Shirley Jump has written a book that brings both joy and sadness to the reader. I felt like I was on the street with Katie in the banana suit and on the motorcycle with Matt. This book pulls you into the town of Mercy, Indiana, a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business. But they are also there when you need them. I cried as Matt relived the saddest time of his life. This is Shirley's first book, but I am sure it won't be her last. I see a bright future for this author.

Katie Dole was dressed in a banana suit outside of “A Pair of Posies.” Katie and her best friend and sister-in-law owned the store in Mercy, Indiana. They hoped it would promote the sale of fruit baskets. Sales had dropped and they were hoping this would help them.

Katie was glad that most of her face was covered; the costume was humiliating—walking up and down the sidewalk like a piece of fruit. The last thing Katie wanted was anyone knowing who she was. A sexy man rode up on a motorcycle, stopped at the curb and dismounted. He commented, “Great marketing idea,” as he disappeared into a shop.

The sexy man was Matt Webster, handsome and rich renegade son of the Webster family. Matt had been in trouble from the time he was little. He had married a local girl and shortly after their son's death, they divorced and Matt left town. He had returned after eleven years and was hoping to make the people of Mercy realize that he had changed.

A year ago, Steve Spencer had left Katie at the altar, running away with Katie's bridesmaid. Steve had written Katie telling her the reason that he left was that she was too boring for his taste. Steve and Barbara had returned to Mercy to get married.

Katie was buying groceries when she overheard Steve and Barbara talking about getting the extra cheese popcorn. After a year's worth of anger she was ready to assault them with the extra-large box of microware popcorn when she spied Matt Webster in the store. She asked him to kiss her. The kiss was more than either of them could believe. Steve and Barbara were shocked by Katie's behavior. Katie told them that she and Matt were engaged. Steve and Barbara ask them to come to their wedding and they agree.

Shirley Jump has written a book that brings both joy and sadness to the reader. I felt like I was on the street with Katie in the banana suit and on the motorcycle with Matt. This book pulls you into the town of Mercy, Indiana, a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business. But they are also there when you need them. I cried as Matt relived the saddest time of his life. This is Shirley's first book, but I am sure it won't be her last. I see a bright future for this author.

Helen Slifer
Writers Unlimited Reviewer