I was fortunate enough to be pre-approved for this book. Even though it didn’t look like something I would normally read, I’m very grateful for the “read everything you can” perspective I got from my mom. I would really have hated to miss out on this lovely book by Dennis Cuesta. It was like taking a quick vacation to a more serene place. Even though it was set in the UP of Lake Michigan, it reminded me a lot of the small towns in the Sierra Nevada where we used to spend our summers (right down to the interactions with residents that make you realize that everyone knows everyone’s business…and is okay with it). Really, a simple time in a simple place. I sincerely hope they still exist, not just in fiction.
Please note that Amazon does not have a listing for this title yet. When they do, I will post an updated link to the book. My review follows:
Stuck in Manistique by Dennis Cuesta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an absolutely charming book. The author’s love for the setting, the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Lake Michigan, comes through in his descriptions of the sights, the people, and even the lexicon of the area. The characters are memorable, and the plot lines are believable. Even though I guessed at a couple of the resolutions, it was still a nice ride with the characters as they reached their destinations. There were some very funny moments (nice odes to Fawlty Towers), as well as some heart-wrenching ones. All of it was written with care and attention to detail. In all of the noise of everyday life, it was very relaxing to spend some time in Manistique. I sincerely hope the author writes more stories with these characters. Thank you to NetGalley, Celestial Eyes Press, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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