Doesn't She Look Natural?

Fairlawn #1

by Angela Elwell Hunt

How do you cope when God asks you to bury a dream? In this new series by best-selling author Angela Hunt, readers will meet Jennifer Graham, the no-nonsense chief of staff for a Virginia senator who quits her job after a divorce and finds herself an unemployed single mom. Forced to live with her mother until she can find work on Capitol Hill that does not involve her gregarious ex-husband, her efforts are stymied until she learns that she has inherited a funeral home in picturesque Mt. Dora. Jennifer journeys to the small Florida town with her two sons and her mother, never dreaming that within a mortuary she will discover she has inherited a rewarding career that teaches her far more about life than death.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Inspirational

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.

Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.

Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.

Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.

Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.

In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.

Reviews

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realistic and interesting with fine characterizations, equally heartening and painful. A pleasant and worthwhile Christian-based read. TTS-enabled eBook ©2007 Free for Kindle on Amazon for limited time (dated 3/26/15). Highly recommended.

[Sunnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give it a solid 3.75 based on how unique the story was. A thirty-something couple, based near the U.S. capital, divorce over his affair with the children’s nanny. The wife, who also has a top level job in the government is grieving the loss of her marriage, the loss of their love, the betrayal of her husband and their nanny, and struggling to now become a full time parent to her two young sons. Wife gives up her job as agreed upon by the couple prior to their marriage blowing up. Now, she has moved into her mother’s home. Okay, sounds like the same old story with a twist. Wife receives the news that she is the sole inheritor of a long lost uncle’s estate. The estate consists of a large Victorian house and the family business contained in one part of the house. No ghosts, just the memory of her ex-husband. Wife decides to spend the summer on the estate, helping to spruce up whatever needs to be done, not even knowing what type of business it is, before selling the place and returning to her mother’s house. She makes the move across a half dozen states with her 2 boys and her mother in tow, all eager to explore the temporary home until she can fix it up and sell it. How’s that for a lengthy wind up before I even get started on the good parts? LOL Now, short and sweet. The business (which wife had imagined as an accounting firm or a doctor’s suite of offices complete with a mini operating theater, turns out to be a funeral home! Are there any bodies currently on the property? Are they really supposed to sleep there? Is she expected to run the place not knowing anything about the mortuary business? Mother can’t even admonish her daughter in front of her grandchildren. Funny story (not laugh out loud kind of funny) with death occurring around them in a more intimate manner than any of them have ever imagined. Many lessons learned, twists in the plot, and much love contained within its pages. This is a series and grabbed my attention enough that I am immediately going to purchase the next book in the series. Yup, unique certainly describes it!

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Graham has a good life as a chef for a Senator in Virginia. Sometimes things are too good to be true, and Jennifer finds that out when her high profile Washington husband leaves her for the nanny. She abruptly quits her job but cannot find anything in the Capitol that won't run the risk of dealing with her ex-husband once in a while. She moves in with her mom, bringing her children with her. And then the most unexpected thing happens. Jennifer finds out that she has inherited a beautiful piece of land with a mansion on it - in Florida. The problem? The mansion was once a funeral parlor. She wants to turn the rundown mansion into a B & B, but the community is not happy with that idea. Add to that an elderly employee who still wants to honor his previous employer's contracts for pre-paid funerals for people who still live in the area. A fun read, sometimes funny, sometimes you may actually shiver at the thought of even living in such a building (I wouldn't do it. There'd be a "for sale" sign immediately, but that's just me).

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. The book could be considered Christian Fiction, which for some folks is a turn on and for others a turn off. I found the book to have the right amount of faith and religious undertones. This is the first of 3 books (so far) and I hope the rest contain more about the family and the people of Mt. Dora as a whole. I have some hopes for what the next installments will contain, I shall have to wait and see if my ideas are the same ones Angela Hunt chose.

The funniest thing to me is that she positively nailed the mother/daughter relationship with Jennifer and Joella. I found myself nodding my head several times.

The biggest lesson that I gleamed upon finishing this book is PATIENCE.

Often times we have patience with everyone but our family. Why is that?

Which brings to mind this quote, "The ones in greatest need of our patience, are often the ones the hardest to give it to."

