Book Reviews: One Good Thing & The Night the Lights Went Out

By Annell Gerson

Two of Atlantas favorite womens fiction authors both have new novels out this month!

Wendy Waxs 10 Beach Road series continues with the sixth installment in the lives of Maddie, Avery, Nikki, Kyra and newest member of the sisterhood, Bitsy. One Good Thing reminds us that despite the heartache of wayward teens, uncertainties of second chances at love, the hormonal rollercoaster of pregnancy, realities of life with the rich and famous and the ever-looming cloud of financial uncertainty, there is always something good to appreciate. The load-bearing beam of this series is friendship, and though these women begin their relationship as strangers, each comes to realize how much support they give and receive from each other.

Karen Whites The Night the Lights Went Out is also a book about the unlikely friendship between Sweet Apple, GA residents a crusty, 93-year-old Sugar Prescott; working mom and recently divorced Merilee Talbot and gated-community, all that mom, Heather Blackford. When Merilees husband leaves her for their daughters third-grade teacher, she and her two children rent a small cottage on Sugars property.

Through blogs by an anonymous Sweet Apple observer who seems to know everybodys business, as well as character revelations, readers delve into secrets, sorrows and revenge...and learn a few southernisms along the way. Its not until a violent tornado hits Sweet Apple and knocks out electricity on Sugars property that the truth and true friends are revealed. Such is life; its often while in darkness that we see the light.

There will be a luncheon for the release of Wendy Waxs One Good Thing on April 26th, 11:30am-1:30pm at Bookmiser in Roswell. A brunch for the release of Karen Whites The Night the Lights Went Out will be held at the Public House in Roswell on April 17th, 10:30am-12:30pm.

Annell Gerson is co-owner of Bookmiser bookstore, with locations in Roswell and East Cobb. 770-993-1555. Bookmiser.net