Sometimes romance novel heroines can seem a bit formulaic. Sweet, innocent, but slightly sassy, 20-something in need of a rescue, right? In “Hitting the High Notes” you’d be delightfully wrong! Maggie Duncan is a menopausal widow fighting hot flashes and depression who has wisened up after ending an abusive marriage.
On impulse, she accompanies a seductive foreign man to his condo for wine and, as she puts it, “a snug blanket” only to leave suddenly through the fire escape as her host is accosted. When Stavros disappears, and the police take no notice, Maggie puts on her big girl panties and attempts to unravel the mystery on her own.
Ms. Arnold has created a hilariously memorable cast of characters. At first glance, Stavros/Lorenzo is everything you’d want a romance novel hero to be: suave, sophisticated, mysterious, tall, dark, and sexy with a voice that could melt hearts. Turns out he’s a neurotic run away opera singer who couldn’t face his bad reviews. Bruce Herring is an Irish cop whose solidity and simplicity entice Maggie. Woven through the entire tale are references to the best criminal gang ever invented: The Green Socks Gang. This is a gang of radical environmentalists whose vicious protests include throwing pies in famous people’s faces. Brilliantly hilarious!
But by far my favorite character in the entire book was Maggie’s best friend, Brenda. Brenda is the brazen, intelligent, confident leader of a Grandmother’s biker gang: the Dalai Mamas. She’s responsible for saving Maggie’s butt on several occasions by calling in her biker buddies for some cheerfully wielded, tough woman savvy. She’s just as liable to flash her gun as she is to show off pictures of her adorable grandchildren.
I was enormously pleased to note that Ms. Arnold has written a sequel to “Hitting the High Notes”. I can’t wait to read it, and I’m begging her to write a prequel, detailing what must have been a steamy, stormy, wild ride of a romance between Brenda and her Big Daddy.
Bluebonnet Fields Forever - Yes, readers, I've changed a lot since my BIO photo was taken four years ago. Chemo will do that to a girl--that and not having a pro-photographer, good lighting and lots of airbrushing (grin). Was briefly in remission but now undergoing another round of treatment to beat The Big C once and for all. Positive vibes in form you choose to send my way are appreciated.
Maggie has such a penchant for finding trouble. I challenge you to not fall in love with this character. This cast is full of such surprises as the tale journeys on. The wit found between the covers will keep you in stitches. I found myself shaking my head at the antics of Maggie and Brenda. If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh, yet keep you on the edge of your seat with mystery, then this is the book for you. - Kimberly,
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
REVIEW for Hitting the High Notes
Told with a similar humoristic style to Janet Evanovich and Sarah Strohmeyer, Hitting the High Notes grabs the reader with a lot of lively dialogue and non-stop action. With a protagonist who needs cold bursts of air to temper her hot flashes, the author has created an amusing, down-to-earth character that many Boomers will find themselves relating to. The story itself is fun and entertaining…. Hitting the High Notes is a good read. Reviewer: Lisa Haselton, Allbooks Reviews
"charming, funny novel" ~RT Reviews
REMINDER: PESTO PACKIN’ MAMA DUE OUT JUNE 1st!!!!
“Nan D. Arnold has written fun contemporary fiction for what she calls “boomer babes” and she certainly delivers on this front. Expect to pick this one up and be unable to put it down until long after bedtime has come and gone, because you just have to know what happens next.”~~Jonita,bookchick (a full review can be read here).
PESTO PACKIN' MAMA: A Review
Check out this great interview with Coffee Time Romance & More. I had such a good time with Kimberly. I hope you enjoy it also!
Were bringing the show out of its summer hiatus for 1 week only Author Nan D Arnold will join host Cat Johnson for 30 minutes of fun questions answers and book chat particularly about her June 1st release PESTO PACKING MAMA.
Want a free copy of Hitting the HighNotes on CD (formatted in pdf; html; epub, etc.)? Then join my newsletter in July (while supply lasts) You will be contacted for snail mail address.
