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The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane
A debut novel about luck and love, and winning a sweepstakes, with a cast of characters who will charm readers from the very first page
The HomeSweetHome Network has just announced this year's lucky winner of a brand-new, fully loaded dream Janine Brown of Cedar Falls, Iowa.
For Janine "Janey" Brown, hearing her name called on the TV has the hallmarks of one of her aunt Midge's harebrained plans designed to bring Janey into a world outside the one she once shared with her fiancé. Janey, however, is reluctant to give up the safety and sanctity she finds in her tiny kitchen, submerging her anxiety and grief in the pursuit of the perfect pot-au-feu.
Meanwhile, across town, Janine "Nean" Brown just knows that this house is her destiny. Good fortune took its sweet time showing up in her life, but better late than never. And now that it's here, the house promises an escape from the latest in her revolving door of crappy jobs and drunk boyfriends. This house will turn her into someone the world sees, instead of the bedraggled girl who others look past without a thought.
Both Janine Browns head for Christmas Cove, Maine, to claim the prize they both rightfully think is theirs. When their lives and personalities intersect, however, they discover that more than just a million-dollar dream home awaits them at the water's edge. These three women (oh yes, Aunt Midge comes along for the ride!) arrive at their newfound mansion only to uncover what exactly it means to truly be "home."
Filled with wit and charm, The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane is Kelly Harms's enchanting and heartfelt debut--a testament to the many, many ways love finds us, the power of a home-cooked meal, and just what it means to be lucky.
The HomeSweetHome Network has just announced this year's lucky winner of a brand-new, fully loaded dream Janine Brown of Cedar Falls, Iowa.
For Janine "Janey" Brown, hearing her name called on the TV has the hallmarks of one of her aunt Midge's harebrained plans designed to bring Janey into a world outside the one she once shared with her fiancé. Janey, however, is reluctant to give up the safety and sanctity she finds in her tiny kitchen, submerging her anxiety and grief in the pursuit of the perfect pot-au-feu.
Meanwhile, across town, Janine "Nean" Brown just knows that this house is her destiny. Good fortune took its sweet time showing up in her life, but better late than never. And now that it's here, the house promises an escape from the latest in her revolving door of crappy jobs and drunk boyfriends. This house will turn her into someone the world sees, instead of the bedraggled girl who others look past without a thought.
Both Janine Browns head for Christmas Cove, Maine, to claim the prize they both rightfully think is theirs. When their lives and personalities intersect, however, they discover that more than just a million-dollar dream home awaits them at the water's edge. These three women (oh yes, Aunt Midge comes along for the ride!) arrive at their newfound mansion only to uncover what exactly it means to truly be "home."
Filled with wit and charm, The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane is Kelly Harms's enchanting and heartfelt debut--a testament to the many, many ways love finds us, the power of a home-cooked meal, and just what it means to be lucky.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2013
882 people are currently reading
4973 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Harms
11 books1,587 followersUSA Today, Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestseller Kelly Harms is the author of The Bright Side of Going Dark, The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane and The Matchmakers of Minnow Bay. She worked with bestselling authors, Edgar, RITA, and Agatha award winners, and Indie Next List Picks in her time as an editor at a division of HarperCollins and later as an agent at the Jane Rotrosen Agency. She now lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her beloved family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 707 reviews
August 10, 2016
3.5 Stars. Very, very light...floating off to join the pages of those other undemanding, evanescent sweet escapes in books whose titles have mostly blurred together in a cloud of relaxation. That almost says it all about this novel, except that there is a dream house, lots of dream food, wretched women who transform into beauties, body beautiful boyfriends, good neighbours and lots of kindness.
Excuse me, I'm so relaxed now I think I'll go take a nap.
Excuse me, I'm so relaxed now I think I'll go take a nap.
May 27, 2014
3.5 stars. I call these light, easy books "palate cleansers". I read them after a tough book or series of books and when my brain just needs a break. This book is perfect for that. The characters are built up well, the storyline just engaging enough, predictable but not badly so. I recommend it if you want a holiday from thinking for awhile.
