I was writing a review for a book here on the blog and saw a recommendation. One of those, “other readers bought this book too” things. Well I fell for the sales pitch and saw the book Big Stone Gap by Adrianna Trigiani.
From there I check the online library I sometimes use and they had it….and that’s when I realized it was a series. There are four books to the series. Oh my, I really hoped I liked the first one as then I could read FOUR books and not have to worry about picking a new one. The next books would already be picked for me! PERFECT…well perfect if I actually liked the first book.
So did I like it??
YES. I liked it very much. About 3 chapters in I went and put myself on hold for book #2, Big Cherry Holler.
The author is the reader of these books. I love that she is. Her voice if perfect for the read. Don’t let the cover of the book persuade you at all. There is really only one or two scenes in the entire book that anyone is dressed up in. I actually think it’s a poor cover. In fact, this is the original cover.
This is MUCH more of the true nature of the book. They say don’t judge a book by the cover and that’s the truth in this case!!
Here’s what Amazon had to say:
“Millions of readers around the world have fallen in love with the small town of Big Stone Gap, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and the story of its self-proclaimed spinster, Ave Maria Mulligan. In the series’ enchanting debut, Ave Maria reaches her thirty-fifth year and resigns herself to the single life, filling her days with hard work, fun friends, and good books. Then, one fateful day, Ave Maria’s past opens wide with the revelation of a long-buried secret that will alter the course of her life. Before she knows it, Ave Maria is fielding marriage proposals, trying to claim her rightful inheritance, and planning the trip of a lifetime to Italy—one that will change her view of the world and her own place in it forever. Full of wit and wonder, hilarity and heart, Big Stone Gap is a gem of a book, and one that you will share with friends and family for years to come.”
Amazon readers give the book 4.3 stars. I think I’ll give it more… 4.6. I really liked it. I like the folksy small town relationships that are so true to a small town. I liked the reflective nature of the main character. I’m much like that.
In writing the review I discovered there is a movie of the book. Hmm. So tempting if I can find it somewhere.
Has anyone seen it? Has anyone read the books?
If you’re interested in the book, you can find it HERE.
I’ve read and enjoyed the first 3 books. I’ll read the fourth one day. Didn’t see the movie. I look forward to your review.
I loved the first three books 1 and 3 the best. I’ve not seen the movie……can’t wait to heat more tomorrow about your puppy!!!
Adrianna is one of my fav authors. . .Have a couple of hers in my pile I haven’t read yet, but I am looking forward to them when time permits. I did just read Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes over break and it was FANTASTIC! It’s about pack horse librarians in the Appalachian Mountains in the 1930s. Now, I am anxious to get into my next good book.
I love all of the books by this author. I think I have read all of her books. I also saw the movie and liked it. Like all movies from books, there are parts that are changed or left out, but overall, I liked it. It was available on Netflix a year or two ago.
I think I’ve read everything she has written, and loved them all! I haven’t seen the movie. I’ve just finished reading Harry’s Trees by Jon Cohen. I think you might like it. It’s not a recently published book, so it may be easier to find.
I grew up not far from Big Stone Gap and loved going to see the Trail of the Lonesome Pine outdoor drama. I think I would have enjoyed the books anyway, but this made them extra special for me.
I believe I have read all of Trigiani’s books especially your series. Perfect include: Very Valentine & Brava Valentine-shoe stories, & Lucia, Lucia: A Novel…3 of my most favorites.
Does your local library have dvd’s (movies) to rent?
I Googled where to watch it and it is playing in a small movie theater near me–maybe it’s in a theater near you??? Also, I checked my library and they have the book and DVD available to checkout. Hopefully you’re library can get the DVD as well. It sounds like a great novel!
Haven’t read the book, but the movie was good. I like Ashley Judd, and her character has plenty of pluck!!
I watched the movie this evening. I found it on Amazon prime, $3.99 to rent. I enjoyed the movie. Now to read the book. Thanks for the recommendation.
I have read several Adriana Trigiani books including the Stone Gap series and have really liked all of them.