Book Review/ The Lumby Lines by Gail Frasier

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In the tradition of Jan Karon’s Mitford series, this engaging inside look at small-town life will draw a bevy of fans to its old-fashioned story combining a bit of romance, a bit of mystery, and a multitude of quirky and endearing characters.”
–Booklist

Thus, I was thrilled to receive a review copy of this adorable novel, The Lumby Lines - the first book in a five book series. OOOO, you KNOW how I LOVE series book!  Other books in the series include: Stealing Lumby, Lumby's Bounty and the Promise of Lumby. This July readers the fifth bookis set to release: Lumby on the Air.


Synopsis: Nestled in the Northwest is a quaint little town that its quirky residents are proud to call home. With charming shops lining its one main thoroughfare, Lumby has the oldest apple tree in the county and the smallest bank in the state. And though it's hours from the nearest big city, you'll always find Lumby close to your heart . . .

Nearly destroyed by fire, Montis Abbey remains a ruin on the outskirts of Lumby. Once home to a resourceful order of monks, it stands abandoned, surrounded by its overgrown orchards. Then Mark and Pam Walker, a vacationing couple from the East Coast, stumble upon it -- and upon the answer to their prayers. Leaving behind their hectic lives to restore the monastery and turn it into an inn is a dream come true.

But some residents of Lumby take a while to warm up to outsiders. One of them is irascible William Beezer, owner of The Lumby Lines -- the newspaper "worth the paper it's printed on." At every turn, he tries to hinder the Walkers' efforts. The couple soon learns that for every citizen like William, there are many more willing to lend a hand, and that Lumby isn't just a place -- it's a way of life.

WOW- I adored the Mitford books was saddened when the author moved everyone on and out so to speak! I think this series will be closer to my heart, as I grew up on the west coast and it's like visiting home while reading the book! The characters are SO unique, but somehow fit the town of Lumby perfectly! The Sheriff's log of hilarious small town events is so true to life and absolutely hilarious. Make sure you read ALL the entries in them when you read the books! There is also a mystery that gets nicely resolved as well. I liked how they had recipes in the back of the book, as food is mentioned ALOT in the book! There was also a very funny 'interview' after the book involving a central character! This really is a great series that I can't recommend enough!

You can read chapter one HERE and chapters form the other books as well!

AND if you sign up for the monthly newsletter HERE, I may win the monthly contest and be able to share some unique items from Lazygoose USA with all of you in future giveaways!

 
Author Bio
Gail Fraser had a successful career in corporate America holding senior executive and upper management positions in several Fortune 500 and start-up corporations. She gave it all up to move to the rural landscape of upstate New York and married a rural folk artist who has done the book illustrations and entire Lumby series.She lives with her husband, Art Poulin, and their two dogs in
Saratoga Springs, New York.

Visit Gail Fraser at www.lumbybooks.com.







Disclosure: This book was sent to me by FSB Associates, free of charge, for me to review. I was not told how to review it however.