Talk of the Town
by Lisa Wingate
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Book Summary Information
Author: Lisa WingateEdition: Paperback
Published: 2008-02-01
ISBN: 0764204904
Number of pages: 368
Publisher: Bethany House
Book Reviews of Talk of the Town
Book Review: Sweet but substantial
Summary: 5 Stars
They say timing is everything. I received this book just as the famous reality TV show, American Idol, was winding down to their finalists for the year. In Talk of the Town, Lisa Wingate tells the story of Amber Anderson, one of the five finalists of American Megastar. As is the case with the real reality show, finalists are filmed going to their hometowns for a reunion concert. Enter our main character, Mandalay Florentino, whose job it is to pull together the whole visit. But she has to pull it off without actually telling anyone what she's doing. Texas author Wingate, as she does frequently, sets the scene in a small Texas town, this one called Daily.
Definitely not a small town devotee, Manda is very conspicuous going about town talking to town folks. They figure out what she's about as soon as she arrives on the scene, but they do their best not to let her catch on to the fact that they've caught on. The townspeople, in the persons of Imagene Doll and all the beauty shop ladies, "adopt" Manda and try to help, although she's never sure she really needs their help. But Daily is just like that--neighbor helping neighbor, friend helping friend, never knowing a stranger. Of course, the gossip hotline is well and alive. They wouldn't like to think they're gossiping, though; they're really just looking out for their own. One of their own is Amber, and they'll do anything to help her overcome a difficult childhood. As far as Daily is concerned, there is only one American Megastar.
Manda's professional nemesis is boss Ursula, who gives orders like a staff sergeant and expects complete compliance. No is not a word in her repertoire. Manda is "sort of" engaged to David, who hasn't managed to find time to buy a ring. Between the lukewarm fianc? and the job stress, Manda is ready to have a personal crisis. Once in Daily, she meets Carter, who manages in a very short time to intrigue Manda as David never has. Who is this handsome stranger and why is he here sharing the Elvis suite with Manda?
After a week filled with debacles and disasters, the hometown trip and reunion concert turn out... Well, you'll have to read the book to find out. And, Manda decides... No, I'm not giving that away either. You'll love sharing this story with these wonderful folks!
Wingate writes tender and romantic stories that have a point to make. Her character development is good, introducing each character, giving the reader important background, and letting the reader get to know them. Soon they are the friends and neighbors we've known for a long time. Her books are light reads but never so syrupy sweet that the story is overpowered by marshmallow fluff. With a surprise or two for good measure, they stand on their own as modern day parables. Wingate espouses wholesomeness, family, friends and old-fashioned values. Her stories are readable and enjoyable, and I never have the feeling I've been preached to. Instead, I've usually learned a lesson. Though published by a Christian publishing house, I believe Wingate's novels attract a wide readership because her stories have universal appeal.
Talk of the Town is no exception. This latest offering by Wingate is very enjoyable, a good summer read. It's like going back home for a family reunion.
by Susan Ideus
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
Summary of Talk of the Town
The show American Megastar is the hottest thing on television but its associate producer, Mandalay Florentino, is worried. She's just arrived in the tiny town of Daily, Texas, to arrange a surprise "reunion concert" for hometown finalist Amber Amberson. Only it turns out everyone in town seems to know the secret. And paparazzi are arriving. Word from Hollywood is that Amber has disappeared with a "bad boy" actor. Can anything go right in this tumbleweed town? Imagene Doll loves her town of Daily, Texas, but things are lonely without her beloved husband. Life seems dull. At least until that fancy-dressed woman pulls into town, looking terrified and glamorous all at once. Soon life's not the least bit boring as Imagene and the rest of Daily find themselves at the center of a media maelstrom--with a young girl's future on the line.Fiction Books
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