What do you think?
Rate this book
Speaking In Tungs #1
Speaking in Tungs
In this entertaining novel set in rural Pennsylvania, a young woman from San Francisco searches for her birth parents while beginning her first job as a home-health speech pathologist. She soon learns how hard one job can be as she navigates the backwoods of Tungston ("Tungs"), attending to the needs of her quirky patients while being stalked by a violent fugitive and finding herself unexpectedly falling for the charms of a small town. Through no fault of her own, she exposes a criminal who has been safely hidden in the thick forest, and now her patients' lives and her own are in jeopardy.
380 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2015
116 people are currently reading
6766 people want to read
About the author
Karla M. Jay
8 books585 followersKarla M. Jay is an award-winning historical fiction author. She loves to travel, garden, and to discover a story that has never been told. Follow her on BookBub! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karla...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
December 17, 2021
What a joy this book was! I like reading books I get free from Goodreads because I am always looking for a surprise from a less well known author. This book is one of them, a story about the adventures of a woman who travels to a rural area to take a job as a mobile speech therapist and finds she is caring for more than her clients vocal problems.
There is the threat of an escaped convict on the loose in the woods, and the handling of that story is done with the skill of an experienced writer.
Of course we have a touch of romance, also nicely done.
Not once while reading this book did I stop and say, "Oh, come on." In fact, I could have been reading the protagonist's memoirs.
Karla M. Jay has written other books since this one and I look forward to reading them, too.
There is the threat of an escaped convict on the loose in the woods, and the handling of that story is done with the skill of an experienced writer.
Of course we have a touch of romance, also nicely done.
Not once while reading this book did I stop and say, "Oh, come on." In fact, I could have been reading the protagonist's memoirs.
Karla M. Jay has written other books since this one and I look forward to reading them, too.
January 1, 2018
This book made me laugh! I love a great book with some humor too. This book had many great qualities for me, some suspense, mystery, and a little romance. This author is new to me and I would read more books from her. I enjoyed this book very much!
October 16, 2018
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A book that is structured like a cozy, but doesn't really have a puzzle to make it a mystery.
A young, recently orphaned speech therapist moves from San Francisco to Northern Pennsylvania, in order to find her birth parents. She finds a bunch of kooky rural people (As if SF was some sort of bastion of sanity), finds love and trouble, and finds her place in the small town world.
Not bad, but not a mystery.
A book that is structured like a cozy, but doesn't really have a puzzle to make it a mystery.
A young, recently orphaned speech therapist moves from San Francisco to Northern Pennsylvania, in order to find her birth parents. She finds a bunch of kooky rural people (As if SF was some sort of bastion of sanity), finds love and trouble, and finds her place in the small town world.
Not bad, but not a mystery.
November 18, 2018
Funny and entertaining
This book was very refreshing. I loved the oddball characters! Marleigh is a speech therapist who lands in rural PA after the death of her parents. Why she's there is part of the plot that I'll let other readers discover for themselves.
The book is remarkably well-written and engaging. We've got a lost deaf dog, some very gruff clients, rattlesnakes, a child who acts like a dog, a criminal on the loose (only sighted by the clients who can't express themselves well enough to let others know what they've seen), hostage situations, and, of course, the obligatory handsome fireman, who happens along every time Marleigh gets in an embarrassing spot. Some of the plot is predictable,but I'll give the author a pass since it was so entertaining.
Thanks to Goodreads for the Kindle version I received as a freebie on the site. I loved the book-- and I don't say that every book I get for free.
This book was very refreshing. I loved the oddball characters! Marleigh is a speech therapist who lands in rural PA after the death of her parents. Why she's there is part of the plot that I'll let other readers discover for themselves.
The book is remarkably well-written and engaging. We've got a lost deaf dog, some very gruff clients, rattlesnakes, a child who acts like a dog, a criminal on the loose (only sighted by the clients who can't express themselves well enough to let others know what they've seen), hostage situations, and, of course, the obligatory handsome fireman, who happens along every time Marleigh gets in an embarrassing spot. Some of the plot is predictable,but I'll give the author a pass since it was so entertaining.
Thanks to Goodreads for the Kindle version I received as a freebie on the site. I loved the book-- and I don't say that every book I get for free.
October 4, 2018
I won this book through a goodreads giveaway and absolutely loved it. It had a little but of everything from suspense to mystery to romance. The characters were quirky and likeable. I loved the setting too and can't wait to read the sequel!
