I don’t read much light, mindless fiction. I don’t look down on it–it’s just not my first-pick when it comes to fiction. I know that many of you don’t read a lot of my other preferences: memoir, soul-searching fiction, or heart-pumping thrillers.
I didn’t dismiss Talk of the Town by Lisa Wingate because it was light fiction. It looked like story that I would enjoy. As I read this novel, the place and the characters stuck with me. I found myself thinking about them, and wanting to get back to the book to find out where the story was going to take them. You can’t ask anything more from a novel.
Talk of the Town takes place in Daily, Texas, the small-town home of American Megastar reality show finalist Amber Anderson. Show producer Manadalay Florentino is there trying to set up the surprise reveal, but the townspeople seem to be staying a step ahead of her. She feels like her career is riding on this event, but she is distracted by her fiancee who appears to be MIA and the mysterious out-of-towner, Carter Woods. The story is told alternating chapters from Mandalay’s point of view, with that of Daily resident Imogene Doll.
Imogene is a widow with plenty of life left in her. She still works at the local cafe and 
makes time to do an exercise tape with her two friends in the beauty shop/workout room connected to the cafe. She befriends Mandalay and gives her some insider’s help on Amber’s big reveal.
I read the last several chapters of the book in one sitting, because I had to find out if Amber Anderson was really the sweet gospel-singing innocent that America thought she was, or if she had changed. I needed to know if Carter was as charming as he appeared to be, or if he was up to no good. I wanted to know how Imogene was going to let the changes she had experienced that week change her life for good, and Mandalay–I had to see if Mandalay was going to change her own life for her own good.
There are some compelling questions in the reading guide available for discussion, and you can read an excerpt here.
If you’d like to win a copy, leave a comment on this post. The winner will be announced in next week’s column.
The winners of last week’s book are announced in a separate post HERE, because we have a bonus interview from the author, so click on over to find out even more about Walking on Eggshells.
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{ 103 comments… read them below or add one }
This sounds like a really great read! I’d love to win a copy
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I love to read books that “call” to me when I’m doing other things. It’s hard to finish a book like that though, I find myself missing the characters, and wishing I could follow them through more of their story. I’d love to win a copy of this book, it sounds like just the right fit for me.
I am very intrigued and would love to be entered in the drawing.
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hullo!
I love books and read almost everything.
This book sounds very interesting.
Hope to get a copy.
Thanks.
ivan(dot)manalansan(at)gmail(dot)com
I love the cover work. COunt me in.
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This looks like a good read – I always try to have a few light reads ready to go if I have to travel for business or have a car trip planned!
I love to read, so please enter me, thanks!
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Thank you!
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Wingate is a great author, I’d love to read this one. Thanks for a great giveaway.
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Hello! I really enjoy reading. In fact, it is my #1 hobby. Please enter me in your drawing for this book. I do appreciate it.Thanks,Cindi
Unlike most of my family I love reading. It’s my favorite past time. Please enter me in the drawing.
Thanks!
Sounds like a great read, would love to have something to sit down with over spring break and unwind!
nifferjeno at gmail dot com
This book sounds great! It’s funny because my cousin’s name is Amber Anderson!!! How weird is that??
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that sounds like a fun book – perfect ancedote for tax season – count me in please!
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I love reading all the time….I keep a book in every room. This book sounds wonderfully entertaining! I hope I win.
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I am a huge fan of reading and review books daily! I would love to have this one added to my collection!
Hugs, Crystal
adkinsc123@lycos.com
I would love to read this book, i saw it advertised in my magazine, thought it looked good.
I could use a good read!
Thanks for the review of the book. Sounds interesting.
Lesley
http://www.pillowcasegram.com
This sounds like a fun book and I’m always up for new reading material!
cool
looks good
Personally, I like the light fiction. It is my escape from all the stress in life. When I read, I want something fun or romantic. I’ve got 3 kids, the youngest with Down syndrome. I get enough soul searching with them. I find it interesting to see what other people enjoy to read though. One of my favorite books I read this year was The Memory Keepers Daughter. Now that’s NOT light, but it was very good!
I love to read and this sounds like a great book
Please enter me. I love to read.
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Sounds like a fantastic book that would keep me up until the wee hours of the night! I’m in!
love a good book, count me in!
Well done review and I would be thrilled to win a copy….else I’ll have to buy this one, it sounds like a must-read!
fabulous!
As much as I love American Idol, how could I not enjoy this book?
This book sounds like it would be a really great read. Thanks for offering the giveaway.
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I would love to win a copy of this book!
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Simply adore your blog and love your giveaways. Drop my name in that hat and then promptly draw it, okay? If you do, you can contact me at dmj53(at)hotmail(dot)com and I’ll answer you back so quick your head will spin! Thanks!
I would love to win a copy.
I would love to win this book! Reading is my relaxation.
I would love to win thinks! Thanks for the giveaway! Take care!
Please enter me in the contest…
I’d love to be entered to win. Thanks!
I love to read!
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Mommie
http://www.mommieshome.net
This sounds like a really great read!
I would love to read
Please enter me. I would love to read this book. Thanks!
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Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for sponsoring the contest.
This is already on my want list so it would be AWESOME to win it. Thanks so much for hosting.
Would like to win, Thanks!
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count me in as well.
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I love to read. Enter me too please.
Sounds great- I love books and reality TV!
Please enter me in the contest and Thank You…
I want to read this one
Great giveaway! Count me in. bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’d like to win! taradawnrobertson at hotmail dot com
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ooo, i’d love to have this!
Sounds like a fun read.
Any read is a good read when you love books!
I’d like to be entered! Looks like a good read – thanks.
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ty
I’d love to win this….thanks!
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This sounds like a good read and now you have
got me hooked on these questions.Please enter me to win and thanks
Sounds like a great book.