"The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop"

"The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop" by Fannie Flagg 

In the 1930s, Whistle Stop, Alabama, was a bustling

railroad town, where plain, good folks lived. In the best

of times. they laughed together, in the worst of times,

they cried and comforted each other. No pretense, no

flair, just a common place where everyone was welcome. 

Now, many years later, Whistle Stop is a pile of

junk and rubble, a sad, ghost town where a weary

traveler could once stretch his legs on the way to the big city. 

If you are nostalgic, and feel like dropping by to see what

remains, be sure to listen very carefully, because the faint

whispers of what used to be, may echo in your ears. 

Like the lively conversation coming out of the Whistle Stop

Cafe, home of the famous, fried, green tomatoes. Or the

gossip from the beauty parlor owned by Opal Butts where

stylish ladies get their hair done-up every Saturday.

You might even hear Reverend Scroggins preaching

encouraging sermons to his flock of worshippers who 

seldom listen to sound advice.

Bud Threadgoode grew up in this town, and now he's an

old man, determined to return one last time to that place

where fond memories fill his heart and soul. This is his

story, spanning the glorious past, while taking a peek as 

to what's in store for an uncertain future. Join Bud on his

journey as he mourns the loss of so many loved ones,

celebrates newfound friendships, and embraces endless

possibilities in his twilight years. 

Actress Fannie Flagg writes another delightful story in

her Whistle Stop series, with all the warmth and humor of her

two previous books. Step back in time where mellow anecdotes

and lovable characters fill every page. Perhaps the next

chapter about this beguiling town is waiting to be written. 

"In a Holidaze"

When twenty-six year-old Maelyn Jones looks to the

stars, and secretly asks the Universe to show her the road

to happiness, she receives an astounding response 

from up above. 

It all starts on the way home from what looks to be the

final, holiday getaway at the picturesque Utah cabin

where she and her extended family celebrate every year. 

The eclectic group includes her divorced parents, and an

entourage of former college buddies with their families, 

who gather annually to drink, and be merry. Commemorating

tried-and-true traditions, and generally getting on each other's

nerves is fondly anticipated. They wouldn't have it any other way. 

But there's a different vibe to the party atmosphere this year.

The beloved cabin is in disrepair, and the owners are looking 

to sell the property. Just another monumental disappointment 

in Maelyn's unfilled life. Along with no place of her own to live,

and a dead-end job, she finds it impossible to deny romantic

feelings for a man who has been a childhood friend forever. 

When a fiery crash occurs on the return trip home, Maelyn wakes

up on a plane, heading to Utah, and only she remembers the past,

fretful, few days. Her family is concerned and puzzled, since they

are clueless as to the nonsense she is recalling. For Maelyn, it's

the beginning of  a series of disasters about to happen

over and over, until she finds the peace and contentment that's

been hers all along for the taking. 

This playful, feel-good romance, ushers in the upcoming season

with a story reminiscent of the movie "Groundhog Day". Family

and friends learn that the challenge of growing up, evolving, and

changing priorities, doesn't necessarily have to be painful, as long

as honesty and love are part of the equation. Despite the odds,

this charming novel may have  you believing that happily-ever-after

is just a wish away.