Being Ethel

In a World That Loves Lucy

By: Michele Olson

Narrated by: Michele Olson

1979 is getting on Piper Penn’s nerves. Struggling to survive past tragedies, she finds comfort in Old Hollywood movies in her native San Francisco. Seeing no reason to adhere to man-made rules after her first-hand look at the ultimate in hypocrisy, Piper does what she wants, and trouble follows.

An unexpected inheritance on a tiny Midwest island in the Straits of Mackinac provides an escape. The mandated stay at the island’s glorious Grand Hotel gives her spirits a much-needed boost, especially when she catches the eye of a handsome groundskeeper. Taking part as an extra during the filming of the island movie Somewhere in Time adds to her excitement about this turn in her life.

When mysterious accusations and headstrong residents send her into a tailspin, she finds friendship from a quirky, I Love Lucy loving nun who challenges her embittered look at life and faith. Can Piper survive the baffling attempts to derail her inheritance before it’s too late or has she fallen for a well-planned ruse while falling in love?

©2020 Michele Olson (P)2020 Michele Olson

A Happy Reading Surprise

I love everything about this book. It was recommended to me and I thought a friend would like it because she and Piper both love old Hollywood movies. I had to buy one for myself so we could talk about it. But right away I laughed and loved Piper Penn. her problems always seemed offset by her fun quotes from old movies and letter-journaling to long gone movie stars.

Then she moved to Macanac Island and the fun, sweetnesss, and lovely learning about the Bible and Jesus began. Sure it seemed her problems multiplied but God was looking after her and....
Well you must read this uplifting, funny, at times mysterious, devine and squeaky-clean romantic comedy, straight out of I Love Lucy.

Being Ethel so enjoyable

I was drawn in from the first sentence. Following Piper through her adventure was so enjoyable. The descriptions of the island and The Grand Hotel made me wish I was there. The story was well written because I cared about each character.

The writer was very creative in her character's expressions and personalities. Fun and funny. I would definitely be interested in more books by this author.

The narration was the best I've heard on Audible.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has been stung by "religious" people. Sister Mary Martha had a genuine love for Jesus and helps the read to understand the steps to getting to know Him and to believe that He truly cares.

The last line in the story was a great surprise and makes one review Piper’s journey back to her faith.

The story was very relatable. I felt like I read a comedy, drama, inspirational, and a mystery-romance all in one. Clever ending!!