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Lumby #5
Lumby on the Air
2017 Edition! Book #5 of the Lumby series. What Garrison Keillor did for Lake Wobegon and Jan Karon did for Mitford, Gail Fraser has done for Lumby - a town so heartwarming and endearing, you'll be forever transported. When Pam and Mark Walker's relatives descend on Montis Inn for a week of vacation and an anniversary celebration, surprises abound that make this family reunion one that will never be forgotten.
As Mark's brother-in-law begins to broadcast his radio talk show from the inn's living room, other family members are more interested in the festivities at the county fair. But it's not just the antique Ferris wheel that comes to a jolting stop when Carter Reed turns up the volume of his commentaries on small town living and takes the side of a real estate developer who's banking on turning Lumby into the next Aspen, and pits neighbor against neighbor while threatening the town's bucolic way of life.
And Pam juggles the generation gap between her thrill-seeking mother and a nonconformist niece who posts every detail of the clan's get-together on Facebook. But for this one week, family, no matter how it's defined, is always a matter of the heart and a spirit that defines the town everyone has come to know and love - Lumby.
As Mark's brother-in-law begins to broadcast his radio talk show from the inn's living room, other family members are more interested in the festivities at the county fair. But it's not just the antique Ferris wheel that comes to a jolting stop when Carter Reed turns up the volume of his commentaries on small town living and takes the side of a real estate developer who's banking on turning Lumby into the next Aspen, and pits neighbor against neighbor while threatening the town's bucolic way of life.
And Pam juggles the generation gap between her thrill-seeking mother and a nonconformist niece who posts every detail of the clan's get-together on Facebook. But for this one week, family, no matter how it's defined, is always a matter of the heart and a spirit that defines the town everyone has come to know and love - Lumby.
454 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2010
17 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Gail Fraser
12 books85 followersGail Fraser is the author of the Lumby series, which includes "The Lumby Lines," "Stealing Lumby," "Lumby’s Bounty," "The Promise of Lumby," "Lumby on the Air," "Lost in Lumby" and "Between Lumby and God" (early coming 2018). Along with her husband, folk artist Art Poulin, Gail also co-authored the celebrated non-fiction illustrated hardcover and ebook entitled "Finding Happiness in Simplicity: Everyday Joys for Simple Living Throughout the Year" (Globe Pequot 3/2012).
Prior to changing her life and becoming a novelist in 2004, Gail had a long and successful career in 'corporate America' holding senior executive and upper management positions in several Fortune 500 and start-up corporations. During her career, in addition to living throughout the United States, Gail traveled to 22 countries and had extended stays in Australia, Japan, Brazil and several countries in Europe.
Gail was born and raised in Rye, New York, and attended the Rye High School and then majored in English and received an AA from Colby Sawyer College. After graduating, Gail studied at the University of London and returned to Skidmore College where she earned her BA in English Education. She completed her MBA at the University of Connecticut, with graduate work done at Harvard University.
Gail and Art have built their own 'Lumby' at Lazy Goose Farm in rural upstate New York. Featured in several magazines, newspapers and on PBS, Lazy Goose is a 40-acre gentleman's farm that is demarcated by a 200-year old stone wall, and has views of the Catskills, Adirondack and Vermont mountains. Gail is also an avid heirloom tomato gardener, long-distance swimmer and flute player. When not following her passions, Gail tends to their orchard and beehives most every morning.
Prior to changing her life and becoming a novelist in 2004, Gail had a long and successful career in 'corporate America' holding senior executive and upper management positions in several Fortune 500 and start-up corporations. During her career, in addition to living throughout the United States, Gail traveled to 22 countries and had extended stays in Australia, Japan, Brazil and several countries in Europe.
Gail was born and raised in Rye, New York, and attended the Rye High School and then majored in English and received an AA from Colby Sawyer College. After graduating, Gail studied at the University of London and returned to Skidmore College where she earned her BA in English Education. She completed her MBA at the University of Connecticut, with graduate work done at Harvard University.
Gail and Art have built their own 'Lumby' at Lazy Goose Farm in rural upstate New York. Featured in several magazines, newspapers and on PBS, Lazy Goose is a 40-acre gentleman's farm that is demarcated by a 200-year old stone wall, and has views of the Catskills, Adirondack and Vermont mountains. Gail is also an avid heirloom tomato gardener, long-distance swimmer and flute player. When not following her passions, Gail tends to their orchard and beehives most every morning.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 28, 2010
Pam and Mark Walker are celebrating their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary by inviting their families to stay at their bed-and-breakfast for a week. As in all families, there are some underlying issues that make the prospect of spending a week together a bit...interesting. Luckily, the county fair is in town that week, so everyone has plenty to do, if Mark can just make it through all the various competitions intact!
