As I’ve said when I finally did a blog post about meeting Erin Morgenstern (eek!), I’m slowly, but surely, working my way through author events that I was able to attend in my pre-blog days!

Today’s catch-up is about Lisa Patton. She’s the author of Whistling Dixie in a Nor’easter and Yankee Doodle Dixie. Both are great books.

Leelee (the main character) finds herself in a bit of a pickle. Leelee’s husband, Baker, wants to move to Vermont and buy a ski lodge- he’s ready for a new adventure, ready to leave Memphis, TN. So, Leelee gives in (because she loves Baker) and uproots life from Memphis, TN to Vermont- along with the 2 children they have.

Leelee pictures a good life in Vermont, once they get settled; but it never quite gets to what she pictured. The weather is different, the attitudes and customs are different- it’s the ultimate fish out of water story.

Leelee forges on,though, and through some mishaps, sad news, and other events- actually realizes that she can do this, she can run an inn in Vermont. But when the opportunity to come back South presents itself- does she run back home or stay in Vermont?

In Yankee Doodle Dixie- we find Leelee has returned to Memphis. She’s left behind Vermont and the unpleasant memories that happened. She’s also left behind a chef that makes her heart melt (something she thought would be impossible after discovering Baker was a louse). Leelee begins to put life back together in Tennessee, finding a job, hanging with her best girlfriends, and just trying to be a good mom.

Through a series of events, Leelee decides that she should and can open a bed and breakfast in Tennessee. So she does, and with help from friends, she begins the process. Also, unbeknownst to her, the best friends let a certain chef in Vermont know there is a job opportunity in Tennessee, if one was willing and able to consider moving.

There will be a 3rd book in the Leelee series-not sure when it’s being released; but hopefully 2013 will find a happy ending for Leelee.

Lisa Patton- sweet as all get out, and so appreciative of the fans.

Both books are great- they are light and easy reading. So make like Leelee, get a peach daiquiri drink, and enjoy the sweetness of the drink with some good reading.