{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!
************************************************
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. 🙂
Leslie says
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!
Donna P. says
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!!
Heidi says
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.
Terri says
The book sounds so interesting. I am an avid reader and would enjoy reading this!!
Sandy Allen says
Wow, I have never read her books but this one sounds great! Thanks for the chance to win it!
Sheila says
I haven’t read any of her books yet—perhaps this one will be my first!
Donna says
The book sounds like a fun read—please enter me to win!
Judy says
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
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
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.
Linda @ A La Carte says
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!
Missy G. says
Great giveaway! Thanks so much.
Alicia O K says
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.
Teresa Raines says
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!
Edie says
I have not read it but am always looking for something fun to read. Thanks!
Marlee says
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”.
Ellen says
Heading out to the bookstore now to buy a copy of “The Fixer Upper.” Sounds like a good read for August beach-time!
Carol Wong says
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
CLM says
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.
Joyce Ackley says
I’d like to read Mary Kay’s book. It sounds really cute. Please enter me in your drawing! thanks