What a sweet book! Just what I needed. This is the fifth in a series. I haven't read the others, but I picked up on the story with no problems.
There were a few serious underlying ideas, like redemption, a teen's need to fit in at any cost, those family issues, and how the sale of a large tract of land to the wrong person can change a community's character forever. Linking all of these together was the question of how responsible we are to each other.
Mostly this was just a nice story with repaired family relationships, a community that looks out for everyone, and Mark's crazy antics to lighten everything up. Seriously, who enters a chainsaw art competition when they've never done anything like that before? Overseeing it all is the town's mascot, Hank, a plastic pink flamingo who longs to be an eagle. I loved the newspaper excerpts! They added a perfect little taste of small-town life.
I have to say that the resolution to the angsty teen didn't feel drastic enough. I didn't quite buy it. But the whole book is more of an escape than anything, so it did fit with the tone of everything else.
I also could have used a cast of characters. I lost track of who everyone was. This is where it might have helped if I'd read the books in the right order, but my biggest problem was with the various family members. I got the feeling that they were mostly introduced for the first time in this book.
I read an arc, but there was a whole section full of extras, such as recipes, discussion questions, and "What's in your..." interviews with characters. I enjoyed looking through all those.
If you've had a rough day and you need to escape to a simpler place, pick this up. I'll be doing that with the earlier books in the series.
Thanks to the publicist for sending me a copy for review.
What a sweet book! Just what I needed. This is the fifth in a series. I haven't read the others, but I picked up on the story with no problems.
There were a few serious underlying ideas, like redemption, a teen's need to fit in at any cost, those family issues, and how the sale of a large tract of land to the wrong person can change a community's character forever. Linking all of these together was the question of how responsible we are to each other.
Mostly this was just a nice story with repaired family relationships, a community that looks out for everyone, and Mark's crazy antics to lighten everything up. Seriously, who enters a chainsaw art competition when they've never done anything like that before? Overseeing it all is the town's mascot, Hank, a plastic pink flamingo who longs to be an eagle. I loved the newspaper excerpts! They added a perfect little taste of small-town life.
I have to say that the resolution to the angsty teen didn't feel drastic enough. I didn't quite buy it. But the whole book is more of an escape than anything, so it did fit with the tone of everything else.
I also could have used a cast of characters. I lost track of who everyone was. This is where it might have helped if I'd read the books in the right order, but my biggest problem was with the various family members. I got the feeling that they were mostly introduced for the first time in this book.
I read an arc, but there was a whole section full of extras, such as recipes, discussion questions, and "What's in your..." interviews with characters. I enjoyed looking through all those.
If you've had a rough day and you need to escape to a simpler place, pick this up. I'll be doing that with the earlier books in the series.
Thanks to the publicist for sending me a copy for review.
February 28, 2019
Lumby on the Air centers around Mark and Pam Walker as they are about to host a family reunion in celebration of their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary and vow renewal. As Mark and Pam’s family members converge on the little mountainside town of Lumby, personalities clash and long-standing issues collide, all making for an entertaining and intriguing week in the Walker’s life.
I didn’t quite know what to expect from this book, it’s not something I would normally pick up while perusing bookshelves, but I am so glad I read Lumby on the Air. At times it does lack the finesse I like to see from good writers, but I can overlook that for it’s better qualities. Lumby on the Air is simply a fun book, a wonderfully light read, about the quirks in every family, and the pulse of a small town set aside from corporate America; a town where neighbors are people who always come to your aid, regardless of how far away they may actually live.
Lumby on the Air was refreshing to read in the way I imagine visiting the actual town of Lumby would refresh me from city-living. It’s nice to be reminded that there can still be places where people help each other instead of living a single-minded existence where we only worry about ourselves. Most of Gail Fraser’s characters come to life on the page, and I feel like I know Pam and Mark and the people of Lumby. Small parts of the book are disconnected; Mark’s sixteen-year-old niece Jessica is somewhat unrealistic because her personality and issues are over the top, but in general, each character was well-formed and amusing. Even the town mascot Hank, a plastic-pink flamingo (well, to be honest, I didn’t get his character, but I have a feeling he’ll be in the other books).