April 15, 2024
I read this book during a really tough time and it brought me such joy. I immediately ordered everything else Kelly Harms has written. This book is filled with such heart and humor. My favorite quote is “Walking a mile in another person’s shoes is nothing compared to cooking a meal in someone else’s kitchen.” My sister, mom, and I did a buddy read of this and we laughed and cried. I hope that you will enjoy it as much as we did.
March 3, 2014
One star, why one star? Because, if you have ever read chick lit with generational characters, you have read this book before. There is a young girl/woman with an abusive boyfriend, a 30 something who really hasn't formed an attachment to a man in years, and an 80 something grandma, who you will love. And just like every other book like this, exactly what you think will happen happens. No, aliens don't land, natural disasters don't occur, and the only exception is a lottery/contest, but that is what brings these three women together.
If you want to meet three characters you have met before (and, yes, for a beach read this might be what you want), then pick this book up. If you want great insight into these characters, well, they are so cookie-cutter, there isn't much more than any other book. But a warning, as you read this book and say to yourself "I wonder if _____ will happen as it did in the last book", for the good and bad, it does.
If you want to meet three characters you have met before (and, yes, for a beach read this might be what you want), then pick this book up. If you want great insight into these characters, well, they are so cookie-cutter, there isn't much more than any other book. But a warning, as you read this book and say to yourself "I wonder if _____ will happen as it did in the last book", for the good and bad, it does.
May 24, 2013
Lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC of this book. I read this on a problematic flight after a long week and it was exactly what I needed. This isn’t super highbrow, but that’s not the point. It’s sweet and funny and the foodie/cooking tie-in is well-played. I also found the romance angle for both protagonists unique and well done. Pure enjoyment from start to finish – read in one sitting.
July 7, 2013
The perfect book to read at the beach!
(Well I don’t like reading at the beach, but it’s a metaphorical beach I’m talking about)
I love the characters, they’re well designed and interact beautifully. Harms has a terrific view of human interaction.
The chapters are a good length, Not too long and not too short. It’s important to add breaks into a book, so the reader won’t get tired, and gives the reader a chance to enjoy their own life.
This is a magnificent book from a wonderful first time author. I recommend this book for anyone looking to spend a day or two lounging in the sun wanting to unwind with a superb story filled with fun and optimism!
I received an copy for no cost.
(Well I don’t like reading at the beach, but it’s a metaphorical beach I’m talking about)
I love the characters, they’re well designed and interact beautifully. Harms has a terrific view of human interaction.
The chapters are a good length, Not too long and not too short. It’s important to add breaks into a book, so the reader won’t get tired, and gives the reader a chance to enjoy their own life.
This is a magnificent book from a wonderful first time author. I recommend this book for anyone looking to spend a day or two lounging in the sun wanting to unwind with a superb story filled with fun and optimism!
I received an copy for no cost.
March 30, 2024
Two young women with the same name, Janine Brown, living in the same city in Iowa, believe they are winners of the Home Sweet Home Network's "No Place Like Home Free House Sweepstakes.
Janey and her Aunt Midge, who has entered Janey and herself multiple times, drive to Maine to collect after being congratulated with balloons and banners while Nean, who has wished it into happening, boards a Greyhound bus and travels there in the meantime, breaking into the house.
So begins this novel that finds these two young women (and Aunt Midge, who may be the best character in the novel) living together and cobbling together an uneasy friendship/family.
Each will learn to lean on each other, and each may find romance in uncommon ways.
A heartfelt novel with many memorable moments.
Janey and her Aunt Midge, who has entered Janey and herself multiple times, drive to Maine to collect after being congratulated with balloons and banners while Nean, who has wished it into happening, boards a Greyhound bus and travels there in the meantime, breaking into the house.
So begins this novel that finds these two young women (and Aunt Midge, who may be the best character in the novel) living together and cobbling together an uneasy friendship/family.
