East of the Cookie Tree

by Michael J. Vaughn

Wedding officiant Daniel Maryland is on his way to a gig in Malibu when a woman pops up in the back seat and informs him that she needs a bathroom break. Once his heart rate returns to normal, he learns that his stowaway is Gina Candiotti, a 19-year-old Oregonian who's off on what she calls a "stupid adventure." Pressed for time, Danny takes Gina to the wedding as his "second cousin" and finds that she is a fun and charming guest. And Gina finds herself at a wedding that she could never have imagined.

Genres: Fiction

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2020

About the author

Michael J. Vaughn is the author of 29 novels, including Punks for the Opera and Mermaids' Tears. He is also a fine arts painter, and drummer/vocalist for San Jose's El Camino Revival Band.

Reviews

[Pat Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A talented man

A man who studied acting, and loved Shakepear was startled to find a stowaway in his car. He took her along for the weekend, while he officiated at two weddings as the atheist minister. At the end of the glorious weekend, he learnt more about the reason for her subterfuge.
I enjoyed the repartee, the delight, their zest for living but I did not enjoy their blasphemy or disrespect for their Creator.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional Fiction That Touches Deeply
This is a wonderful work of fiction. It is so true to life and so much fun. It is the kind of story that makes the reader want to be there, and not just experience it vicariously through the words. I am so glad that it gets tied up in a neat bow because it would be too tragic if it did not. I have read 2 of this author's books and have loved both. I can't even express all the levels this touches. I highly recommend this author and his books.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

COOKIE IS A DESSERT OF A BOOK

I don't know why I chose this book to read, probably because Michael J. Vaughan is an addictive storyteller, but I'm SO very glad that I did. My house has gone to hell since I could not put this book down long enough to take care of it. Too bad for it since I may just reread this story right now. HIGHLY recommend.

[Heather Gottfried · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read in a long time!

I liked the characters very much, especially Danny and Gina. The warmth and caring mixed with a bit of adventure moved the story along as if I were on a very lovely river. I am looking forward to reading more by the author. I will recommend it to my friends who deep conversation and friendship.

[Suki Jantzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good one!

Finally. This book takes a LONG time to get into action. I actually went back to read the blurb to make sure I hadn't made a mistake. BUT, it does finally get going and, then, the story is great!

[Maral · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

Wow does not accurately describe this book, what a twist in the story. Loved every word, quirky character, the metaphors. I was on the last page and wanted for the story to go on. I am emotional, in a good way.

[Leona I. Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugely enjoyable

Usually verbose, I can’t find the words to describe how much I enjoyed this book by an author unknown to me. Please do not stop writing Vaughn, especially if you would like to fill in the ret of your beautiful characters’ story. Thank you.

[George F Greenwald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sort of a travelog that has undercurrents of emotional upheaval. The story moves slowly to reveal something quite unexpected. Easy read. Kept me going throughout the book.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly entertaining. Just OK

[Doris Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unsure

After my slow start I wasn’t sure I would like or even finish it. However, with a persistence, I found that I enjoyed it. Was glad I didn’t stop.

[Darl Judd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good writing, a just ok story. Two people meet and not much happens then it all makes sense.

[Gabrielle J. Agwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story of friendship, survival and love. I wish I could see the paintings described in the book. Also, now I want to drive the route taken in the story.

[Joyce Lorenzen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Four expletives on the 1st page! Really!?!

[Rebecca Konik · Rating 5 out of 5]

East of the Cookie Tree

5 stars is the score for this great read! Entertaining and very hard to put down well done Michael J. Vaugh

[Janey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A humorous and touching story of Daniel, an actor/painter/online ordained minister driving from San Francisco to Malibu by way of Gilroy CA to Malibu to perform two weddings. A stowaway, Gina from Eugene OR, pops up from the back seat and a friendship ensues. Lots of funny stuff along the way, some romance, some heartache too. It’s not a long book, took a few hours to read it, and it held my attention the whole way through. The drive along the California coast brought back good memories of a trip I took with a friend who lived in Oakland so that was a bonus for me. Loved it.

[Tess Ailshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consistent with most Michael J. Vaughn books I've read: the descriptions are breathtakingly illustrative, the characters are honest and flawed, the story is just odd enough to be believable. In this one, even the sex is more hinted than described (thank you!).

Vaughn must be a fount of knowledge. The art descriptions in this rival those in "A Painting Called Sylvia"; the music and sports knowledge are deep enough to send one to the references. To recall, even if he has to go look up the specifics, Shakespeare and Casablanca and so many other movies, to know where to find the quote that fits the story - is amazing. Or does he make the story fit the quotes.

In any other author, I would have considered the ending lazy. Not so here.