If you’re looking for a nice summer read that you can relax with and not think too hard about, Lumby on the Air is perfect for the beach and bright weather.
I didn’t quite know what to expect from this book, it’s not something I would normally pick up while perusing bookshelves, but I am so glad I read Lumby on the Air. At times it does lack the finesse I like to see from good writers, but I can overlook that for it’s better qualities. Lumby on the Air is simply a fun book, a wonderfully light read, about the quirks in every family, and the pulse of a small town set aside from corporate America; a town where neighbors are people who always come to your aid, regardless of how far away they may actually live.
Lumby on the Air was refreshing to read in the way I imagine visiting the actual town of Lumby would refresh me from city-living. It’s nice to be reminded that there can still be places where people help each other instead of living a single-minded existence where we only worry about ourselves. Most of Gail Fraser’s characters come to life on the page, and I feel like I know Pam and Mark and the people of Lumby. Small parts of the book are disconnected; Mark’s sixteen-year-old niece Jessica is somewhat unrealistic because her personality and issues are over the top, but in general, each character was well-formed and amusing. Even the town mascot Hank, a plastic-pink flamingo (well, to be honest, I didn’t get his character, but I have a feeling he’ll be in the other books).
If you’re looking for a nice summer read that you can relax with and not think too hard about, Lumby on the Air is perfect for the beach and bright weather.
April 17, 2017
I really enjoyed the 1st four of these books but just couldn't get into this one. Most of the characters were not nice people for a lot of it and then they suddenly all had "changes of heart". Seemed a bit fake.
January 29, 2017
Aaaargh!!! The author's attempt to take relationship problems and solve them with a flick of her wand so that everybody lives happily ever after. I had bought the first three Lumby books at a used book sale - glad I only spent $1.50 each. I'm thoroughly done with this "cutesy" series. Back to reading well-written, thought-provoking books. I'm definitely over-fluffed.
April 7, 2019
This is the 5th book of the series starring a town named Lumby in the Pacific Northwest. All of the books are consistently entertaining, quirky, and heartwarming. I would love to move to the town if it even exists! I am saddened to realize that I only have one more book in the series to read! Hopefully, there are additional books in the works! Well worth the read if you would love to get caught up in the town and its residents!
March 11, 2024
I found this book in a local "little free library" and I'm glad I chose it because I liked it! It was a quick, light-hearted read showcasing the quirks and enchantment of small town America. Seeing that this is a 5th book in a series, I'll likely read the others to see what the characters lives were like before this one.
January 11, 2018
Love the Lumby series. Can't wait to read no. 6.
April 24, 2020
I have loved everyone of the Lumpy books that I have read. I have read them out of order but it doesn't matter, I only hope that there are more.
August 5, 2020
Love the Lumby books when I need a pleasant escape. This one did not disappoint
August 17, 2010
Lumby on the Air is the fifth book in the Lumby series which includes The Promise of Lumby, Stealing Lumby, The Lumby Lines and Lumby’s Bounty. I have not gotten a chance to read the others but I hope to sometime soon. I think it’s worth mentioning though that Lumby on the Air is by no means the final book. Readers will have a chance to collect the previous copies in the Lumby Series and add to the collection as more books become available.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone whose looking for a great summer read. I have already sent out the SOS to most of my friends and they are ordering their copies as we speak. There were so many themes in the story particularly the importance of Family and Family Life. Coming from a close knit family and by extension community I really empathized with the story and I think that Lumby on the Air was a great fit for me.
I felt all sorts of emotions while reading this novel, but none of them included sad. If anything, I felt more lite and upbeat because of the amount of humor in the book. The stories and the characters made me laugh a lot.
What stood out to me was the way in which the author made everyone’s story come together. At first reading through all the characters and their different themes I was unsure as to where the author was going with all of it, especially the part about the extinct berries. However, the way the author brought all the situations together was very creative and was an indication of brilliant writing. By this I was able to infer that the author was very experienced in her word selection and I loved that about her writing style. Further, if one didn’t know better one would think Lumby to be a real rather than fictitious town, so artfully described the place was. The town was even equipped with its own map. The author's art for description, especially of the town and its residence was exceptional. Fraser appears to be well informed, especially about the latest technology and it showed in her writing.
