The Lumby Lines
New American Library (Penguin), May 2007
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
(coming Spring 2010).
paperback | ISBN: 9780451221391 | Publication Date: May 2007
Reviews:
"At a time when we seem to be taking ourselves all too seriously, Gail
Fraser pulls a rabbit out of the hat that charms while it helps us
relax. The Lumby Lines strikes just the right balance of
playfulness, satire, and drama. A thoroughly enjoyable read!"
--Brother Christopher, The Monks of New Skete
"Unique . . . You will be amazed by the great imagination of the author
. . . The reader is in for a treat. This book is a delight to read and
one that you will thoroughly enjoy."
--Bestsellersworld.com
"Gail Fraser has assembled a wonderful cast of characters and plunked
them down in the middle of a beautiful town that rivals Jan Karon's
Mitford for pure fun. Of course, there are obstacles to overcome,
mysteries to solve, even some romance and reconciliation along the way
to a very satisfying conclusion. Altogether a wonderful story, highly
recommended."
--Cozy Library
"The Lumby Lines goes straight to the heart. The simplicity,
humor, and downright friendliness of the book make reading it a
pleasure . . . Readers will close this book with a sign of contentment
and a desire to visit Lumby again. The author has faithfully carved out
a slice of small-town living and topped it off with a large helping of
humor. This reviewer can't wait for her next visit to Lumby!"
--Christianbookpreviews.com
"A setting reminiscent of Jan Karon's fictional village . . . The
Lumby Lines is a feel-good novel with lots of heart and angst. I
was sorry to leave my new friends but have brightened since I learned
that a sequel, Stealing Lumby, is coming soon."
--BookLoons