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Graham never expected to be a single mom, but that's exactly what happens when her husband leaves her for their nanny and serves her with divorce papers. Left reeling and clinging to a faint hope for reconciliation, she quits her high profile job on Capitol Hill in order to re-group and care for her two sons. While the divorce is being finalized, Jennifer and her boys move in with her mother -- a temporary fix that puts additional strain on their already often-volatile relationship. When the job hunt yields no leads, Jennifer is thrilled to learn that a great-uncle she never knew existed names her as his sole heir. However, when the inheritance turns out to be a dilapidated funeral home, and the prospects for flipping it with a profit on the real estate market are nil unless she undertakes major renovations, Jennifer's life takes a turn she never saw coming.

Though the cover has a wonderfully retro, chick-lit feel to it, the first Fairlawn novel is anything but easily dismissed "fluff." Doesn't She Look Natural? is a completely engrossing novel, the poignant and often funny story of Jennifer's journey to yield her will to God's greater plan for her life. She's an entirely relatable heroine -- a believer whose life has gotten so busy she's forgotten how to be still and listen for that still, small voice of God. Every character and relationship in this novel is so well-drawn they practically leap living and breathing from the page. Hunt outdoes herself in the creation of Mt. Dora -- the town and its people possess an undeniable quirky charm, but they never fall into the realm of caricatures. And Jennifer's rather prickly relationship with her mother is one that I think will ring true for a lot of women. Their journey towards a greater understanding and appreciation of each other is one of the novel's greatest strengths.

Hunt's use of a mortuary as the catalyst for Jennifer's turning point is a stroke of genius. She not only gives readers fascinating tidbits of information about the "mechanics" of the funeral industry, but she also paints a heartfelt picture of how a business that deals in death can truly be a ministry to the living. Jennifer must learn to surrender and bury her broken dreams before she can begin living life anew. What she learns at Fairlawn is a powerful reminder that for believers, death is not something to be feared - in fact, everything Jennifer learns about dying teaches her how to really live.

Most of the novel is written from Jennifer's perspective using first person, present tense. I can't think of another novel offhand that I've read which uses this point of view combination. If a first person point of view isn't believable and relatable, I have trouble getting "into" the story. Happily this isn't the case with Hunt's latest release. Her strong characterizations and storytelling abilities shine so strongly in Doesn't She Look Natural? that I couldn't help being utterly absorbed by Jennifer's story. Jennifer's adventures at Fairlawn continue in She Always Wore Red, set to release summer 2008.

[Frances Winslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise! I got this free courtesy of BOOK BUB. Not only now do I have a new favorite author, Angela Hunt, but a book that takes place in Mt. Dora, FL! We spent our first 10 years living in Mt. Dora, Fl. It is one of the most, if not the most, quaint and pretty little towns in the USA and we've traveled all over so I speak with some authority.

An almost 40 year old, successful professional career woman with 2 children has her life suddenly turned upside down when her husband dumps her for the nanny. She finds herself without a job, without a husband, the boys without a father and the once independent career woman who had it all together is now dependent. She goes to live with her mom. The relationship between the 2 women now sharing one home is interesting. The characters are all very real, very human and oh so easy to like.

When she seems to be out of all hope, she receives a phone call from a lawyer informing her that she has inherited a "funeral" home in Mt. Dora, FL. She leaves her home in VA with mom, the 2 boys and a dog to check out the property , sell it and return to VA.

When she arrives, the home is a dump. Beautiful at one time but fallen into disrepair. No AC in the hot little FL town and the home is occupied by one who is an embalmer.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, not only because it's all about a town that I love but she is a darn good writer. A winner of Christy Awards(Christian Fiction) interesting plot twists and how often the plans we so carefully make are changed.

I couldn't put it down and I highly recommend it. It's the first book in the Fairlawn series ... Those of you who live here in the Golden Triangle of FL will find this of particular interest.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A voracious reader, I make use of the free e-books offered from various sites, on a weekly basis. Following the Golden Rule, I do try to give at least a perfunctory review on Amazon.com, but this is a big winner, and this work deserves an honest review, and some publicity.

I got Doesn't She Look Natural by Angela Elwell Hunt on or about the 9th of September, and gulped it down in two readings.

It is hard to nail this down as a romance, mystery, suspense, or inspirational; it is some of all those things. A programmer in Y/A and Adult programming in our library, researching books for purchase for our collections, is part of that job. There is a tendency for adult readers, to drift to Y/A, and I think that is because even grown-ups like to leave something to the imagination, without being shocked every few pages.

"Doesn't She Look Natural," is a unique read, from a perspective that is "inspirational" in that the spiritual practice of Christianity, shows in decisions, lifestyle, and preconceived notions by the characters. It does not overwhelm the plot, or force itself to be a message bearer, as much as Angela E. Hunt, shows that family, community, and traditions are important for a peaceful society.