I connected to all the characters in the book. They were like the ingredients to a great recipe; everyone had their own individual, unique flavor about them that when placed together contributed to a wonderful story. More importantly I was able to relate to them as well. I absolutely loved Old Jesse the cow and Coco the pedigree cat. Their relationship was interesting, strange and funny. I'm an animal lover and their relationship added a twist to the story like no other book I’ve ever read. I also love the way the author described Jesse's protective nature over Coco. Hilarious!
I did not particularly like Jessica, Mark's niece. I saw her to be whinny and spoilt and I didn’t appreciate that. I did understand however her reasons behind her behaviour, but I didn’t like the way she went about expressing her feelings. The same goes for Carter. His attitude was a little too bold for my taste however, he made up for that at the end of the book.
There is nothing I would change about this book, it was tastefully done, well written and the author was well informed. What more can a person want?
I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone whose looking for a great summer read. I have already sent out the SOS to most of my friends and they are ordering their copies as we speak. There were so many themes in the story particularly the importance of Family and Family Life. Coming from a close knit family and by extension community I really empathized with the story and I think that Lumby on the Air was a great fit for me.
I felt all sorts of emotions while reading this novel, but none of them included sad. If anything, I felt more lite and upbeat because of the amount of humor in the book. The stories and the characters made me laugh a lot.
What stood out to me was the way in which the author made everyone’s story come together. At first reading through all the characters and their different themes I was unsure as to where the author was going with all of it, especially the part about the extinct berries. However, the way the author brought all the situations together was very creative and was an indication of brilliant writing. By this I was able to infer that the author was very experienced in her word selection and I loved that about her writing style. Further, if one didn’t know better one would think Lumby to be a real rather than fictitious town, so artfully described the place was. The town was even equipped with its own map. The author's art for description, especially of the town and its residence was exceptional. Fraser appears to be well informed, especially about the latest technology and it showed in her writing.
I connected to all the characters in the book. They were like the ingredients to a great recipe; everyone had their own individual, unique flavor about them that when placed together contributed to a wonderful story. More importantly I was able to relate to them as well. I absolutely loved Old Jesse the cow and Coco the pedigree cat. Their relationship was interesting, strange and funny. I'm an animal lover and their relationship added a twist to the story like no other book I’ve ever read. I also love the way the author described Jesse's protective nature over Coco. Hilarious!
I did not particularly like Jessica, Mark's niece. I saw her to be whinny and spoilt and I didn’t appreciate that. I did understand however her reasons behind her behaviour, but I didn’t like the way she went about expressing her feelings. The same goes for Carter. His attitude was a little too bold for my taste however, he made up for that at the end of the book.
There is nothing I would change about this book, it was tastefully done, well written and the author was well informed. What more can a person want?
August 21, 2010
4.25/5 stars
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of the first book in this series, THE LUMBY LINES, and I reviewed it a couple of months ago in March. I really liked the book and was looking forward to continuing on with the second book. But when I was asked to review , LUMBY ON THE AIR, I couldn't pass the opportunity up even though it was book number five.
Now I’m not too sure what I missed between the first book and LUMBY ON THE AIR but I don’t think it was a lot because book five can definitely stand-alone. Its four years after main characters Pam and Mark Walker first arrived in Lumby. I can imagine the crazy things that have happened to Lumby in the meantime. The book centers on a family reunion celebrating Pam and Mark’s 25th anniversary. However, the book wouldn’t be so long (and not as fun) if everything went according to plan. Like most families, the prospect of being together for a week can definitely be interesting. Personalities clash, past arguments resurface and the healing magic of Lumby make a surprisingly emotional read.
Mark and Pam remain to be a sweet couple. I quickly became attached to them just like I did in the first book. The visiting members of their families make the read an adventure. Mark’s estranged sister Lynn makes her appearance after an embezzlement scandal involving her ex-husband and Mark’s money. His other sister Nancy brings along her often troublesome husband Carter and their son Corey. His brother Patrick arrives with his wife Elaine and rebellious teenage daughter Jessica. And finally on Pam’s side her mother comes to visit bringing a surprise guest with her…a boyfriend!!
