| Talk of the Town |  | Author: Wingate, Lisa
Publisher: Bethany House
Category: eBooks
In Stock
Rating:  55 reviews
Sales Rank: 4,388
Format: Kindle Book
Media: Kindle Edition
Pages: 368
Number Of Items: 1
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
ASIN: B002QHVJX2
Publication Date: February 1, 2008
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Product Description
The show American Megastar is the hottest thing on television but its associate producer, Mandalay Florentino, is worried. She's just arrived in the tiny town of Daily, Texas, to arrange a surprise "reunion concert" for hometown finalist Amber Amberson. Only it turns out everyone in town seems to know the secret. And paparazzi are arriving. Word from Hollywood is that Amber has disappeared with a "bad boy" actor. Can anything go right in this tumbleweed town? Imagene Doll loves her town of Daily, Texas, but things are lonely without her beloved husband. Life seems dull. At least until that fancy-dressed woman pulls into town, looking terrified and glamorous all at once. Soon life's not the least bit boring as Imagene and the rest of Daily find themselves at the center of a media maelstrom--with a young girl's future on the line.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 55
 LOL! Lots of laughs and an excellent story... February 6, 2008
Jandi Oliah (Boston)
43 out of 47 found this review helpful
I bought this book last Friday and started reading it on the T. I laughed so hard, I'm sure people around me thought I was nuts. I finished the entire thing over the weekend, because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! Every chapter seemed to end in a cliffhanger that kept me turning the pages wanting to know what would happen next. Lisa Wingate is a great author, and this story is so contemporary, having to do with a show like American Idol, and the ups and downs of a reality TV life, and the culture clash when the reality TV people, press, and paparazzi swarm to a small town.
I loved every one of the people in the story. They were all unique and each one of them seemed like a real person you could meet anywhere (OK, maybe not JUST anywhere) and would enjoy talking to. I could hear the rhythm of the language of this little Texas town, and I could appreciate the fact that, even while being tempted by fame and fortune, they do the right thing for one of their own. I thought it was especially touching that the young singing star, Amber Anderson, doesn't turn out to be what you'd think she would be.
I'm very glad I picked up this book. No disappointments here. I can absolutely see why other authors endorsed it so enthusiastically, and why all the glowing reviews. This story shines. Wingate is a great writer. I agree with one of the reviews that said the religious elements were done in a subtle way, which I like. I don't think a book needs to preach at you or hit you over the head to make a good point. My grandfather was a pastor, and his message was gentle, never condescending or critical, which made him successful with people. He didn't turn people off, he drew them in.
This story draws you in. It makes a good point about the ways God can make use of someone's life, even if that person has flaws, the way society looks at morality, and the way people should act toward each other according to the Golden Rule. Any book that can do all that and still make you laugh until people stare at you definitely deserves five stars!
FANTASTIC READ IN EVERY WAY!!! FIVE STARS PLUS TWO! February 5, 2008
SHERRY
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
I am a lover of books of all types, reading at least one per week, and sometimes more. I read in all genres, everything from Christian fiction to non-fiction. Talk of the Town was one of the best reads I've come upon in a long time. The story was fresh and engaging. It begins with the arrival of American Megastar assistant producer, Mandalay Florentino, in the the tiny Texas town of Daily. Mandalay, who's not a small-town girl herself, has a tough job to do, arranging for the surprise "reveal" concert of a local girl, Amber Anderson, who has made the semi-finals on American Megastar. Little does Mandalay now, it's not almost impossible to keep anything on the "QT" in Daily, where, as Imagene says, the cafe spreads news faster than "chaff in a brisk wind."
