Good morning, friends!
The weather in my part of the Ozarks yesterday wobbled between clouds with a hint of rain and spurts of sun. I spent most of my day in bed with a good book. We all need to do that once in awhile.
Author Jodi Thomas ALWAYS delivers a great read. Her stories about the folks in Honey Creek, Texas are like visiting family and friends. You get to meet old acquaintances and make new friends. STRAWBERRY LANE definitely delivered!
Here's a bit about the book:
Set in Someday Valley, surrounding the charming small town of Honey Creek, Texas, New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas’s latest novel tells the heartwarming, tenderly romantic tale of a man who drives his car off a cliff—straight into a life he never imagined . . .
Starri Knight is a big believer in fate. How else to explain the compelling connection she feels to the stranger she pulls out of a wrecked car on the very same road where her parents died twenty years earlier? Alongside Auntie Ona-May, the only mother she’s ever known, Starri saves Rusty O’Sullivan’s life—just as Ona-May once did when Starri was an orphaned babe. But convincing Rusty he has something to live for is going to take all of Starri’s faith in miracles . . .
Like a wish he hadn’t even known to make, Starri landed in Rusty’s life, filling him with a longing for a family. . . . Then Jackson Landry, a new lawyer, turns up to present a surprise that will change the direction of his life: An inheritance from the father Rusty never knew—and the promise of the family he’d never had. It’s a lot for the hard-bitten loner to accept as love from an unexpected direction rushes into his life . . .
A sense of duty has Rusty heading to Honey Creek to deal with his father’s estate—and find his lost siblings. But having family is one thing, learning to love them is another. Good thing new friends are by his side to help him along the way.
I did find one mis-step in the blurb. Rusty was not heading to Honey Creek to deal with his father's estate. I don't want to give anything away but you'll understand when you read the book.
STRAWBERRY LANE is more about what you'll find at the end of the story, and that's okay. Jodi drops you right into getting to know the people, each with their own point of view.
the story opens with a young lawyer at the bedside of his first client. From a criptic note after the man's death, Jackson learns he must find four children the man never knew personally so he can settle the estate. We meet two of the 'children' in this book. I foresee the remaining two appearing as main characters in Book 2 - The Lavender Bookshop because Jodi always ties up any loose ends before taking us on another series ride.
Jodi's writing style gives the reader the opportunity to get to know the characters so that you feel right along with them on the 270 - plus page ride. There were times I giggled, right out laughed, and shed a few tears - just like I would for any of my family and friends.
Jodi writes stories with heart, about what the characters are feeling and creates an atmosphere for you to feel right along with them.
The book is in the Amazon link below the book cover (above).
STRAWBERRY LANE is Book 1 in a two-book series (so far). You can
pre-order The Lavender Bookshop releasing April 23rd. I'm giving Strawberry Lane:
If you're new to Jodi Thomas, here's a bit of info:
Jodi Thomas is a New York Times bestselling author and fifth-generation Texan who sets many of her award-winning stories in her home state, where her grandmother was born in a covered wagon. A multi-RITA Award winner and member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, she’s written over 50 novels with millions of copies in print.
You'll find Jodi at the following Social Media streams:
