Sweet Tea and Southern Charm--"Vixen's Diner" by Penny McIntosh—Review

 

My review:

"Vixen's Diner" by Penny McIntosh is “full of sweet tea, Southern charm and romance” (Goodreads).  I could not have said it better myself. Ms. McIntosh writes a contemporary romance with some magical realism.  The story takes place in a small Southern town.  I love the premise.  In the beginning, we meet Granny, who previously owned the family diner.  She wants Emmy to live the life Granny wanted for her and to not repeat the same mistakes of her ancestors.  She desires for Emmy to be strong and brave.  The only problem is Granny is dead and does not know how to contact Emmy. 

Throughout the story we watch as Emmy navigates life without her grandmother and is trying to run the family diner on her own.  We follow Emmy as she grows, makes choices and figures out who she is and what she wants in life.  Also, if you are into “book boyfriends,” I think you will really like Nick. 

Emmy learns some lessons along the way about not letting the past control her and that she has a choice in how she lives her life.  Be sure to read the special edition if you are sensitive to content.  There are some more serious themes in "Vixen's Diner,” especially surrounding a past boyfriend who is abusive and displays stalker-like behavior.  It is unsettling to read about his thoughts at times.  Overall, I really enjoyed this charming, nostalgic read!  I would recommend "Vixen's Diner" to anyone who enjoys Southern stories, romance, and contemporary women’s fiction. 

Content:  I give this book a PG-13 rating.  Be sure to read the special edition if you are sensitive to content.  Some examples of the content are: a woman is in an abusive relationship; women get pregnant and have children out of wedlock; the words “hell,” “sh*t,” “a**hole,” “b*tch,” and “da*n” are used; a woman is raped, but the book doesn’t go into detail; there is mention of losing one’s virginity; a man has an affair; sexual innuendos; the Lord’s name is taken in vain; characters drink alcohol and get drunk; there is a scene with a little foreplay.

Rating:  I give this book 5 stars!

I bought this book with my own money.  I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Penny McIntosh is a stay at wife, and mom of three. She has a degrees in Religious Studies and Teaching, and has always been drawn to the mystical and the unknown (something she tries to incorporate into all her books). She is an avid reader, and finds that the silence of the twilight hours offers the most inspiration for writing.

To purchase the book click here (make sure to get the special edition if you are sensitive to content)
To visit the author's website click here