The Promise of Lumby

Lumby #4

by Gail Fraser

Fourth in the acclaimed series about a small town with [ a bit of romance, a bit of mystery, and a multitude of quirky and endearing characters[? ("Booklist").
At Montis Inn, the success of Pam Walker[?'s on-location restaurant is leaving her overworked and frazzled. Meanwhile, Lumby[?'s only veterinarian, Dr. Ellen Campbell, has decided to sell her business, and the townsfolk are in full panic mode. Who could possibly replace her?
When animal doctor Tom Candor arrives in Lumby, he seems to be the answer to everyone[?'s prayers. But some residents are not so trusting of the shy, pensive vet, especially newspaper owner Dennis Beezer, who is determined to expose Tom[?'s hidden secrets. The repercussions lead to an unpredictable, over-the-top adventure, and a lesson the people of Lumby won[ t soon forget[?]

Genres: Fiction

480 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Gail Fraser is the author of the Lumby series, which includes "The Lumby Lines," "Stealing Lumby," "Lumby’s Bounty," "The Promise of Lumby," "Lumby on the Air," "Lost in Lumby" and "Between Lumby and God" (early coming 2018). Along with her husband, folk artist Art Poulin, Gail also co-authored the celebrated non-fiction illustrated hardcover and ebook entitled "Finding Happiness in Simplicity: Everyday Joys for Simple Living Throughout the Year" (Globe Pequot 3/2012).

Prior to changing her life and becoming a novelist in 2004, Gail had a long and successful career in 'corporate America' holding senior executive and upper management positions in several Fortune 500 and start-up corporations. During her career, in addition to living throughout the United States, Gail traveled to 22 countries and had extended stays in Australia, Japan, Brazil and several countries in Europe.

Gail was born and raised in Rye, New York, and attended the Rye High School and then majored in English and received an AA from Colby Sawyer College. After graduating, Gail studied at the University of London and returned to Skidmore College where she earned her BA in English Education. She completed her MBA at the University of Connecticut, with graduate work done at Harvard University.

Gail and Art have built their own 'Lumby' at Lazy Goose Farm in rural upstate New York. Featured in several magazines, newspapers and on PBS, Lazy Goose is a 40-acre gentleman's farm that is demarcated by a 200-year old stone wall, and has views of the Catskills, Adirondack and Vermont mountains. Gail is also an avid heirloom tomato gardener, long-distance swimmer and flute player. When not following her passions, Gail tends to their orchard and beehives most every morning.

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have rated it higher had I not read the last 1/8 of the book. All the resolutions to the “loose ends” seemed way too contrived! The “straw” was when the moose had a broken leg which mysteriously disappeared upon the vet’s examination of him and was never mentioned again!

I enjoyed the characters and laughed out loud at some points, but even that couldn’t save my rating!

I didn’t mind how townspeople conveniently found their niches and was enjoying the way the difference circumstances opened up these opportunities, but, like I said, things got a bit too sappy at the end for my taste.

[Leila Kern · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book of this series and I’m still hooked wanting to know more about the escapades of the town and its residents. Some tears but a lot of laughter and everything turns all right in the end. For those who want to escape from everyday life and lose oneself in a small Pacific Northwest town, I heartily recommend this series! I don’t wish to give away any of the stories; you will have to read the books for yourself! So humorous and unbelievable at times and a fun read!

[Melissa Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhere between the Elmwood Springs in Fannie Flagg's imagination and the fictional town CBS introduced us to in Northern Exposure, the story is light and the characters don't take themselves too seriously. Well, except maybe Hank. ;)

[Johnna Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great and entertaining Lumby adventure

This series always makes me laugh at some point and makes me nostalgic for small town life and neighbors who really care and look out for each other. Another great adventure

[Kathleen Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful book about a small town in the northwestern part of the country. They face a crisis as their veterinarian is retiring, but the new veterinarian brings some concerns to the town.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Live the characters

[Tom Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warm hearted book about the residents of Lumby. Not my particular fare, but it is well written and fairly interesting. Unfortunately, I doubt I will be back for further visits.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Promise of Lumby" by Gail Fraser
(from the back cover)



Hidden in the foothills of a bucolic landscape are the charming village of Lumby and its quirky inhabitants. The town mascot, Hank, a pink flamingo who thinks he's a bald eagle, came to Lumby long ago because of its mountains, while others still come for the promise of a brand-new start. But what happens when the town's warm welcome turns cool?

