Thursday, April 1, 2010

THE LUMBY LINES: REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY




GIVEAWAY ENDED
THE LUMBY LINES

BY GAIL FRASER

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Nestled in the Northwest is a quaint little town that its quirky residents are proud to call home. With charming shops lining its one main thoroughfare, Lumby has the oldest apple tree in the county and the smallest bank in the state. And though it's hours from the nearest big city, you'll always find Lumby close to your heart . . . Nearly destroyed by fire, Montis Abbey remains a ruin on the outskirts of Lumby. Once home to a resourceful order of monks, it stands abandoned, surrounded by its overgrown orchards. Then Mark and Pam Walker, a vacationing couple from the East Coast, stumble upon it -- and upon the answer to their prayers. Leaving behind their hectic lives to restore the monastery and turn it into an inn is a dream come true.

But some residents of Lumby take a while to warm up to outsiders. One of them is irascible William Beezer, owner of The Lumby Lines -- the newspaper "worth the paper it's printed on." At every turn, he tries to hinder the Walkers' efforts. The couple soon learns that for every citizen like William, there are many more willing to lend a hand, and that Lumby isn't just a place -- it's a way of life. Other books in this series include: Stealing Lumby, Lumby's Bounty, The Promise of Lumby, and Lumby on the Air


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:(In case you missed meeting Gail yesterday)


Gail Fraser was born and raised in Rye, New York, and attended the Rye High School before continuing on to major in English and receive an AA from Colby Sawyer College. Gail then studied at the University of London before returning to Skidmore College where she earned her BA in English Education. She completed her MBA at the University of Connecticut, with graduate work done at Harvard University.

Prior to changing her life and becoming a novelist, Gail had a successful career in 'corporate America' holding senior executive and upper management positions in several Fortune 500 and start-up corporations, and traveling extensively throughout the world. In addition to living throughout the east coast from northern Vermont down to central Florida, Gail also lived in Colorado, Montana and Oregon for several years.
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.

MY REVIEW:

I found the idyllic place to spend my spring break and that is in Lumby. I will admit I was unsure if I would like this homespun-looking book, but am just in love with it, THE LUMBY LINES, and the entire series! The delightful story tells of how Pam and Mark Walker stumble across Lumby while on vacation, and fall in love with everything Lumby and especially Lumby’s Montis Abbey which they decide to buy. Built in 1893, it is a local historic landmark that they have resolved themselves to transform into a comfortable inn and a commercial success. They are full of enthusiasm which hopefully makes up for their lack of experience in any of this. The former resident monks are thrilled with the Walkers but have their own problems as you will discover.

Sadly, not everyone is happy about the Walker’s project. The Lumby Lines, the town newspaper, begins printing news, but also gossip, about how the Inn will not be good for the town‘s economy or for the residents. The Beezer family and their influence is just one of the parts of the story that makes it intriguing. Characters like 90-year-old Charlotte, or Charley as she is known, decides to remarry; Joshua, a former Montis Abbey monk takes an interest in Mark’s friend Brooke who comes to help with the renovation; and of course, Sheriff Dixon, whose daily report is published in THE LUMBY LINES all add to the colorful population of Lumby. Sheriff Dixon’s report appears throughout the book and makes for some of the funniest features of the book. One can’t leave out the thoughts from Hank found all through the story. Who said an artificial flamingo that appears in various places around town often dressed to match the occasion and then again, often not, wouldn’t be charming?

THE LUMBY LINES is just the beginning of a love affair with a series of books from the imaginative mind of Gail Fraser. Where else can you find 4-year old dogs running for mayor, or monks who grow marijuana, or a beaver who builds a dam with twenty dollar bills? Will Pam and Mark’s inn be finished and successful? What will come of the editor of THE LUMBY LINES and does Charlotte really marry again? This and much more are what go into making this book a treat to read. Fraser has created a world we would all like to think exists with her intriguing and assorted characters and a ingeniously depicted setting that easily conveys to the reader what it is like to be in Lumby. From the first page to the end of the book, which even gives recipes from the local community, you will be in a extraordinary place as you read THE LUMBY LINES.

