Familiar Heat

Incredible story. Incredible characters. A film could be made to join the ranks of Hollywood's greatest movies. Oscars abound. It's got it all ... a "girl" movie, a "guy" movie, sweeping story lines, incredible adventures, unbelievable events ... all set against the backdrop of the Florida Keys ... Cubans, Americans, Hispanics, African-Americans, Caucasians, ball players, fisherman, priest, robbers, cheating spouses, good brother, bad brother, meddling mother, mysterious Jewish builder, monuments on a beach, hurricane ... This BOOK has everything that would make a great movie. Life, marriage and the struggle with the two. Hollywood, take notice! Make Mary Hood a household name.

Mary Hood is a secret that needs to get out. I found out that Amy Tan listed her as among the company of Alice Munro and the great living women writers in Best American Short Stories of 1999. Familiar Heat is a novel that confronts evil, but leaves you feeling like there is much in humanity worth praise. These characters are amazing and human. Mary Hood is more than a writer; she is a wise woman who knows a point can be made just as easily through laughter as through knee-jerk tragedy.

I loved this book..especially Senora Rios and her meddling and of course Mrs. Lockridge and the neighbor's cats. Great characters throughout. A great read and would love to see the movie. Great job Mary!

The characters, the plot, the message - great hope and rejuvenation played out in an intoxicating location - a true refreshing novel. Bravo! Encore!

I really enjoyed this book. I so enjoyed the characters that I find myself wondering what they are up to! I really hope that she writes a follow up. Enjoy