DOLLAR DAZE by Karin Gillespie
Novelist Karin Gillespie continues her story of the "Bottom Dollar Girls" in her latest book DOLLAR DAZE. Once again she visits the characters she created and explored in her previous works BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR and A DOLLAR SHORT, and once again she creates a work full of humor and heart. Gillespie knows her 'girls" and she knows how to entertain readers with their exploits. DOLLAR DAZE is another winner for this gifted writer.
The "bottom dollar girls" consist of Mavis, Attalee, Elizabeth, Birdie and Mrs. Tobias. Mavis is the owner/operator of the Bottom Dollar Emporium in Cayboo Creek, South Carolina. Attalee is one of her employees. Elizabeth formerly worked with her. Birdie and Mrs. Tobias are regular customers.
Elizabeth is the baby of the group. She is a young wife and new mother who is having a hard time adjusting to her life as a stay at home mom. Her husband Timothy thinks she is doing a great job but Elizabeth is slowing losing her mind; and the prospect of doing this for years and years to come is more than she can bear. She needs to find an outside outlet for her energy and talents - and quickly!
Mavis, Attalee, Birdie and Mrs. Tobias are all fifty plus. They are also widows, and have been for some time. They seem to think romance is out of their lives for good - except for Attalee. At eight-six she is going strong and has a new "younger" boyfriend, seventy-something Dooley. Attalee is in love and wants her friends to have some love in their lives too. She introduces Mrs. Tobias to Dooley's friend Rusty, who at first glance seems absolutely wrong for her but on second glance is absolutely right.
Mavis and Birdie are struck with Cupid's arrows when a man named Brew moves back to town. He was the high school heartthrob they both remember, and he starts showering them both with attention. This is good for their egos but bad for their friendship. The more they see Brew, the less they see each other.
Yes love is in the air in Cayboo Creek, and Gillespie lets it all flow warmly and interestingly. She also adds a heavy dollop of humor to the proceedings. The humor can get a little raucous at times but nothing that would offend most readers.
Karin Gillespie has created characters in the "Steel Magnolias" mode. These are warm, wonderful women who love men, love life and definitely love each other. Their stories are universal in nature but told with a southern flavor.
If you have never entered the world of Cayboo Creek, pick up DOLLAR DAZE and go there for a visit. You are bound to have a reading experience that will have you laughing, crying and having a high old time.
DOLLAR DAZE is published by Simon and Schuster. It contains 339 pages and sells for $19.95.