It seems a bit daunting to have to remember who everyone is and I admit that sometimes I got a little confused and had to step back a minute to get everyone straight. The story also includes additional secondary characters that are mixed in with the main stories. However, Gail Fraser does a pretty darn good job of creating such relatable characters. I found myself easily falling into Lumby living as I got further along into the book. Funny, heart-warming, and filled with a surprising emotional depth I think many readers will enjoy this installment of the Lumby series. And like I said before it can be read as a stand-alone. I still have some catching up to do with the in-between books and I know I’ll be a frequent visitor of Lumby.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of the first book in this series, THE LUMBY LINES, and I reviewed it a couple of months ago in March. I really liked the book and was looking forward to continuing on with the second book. But when I was asked to review , LUMBY ON THE AIR, I couldn't pass the opportunity up even though it was book number five.
Now I’m not too sure what I missed between the first book and LUMBY ON THE AIR but I don’t think it was a lot because book five can definitely stand-alone. Its four years after main characters Pam and Mark Walker first arrived in Lumby. I can imagine the crazy things that have happened to Lumby in the meantime. The book centers on a family reunion celebrating Pam and Mark’s 25th anniversary. However, the book wouldn’t be so long (and not as fun) if everything went according to plan. Like most families, the prospect of being together for a week can definitely be interesting. Personalities clash, past arguments resurface and the healing magic of Lumby make a surprisingly emotional read.
Mark and Pam remain to be a sweet couple. I quickly became attached to them just like I did in the first book. The visiting members of their families make the read an adventure. Mark’s estranged sister Lynn makes her appearance after an embezzlement scandal involving her ex-husband and Mark’s money. His other sister Nancy brings along her often troublesome husband Carter and their son Corey. His brother Patrick arrives with his wife Elaine and rebellious teenage daughter Jessica. And finally on Pam’s side her mother comes to visit bringing a surprise guest with her…a boyfriend!!
It seems a bit daunting to have to remember who everyone is and I admit that sometimes I got a little confused and had to step back a minute to get everyone straight. The story also includes additional secondary characters that are mixed in with the main stories. However, Gail Fraser does a pretty darn good job of creating such relatable characters. I found myself easily falling into Lumby living as I got further along into the book. Funny, heart-warming, and filled with a surprising emotional depth I think many readers will enjoy this installment of the Lumby series. And like I said before it can be read as a stand-alone. I still have some catching up to do with the in-between books and I know I’ll be a frequent visitor of Lumby.
August 27, 2010
When Pam and Mark Walker invite their families to Montis Inn for a family reunion and twenty-fifth anniversary celebration, they certainly don't expect Mark's brother-in-law to broadcast his controversial radio show from their home or for their niece to be online disparaging Lumby and looking for a place to party. Add in the arrival of Mark's sister, who he hasn't spoken to in seven years, and Pam's mother bringing a boyfriend that she knew nothing about and it is quite the family reunion! Of course the monks, and now the sisters, of Saint Cross have their own part in the story and the entire town of Lumby is buzzing with the news that Mike McNear might sell his farm to a real estate developer. Mark's escapades at the county fair add in a bit more local color.
Lumby on the Air is the newest in the Lumby series and I'm happy to say that it won't be the last. I have enjoyed every one of these books and this one was no exception. In a way, it felt like the book circled back around to the beginning of the series with the focus being on the Walkers and their families. This is the first time we have met any of Pam and Mark's relatives and the first time that outsiders have descended with such force on Lumby. Unfortunately, the majority of the relatives are shown in a very unflattering light and I really wondered how Pam and Mark could be related to such people. I very much related to Pam's stress level at dealing with these people and her anger when they were so disrespectful to the life that she and Mark have built in Lumby.
Unfortunately, the family drama took up so much of the book that we didn't have much time to check in with old friends. A few show up here and there, mainly the monks and sisters, but many of the other town regulars were only seen briefly if at all. Despite their general dislike of outsiders, the residents of Lumby pull through for friends in a crises and it is that neighborly spirit that reaches into the heart of a man, showing him that he can accomplish something positive rather than relying on the destructive nature of conflict.
Lumby on the Air is the newest in the Lumby series and I'm happy to say that it won't be the last. I have enjoyed every one of these books and this one was no exception. In a way, it felt like the book circled back around to the beginning of the series with the focus being on the Walkers and their families. This is the first time we have met any of Pam and Mark's relatives and the first time that outsiders have descended with such force on Lumby. Unfortunately, the majority of the relatives are shown in a very unflattering light and I really wondered how Pam and Mark could be related to such people. I very much related to Pam's stress level at dealing with these people and her anger when they were so disrespectful to the life that she and Mark have built in Lumby.