Each will learn to lean on each other, and each may find romance in uncommon ways.
A heartfelt novel with many memorable moments.
June 13, 2020
This funny and original book is perfect summer reading! With well-defined characters and a perfect balance of reality with just a bit of unreality, you'll want to keep coming back for more! Such a fun book and, everyone should have an aunt midge in their life 😁 Some of us will want to grow up to be Aunt Midge 😂
September 7, 2017
Amazing. Funny. Heartwarming. The audio of this book was amazing. The narrators gave such life to fun, witty prose. This is a lighthearted, fast, easy read and an amazing audiobook. I highly recommend this to everyone I know.
March 30, 2021
In a wonderfully fun coincidence, I managed to choose two books in a row about two women with the same name....Eileen and Leena in Beth O’Leary’s The Switch, and now Janey and Nean in The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane.
I absolutely loved this story! Who hasn’t dreamt about winning their dream house right on the ocean? Aunt Midge was by far my favorite character, but I also really enjoyed the relationship between Janey and Nean. This book was a laughter through tears feel good read...my favorite kind.
My only complaint? I wish there had been recipes for all the delicious food that Janey & Nean made!
I absolutely loved this story! Who hasn’t dreamt about winning their dream house right on the ocean? Aunt Midge was by far my favorite character, but I also really enjoyed the relationship between Janey and Nean. This book was a laughter through tears feel good read...my favorite kind.
My only complaint? I wish there had been recipes for all the delicious food that Janey & Nean made!
May 3, 2013
This is the perfect beach book! Have you ever succumbed to cooking shows on t.v. and bought exotic ingredients for an impossible recipe? Have you ever fantasized over living in a dream house and entered a sweepstakes to do so? If so, this is the book for you!
The premise is delightful: Janine Brown of Cedar Falls, Iowa, wins the Dream House Sweepstakes and relocates to Maine for a new start in life. Problem? There are two Janine Browns: shy-beyond-words “Janey” and in-your-face “Nean,” both laying claim to the house. Throw in wonderful Aunt Midge and enjoy as the plot is cleverly organized into mix, simmer and serve sections. The narration bounces between Janey and Nean, with each chapter headed by the perfect cooking quote for the contents.
Many books promise laugh out loud moments; this book delivers. Interspersed throughout the story are hilarious pop culture references and unforgettable scenes. I chuckled, howled, and yes, cried, at the appropriate moments. I’d love to meet the author. Anyone who could write this book is my kind of friend. I have been babbling about this book since I first picked it up. My girlfriends are waiting in line to read it.
The premise is delightful: Janine Brown of Cedar Falls, Iowa, wins the Dream House Sweepstakes and relocates to Maine for a new start in life. Problem? There are two Janine Browns: shy-beyond-words “Janey” and in-your-face “Nean,” both laying claim to the house. Throw in wonderful Aunt Midge and enjoy as the plot is cleverly organized into mix, simmer and serve sections. The narration bounces between Janey and Nean, with each chapter headed by the perfect cooking quote for the contents.
Many books promise laugh out loud moments; this book delivers. Interspersed throughout the story are hilarious pop culture references and unforgettable scenes. I chuckled, howled, and yes, cried, at the appropriate moments. I’d love to meet the author. Anyone who could write this book is my kind of friend. I have been babbling about this book since I first picked it up. My girlfriends are waiting in line to read it.
May 28, 2014
This one just gets an okay, for easy to read and light hearted. Janey is painfully shy, her great aunt who is coarse, but love-able enters her in a contest to win a house. Another woman with the same name decides to also win the house. She has a history of poor decisions, from shoplifting to abusive boyfriends. They become best of friends and look out for each other, a bit hokey. Don't take this one too seriously, in the years that I lived in Maine, I never met a local who paid for restaurant lobster, the mark-up is ridiculous. Homeless shelter sounded like a B&B If you can put your logic on hold, it is an easy read.
July 2, 2019
7/10/16 3.5 stars
This turned out to be surprisingly fun! I was giggling to myself throughout.
