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MisAdventures of Miss Lilly #1
Home Is Where Your Boots Are
“Old habits never die. They just get harder to justify.”
– Home Is Where Your Boots Are
Heartbreak. Home. Gunshots.
Former small town girl turned big city lawyer Lilly Atkins has tidily checked off her adult to-do list.
Prestigious law degree
Flourishing career
Designer wardrobe
Well-bred fiancé
In a moment of cliché, her list gets whipped out the window. And run over a few times.
So she heads home to Brooks. Where the creek is cool and the gossip is always hot.
With nothing better to do, Lilly sets up shop to work off her broken heart. Before the paint can dry, her former flame, Dr. Cash Stetson, shows up requesting representation. For his divorce. Two new clients involve a possible negligent homicide and the desecration of human remains, both cases stemming from the local hospital. Run by Cash. When her not so unrequited love’s wife turns up dead, Lilly begins to wonder if the former bad-boy is up to no good.
– Home Is Where Your Boots Are
Heartbreak. Home. Gunshots.
Former small town girl turned big city lawyer Lilly Atkins has tidily checked off her adult to-do list.
Prestigious law degree
Flourishing career
Designer wardrobe
Well-bred fiancé
In a moment of cliché, her list gets whipped out the window. And run over a few times.
So she heads home to Brooks. Where the creek is cool and the gossip is always hot.
With nothing better to do, Lilly sets up shop to work off her broken heart. Before the paint can dry, her former flame, Dr. Cash Stetson, shows up requesting representation. For his divorce. Two new clients involve a possible negligent homicide and the desecration of human remains, both cases stemming from the local hospital. Run by Cash. When her not so unrequited love’s wife turns up dead, Lilly begins to wonder if the former bad-boy is up to no good.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
153 people are currently reading
975 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
June 2, 2015
This is a smart and sassy read with a mixture of humor and mystery.
Lilly is a lawyer who's life has been turned upside down. She heads back home to small-town Brooks, Oklahoma to recharge and discover her roots. With the help of her posse of girlfriends and family, Lilly remembers how to be a strong successful independent woman with a great pair of butt-kickin' boots.
Miss Lilly and "Home is Where Your Boots Are" is a combination of Nancy Drew meets Janet Evanavich's Stephanie Plum. Adventure, mystery, and humor make this book a fun story to read and will keep you guessing 'til the last page to find out "who did it."
Lilly is a lawyer who's life has been turned upside down. She heads back home to small-town Brooks, Oklahoma to recharge and discover her roots. With the help of her posse of girlfriends and family, Lilly remembers how to be a strong successful independent woman with a great pair of butt-kickin' boots.
Miss Lilly and "Home is Where Your Boots Are" is a combination of Nancy Drew meets Janet Evanavich's Stephanie Plum. Adventure, mystery, and humor make this book a fun story to read and will keep you guessing 'til the last page to find out "who did it."
May 14, 2015
If you like Janet Evanovich, you'll love Kalan Chapman Lloyd. Protagonist Lilly Atkins is Stephanie Plum of the South, but smarter and more polished. "Home is Where Your Boots Are" is an entertaining tale filled with the witty one-liners and crazy adventures in life and love of Lilly Atkins. The book will leave you hoping for more of Lilly and her endearing family and kooky medley of friends and is a great foundation for what is sure to be a much-loved series.
May 8, 2016
When Bluebell meets Stephanie Plum & Veronica Mars ^-^
* review soon *
* review soon *
October 15, 2017
Lilly Atkins left small town Brooks, Oklahoma to be a big city lawyer in Dallas, and was quite successful at--until everything came crashing down with the discovery of her fiancé in their shared bed with his secretary. Now she's home in Brooks, setting up a local law practice.
She knows she's got trouble when her high school on-and-off boyfriend walks in the door, wanting her to handle his divorce. She just doesn't know how much trouble.
Lilly Atkins and her female family and friends take the duties and responsibilities of Southern womanhood very seriously, and that means some entertaining petty revenge when the husband of one of their number is caught cheating on her. It's a bit less clear what it means when Lilly's former boyfriend, now a doctor and running the local hospital, in addition to wanting a divorce, may also be engaged in organ smuggling.