At Montis Inn, the success of Pam Walker's on-location restaurant is leaving her overworked and frazzled, while her husband Mark's fascination with Internet auctions leads to some outlandish purchases, one of which requires military clearance. Meanwhile, Lumby's only veterinarian, Dr. Ellen Campbell, has decided to sell her business, and the townsfolk are in full panic mode. Who will tell blind Jeremiah that his old horse Isabella is eating rabbit feed, and who will help little Timmy convince his parents that a puppy is the perfect pet?

When animal doctor Tom Candor arrives in Lumby, he seems the answer to everyone's prayers. But some residents are not so trusting of the shy, pensive vet, especially newspaper owner Dennis Beezer, who is determined to expose Tom's secrets. The repercussions lead to an unpredictable, over-the-top adventure--and a heartfelt lesson the people of Lumby won't soon forget.

MY REVIEW
This book is quirky, funny, and heart warming. From Hank, the pink flamingo to Jimmy, the mayor of Lumby. All the residents are very lovable, even Jimmy and Dennis. Which leads to Mac(Mackinize) the town carpenter to think about leaving Lumby, because she has found her soul mate in Tom. As Tom and Mac leave to take a vacation and confront his past, the residents has turned into an angry mob. Jimmy and Dennis have to do something to draw Tom back to Lumby. They come up with the idea of a Zoo. Which the monks already have a head start on, via a recent magazine interview, they are now receiving exotic animals from around the world as gifts. As Tom is heading back to Lumby to get a few things he left behind, there is an accident that calls him back to practice his vet skills. This is a series of books by Gail Fraser. This is the fourth book in the series, which I haven't read. But it wasn't necessary, the book fills in all the little things so you don't have to read the other ones to know what is going on in the little town of Lumby.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading another book in the Lumby series now feels like returning to visit old friends. The adventures at Montis Inn and Saint Cross never fail to delight me while also giving me something to contemplate. The main story in The Promise of Lumby though is that of Thomas Candor, a man seeking to forget his past. Fraser actually begins her story not in Lumby but with Tom as events unfold in a way that destroys his marriage and potentially his career. This was a great way to reveal information central to the story but that the majority of the characters would not discover until much later in the book. Revealing this information at the beginning helps to understand Tom, what he is seeking from Lumby, and why he reacts to things the way he does.

The one flaw that I found with this Lumby book was how quickly the town initially welcomed Tom. Yes, they desperately needed a veterinarian to replace Ellen but in every book there have been comments about how Lumby doesn't like outsiders. This was certainly demonstrated in the reservations the town displayed when Pam and Mark Walker began renovating Montis Inn. On the other hand, Tom seemed to have the trust of the town before it was earned. Only one person seemed to proceed with caution as Dennis Beezer's reporter instincts told him that Tom was hiding something. The quick acceptance seemed a little out of character for the town.

Overall, this was another fun Lumby tale and I'm glad that I discovered this series. At this point I only have one book left to read and review - Lumby on the Air - and then I'll have to wait for the next book to come out.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first received this book I was not too excited and thought the title was kind of strange (not having read any other Lumby books) but I am so glad I received this now! Otherwise I would have missed out on a wonderful book filled with a quirky town full of people you will come to love. I love how Hank, the town’s flamingo mascot, ends up every where and is attributed all of these great actions. The antics of the towns people will put a smile on your face even as you are shaking your head. I will admit that the one character I had a hard time with was Pam Walker’s husband. I know he was supposed to come off as so clueless that he loveable but I just found him irritating and thought love must be blind in order for Pam to stay with him. Other than that this was a great book that I highly recommend you pick up if you need a laugh and are willing to suspend reality and enter the entertaining world of Lumby.

