Talk of the Town

I am an avid fiction reader, and I enjoy reading all kinds from murder mysteries, suspense, to Karen Kingsbury feel-good fiction. Talk of the Town reminds me of a Karen Kingsbury fiction book, well written, nicely woven story. A feel good book that keeps you turning page after page. And, as an American IDOL fan, and a city girl who lives in the country on a farm, I was intrigued by the premise in Talk of the Town of a NYC producer coming to small town Daily Texas to produce American Megastar, a virtual take on the real show. It is a fun story, well written, and easy to read. It is the first book of Lisa Wingate's that I have read, but I plan on reading more of her books now. If you are looking for a great Christian Chic Lit book, escape to Daily, Texas, and get your copy of Talk of the Town. Trish Berg Author, Book Reviewer www.TrishBerg.com The Great American Supper Swap - Solving the Busy Woman's Family Dinnertime Dilemma Rattled: Surviving Your Baby's First Year Without Losing Your Cool

"Talk of the Town" is one of the best books I've read! I couldn't put it down until I finished reading it. It is an exciting, interesting and funny story of how a reporter, her boss, town people with various experiences, and a very talented young person deals with fame. One of the qualities I love about all of Lisa Wingate's writings is her ability to weave life enhancing information throughout the story. As an example, "It's not your life Mandalay, it's just your job; there's a difference." Here we learn an important and easily applied lesson on how to deal with job related stress. Another "Quit fighting the sails & let the wind move the boat. Drift on faith for awhile." This one has many teachings, one of which is take a break and regroup while you enjoy your blessings. "In Talk of the Town," Amber is the young lady who is thrown into the world of the paparazzi and fame so quickly that it's difficult for her to cope. Her privacy is lost. The story deals with how she copes. A beautiful, tactfully written love story adds to the excitement to make this an outstanding book. Lisa Wingate's "Talk of the Town" is already a best seller for me! I highly recommend it to everyone! This book has all the characteristics needed for a great movie. I can't wait to see it playing in theaters across the country! Ed

I loved Talk of the Town by Lisa Wingate. It was fantastic to read a story told to me first person by two main characters/narrators. The story truly benefitted from the two totally different points of view. I found it very easy to identify with both women. Mandalay and Imagene Doll both gain a better understanding of what is truly important in life by the end of the book. I loved the Texas accents that were easy to pick up on. They added so much richness to the story. I also loved the over the top Sweedish accent on the evil boss character. Everyone has encountered a person like her. Maybe not as a boss and probably not with the exaggerated accent but definitly with her personality. All of the characters are very believable, as if you could sit right down in the cafe and become part of the town. The best were the nicknames in the book because you just know that there is more to come from these charaters in other books and this just keeps you guessing as to who will be in the author's next book. I would really recommend this book to anyone. There were some passages that had me laughing so hard and some passages that had me reaching for my journal of inspirational sayings because they were just so good.

I bought this book last Friday and started reading it on the T. I laughed so hard, I'm sure people around me thought I was nuts. I finished the entire thing over the weekend, because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! Every chapter seemed to end in a cliffhanger that kept me turning the pages wanting to know what would happen next. Lisa Wingate is a great author, and this story is so contemporary, having to do with a show like American Idol, and the ups and downs of a reality TV life, and the culture clash when the reality TV people, press, and paparazzi swarm to a small town. I loved every one of the people in the story. They were all unique and each one of them seemed like a real person you could meet anywhere (OK, maybe not JUST anywhere) and would enjoy talking to. I could hear the rhythm of the language of this little Texas town, and I could appreciate the fact that, even while being tempted by fame and fortune, they do the right thing for one of their own. I thought it was especially touching that the young singing star, Amber Anderson, doesn't turn out to be what you'd think she would be. I'm very glad I picked up this book. No disappointments here. I can absolutely see why other authors endorsed it so enthusiastically, and why all the glowing reviews. This story shines. Wingate is a great writer. I agree with one of the reviews that said the religious elements were done in a subtle way, which I like. I don't think a book needs to preach at you or hit you over the head to make a good point. My grandfather was a pastor, and his message was gentle, never condescending or critical, which made him successful with people. He didn't turn people off, he drew them in. This story draws you in. It makes a good point about the ways God can make use of someone's life, even if that person has flaws, the way society looks at morality, and the way people should act toward each other according to the Golden Rule. Any book that can do all that and still make you laugh until people stare at you definitely deserves five stars!

I am a lover of books of all types, reading at least one per week, and sometimes more. I read in all genres, everything from Christian fiction to non-fiction. Talk of the Town was one of the best reads I've come upon in a long time. The story was fresh and engaging. It begins with the arrival of American Megastar assistant producer, Mandalay Florentino, in the the tiny Texas town of Daily. Mandalay, who's not a small-town girl herself, has a tough job to do, arranging for the surprise "reveal" concert of a local girl, Amber Anderson, who has made the semi-finals on American Megastar. Little does Mandalay now, it's not almost impossible to keep anything on the "QT" in Daily, where, as Imagene says, the cafe spreads news faster than "chaff in a brisk wind." From the minute Mandalay arrives in Daily, laughs begin. The chapters alternate almost seamlessly from the point of view of Mandalay to the point of view of local widow, Imagene Doll, often leaving the reader in suspense at the end of each chapter. The book kept me up late into the night many times, the surest sign of a good read. Being older myself, I found Imagene's story, her depression and grief, realistic and sympathetic. I could relate to her difficulty getting back into life after the loss of her husband. One of the things that impressed me most about Wingate's writing was her ability to blend both laughter and grief. The spectrum of emotions coexists realistically on her pages, and the friendly, quirk-filled citizens of Daily are fun and realistic. They show a sense of community spirit and concern for each other that makes you want to move to their town. The Christian element was well-handled, subtle, and not preachy. All-in-all, this book is just plain fun. Do yourself a favor and enjoy this laugh-out-loud, tender, sweet, inspiring read. GREAT BOOK!!!