Book Review
of Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark
Book
Synopsis:
Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in
fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to
blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the
verge of being fired.
With a stern warning, and unemployment looming,
she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an
unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent
mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage.
Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and
her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia's
story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?
Author
Information:
Lauren Clark writes contemporary novels set in the
Deep South; stories sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets.
A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored
coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her
big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends.
Check out her website at www.laurenclarkbooks.com.
Links:
Book Excerpt:
“But, I have plans. Every night next week. Tickets to
the Met, a fundraiser, a gallery opening, and I have book club on Monday.” I
don’t mention the Filene’s trip I’d planned. Or the romantic date I’ve been
promising Andrew, my neglected boyfriend of four years.
David waves a hand to dismiss it all. “Marietta can
handle the magazine-related responsibilities.” From the top drawer of his desk
he produces an airline ticket and a manila folder with my name on it. He sets
them on the edge of his desk. Something I can’t decipher plays on his lips.
I keep my voice even. “What about Bali?” I had planned
to leave for the South Pacific a week from Friday. “It’s on my calendar. It’s
been on there…”
David shakes his head. “Not anymore.”
The words wound me like a thousand bee stings.
“Alabama,” David repeats.
My face grows hot. He’s plucked me off a plum assignment
without a thought to my ability and my schedule. My new boss is sending me to
God knows where and he looks perfectly content.
“If that’s my next assignment,” I sputter, “I’d
rather…I’d rather dance naked!”
The announcement comes out much louder than I intend and
reverberates through the room. Dolores probably has her ear pressed to the
door, but the phrase bounces off my boss like a cotton ball.
David smothers a chuckle. “Suit yourself.”
Book Review:
When I first saw the title “Dancing Naked in Dixie,” I knew I had to have
a copy of this book for my library.
After all, who doesn’t want a great book like that in their library, if
for no other reason than the great conversation you can start by saying, “So I
was reading this book called “Dancing Naked in Dixie…” At that time I just knew I loved the title,
now I know that Lauren Clark has written a charming book that is as welcoming
as the people in Eufaula, Alabama.
The story is charming. It is
about small town America where values still matter and people still leave their
doors unlocked because it is safe enough to do so. The story conveys that we all need to slow
down, smell the flowers, enjoy one another, and occasionally get off our
roller-coaster rush of life.
I took a little to get into the story, a chapter or so, but then the
story had my total attention. Romance,
scheming, quirky characters, betrayal, this story has all that and a few twists
besides.
I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds and whole-heartedly recommend it for
your reading pleasure.
Thanks so much for featuring "Dancing Naked in Dixie" -- it's a lovely place with amazing historic homes and charming people :) So glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeletexx, Lauren