(While I didn't get it intentionally as a beach read, it turned out to serve surprisingly well as one.)
I enjoyed the chapter quotes and recognized several.
Reading about all the food making was fun, although I wondered how these women were able to afford their (seemingly very $$$) grocery bills with little to no income. I'm glad they were able to stop the waste. I also think some of these very involved menus would take more time (hours in the day) and hands to the wheel than could be done in a day. But that's just my too logical mind--feel free to ignore.
This turned out to be surprisingly fun! I was giggling to myself throughout.
(While I didn't get it intentionally as a beach read, it turned out to serve surprisingly well as one.)
I enjoyed the chapter quotes and recognized several.
Reading about all the food making was fun, although I wondered how these women were able to afford their (seemingly very $$$) grocery bills with little to no income. I'm glad they were able to stop the waste. I also think some of these very involved menus would take more time (hours in the day) and hands to the wheel than could be done in a day. But that's just my too logical mind--feel free to ignore.
May 13, 2013
Aunt Midge said keep it interesting...and that is just what Kelly Harms did in this delightful story of the two Janine Browns who both entered a contest for a house and won it. But which Janine Brown was the true winner? As readers, we are all winners upon diving into this book. The characters are charming, realistically human (some lies to benefit one's self, a few drinks too many, sometimes making a fool of one's self), You can't help loving them all and hoping it all works out for them in the end.
January 26, 2014
This is the longest that it has ever taken me to read & finish any book EVER. Not one original idea or plot turn...the characters were largely forgettable and the author dropped the ball with actually developing their personalities. At the end, not only did I know how they'd end up but I also did not care... I feel as though I died along with Aunt Midge... At least she had the good sense to get while the getting was good. I'll give it two stars just to be kind...
November 24, 2020
There is something amazing that happens when you finish a book and feel sad, it means you connected with the characters, their stories, their struggles....alas, I am sad to see this book end. It was compelling, original and entertaining. Perfect for summer. I am also in love with the cover! I won this book via goodreads first reads.
August 16, 2013
Part of a double review with Redesigning Rose, so you may find another book to enjoy, as well!
http://www.chicklitcentral.com/2013/0...
http://www.chicklitcentral.com/2013/0...
August 3, 2013
What a fun read. At first I thought I was not going to like the characters in this book, turns out I was wrong. It was fun and I loved seeing them develop and grow through the story. It was a delight and I will look forward to Kelly harms second novel. Fun and fast read
May 28, 2016
Almost good, but then Nean was introduced. Annoyed me from then on.
June 13, 2022
2.5/3 stars? It was a cute story but not very much happened. Nean was a very frustrating character to me as well 😂
December 10, 2023
I just thought this book was so so sweet. I have read every Kelly Harms book I can get my hands on, and no regrets. Giving the book a 5 because of all the amazing talks and chapters about food, and the setting in Maine. I have no desire to eat most seafoods, but with this book, I wanted it all.
I sometimes forget that while we all go through grief, we handle it differently. Some people do puzzles, some hike, some paint, some play the piano, and some cook. We each need an outlet, and what Janey does is remarkable. I kept expecting her to open a restaurant, but what she does is even better.
When the book started and the plot of winning a house in Maine was brought up, I thought, "How can this book go on for hundreds more pages and have a real plot." But it did. So much forgiveness with Nean (the other Janey) and J.J. and Noah, and Aunt Midge. I want an Aunt Midge in my life to remind me of what is important, and to make me laugh. AND to make bikinis like the one Nean wore - wow what a cool item of clothing that is.
This book helped me remember that although I am far away from family, there are people around me who could be family if I let them.
I sometimes forget that while we all go through grief, we handle it differently. Some people do puzzles, some hike, some paint, some play the piano, and some cook. We each need an outlet, and what Janey does is remarkable. I kept expecting her to open a restaurant, but what she does is even better.
