Junior Bender series (#6 if you're counting), our ethically questionable hero is stuck in a decaying suburban mall trying to figure out why store loss numbers are so out of whack. Also, what to buy for holiday gifts.
The book's funny, and this series has a wry wit that's unlike anything else. A dying mall is hardly anyone's dream, and the fact that Junior is stuck circling, circling, circling this pit of despair is a great setup for his equally dark introspection about the state of his life and love.
There's a great cast of characters in the store owners and mall regulars, with a few of Junior's friends mixed in too. It might not put you in the holiday season, but it's a great read.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Return of the bad girl by Codi Gary
Even though she's been gone a long time, Caroline is still regarded as the town bad girl. Most business owners are still wary of her, and she regularly faces open confrontations wherever she goes. She's determined to start fresh and repair relationships.
She's got a great new apartment lined up and her plans are lining up. Too bad the place was also promised to ex-con Gabe Moriarty. Their reluctant compromise brings forth a smattering of sensational sparks. It also shows enough of Gabe's character to melt anyone's jaded heart.
These two come with back stories that will make any tenderheart cry. Luckily, they've both learned a lot about how strong they are. The real trick is learning to lean on someone else for a change.
Codi Gary's newest novel is filled with fiery outbursts and endearing moments. It's sweet, sexy, and I'm pretty sure Gabe has stolen a piece of my heart.
She's got a great new apartment lined up and her plans are lining up. Too bad the place was also promised to ex-con Gabe Moriarty. Their reluctant compromise brings forth a smattering of sensational sparks. It also shows enough of Gabe's character to melt anyone's jaded heart.
These two come with back stories that will make any tenderheart cry. Luckily, they've both learned a lot about how strong they are. The real trick is learning to lean on someone else for a change.
Codi Gary's newest novel is filled with fiery outbursts and endearing moments. It's sweet, sexy, and I'm pretty sure Gabe has stolen a piece of my heart.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
No Strings Attached
by Susan Andersen
Andersen is back in Razor Bay with the last of the Bradshaw brothers. Luc was disillusioned to discover the man he'd idolized had fathered, then abandoned two other sons. Upon sneaking into town to check them out, he discovers another secret. The woman he spent a great night with years ago lives there, too, and she's none to happy to see him.
Tasha remembers "Diego" as the rat-bastard that let her rot in a Bahamian jail on trumped up charges. No way, no how is getting anywhere near her happy place again. She doesn't care if he is the brother of her best friend's fiance.
Um, yeah. A little thing called chemistry teams up with honesty to knock them both for a loop. If you liked the earlier books in the series, you'll enjoy this one, too.
Andersen is back in Razor Bay with the last of the Bradshaw brothers. Luc was disillusioned to discover the man he'd idolized had fathered, then abandoned two other sons. Upon sneaking into town to check them out, he discovers another secret. The woman he spent a great night with years ago lives there, too, and she's none to happy to see him.
Tasha remembers "Diego" as the rat-bastard that let her rot in a Bahamian jail on trumped up charges. No way, no how is getting anywhere near her happy place again. She doesn't care if he is the brother of her best friend's fiance.
Um, yeah. A little thing called chemistry teams up with honesty to knock them both for a loop. If you liked the earlier books in the series, you'll enjoy this one, too.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Before we kiss
by Susan Mallery
Absolutely hilarious.
Sam and Dellina live in a very small town that's filled with all the expected gossip. Following one spectacular night, Sam spends all his time avoiding her. Why? It's his impression that there is something seriously wrong with a woman whose home is filled with wedding gowns.
It's a reasonable explanation if only someone could get him to listen. Luckily, she's the best in her business - which has nothing to do with those gowns - and his company needs her.
It would seem that's the perfect ending to just about any romance novel. However, she unwittingly hires his mother, a sex therapist, to speak at the major function she's planning. Sam's parents, Lark and Reggie, make this book unforgettable. Without them, it's a sweet, charming story with plenty of chemistry. Sam's longtime friends thoroughly enjoy his parents antics, but will Dellina?
Absolutely hilarious.
Sam and Dellina live in a very small town that's filled with all the expected gossip. Following one spectacular night, Sam spends all his time avoiding her. Why? It's his impression that there is something seriously wrong with a woman whose home is filled with wedding gowns.
It's a reasonable explanation if only someone could get him to listen. Luckily, she's the best in her business - which has nothing to do with those gowns - and his company needs her.
It would seem that's the perfect ending to just about any romance novel. However, she unwittingly hires his mother, a sex therapist, to speak at the major function she's planning. Sam's parents, Lark and Reggie, make this book unforgettable. Without them, it's a sweet, charming story with plenty of chemistry. Sam's longtime friends thoroughly enjoy his parents antics, but will Dellina?
