The Fixer Upper Book Review & Giveaway

by Rhoda on July 31, 2010

{Giveaway is Closed}

Back at the beginning of 2009, I had the pleasure of meeting in Atlanta, Mary Kay Andrews, the sassy Southern author of several witty and fun to read books. Light-hearted reads and set in the South. What’s not to love about that?

We met up again this year at the Eddie Ross event in Atlanta and had our pic made together. She’s a fun lady!

I hate to admit that I had not actually read any of Mary Kay’s books until now, but they were on my list of books to check out soon.

So, when I got an email asking if I’d like to read and review her newest, The Fixer Upper, all about a young lawyer who finds herself embroiled in a scandal when her boss, a shady lobbyist, tries to pin the blame on her for a corrupt Congressman’s actions. Upon getting fired, she gets out of DC and lands in a small town in South Georgia, where she has been recruitedby her dad to get his family’s run-down Southern mansion all fixed up for resale….well, of course I was all over that one. Sounded like a good read to me and I’m always up for a good read.

It’s a really cute book. The main character, Dempsey Killebrew, is a young 20′s big-city girl, who manages to learn some DIY skills along the way as she’s fixing up this old house in a small Southern town, falls in love, and tries to dodge the FBI. Lots of fun characters and antics going on, it was a fun read. The only teensy-tiny little thing that I didn’t like was the dropping of the F-bomb a few times. I think any book could do without that and it wouldn’t change it a bit, but otherwise, I really enjoyed it. That’s just my 2 cents

If you enjoy Sue Grafton’s books (Kinsey Milhone and A-Z!), which I do, you will probably enjoy Mary Kay’s. I read on Mary Kay’s blog that Sue was one of the writers she considered a mentor in her early years of writing.

A few weeks ago, I shared about Mary Kay’s beach cottage at Tybee Island, when it was featured in Better Homes and Gardens. I loved the article about Mary Kay and her family and her cottage, The Breeze Inn, is just adorable.

Another thing I love about Mary Kay is her love of junking. Yes, maam, she loves it as much as I do. I think we could have some fun junking together and I would love to do that sometime. Just look at that spray painted aqua yardsale dresser. She’s a girl after my own heart, for sure!

There’s also a sweepstakes going on over at Little Pink Tools and 25 books and pretty pink tools will be given away to 25 lucky winners! All you have to do is go over there and sign up for it. Oooooh, would you look at that pink cuteness! I have a pink laptop and I’d love to have some pink tools too.

All you have to do to win a copy of the book here is leave a comment right here on this post.

Have you read any of Mary Kay’s books before? Let me know that or just tell me that you’d love to read The Fixer Upper too!

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Don’t miss out on the Arise Shine giveaway, today’s the last day to sign up if you haven’t already!

Attn: Birmingham girls! I’m going to have another yardsale, maybe in September. Let me know if you are interested and I’ll keep you all posted. I’ve got to clean out my stash, once again.

