Customer Reviews

Talk of the Town (Welcome to Daily, Texas Book 1)

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I bought this book last Friday and started reading it on the T. I laughed so hard, I'm sure people around me thought I was nuts. I finished the entire thing over the weekend, because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! Every chapter seemed to end in a cliffhanger that kept me turning the pages wanting to know what would happen next. Lisa Wingate is a great author, and this story is so contemporary, having to do with a show like American Idol, and the ups and downs of a reality TV life, and the culture clash when the reality TV people, press, and paparazzi swarm to a small town.

I loved every one of the people in the story. They were all unique and each one of them seemed like a real person you could meet anywhere (OK, maybe not JUST anywhere) and would enjoy talking to. I could hear the rhythm of the language of this little Texas town, and I could appreciate the fact that, even while being tempted by fame and fortune, they do the right thing for one of their own. I thought it was especially touching that the young singing star, Amber Anderson, doesn't turn out to be what you'd think she would be.

I'm very glad I picked up this book. No disappointments here. I can absolutely see why other authors endorsed it so enthusiastically, and why all the glowing reviews. This story shines. Wingate is a great writer. I agree with one of the reviews that said the religious elements were done in a subtle way, which I like. I don't think a book needs to preach at you or hit you over the head to make a good point. My grandfather was a pastor, and his message was gentle, never condescending or critical, which made him successful with people. He didn't turn people off, he drew them in.

This story draws you in. It makes a good point about the ways God can make use of someone's life, even if that person has flaws, the way society looks at morality, and the way people should act toward each other according to the Golden Rule. Any book that can do all that and still make you laugh until people stare at you definitely deserves five stars!

I am a lover of books of all types, reading at least one per week, and sometimes more. I read in all genres, everything from Christian fiction to non-fiction. Talk of the Town was one of the best reads I've come upon in a long time. The story was fresh and engaging. It begins with the arrival of American Megastar assistant producer, Mandalay Florentino, in the the tiny Texas town of Daily. Mandalay, who's not a small-town girl herself, has a tough job to do, arranging for the surprise "reveal" concert of a local girl, Amber Anderson, who has made the semi-finals on American Megastar. Little does Mandalay now, it's not almost impossible to keep anything on the "QT" in Daily, where, as Imagene says, the cafe spreads news faster than "chaff in a brisk wind."

From the minute Mandalay arrives in Daily, laughs begin. The chapters alternate almost seamlessly from the point of view of Mandalay to the point of view of local widow, Imagene Doll, often leaving the reader in suspense at the end of each chapter. The book kept me up late into the night many times, the surest sign of a good read. Being older myself, I found Imagene's story, her depression and grief, realistic and sympathetic. I could relate to her difficulty getting back into life after the loss of her husband. One of the things that impressed me most about Wingate's writing was her ability to blend both laughter and grief. The spectrum of emotions coexists realistically on her pages, and the friendly, quirk-filled citizens of Daily are fun and realistic. They show a sense of community spirit and concern for each other that makes you want to move to their town. The Christian element was well-handled, subtle, and not preachy.

All-in-all, this book is just plain fun. Do yourself a favor and enjoy this laugh-out-loud, tender, sweet, inspiring read. GREAT BOOK!!!

"Talk of the Town" is one of the best books I've read! I couldn't put it down until I finished reading it. It is an exciting, interesting and funny story of how a reporter, her boss, town people with various experiences, and a very talented young person deals with fame. One of the qualities I love about all of Lisa Wingate's writings is her ability to weave life enhancing information throughout the story.

As an example, "It's not your life Mandalay, it's just your job; there's a difference." Here we learn an important and easily applied lesson on how to deal with job related stress. Another "Quit fighting the sails & let the wind move the boat. Drift on faith for awhile." This one has many teachings, one of which is take a break and regroup while you enjoy your blessings.

"In Talk of the Town," Amber is the young lady who is thrown into the world of the paparazzi and fame so quickly that it's difficult for her to cope. Her privacy is lost. The story deals with how she copes. A beautiful, tactfully written love story adds to the excitement to make this an outstanding book. Lisa Wingate's "Talk of the Town" is already a best seller for me! I highly recommend it to everyone!

This book has all the characteristics needed for a great movie. I can't wait to see it playing in theaters across the country!

Ed

I like Lisa Wingate. I've enjoyed other books by her more than I did this one. It's set in small town Texas with some characters who are laugh-out loud funny. Mandalay, the main character, is a producer for an American Idol-type television show.

Amber, one of the finalists is a sweet, country girl from the backwoods of Daily, Texas and Mandalay is sent to organize the "reunion concert" for her. The concert is supposed to be top secret, but the paparazzi have arrived and...more I like Lisa Wingate. I've enjoyed other books by her more than I did this one. It's set in small town Texas with some characters who are laugh-out loud funny. Mandalay, the main character, is a producer for an American Idol-type television show.

Amber, one of the finalists is a sweet, country girl from the backwoods of Daily, Texas and Mandalay is sent to organize the "reunion concert" for her. The concert is supposed to be top secret, but the paparazzi have arrived and Amber is missing. The citizens of Daily, Texas prove themselves as they come together to support their hometown girl.

Told through the first-person viewpoints of Mandalay and Imagene, the sweet grandma, the story is funny and, at times, charming.

Now, I hate reality t.v. and I particularly can't stand American Idol, nor do I understand the obsessive hype that goes along with it. Lisa Wingate capitalizes on that hype here. I don't think this book took a great deal of thought or effort to write. It lacks the depth of her other novels, but is light and entertaining: no thinking required. True chick-lit.