Unfortunately, the family drama took up so much of the book that we didn't have much time to check in with old friends. A few show up here and there, mainly the monks and sisters, but many of the other town regulars were only seen briefly if at all. Despite their general dislike of outsiders, the residents of Lumby pull through for friends in a crises and it is that neighborly spirit that reaches into the heart of a man, showing him that he can accomplish something positive rather than relying on the destructive nature of conflict.
August 6, 2024
just as enjoyable as the earlier books in this series. Gave it only a 4 because the two major character transformations occurred in a very short time frame - so they felt forced. Also, a main character – husband Mark - is distressingly adept at lies of both commission and omission.
Quotes: These seem to be darker than in earlier books in the series. A couple are funny.
“Bess, his wife of forty-four years, was standing in front of the stove preparing a pot of stew for dinner. The scene appeared to convey a pleasant snapshot of the American dream, as long as no one looked too closely or thought too long about what life was like on a struggling farm.”
“She was always great at using the church for her own absolution and righteousness.”
“Join us. Episcopal Church Sunday sermon: Jesus walks on water. Bible study Sunday night: Searching for Jesus.” (funny)
“So all we are is a country of three hundred million autonomous souls with no accountability to each other? Pam asked. “Just about” Carter huffed. “I find that idea totally heartrending.”
“If nothing else, Carter Reed deserves credit for understanding human nature and benefitting from the very worst in all of us. He certainly is a successful parasite.”
“…today’s younger generation has no concept of responsibility. They feel like they are entitled to anything and everything as long as they don’t have to work for it.”
“38-24-36. Pounds gained since the holidays, number of chin hairs plucked today, formula number for the hair color I use. If still interested call xxx” (funny)
“I know you try so hard, but you can’t control everything that happens in this world.”
“…a small town can, in fact, uniquely define the lives of its residents. There does seem to be a greater personal accountability because there’s no chance for the anonymity that is available in the city.”
And finally:
okay, to be blunt: Mark is a liar and an idiot. I don’t find him endearing, I find him obnoxious.
Quotes: These seem to be darker than in earlier books in the series. A couple are funny.
“Bess, his wife of forty-four years, was standing in front of the stove preparing a pot of stew for dinner. The scene appeared to convey a pleasant snapshot of the American dream, as long as no one looked too closely or thought too long about what life was like on a struggling farm.”
“She was always great at using the church for her own absolution and righteousness.”
“Join us. Episcopal Church Sunday sermon: Jesus walks on water. Bible study Sunday night: Searching for Jesus.” (funny)
“So all we are is a country of three hundred million autonomous souls with no accountability to each other? Pam asked. “Just about” Carter huffed. “I find that idea totally heartrending.”
“If nothing else, Carter Reed deserves credit for understanding human nature and benefitting from the very worst in all of us. He certainly is a successful parasite.”
“…today’s younger generation has no concept of responsibility. They feel like they are entitled to anything and everything as long as they don’t have to work for it.”
“38-24-36. Pounds gained since the holidays, number of chin hairs plucked today, formula number for the hair color I use. If still interested call xxx” (funny)
“I know you try so hard, but you can’t control everything that happens in this world.”
“…a small town can, in fact, uniquely define the lives of its residents. There does seem to be a greater personal accountability because there’s no chance for the anonymity that is available in the city.”
And finally:
okay, to be blunt: Mark is a liar and an idiot. I don’t find him endearing, I find him obnoxious.
July 18, 2010
Mark and Pam Walker are celebrating their twenty-fifth anniversary. They have invited their whole families. First Mark’s sister, Lynn and her prized cat, Coco arrive. This comes as a huge surprise as Lynn’s ex-husband embezzled money from Mark. Next comes Pam’s mother and…boyfriend! Then comes Mark’s sister, Nancy with her husband, Carter and son, Corey. Finally, Mark’s older brother Patrick, his wife, Elaine and their daughter Jessica arrive. The town of Lumby will never be the same again.