When the book started and the plot of winning a house in Maine was brought up, I thought, "How can this book go on for hundreds more pages and have a real plot." But it did. So much forgiveness with Nean (the other Janey) and J.J. and Noah, and Aunt Midge. I want an Aunt Midge in my life to remind me of what is important, and to make me laugh. AND to make bikinis like the one Nean wore - wow what a cool item of clothing that is.
This book helped me remember that although I am far away from family, there are people around me who could be family if I let them.
January 28, 2024
2,5/5⭐
La sinopsis de este libro parecía muy intentesante. Dos mujeres con el mismo nombre que ganan una casa increíble a través de un programa de televisión. ¿Que podría salir mal? Sorprendentemente, muchas cosas.
Janey es una mujer a la que le encanta cocinar cantidades inmesas de comida para ella y para su Tia Midge. Tiene ansiedad social y sufre de una horrible urticaria cada vez que tiene que hablar con un desconocido.
Por otro lado, Nean ha pasado toda su vida sobreviviendo a duras penas y sacándose las castañas del fuego, por eso cuando escucha su nombre en la televisión no le falta tiempo para poner rumbo a su nueva casa.
La trama de este libro se acaba en cuando ambas mujeres llegan a la casa que creen que han ganado y se encuentran con que ha habido una equivocación. A partir de ese momento, todo lo que sucede en este libro es una sucesión de absurdeces sin sentido y nunca te puedes esperar qué van a hacer las chicas Brown a continuación.
Por lo tanto, una vez que asumes como lector que va a ser todo absurdo el libro mejora bastante, porque ya puedes dejar de esperar y tener expectativas de una historia decente.
La sinopsis de este libro parecía muy intentesante. Dos mujeres con el mismo nombre que ganan una casa increíble a través de un programa de televisión. ¿Que podría salir mal? Sorprendentemente, muchas cosas.
Janey es una mujer a la que le encanta cocinar cantidades inmesas de comida para ella y para su Tia Midge. Tiene ansiedad social y sufre de una horrible urticaria cada vez que tiene que hablar con un desconocido.
Por otro lado, Nean ha pasado toda su vida sobreviviendo a duras penas y sacándose las castañas del fuego, por eso cuando escucha su nombre en la televisión no le falta tiempo para poner rumbo a su nueva casa.
La trama de este libro se acaba en cuando ambas mujeres llegan a la casa que creen que han ganado y se encuentran con que ha habido una equivocación. A partir de ese momento, todo lo que sucede en este libro es una sucesión de absurdeces sin sentido y nunca te puedes esperar qué van a hacer las chicas Brown a continuación.
Por lo tanto, una vez que asumes como lector que va a ser todo absurdo el libro mejora bastante, porque ya puedes dejar de esperar y tener expectativas de una historia decente.
July 25, 2017
The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane by Kelly Harms, the story of two women who may have a name in common but, it seems, nothing else, is humorous and heartwarming. Though they start out like oil and water, Janey and Nean both have a great capacity for love and a fragile heart. With more than a little help from Janey's hysterically funny Great-Aunt Midge, they eventually come to see that they can help to heal each other's wounds. Mixed in with all of this healing and hilarity - I dare you not to laugh out loud when J.J. meets Aunt Midge - is an unforgettable cast of characters, a bit of romance, some tears, and some breathtaking scenery (I want to win a house on the coast of Maine!).
April 8, 2020
What a wonderful story! The characters are not what you expect when you read the synopsis, they have much more substance and depth, and 'character'. The premise is great: two women with the same names win a house in a sweepstakes, and both across the country to claim it. There are actually three women who end up temporarily living in the house, but their personalities bloom and change for the better the longer they are together. I think this is an amazing story, and should be on many must-read lists. Of course, when I was finished, I just wanted to know what happens to them next! (Although the ending was quite good and satisfying.)
January 14, 2021
What a great little book! It starts with a mix-up about the winner of dream house sweepstakes. Three quirky women from Iowa end up in a tiny town at the edge of Maine. What could go wrong?
