Small Town Girl...Review

About the book:
Eighteen years ago, young Tess McPhail left her tiny hometown of Wintergreen, Missouri, population 1,713. She headed for Nashville--and never looked back. Now one of country music's brightest lights, "Mac" McPhail is a millionaire many times over. Her career is her life. At thirty-five, Mac has no time for marriage, children, or kinfolk--until her sisters insist she come home to help care for their widowed mother...Mac isn't thrilled about spending a month in Wintergreen. But her visit home turns out to be far from dull. After almost two decades of public adoration, she is suddenly a nonperson--insulted by her jealous older sister, enraged by her intractable mother, and ignored by Kenny Kroneck, the next-door neighbor she mercilessly taunted all through high school. Now a handsome divorce who dotes on his teenage daughter, Kenny is widely respected in the community--and refuses to give Mac the time of day. But once she discovers that Kenny's daughter is a promising country music talent, Mac assumes the role of mentor--and everything changes...


Gradually, the famous Mac McPhail becomes an integral part of life in Wintergreen. The priceless gifts of family and community open her heart to the sweet rewards of caring and commitment. And as the feigned indifference between Mac and Kenny turns to playful bickering, then passion, the complicated life of a superstar is forever changed--by the simple joys of love...

I liked this and it's one I've re-read.  However, it's also as if the author tried too hard to write a country-music themed story.  The main character of Tess is simply a veiled attempt at writing a character based on Reba McEntire.

That said, I ultimately liked the story and I do like Tess.  I like how she changes and grows throughout the book.  She's selfish and jaded at first.  Her stardom is important to her and she resents being called home to care for her elderly mother.  As the story progresses, a bit predictably perhaps, Tess learns that family is important and she can, indeed, have both.

The story is full of great characters and some laugh-out-loud funny parts.  Kenny and Tess' romance is subtle, but believable.  Faith is a little too good to be true, but Casey is hysterical.  Overall a feel-good book and an enjoyable, easy read.

Personal copy. You can purchase your own copy here.

Last read 2/11

* * * *
4/5 Stars

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