This was my first read of Debby Mayne and it was a wonderful experience. But then again any book with refreshing ice tea on the cover would have to be good right?
Mayne writes this book like a grandma bakes cookies. It flows so well you almost forget you are reading and you fill like you are actually in the town of Pinewood and practically a family member to the Bucklin Family. At first I wasn't sure Mayne, or any author could pull off the style of writing she chose. She wrote from 4 women's perspectives. Each chapter is the voice of one of the women whether it's them interacting with each other or interacting with their husbands etc. A sample follows:
IT'S AMAZING!!! You get to know the women almost like you've read their journal. Everyone is nervous about the upcoming reunion and no one is brave enough to not go. Each reveals their insecurities, as well as what they thing everyone else's insecurities might be, as they face the fact of what to wear, take, and cook for the reunion.
One lady thinks her husband has been ignoring her for years only to find out he is actually hard of hearing. Shay clings to her job even though it bores her, it has become part of her identity and something the family is proud of so she retains it. Sarah is an identical twin and finds her identity in that until her twin decides to do something drastic and ruin everything,, Puddin' is trying to find her life in between kids and doesn't know if she should feel guilty about that or not.
Each person has to face their fears and come head to head with issues they've buried. Some call for lifestyle changes and others for the desire to relax rather than live uptight.
Its a masterfully written book and one I'm honored to have on my shelf. I will be delighted to read more of Debby Mayne books!
(Book was donated to my by Litefuse for my opinion)