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:
Yesterday and over the next 3 days,
you will learn more about the four books
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.
Here goes...

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

+1 MORE ENTRY: GO TO GAIL FRASER'S WEBSITE AND VISIT HER SCRAPBOOK WITH THIS DIRECT LINK. ENJOY HER LOVELY PICTURES FROM ALL THE SEASONS AT LAZY GOOSE FARM AND COMMENT ON THE ONE YOU LIKED THE BEST BY JUST GIVING ITS TITLE

+1 MORE ENTRY:
VISIT FSB ASSOCIATES WEBSITE HERE AND LOOK AT THE CURRENTLY FEATURED BOOKS AND NAME ONE YOU THINK YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ, OR HAVE READ

+1 MORE ENTRY:
THE GREEN CHILE IS A FAVORITE EATERY IN LUMBY THAT SERVES GREAT MARGARITAS, BY THE WAY. NAME A FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT THAT IS IN YOUR HOME TOWN.

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!

62 comments:

traveler said...

The review was wonderful and this special place and the characters appeal to me greatly. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I would choose Summer since it is my favorite season, although Yoda is sweet. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

A restaurant in town is Christy Maes. A homecooked meal with nostalgia. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

A current book that interests me is Mayo Clinic Diet. So helpful. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

scottsgal said...

What quirky people in Lumby - I can't wait to read about the dog running for mayor
msboatgal at aol.com

scottsgal said...

Colonial Cafe is a local joint by us that serves great ice cream
msboatgal at aol.com

scottsgal said...

I'd like to read the Third Rail by Michael Harvey
msboatgal at aol.com

scottsgal said...

I love those pictures - what a gorgeous homestead. I like the koi pond in fall or Art's studio
msboatgal at aol.com

holdenj said...

I really enjoyed the review and how the new folks in town, the Walkers obviously find a place for themselves. What really whetted my appetite for more, though, was the comment about the dog running for mayor. Hmmm.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

There are some great pics! In Summer, I really liked "Our Neighbors".
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

Don Pablo's makes good margaritas, but they're kind of a chain. The local Chinese restaurant, Happy Garden, is quite good!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

There are some great books listed at FSB. I'd liked to get a look at Alice In Wonderland and Philosophy.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

DarcyO said...

One of my family's favorite places is Ole Piper Inn. They make great pizza and spaghetti.

dlodden at frontiernet dot net

DarcyO said...

The characters sound like they're fun. I want to learn more about the flamingo!

dlodden at frontiernet dot net

Wrighty said...

What a wonderful review! This sounds like a fun place to "visit". I live in a small town and I can identify in so many ways. The characters are quirky and humorous, I can't wait to meet them all!

5wrights1[at]verizon[dot]net

Wrighty said...

Such beautiful photos! There are so many that stand out but I do adore the kitten in the New Addition with Art. So cute!

5wrights1[at]verizon[dot]net

Wrighty said...

Small town eateries are the best! We have the Texas Hot, a diner style that specializes in hot dogs with Texas Hot sauce (and other homemade goodies too). It's been here for 80 years and the third generation of the families run it now. Yummy!

5wrights1[at]verizon[dot]net

Wrighty said...

So many good books! I have Twenty Boy Summer and can't wait to read it. LoveHampton also looks like a great story to read in my hammock this summer.

5wrights1[at]verizon[dot]net

g.g. said...

I have always wanted to start a B&B and so would enjoy hearing how they do with converting the monastery

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I think I'd like to read Queen of the World as it looks interesting


anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I love all her photos but Fall Colors was my favorite as we don't get too much leaf change where I am

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

We have a place called Molly's Diner that is a local place with the best home style cooking around

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

Colleen Turner said...

Anyone who has lived in a small town knows there are good and bad aspects of it. Some of the good...interesting characters that you really get to know and love. Some of the bad...NOTHING is a secret and you always have the gossips and trouble makers! Your review made it sound just like that, and I think I would enjoy meeting some of these characters!
Thanks,
Colleen
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

Between Two Kingdoms sounds really good! I haven't seen that one before so will have to check it out (so many books, so little time!).
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

Beautiful pictures, but if I have to choose a favorite it would be New Resident with Art...who can resist a kitten!
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I am from Tallahassee, FL and LOVE Cabo's Island Grill and Bar! They have the best cheesy black bean dip and homemade chips I have ever had! Everything is fresh and homemade so you can't really go wrong.
candc320@gmail.com

Margie said...

