Nell is not the kind of person to watch helplessly as her life crumbles around her due to the stress of everyday life. Although she and her husband have acquired all the things they dreamed of in the suburbs, they have grown apart. Their teenage kids are unhappy, and their hectic lives are claiming their present and possibly their future.
But is Nell’s plan of buying a farm going to save them?
I loved this spunky novel for its characters, its settings and the unexpected plot. Nell is a type-A personality who does what needs doing, even when that means manipulating others to see things her way. Her family and the people she meets in her search to become a farmer are quirky, and the dialogue reflects the characters’ personalities and lifestyles. I kept hoping someone would figure out that the term “cow” was not a category of farm animal that included “steer.” Sigh.
I felt caught up in Nell’s ever-expanding plan. Her sense of humour, or should I say that of the author, kept me turning pages! Some of my favourite examples:
“…with Morty, verbal expression never ran the length of a full page.” Loc. 68
“The kitchen offered a never-ending treasure hunt for the men in this household.” Loc. 321
“Punctuality was his pride. But when I made the arrangements, Morty took on the personality of a sloth.” Loc. 669
A novel draws readers in when it finds common ground, a place, person or situation to identify with. The author caught me here:
“I let out a huge sigh at the end of the day when I finally dropped on to the couch with the TV remote, and a plate of steaming cabbage rolls in hand. TLC’s reno show promised thirty minutes of respite.” Loc. 205
Five stars for this often-hilarious but always true-to-life story that takes the characters—and the readers—from lostness to hope. Read it with pleasure.
Learn more about author Helena Smrcek
Helena’s Bio
Helena Smrcek, a journalist, author, and screenplay writer, believes in the power of a well-told story. Her readers can expect a captivating page-turner, filled with thrilling suspense, and heartwarming romance.
She regularly attends writers’ conferences and is a past or current member of such organizations as Word Weavers, American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, Toast Masters International, Boni, The Writer’s Guild, and others. Helena loves to participate in NaNoWriMo and hosts a writers’ group.
When not at her keyboard, Helena loves listening to audio books. Working on her hobby farm, and traveling. She lives in the Waterloo Region, Ontario, with her husband, two adult children, two dogs, several cats, and her favorite goat, Rosie.