Review: Stealing Lumby by Gail Fraser

Stealing Lumby by Gail Fraser (Book 2 in the Lumby Series) (My review of Book 1)
Publisher: New American Library (Penguin Group)
Genre: Fiction
Trade Paperback 318 pages
Book Source: FSB Associates
My Rating: 95/100

From the author's website:

Back in the 1950s, Lumby had a brief moment of fame when renowned artist Dana Porter made two of its picturesque barns the subject of his greatest painting. In Stealing Lumby, the town is jolted from its comfortable obscurity once again when the famous painting disappears and the national media comes a-calling in an effort to solve the mystery. Things go from bad to worse when one of the barns itself goes missing; some see dollar signs in all the attention but others just want to get things back to the way they've always been. There is, after all, the Summer Solstice Moo Doo Iditarod to plan for. All of Lumby's quirkiness comes alive again in this delightful sequel to The Lumby Lines. Faithful readers will recognize old friends, enjoy meeting new ones, and relish all the antics as the story unfolds-as pieces of the stolen barn show up in the strangest of places, a schooner goes sailing down Main Street, and the famous artist considers recreating his masterpiece in a way that amazes all.

My Thoughts:

In this sequel to the Lumby Lines, we once again find ourselves in the small friendly town of Lumby. Familiar faces abound, such as Mark and Pam Walker, the Monks of Montis Abbey, Hank the Flamingo, and other prominent Lumbians. In this story, we are introduced to other residents of Lumby, such as Kate the owner of the barns of Lumby, which were inspiration for the stolen Barns of Lumby painting. We also meet Dana Porter, the octogenarian artist, famous for said stolen painting. We read about his history with Lumby and why it holds a piece of his heart.


Dana's story is interesting because he was in Lumby for only a short time in his youth, but what a special time it was. Lumby and in particular, one of it's most lovable residents, left an indelible mark on Dana. Spending time in Lumby enabled Dana to create the most famous painting of his career. I think his experiences in Lumby also changed his perspective on life.

Lumbians are good, kind hearted people who strive to see the best in everything. They help each other out in times of need, and they have a very true sense of community and family. They also know how to have fun in their own unique way too, such as the Moo Doo Iditarod, which is cow racing. Yes, cow racing. That part of the story was very cute.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters and goings-on in Lumby always put me in a happy place. Lumby is my escape from the big city, and I always enjoy a chance to feel warm and fuzzy and happy.
Here is a quote which I think sums up what this fictional community is about and why I enjoy visiting there:
"But now looking out at all of you, the community of Lumby who cared enough to gather tonight, words come easily- words about the depth and richness of the quality of our lives and how one act of stupidity and greed could never penetrate what you have made together with family and friends."  pg. 128

My Rating: 95/100

 2010 Challenges Met: 100+

Thanks to Caitlin from FSB Associates for my review copy.

 

I am an Amazon Associate.