I really like the Studio and Barn photo.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Loved the review....fixing up an old abbey from the 1800s sounds fascinating...so much history.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

There's a little place in our neighborhood called The Delicious Cafe. It serves wonderful Brazilian food.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I haven't read any of the books listed. She-Rain: Story of Hope sounds fascinating to me.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

StephTheBookworm said...

Hmm. I'm intrigued on how they will turn a monastery into an inn!

stephaniet117(at)yahoo(dot)com

StephTheBookworm said...

My favorite picture is New Resident With Art.

StephTheBookworm said...

My favorite place to eat in my hometown is Mr. Dominic's - the best Italian food EVER!

StephTheBookworm said...

I want to read The Third Rail! Wow that book sounds really exciting!!!

Unknown said...

I love homespun stories about small towns and their inhabitants. I like the idea that there are still places where everyone knows everyone else and people work together for the common good.

Unknown said...

My favorite restaurant in my little town is Rick's. It's a great diner, open for all 3 meals. They make awesome onion rings and huge milkshakes. I go there at least twice a week. It's to the point where they know what I"m going to order!

Unknown said...

Lazy Goose Farm looks like an idyllic place to live year-round, but I enjoyed the SUMMER pictures the best.

Benita said...

hat I liked is that this is a very special place. The characters seem adorable but quirky. I think I could blend in.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

Koi Pond Reflection is a lovely photo.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

I'd like to read Clean, Green, & Lean: Get Rid of the Toxins That Make You Fatby Dr. Walter Crinnion Forward by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

There's a great little restaurant near where I live called Madison's. The food is continental. Their signature dish is called chop chop. It's a salad where the ingredients are chopped so finely. Each bite tastes different. But blue cheese, avocado and bacon come through. Yummy!

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Linda Kish said...

It sounds like a quirky little town with an odd group of residents I would like to know.


lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

It sounds like a quirky little town with an odd group of residents I would like to know.


lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I like the Guest Cottage. I want to go stay there. It is so pretty.


lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I would like to read The Third Rail by Michael Harvey


lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Libby's Library said...

I forgot about the dog being elected Mayor...wasn't his name, Toby?
Thanks Bingo

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

Libby's Library said...

Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy: A Feast of 175 Regional Recipes

Thanks

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

Libby's Library said...

Langniappes - they have the greatest deep fried dill pickles. They serve them with ranch dressing. Out of this world.

Thanks

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

misskallie2000 said...

Lumby sounds like a delightful place to live. The characters are diverse and amusing.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I have to choose Summer since this is my grandaughters name.


misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I want to read: An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick.



misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I want to read: An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick .


misskallie2000@yahoo.com

mrsshukra said...

I like "homespun" stories like this... feels like Gilmore Girls, Murder She Wrote, etc.

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

I like the quaint Studio and barn photo!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

A nice place to eat here in Honolulu is Kakaako Kitchen at Ward Centre!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

I am interested in reading Clean, Green, & Lean: Get Rid of the Toxins That Make You Fat
by Dr. Walter Crinnion Forward by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo.

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

Tea said...

In The Lumby Lines I learn the monks are very happy with the new owners. I do sense more is to be told about the monks, but what?

teakettle58(at)yahoo(dot)com

brokenteepee said...

I love lilacs so of course I choose
purple lilac
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com

brokenteepee said...

Well, I have read this book as I am reviewing it tomorrow (4/12) and I really enjoyed it.
The moose cracked me up!
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com

brokenteepee said...

erm, there is only one place to eat in my town, Durangos.
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com

brokenteepee said...

The Third Rail
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com

Cyndi said...

While I think Lumby sounds like a great place, I'm not sure I'd want to keep my money in the smallest bank in the state....

Cyndi
jonescyndi@yahoo.com

CLICK HERE TO
SEE MY POLICY