Gumbeaux


Fiction - Chick Lit
176 Pages
Reviewed on 05/11/2011
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

Kimberly Vargas manages the Human Resources department for Modern Postcard in Carlsbad, California. She has created various instructional design content for companies such as Capital One and GEICO.

Kimberly lives in San Diego County with her husband Michael and their three dogs. This is her first novel.

http://www.goodreads.com/kimberlyvargas

    Book Review

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Her name was Mary Fait. She was the granddaughter of Jean-Luc Fait, one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century. So why was she in the office of Dr. Alicia Baldwin? Baldwin's first impression of Mary was that she was cold and rude. Mary gave the doctor her diaries to read. While most diaries are in chronological order, Mary color coded her diaries according to her mood. Mary told the doctor she had a fracture in her soul; it was as though a piece of her was missing. After reading the diaries the doctor knew where the to key to Mary's problems was hidden.

I've tried to be careful with this review not to give away too much. The author took a unique and a bit risky path to tell this tale. She allowed the reader to partake of Mary Veronica's diaries. Through Mary's thoughts the reader is transported back to 1989. Mary Veronica escaped to Louisiana for her education. Through the diary we are introduced to several characters and much of the culture of the area. At times life was an escape and at times it was an adventure. I found myself smiling at some of the scenes, and toward the end, I found myself in tears. Kudos to the author for taking such an original approach.

The more I read the more I wanted to read. The author successfully created characters that I cared about. I liked Mary, and I wanted to see her find happiness. Richard was not my favorite character; I thought he was rather pompous. Bubba, Lou and the other locals at the Gumbeaux had wonderful personalities. The plot has several twists and turns. This is not a high octane book, but it is easy to recommend it.

Michael

The author does a fantastic job evoking emotion. She succeeds at taking you on a trip for the price of a book. Fantastic read for anyone who likes reading.

Jessica

This book was a lot funnier than I would have expected! Every enjoyable. Made me want to go to New Orleans and go on a culinary tour of the town.

Elizabeth

Having spent the first 30 years of my life "on the bayou" I am an authority on Louisiana characters. The characters in Gumbeaux absolutely hit the mark. These ladies and gents are as entertaining as it gets. The writing makes me long for mint julips and magnolias. Thank you Kimberly Vargas, Gumbeaux is truly a love letter to my home!!!!

Jennifer J.

This is a very easy read about a young woman and her experiences in the early 1990's while attending college in a small town in Louisiana. The story reads as a series of diary entries which chronicle the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the main character during this time in her life. The novel's title refers to a cajun restaurant in which the main character works as a waitress. The colorful descriptions of the town of Bayou Bend, the college, its inhabitants and the surrounding areas paint a vivid and amusing tale of life in the South.

Jolinda

I found this a very fun and fast read, a great diversion from the "real world" and a great imaginary journey to a most interesting and time place. The characters are rich and rewarding and the plot kept me on my toes and eager for more. Can't wait for the sequel :)