Monday, March 24, 2014
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
After his wife's death, a small-town book snob's soul begins to shrivel up; he's drinking himself to death, and his prickly personality isn't helping the bookstore stay afloat (he openly despises most of the clientele). But a woman, a baby, and his tight-knit community will eventually force A.J. to live, to grow, and maybe even to try new genres.
This is a captivating, lovely story and a book geek's dream: A.J. has opinions (and so do his customers) and the more well-read you are the more entertaining you'll find those references. It's a refreshing breeze of a book, with flawed, real "human" characters and a brisk pace.
It was hard to put down - and honestly, I finished it in just a couple sittings.
This is a captivating, lovely story and a book geek's dream: A.J. has opinions (and so do his customers) and the more well-read you are the more entertaining you'll find those references. It's a refreshing breeze of a book, with flawed, real "human" characters and a brisk pace.
It was hard to put down - and honestly, I finished it in just a couple sittings.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Once in a lifetime
by Jill Shalvis
Shalvis is a contemporary author who can always be counted on for a story that will make you laugh more than you cry. I'm a sap, though, so I always have a tear shimmering for a moment, too. She's back in Lucky Harbor with two individuals readers have been getting to know in previous titles. Ben and Aubrey have known each other since high school, but there's always been a laundry list of reasons to keep apart.
Aubrey's got quite a reputation in Lucky Harbor. As a teen, she was forever in mild trouble, and walked with a deep chip on her shoulder. More recently, she quit her job after finding her boss was embezzling, and cheating on her with two other women. In an effort to outrun Ben, she stumbles across an idea that making amends will give her what she's been missing.
Ben's back after several years of philanthropic work around the world. He tells himself he was doing good, but everyone knows Lucky Harbor was a painful place after his wife's death. Thanks to Aubrey's uncle, he takes on a job renovating her new business. He knows he's on Aubrey's list, but he has no idea why.
These two bring a little heat to Lucky Harbor's winter, and entertain the locals along the way. I still wish there was a real facebook page of the exploits Lucille and the other senior citizens use to trump one another. Instead, we can all follow Ms. Shalvis on Facebook.
Shalvis is a contemporary author who can always be counted on for a story that will make you laugh more than you cry. I'm a sap, though, so I always have a tear shimmering for a moment, too. She's back in Lucky Harbor with two individuals readers have been getting to know in previous titles. Ben and Aubrey have known each other since high school, but there's always been a laundry list of reasons to keep apart.
Aubrey's got quite a reputation in Lucky Harbor. As a teen, she was forever in mild trouble, and walked with a deep chip on her shoulder. More recently, she quit her job after finding her boss was embezzling, and cheating on her with two other women. In an effort to outrun Ben, she stumbles across an idea that making amends will give her what she's been missing.
Ben's back after several years of philanthropic work around the world. He tells himself he was doing good, but everyone knows Lucky Harbor was a painful place after his wife's death. Thanks to Aubrey's uncle, he takes on a job renovating her new business. He knows he's on Aubrey's list, but he has no idea why.
These two bring a little heat to Lucky Harbor's winter, and entertain the locals along the way. I still wish there was a real facebook page of the exploits Lucille and the other senior citizens use to trump one another. Instead, we can all follow Ms. Shalvis on Facebook.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Bare Essentials
by Jill Shalvis and Leslie Kelly
Two books in one is two times the fun.
I picked this one up because it had Jill Shalvis' name on the cover; Leslie Kelly's story was every bit as fun. This is just the right mix of funny and tactfully raunchy. Kate and Cassie come from a long line of women with reputations for liking men a whole lot.
In Naughty but Nice (Shalvis), lingerie model, Cassie, returns to her dreaded hometown to hide from a stalker and exact a little revenge in the process. Too bad sheriff, Sean "Tag" Taggert quickly catches on while single-handedly upping her car insurance rate. She hightailed it out of town as a teen after the sheriff hit on her the night of her prom. Tag's got his work cut out for him to convince the beauty that he won't believe the rumors, even when they come from his own family.
In Naturally Naughty (Kelly), Kate Jones finds herself back in Pleasantville with the excitement of opening a new store. She's sure she'll shock the townspeople right into sending her packing for a second time. Within minutes of arriving she has a brief but sizzling staring contest with Jack. Hours later it turns into much more. Frustration sets in when Kate figures out that Jack is the one man she wanted to leave in a miserable puddle: too bad she likes him. He's got his own reasons for holding back; her mom is one of the most respected people in his life.
Two books in one is two times the fun.
I picked this one up because it had Jill Shalvis' name on the cover; Leslie Kelly's story was every bit as fun. This is just the right mix of funny and tactfully raunchy. Kate and Cassie come from a long line of women with reputations for liking men a whole lot.
