BOOK REVIEW--A DELIGHTFUL SERIES

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

THE LUMBY LINES - A Novel by Gail Fraiser


OVERVIEW: Nestled in the Northwest is a quaint little town that its quirky residents are proud to call home. With Charming shops lining its one main thoroughfare, Lumby has the oldest apple tree in the county and the smallest bank in the state. And though it's hours from the nearest big city, you'll always find Lumby close to your heart. The Lumby Lines is the first in a series of books about this little town. The Lumby Lines is the name of the newspaper--"worth the paper it's printed on." Nearly destroyed by fire, Montis Abbey remains a ruin on the outskirts of Lumby. Once home to a resourceful order of monks, it stands abandoned, surrounded by its overgrown orchards. Then Mark and Pam Walker, a vacationing couple form the East Coast, stumble upon it--and upon the answer to their prayers. Leaving behind their hectic lives to restore the monastery and turn it into an inn is a dream come true.


AUTHOR: Prior to changing her life and becoming a novelist, Gail Fraser had a successful career in corporate America holding senior executive positions in several Fortune 500 corporations. Years ago, she gave it all up to move to the rural landscape of upstate New York, where she could work on her pottery, gardening, cooking and beekeeping. She is married to rural folk artist Art Poulin, who also does the cover interior illustrations for the Lumby series. Now, in a case of life imitating art, Gail and Art are creating their own "Lumby" called Lazy Goose. They purchased 40 acres of land, demarcated by a 200 year old stone wall, with a view of the Adirondacks and the Catskills. Like Montis Abbey, the property is a work in progress.


MY REVIEW: Gail Fraser's first book in this splendid series is a pleasant, fun and delightful read. You put it down wanting to immediately pick up the second book and continue on with what is happening in this cozy little town called Lumby.

Without hesitation I recommend this first book and the entire series to all who read and love Jan Karon's books. When I picked up Gail Fraser's first book I immediately thought of Jan Karon and her Midford series. Fraser's books are easy to read and they leave you feeling good. They take you away from the stress of reality. You will find yourself falling in love with the characters and feeling that you know them. From beginning to end the book is filled with compassion and love. You will find yourself wanting to visit this little town--maybe even wanting to live there.

Tomorrow I am going to post an overview of the next three books in the series and then later I will post about the latest book, Lumby On The Air, which I haven't received yet.