When Ratboy Lived Next Door

this is a very good book i read when i was in the reading bowl. im surprised so little people have read this book:) good romance and sweet plot.

I loved being a fly on the wall in Woodworth's town of Maywood, watching its delightful cast of characters go about their daily lives. Although I'm an adult, I fell in love with the characters in the book, and wish Woodworth would write a sequel (hint! hint!) This book takes place in a laid-back small town, but it is by no means slow-paced. The characters spring to life from the beginning. Lydia, the main character, is a spunky girl coming of age and really truly growing up (maturing). Actually, all of the characters are vivid, and I particularly loved the strong female characters, like Lydia's grandma (who is such a fireball!). The ending was so satisfying--except that it ended.

I originally bought this for my daughter and ended up hiding it from her until I was done - which wasn't long since I couldn't put it down! Woodworth's sharp wit and ability to transfer the reader into a 1962 small town in Indiana make it hard to believe this is the author's first published work. I look forward to her next book and highly recommend this one!

Excellent book. I couldn't put it down. Lydia is a great character who I believe people can relate to in some shape or form. I want more. Woodworth's first? I hope it's not the last. BANG! BANG!