Miss Slappy Gets an Admirer

A Midlife Mismatch

De: Carol Ervin

Narrado por: Boyd Barrett

There are only two residents of the piney wetland along Wack Road: Finley Wack, recycler and handyman, and Sara-Lapis Hughes, “Slappy” to her family.

Regrettably, Sara-Lapis owns her first house, the derelict property inherited by herself and seven brothers. Disgusted by her brothers’ lack of responsibility, she has purchased their shabby former home for back taxes at a courthouse auction, intending to “flip” it.

Too late, she discovers the neighboring property has become a junkyard, owned and operated by Finley Wack.

In thirty years of living on her own, Sara-Lapis has learned to avoid drunks and pretend not to understand indecent proposals. But Finley Wack is irrepressible. She isn’t bothered as much by his public debates with God as by his constant admiration and offers to help.

Finley Wack’s former goal in life was to understand everything. But comprehending the universe proved nearly as difficult as understanding human behavior, and he was bothered by a growing awareness that the lifetime of study necessary to unlock a single secret would not satisfy all his other questions.

Life for Fin got a lot more interesting when he recycled all his books and began talking and arguing publicly with God. Now almost every day he walks through Newcomb’s sad five-block business district, the best place to hear God and make friends. God has told him to love his neighbor.

Then Fin meets his neighbor and falls in love.

In Miss Slappy Gets an Admirer, Fin pursues Slappy Hughes while she blocks his advances, finds herself ensnared in an old ladies’ club, pursues the elderly but gentlemanly Ed Wilcox, and experiences the best and the worst of her former hometown as everyone takes sides in a garbage war.

Will this midlife mismatch end in romance? Slappy is stubborn, but Fin has faith.

Start enjoying this story today!

©2024 Carol Ervin (P)2025 Carol Ervin

A Nice Surprise

I was given this audio book by the author who hoped for a review. Just so you know.

Miss Slappy Gets an Admirer would not be my normal choice in books. I am a science fiction, historical mystery/romance, and cozy mystery type of reader. That said, I rated this audio book on the following:

1. While it took a while for me to get into the book, I found myself reacting strongly to how Sarah-Lapis was treated by those around her. When I found myself annoyed at her treatment, I had to remind myself that it was a good thing since the book provoked a reaction. And isn't that the mark of a good story?
2. The story unfolded slowly, but the end was satisfying.
3. The choice of Boyd Barrett to do the narration was perfect! I definitely got the feel of the South. His voice characterizations were clear, and I had no problem distinguishing who was speaking--even before the person's name was given.

I would say that if you are interested in more contemporary literature, you might give this book a try.