Last year I read a book by this author that completely blew me away, especially when I found out it’s really a guy writing as Shipman. I was very excited to see a new release coming, so I definitely grabbed it for review.
A piece of Americana story for sure, but one that boldly brings in the uniqueness of a Michigan summer and her residents. Continue below for my full review.
Famous in a Small Town by Viola Shipman
Publisher: Graydon House; Original edition (June 13, 2023)
ISBN-13: 978-1525804854
OVERVIEW:
For most of her eighty years, Mary Jackson has endured the steady invasion of tourists, influencers and real estate developers who have discovered the lakeside charm of Good Hart, Michigan, waiting patiently for the arrival of a stranger she’s believed since childhood would one day carry on her legacy—the Very Cherry General Store. Like generations of Jackson women before her, Cherry Mary, as she’s known locally, runs the community hub—part post office, bakery and sandwich shop—and had almost given up hope that the mysterious prediction she’d been told as a girl would come true and the store would have to pass to…a man.
Becky Thatcher came to Good Hart with her ride-or-die BFF to forget that she’s just turned forty with nothing to show for it. Ending up at the general store with Mary is admittedly not the beach vacation she expected, but the more the feisty octogenarian talks about destiny, the stronger Becky’s memories of her own childhood holidays become, and the strange visions over the lake she was never sure were real. As she works under Mary’s wing for the summer and finds she fits into this quirky community of locals, she starts to believe that destiny could be real, and that it might have something very special in mind for Becky…
Famous in a Small Town by Viola Shipman Review
This book took me a little bit to get into for some reason. We have two main people telling the story, and for some reason, I kept getting lost in between them. I found myself having to go back to see who was speaking with the dual off set chapters; I was confusing myself because it really wasn’t difficult! lol
This is definitely a unique story. Dare I say, I even found it a tad odd. It took me more than 50% of the book to settle in and really appreciate the story, the people, and the atmosphere.
As a Midwestern grown Minnesotan myself, I could really relate to the descriptive scenery and the down-home small-town feel that the author delivers in an astute and delightful manner. It really made me homesick for the small-town ways and the down-home history!
The characters, plus the unique manner in which Shipman is able to imagine and tell the story, really allow you to feel that Americana vibe and build appreciation for the story. Take your time, read it slowly, and feel the way the words blend to craft this delightful book. A perfect summer story that leaves your soul a bit happier all around the edges!
4 STARS!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.
One thought on “Famous in a Small Town by Viola Shipman: Review”
Great review. Glad you liked it. I haven’t read this author before.