In Naughty but Nice (Shalvis), lingerie model, Cassie, returns to her dreaded hometown to hide from a stalker and exact a little revenge in the process. Too bad sheriff, Sean "Tag" Taggert quickly catches on while single-handedly upping her car insurance rate. She hightailed it out of town as a teen after the sheriff hit on her the night of her prom. Tag's got his work cut out for him to convince the beauty that he won't believe the rumors, even when they come from his own family.
In Naturally Naughty (Kelly), Kate Jones finds herself back in Pleasantville with the excitement of opening a new store. She's sure she'll shock the townspeople right into sending her packing for a second time. Within minutes of arriving she has a brief but sizzling staring contest with Jack. Hours later it turns into much more. Frustration sets in when Kate figures out that Jack is the one man she wanted to leave in a miserable puddle: too bad she likes him. He's got his own reasons for holding back; her mom is one of the most respected people in his life.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Three little words
by Susan Mallery
The town of Fool's Gold is still awash in romantic entanglements. For those that remember the Hendrix Family, Ford is home from his stint as a Navy SEAL. His ex-fiance's little sister, Isabel, is also back in town running the family bridal shop.
While Isabel's once unrequited crush has long since passed, she and Ford do still seem to enjoy each others' company. As can be expected, the rest of the Hendrix family is ready to see Ford and his brother, Kent settle down. Grandchildren are always nice to have. The bonus in this book is that we get to follow Kent through his foibles at wooing a war-hardened woman.
Four people each set out with goals in mind. Isabel has no intentions of staying in town long. Two have spent so much time in war zones that they've never had an opportunity to try loving. Then there is Kent; he's such a quintessential good guy that he might struggle with exciting the exotic Consuelo long term.
Depending on your mood, either Jo or Patience will be waiting with just your favorite treat when you settle into the latest Fool's Gold fantasy.
The town of Fool's Gold is still awash in romantic entanglements. For those that remember the Hendrix Family, Ford is home from his stint as a Navy SEAL. His ex-fiance's little sister, Isabel, is also back in town running the family bridal shop.
While Isabel's once unrequited crush has long since passed, she and Ford do still seem to enjoy each others' company. As can be expected, the rest of the Hendrix family is ready to see Ford and his brother, Kent settle down. Grandchildren are always nice to have. The bonus in this book is that we get to follow Kent through his foibles at wooing a war-hardened woman.
Four people each set out with goals in mind. Isabel has no intentions of staying in town long. Two have spent so much time in war zones that they've never had an opportunity to try loving. Then there is Kent; he's such a quintessential good guy that he might struggle with exciting the exotic Consuelo long term.
Depending on your mood, either Jo or Patience will be waiting with just your favorite treat when you settle into the latest Fool's Gold fantasy.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Just one kiss
by Susan Mallery
Fool's Gold, California is the kind of community that people either dream of living in, or dream of escaping. Justice Garrett had the great luck to live in this small town as a teenager. For more than a decade, he has been the kind of dreamer looking for a way back. Wait a second, yes, I did just call a special ops sniper a dreamer? He has found a way to open a business, and maybe find a level of security in life that has been missing for a long time. The question has always been, can he live in Fool's Gold without hurting Patience McGraw?
Patience has endured quite a bit in life. Both her father and husband walked out on her. She is caretaker for both her child and ailing mother. Through all her struggles, one of her most painful memories has always been the day Justice disappeared.
Both believe he isn't really husband material. The reader gets to watch as one character and then the other come to the realization that actions speak louder than words. Grab a cup of coffee from Patience's new business and settle in for a late spring Saturday morning on the front porch. Surely the people of Fool's Gold have a parade planned soon. Save your spot and savor this story.
Fool's Gold, California is the kind of community that people either dream of living in, or dream of escaping. Justice Garrett had the great luck to live in this small town as a teenager. For more than a decade, he has been the kind of dreamer looking for a way back. Wait a second, yes, I did just call a special ops sniper a dreamer? He has found a way to open a business, and maybe find a level of security in life that has been missing for a long time. The question has always been, can he live in Fool's Gold without hurting Patience McGraw?
Patience has endured quite a bit in life. Both her father and husband walked out on her. She is caretaker for both her child and ailing mother. Through all her struggles, one of her most painful memories has always been the day Justice disappeared.
Both believe he isn't really husband material. The reader gets to watch as one character and then the other come to the realization that actions speak louder than words. Grab a cup of coffee from Patience's new business and settle in for a late spring Saturday morning on the front porch. Surely the people of Fool's Gold have a parade planned soon. Save your spot and savor this story.
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