The Promise of Lumby

Gail Fraser

NAL, Jul 7 2009, $15.00

ISBN 9780451226969

In the Rockies’ tiny town of Lumby, Pam and Mark Walker had hoped their restaurant at the Montis Inn would be a success.  Neither was ready for how successful it become.  Now each is exhausted from overworking and both wonder what is going on with the former owners.  The now famous philanthropists of Saint Abbey, the monks are receiving exotic animals and selling gourmet dining to delighted customers who come for great food and spiritual cleansing as they know the way to a man’s spirit is through his stomach. 

At the same time, vet Dr. Ellen Campbell announces she is selling her practice to Tom Candor.  He is made quickly unwelcome because he fails to mingle.  Tom fears rejection if they knew his darkest secret, killing Ming the panda.  However carpenter Mackenzie McGuire is attracted to the newcomer and hopes he reciprocates.

Fans of Lumby (see STEALING LUMBY, LUMBY’S BOUNTY and LUMBY LINES) will relish this engaging return trip enhanced by the local newspaper gossip.  The subplots are fun, over the top of the Rockies, and all subplots end up in “Happy Valley” (but not Penn State).  Whimsical, uplifting and warm, THE PROMISE OF LUMBY is a lighthearted frolic that requires leaving the reality meter at page one.

Harriet Klausner