Sunday, April 4, 2010

THE PROMISE OF LUMBY: REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY




GIVEAWAY ENDED
THE PROMISE OF LUMBY

BY GAIL FRASER

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When their beloved veterinarian decides to retire, Lumby's residents turn a curious eye to a stranger, Dr. Tom Candor, who steps up to the responsibilities, hangs his shingle and is soon embraced by the town. But when one distrusting journalist digs too deep and reveals Tom's past, Lumby turns its cold back. Only after Dr. Candor leaves with one of their most beloved residents do the townsfolk pause and consider the consequences of its actions: after all, who will care for Hank if he falls ill? While some residents concoct the wildest of schemes to charm the vet back, Pam and Mark Walker respond to the Montis Inn being unexpectedly thrown into the limelight. And in Franklin, the monks of Saint Cross Abbey face their own temptations from an unexpected proposition by a group of religious vintners, the Sisters of St. Amand who have vine roots and cases of award-winning wine in tow.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Gail and her husband, artist Art Poulin, are building their own Lumby on Lazy Goose Farm in rural upstate New York. Featured in several magazines and newspapers, Lazy Goose is a 40-acre gentleman's farm that is demarcated by a 200-year old stone wall, and has views of the Catskills, Adirondack and Vermont mountains. They share their lives with Yoda (a kind and gentle German Shepherd from New Skete Monastery), Emma, Camille and several other two- and four-legged barn friends. Art spends his days in the studio while Gail writes in her library, overlooking their pond. Gail is also an avid stoneware potter, gardener and cook and enjoys tending to their orchard (recently decimated by the deer) and bee hives most every morning.

REVIEW:

The title of Gail Fraser’s fourth contribution to the Lumby Series, THE PROMISE OF LUMBY, has numerous implications. Where as THE LUMBY LINES was about connections to the town newspaper, STEALING LUMBY involved a theft, and LUMBY’S BOUNTY relates to a hot-air balloon, this title reveals nothing but rather is indicative of this multi-themed novel. Rather than the usual one main plot and several supporting sub-plots that Fraser writes, I believe THE PROMISE OF LUMBY has three strong themes.

One relates to the every growing success of Pam and Mark Walker’s Montis Inn Bed and Breakfast and how they individually are coping with it and problems with the kitchen staff. Their relationship with featured character Mackenzie McGuire is entertaining and well done. Mac is a 40ish-year-old contractor who is dealing with an almost grown son who wants to be older than he is. Her relationship with a new doctor in town makes for an enticingly interesting part of the story.

The second theme deals with the brothers at Saint Cross Abbey and the remarkably, steadily growing success of their economic venture. And lastly is what I like to refer to as the “animal theme” (sorry Hank). Between regulars of Lumby like Hank, the pink plastic flamingo, Howard the moose, and Isabella who is Jeremiah Abram’s horse, there seems to be an influx of new animals to the area. In Sheriff Dixon’s published official complaints report, for example, in just one day there is a goat stampede, an elk that drank the hot cider stand dry, a large flock of “thousands” of homing pigeons landing on a car, a horse being mistaken for a large coyote and getting shot in the rear, and that doesn’t even count the missing dinosaur bone found, or that Hank and a mannequin are loitering around the Sporting Goods Store! It is no wonder a major part of the story revolves around Dr. Tom Candor, the new veterinarian coming to town following Dr. Ellen Campbell’s retirement. This man, however, has a past that is somewhat subject to suspect.

These well-developed, captivating characters and Fraser’s exceptionally vivid details provide a setting that we all wish we could visit at some point in time. Things move quickly in the stories and as I read, the novels appear to be even more appealing and polished. I imagine the fact that I have read all four novels in a row has helped me to feel like an official citizen of Lumby, or at least one that knows what’s going on as soon as the story starts and yet, each book would make for an enjoyable stand-alone novel. I can’t thank Gail Fraser enough for this delightful escape she created for me as I spent time in her ingeniously imagined Lumby. I hope you will join me in living in Lumby for a while and then we can all wait with great anticipation for the fifth book in the series due out this summer.

