Talk of the Town (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: hometown segment, metal cowboy, hometown show, Buddy Ray, Justin Shay, American Megastar (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...the place and the characters stuck with me.... You can't ask anything more from a novel." -- Jennifer Donovan, 5MinutesforMom.com

"A story of overcoming the odds with a corral full of laughs, Talk of the Town is delightful to read." -- Ane Mulligan, NovelReviews.blogspot.com

"Lisa Wingate's entrancing story was a delight to read." -- RomanceDesigns.com

"Talk of the Town is just the ticket for those looking for a light hearted and humorous read." -- Rel Mollet, TitleTrakk.com

"The story is modern but the characters are traditional, and that makes the reader feel right at home." -- Susan Cronk, curledup.com

"This lively tale of Hollywood getting its comeuppance is sure to delight." -- Violet Nesdoly, blogcritics.org

"Wingate (Tending Roses) pens a light and entertaining story of life in a small town with Texas-sized charm." -- Publisher's Weekly

Product Description

The show American Megastar is the hottest thing on television but its associate producer, Mandalay Florentino, is worried. She's just arrived in the tiny town of Daily, Texas, to arrange a surprise "reunion concert" for hometown finalist Amber Amberson. Only it turns out everyone in town seems to know the secret. And paparazzi are arriving. Word from Hollywood is that Amber has disappeared with a "bad boy" actor. Can anything go right in this tumbleweed town? Imagene Doll loves her town of Daily, Texas, but things are lonely without her beloved husband. Life seems dull. At least until that fancy-dressed woman pulls into town, looking terrified and glamorous all at once. Soon life's not the least bit boring as Imagene and the rest of Daily find themselves at the center of a media maelstrom--with a young girl's future on the line.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House (February 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764204904
• ISBN-13: 978-0764204906
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #526,444 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lisa Wingate's Talk of the Town is an outstanding book!, February 7, 2008

By	Ed Stevens - See all my reviews

"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

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOL! Lots of laughs and an excellent story..., February 6, 2008

By	Jandi Oliah (Boston) - See all my reviews

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!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Small Town Charm and a Feel Good Chic Lit Book, February 12, 2008

By	Trish Berg "Trish Berg" (Ohio) - See all my reviews

I am an avid fiction reader, and I enjoy reading all kinds from murder mysteries, suspense, to Karen Kingsbury feel-good fiction.

Talk of the Town reminds me of a Karen Kingsbury fiction book, well written, nicely woven story. A feel good book that keeps you turning page after page.

And, as an American IDOL fan, and a city girl who lives in the country on a farm, I was intrigued by the premise in Talk of the Town of a NYC producer coming to small town Daily Texas to produce American Megastar, a virtual take on the real show.

It is a fun story, well written, and easy to read. It is the first book of Lisa Wingate's that I have read, but I plan on reading more of her books now.

If you are looking for a great Christian Chic Lit book, escape to Daily, Texas, and get your copy of Talk of the Town.

Trish Berg
Author, Book Reviewer
www.TrishBerg.com

The Great American Supper Swap - Solving the Busy Woman's Family Dinnertime Dilemma

Rattled: Surviving Your Baby's First Year Without Losing Your Cool