Recipes for Easy Living

Valentine #5

by Curtiss Ann Matlock

Curtiss Ann Matlock takes readers back to Valentine, Oklahoma, to see Christmas through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Corrine, a girl who has everything she wants, including a happy life with her aunt Marilee and "Papa" Tate, her beloved horses and an "almost boyfriend, Ricky Dale. But her birth mother, Anita--who abandoned Corrine--is back in town and determined to rebuild her relationship with her daughter. Will Corrine's heart be broken all over again, or will it be the best Christmas ever?

Genres: Fiction, Christmas, The United States Of America, Chick Lit, Holiday, Contemporary, Coming Of Age

400 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

About the author

Curtiss Ann Matlock is the author of 40 novels. With over 7 million copies in print worldwide, her books have earned rave reviews, spots on the USA TODAY bestseller list and numerous awards.

Born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, into a family of avid readers, Curtiss Ann began reading before entering first grade and was writing vignettes while still in elementary school. Her writing career began in her early thirties, with publication of two small, warm-hearted articles about her life, for which she received a total of $100. She was so enthused at this success that she immediately started writing her first novel. She also enrolled in the professional writing program at the University of Oklahoma, studying under the distinguished writer and teacher Jack Bickham and bestselling mystery novelist, Carolyn Hart. In her second year of study, Curtiss Ann experienced the dream of selling the first novel she ever wrote, a romance, to Harlequin Books.

Told with a strong Southern voice, her insightful stories portray the uncommon valor of everyday people and the humor, heartbreak, and shining graces of small-town life. In 1999,Lost Highways was published by Mira Books. The book was nominated for a RITA Award in women’s fiction and began the warm-hearted and funny series about the lives of the beloved characters in fictional Valentine, Oklahoma. The sixth book of the Valentine series, Sweet Dreams at the Goodnight Motel, was a 2005 Oklahoma Book Award Finalist.

Chin Up, Honey, number seven in the series, was released May 2009.

Curtiss Ann currently lives with her family and assorted pets in rural south Alabama.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feel good book.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

No where on the cover does this mention that it is number 5 in a series or I wouldn't have picked it up in the first place. Corrine lives with her aunt, uncle and cousin in an apartment over the local newspaper in a small town called Valentine. How and why she got there, who all these people are and how they are connected to each other was obviously covered in the earlier books. In this one, Christmas is coming to Valentine and Corrine's mother is coming as well. Lots of small town - circa 1950s mixed with 1990s flavor. Too aw, shucks, m'am folksie for me.

[Annu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recipes for easy living by Curtiss Ann Matlock is a marvelous book about a young girl called Cornie, it captures the inner struggle s of a child budding into a young woman, and it revolves around Christmas, what timings right! :) the craziness of siblings, can't live with them can't live without them, all seemed magical as well as real. I'm giving this a thumbs up and add it to your reading list request.

[Sherri Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice story with loveable characters.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome read and it was a way showing family can make mistakes and then try to fix them.

[Ken Bickley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all the books Bonnie has urged me to read, this is probably the least likely one I would have just picked up and read on my own. I mean, c'mon! Manly guys don't read books with "recipe" in the title! But it turns out to be a real gem. Curtiss Ann Matlock is purtnear as good as Jan Karon. (That's East Texan for "on a par with".) And that's high praise coming from me, folks. Matlock remembers the difficulties of being twelve years old so well. And Corinne has to deal with that angst as well as with being raised by her aunt in Valentine, Oklahoma, because her mother has just dumped her. But Christmas is coming, and her mother, Anita, wants to come back to Valentine (from New Orleans) for the first time in over two years. Is this going to spoil Christmas for them all? Well, you'll have to read it and find out.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recipes for Easy Living is told from the perspective of Corraine, a 13th year old girl, who loves horses. thinks about having a boyfriend and wants to get her ears pierced and wear lip gloss. She lives with her Aunt and her new husband. Corrine loves Valentine Ok where hse has lived for 3 years since her Mother gave custody to her sister Marlee. christmas is coming and Corrine's mother writes she is comming for Christmas. Corrine loves her aunt and isn't sure how she feels about seeing her mother. a lot is going on in the little town as people start recieving money from someone who signs the note, Santa claus. the recipes and the spirit of Christmas make it a sweet read.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues the story of Corrine, niece of Marilee Holloway. Corrine's mother was in abusive relationships and called her sister to come get Corrine. During the 3 years Corrine is with Marilee, she only hears from her mother sporadically. Then one Christmas she comes to visit and maybe stay. Corrine doesn't know which person to ask for permission to go out, etc.

Corrine is also starting her teenage years which adds to the angst.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite an odd book at first. I wondered if it was 'for real' as it was so simplistic - I wondered if I'd picked up a child's book by mistake but then I got into the old-fashioned style of it and was reminded what it was like to be 13 years old innocently pottering through life.
I wouldn't recommend buying this book but if it fell into your lap it might be worth a read.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thirteen-year old Corrine is being raised by her aunt & uncle. Surpisinglym, her mother comes for an extended visit. Corrine fit into her new life in Valentine, OK, and isn't sure if she wants to move back with her mother, that is, if her mother asks her to. Corrine loves horses and has a crush on the boy who she helps clean the stables.

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just randomly picked this up at the library and I'm so glad I did. It was a fun book and it has some great recipes in it that I'm wanting to try! You'll see how their incorporated in the story when you read it.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok book but didn't like it as much as the others I have read. Narrated by a 13 year old girl, it lacked the personalities of Matlock's other books. It's set once again in Valentine, Oklahoma, but is further back in time that her other books.

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A continuation of the series, and one of my favorites so far. These are truly great books, so down-home, inspiring and humorous. I love all the characters, especially Corrine, Willie Lee, Aunt Vella, and so many more. Good recipes too! Love,love,love Curtiss Ann Matlock's writing style.

[Claudia Cheyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been on my shelf for a while. I picked it up not realizing it is a Christmas book (the cover doesn't give a clue). I've enjoyed everything I've read by this author. "Recipes" was a perfect choice to get me in the holiday spirit.

[Lanette]

This is definitely a stand-alone book. I never would have known it was a part of a series if I hadn't googled the author. It was a cute read and I loved all of the characters, but I think it's more of a brainless 'beach read' than a bookclub pick.

[Elissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

All of her books are about life and love in a small southern town. I would recommend them if you're into that. They're easy reading and forgettable, but enjoyable.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty much the same enjoyment as with all her books!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just picked it out from the library and it turned out to be an easy read from the 12 yr old perspective, also had faith in it which was a nice surprise

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book, with its sweet characters and town.

[Jenny Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was like taking a pleasant stroll. Nothing too exciting, or breath taking, but peaceful and pleasant. Will probably read more of her work.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books about the South and/or set in the SOuth. Matlock does an excellent job of getting in the head af a 12 year old girl on the brink of adulthood.

[Eileen]

A good book for those who want to read a feel good story.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

very cute

[Mary-Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all of Curtis Ann Matlock's books. The characters are great - I thought her pre-teen in this book was so cute and took me back to those years!

[Dawn]

Awesome !!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a good read. Pleasant, easy reading, nothing knock out great, but just a plain good read.

[Corynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun to read about someone who has my name!!!

[Gaylon Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I have enjoyed all of the books She has written.

[Cori Rampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Heartwarming Christmas story!!!

[Marcia Harbour · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It kept me wondering through out the whole story.