About the Book
2017 Edition! Book #1 in the Lumby series. What Garrison Keillor did for Lake Wobegon and Jan Karon did for Mitfor, Gail Fraser has done for Lumby - a town so heartwarming and endearing, you'll be forever transported. An engaging cast of characters populates Lumby, a one-moose town in the Pacific Northwest where pigs literally fly and goats invade the bank vault, a dog runs for mayor (and wins!) and Sheriff Dixon keeps a gentle watch over all the quirky goings-on. Arousing the suspicions of the townsfolk of Lumby, Pam and Mark Walker, a couple of "East Coasters" purchase the community's fire-ravaged and neglected monastery, intent on converting it into a historic inn and regaining its Historical Register status.
With the aid of the sometimes helpful, often humorously hapless local tradespeople, the Walkers begin their renovation project, while trying to unravel the town that is Lumby. Facing the open hostility from the cranky old newspaper publisher, the newcomers attempt to 'fit in' and piece together the mysteries of the benefactor who leaves unsolicited checks in old journals and the flamingo in their front yard with a flair for fashion. It doesn't take them long to realize that the local paper, The Lumby Lines, provides many of the answers. The daily "Sheriff's Complaints" column reveals many of the town's foibles and benign mayhem, and introduce Pam and Mark to some of the more colorful locals, while the young reporter of the weekly, "What's New Around Town" feature longs to land the big "expose," but somehow never gets it right. Despite the setbacks that occur, Pam and Mark's commitment to the inn and the town never sways.
As the previous tenants of the monastery assist the Walkers in learning its history, the intrigue builds and romance blossoms, and they unknowingly discover long-hidden relationships which lead to unexpected reconciliations. Joining in the annual Lumby Raft Race ensues, Pam and Mark find themselves in the middle of a near disastrous scenario, and the people of Lumby learn the true nature of their newest residents.
The Lumby Lines paints a picture full of laughter and love that readers will take to their hearts--and conjures up magic in an everyday place called Lumby.
About the Author :
Gail Fraser is the author of the Lumby series, which includes The Lumby Lines, Stealing Lumby, Lumby's Bounty, The Promise of Lumby, Lumby on the Air and Lost in Lumby. Along with her husband, folk artist Art Poulin, Gail also co-authored the celebrated non-fiction illustrated hardcover and ebook entitled "Finding Happiness in Simplicity: Everyday Joys for Simple Living Throughout the Year" (Globe Pequot 3/2012). Prior to changing her life and becoming a novelist in 2004, Gail had a long and successful career in 'corporate America' holding senior executive and upper management positions in several Fortune 500 and start-up corporations. During her career, in addition to living throughout the United States, Gail traveled to 22 countries and had extended stays in Australia, Japan, Brazil and several countries in Europe. Gail was born and raised in Rye, New York, and attended the Rye High School and then majored in English and received an AA from Colby Sawyer College. After graduating, Gail studied at the University of London and returned 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. Gail and Art have built their own 'Lumby' at Lazy Goose Farm in rural upstate New York. Featured in several magazines, newspapers and on PBS, 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. Gail is also an avid heirloom tomato gardener, long-distance swimmer and flute player. When not following her passions, Gail tends to their orchard and bee hives most every morning.
Review :
About the Lumby Novels....
"For lovers of Americana - a series featuring the old-fashioned country town of Lumby populated by relentlessly quirky residents who remind us just how crazy normal life usually is."--Forbes
"There's a quality to the writing that lends an unrushed, meandering feel. There are plenty of light chuckles to be found."--Publishers Weekly
"At a time when we seem to be taking ourselves all too seriously, Lumby strikes just the right balance of playfulness, satire and drama. A thoroughly enjoyable read!"--Brother Christopher, Abbot, New Skete Monastery
"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
"In the tradition of Jan Karon's Mitford series, this engaging inside look at small-town life will draw a bevy of fans to its old-fashioned story combining a bit of romance, a bit of mystery and a multitude of quirky and endearing characters."--Booklist
"Lumby goes straight to the heart. The simplicity, humor and downright friendliness of the book make reading it a pleasure. The author has faithfully carved out a slice of small-town living and topped it off with a large helping of humor."--Christian Book Previews
"Readers who have traveled to Mitford with Jan Karon will find the trip to Lumby at least as pleasant and marked with a lot more laughter. If the world of cozy fiction has a capital, it's Lumby."--Cozy Library
"This was by far one of the most delightful books I have read in a long time. A very well-written light fiction filled with great moments of reflection, including witty and fast-paced dialog, resulting in a carefully woven tale that brings to life small town life and quirkiness."--Seattle Pi
"If Gail Fraser's little town of Lumby could escape the confines of her imagination and be put on the proverbial map, I'd move there in a moment." --- Philip Gulley, Author of the Harmony series
"A visit to the charming, whimsical town of Lumby is a refreshing change from our fast paced lives. A delightful read." --- Joan Medlicott, author of The Ladies of Covington Series
"A rich venue of interwoven storylines and memorable characters set against the backdrop of small town life."--Katherine Valentine, author
"Full of good fun, drama and characters so richly drawn that you'll swear you know them, or wish you did."--Saratogian
"Drop in on the sweetest small town since Mayberry, where the worst people are still nicer than the best people you know. Your own troubles will melt away."--Bob Tarte, author
"A book filled with love, compassion, and connectedness. A wonderful tale of people in all small towns and families who are flawed but do the best that they can."--The Review Boards
