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Parade of Horribles
Chattahoochee, Florida, a town with a state mental institution on its main drag, seldom slips from its usual relaxed pace. Detached from the tourist havens farther south, everyone here knows everybody else. Senior citizen Elvina Houston, head of the little-ole-lady hotline, keeps her nose wedged in the middle. October typically brings three well-attended festivals and a break from the oppressive summer. But this year, the relentless heat and humidity continue and a parade of horribles cranks up for Jake Witherspoon, his best friend Hattie Davis Lewis, and her older brother Bobby, one that will affect their intertwined families, friends, and the entire town. The incidents Jake perceives as a replay of his horrible assault are every bit as real as the twisted man who inches into Hattie’s family. How this group of small town folk handles the clash with hate and crime is a tribute to resiliency, friendship, and hope.
270 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 10, 2018
What a fun book to read! Rhett has done wonders with words. This story reinforces the word "friend". Life in a small town means that, yes, everyone knows everyone. They are there to help each other, listen to each other, and support each other. More like an extended family.
Enter the world Rhett has created. Relax and enjoy the people and the scenery. It's a beautiful town. I wish I could go down to Jake's flower shop and have him create a piece for me. He's so very talented! Yes, there's lots more.
Things happen to all of us. In this book, the parade of horribles is a list of things that happen. The wonders of what happens will make you smile, feel sad and anxious. I found myself laughing a few times. Now that's a wonder when reading!
Pick up a copy of "Parade of Horribles" and visit the town.
Enter the world Rhett has created. Relax and enjoy the people and the scenery. It's a beautiful town. I wish I could go down to Jake's flower shop and have him create a piece for me. He's so very talented! Yes, there's lots more.
Things happen to all of us. In this book, the parade of horribles is a list of things that happen. The wonders of what happens will make you smile, feel sad and anxious. I found myself laughing a few times. Now that's a wonder when reading!
Pick up a copy of "Parade of Horribles" and visit the town.
August 31, 2017
The book “Parade of Horribles” by Rhett DeVane was a lovely southern tale. The book mainly follows the lives of besties Jake Witherspoon and Hattie Davis Lewis, although other characters’ lives are focused on too. Jake is receiving some nasty text messages. Combined with that and running a big festival, it has him ready to lose it. Hattie has her hands full raising a teenage daughter and taking care of her farm. Together they need to rely on the help of good friends in order to survive.
When I first began reading “Parade of Horribles” I thought that it was a book in a series. DeVane gave every character a complex background. I felt that I had missed some important history and details from the characters. Reading on I grew to know and love all the characters. Each character’s history was briefly touched on. Jack was my favorite because of his sarcastic attitude. I had mixed feelings about Elvina Houston, mainly because she reminds me of my very nosy neighbor. I identified with Hattie because of her love for coffee. I am not sure how DeVane managed to pack all the mini-stories going on with all the characters into one book, but she did. This book seems to have it all!
I really enjoyed this book. I now know what to call all the problems going on in my life! I was actually sad when the story came to an end. I would love to see it become a series. I want to read more about the people of Chattahoochee, Florida. I recommend this book to anyone loves a good southern tale.
*I reviewed this book for Readers' Favorite
When I first began reading “Parade of Horribles” I thought that it was a book in a series. DeVane gave every character a complex background. I felt that I had missed some important history and details from the characters. Reading on I grew to know and love all the characters. Each character’s history was briefly touched on. Jack was my favorite because of his sarcastic attitude. I had mixed feelings about Elvina Houston, mainly because she reminds me of my very nosy neighbor. I identified with Hattie because of her love for coffee. I am not sure how DeVane managed to pack all the mini-stories going on with all the characters into one book, but she did. This book seems to have it all!
I really enjoyed this book. I now know what to call all the problems going on in my life! I was actually sad when the story came to an end. I would love to see it become a series. I want to read more about the people of Chattahoochee, Florida. I recommend this book to anyone loves a good southern tale.
*I reviewed this book for Readers' Favorite
June 24, 2018
I was browsing in one of our local bookstores looking for something different by an author I hadn’t read before. One of the clerks recommended this book so I purchased it. While Parade of Horribles is part of a series it was a good read on its own. DeVane’s writing is colorful, descriptive and witty as she introduces you to small town America and a funny cast of characters, Jake, Elvina, Bobby, Hattie among others and of course, Juliet the dog. It reminded me a bit of Steel Magnolias. I enjoyed the story but at one point began to wonder where it was going however, the last 75 pages or so answered my question. Give this author and her books a chance, I think you will be pleased and enjoy the read.
July 19, 2017
As soon as I started in on Parade of Horribles, I remembered what it’s like to be immersed in DeVane’s words of Southern charm. I was immediately taken into the small Chattahoochee town and into the lives of the characters who live there. It’s a good Southern, small-town novel with some mystery and suspense thrown in, and tasty recipes included at the end. While overall it’s straightforward story, there’s just so much more to it, so many issues and themes it brings up and examines: the human condition, fear and other emotions, forgiveness, technology, and more. It’s a suitable choice for group discussion whether among friends or during a book club; one I’d definitely recommend.
June 16, 2018
Parade of Horribles is very relevant in today’s world.
Rhett DeVane is a local author who has spoken in our Tallahassee Women’s Newcomers Club and visited at out book club. She writes about locations we can identify with and she is very entertaining as a speaker. Jake, the main character in this book has faced serious hate and prejudice, but still insists on forgiving. Small town relationships are entertaining.
Rhett DeVane is a local author who has spoken in our Tallahassee Women’s Newcomers Club and visited at out book club. She writes about locations we can identify with and she is very entertaining as a speaker. Jake, the main character in this book has faced serious hate and prejudice, but still insists on forgiving. Small town relationships are entertaining.
May 29, 2017
Twists and turns keeps you guessing.
Just when I thought I had finally figured out who the bad guy was, something changed and I found myself back in the guessing game. Excellent storytelling. Rhett has a new fan in me.
Just when I thought I had finally figured out who the bad guy was, something changed and I found myself back in the guessing game. Excellent storytelling. Rhett has a new fan in me.
May 13, 2017
A great reminder of the power of forgiveness.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews