I still love the author's voice. I enjoyed Wedding Bell Blues very much but I can absolutely see how the author had matured in her writing.

I can't wait for Ms. Watts' next book.

**reread it with my ears while cleaning and cooking today. I wish the story went on a touch more but still enjoyed it very, very much. ( )

A quick, funny read, offering a positive picture of Appalachian culture. No big surprises in the plot. I'll have to try out the chicken hypnotizing trick. ( )

Chrys has left Kentucky behind for a career as a college professor. But she's feeling stifled at work, a long-term relationship ends badly, and her Nanny needs some help as she ages. So Chrys returns to Kentucky for the summer and gets a lot more than she expected - a new romance, healing, and a better understanding of her roots.

Well, I can definitely tell that the author is from the area; the mere fact that she uses "you'uns" testifies to that! The dialect is perfect; after reading the book, I found my old Appalachian accent rearing its head more prominently than usual for several days. (I grew up about thirty minutes from the Ohio/West Virginia border, and although the characters dismiss "O-high" [we call it "o-HI-uh" where I'm from] as some fabled industrial complex, southeastern Ohio is quite similar to eastern Kentucky.) And they hypnotized chickens, haha. I remember doing that with my cousins many a times - when done correctly, it really does work!

I really identified with the character of Chrys. When I was young, I was a bookish nerd who wanted to escape from "the country" too. I deliberately attempted to eradicate my accent (with varying grades of success; certain words still give me away) and obtained a college education. But I still miss southeastern Ohio in some ways, more so as time passes. Like Chrys, I realize now that my family and I might want different things in life, but in the end, they're good people. I'd love a chance to go back for a summer, like Chrys did in the story, knowing that I wouldn't stay forever but that I could stay for more than a week or two.

I also liked that this book isn't solely focused on romance. The romance does play an integral part, but so does Chrys' growth. In the end, the book is just as much about family and accepting your past.

The book is well-written; I'd definitely recommend it. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. ( )