The overall tone of this is light and humorous, and yet it really is, in part, about organ smuggling. That created a certain dissonance for me, that I wasn't happy about. Of course, it's also about small town closeness, the importance of family and friends, and remembering where you came from, and the light humor is far more appropriate for that.
I do rather like Lilly.
Enjoyable, if you're only looking for a light distraction sort of read.
I bought this audiobook.
She knows she's got trouble when her high school on-and-off boyfriend walks in the door, wanting her to handle his divorce. She just doesn't know how much trouble.
Lilly Atkins and her female family and friends take the duties and responsibilities of Southern womanhood very seriously, and that means some entertaining petty revenge when the husband of one of their number is caught cheating on her. It's a bit less clear what it means when Lilly's former boyfriend, now a doctor and running the local hospital, in addition to wanting a divorce, may also be engaged in organ smuggling.
The overall tone of this is light and humorous, and yet it really is, in part, about organ smuggling. That created a certain dissonance for me, that I wasn't happy about. Of course, it's also about small town closeness, the importance of family and friends, and remembering where you came from, and the light humor is far more appropriate for that.
I do rather like Lilly.
Enjoyable, if you're only looking for a light distraction sort of read.
I bought this audiobook.
October 13, 2020
Not my typical read, but I found it very funny and quite enjoyable. A light-hearted, fun to read book.
May 19, 2015
Lilly is a lawyer, with all the legal savvy and sass a Southern-born professional belle can muster. She's left her small town for Dallas, only to return home to the Oklahoma fold, heart in hand, in the aftermath of a failed relationship. Only one thing helps keep her boots on the ground; and those are her girlfriends.
Home Is Where Your Boots Are is a 'chic lit' story with Southern spice. It's about a woman successful in law but not in love, a small town that harbors its own share of oddities and personalities, and it's about leaving and returning home to the South.
Be forewarned: as with many, many novels these days, this is the first in a projected series ('The MisAdventures of Miss Lilly, Volume One'): something that won't prove a sad fact to any who enjoy reading this story of the vim and vigor of a life in flux.
From dalliances with married men to creepy happenings at the local hospital, Home Is Where Your Boots Are is entertainment reading at its best, with the friendship factor keeping everything warm and well-connected: "…that’s the kind of friends we are. We just wait each other out. Same as how you knew I was hell-bent on screwing up my life with that loser in high school and instead of getting mad at me, you just held me and prayed for me. I’ve been praying for you, sister. I knew you’d come out of it, the same way I knew you’d be home eventually.”
It should be mentioned that dialogue is an intrinsic part of the action and story line; and that it's exceptionally well done.
A dash of intrigue, a dose of romance, the flavors of small-town Oklahoma Southern sentiment, and stir: now, here's a story line simmering with goodness, that women partial to Southern belles and life's mishaps will find a fun and entertaining read!
May 19, 2015
Okay, so I'll start out by saying that this genre is not always my cup of tea. I don't read a ton of "chick lit" unless I just need some light reading to clear my head or I'm on vacation or something like that. However, I really liked this book for several reasons. First, this book is set in small-town Oklahoma and seeing how I'm a Stillwater-born, Okie from Muskogee-bred Tulsa girl, I was, of course, intrigued. I love all of the references to Oklahoma and how things are done there. I've been away from my home state for many years and this book definitely gave me the warm tinglys.
Another reason I truly enjoyed reading this book is because I love the characters. I was cheering for Miss Lilly, laughing at Fae Lynn's commentary, rolling my eyes at Cash, and wondering what that hunky Yankee Spencer was doing in Brooks, Oklahoma. I love the starring cast of strong southern women, reminiscent of Steel Magnolias (in my mind). The story line is interesting and managed to surprise me when, frankly, I really didn't think it would. I enjoy the humor that mixes beautifully with the light-hearted nature of the book. Even though there was mystery, the book never feels too intense.
The final reason I really like this book is because it's funny. I laughed out loud throughout the book - the sarcasm and snarky comments spoke to me. Overall, I recommend this book to my friends who are looking for a light, fun read, especially if you're headed to the beach this summer.