Written with humor, a couple hunky guys added to the mix for good measure, interesting food quotes at the beginning of each chapter-this story entertains all the way. Aunt Midge, an 88 year old spitfire, holds everyone together with her wisdom and her no-nonsense outlook on life. Janey and Nean, two 30-somethings each lost in her own way, grow so much that ya can’t help but cheer for them.
I chuckled my way through this one, but there’s a lot about honesty and friendship and loyalty in here. Not to mention a lot about acceptance, not only of others but of oneself. I really liked it.
Written with humor, a couple hunky guys added to the mix for good measure, interesting food quotes at the beginning of each chapter-this story entertains all the way. Aunt Midge, an 88 year old spitfire, holds everyone together with her wisdom and her no-nonsense outlook on life. Janey and Nean, two 30-somethings each lost in her own way, grow so much that ya can’t help but cheer for them.
I chuckled my way through this one, but there’s a lot about honesty and friendship and loyalty in here. Not to mention a lot about acceptance, not only of others but of oneself. I really liked it.
March 4, 2019
I love when a book I have no real expectations for manages to impress me! The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane is a feel good story that has a little bit of everything. Three lost souls, all in different stages of their lives, are thrown together after the unusual circumstance of winning a dream home, sort of. There’s romance, food, and even some humor. This book left me wanting to have a good meal, a good cry, and to read more by this author!
August 30, 2018
El libro sigue la historia de dos mujeres que no se conocen de nada, que ignoran
la existencia de la otra, pero que llevan el mismo nombre y apellido. El destino les reserva una sorpresa: ambas, de una forma u otra, participan de un sorteo que hace un canal de televisión para ganarse una casa en la costa de Maine. La construcción es preciosa, además de que está situada en un pueblo costero, por lo que el ambiente es muy idílico. Así que cuando ambas se creen ganadoras corren a tomar posesión del premio y ninguna quiere resignarse y mucho menos compartir la casa.
Con ayuda de la tía Midge, una ancianita adorable, ambas chicas se darán cuenta que la vida siempre da segundas oportunidades y que las cosas por algo pasan. Es así que las dos Janine Brown de esta historia deberán seguir adelante y transitar el camino que la vida les deparó. ¿Podrán?
Más en: http://lecturas-de-annie.blogspot.com...
la existencia de la otra, pero que llevan el mismo nombre y apellido. El destino les reserva una sorpresa: ambas, de una forma u otra, participan de un sorteo que hace un canal de televisión para ganarse una casa en la costa de Maine. La construcción es preciosa, además de que está situada en un pueblo costero, por lo que el ambiente es muy idílico. Así que cuando ambas se creen ganadoras corren a tomar posesión del premio y ninguna quiere resignarse y mucho menos compartir la casa.
Con ayuda de la tía Midge, una ancianita adorable, ambas chicas se darán cuenta que la vida siempre da segundas oportunidades y que las cosas por algo pasan. Es así que las dos Janine Brown de esta historia deberán seguir adelante y transitar el camino que la vida les deparó. ¿Podrán?
Más en: http://lecturas-de-annie.blogspot.com...
April 30, 2019
Love love love love love. I’m so delightfully happy that I requested this book from the library after reading the author’s newest book - I’m a major Kelly Harms fan now! The FOOD and the setting and the characters- they all just leap off the page. Reminds me a lot of Amy Reichert’s work, and she’s one of my all time faves!
April 22, 2020
I would recommend this book to any woman in my life. My mother, my grandma, best friend, coworker, etc.
It is adorable. I for once am not embarrassed to put a book on my page. It is a light-hearted spinoff on the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway, where two women with the same name from the same town meet at the house both believe they have won.
Although this book is predictable, with a bittersweet ending, I highly recommend it!
It is adorable. I for once am not embarrassed to put a book on my page. It is a light-hearted spinoff on the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway, where two women with the same name from the same town meet at the house both believe they have won.
Although this book is predictable, with a bittersweet ending, I highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 707 reviews