The Pepper in the Gumbo

Men of Cane River, Book 1

By: Mary Jane Hathaway

Narrated by: Daisy Mae

Alice Augustine runs the oldest bookstore in the historic district of Natchitoches and believes technology is the root of most problems. If only more people would turn off the TV and shut down the computer, the world wouldn't be in the mess it's in. She wishes she could get the teens she loves to step away from the screens and hold on to their Creole culture. The only person who seems to understand her passion for classic literature is the mysterious website owner, Browning Wordsworth Keats.

Paul Olivier comes back to his home town determined to show the people of Cane River that he's not the poor, nerdy kid he once was. He's made a fortune designing video games, and opening a giant electronics store right in the snooty historic district will be the crowning glory of his career. Unfortunately, one bookish anti-tech fanatic has decided to do everything she can to keep that from happening. Even worse, she doesn't know that in cyber space, they're kindred spirits.

Alice and Paul clash from the start, but nothing is ever quite as it seems. When secrets are revealed, will there be a second chance - for both of them?

A romance that brings the humor of You've Got Mail and the deep friendships of 84, Charring Cross Road, this romance will touch the classic literature lover in everyone.

A clean Christian inspirational romance, including recipes!

©2014 Mary Munoz (P)2015 Mary Munoz

The best book I've read in a long time!

I loved the whole atmosphere this author and narrator set. The characters were so complete and full. Loved it!!!

really enjoyed it

The first couple chapters did not make me sit and listen in one sitting but once I was a few in I didn't shut it off. it's not because it was a cliffhanger that made me wonder what would happen but because I enjoyed listening to it. I enjoyed that the characters shared moments throughout the entire book. some books the characters barely interact till the last second where they declare their love. I felt like with this book I could enjoy moments between them throughout the book.

What a fun listen!

What made the experience of listening to The Pepper in the Gumbo the most enjoyable?

The story. It was so well told and engaging. The characters and setting absolutely came to life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I would have trouble choosing between Alice and Paul. They're both such well-drawn characters and so perfect for each other. :-)

What does Daisy Mae bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Daisy Mae's accent really put you into this southern setting.

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book and was kind of sad to not find the rest of the series here on audio. Guess I'll have to do it the old fashioned way and read them. ;-)

Southern romance

This book was a good story of people with similar backgrounds finding each other but their romance was fraught with misunderstandings.