Thursday, August 27, 2015

Ever Find Yourself in Heavy Weather?

Heavy Weather
by Normandie Fischer


In this book, Normandie Fischer revisits a familiar town in her second Carolina Coast novel. Though each story is completely independent, they share a location and and a few characters. I like how she brings smaller characters to the foreground in the second book and seamlessly eases other characters toward the sidelines, while still maintaining the integrity of each personality in the new story.

I’ve always been one to start at the beginning of a series and only read them in order. NOT NECESSARY in this case. The stories stand on their own. Fischer addresses tough issues like abuse and infertility, and snags the reader into an emotional whirlwind. Credit goest to Fischer's great talent for managing to keep story at the forefront without letting the issues take over. 

The setting is Beaufort, NC and Fischer’s experience living on boats meshes beautiful details into this seaside culture. The small town atmosphere of Heavy Weather reminds me a little of Mitford (Jan Karon’s fictional town), full of 3-D characters driven by their storm-sized hearts.You’ll wish for an afternoon sail before you finish this book, or at the very least, a tall glass of sweet tea. 

Beyond the beautiful setting and great characters, Fischer keeps the reader engaged with a good dose of suspense and a great plot. It’s the perfect novel for reading in the summer, but if it’s cold outside where you live, this story might just warm you from the inside out.

Do you enjoy small-town fiction? What's the best part about these stories? Leave us a comment for a chance to win this week's prize! If you'd like to learn more about Normandie Fischer, check out her website: http://www.normandiefischer.com.

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14 comments:

  1. Terrill RosadoAugust 27, 2015 at 3:37 AM

    Sometimes I just really enjoy a slower paced novel with a slower build up of the romance or drama. Many times that is what you get with small town fiction. I'm not one of those readers or movie watchers that need suspense and angst from the get-go to keep me hooked.

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    1. Normandie FischerAugust 27, 2015 at 9:45 AM

      Terrill, this one does have a bit of angst, but the small-town pace and the caring folk work to mitigate the messes. I hope you'll give it a try.

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    2. Terrill RosadoAugust 28, 2015 at 5:49 AM

      Oh, don't get me wrong, Normandie. I enjoy drama and angst, I just don't need it to stay committed to what I'm reading. :) Your book sounds fantastic and I will definitely will read it.

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    3. Terrill RosadoAugust 28, 2015 at 5:52 AM

      BTW, I have Becalmed and plan on reading it very soon.

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    4. UnknownAugust 29, 2015 at 10:29 PM

      Sometimes a slower paced small town novels are great.

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  2. Mary PrestonAugust 27, 2015 at 4:28 AM

    I do enjoy small-town fiction. I find that you get to know the characters very well.

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  3. Normandie FischerAugust 27, 2015 at 9:37 AM

    Lovely review, Jennifer! Thank you. I had a grand time heading back to Beaufort to see what happened to some of the characters there and will revisit that setting soon with two more stories that are working their way through my hard drive. (Once a totally different book--where we return to Italy and visit the Middle East--hits the shelves in November!)
    Your readers can learn more about these at www.normandiefischer.com

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  4. Melanie BackusAugust 27, 2015 at 10:36 AM

    I love small town stories. Everyone knows everyone, watches out for each other and come together when push comes to shove!

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  5. SamanthaAugust 27, 2015 at 12:12 PM

    This books sounds very good! My favorite book are the ones dealing with though issues :)

    I LOVE stories set in small towns. It makes me want to live in a small town :D

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  6. Deanna StevensAugust 27, 2015 at 6:21 PM

    I do enjoy small town stories! Living in a small town most of my life I know it can be wonderful or a curse! I think your book sounds really good, I like a little suspense too!

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  7. Library LadyAugust 29, 2015 at 5:26 PM

    I grew up in a small town where everyone knew who you were and everything about you. Unfortunately, the small town I grew up in is no more. It takes anywhere from 30 min. to an hour or more to get to where you want to go. but ........ it's home to me so I'm in it for the long haul.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. UnknownAugust 29, 2015 at 10:31 PM

    I love small town novels. They just have a nice vibe to them.

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