[Lydia Presley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally I feel like Fraser has gotten back to where she captured me in The Lumby Lines. I sped through this book and found myself giggling over and over again.

Now, I will say this - some of the situations, as is normal by this point if you have read the other Lumby books, are a bit fantastic. I have a hard time believing koalas and other exotic animals are just being sent to this little, quaint town, but - I went along with it just because it's good, wholesome fun.

I really enjoyed the budding romance in this one and I enjoyed the different opening that was used. I'm happy that I finally feel like the series is back on track, especially since I have an ARC of the upcoming Lumby book to be released next month.

If you enjoy Jan Karon's Mitford series, this is definitely a series you should look into - it's not quite as in depth as Karon's books are, but it's fun, quirky and the newspaper alone makes it worth the read.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the series. I am thourougly enjoying these Lumby books. I just started this one and I can't wait to finish it so I can get to the last book in the series.

Just finished and like the other three books in the series that I've read, I loved it. It would be amazing to find a quirky town with quirky citizens. This book has a few storylines and as usual, there is a love connection involved. One can't wait to find out what happens. It's a great read and the additions at the end of the book are very interesting and amusing.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Promise of Lumby is light, entertaining reading. I have read all of the books in the series. Booklist Magazine compares these titles to Jan Karon's Mitford series.

I do not agree with this. Karon's books are much better written and the plots and characters are more highly developed.

The Lumby books are great if you just want a pleasant book to make you feel good and laugh a little.

[Eldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite someone "jettisoning" down the road and a mention of "impressionable" grandeur, (jetting and impressive? - heads up editors!) and confusion of little Timmy/Tommy Beezer's name and the name of the town near Saint Cross abbey (Franklin/Hamilton) AND Jimmy the Jerk and Dennis the Despicable it was still good to visit Lumby once again.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

These books were recommended to me because I enjoy Fannie Flagg's books. While the first two Lumby books were okay, I soon recognized the formulaic writing that would ultimately result in a romance between two characters. I could easily predict what would happen by the first few chapters and the fun left Lumby.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Animal doctor Tom Candor arrives in Lumby trying to become a part of the community however Dennis Beezer the newspaper owner doesn't quite trust him and Dennis sets out to expose Tom's past life. Dennis lives to regret his mistrust and actions. Pam hires a chef for the Inn but finds it very difficult to give up control of the kitchen.

This book was hard to get started but I stuck with it.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second time through. I enjoyed it, got into it right away. Most of the characters are super enjoyable for me to delve back into their lives, still seems like Mark is a bit too much of an accident waiting to happen type guy, but i guess for many, that's part of his charm. Several interesting story lines, ending was excellent.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is book 4 in a series. Start with The Lumby Lines, if you wish to read the series. These are funny, serious, quirky, and entertaining. The series is set in a small town in the Northwest, and the characters are wonderful.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favorite of the Lumby series!!! If you're an animal lover looking for an escape to a small town, this is a great book. I've actually read this one twice. Just hilarious and I still love the monks. When is the 5th book of the series coming out?

[Terrah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been waiting for a while for this to come out! It's the fourth book in the series. If you've ever read the Mitford books, it's a similar style.... laid-back small town cozy fiction.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy these Lumby books - kind of like a Northwest version of the Jan Karon books.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just found Fraser's Lumby books and devoured The Promise of Lumby. So comfortable and pleasurable to read. Can't wait to see which other ones the library has!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up in a small community, I loved ready about the quirks of a small town. I'll definitely put the rest of the Lumby books on my "to-read" list.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lumby series is filled with such quirky characters. Always a fun story with some serious moments.

[Davney Stahley · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Lumbys are fun!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fourth in the Lumby series. The town's new vet does not receive a warm welcome.

[Dodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

just like reading about Lumby

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. If you liked the Mitford series you will like this one too.

[Glenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable journey to Lumby.

[Nan Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. All the usual quirky and warm characters both human and animal and the bonds that hold them together.