"The Honk and Holler Opening Soon," by Billie Letts

 "The Honk and Holler Opening Soon," by Billie Letts

Caney Paxton wanted his cafe to have the biggest and brightest sign in Eastern Oklahoma-the "opening soon" part was supposed to be just a removable, painted notice. But a fateful misunderstanding gave Vietnam vet Caney the flashiest joke in the entire state. Twelve years later, the once-busy highway is dead and the sign is as worn as Caney, who hasn't ventured outside the diner since it opened. Then one blustery December day, a thirtyish Crow woman blows in with a three-legged dog in her arms and a long-buried secret on her mind. Hiring on as a carhop, Vena Takes Horse is soon shaking up business, the locals, and Caney's heart...as she teaches them all about generosity of spirit, love, and the possibility of promise-just like the sign says.

This is such a great story.  Full of many characters, all quirky in their own way and each one interesting in a different way.  The way the story is told, you don't get confused with all their individual stories, like you do in other books when there is a big cast of characters.

You know each one isn't perfect but they all care about one another despite not being related.  The way the author describes everything and everyone, you can see it all so clearly in your own mind's eye.  The Honk and Holler is the hub and the safe place for all the characters in the book.  I am sure there are many of these small town diner's dotted all over the country.

Stars out of 5 : 5  This story gets you hooked right away.  I needed to know what happens next and the author keeps things moving along at a fast pace.  This is my first book I have read by this author and I don't think it will be my last.

I purchased this book for my own enjoyment and the book review is all my own words.