Lumby on the Air is the fifth novel in the Lumby series. It can be read as a stand alone novel. This book had all my favorite people as well as new characters. This book didn’t really focus on the town of Lumby, so much as it did Mark and Pam’s crazy family. I thought my family was a little crazy but after meeting Mark’s, I realized I would rather choose my family over his. Some of my favorite moments involved Coco. Coco may be a prized, exotic cat but she is a country girl at heart. There was the time when Coco was assaulted and chosen as a raccoon’s love slave or the moment when Coco made a friend with Old Jesse, the bull. Of course, I can’t forget The Lumby Line newspaper. Always good for a few laughs. All the arguing in this story did get on my nerves some. This book missed a bit of the sparkle of the Lumby Lines, the first book I tried and read in this series but I still can’t get enough of Mark, Pam and the rest of the town of Lumby. I plan to check out the next lumby novel. Lumby on the Air has made a permanent landing on my bookshelf.
Lumby on the Air is the fifth novel in the Lumby series. It can be read as a stand alone novel. This book had all my favorite people as well as new characters. This book didn’t really focus on the town of Lumby, so much as it did Mark and Pam’s crazy family. I thought my family was a little crazy but after meeting Mark’s, I realized I would rather choose my family over his. Some of my favorite moments involved Coco. Coco may be a prized, exotic cat but she is a country girl at heart. There was the time when Coco was assaulted and chosen as a raccoon’s love slave or the moment when Coco made a friend with Old Jesse, the bull. Of course, I can’t forget The Lumby Line newspaper. Always good for a few laughs. All the arguing in this story did get on my nerves some. This book missed a bit of the sparkle of the Lumby Lines, the first book I tried and read in this series but I still can’t get enough of Mark, Pam and the rest of the town of Lumby. I plan to check out the next lumby novel. Lumby on the Air has made a permanent landing on my bookshelf.
June 29, 2010
Just when I thought I'd seen it all in Lumby, Gail Fraser comes out with a new installment that has me completely hooked.
Pam and Mark are about to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary and the celebration will be attended by their families - characters ranging from the estranged older sister of Mark to Pam's fun-loving mother, a rebellious teenage niece and a brother-in-law who needs to, quite frankly, learn a lesson.
There was the usual cast of hilarious characters - Howard the Moose, Hank the Plastic Flamingo and.. as always, the funny entries of The Lumby Lines newspaper.
I really, really enjoyed seeing relationships evolve and this book was made a whole lot more personal for me as I found myself identifying with several of the characters represented. Of course, as I've learned to expect by now, there were some fantastic elements to the story.. but it's part of the charm of these books and I fully enjoyed escaping to Lumby again and will definitely be looking out for Lumby Book #6.
Pam and Mark are about to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary and the celebration will be attended by their families - characters ranging from the estranged older sister of Mark to Pam's fun-loving mother, a rebellious teenage niece and a brother-in-law who needs to, quite frankly, learn a lesson.
There was the usual cast of hilarious characters - Howard the Moose, Hank the Plastic Flamingo and.. as always, the funny entries of The Lumby Lines newspaper.
I really, really enjoyed seeing relationships evolve and this book was made a whole lot more personal for me as I found myself identifying with several of the characters represented. Of course, as I've learned to expect by now, there were some fantastic elements to the story.. but it's part of the charm of these books and I fully enjoyed escaping to Lumby again and will definitely be looking out for Lumby Book #6.
November 1, 2012
Being from a small town in Oklahoma, sometimes I enjoy reading works about life in a small town. This is what drew me to the Lumby books. After desperately trying to win the series in a book giveaway, I spent months looking for the books at used bookstores. No luck. At last, I ran across this one, the 5th in the series, in the clearance section of Barnes and Noble. Sure, like most I prefer to read books in the correct order, but I decided to just jump in. If I hated this book, then I had saved myself the trouble of reading the others. Luckily for me, I loved the book. The small town atmosphere, the funny little issues that would make big city people shake their heads, and the lovable characters just pulled me right in. Because of this book, I'm now starting the series from the beginning, and, to be honest, I'm glad I didn't start with the first book. Like most writers, Fraser's style has gotten better with time and practice. Her first book is clumsy, but it still holds the charm of the fifth. Hopefully, I'll be in Lumby for the whole run.
April 7, 2012
I've read all the books in this series and when I saw this one, I was intrigued because it seemed much longer than the others. The story of the Walker's family reunion got a bit tedious but there were some humorous parts along the way. I must say, enough about the town's mascot Hank already. In the beginning of the series it was a cute device, but now it is just repetitive. And I really missed hearing more about the people of Lumby, as the plot centered around Marks really weird relatives. I don't think people are actually that moronic in real life - but then again, it is a novel. The general plot of Mark's brother in law, a Rush Limbaugh type, finding his soul at the end wrapped up rather quickly, but as it always does in Lumby, things turned out right in the end. I do look forward to Gail Fraser's next Lumby tale though. I hope she sticks to the characters she's already created - the ones who live in town.