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{ 81 comments }

1 Patti VZ July 31, 2010 at 5:32 am: The book sounds great….and so does the garage sale but too far to travel for it – even though I am sure you are going to have some great deals!
2 Paula July 31, 2010 at 5:53 am: I’m reading The Fixer Upper right now! It’s been quite enjoyable!
3 sue July 31, 2010 at 5:57 am: I read her book Hissy Fit earlier this summer and loved it. I will have to check out this book too. It will be a nice change from the tough book I just finished. Pillars of the Earth is not the happiest book I have ever read…
Hope you and yours are well.
xoxo
4 Nancy H July 31, 2010 at 6:21 am: I would love to win this book…sounds like an excellent read!
5 hamptontoes July 31, 2010 at 6:48 am: This sounds like a fun summer read! Thank you for the introduction to a great author!
6 frivolitea July 31, 2010 at 7:03 am: Hello! That looks like a great book. Thanks for introducing it to me.
7 Maureen July 31, 2010 at 7:19 am: I just finished reading “The Fixer Upper.” I enjoyed it so much that I decided to read another of her books “Deep Dish.” Both books are easy, fun reads that are perfect for summer. Agree with you about some of the language though.
8 Molly Tilson July 31, 2010 at 7:26 am: I love Mary Kay Andrews! My first book I read of hers was “Blue Christmas”. ( I collect Christmas themed fiction books to read around the holidays). “Little Bitty Lies” is a fun read too! I bought Fixer Upper this summer to read after I read “Miss Julia Renews Her Vows” which is another series that I am crazy about too…you should read the Miss Julia Books as well. Very fun!!!!! Start with the first one though!
9 DogsMom July 31, 2010 at 7:34 am: I am reading Sue Graftons’s A-Z (I know, probably the last person on the planet) and Janet Evanovich books as well (Stephanie series) so I would read this and share with friends.
10 Lynn D in NC July 31, 2010 at 7:42 am: I love to read and would love to read this book.
11 Sara W. July 31, 2010 at 7:45 am: The book sounds like a great read! I would love to win it.
12 meghan July 31, 2010 at 7:50 am: I’ve never read one of MaryKay’s books but this one sounds so darling.
Would love to get a chance to read it :>)
13 beansieleigh July 31, 2010 at 8:07 am: I have not read anything by Mary Kay Andrews yet, but would love to! Please count me in for this giveaway! Thanks! ~tina
14 Judy @ A Meek Perspective July 31, 2010 at 8:20 am: I had read another review on this book which was great. Sounds like a wonderful read!
15 Sherry July 31, 2010 at 8:21 am: I have heard so much about this book from so many sources that I have just got to read it. Great post today. Enjoy your weekend, Sherry
16 Lisa Russell July 31, 2010 at 8:40 am: Sounds like a great read! Thank you for a chance at the giveaway.
17 Jen July 31, 2010 at 8:45 am: I loved this book, it was a fun read! And how cool was it that you were able to meet the author! I also love that pink tool set, so I’ll have to go on over there and check that out. Thanks for sharing!
18 Melinda July 31, 2010 at 8:51 am: Rhoda, I have not read any of her books, but would love to be included in the giveaway. Thanks! Love & blessings from NC!
19 Esther Mangini July 31, 2010 at 8:52 am: I have read most of Mary Kay’s books! I saw the article about her and Breeze Inn in Better Homes and Gardens and your blog and since I visit Tybee often (my daughter lives in Savannah), I checked them out. They are fun! I would love to win the book! I’m going to Tybee this Sept and we’re going to rent bikes and see if we can find the Breeze Inn.
20 Janet C July 31, 2010 at 8:55 am: I just started reading her books a few months ago. I’ve read Savannah Blues, Savannah Breeze, Blue Christmas, and Little Bitty Lies. I’ve got The Fixer Upper to take on vacation next week. It’s really hard not to start reading it now!
21 Leslie July 31, 2010 at 9:06 am: Sounds like a fun summer book! Haven’t read any of Mary Kay’s books yet, but I have a feeling she could be addictive!
22 Donna P. July 31, 2010 at 9:33 am: I love Sue Grafton’s books, in fact, I really want to read the next in line which I think is V !! I would love to win The Fixer Upper, sounds really cute and something I would enjoy! Have a great weekend!!
23 Heidi July 31, 2010 at 9:38 am: Love Mary Kay Andrews! I have read Hissy Fit, Little Bitty Lies, and Blue Christmas! Planning on reading the Fixer Upper on vacation in a few weeks.
24 Terri July 31, 2010 at 9:47 am: The book sounds so interesting. I am an avid reader and would enjoy reading this!!
25 Sandy Allen July 31, 2010 at 10:10 am: Wow, I have never read her books but this one sounds great! Thanks for the chance to win it!
26 Sheila July 31, 2010 at 10:17 am: I haven’t read any of her books yet—perhaps this one will be my first!
27 Donna July 31, 2010 at 10:18 am: The book sounds like a fun read—please enter me to win!
28 Judy July 31, 2010 at 10:26 am: I think I’ve read all of Mary Kay’s books, they are so funny. Another writer I think I may have mentioned to you about is Anne George. Unfortunately she passed away a few years ago. All of her books are about two southern sisters who always find themselves in “hot water” and having lots of fun. Plus, her books are all based in locations around Birmingham very familiar to all of us! The first one I read was “Murder Makes Waves”…..I think you would enjoy her books.