Another reason I truly enjoyed reading this book is because I love the characters. I was cheering for Miss Lilly, laughing at Fae Lynn's commentary, rolling my eyes at Cash, and wondering what that hunky Yankee Spencer was doing in Brooks, Oklahoma. I love the starring cast of strong southern women, reminiscent of Steel Magnolias (in my mind). The story line is interesting and managed to surprise me when, frankly, I really didn't think it would. I enjoy the humor that mixes beautifully with the light-hearted nature of the book. Even though there was mystery, the book never feels too intense.
The final reason I really like this book is because it's funny. I laughed out loud throughout the book - the sarcasm and snarky comments spoke to me. Overall, I recommend this book to my friends who are looking for a light, fun read, especially if you're headed to the beach this summer.
June 2, 2016
In the beginning this fun, off-kilter and wonderful 1st person is a look into the world of a steel magnolia southern woman, her family and her friends. Off beat and sweet, these smart and always stylish women are hell-on-wheels when it comes to protecting, defending and exacting retribution for one of their own. You cheat on one of these Southern Belles and Lord have mercy. Revenge, Southern Style, is beautiful thing.
Miss Lilly Atkins has turned into a adult cliché with the 1st in class law degree, flourishing career and the rat bastard fiancé. She chucks it all and heads home to recoup in her hometown in Brooks, Oklahoma with family and friends. Her first love and rat bastard first boyfriend is up to his eyeballs with a marriage on the rocks, strange happenings at his hospital and dead bodies. Lilly is drawn in by that part of her heart Dr. Cash Stetson will always hold. But good ole Cash is not the good ole boy who broke Lilly's heart and she best hold on to it this time around too. Luckily there is a new attorney in town with GQ good looks and smoldering eyes, and he has his eye on Lilly. Spencer Locke, Esq. could be trouble with a capital T, or he could be just what Lilly needs
3 1/2 stars
Miss Lilly Atkins has turned into a adult cliché with the 1st in class law degree, flourishing career and the rat bastard fiancé. She chucks it all and heads home to recoup in her hometown in Brooks, Oklahoma with family and friends. Her first love and rat bastard first boyfriend is up to his eyeballs with a marriage on the rocks, strange happenings at his hospital and dead bodies. Lilly is drawn in by that part of her heart Dr. Cash Stetson will always hold. But good ole Cash is not the good ole boy who broke Lilly's heart and she best hold on to it this time around too. Luckily there is a new attorney in town with GQ good looks and smoldering eyes, and he has his eye on Lilly. Spencer Locke, Esq. could be trouble with a capital T, or he could be just what Lilly needs
3 1/2 stars
July 27, 2016
Lilly Atkins is a big city lawyer whose nearly perfect life winds up getting turned upside down. She then packs up her things to head back to her hometown of Brooks, Oklahoma to rediscover her roots. Only she didn't anticipate any of what happens next.
It's always great when you can find a book with a strong female lead who doesn't need a man to get things done. Don't get me started on all the other characters besides Lilly. Every single one is exciting and so unpredictable. I loved all of them.
A good mystery novel is one where the "mystery" of it truly remains that way until the end and this one nailed that. Until the very end I kept trying to guess who it was. If you want a book that'll keep your attention, isn't your typical "girl meets boy and falls in love" chick lit, and will keep you guessing until the last page then you need to get your hands on Home Is Where Your Boots Are. I can't wait to read more of this great series.
I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
It's always great when you can find a book with a strong female lead who doesn't need a man to get things done. Don't get me started on all the other characters besides Lilly. Every single one is exciting and so unpredictable. I loved all of them.
A good mystery novel is one where the "mystery" of it truly remains that way until the end and this one nailed that. Until the very end I kept trying to guess who it was. If you want a book that'll keep your attention, isn't your typical "girl meets boy and falls in love" chick lit, and will keep you guessing until the last page then you need to get your hands on Home Is Where Your Boots Are. I can't wait to read more of this great series.
I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
May 26, 2015
Such a cute read that features a strong lead character as well as a great (and hysterical at times) supporting cast of characters. I'm a native New Yorker and I've never lived in a small southern town before but I loved reading about this one. The town is almost like another character itself. I thought Lily was great and I did enjoy how she turned to her family and went back home after going through a hard time in her life. I don't even think I would totally brand this book chick-lit because while it does have a female lead, it wasn't just a sappy love story. (Hope that makes sense) That's what I really enjoyed about this book...it wasn't a cliche girl meets boy book. This is also a first in a series of books featuring Lily and I would definitely read the next one!
