How Y'All Doing?

By: Leslie Jordan

Humor, Memoirs

Summary:

During the COVID quarantine, many in the world discovered Mr. Leslie Jordan. he became a familiar, funny face on Instagram. Well, recognizing how 2020 brought him a new audience, Mr. Jordan takes this opportunity to introduce himself and tell you a little about himself.

While I wasn't of the many who became familiar with Leslie Jordan through Instagram, I was of the many who wanted to get to know his story. I had watched a few of his videos and you couldn't help but chuckle at his musings. He has this sweet southern charm that oozes from him. That sweet southern charm that had to navigate being gay in the South amidst a religious family. So, I jumped at the opportunity to read his story. This is his second book, so he may not go into as much detail as his previous one, but I enjoyed myself just the same.

Leslie's humor is what gravitated me to him. He has a funny way of telling the stories he tells. I loved reading how Debbie Reynolds came to his rescue with his mom. he reminisces about his days on American Horror Story. He gets vulnerable with a career challenge that had him walking away from a project he wanted to do, but couldn't. He tells you about his first baby shower experience.

When you pick up this book, be prepared for a quick fun read. You will chuckle and smile. By the time you finish, you've fallen in love Jordan's humor and wit. 

 

Maggie Finds Her Muse

 

Maggie Finds Her Muse

By: Dee Ernst

Romance

Summary:

Maggie Bliss is a successful romance writer.- with a problem. Her book is due in 6 weeks and she has nothing. Will a change of scenery be just what she needs? Or will a change of scenery be the setting for a whole new set of problems?

As the book opens, Maggie's life is in a bit of chaos. She has a live-in boyfriend who thinks more of himself than he does of her. Her first draft is due on her publisher's desk in 6 weeks and she's got the worst case of writer's block. So, her agent recommends her traveling to Paris with him and his husband. Seems like paradise since she can write anywhere and she's kicked the selfish boyfriend out. The people waiting for her there are nothing like she thought of. Solange, Lee's (Maggie's agent), is quick to make herself sparse so sparks can hopefully ignite between her son, Max, and Maggie. 

As Maggie gets to know the neighborhood and the people, her writer juices start to flow. However, even Paris can bring complications to your café table. Maggie's daughter has decided that since both her parents get along and are currently single, it's the perfect time to get back together. Will their old flame spark up again? Maggie also can't quite make sense of her growing attachment to Max. He takes her under his wing as he gets her a makeover and shows her the neighborhood. Will feelings develop?

If you're looking for a light, fluffy and charming romance- consider Maggie Finds Her Muse. I loved the story. I was engrossed right from the get go. I loved all the characters and how they interacted. I loved how Dee Ernst made Paris feel so magical through the pages. I loved seeing all the possibilities and watching the story unfold. She even made a farting dog become a cute comical character. 

I do need to warn you that if you like your romance books to be steamy, you won't find that with Maggie. There are plenty of references to steamy things she's written for characters and a couple of beginnings, but very little steam. But what it lacks in that department it makes up for with charm. I didn't want to put the book down and I didn't want it to end. 

Maggie Finds Her Muse could be a great summer read.