This review was first published on July 12, 2017.
Books of fiction to review that take place between the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays are hard to find. Finding an Author living in the area isn’t quite as hard, but their writings often don’t take place on the Delmarva Peninsula. K.L Montgomery is one of those who lives in the area and also has created a series of Romance Novels that take place in Delaware in the area of Rehoboth, Bethany and Dewey Beaches.
The second book of her “Romance in Rehoboth” series, “The Flip” will be released on July 20, 2017 and is available for pre-order on Amazon.
The first book, Fat Girl, written in 2014 is the story of Claire Sterling who is approaching 40 moves back to her parents home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, after discovering her husband has had an affair with a much younger woman, to begin Divorce proceeding. Her adventures includes her gay best friend, writing a syndicated blog in the New York Times and the hazards of being a “Fat Girl” dating in the new world of online dating.
I have to say I think that the title “Fat Girl” isn’t really a good title for the book. Yes, she is a lady who has have problems with weight fluctuations during the years of her marriage, in fact from puberty. The story is so much more than that. Ms Montgomery considers herself an author who writes stories of positive body images, this one does that in an amazing way. Some of the best part of the story are of Claire’s NY Times columns and reactions from them.
She encounters some ups as well as many or more downs. There are quite a few surprises though out the book. A few that will make you sad, and others will almost make you stand up and cheer.
Of course, I am an older male (I’m nearly 60 and maybe that in itself is a story to tell) and Romance Novels aren’t really the top of the list of reading material, but I found the story entertaining and well worth the time it takes to read it.
I enjoyed it so much that I requested an “Advance Reading Copy” of the second book in the series, “The Flip”.
When I requested an advance copy I asked Ms Montgomery about the “Romance in Rehoboth” series. “From what I read it appears that the common point of the series is the location, Rehoboth, and not continuing characters. Am I correct? If that is the case, since “Fat Girl” dealt with body image, will this be a part of the continuing series?”
Her answer was, “I rebranded Fat Girl as part of the series, which does take place in the Rehoboth Beach area. While that is the main connection between the books, there will be cameos of various characters throughout the series (Claire and Jack from Fat Girl appear in The Flip as minor characters, for example, and Andrew will be in Book 3 – coming out next year.) There is also a body positive message in all the books, though it is much less of a focus in others than it is in Fat Girl.”
In “The Flip” Andrew and Sonnet come together 10 years after their High School graduation. Andrew’s Great Aunt Penny left her house to both him and Sonnet, who grew up in the house next door.
They both agreed that the best thing to do is take a look at the house and do whatever work was needed to sell the property near the beach in Rehoboth and split the profits.
During school the two competed against each other, even though they walked in two different worlds. Andrew, a jock who excelled in his classes naturally, while Sonnet was the nerd who worked hard to get top grades. As their senior year was closing the two were nearly tied for Valedictorian. A honor she did just edge him out.
The house wasn’t like they remembered. It needed to be cleaned of items that were left there by Aunt Penny and needed plenty of repair work. It turned into two month project that saw the friendly enemies become friends and more.
It is told from two viewpoints, that of Andrew and Sonnet. I found Ms Montgomery to be quite good with the voice of a 28 year old young man who has a dream. A dream that once Sonnet learns she does what she can to make that dream come true. Even as the repairs to the house requires more and more money and attention.
Sonnet also has a dream. She is actually a Rocket Science working at Wallops Island, Virgina and wants to get her doctorate from MIT. Just prior to the beginning of the story her application to MIT was turned down.
In my view the ending was predictable, coming to it though was an enjoyable adventure. I really enjoyed the summer of “The Flip” through the eyes of Andrew and Sonnet and how the house that was a big part of their youth brought the two together for an amazing adventure. One that is full of unique people and out of the ordinary problems.
The “The Flip” the second book of K.L. Montgomery “Romance in Rehoboth” series will be released on July 20, 2017 and is available for pre-order on Amazon.
I would recommend both books in the series. I did find “The Flip” to be more enjoyable and found myself picking it up more often wanting to know what was happening with Andrew, Sonnet, the house and the neighborhood. Either would be an enjoyable read sitting at the beach or at the pool. They two books are both part of a series, they are stand alone books that don”t need to be read in order.
K.L. Montgomery plans for the third book in the series to be ready in the Summer of 2018.
