Mary Kay Andrews

Reader Comments about THE FIXER UPPER

Harper
ISBN: 9780060837389
(June 23, 2009)

Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Mary Kay Andrews's THE FIXER UPPER.

Ann from West Henrietta, NY

Have you previously read a book by Mary Kay Andrews?
No.

What other women’s fiction authors do you usually read?
Kris Radish and Elizabeth Berg.

What did you think of THE FIXER UPPER?
I enjoyed the book. It was a very quick read, perfect for summer. Watching Dempsey find her "family" was fun. She starts out with a very dysfunctional upbringing and ends up becoming a true small-town girl with a family that encompasses all ages, races and economic status. Oh, and she finds a gorgeous young lawyer to love too.

Would you ever read a future book by Mary Kay Andrews?
Yes.

Ashley from Atlanta, GA

Have you previously read a book by Mary Kay Andrews?
Yes, I have read HISSY FIT.

What other women’s fiction authors do you usually read?
Jane Green, Sophie Kinsella and Emily Giffin.

What did you think of THE FIXER UPPER?
It was a cute novel that took place in my home state of Georgia, which I loved. It is so much fun reading about these small towns that I am familiar with because I can relate to the characters and settings more. It really helps me to get into the book. I love all the Southern aspects of the book, and the name Dempsey is precious! Mary Kay Andrews does a fabulous job of connecting to the female reader and I can't wait to read more of her books!

Would you ever read a future book by Mary Kay Andrews?
Yes!

Jean from Broomfield, CO

Have you previously read a book by Mary Kay Andrews?
No, I have never previously read a book by Mary Kay Andrews.

What other women’s fiction authors do you usually read?
Other women's fiction authors I usually read are Dorothea Benton Frank, Luanne Rice and Dorothy Garlock.

What did you think of THE FIXER UPPER?
I thought THE FIXER UPPER was a great read with interesting people filling the pages. It was lots of fun seeing Dempsey in and out of troubles.

Would you ever read a future book by Mary Kay Andrews?
Yes, I look forward to reading more of her books.

Lori from Victoria, TX

Have you previously read a book by Mary Kay Andrews?
No.

What other women’s fiction authors do you usually read?
Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts, Fern Michaels, Carly Phillips, Jennifer Crusie, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Janet Evanovich, and Jodi Picoult. Women's fiction is a hard genre to define, and sometimes it’s hard to know which authors to include as part of that genre. I read all genres and always enjoy reading a new-to-me author.

What did you think of THE FIXER UPPER?
Mary Kay Andrews's new book is definetly NOT a fixer upper --- it is a world class mega mansion! The characters come alive so that the reader really gets to know each one. Dempsey grows throughout the story and finds her strengths even while acknowledging and dealing with her weaknesses. I liked that each of the characters in this book are unique and quirky, and have individual strengths as well as vulnerabilities. This story is not true reality but it is believable, with lots of humor told through genuine characters that readers can identify with. It is rare to find an author who can write in first person so effortlessly, and I really appreciate Ms. Andrews's ability to bring the South alive without a tedious amount of description. I love the inclusion of the recipes too. I truly enjoyed this book.

Would you ever read a future book by Mary Kay Andrews?
Absolutely. I can't wait to read Mary Kay Andrews's other books. I'm hooked!

Mel from Aledo, IL

Have you previously read a book by Mary Kay Andrews?
Yes I've read all her books/or listened to them on audio book.

What other women’s fiction authors do you usually read?
I read a large number of British and Irish authors such as Cecilia Ahern, Katie Fforde, Jill Mansell and Sophie Kinsella/Madeline Wickham.

What did you think of THE FIXER UPPER?
I really enjoyed the storyline. Every time I had a chance to sit and read it, I did. Co-workers even commented on how much I must be enjoying it. The storyline was easy to follow and kept me wondering what would happen next. I can imagine a great followup based on the characters from this book. I have been drawn in and want to know what happens to Tee's dad and the other townsfolk.

Would you ever read a future book by Mary Kay Andrews?
Yes, definitely! Her books are always enjoyable and I love reading them during the summer as they are definitely perfect summer reads!

