I was recently sent Lone Star Legend by Gwendolyn Sepeda, from Hachette Publishing, for review and wow was it a surprise!This book was a great read from start to finish! I loved that the protagonist was Latina, giving the story a really fresh perspective. The fact that she is a old-school taught journalist searching her way in the new technology driven world of journalism was also interesting, as I was also a journalism major (many eons ago- don’t ask when).
At it’s core, this is what the book delves into- the old versus the new, and what is better. And THAT dear readers, it what makes it so readable! We all know that in today’s world ‘journalism’ no longer means fair and equatable reporting. You no longer get BOTH sides of the story, rather it’s all about the ratings baby. News has become entertainment, and if the facts aren’t always right, well, the lawyers can set it straight…. So Lone Star Legend is a pretty timely book!
The premise: If she can find the time, Sandy Saavedra will stop to breathe. New management has turned work upside down and her father's upcoming marriage-something he forgot to mention to Sandy-means there's no peace at home, either. But it's okay. No matter what's thrown her way, Sandy can deal. Because Sandy has a secret, and his name is Tío Jaime.
A short drive out of Austin delivers Sandy into the wide-open spaces of the Hill Country, to the front porch of grandfatherly hermit Tío Jaime. There, in the company of pepper plants, a shaggy dog, goats and fresh squeezed lemonade, the old man imparts down-to-earth advice. Overbearing boss? Work smarter; she'll leave you alone. Disrespectful boyfriend? Pack your bags; a real woman tolerates only a real man. His simple perspective reminds Sandy she can make her own choices-something she's been forgetting lately.
Feeling inspired, Sandy posts their chats online, in order to meet her new daily quota. But as she introduces the world to her personal Eden, her own life heads straight to hell . . .
If you enjoy “Chick Lit’, you’ll LOVE this book! It was really interesting to see how Sandy gets caught up in the ‘look’ of her new job and how content no longer means anything in appearance or work. The backstory of her writing a blog to share and express her feelings and how it came back to haunt her is telling and a thought to those who express all in their blogs. How she deals with her boyfriend was changed as her exposure to Tio Jaime increased, leading her to tackle a new future.
This was a great little book and I loved how the author left an opening for at least one more Sandy Saavedra book. I know I’ll be wanting to read it, if she comes out with another one!
Disclosure: I received a review copy from Hachette Publishing free of charge, for me to review. I was NOT told how to review the book however.