September 25, 2010
From my book review blog Rundpinne...[return][return]...Lumby on the Air by Gail Fraser is the fifth book in Fraser’s Lumby series and the stories from this quirky town continue to amuse and charm the reader. While Lumby on the Air can be read as a stand-alone novel, I recommend reading the series to fully grasp the uniqueness that is the small town of Lumby and its inhabitants. New characters are introduced in this latest installment when a big to do is planned in Lumby and it is quite possible the Walker’s extended family is even crazier than those who inhabit Lumby. Fraser does an excellent job mixing together setting, mood, and the various eccentricities of her characters making reading the Lumby series always an adventure and pure delight. I would recommend Lumby on the Air to anyone looking for a quick and enjoyable book to read.
August 27, 2010
I don't know how I missed out on this series up till now!
I enjoyed the characters and learning about the town of Lumby. One of those places that at least in theory, you'd like to live in.
One complaint as a librarian is that one character in belittling the Lumby library says that in Seattle you have to give your credit card number! Now, I work for King County - not Seattle, but I don't believe Seattle requires a credit card to check out books!
Other than that, I really enjoyed this and now I have to find the others.
I kept forgetting that whenever Hank was mentioned,he's a plastic flamingo.
I enjoyed the characters and learning about the town of Lumby. One of those places that at least in theory, you'd like to live in.
One complaint as a librarian is that one character in belittling the Lumby library says that in Seattle you have to give your credit card number! Now, I work for King County - not Seattle, but I don't believe Seattle requires a credit card to check out books!
Other than that, I really enjoyed this and now I have to find the others.
I kept forgetting that whenever Hank was mentioned,he's a plastic flamingo.
May 30, 2013
I just love me a book that takes me away to a small rural town with quirky inhabitants, a flamingo mascot, and an abandoned monastery-turned-bed-and-breakfast. As Pam and Mark Walker approach their 25th wedding anniversary, they plan a family reunion at their Lumby bed and breakfast, which happens to coincide with the County Fair.
The Lumby series is just charming, filled with family, fun, and faith in mankind!
The Lumby series is just charming, filled with family, fun, and faith in mankind!
July 8, 2011
This is the fifth book in the Lumby series and I'm still a fan of Gail Fraser. There is a range of emotions that I've always felt while reading every Lumby book. From laughing at the quirky citizens to getting teary-eyed over the goodness of all the characters, I just can't wait for the next book.
March 15, 2014
Pam and Mark decide to celebrate their 25th anniversary by having a family reunion. Like most families I know this family has their differences. Pam's Mother Kay is flying in with a friend for the celebration. Pam is an only child and she is expecting her Mother to come with her friend Noreen however Kay has other ideas. She brings her new roommate Robert.
December 24, 2015
I read all five before I wanted to do a review. These were east reads. The author made you feel like you were there. The characters were people you would want to know. I loved most of them and wanted to shake a few, but in the end everyone was there to help their friends. It was a nice thought in today's society.
February 19, 2025
Second time through. I enjoyed it again this time, the ending was excellent, but I wish some of the early stuff hadn't been so belabored. The book is an easy read and I sure enjoyed being back in Lumby, but two plot points, about the teenager and the shock jock, just went on too long before resolving.
September 11, 2011
I liked this story of a family reunion in a small town. The healing grace of forgiveness, owning mistakes from the past, looking at what really matters...all are covered in this book and it has a happy ending.
April 1, 2013
I just finished reading Lumby on the Air, and now await the 6th book in the series. These are lovely, funny, character-driven books about small-town life. I loved each book on the series, and Lumby on the Air didn't disappoint.
February 29, 2016
This entry in the Lumby series is not as good as I was hoping it would be. The occasional quirky scene and lovable characters that I loved in the first two books are not enough to overcome the seriousness of the many story lines or the weirdness of the character Hank.
September 7, 2016
Lumby on the Air isn't the typical kind of book I read; I pulled it off the shelf at random. It was well done, though. An easy read, nothing very thought provoking. Well written. Believable characters. A good story line.
August 15, 2010
Too formulaic and not nearly as charming as the other books in the series.
May 3, 2011
Excellent, Fun
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