Robert Dalby

There's not much to recommend this pale imitation of a Fannie Flagg take on quirky small Southern towns, but nothing really objectionable, either.

When the grocery store in a small southern town is threatened by a big-box newcomer, a group of feisty widows decides to come to the rescue. It's pretty predictable stuff, and even the mild "twist" towards the end has been repeatedly telegraphed.

The one thing that confuses this reviewer is why a small town in the middle of the Bible Belt would host a "Delta Floozy" contest, with participants vying for the title of tackiest streetwalker.… (más)

This book was "OK." I would still recommend it as a light, easy read for those who are looking for something like this. It was a first novel written by a man, which was surprising since it read like chick lit. I expected some twists and turns in the plot, but it turned out to be predictable. What I liked about it: takes place in a small southern town, has a catchy title and an appealing premise, quirky characters and humor. Yes it's corny and a bit trite, but I'm not sorry I read it. Now I'm ready for something completely different!… (más)

When the Nitwitts (a club for wealthy widows in Second Creek MS) learns that the local Piggly Wiggly will be closing its doors they spring into action to save the local business. Club President Laurie Lepanto asks a charming widower who used to run a dance studio to help. Powell Hampton agrees and a promotional campaign is begun: for two hours each day, the “eligible silver fox” will dance with the ladies while store employees do their shopping for them.

I’ve had this on my tbr for a while. It sounded fun and charming, and it satisfied a challenge. But the reality is that it is poorly written, staid and a chore to get through. I didn’t care about any of the characters. The town is only a cardboard cutout. The women were downright ridiculous. The plot goes nowhere fast and then sits there. The big “secret” isn’t much of one and is tied up far too neatly. In what I can only assume is an effort to make this a romantic story, every once in a while the author throws in a little sex scene. His attempts at humor – the Miss Dixie Floozy contest? Really? – are anything but. Oh, well, at least it was a fast read.

Dalby apparently has fans, however, because there are multiple books in this series. I won’t be wasting time on any of them.
… (más)