October 3, 2018
Thanks to Goodreads for the giveaway. I enjoyed the book but the pace was slow. It is a whodunnit and has some good moments where you suspect several individuals. I think the author has potential and wish her great luck. Cute story with mostly full closure.
November 6, 2018
Speaking in Tungs is a funny book, cleverly phrased. I'm a word person too so I especially enjoyed the word play that Maryleigh engaged in. Likeable characters with some real oddballs thrown in for good measure. I'd like to see more of Maryleigh's world. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, yeah for me!
February 2, 2019
I won a copy of this e-book through a Goodreads giveaway. I found this to be a funny, engaging, and heart-warming book. It is definitely a light read, but the characters still had some richness and depth to them. If you like a quirky cast of characters, and a main character you can root for, you will likely enjoy this book. It made me laugh out loud a few times, and that's always a plus. The plot is far-fetched, but the characters are so engaging, it was easy to overlook the lack of a substantive story.
November 16, 2015
I recently had the pleasure of attending a read/sign for 'Speaking in Tungs' in Austin TX. I was already a fan of the book, but having the opportunity to hear the author, Karla Jay, read her favorite excerpts was such a special treat! She mentioned that booksellers were having a difficult time categorizing this story...
Autobio ? These quirky characters will pop to recognizable life for anyone who has spent time in rural America. Yes, the author draws on her experience as a speech pathologist for the intriguing cases featured; but, it's not an autobiography.
Romance ? There is a delightful boy meets girl, boy irritates girl, boy entices girl sexual tension; but, it's not purely romantic.
Mystery ? Danger lurks the fringes of the story and provides suspense; but, it not a mystery.
It's ALL of the above and so much more! 'Speaking in Tungs' has been the most entertaining book I've read in a long time on so many levels. It truly defies any attempt to put it in a genre box. I rarely have time to re-read a book, but I'm already taking another trip to Tungsten, PA. I also can't wait to hear an Audible version!
Autobio ? These quirky characters will pop to recognizable life for anyone who has spent time in rural America. Yes, the author draws on her experience as a speech pathologist for the intriguing cases featured; but, it's not an autobiography.
Romance ? There is a delightful boy meets girl, boy irritates girl, boy entices girl sexual tension; but, it's not purely romantic.
Mystery ? Danger lurks the fringes of the story and provides suspense; but, it not a mystery.
It's ALL of the above and so much more! 'Speaking in Tungs' has been the most entertaining book I've read in a long time on so many levels. It truly defies any attempt to put it in a genre box. I rarely have time to re-read a book, but I'm already taking another trip to Tungsten, PA. I also can't wait to hear an Audible version!
July 18, 2016
If I could give it a 3.5 I would! Fun summer read that I'll read the sequel to and to top it off- the main character is a SLP :)
October 16, 2018
When is it that you know you’ve read a great book? For me it is when I realize I am at the end of the book and I don’t remember time passing. “Speaking in Tungs” is such a book. The characters are delicious, complex, vibrant and unpredictable. The main character Marleigh is a recent graduate, just lost her parents in a tragic accident, and found out that she was adopted. Marleigh needs answers to why her biological parents abandoned her. Her adoption papers indicate that they came from Tungston, Pennsylvania. Marleigh finds a temporary job as a speech therapist nearby and a bed and breakfast for her stay. What Marleigh didn’t expect was how different her life would be. Tungston was nothing like San Francisco. Folks are different in Tungston; an odd mix of folksy, hardworking, independent, fun loving people. Marleigh’s clients expect a great deal more from her then her job description calls for. She is not sure if staying in Tungston if worth it. Did I mention that there is a criminal on the loose and he has made Marleigh a target for something innocent she has done? There is also someone else is who is not to happy she is around. And of course there is a great love story in the making. What is also great about this book is I actually learned something about speech therapy and methods used for helping others with speech difficulties. The creative and insightful ways in which Marleigh helps her clients is admirable. Thank you Karla Jay for gifting your readers with your book; can’t wait to read your next one.
I won this e-book on Goodreads.com
I won this e-book on Goodreads.com
August 3, 2023
I read this book several years ago and loved it. But Jay must have decided it could be better. This second edition is her new attempt to pretty it up and man, did she score! Now in present tense, it’s funnier, than ever. I laughed from my belly dozens of times, but the spectacular and witty sense of humor Jay shows off here is far from alone in her quiver of authorial wizardry. Her professional background as a speech pathologist shines through with so many clever word plays, you’ll wonder if there’s any bottom to her reservoir of brilliance. Marleigh’s bumpy ride trying to find her birth parents three thousand miles from her San Francisco home, in rural Pennsylvania, is wrought with hilarious, and not so hilarious accidents, an eclectic cast of characters that will keep you highly entertained, enough romance to keep a bonfire lit, and some serious “who done it” escapades that graduate into heart pounding drama. This is a book with some of everything and Jay makes it all riveting and fun. I loved this book!