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO CAITLIN AND GOOD PEOPLE AT
FSB ASSOCIATES AND AUTHOR GAIL FRASER,
I HAVE THE ENTIRE SET OF THE FIRST
FOUR BOOKS
TO GIVE AWAY. HERE IS WHAT
YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN THE SET...AND
POSSIBLY THE NEW BOOK WHEN IT COMES
OUT THIS SUMMER IN JULY!




--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER:
The last 4 days, and tomorrow, you
will have learned all about the four books
in the series individually and be able
to gather entries for the entire set.

FIRST
You MUST GO AND ENTER HERE
to be eligible to win
the set of four LUMBY books.

SECOND
You MUST ENTER EACH DAY for
the four books to be eligible for
the set. You only HAVE to enter
the "MANDATORY ENTRY" parts
but can gain more chances with
the bonus entry questions.

THE LUMBY LINES, the first
book, can be found here in case
you missed that one!

STEALING LUMBY, the second
book, can be found here in case
you missed that one!

THE LUMBY BOUNTY, the third
book, can be found here, in case
you missed that one!

Here goes for this 4th book...


+1 ENTRY-MANDATORY: COMMENT ON WHAT YOU THINK, OR FOUND INTERESTING, ABOUT THIS FOURTH LUMBY BOOK FROM READING THE SYNOPSIS AND MY REVIEW

+1 MORE ENTRY: TELL ME OF ALL 4 BOOKS, IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY ONE, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE AND WHY

+1 MORE ENTRY:
BECOME A FAN OF MY FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK BY CLICKING ON THE FACEBOOK FAN PAGE BADGE IN THE LEFT COLUMN OR BY CLICKING HERE (OFTEN FACEBOOK FANS GET ADDITIONAL BONUS ENTRIES AND FIND OUT THROUGH MY FAN PAGE--HINT, HINT!)

+1 MORE ENTRY:
IN THE PROMISE OF LUMBY THE STORY REVOLVES MOSTLY AROUND THE VETERINARIAN AND THE MONKS. IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE TO BE ONE OF THOSE FOR YOUR LIFE'S WORK, WHICH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST,
APRIL 25!


GOOD LUCK
BONUS!!!!
IF THERE ARE 200 OR MORE QUALIFIED
ENTRIES TO WIN THE SET, I WILL
PERSONALLY PURCHASE A SECOND
SET TO GIVE AWAY!

51 comments:

traveler said...

I would be a vet since I love animails. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

My favorite book was the hot air balloon story. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

This book and the review captivated my interest. I would like to know how their business venture does work out. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

misskallie2000 said...

When Lumby's beloved veterinarian decides to retire, Lumby's residents turn a curious eye to a stranger, Dr. Tom Candor, who steps up to the responsibilities, hangs his shingle and is soon embraced by the town. But when one distrusting journalist digs too deep and reveals Tom's past, Lumby turns its cold back.
This happens so often in small towns and is why some people don't like small towns and live in large cities. Very Sad.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

THE PROMISE OF LUMBY would be my choice if I have to chose now.

In this book the small town is shown in its bad moments. When the towns people allow their smallnest to run a new comer out of town. Not just a person passing through but a Vet that they need.

There are good and bad points for small towns. I love the good ones of course but there has to be some bad also.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

scottsgal said...

I think it's funny how all the odd ball animals have names - Howard the Moose- can't want to read about him
msboatgal at aol.com

scottsgal said...

I'd have to say the 4th book The Promise Of Lumby has my interest
msboatgal at aol.com

misskallie2000 said...

I have ask to friend you on FB. Here is my post.
Brenda B. Hill Love your blog. Welcome to my FB...
20 minutes ago


misskalllie2000 at yahoo dot com

scottsgal said...

I'd definitely pick being a vet over a monk - I love love love animals
msboatgal at aol.com

misskallie2000 said...

I love animals and have 3 cats and a visiting cat now. LOL

I would want to be a VETERINARIAN. I can't stand to see any animal hurt and always try to take care of them.


misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

StephTheBookworm said...

I'm interested to know about the vet's mysterious past!

stephaniet117(at)yahoo(dot)com

StephTheBookworm said...