From the minute Mandalay arrives in Daily, laughs begin. The chapters alternate almost seamlessly from the point of view of Mandalay to the point of view of local widow, Imagene Doll, often leaving the reader in suspense at the end of each chapter. The book kept me up late into the night many times, the surest sign of a good read. Being older myself, I found Imagene's story, her depression and grief, realistic and sympathetic. I could relate to her difficulty getting back into life after the loss of her husband. One of the things that impressed me most about Wingate's writing was her ability to blend both laughter and grief. The spectrum of emotions coexists realistically on her pages, and the friendly, quirk-filled citizens of Daily are fun and realistic. They show a sense of community spirit and concern for each other that makes you want to move to their town. The Christian element was well-handled, subtle, and not preachy.
All-in-all, this book is just plain fun. Do yourself a favor and enjoy this laugh-out-loud, tender, sweet, inspiring read. GREAT BOOK!!!
Lisa Wingate's Talk of the Town is an outstanding book! February 7, 2008
Ed Stevens
21 out of 26 found this review helpful
"Talk of the Town" is one of the best books I've read! I couldn't put it down until I finished reading it. It is an exciting, interesting and funny story of how a reporter, her boss, town people with various experiences, and a very talented young person deals with fame. One of the qualities I love about all of Lisa Wingate's writings is her ability to weave life enhancing information throughout the story.
As an example, "It's not your life Mandalay, it's just your job; there's a difference." Here we learn an important and easily applied lesson on how to deal with job related stress. Another "Quit fighting the sails & let the wind move the boat. Drift on faith for awhile." This one has many teachings, one of which is take a break and regroup while you enjoy your blessings.
"In Talk of the Town," Amber is the young lady who is thrown into the world of the paparazzi and fame so quickly that it's difficult for her to cope. Her privacy is lost. The story deals with how she copes. A beautiful, tactfully written love story adds to the excitement to make this an outstanding book. Lisa Wingate's "Talk of the Town" is already a best seller for me! I highly recommend it to everyone!
This book has all the characteristics needed for a great movie. I can't wait to see it playing in theaters across the country!
Ed
A beautifully written story April 21, 2008
Reader Views (Austin, Texas)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (4/08)
Mandalay Florentino has worked hard for every break in her career in the entertainment industry, but nothing could have prepared her for this assignment. She has to find just the right place for Amber Anderson's welcome-back concert. Amanda is a finalist in the "American Megarstar" TV show. No one is supposed to know that she is a finalist but somehow the small town of Daily, Texas is abuzz with excitement about their hometown girl. Mandalay has to deal with her difficult boss, Ursula, who insists on Mandalay keeping her anonymity.
The case of keeping an anonymous identity is no easy task. Daily doesn't get a lot of tourists to visit their small town. The owner of the hotel doesn't even have her rooms ready to rent. She absentmindedly rents her deluxe to two single individuals, Mandalay and Carter. The twosome doesn't know each other but soon become acquainted as she has to request when the lights should go off in her room since the switch controlling her lights is in his room. Why did Carter pick Daily, Texas as a place to vacation, and is he really just on vacation?
Under the mask of being a 50th-wedding anniversary party at the community center, there are a ton of plans to make. Will the surprise of Amber making the finals be a huge bust? "Talk of the Town" is a beautifully written story about small town America, a local making it big and a well-meaning hotel owner. There is a touch of romance and mystery beautifully created in this book by Lisa Wingate. By picking up "Talk of Town" you will soon fall in love with the town and its many characters who can't keep any secrets. "Talk of the Town" is such a hit, I'm sure it will be the talk of your town with any readers. I hope Lisa Wingate writes more books like this one!
A wonderful book! December 25, 2008
Barb M (Iowa)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
I loved this book! I listened to the audio version and Johanna Parker's reading certainly contributed to my enjoyment. Yes, it had a fairly predictable plot, but the characters were great fun and very real. It moved me to tears in places and made me laugh out loud in others. While it was clearly grounded in faith, it was not so overwhelming that I felt like I was reading a sermon and I think it could be enjoyed by a reader of any faith. It's a pleasure to run across such a talented author. I've read 2 other books by Wingate and will seek out more.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 55
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