Five Miles South of Peculiar by Angela Hunt

Wow...Angela Hunt has impressed me again.  She has to be one of my favorite authors.   You can check out her website here.  Five Miles South of Peculiar centers around the lives of three sisters: Darlene, Carlene, and Magnolia.  Here is the synopsis:

If these three sisters don’t change direction, they’ll end up where they’re going.

Darlene Caldwell has spent a lifetime tending Sycamores, an estate located five miles south of a small town called Peculiar. She raised a family in the spacious home that was her grandfather’s legacy, and she enjoys being a pillar of the community. Sycamores is the kingdom where she reigns as queen . . . until her limelight-stealing twin sister unexpectedly returns.

Carlene Caldwell, veteran of the Broadway stage, is devastated when she realizes that an unsuccessful throat surgery has spelled the end of her musical career. Searching for a new purpose in life, she retreats to Sycamores, her childhood home. She may not be able to sing, but she hopes to use her knowledge and experience to fashion a new life in Peculiar, the little town she left behind.

Haunted by a tragic romance, Magnolia Caldwell is the youngest of the Caldwell girls. Nolie has never wanted to live anywhere but Sycamores. She spends her days caring for her dogs and the magnificent gardens she’s created on the estate, but when she meets a man haunted by his own tragedy, she must find the courage to either deny her heart or cut the apron strings that tie her to a dear and familiar place.

Can these sisters discover who they are meant to be when life takes an unforeseen detour? In a season of destiny, three unique women reunite and take unexpected journeys of the heart.

I am such a fan of Hunt's writing.  She is a gifted author.  She uses vivid descriptions and interesting conversations to create down-to-earth, lovable characters and very real settings.  Her use of language is incredible.  I love the tone and lyrical quality.  Here is a sample, the first paragraph of chapter 17:  

Those who say Florida is one long summertime haven't learned to recognize the signs of each distinct season.  Spring may not bring tulips and daffodils, but it awakens the sleeping azaleas and decorates the live oaks with bright green frills.  The indisputably muggy months of a Florida summer are cooled by ocean breezes that frequently drive in showers.  While winter can be blissfully war, periodic cold snaps evoke sweetness from heavy-hanging oranges and remind wintering snowbirds why they came south.  And while blazing maples and golden beech trees may be rare in a Florida autumn, every sunset glows purple and pink and yellow over the west coast's gentle shores.  

  Great writing and memorable characters make this a wonderful book.  I would highly recommend it or any other by Angela Hunt.  I know I have enjoyed every one that I have read, and I look forward to reading the others that I have waiting for me!


I did receive a free copy in exchange for my honest review.