Pam from Virginia Beach, VA

Have you previously read a book by Mary Kay Andrews?
Yes, SAVANNAH BLUES and SAVANNAH BREEZE.

What other women’s fiction authors do you usually read?
My favorites are Jodi Picoult, Jennifer Weiner and Sophie Kinsella. Some others that I like are Joshilyn Jackson, Philippa Gregory, Amanda Eyre Ward, Meg Cabot, Elizabeth Berg, Ann Patchett, Anita Shreve, Geraldine Brooks and Emily Giffin.

What did you think of THE FIXER UPPER?
I enjoyed it tremendously. It's definitely a "picker upper/can't put down" kind of read. I spent most of Saturday reading it, a perfect summer book. I only regret that I didn't save it to read on vacation, because I think it is a perfect vacation or "beach read" --- entertaining but with a good plot. It was funny, sexy, and romantic. I liked the characters and how the small town of Guthrie became a character all its own. The theme of "comeuppance" --- where the bad guy gets his due, and the good girl gets her dream come true --- was very satisfying.

Would you ever read a future book by Mary Kay Andrews?
Definitely. I look forward to reading her future books as well as some of her other books that I haven't read yet (such as LITTLE BITTY LIES and DEEP DISH)

Ruth from Neligh, NE

Have you previously read a book by Mary Kay Andrews?
Oh, yes.

What other women’s fiction authors do you usually read?
I generally read mysteries --- Diane Mott Davidson, Linda Fairstein and Lisa Scottoline.

What did you think of THE FIXER UPPER?
THE FIXER UPPER is a perfect beach book. It had aimple plot, the characters --- while predictable --- were people we could recognize, and the old house was very interesting. Mary Kay Andrews writes well, and that is the reason I read her "women's fiction."

Would you ever read a future book by Mary Kay Andrews?
Of course.

Susan from Atlanta, GA

Have you previously read a book by Mary Kay Andrews?
I have been reading Mary Kay Andrews (and Kathy Trocheck!) for as long as she has been writing. I work in the last general independent book store in Atlanta, GA, and we all love it when she comes out with a new story.

What other women’s fiction authors do you usually read?
My favorite authors are Elizabeth Berg, Sarah Dunant, Barbara Kingsolver, Louise Erdrich, Carlos Ruiz Zafón and Anne Lamott. Quite an assortment! My tastes are ever changing as I discover new authors and genres all the time.

What did you think of THE FIXER UPPER?
THE FIXER UPPER is a fun read --- not too heavy and with so many wonderful supporting characters that add so much to the plot. Being a Southerner born and bred, the setting is one I can clearly imagine. I can just see this as a movie with Sandra Bullock in the lead!

The only thing I didn't care for was the cover --- just didn't strike me in a positive way. All else was wonderful.

Suzanne from Little Rock, AR

Have you previously read a book by Mary Kay Andrews?
Yes, I have read them all.

What other women’s fiction authors do you usually read?
Joan Hess, Sue Grafton, Nora Roberts/J. D. Robb, Rita Mae Brown, Mary Daheim, Diane Mott Davidson, Katherine Hall Page, Sara Paretsky, Ann B. Ross, Elizabeth Peters, Nancy Martin, Janet Evanovich, Amanda Quick and Sarah Graves.

What did you think of THE FIXER UPPER?
I think it's a great beach read. The characters are well developed and each unfolds as they reveal more of themselves. I think Ms. Andrews spins a good tale and I appreciate the continuity as the story takes you along for a fun ride!

Would you ever read a future book by Mary Kay Andrews?
Yes.

Nikki from Homer Glen, IL

Have you previously read a book by Mary Kay Andrews?
No.

What other women’s fiction authors do you usually read?
I try to read a lot of different types of authors. My favorites right now are Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Berg and Anita Shreve. Past favorites have been Stephen King, Nelson DeMille, Amy Tan and Ann Rice.

What did you think of THE FIXER UPPER?
I thought this was a great "Beach Read" book. Even though I found the book to be very predictable, I still enjoyed the storylines and how easy it was to read this book. I found myself caring about Dempsey and wanting her to recover from her job catastrophe.

Would you ever read a future book by Mary Kay Andrews?
Yes. In fact, I might go back and pick up one of her previous books.