February 21, 2024
I loved the characters dialogue and relaxing prose. I immediately read the sequel, which I loved equally or even more since i’ve become so attached to the characters, and the relation dynamics that develop between the characters. Am excited to read the third novel to be published soon! Hard to believe such a gifted writer is not well known, hope that changes soon because she is one of my favorite writers now. I read 120 books last year and started the new year reading best sellers that were 3 stars or worse…then suddenly found this one via Net Galley. All of my review solely reflects my own opinions.
January 27, 2019
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to read it! I am a speech-language pathologist and I have worked in rural PA, so I really enjoyed this book! SLPs do have interesting caseloads! I can’t wait to read the sequel!
January 30, 2019
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It was a cute and amusing book and a fast read. I found the main character a bit annoying at times and I thought the book ended rather abruptly, but I still liked it enough that I would read the sequel.
September 27, 2018
I won this book via a goodreads giveaway. I really enjoyed it and found some parts to be really humorous!
Want to read
October 12, 2018Thanks for making me a lucky winner of this book and I look forward to reading and reviewing!
November 1, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a light read, witty, and made you smile and laugh when you read it. Full of witty dialogue. It made me want to read the sequel.
February 23, 2019
I won this book thru a giveaway from Goodreads and thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a quick read filled with humor and quirky characters that held my interest and made me chuckle and shake my head in humous wonder.
October 15, 2018
Beautifully written. I really enjoyed this book. It was heartwarming, humorous with mystery. I’m excited to read more books by this author.
March 2, 2019
Ultimately enjoyable
I won a free copy of this ebook in a contest and am happily writing a review. I would rate this book 3.5 stars. About a speech therapist who recently found she was adopted. She's searching for her birth parents in rural Pennsylvania, Tungston to be specific. Certainly a varied bunch of quirky folks she meets. But almost too many quirks for my enjoyment. I was getting restless through the middle third of the book. There is a love interest and a criminal loose in the vicinity who seems to be fixated on Marleigh, the main character. The story was enjoyable but not really fulfilling.
I won a free copy of this ebook in a contest and am happily writing a review. I would rate this book 3.5 stars. About a speech therapist who recently found she was adopted. She's searching for her birth parents in rural Pennsylvania, Tungston to be specific. Certainly a varied bunch of quirky folks she meets. But almost too many quirks for my enjoyment. I was getting restless through the middle third of the book. There is a love interest and a criminal loose in the vicinity who seems to be fixated on Marleigh, the main character. The story was enjoyable but not really fulfilling.
October 28, 2018
I received a copy in a giveaway. I didn't know what to expect and loved it. Can't wait to read the second one.
October 17, 2018
It was a good book and interesting.
September 20, 2018
Fun story of people and many little mysteries
Want to read
February 17, 2019I won this kindle edition in a giveaway. I am super excited to read it since I am an SLP, I find the book intriguing. Thank you for the copy!
January 19, 2019
Really good story about all the things a speech therapist deals with. Quirky characters, a little romance, and a little mystery.
September 12, 2018
This was such a fun and unexpected book! I loved the setting of rural Pennsylvania and all the quirky characters that came with it. I also enjoyed learning more about the career of a speech pathologist. There is romance, suspense, friendship, and trials. Overall a very sweet book and I can’t wait to read the sequel.
Thank you Goodeads for a free kindle book!
Thank you Goodeads for a free kindle book!
August 14, 2019
My favorite part of this book was watching Marleigh (the leading lady) grow in a very slow, steady and real way. At first I was like “good gosh woman. Get it together and be nice!” (Even though her pride was somewhat relatable) and toward the end, I realized I love her! Her main love interest does NOT deserve her. I actually loved how real all of the characters are. They kind of all remind you of somewhat you might know already. It’s a quick read because of the underlying mystery as well as your desire to see Marleigh learn and grow. The climax was very good. VERY good. Karla Jay knows her craft, as this was carefully put together with great characters and building tension.
February 9, 2016
Marleigh Benning is a speech therapist who drives cross-country to establish a new life in a rural town called Tungston, where she can help people who have language/speech disorders, and locate her birth parents who gave her up when she was two-years-old for reasons unknown.