Biggest mess you’ve ever seen around here. The plus side is new carpet, and getting my bedroom/bathroom repainted and retiled! Now I have to pick out a color, something I haven’t been able to do for my sun room for almost a year now!

Judy
29 Amanda @ Serenity Now July 31, 2010 at 10:26 am: I’ve been a MKA fan for several years. I really enjoyed The Fixer Upper, but Hissy Fit and Savannah Blues are my favorites. You can really get a sense of her style and love of junking and decorating when you read her books. I enjoy those details she includes. Gives her stories more depth.
30 Linda @ A La Carte July 31, 2010 at 11:02 am: I love MKA and her books. My favorite is Savannah Blues! I would love a signed copy of the Fixer Upper! I love that she is a junker also!! Did not realize you are in Birmingham, I’m a couple of hours away in a suburb of Atlanta!
31 Missy G. July 31, 2010 at 11:37 am: Great giveaway! Thanks so much.
32 Alicia O K July 31, 2010 at 11:40 am: Haven’t read (yet) any of Mary Kay’s book. I certainly will now and sound like they would be a perfect Christmas gift for the female readers in your life.
33 Teresa Raines July 31, 2010 at 1:38 pm: I love Southern-themed works. Thanks to all those who posted alternative titles to read by Mary Kay. I’m a children’s librarian and most of the books I read are for kids and young adults. I want to read a grown up book for a change!
34 Edie July 31, 2010 at 1:47 pm: I have not read it but am always looking for something fun to read. Thanks!
35 Marlee July 31, 2010 at 1:52 pm: What a coincidence! I am reading “The Fixer Upper” right now which I bought last weekend with a 40% off coupon. The first book of MK’s that I read was “Blue Christmas” and I have been hooked ever since. Next one I plan to read is “Deep Dish”.
36 Ellen July 31, 2010 at 1:57 pm: Heading out to the bookstore now to buy a copy of “The Fixer Upper.” Sounds like a good read for August beach-time!
37 Carol Wong July 31, 2010 at 2:20 pm: This sounds like a wonderful book. Please enter me in this contest and thank you for this giveaway. I looked Mary Kay’s website and it was beautiful.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
38 CLM July 31, 2010 at 2:20 pm: I have been meaning to try her books ever since I heard she was a Betsy-Tacy fan! Thanks for the reminder. By the way, I agree that omitting obscenities would not change the book and accomplishes little.
39 Joyce Ackley July 31, 2010 at 2:30 pm: I’d like to read Mary Kay’s book. It sounds really cute. Please enter me in your drawing! thanks
40 Tracy July 31, 2010 at 3:00 pm: I’m always looking for a new book to read, and have almost finished my summer reading list. I’d love to be able to add this one to it!
41 Mary July 31, 2010 at 4:46 pm: Don’t much like to read or hear the “f” word, but I do enjoy books set in the south. Thanks for the chance to read it.
42 Holly P July 31, 2010 at 4:51 pm: Oh! I’ve been wanting to read this!
43 Martha July 31, 2010 at 4:59 pm: Oh this sounds wonderful! I have not read any of Mary Kay’s books yet, but would love to start with this one.
44 Diane July 31, 2010 at 5:15 pm: Well, now I have to add this author to my list. I haven’t read any of her books, yet. Would love to win this one to get started. Sounds like my kind of book.
45 Mary Jean Taylor July 31, 2010 at 5:18 pm: Oh thanks for sharing. Looks like a good read, fabulous cover on the book and I could use some pink tools. Hubby hates when I use his. I broke a drill bit yesterday and got ratted out by one of the kids!
46 Janet Cole July 31, 2010 at 5:22 pm: I am going to Cabo San Lucas in September for my 20th anniversary, and I have been on the lookout for the perfect beach read…this is definitely it! I think I will be able to relate somewhat to the character and be amused by the antics – thanks for the opportunity to win the book!
47 Judy Clark July 31, 2010 at 5:33 pm: Rho:

