Renovating the Richardsons by Virginia Smith

This is the second book in the Tales of the Goose Creek B & B. I read the first book, The Most Famous Illegal Goose Creek Parade, and resolved to read the sequel as soon as it came out. I loved the setting, the characters, and the town politics surrounding the painting of the water tank.

In my review of the first book, I said, if you liked Mayberry, you'd like Goose Creek. For this one, I'll say, do you like Fixer Upper or Flip or Flop on HG-TV or the movie Bad News Bears? Then, you'll like this installment. The water tank is being painted, but the contractor has to cover the whole project with canvas to keep out snoopy residents wanting to critique the work before it's finished. The town organizes a softball team to play against a neighboring town in a grudge match hatched up by the mayors. They can barely get enough people to play, never mind whether they have the ball-playing skills.

Renovating brings back familiar characters from the first book and introduces new ones. Millie and Al Richardson dive into the renovation of the old home they bought for the B & B. Susan, the veterinarian, is back, along with her love interest, Justin, the handyman. The renovation of the B & B house involves finding one expensive surprise after another. There's strife between the Richardsons and between Susan and her father. New characters include Tuesday Love, who opens a massage parlor in town. Not exactly welcomed by the citizens, she makes a most interesting alliance to help develop her business plan. And Al Richardson's annoying co-worker, Franklin Thacker, buys the Richardsons' old home so that they can move into the B & B. Al is not thrilled because, now he will be annoyed by Thacker on weekends, not just during work hours. All the action culminates on the Fourth of July, the date set for the water tank reveal and the softball game. Sorry, I'm not going to spoil it for you.

Author Virginia Smith has published at least 26 books, including nonfiction and fiction (mystery, contemporary romance, and historical). Her sense of humor permeates all her writing, but it really shines in the Goose Creek series. You'll find yourself smiling while reading (not something that happens to me very often). If you haven't read the first book, don't worry. The story can stand alone.

Note: I purchased this book before I knew that I would receive a review copy from the publisher, so I have two copies. If anyone local would like to have my duplicate, please e-mail me at emilyakin(at)live.com. First person to contact me will receive the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers. I did not request a review copy and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Image source: http://virginiasmith.org/goosecreek.html