Recipes For Easy Living [Paperback]

Curtiss Ann Matlock (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2003

One part laughter. Two parts love. Mix together and enjoy!

Christmas has come to Valentine, Oklahoma and everybody's got a special wish . . . For thirteen-year-old Corrine, it's really about keeping what she has: a happy life with her aunt Marilee and Papa Tate; her beloved horses; and an almost boyfriend, Ricky Dale. Now is not the time for the mother who abandoned her to come back into her life.

Anita, though, is determine. She is coming home for Christmas to fix the mistakes she's made. Despite some bad times and the bridges she's burned, Anita loves her daughter, and she is desperately hoping a bit of Christmas magic will help Corrine decide to love and trust her again.

As for Marilee, she loves Corrine like her own, and fears losing the girl to a beautiful, irresponsible mother who might just break her daughters heart all over again. As always, Anita's arrival fans old flames of anger and stubbornness between the two sisters. Then again, it is a season of miracles. And if one tiny miracle could find its way to Valentine this year, then everybody might just get the most perfect gift of all.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Veteran romance writer Matlock brings her readers back to Valentine, Oklahoma, scene of two of her previous novels, to tell a heartwarming Christmas story that frames 13-year-old Corrine's coming-of-age. There is something magical about the Christmas season in this particular place, this particular year, that seems to bring out the best in everyone. To dispel the growing sentiment that there is no Santa, the whole town rises to the challenge. The post office has a special Santa mailbox where people are encouraged to put their letters, ones that express their true heart's desires. Lots of donations are sent anonymously to those who really need the cash, special little gifts start appearing in unexpected places, and extra kindness and help seem to be available everywhere. Corrine's mother, who abandoned her years before, comes home to try to make amends. Shopping is done, decorations are hung, the annual Christmas pageant is staged, all is well, and Matlock's down-to-earth characters and comforting plot will please many. Danise Hoover
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"If home is where the heart is, then the town of Valentine is the perfect place to settle in." -- Joan Medlicott, author of the "Covington Ladies" series

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Mira (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1551667533
• ISBN-13: 978-1551667539
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 4.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,209,568 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Curtiss Ann Matlock is a the author of thirty-three novels, including the tender and funny Valentine series. Her books have earned rave reviews, spots on the USA TODAY bestseller list and numerous awards. Told with a strong Southern voice, her insightful stories portray the uncommon valor of everyday people and the humor, heartbreak, and shining graces of small-town life. Born in North Carolina, Curtiss Ann lived many years in Oklahoma; she now resides with her family near Mobile, Alabama. You can find out more about her and her work at CurtissAnnMatlock.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Give this as a santa gift, September 10, 2004

By 

Elizabeth "vegie5" (Chevy Chase, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Recipes For Easy Living (Paperback)

This is a perfect book to read to get into the holiday spirit. I plan to give this to my sister as a pre-Christmas gift to help her remember all those steps to get ready for the big day! Matlock helped me be glad I do all those holiday chores every year.

1.0 out of 5 stars Didn't Get Me to Care! AND Slow, Slow, Slow!, July 25, 2008

By 

S. L. Davis "LA Librarian" (Watson, LA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Recipes For Easy Living (Paperback)

The reason I could only give this book one star is that I just couldn't get through it. I got to the middle, just to give a fair shot but it was so slow and boring and pointless. I got the book my chick lit book club because it had four good reviews on amazon, and looked cute. My book club all had the same issue...where were the funny parts???? Even the girls who finished it said this was not chick lit...it was granny lit. It IS a quaint story, and an easy read for little old ladies who don't like language or sex but it just isn't for anyone under sixty. In addition to the slowness most of the story (through the middle of the book) is told from the point of the young child in the book and makes you feel like your are reading an old fashioned children's book. It had no depth and didn't make me care about the characters at all.

5.0 out of 5 stars Recipes For Easy Living, August 1, 2006

By 

Linda (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Recipes For Easy Living (Paperback)

This is one of the best books I have ever read...funny, moving, great characters...I just loved it! Corrine lives in Valentine, Oklahome, with her Aunt, her Aunt's new husband, and her cousin, a sweet and different little boy who lives in his own world. She is about to celebrate her 13th birthday and wants pierced ears and for Ricky Dale to give her her first kiss. At the same time, in New Orleans, her mother feels remorseful about giving her up while she tried to sort out her own chaotic life and decides to come to Valentine during Christmas to try to fix things up. As the characters interact and grow through experiences they share, they start to understand each other and become better people for it. The view is written through almmost-13-year old Corrine's eyes and her take on life is so refreshing and so very 13! This is a WONDERFUL book and I was thrilled to see she has written others set in Valentine, Oklahome...I bought every one and anticipate several great reads!!