Friday, March 06, 2009

REDNECK CINDERELLA - Great fun from LuAnn McLane - and yes, there's a giveaway!

I was fortunate enough to snag the latest book by LuAnn McLane for Romance Junkies review and it's so much fun that I wanted to share some chatter and my review with you! If you visit the "books" link on LuAnn's website, you can read the first chapter.
About the book:
Raised by her widowed father, Jolie Russell could keep up with any man—that is, until wealthy and sexy land developer Cody Dean struts into her life.
Cody buys the Russell farm with an impossible-to-refuse multimillion-dollar offer, then relocates Jolie and her dad to the Copper Creek Estates. But the country club atmosphere isn’t ready for Jolie’s kind of country. As her two worlds collide, Jolie wonders how she can ever hope to capture Cody’s heart without giving up her grits.
My (4 blue ribbons) review:
LuAnn McLane offers readers the fun, lighthearted story of a farm girl and admitted redneck, Jolie Russell, who goes from being dirt poor to incredibly rich. Just like Cinderella – every girl’s dream, right? Unfortunately, Jolie is more than a little lost trying to fit in with the snobby neighbors in her fancy new neighborhood. It could be that in trying to find her way around in her new life she’ll find much, much more in the arms of Cody Dean.
Jolie Russell and her father live on a piece of farm land that has become very attractive to local developers. When they’re made an obscenely lucrative offer for their land, they jump at the opportunity for an easier life and move to a ritzy, exclusive new neighborhood where hard, physical work and old pick up trucks are frowned upon. While Jolie wants to be a well-liked, pleasant neighbor, she’s often left floundering by neighbors who’ve repeatedly turned their noses up at her and her father. Before long, her confusion is multiplied as she’s pursued by the very successful, very gorgeous, and much desired Cody Dean. Jolie doesn’t want to lose sight of who she really is, but realizes that she and her father need some polish if they’re ever going to fit in. She eventually hires a local single teacher to coach her and her father in the ways of proper etiquette. It turns out that Jolie’s father can offer the teacher some lessons in the simple life and before long the social graces that she’s so well-versed in don’t seem nearly as important.
High dollar developer Cody Dean finds Jolie fascinating, beautiful and amusing, but he doesn’t immediately understand the appeal of the unassuming simplicity of her life before or how she could possibly miss it. He knows that others in his social circle think she and her father are unsophisticated, but the more he’s around her the less he cares about what others think and he wants the kind and caring Jolie for himself, just as she is.


REDNECK CINDERELLA is written first person, a style that LuAnn McLane has proven herself very competent in. Jolie and her father are definitely simple southern folks, but they’re adorable and don’t come off as being simpletons. Cody Dean and his family are the upper crust of society, but Cody’s opinion of what’s important and what’s good and what isn’t is quickly altered after spending time with the infectious Jolie and her father. REDNECK CINDERELLA is a comfortable, easy read. It’s a lighthearted look at a young woman who finds herself outside her comfort zone, looking in at the strange new world she’s now a part of. Secondary romances and a charming basset hound round out an entirely likable cast of characters. I give LuAnn McLane’s REDNECK CINDERELLA a high recommendation to all readers who enjoy romantic comedy.


I'm going to do a giveaway for my copy of REDNECK CINDERELLA - simply leave a comment and you'll be entered. If you want to chat about LuAnn's work, that's even better! I'll draw a winning name on Tuesday, March 10. Just so there are no misunderstandings, this is not an autographed copy and it is not an arc, it's my review copy and has one barely discernible spine crease. So, while it isn't pristine, it still comes with an enjoyment guarantee!
Can't wait? Then pop on over to Amazon and throw a copy in your cart right now!
REDNECK CINDERELLA is especially fun and I hope you'll all grab a copy!
Have a great weekend!
Laurie

27 comments:

lamclane said...

Hey Laurie! Thanks for the great review. I've had readers tell me that RC gave then a much needed laugh during these tough times we are going through. I wanted the story to show that money certainly does not buy happiness and that what matters in life is how true we are to ourselves.

Lisa F. said...

I plan to go to the bookstore this weekend to get it. Our local WalMart didn't have it when I was there last Tuesday.

We're in for some gorgeous weather this weekend and Eddie and I plan to spend it at the lake. I know my hammock has been missing me, and I plan to spend lots of time keeping it company!

Have a great weekend!

Karin said...

Redneck Cinderella sounds like a great book. I haven't read any of LuAnn McClane's books yet, but this sounds like a great one to start with.

Deb's Book Nook said...

I've already bought it and read it and it was fabulous! LuAnn did a great job!

Judy F said...

Don't enter me since I have a copy. Its a wonderful book. will really pick you up. Great job Laurie and LuaNN

Fedora said...

LuAnn's a hoot! Laurie, I can't remember--is Redneck Cinderella part of a series?

Dena said...

This book sounds really great Laurie, I have heard of her before but never read any of her books.

Maureen said...

I have read a couple of her books and I enjoyed them a lot. Her stories have great characters in small southern towns and the neighbors and friends all added to the fun.

Susan said...

I haven't read any of LuAnn McClane's books. *blush* I must say REDNECK CINDERELLA and the other books I checked out on her website sound great!

Anonymous said...

I have been wanting to read this book. I love Luanne's books.

The first I read was In Her Wildest Dreams.

Pat L.

cheryl c said...

What a fun title and cover! It sounds like a delightful book. Please include my name in the drawing. Thanks! :-)

Karen B said...

All of her books look like such fun! Please ebter me.

scottsgal said...

This book sounds like a blast to read. count me in

Jane said...

One my favorite stories by LuAnn is her novella "Driven."

Laurie G said...

I love Cinderella stories!

This sounds like a lot of fun as it hits upon the difference between those who appreciate the little things vs those that expect the bigger things but still can't find happiness.

I'd love to read "Redneck Cinderella!!.

CrystalGB said...

Redneck Cinderella sounds great. Please count me in. :)

Anonymous said...

Looks like an interesting book!
Karen T

Barbara said...

Hey Laurie-

Another fun review. Don't enter me in this one since I just won the last contest. Also funny thing this book was part of an order I just placed on line yesterday. It looks like another fun read from the fabulous LuAnn. Her books always bring a smile to my face.

Have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

I love LuAnn's stories. Please count me in for the contest. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed.

Rosie G.

Wendy said...

I've never read anything by LuAnn! :( this sounds cute, though.

tetewa said...

Love her reads, count me in!

Unknown said...

This book sound like a very funny read. I need a good comedy book right now so count me in.

Anonymous said...

Although I haven't had the pleasure of reading one of LuAnn McLane's books yet; Redneck Cinderella, sound like a great place to start. The title alone is very catchy and sounds hysterical.
Lynn R.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to admit that I have not read any of Luanne's books, but this looks like a good read. I would love to try it.

Helen L.

robynl said...

I could use some humor in my life right about now so please include me.

Anonymous said...

I have read many of Luanne's books, I enjoy reading them.

Laurie D. said...

Thanks, gals, for stopping! I'll be drawing a name this evening for a copy of REDNECK CINDERELLA.

Fedora, you asked if this is part of a series and I'm going to say no. I've asked LuAnn but she's evidently busy right now and hasn't replied. LuAnn's next book is HE'S NO PRINCE CHARMING, scheduled to release (I believe) early fall. If I hear otherwise, I'll be sure to let you know.