I did receive a free copy of this book to review however all opinions are my own. If I hated a book, I would totally say it.
I did receive a free copy of this book to review however all opinions are my own. If I hated a book, I would totally say it.
January 21, 2011
This book was entertaining. I am from a small town in Oklahoma just like the one the writer describes in the book. I thought some of the scenarios in the book we quite funny because they we things my girlfriends and I have pulled before. I can also appreciate the way the author describes her characters because I can actually picture them, it probably helps that I knew most of them in person :) Overall I think the book is a great story for someone who is looking to be entertained and looking for a quick read. I would recommend this book to my friends.
May 29, 2015
If you are looking for a fun and comedic book with a touch of romance and a semi-dark twist, this is the book for you. It has everything from southern charm to a captivating plot line. I could appreciate all Texas/Oklahoma references in the book, as I too grew up in Texas (small town) and now reside in Oklahoma. I was seriously hooked from the first chapter and that doesn't happen too often. Take this book with you on vacation or spend a rainy weekend reading it, you will be sure to enjoy it. I look forward to the 2nd volume of Ms. Lilly's misadventures!
June 3, 2016
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. You will just fall in love with Lilly. Light and humorous book to read. It will leave you wanting more of Lilly and her friends and family. Great story line and very capable strong southern women!!! I so can't wait to read more of this series. How will things with her former flame go? Is Cash up to no good?
March 3, 2016
Cute fun fast summer read that will have mystery lovers and Romance lovers reading until the very end of the book.
ARC From Netgalley
ARC From Netgalley
August 30, 2020
I am one hundred percent picturing Reese Witherspoon in the role of Lilly. Because, while everyone else is comparing her to female super-sleuths, I can’t help but see parallels to Legally Blonde here. I have no idea if all the necessary clues were there for me to have solved the crime for myself. I was far too busy laughing at the antics of this crazy group of ladies to even keep track of the clues they were uncovering. I’m not totally sure what I think of the love-triangle that’s being set up here. It’s almost too Stephanie Plum for my tastes. In any case, (pun intended) I can’t wait to read more about Lilly and her shenanigans.
April 21, 2018
The publisher's blurb gives hints but makes it sound boring. So not true! There's lots of gigglesnorts here when the girlfriends get together to help each other out with problems some are having with ratfink boyfriends. Ah, the good parts of small town life! Not going to recap the story because that's just silly, so I'll just go with read it yourself. But not with a cup of hot caffeine!
I read the audio, and it's narrated by the author! Can't ever go wrong with that, and not to worry, the drawl is kind to Northern ears.
I read the audio, and it's narrated by the author! Can't ever go wrong with that, and not to worry, the drawl is kind to Northern ears.
October 18, 2017
Funny
The prodigal daughter returns. Or rather she’s gone home to lick her wounds. Funny and irreverent, this book will at least bring a smile or two to your face. Small town life and justice abound when attorney Lilly goes home. Instantly pulled back into the life without barely missing a beat, she pulls in her big girl boots and lands in a mystery where body parts go missing and her ex-boyfriend insinuates himself back into her life.
The prodigal daughter returns. Or rather she’s gone home to lick her wounds. Funny and irreverent, this book will at least bring a smile or two to your face. Small town life and justice abound when attorney Lilly goes home. Instantly pulled back into the life without barely missing a beat, she pulls in her big girl boots and lands in a mystery where body parts go missing and her ex-boyfriend insinuates himself back into her life.
December 10, 2017
Well written, Southern Charm Mixed With Western Attitude
And we have a winner!!! I really enjoyed this book, I am thoroughly looking forward to the next adventures of Lilly and Company! The tale is attention grabbing and truly imaginstive as well as laugh out loud entertainment! A must read for most any woman and written in a style you can hand ofc to your teen daughter without worry!
And we have a winner!!! I really enjoyed this book, I am thoroughly looking forward to the next adventures of Lilly and Company! The tale is attention grabbing and truly imaginstive as well as laugh out loud entertainment! A must read for most any woman and written in a style you can hand ofc to your teen daughter without worry!
November 22, 2018
Sooooo funny! Lots of witty one-liners, delivered as a chain of after- and after-after-thoughts.