I loved this book! I listened to the audio version and Johanna Parker's reading certainly contributed to my enjoyment. Yes, it had a fairly predictable plot, but the characters were great fun and very real. It moved me to tears in places and made me laugh out loud in others. While it was clearly grounded in faith, it was not so overwhelming that I felt like I was reading a sermon and I think it could be enjoyed by a reader of any faith. It's a pleasure to run across such a talented author. I've read 2 other books by Wingate and will seek out more.

This is one of those books I probably wouldn't have picked up from a library shelf, nor would I have bought it when browsing in a store. But now that I'm addicted to my Kindle, I find I'm reading books outside my normal sphere of selection and this was one of those unexpected finds that I was surprised to enjoy. The book centers around a frustrated TV show producer, a young singing talent and the quirky characters of a small Texas town who rally around the young girl when the media closes in. The author brings the off-the-beaten-track little town to life in a delightful way. There's a touch of faith but not enough to annoy anyone who doesn't care for that, enough romance to satisfy those who like that and enough plot development to provide interesting surprises. The book was charming, well written and I found myself laughing aloud in several places ... something I do not often do when reading. This is a nice book to add to your collection (plus it's free, to make it even more enticing) and pull up when you are in a quandry over what book to read next.

They say timing is everything. I received this book just as the famous reality TV show, American Idol, was winding down to their finalists for the year. In Talk of the Town, Lisa Wingate tells the story of Amber Anderson, one of the five finalists of American Megastar. As is the case with the real reality show, finalists are filmed going to their hometowns for a reunion concert. Enter our main character, Mandalay Florentino, whose job it is to pull together the whole visit. But she has to pull it off without actually telling anyone what she's doing. Texas author Wingate, as she does frequently, sets the scene in a small Texas town, this one called Daily.

Definitely not a small town devotee, Manda is very conspicuous going about town talking to town folks. They figure out what she's about as soon as she arrives on the scene, but they do their best not to let her catch on to the fact that they've caught on. The townspeople, in the persons of Imagene Doll and all the beauty shop ladies, "adopt" Manda and try to help, although she's never sure she really needs their help. But Daily is just like that--neighbor helping neighbor, friend helping friend, never knowing a stranger. Of course, the gossip hotline is well and alive. They wouldn't like to think they're gossiping, though; they're really just looking out for their own. One of their own is Amber, and they'll do anything to help her overcome a difficult childhood. As far as Daily is concerned, there is only one American Megastar.

Manda's professional nemesis is boss Ursula, who gives orders like a staff sergeant and expects complete compliance. No is not a word in her repertoire. Manda is "sort of" engaged to David, who hasn't managed to find time to buy a ring. Between the lukewarm fiancé and the job stress, Manda is ready to have a personal crisis. Once in Daily, she meets Carter, who manages in a very short time to intrigue Manda as David never has. Who is this handsome stranger and why is he here sharing the Elvis suite with Manda?

After a week filled with debacles and disasters, the hometown trip and reunion concert turn out... Well, you'll have to read the book to find out. And, Manda decides... No, I'm not giving that away either. You'll love sharing this story with these wonderful folks!

Wingate writes tender and romantic stories that have a point to make. Her character development is good, introducing each character, giving the reader important background, and letting the reader get to know them. Soon they are the friends and neighbors we've known for a long time. Her books are light reads but never so syrupy sweet that the story is overpowered by marshmallow fluff. With a surprise or two for good measure, they stand on their own as modern day parables. Wingate espouses wholesomeness, family, friends and old-fashioned values. Her stories are readable and enjoyable, and I never have the feeling I've been preached to. Instead, I've usually learned a lesson. Though published by a Christian publishing house, I believe Wingate's novels attract a wide readership because her stories have universal appeal.

Talk of the Town is no exception. This latest offering by Wingate is very enjoyable, a good summer read. It's like going back home for a family reunion.

by Susan Ideus

for Story Circle Book Reviews

reviewing books by, for, and about women

I downloaded this for free on my Kindle, and was pleasantly surprised by how good the book was! I was looking for something light and breezy, an easy read, and the book was exactly that and some more. The writing was very good, the characters well developed and interesting, and the book was just really funny. It was listed under "Christian romance", but it's not really a Christian book other than the fact that some of the characters have a Christian background and from time to time either mention the church or the Bible. It is romantic though, in a wholesome clean way. There are subsequent books based on the same town of Daily, Texas. Those books are not sequels, but you do meet some of the same characters again. I liked this book so much I paid money (they weren't for free) for the other ones. I would recommend this book for someone who is looking for a light, easy story that is nonetheless very well written. I had fun reading it.

What a fun book to read. It really is all of the above. Great entertainment, fun, so funny you'll laugh out loud, and at the same time some scenes were so sweet they really touched my heart. The romance was well-done and the small town of Daily was the perfect setting for it. Lisa Wingate hits it right on the mark. The people are so real, you'd expect to drive down Main Street in any little Texas town and find them sitting at the cafe or coming out of the bank. Wonderful book with great characters, fast moving plot and good values. Must read!

I read books from many different genres. I rarely finish books that are christian based because they tend to be preachy judgemental and overtly sacharin in proclaiming their views. I did not want to put this book down. The use of imagery was wonderful. The humorous attitudes were refreshing. The theme of this book of self analysis instead of judging others and helping accepting and loving them is enriching and rewarding. This book I will gift to my dearest friends.