I love the strong female protagonists, the plot, and am sympathetic to their trials, tribulations and lessons being learned. This is a book (series), that I will be able to recommend to many patrons, because the content is well written, and clean. Family friendly.

I will recommend [ book: Doesn't She Look Natural ]for purchase in our library, and feel comfortable recommending this book widely.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer’s life is at a low point. She has recently divorced and is forced into selling her home in the D.C. area. And politics being what it is, she can’t find a job because her husband not only humiliated her by leaving her for her kids’ nanny, his position as an aide for a well-known senator has turned her into a leper to everyone in the area. So when she discovers that her great-uncle has died and left her his family business, she leaps at the opportunity to travel to Mt. Dora, Florida, and check it out. Of course, her enthusiasm flags when she discovers the nature of the business – it’s a mortuary. And it comes complete with a resident mortician.


There’s a reason this book is a Christy Award finalist. It’s fun and entertaining and well-written. I enjoyed getting to know Jennifer and her family, and I was fascinated by the glimpse into a business about which I knew nothing. As any good book does, by the time I closed the back cover I felt like I had been to Mt. Dora. And I attended a couple of really cool funerals, too. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

[Phyllis Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doesn’t She Look Natural (Fairlawn Series) by Angela Hunt Posted 1/9 /17—on
Newly divorced, Jennifer Graham holds onto hope that her ex-husband Thomas still loves his family. Just because he fell into temptation with their Nanny, doesn’t mean he is gone for good.
Financially and emotionally, Jennifer wonders when the harsh winds will stop blowing against her family.
She knew her Uncle Ted had passed away, but now she is informed that she has inherited his home and business. Moving to Florida was not in her plans but a visit there gives her challenging options. Should she move and take over the business while remodeling Ted’s outdated home or face her new unemployment and homelessness because of the divorce.
Written mostly in first person, we view the struggles of a single mom providing for her family in a slightly creepy situation.
Bugs (Bradley) and Clay, Jennifer’s young sons recognize the advantage of living in Fairlawn Funeral home, which leads to boyish amusement.
An entertaining read. I received this book for my honest opinion.

[Judie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for this one. For me, it is about relationships and I could relate to many of the people and their struggles. There is Jen, who is displaced as a wife, in her career, and financially; but still she hopes for reconciliation. There is her mother, who wants to make things okay for her daughter, and has experienced her own difficulties, which add to her concern for her daughter. The boys have to learn a different life without a father in their home. They all move, and that changes their world. New people enter in, new experiences, and with those, a different way of thinking and being. I enjoyed watching them change and grow, and look forward to the next book.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun, quick read by an author of Christian fiction. Angela Hunt usually tackles deeper issues in her books. It was better than most light Christian fiction - the characters seemed a little more "real". I liked the widowed mother-divorced daughter relationship - both were torn between their love and appreciation (and sometimes exasperation) for each other and the necessity of allowing each other to grow in the ways God intended.

[Sherri · Rating 1 out of 5]

OK I could not get into this book. I read two chapters and skipped throughout the book. It was like reading a script for a play in stead of feeling or being able to picture what was happening. The writing did not pull me in at all and I stopped reading it. There are questions "study guide" at the end which would make it a nice helper for a book club, but the authors style of writing did nothing for me.

[Dianne Karesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

What an unusual book. It made laugh and cringe and cry. I learned a lot about life....and death....and funeral homes.... and divorce and forgiveness. I can't wait to start the next book in the series

[Little Red Readinghood · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. the main character was really annoying. I just wanted to slap her and scream wake up. She finally did.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book but a bit of a downer

[Nancy Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for book club. It was ok, but the main character really annoyed me throughout the book.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little surprised to find myself enjoying this book so much—but then, I believe I've enjoyed all the books I've read by this author. The premise is certainly unique; how many heroines inherit a funeral home, of all things? I would really like to read more books in the series to find out what happens. One thing I really appreciated was Jen's desire to reconcile with her husband.

[Cindy Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I REALLY liked this book. I actually got it for free, the reviews satisfied me so I gave it a try. This is the only book I have read in this series but I would definitely give the others a try.

The story line was good. The character development was good. There were some unexpected turns too, which kept it interesting.

[Debi Gillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Cried a lot at the end, but not so much for unhappiness…but because of words and thoughts so beautifully spoken and expressed. Lots to ponder. I can’t wait to discuss this next weekend with my book club!