The main character, her family, and her friends are all equally loveable. A lot of the book is devoted to defining what "home" means, the mystery takes second place - which I didn't mind at all.
Bought the second one straight away.
And by the way, the audible Version is read by the author herself, which I thought was very enjoyable.
The main character, her family, and her friends are all equally loveable. A lot of the book is devoted to defining what "home" means, the mystery takes second place - which I didn't mind at all.
Bought the second one straight away.
And by the way, the audible Version is read by the author herself, which I thought was very enjoyable.
November 23, 2021
I received an e-copy of this story for an honest review.
This story took me back to the time I lived in Oklahoma. Even though I was not a native Okie, and only lived there for 5 years, I miss those gatherings with my girls. The barbeques, the talks, the Bless her/his heart sessions. Yes, those things are real, and do happen in small towns. And, Sunday dinner is an absolute, do-not-miss-for-any-reason, event. Thank you Ms. Kalan for bringing back some good memories.
This story took me back to the time I lived in Oklahoma. Even though I was not a native Okie, and only lived there for 5 years, I miss those gatherings with my girls. The barbeques, the talks, the Bless her/his heart sessions. Yes, those things are real, and do happen in small towns. And, Sunday dinner is an absolute, do-not-miss-for-any-reason, event. Thank you Ms. Kalan for bringing back some good memories.
June 8, 2017
Good read with a twist
I started this book and thought it was a typical chick book with a typical ending, but I was wrong. It was fun to read with a twist and leaving you wanting more.
I started this book and thought it was a typical chick book with a typical ending, but I was wrong. It was fun to read with a twist and leaving you wanting more.
September 10, 2017
She'd been done wrong
After Lily caught her fiancee in bed with his secretary ... .she left Dallas and went home to Oklahoma and opened her law practice there. She had no idea what awaited her in her small home town.
This book is fun with mystery and bits of romance
After Lily caught her fiancee in bed with his secretary ... .she left Dallas and went home to Oklahoma and opened her law practice there. She had no idea what awaited her in her small home town.
This book is fun with mystery and bits of romance
October 15, 2017
Great
What you get when you take a Attorney, a Oklahoman & stupid men. A wonderful story about a young woman coming home after catching her ex fiancé cheating. Now her ex boyfriend is a getting into trouble and she needs to figure out what's going on.
What you get when you take a Attorney, a Oklahoman & stupid men. A wonderful story about a young woman coming home after catching her ex fiancé cheating. Now her ex boyfriend is a getting into trouble and she needs to figure out what's going on.
October 16, 2017
Amusing story
This definitely was humorous. Cowboy boots and big hair with loads of make-up make this a very strange mystery with some twists & turns. Not a very deep book. This was a brainless read.
This definitely was humorous. Cowboy boots and big hair with loads of make-up make this a very strange mystery with some twists & turns. Not a very deep book. This was a brainless read.
April 6, 2018
Barely a 3
Author really needs to study rules for dialogue and use of action tags. Several very confusing sections because actions don't match speaker. Otherwise a light throw-away read one doesn't expect much of.
Author really needs to study rules for dialogue and use of action tags. Several very confusing sections because actions don't match speaker. Otherwise a light throw-away read one doesn't expect much of.
May 22, 2018
Only in small towns 😉
I loved this story. What happens in cities, is nothing compared to the closeness of small town life.
This one tells a lot about it & gives you some great laughs.
I loved this story. What happens in cities, is nothing compared to the closeness of small town life.
This one tells a lot about it & gives you some great laughs.
August 23, 2020
Small town woman returns from the big city to lick her wounds from a cheating ex. She finds herself smack dab in big city problems: divorce, murder and body parts on the Black market. Throw in humor and twists and turns and you have Home is Where Your Boots Are serving small town justice
September 10, 2017
very good.
October 29, 2017
Well
It's different. But true about small town ways. And gossip. In the south, not only in Oklahoma. Cash and Lilly.
It's different. But true about small town ways. And gossip. In the south, not only in Oklahoma. Cash and Lilly.
March 10, 2018
Fun, engaging read
Felt like I was right there in Brooks with all those wonderful quirky characters. The book was hard to put down!
Felt like I was right there in Brooks with all those wonderful quirky characters. The book was hard to put down!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews