Natalia’s review of Rhythm and Bluegrass (Bluegrass, #2) by Molly Harper
Bonnie Turkle, multimedia historian for the Kentucky Commission of Tourism, is dispatched to Mud Creek, a tiny eastern Kentucky town, with few prospects but many oddballs, to rescue important artifacts from McBride’s Music Hall. Now fallen beyond disrepair, McBride’s was once a jewel of the early American music scene, an intersection of the country-western and rhythm and blues circuits. The former owner’s grandson, Will McBride, who also happens to be Mud Creek’s esteemed mayor, would like nothing more than to see the place bull-dozed in favor of a factory that will provide much-needed jobs to his citizens. But Bonnie finds evidence of a legendary musical event at the music hall and her plans to turn it into a museum put Mud Creek’s economic future at risk – not to mention the growing flirtation between the two of them. If Will and Bonnie can’t find common ground, the town’s past and future will be lost.
Since my first introduction to Molly Harper and her unforgettable character of Jane Jameson, I’ve loved all of her books. For me, the best thing about Molly’s books is that they prove what all English teachers tell us growing up. “Have an engaging first sentence!” Molly’s first sentences never fail to draw me in, along with the titles of her chapters. They fit the stories incredibly well, with a hilarious twist! I always really love her characters and their originality. This book contains all of her usual sparks.
Bonnie is a historian, who dedicates her life to preserving artifacts. She is assigned to preserve as much as she can from the McBride Music hall in Mud Creak, Kentucky. Will is the Mayer of mud creak, and wants to tear down the building in order to save his town. I loved this Preface. As I’m a musician, I’m all for preserving the history of our music. Bonnie’s love for history was so real. Her passion was infectious.
The characters of the town were original and hilarious. However, unlike all the rest of Molly’s books, I’m not sure how I feel about the romance. Perhaps the book was too short, but I didn’t get the reason for Bonnie and Will’s attraction. Also, I think I am biased, but I didn’t like Will too much, either. He was so bullheaded! I feel that there was no foundation between them as a couple.
Regardless of my doubts, I still enjoyed this book. It had all the elements of Molly harper that we love. Wonderful humor, a good plot, and hours of entertainment. I am looking forward to her next book coming out later this month.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Series:
This book is available from Pocket Star. You can purchase the book here or here in e-format. This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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