While making small strides with her patients, she meets the local fire chief, and sparks ignite.
But if she was looking for a relaxing getaway, she won’t find it in Tungston, where around every corner is a rattlesnake nest, a vicious wolf, a madman on the loose – and if that wasn’t bad enough, the locals think she is a walking joke!
Will the small town of Tungston accept Marleigh as one of their own? Or will she always be the “walking joke” of Tungston?
My Thoughts
Talking in Tungs is a delightful women’s fiction novel about a very likable speech therapist who is down on her luck, but handles it with humor. I loved her relationships with her patients, and could relate to a lot of what her patients told her, when upset that the former speech therapist quit. I too have had to pick up the pieces of a former medical worker who was fired, and having to hear from patients all the wonderful things she would do for them, (against every rule in the book, mind you), and making me feel bad for not being “as nice” as the one before me. I knew exactly what Marleigh was feeling. Of course, nobody asked me to do their grocery shopping or sell chickens, :) , but the general feeling was still there.
I totally and completely sympathized with Marleigh when her patients were being pushy! I’m sure MANY, if not most, medical workers can relate to these scenes!
I loved seeing the changes in her patients’ behaviors as she would work with them and customize different exercises for their individual needs. My favorite family she visited was Honey and Casey. I also loved all her progress with Milt.
“You’re about as safe as a sugarcoated boy scout in bear county.”
The witty, humorous dialogue made Speaking in Tungs a page-turner. At some points, I was laughing so hard I was crying! With every turn of the page, I was eager to find out what Marleigh would do next. She sure did get herself into A LOT of trouble! :)
Very impressive writing for a debut novel. I look forward to book 2 of Speaking in Tungs! In the meantime, I highly recommend this novel to fans of mysteries and humorous women’s fiction/Chick Lit. You won’t be disappointed!
***In the interest of full disclosure, I received a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair, honest, and thoughtful book review. This in no way swayed my opinion or rating.
Full Book Review: https://aprillwood.wordpress.com/2016...
While making small strides with her patients, she meets the local fire chief, and sparks ignite.
But if she was looking for a relaxing getaway, she won’t find it in Tungston, where around every corner is a rattlesnake nest, a vicious wolf, a madman on the loose – and if that wasn’t bad enough, the locals think she is a walking joke!
Will the small town of Tungston accept Marleigh as one of their own? Or will she always be the “walking joke” of Tungston?
My Thoughts
Talking in Tungs is a delightful women’s fiction novel about a very likable speech therapist who is down on her luck, but handles it with humor. I loved her relationships with her patients, and could relate to a lot of what her patients told her, when upset that the former speech therapist quit. I too have had to pick up the pieces of a former medical worker who was fired, and having to hear from patients all the wonderful things she would do for them, (against every rule in the book, mind you), and making me feel bad for not being “as nice” as the one before me. I knew exactly what Marleigh was feeling. Of course, nobody asked me to do their grocery shopping or sell chickens, :) , but the general feeling was still there.
I totally and completely sympathized with Marleigh when her patients were being pushy! I’m sure MANY, if not most, medical workers can relate to these scenes!
I loved seeing the changes in her patients’ behaviors as she would work with them and customize different exercises for their individual needs. My favorite family she visited was Honey and Casey. I also loved all her progress with Milt.
“You’re about as safe as a sugarcoated boy scout in bear county.”
The witty, humorous dialogue made Speaking in Tungs a page-turner. At some points, I was laughing so hard I was crying! With every turn of the page, I was eager to find out what Marleigh would do next. She sure did get herself into A LOT of trouble! :)
Very impressive writing for a debut novel. I look forward to book 2 of Speaking in Tungs! In the meantime, I highly recommend this novel to fans of mysteries and humorous women’s fiction/Chick Lit. You won’t be disappointed!
***In the interest of full disclosure, I received a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair, honest, and thoughtful book review. This in no way swayed my opinion or rating.
Full Book Review: https://aprillwood.wordpress.com/2016...
September 27, 2018
A nice first novel.
This was a pleasant cozy mystery, with an interesting protagonist (yes, I did find the speech therapy aspect fascinating and may read the next book just for that part alone), setting, and supporting characters.
I received a copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway, for which many thanks, and which has influenced my opinion not at all.
This was a pleasant cozy mystery, with an interesting protagonist (yes, I did find the speech therapy aspect fascinating and may read the next book just for that part alone), setting, and supporting characters.
I received a copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway, for which many thanks, and which has influenced my opinion not at all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews