Oh Ellen. That's what I kept thinking as I read this book. Oh Ellen. How can someone as bumbling and forgetful and whiny be so lucky in life?

As an example, Ellen writes about an emergency when the store boiler was leaking: "I figured whatever emergency we were facing could be handled better in clothes. And then I did my hair. One thing I knew for sure, learned over many years, was that catastrophes worked out better when my hair looked nice. And then I put on a little mascara too." - page 159 (DOES THAT MATTER WHEN YOUR BOILER IS LEAKING!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!)

I think Ellen Stimson must be cheery, warm, and charismatic in person, but it didn't translate over to her writing. I read about things that I could never imagine happening to any sane person. I will start with the least crazy, IMHO. How about.. calling 911 when the road is congested with cows because you're late to your nail appointment?! Dumping red food dye into the river and the town thinks its an ecological disaster?!?! Being grumpy at your customers when you're nearly bankrupt?!?!?!? Freaking out in the grocery store line during a stick-em-up robbery and giving the guy all the money in the cash register?!?!?!?!?!?!

How do these things happen to sane, normal people? Of course, Ellen gives a disclaimer in the beginning of the book. But so many other crazy things happen that it can't all be exaggerated, can it?

I give the book 2 stars simply because I too have moved to a different state and was an "outsider" for a long time. I enjoy adventures, I enjoy quaint small towns and browsing in general stores. I enjoyed the premise of the story. Recommended if you've experienced any of these things, but chances are you won't be able to put up with Ellen's whiny, immature voice.