The Good Luck Girls Of Shipwreck Lane (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
This debut novel is a fun read, peppered with unexpected observations by eighty-eight year old Aunt Midge, clever yet believable dialogue between the two sparring Janine Browns, and quirky behaviors that smooth out over time. The premise of the novel, two women with the same name living in Cedar falls, Iowa, believe they have won a contest for a dream house off the coast of Maine. Their backgrounds couldn’t be more different and their personalities, less compatible. Other local characters enter their small world, a few relationships begin to make things more interesting, and the two Janine’s gain some insight about themselves and others. The therapeutic nature of cooking and healing is imbedded within the plot, connecting to organic gardening, feeding the homeless and starting a new life.What makes a family and a home is, of course, the heart of the story. Who hasn’t fantasized about winning a dream home fully furnished? For Janie Brown of Cedar Falls, Iowa, winning the HomeSweetHome Network’s dream house in Maine is a life changer and eye opener.Narrators Suehyla El-Attar and Reay Kaplan do an excellent job bringing the delightful characters to life. Their cadence pulls you in and holds you spellbound as the story unfolds. Their vocalizations enhance the author’s writing.Janine “Nean” Brown knows winning the house is her destiny. It’s her chance to escape the long line of drunk and abusive boyfriends, crappy jobs and finally be someone others won’t look down their noses at. Hearing her name called, Nean does what she has to and strikes out to claim her new life.Across town Janine “Janey” Brown discovers her zany great-aunt Midge has entered her in the contest. It’s Midge’s way of trying to help Janey ease back into the world of the living. After the film crew leaves, Janey and Midge pack up and head to Christmas Cove, Maine, to their new home.Arriving at the dream house, Janey and Midge discover Nean is already there believing she won. When the real winner is decided, lies will be told in order for all to remain in the house. As the lives of the trio intersect and they each branch out into the small community, they discover they’ve won much more than a dream home. They find the power of food, the joy of friendship, and what makes a family.Author Kelly Harms has created zany and memorable characters in her heartwarming debut novel. The characters are well-developed and realistic as they deal with real life and personal demons. Aunt Midge - strong, cantankerous, loving - will stay with you long after the story ends.The story flows smoothly as it switches back and forth from Janey to Nean. It moves at a steady pace filled with humor and heart wrenching moments. It will have you crying from laughter one moment and then from a heartbreaking twist the next.THE GOOD LUCK GIRLS OF SHIPWRECK LANE is an enchanting story celebrating the power of good food, friendship, family and new possibilities. This charming tale explores what home and family is all about.FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
What do You think about The Good Luck Girls Of Shipwreck Lane (2013)?
