Customer Reviews

The Lumby Lines

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

The simplicity, humor, and downright friendliness of this book make reading it a pleasure.

Lumby, a small town in the Northwest, has its share of offbeat residents and innocuous incidents. In plain English, that means that Lumby is a place where nothing ever happens, but every day is an adventure. The Lumby series begins with this book, and, in a most appropriate manner, these pages center around the arrival of newcomers Pam and Mark Walker. As they meet the townspeople and learn more about their new home, readers get in on the introductions as well.

And what is life like in Lumby? Well, imagine fresh air, rolling hills, and the sounds of birds at daybreak. Then, add a flying pig, goats chewing money, and a dog that runs for mayor. Okay, it's not a typical place, but it sure is terrific to read about!

These pages cover a variety of small town issues, which spiral off the main story line of the Walker's project of restoring the abandoned abbey. There is a wonderful blending of mystery and romance as the pages turn. As plans for the abbey get underway, the past is uncovered and the truth concerning a long-standing issue is finally revealed. Readers will close this book with a sigh of contentment and a desire to visit Lumby again.

The author has faithfully carved out a slice of small town living and topped if off with a large helping of humor. This reviewer can't wait for her next visit to Lumby! -- Joyce Handzo, Christian Book Previews.com

The first in a new series, this book is a great gentle read for a relaxing afternoon. Lumby takes readers by the hand and invites them to live in the quirky Northwest town of Lumby. Characters that are sometimes clique in their quirkiness are hard not to embrace. This was a book that was hard to leave, readers will grow so accustomed to Lumby that it will be like falling out of touch with close friends by book's end. But the next installment is due out this spring. Book recommended for lovers of light fiction and those who love to smile while reading.

Somtimes when you have watched terror accounts, brutal murders, acts of nature's wrath, and wars out of control, it is good to find a smart cozy read. The Lumby Lines fits the bill. Mark and Pam Walker have lived in the fast lane so long their engines are dropping; their marriage is failing, their health is tenuous, and their attitudes need serious adjustment. On a vacation they come across a lush spot in Northern Washington state. It is an abandoned old Abbey on grounds with apple, peach and plum orchards. Both decide it could be a lovely country inn that would also be supported by the refurbished orchards. After much soul-searching and account emptying, they decide to live their dream.

The townsfolk are quirky and some don't like "newcomers." Someone keeps causing little accidents to occur that might stop the Inn from opening. One old man plans to sue them and make their dream die. But rather than angst, Mark and Pam build on. For amusement they read the "Lumby Lines." The police report alone keeps them in stitches....."moose loose with a tricycle in it's antlers," "lady reports that all her car air bags were deployed during the night. She suspects aliens." The book is about enjoyment of life and is written with quick humor and crisp dialogue. The characters, though quirky, are enjoyable. Luckily, sequels will allow the exhausted reader to drop in often and rest in this oasis of wit and coziness.

I thought this was a good enough book, but I have read reviews that it is reminiscent of Jan Karon's Mitford books. That it is definitely not. Jan Karon's characters are much more believable and much more warm. You feel you are in Mitford and know the villagers. Fraser never really lets us know her characters well. There seems to be a wall between them and the reader somehow. I bought both books so I was determined to finish them. The second one, Stealing Lumby, is much more relaxed. It's as if Fraser needed to prove herself with the first one. This second one is a better book. The monks are the most believable characters in the books. In Karon's books, you really feel you know her characters, they are so large in life. This was a good book, though. I don't regret the purchase, and will probably buy the third installment in 2008. But Mitford it is not. Two other excellent series are the Miss Julia books by Ann Ross, who I've met in person 3 times, and the Dearest Dorothy books by Charlene Ann Baumbich. I really think the spiritual aspect of Karon's books make them much better and warm also.

After reading all of the Jan Karon books (from a town called "Mitford")....twice, I was anxious to read the "Lumby" series. I'm glad I just got the first book to read before ordering more. While I found the main characters interesting, and Montis Abby unique, I thought the word choices were trite, typical,and monotonous. There didn't seem to be the joy and spontaneity that the "Mitford" series has.

I never thought there would be a town more endearing or engaging than Mitford, but there is: Lumby, the backdrop for this wonderfully written novel without any religious overtones, just honest humor and strong values throughout. I want to drive down Farm to Market Road, check in at Montis Inn, meet the monks of Saint Cross Abbey and then spend the afternoon tasting their rum sauces. I emailed the author (one of the few who personally writes back)and found out that this is the first of a six book series with her second novel, Stealing Lumby, written and due out in the spring. A great escape and I'm so looking forward to a return visit.

I bought this thinking, hoping, it was an Oregon version of Harmony or Lake Wobegone. But the writing is so heavy on expository and so lacking in narrative charm, I had to give it up. She writes like an accountant.

Ms. Fraser is a masterful storyteller -- her charm and wit wrap around the reader like a warm comforter. It was a delightful trip to Lumby, leaving Corporate America in the distance wasn't altogether too bad either. This book is filled with laugh out loud moments and quiet reflections. While Ms. Fraser doesn't attempt to solve any universal puzzles, the characters of Lumby did make this reader smile. I'm anxiously awaiting her next book, as I missed everyone in Lumby as soon as read the last page.

I highly recommend The Lumby Lines. I have found a new favorite author! I have finished her second book, Stealing Lumby, and am currently on Gail's third book, Lumby's Bounty. All are a joy to read!

The Lumby Lines is one of the sweetest books I've read in a long time. A longtime fan of Jan Karon, I was mourning the end of the Mitford series when I came upon Gail Frasier's delightful books. I just finished the 2nd book and rushed out this afternoon to two different bookstores looking for Lumby's Bounty. Lumby is too good to leave!