Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: Avon Books / HarperCollins
Release Date: March 30, 2004
ISBN: 0060561432
Awards:  
Format Reviewed: Paperback
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Genre:   Fiction/ Chick Lit [Contemporary Romance]
Reviewed: 2004
Reviewer: Shannon I. Bigham
Reviewer Notes:  Review One
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Miranda Blue Calling 
By Michelle Curry Wright

   Miranda Blue decides to go on a “man fast” and flees to the tiny town of Otnip, Colorado, which is so small that it is not printed on maps. In Otnip, Miranda buys a home and starts a small business that permits her to work from home. She runs a tele-companionship service and steers clear of men. Steering clear of people is easy in Otnip because it is a small town and Miranda only has one neighbor nearby.

   However, that neighbor is directly across the street. William Wordsworth “Billy” Steadman is a young widower and a hydro-farmer. Since the death of his beautiful wife Elena, Billy has led a secluded existence in Otnip, tending to his plants and selling them to local restaurants. Billy has been reluctant to get involved with a woman since his wife’s death, but he takes an interest in Miranda as soon as she arrives in town. He likes her mysterious, striking looks: her boy-short hair that is turning prematurely white and her ice gray eyes.

    Billy attempts to befriend Miranda and frequently calls upon her at her home, bringing thoughtful little gifts or words of cheer. Miranda is polite but rebuffs Billy if he stays for more than a few minutes. Miranda is content to care for her dogs and run her business, alone, or so she tries to convince herself. Circumstances slowly lead to Miranda feeding Billy’s fish and then he is in turn caring for her dogs. Can they both let their guard down at the same time and open up to each other?

    Miranda Blue Calling takes awhile to get into the “meat” of the story. It starts a bit slowly, similar to the pace of life at Otnip, but the plot lures the reader in by midpoint in the book. The writing is intelligent and thoughtful, transcending your average contemporary romance or chick lit book. The townsfolk are intriguing and add to the interest of the story, as does Miranda’s quirky, world traveling sister, Vivianne. Miranda Blue Calling is a fun, upbeat novel that is a great beach read for the summer.