REAL COUNTRY: FROM THE FAST TRACK TO APPALACHIA

REAL COUNTRY:
FROM THE FAST TRACK TO APPALACHIA
by Leslie Brunetsky
Mill City Press
212 3rd Avenue North Suite 570
Minneapolis, MN 55401
www.millcitypublishing.com
ISBN: 9781934937488
Tradeback, 172 pages, $13.95
Genre: Humor

Life partners Leslie and Hope lived a busy life near Washington DC, working long hours and spending much of their commuting time stuck in traffic. Leslie had always dreamed of living in the mountains so the two decided to find property on a mountain and build a log cabin there once Leslie retired. After much research, they settled on the Appalachian region in North Carolina and spent the next five years counting the days. Once Leslie retired, they moved to a temporary house while their own log cabin was being built, and Leslie began sending epistles to family and friends updating them on the progress of their dream home and their transition to living in the Bible Belt surrounded by Republicans.

The two, unused to Southern speak, struggle to understand what is being said to them while trying to acclimate to a more leisurely lifestyle. Nicknaming themselves the Two Stooges Construction Company, they are challenged with trying to figure out how to put furniture together and put up a mailbox while dealing with mice that have taken up residence in their attic. On top of which, their new home seems jinxed, with a washing machine that won’t stop dancing and an oven that quits in the middle of baking.

Real Country is based on the real-life experiences of two Northern women trying to blend into the Appalachian way of life and be accepted by its populace. The author’s witty style will bring plenty of laughs via her characters’ reactions to a totally unfamiliar culture and its divergent perspectives relating to most aspects of life, including religion, politics, and social dynamics. Highly recommended.

PERFECT FOR FRAMING by Maggie Bishop

PERFECT FOR FRAMING
By Maggie Bishop
High Country Publishers
197 New Market Center #135
Boone, NC 28607
ISBN: 9781932158847
Trade paperback, 176 pages, $12.00
Genre: Mystery

Jemma Chase and Detective Tucker return for another suspense-filled escapade in Perfect for Framing, the latest addition to Maggie Bishop’s acclaimed Appalachian Adventure Mystery series. With the advent of winter, Jemma turns from helping run Chase’s Dude Ranch to utilizing her skills as photographer and wood worker. Jemma is hired by Petula Windsor, president of a local property owners’ association, to build cabinets in her guest house, but before Jemma can collect her pay, Petula burns to death in the same house. Jemma, a CSI wannabe, would like nothing more than to be in on the investigation, and Tucker has a hard time trying to keep her interest at bay. But when Petula’s husband is found dead and Tucker’s life is jeopardized, Jemma won’t be stopped until she finds the murderer.

Once more, Maggie Bishop delivers a thrilling whodunit peppered with lovable characters and set against the beautiful backdrop of the mountains of North Carolina. Packed with breath-taking action and nail-biting suspense, with a twisting plot that guarantees constant speculation, this is one book that will have readers quickly turning pages, eager to find out what happens next.

IN THE SHADOWS OF CHIMNEY ROCK BY ROSE SENEHI

IN THE SHADOWS OF CHIMNEY ROCK
By Rose Senehi
Ingalls Publishing Group
197 New Market Center #135
Boone, NC 28607
www.ingallspublishinggroup.com
ISBN: 9781932158830
Paperback, 292 pages, $15.95
Genre: Fiction


Hayden Taylor Parks’ life has been in turmoil since the death of her child and subsequent estrangement from her husband. Hayden grew up never having known her father and is shocked to learn that he only recently passed away. In an attempt to learn more about her father, Hayden moves to his home in Chimney Rock, NC and takes over the art gallery he owned while trying to decide what to do with the 400-acre tract of land she inherited from him. Ben Beckham is a former pro football player who recently lost his wife. After taking a position with Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, Ben meets with Hayden in an effort to persuade her not to turn the land over to developers. The two become friends and are drawn to one another, but neither feels ready to make the first move. While going through her father’s things, Hayden discovers evidence that he may have been involved in illegal activity. In an effort to redeem his reputation, she unknowingly places her life and the disposition of her father’s land in danger.

Rose Senehi draws her readers into the majestic expanse of the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, creating a powerful story about one woman’s journey to overcome grief and tragedy and begin a new life. Senehi’s knowledge of the region shines through in vivid detail, with colorful descriptive and instructive geographical data. Her gentle nudge regarding conserving this magnificent area is well understood and appreciated. Characters are well-developed and the plot engaging and suspenseful. Highly recommended.