Review: The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane by Kelly Harms

Title: The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane

Author: Kelly Harms

Genre: Women's fiction, contemporary

Pages: 304

Published: 2013

The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane is, in one word, delightful!

The HomeSweetHome Network has just announced their newest sweepstakes winner: Janine Brown, of Iowa, has won a brand new, beautiful home on the coast of Maine. Janey Brown is shocked to hear this news, and assumes it was just another move by her great Aunt Midge in an attempt to bring Janey back to life after the loss of her fiance. On the other side of town, Nean Brown also hears the news and can't wait to leave her life of dead-end jobs and abusive boyfriends for a new beginning in Maine.

Both Janine Browns, along with great Aunt Midge, head for Maine for what each of them thinks is their new home. Both are in for the shock of their lives when they discover the other. Tempers flare and personalities clash as they both learn to cope with the news, with each other, and with learning to live - and love - again.

This book was extremely clever with a fantastic and fresh new storyline. It was funny, sweet, and full of heart with a cast of top notch characters. The three main characters, both Janines (Janey and Nean), as well as great Aunt Midge were all well drawn out and very distinctive.

The story alternates narration between Nean and Janine which was very useful in this novel. We were able to see both sides of the coin and undesrstand what each of them was feeling. It also was part of what helped distinguish each character and bring them to life.

Aunt Midge and Nean both cracked me up. They both had a bit of a wild side to them and Aunt Midge had some truly hilarious one liners. Janey was the total opposite, very serious, anxious, quiet, and sad since dealing with the tragic loss of her fiance. She has long since holed herself up, blocked herself off from the rest of the world, and spends most of her free time cooking elaborate meals to keep herself occupied  (I must say, this kind of inspired me to want to become a better cook).

All in all, this was a pretty amazing book. The three women help each other see life through new eyes, and bring out both the best and worst in one another, though ultimately helping one another grow and evolve. It has a touch of romance with a whole lot of friendship and heart. I definitely recommend this one!

My Rating: 4.5/5
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Reviewed by Stephanie

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