I have read all of May Kay’s books. She writes under an another name as well. They are little humerous mystery novels written about Buckhead and the Atlanta area. Her home in Savannah is beautiful.
48 katie July 31, 2010 at 5:54 pm: I would love to read The Fixer Upper… I have never read any of her books. This one sounds like it would be very entertaining. I was in Tybee Island a few months back. Very cute town.
Katie,XoXo
49 Kathy :) July 31, 2010 at 6:03 pm: Hi Rhoda,

I remember when you met her, NO I’ve not read any of her books, but I must and this one sounds great!!! Pls enter my name…..thank you !!!

I just finished Jane Green’s Dune Road…..my next door neighbor and I exchange books….I liked it, this is the 2nd time I’ve read her, The Beach House was my first….and I really enjoyed that one !!!

Have a great rest of the week-end,
Kathy
50 Jennifer July 31, 2010 at 6:15 pm: I would enjoy winning this book. The Fixer Upper sounds like a wonderful read. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
51 Jennifer July 31, 2010 at 7:07 pm: I enjoy MK Andrews books as well. Hissy Fit is a great one as well. I have already started reading The Fixer Upper and can’t wait to finish it!
52 Deb July 31, 2010 at 7:43 pm: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Mary Kay Andrews! I actually wrote a post about this book coming out last summer. I remember reading your post about your meeting her and was quite envious! If you get a chance- check out her other books- Deep Dish is another good read! ANd since you love Junking- her book Savannah Breeze is all about a faboulous decorater/junker!
53 Paula July 31, 2010 at 7:54 pm: I have read ALL of Mary Kay’s books and I LOVE THEM. I even read the ones she wrote under another name
54 Melinda Wilson July 31, 2010 at 8:21 pm: I haven’t read any of Mary Kay’s books but this sounds like it would be a good read for a quiet weekend. I also am in the b’ham area so I would love to know when you have your yardsale!
55 Cyndia July 31, 2010 at 8:36 pm: I’ve been a huge MKA fan for years. I read and re-read all of her books at least once a year. I also enjoy her earlier mysteries under her real name, Kathy Hogan Trocheck. Through her books I’ve been introduced to Tybee & we had a lovely time staying in a Jane Coslick cottage. MKA can do no wrong in my book!
56 Della July 31, 2010 at 8:45 pm: I’m a big fan! I’ve read her books under MKA and her mysteries that she writes under her real name, Kathy H. Trocheck. I throughly enjoy her books!
57 Debi Coons July 31, 2010 at 8:46 pm: You guys make me miss home more than ever with ya’lls cute yardsale treasures, beautiful pictures of the ocean, southern homes and blue crabs. I would love to read this book or have some tools to help me with our remodel.

From the Great Northwest all the way in North Idaho (but always an East Coast Marylander by birth). Thanks for all the great readings!

Debi
58 Jan July 31, 2010 at 8:47 pm: This book looks like something that I would like to read! I’ve never read her books. This could be the 1st. Please enter me.
59 La July 31, 2010 at 9:27 pm: I could use some light reading. I’d love to win her book.
60 KJ July 31, 2010 at 9:34 pm: I just ordered the audio book of this. Hopefully, the reader will have a southern accent. As a Californian, I can’t get enough southern in my daily endeavors. Audio book are so fun to listen to!

Thanks so much for sharing,
KJ
61 Dianna July 31, 2010 at 9:49 pm: I am always looking for new books to read and Mary Kays, The Fixer Upper sounds great!
62 Jennifer July 31, 2010 at 10:41 pm: I just finished her first book SAVANNAH BLUES while on vacation and I hated to see it end! I loved all the details of the estate sales combined with the mystery. It was a great read.

