Word Gets Around

December 22, 2008
Evangelical Christian novelist Wingate introduced readers to the delightfully homespun what-you-see-is-what-you-get town of Daily, Tex., in Talk of the Town
. In this sequel about the city's happenings and residents, Wingate expands upon the story line and offers readers more lovingly presented Texas talk, charm and romance. Wounded by the death of her husband, Lauren Eldridge is summoned back to Daily by her daddy, who's gotten himself into a financial pickle. Trying to pay an old debt by risking the ranch, Lauren's father asks his daughter to come home and tame a wild horse before the movie he's invested in starts shooting in Daily. Lauren's first instinct is to run anywhere but home. Still, she braves the emotional journey to help her father, remembering how he supported her after the accident that killed her spouse. What Lauren discovers back home amid familiar faces and places is forgiveness, love and a big, Texas-sized romance. Wingate's text is funny, to be sure, but a predictable story line detracts from what could have been a more poignant tale.