[Gina Baldyga · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars I think. Certainly you are pulling for Jen and her boys to make a go of it at Fairlawn. I am curious about the funeral home industry, so I found those aspects interesting. Outside of that, it was a little flat, and a little long.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. Funny, interesting and unique. this lady inherits a funeral home. The funny and interesting things that happen make this the great beginning of a good series.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was difficult to like this book because the main character was so unlikeable.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doesn't She Look Natural by Angela Hunt (first book in the Fairlawn series) features Jennifer Graham as the main character. Jennifer, who has been divorced by her husband, holds out hope for reconciliation for the benefit of her two sons: Clay and Bugs. Yet the divorce has left her jobless and living with her mother (a Red Hatter). Jennifer’s life takes a new course when she receives an inheritance from a long lost great-uncle: a Victorian painted lady that just happens to be a funeral home in rural Florida. Relationships abound as Jennifer begins the process of readying the home for resale. Angela Hunt does a great job of developing these multiple relationships: wife/ex-husband, mother/daughter, mother/son, grandparent/grandsons, older-brother/younger-brother, neighbors, community, Red Hatters, business partner, etc.

I enjoyed this new series by Hunt. It's a tale filled with real life; blessings, challenges, and conflicts. Along the way, Jennifer learns more about God and what it means to love others. “How do we show Jesus we love him? By doing things people cannot do for themselves. .. By extending grace to one who has wronged us.” Pg 330

Quote: “When you’re older,” I pull Bugs toward me, “you boys will understand that no one is all good or all bad. Wise people ask God to help them overcome their weaknesses. The people who aren’t so wise… well, sometimes they make a lot of mistakes before they realize how badly they’ve hurt others.” (pg 292)

[Trudy L · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you pray, you never know how God will answer. When her husband leaves her for the nanny, Jennifer needs to start over. Clueless about how to begin, she is given an opportunity she never knew she wanted. Thinking she is going to Florida to settle an estate and take a side trip to Disneyworld, she takes off with her mother and sons in tow. Anyone who has ever tried to restore or maintain an older home will appreciate the humor as bad turns to worse in Jennifer's efforts to get Fairlawn ready to sell. An overly helpful mother, 2 active boys, and an adventurous little dog add to the commotion and there are a few surprises (funny and sad) that I didn't anticipate. There is a good balance of humor and drama in this story and I am looking forward to reading the next two books in this series.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd time I've read this book (and I'm still mourning the original covers!) and it's totally outside of my normal fave genre. This is one of those girl moves to a quirky town and wants to get out of Dodge ASAP, then suddenly can't imagine life anywhere else.

But there's this weird funeral home thrown in there...which seems kinda creepy but ends up being precious and heart-warming. And Angela Hunt is laugh out loud funny in this one while bringing redemption and forgiveness all around. I love all the characters and will probably re-read the rest of the trilogy b/c it's so fun!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really nice story. The beginning was slow, but the book was funny circumstances. Imagining being so excited by inheriting a huge old house, but when you and your 2 sons arrive, that the house is actually, a Funeral Home.
This is an “inspirational” audio. Usually I avoid them, however this was pretty good! In fact, I finished all 10 discs today. I was tackling decluttering my kitchen, and I became involved with the story! It did have a few surprises towards the end. Worth listening to! There are, I think 2 more to follow. And, yes, I will listen to them too.

[Barbara Seidle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was well done. I particularly liked how the story dealt with a variety of relationships and occasionally switched back and forth between the mother's point of view and the daughter's. The conflict of raising kids and being an adult child in your parent's home was handled beautifully by the author. The raw emotions and internal conflict played out well. There were cute and funny moments, and lots deep moments. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Pamela Saylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

How long does it take for someone to grow up?

Sometimes it takes all our lives to do so. Jen, a professional career woman with two young children finds herself divorced by a cheating husband with a midlife crisis. She has several life changing events in a short amount of time, however, her family, new friends and God show her that the old adage is true, "When life gives you lemons..."

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusual concept that in a book that completely captured me.....I loved it!

The characters in this book are so down to earth that I immediately felt right at home with them. I loved that the Red Hat Society played a role because I have been a member of this wonderful organization since 2004. The book was filled with love, hurt, betrayal, change, and a lot of faith and growing in many ways. It was a joy to read!

[LaDonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

I really enjoyed this book. Jennifer was a bit annoying in the beginning,but the author did a great job of evolving her character. This was a great example of how unexpected circumstances can change your life. The supporting characters we're well defined and I felt as if I was in Mount Dora with them. Will be purchasing the rest of the series.