I would love to win a copy of FIXER UPPER as many of her books aren’t available at our library because of the darling magazine article. I will be reading them all when I can!
63 Jan Colligan July 31, 2010 at 10:43 pm: I’ve never read her books but am definitely intrigued by your description of her latest!
64 JuLee Martin August 1, 2010 at 8:16 am: I love to read and would love to win.
65 Yvette Adams August 1, 2010 at 9:00 am: I have not read Mary Kay’s books yet. With her being a Georgia writer and me living outside of Atlanta, I need to put this on my list. Maybe I will win the first one of many to be read!!!
Yvette
Also, love to know about your garage sale!
66 Andi W August 1, 2010 at 9:31 am: I would love to read this book, I saw the article in Better Homes and Gardens about her divine beach house!
67 shawn voltz August 1, 2010 at 10:22 am: This sound like a great book. I would love to have a copy.
68 Theresa N August 1, 2010 at 11:40 am: I read Savannah Breeze and loved it.
69 Linh C August 1, 2010 at 11:44 am: I’ve enjoyed all of Mary Kay Andrew’s books.

Please keep me informed about your yard sales.

Thanks!
70 Carmen August 1, 2010 at 3:16 pm: The book sounds great! I think I read Savannah Blues awhile ago but can’t be sure. The description on her website sounds very familiar. I’d like to read this book too.
71 Heidiopia August 1, 2010 at 3:40 pm: I ADORE Mary Kay Andrews’ books and I loved The Fixer-Upper. The first one of hers I read was Itty Bitty Lies and she had me at “hello” with that one– I’ve got all of hers and enjoy sharing them with friends! She’s a good go-to beach read if you like what I call “Southern girls with gumption tales”…
Thanks, Rhoda!
72 Cumby Hammock-Cobb August 1, 2010 at 9:53 pm: I read Hissy Fit in a weekend and I’m looking forward to another Mary Kay adventure for another Girl’s Trip to the Beach! I would love to read The Fixer Upper…..I’ve been there and done that with several houses and can certainly relate!
73 Barb Boyack August 1, 2010 at 11:19 pm: Hi Rhoda, I would love to win and read Mary Kay’s book..sounds like a fun read!

Barb
74 Philicia Martin August 2, 2010 at 12:58 am: I would LOVE to win the book! I am in the middle of reading her book, “Savannah Blues” right now! LOVE IT!
75 Cherish August 2, 2010 at 6:21 am: Love MKA’s books. Haven’t read the Fixer Upper yet but hope to soon.
76 Tammy Sprinkle August 2, 2010 at 8:28 am: Hi there! I have been wanting to buy “The Fixer Upper” by Mary Kay Andrews. I read her “Savannah Breeze” and loved it. I would very much love to own this one. I cannot wait to get back to the south. We are in the midst of getting our house ready for the market and I could use a reprieve. We are headed to Charleston, SC!

I loved that article on Mary Kay’s home, also. It is a beautiful home. Thank you for the chance to win her book.
77 Carolyn H. August 2, 2010 at 11:37 am: I have not read Mary Hay’s books but I am a young southern lawyer, so I think it would be right up my alley!
78 Jessica August 2, 2010 at 12:58 pm: I haven’t read any of Mary Kay’s books but The Fixer Upper sounds like the perfect read for vacation! Thanks for suggesting a new author for me to check out–I’ll be hitting the used book store before we leave town on Friday
79 ellen c August 2, 2010 at 2:34 pm: Love her books! I have read them all, but this one!!
80 lyn August 2, 2010 at 3:36 pm: i would love to read this new book! i have read a couple of her books in the past and they can make a “GRITS” lol
81 Pinky August 2, 2010 at 4:41 pm: HI Rhoda!!!! I just got an e-mail telling me that I had won a macy’s gift card from YOUR blog giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am super excited!!!!! Thank you to YOU and Blogher!!!!! I have never won a giveaway so this is TERRIFIC!!!! Now, I want to read her books, they sound like my kind of easy read! Have a great week!!! XO, Pinky