I would definitely want to be a vet... love animals as well. Have three kitties and a dog!

StephTheBookworm said...

I would want the first book so that I would be able to get into the series and start from the beginning.

holdenj said...

If I could only have one book I would begin with the first, The Lumby Lines.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I think I am most interested once again in the continuing saga of Mark and Pam's bed and breakfast venture! They all sound so wonderful.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Yvonne said...

I loved the first one in this series. I have the others in my TBR ready to be reviewed as well.

No need to enter me in the giveaway, just wanted to say - great review!

Linda Kish said...

I think the animal parts sound fun. I want to read about the elk. Also, what was in Dr. Tom's past?


lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

Stealing Lumby would be my first choice because it sounds like a good mystery.


lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

It would be a veterinarian because I love animals.


lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I am a facebook fan


lkish77123 at gmail dot com

mrsshukra said...

Watching Chef Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares right now and the theme of this 4th book, problems with the B&B's kitchen staff sounds fun to read!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

If I could win only one of the first four Lumby series of books, I would pick book 1 since I haven't read any of the series.

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

There's a vet in my family already but another one won't hurt so veterinarian!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

Margie said...

The animal theme in this book sounds interesting...the horse, moose,goat, etc. The vet characters sounds intriguing too.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I'd like to be a vet...because I love animals!
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Stealing Lumby sounds fun...I always love a good mystery.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I became a Facebook fan a couple of days ago.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Wrighty said...

This books sounds like it has more intense story lines than the others. It's also interesting that there are three major themes this time.

5wrights1[at]verizon[dot]net

Wrighty said...

I would have to choose the first book since it's a series. I always have to start at the beginning!

5wrights1[at]verizon[dot]net

Wrighty said...

I'm already a fan on Facebook and I left a comment.

5wrights1[at]verizon[dot]net

Wrighty said...

I would definitely choose being a vet since I've always loved animals. I considered that for a career until I found out how many years you need to go to school for it. Ugh. Now I just have a zoo of my own filled with kids and pets! :)

5wrights1[at]verizon[dot]net

Wrighty said...

The BINGO BUNNY gave me an extra entry because I am a FB Fan!

5wrights1[at]verizon[dot]net

Libby's Library said...

This one!

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

Libby's Library said...

I'm thinking that this one will be my favorite, as I'm an animal lover. Hadn't really thought about Hank needing a vet...LOL
Thanks for the giveaway.

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

Libby's Library said...

A Veterinarian - yep!

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

Libby's Library said...

Facebook fan - You know who I am!
Hey, that rhymes:-)

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

Colleen Turner said...

This book sounds a little more realistic, in regards to the fact that small towns are sometimes hard to penetrate if you are an outsider. You might be let in, but every person will be looking at you funny, wondering what you might have done before coming to their little hamlet. And if it is shown you have some skeletons in your closet, it is hard to break past that. Not to say ALL small towns are like this,but many are. It is hard to hide a secret in a small town!
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I think this book, The Promise of Lumby, would be my first choice. It sounds very good!
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I am a fan of you on facebook!
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I would definitely pick vet as my choice occupation. I love animals, and I just don't think the monks would take me...because I am a woman of course :)!
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com

Benita said...

I find the "animal theme" quite interesting.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

I think I'd rather be a vet. I like animals and I'm very social.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

If I had to choose one book, it would be the first in the series. I always like the first to peak my interest. Then I can read the others.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

g.g. said...

I think this one will be really cute with all the different animals, especially as some of them are actually named charcters

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I would be the vet as I talk too much to be a monk

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I think I'd like The Lumby Lines so I could start with the first one and it sounded like the most naive of the bunch

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

brokenteepee said...

Another new person and more new animals to Lumby!
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com

brokenteepee said...

I think the first one so you could be properly introduced to everyone
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com

brokenteepee said...

I would choose vet 'cause I love animals
thank you'
kaiminani at gmail dot com

brokenteepee said...

"The BINGO BUNNY gave me an extra entry because I am a FB Fan!"
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com

brokenteepee said...

I am a facebook fan
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com

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