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Homegrown #1
Truelove & Homegrown Tomatoes
When her beloved husband of forty-eight years dies, Imogene "Imo" Lavender takes solace in her tomato garden and finds her own life beginning to blossom. Raising two young women -- her rebellious sixteen-year-old daughter, Jeanette, and Lou, the thirteen-year-old niece she has taken in -- demands most of her time, but a friend insists that a trip to the Kuntry Kut 'n' Kurl and a new man are what Imo really needs. At her prompting, Imo sets off on a hilarious dating spree with a series of unsuitable bachelors. While Jeanette grows increasingly reckless, Lou joins her aunt in the garden, learning lessons about love and life. A shocking announcement from Jeanette and a sudden death then remind them all that life, like a garden, changes with the seasons -- and that the healing of a heart comes with time, love, and patience, just as surely as a new crop of tomatoes rewards a devoted gardener.
278 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
5 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Julie L. Cannon
8 books72 followersJulie L. Cannon is the author of the award-winning Homegrown series, published by Simon & Schuster and described as ‘Southern-fried soul food.’ She switched from the ABA to the CBA, and her novel I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Summerside Press, Sept. ‘10, made the CBA Bestseller List as well as Nielsen’s Top 50 Inspirational Titles. Abingdon Press will release Twang in August 2012, and Scarlett Says in October 2013. When she isn’t busy tending her tomato patch, Julie can be found teaching memoir-writing workshops. She lives in Watkinsville, Georgia. Visit her website at www.julielcannon.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/julieLcannon and on Twitter at JulieLCannon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 20, 2022
Ok. Not quite what I was looking for.
June 15, 2010
First in the Homegrown series
Imogene loses her husband of 40 something years to cancer. While at first she just wants to give up, after some time, she turns to her beloved gardening. That's when her niece Lou who lives with her knows she's come back to life. As they're working together in the garden, Imo teaches Lou about gardening.
Imo's friend Martha and Martha's sister Wanda think she needs a man. She doesn't think so but boy is she lonely. She takes Wanda's advice and hangs out in the freezer section at the grocery store (cos that's where single men who don't cook are, right?) scoping out what appears to be eligible men. This part is kind of funny.
This novel takes time to warm up to a point of interest. It's not a boring start -- just slow.
She endures heartache after heartache but if anyone can bounce back, it's Imogene.
A story as sweet as the tomatoes she grows!
Imogene loses her husband of 40 something years to cancer. While at first she just wants to give up, after some time, she turns to her beloved gardening. That's when her niece Lou who lives with her knows she's come back to life. As they're working together in the garden, Imo teaches Lou about gardening.
Imo's friend Martha and Martha's sister Wanda think she needs a man. She doesn't think so but boy is she lonely. She takes Wanda's advice and hangs out in the freezer section at the grocery store (cos that's where single men who don't cook are, right?) scoping out what appears to be eligible men. This part is kind of funny.
This novel takes time to warm up to a point of interest. It's not a boring start -- just slow.
She endures heartache after heartache but if anyone can bounce back, it's Imogene.
A story as sweet as the tomatoes she grows!
July 30, 2013
This was just a bleh book. I thought I would like it because it would be a story of a woman dealing with her grief from the loss of her husband - coming to terms with life. It was so flat and mostly just depressing, though. The characters were stereotypes, and the main character and the secondary main character were remarkably clueless. You would have thought the story happened 60 years ago, or that the main character was 85 instead of 65. She was just always shocked and offended by things (gays! teenagers who want to have sex! 60 year old women making slightly crude jokes! Men using her first name! Bland tomatoes from the grocery store!). All this mixed with a liberal dose of of almost-racism and too much religious enthusiasm. I only finished it because it was short and fast, and I hoped there would be something redeeming about it. I'm very glad I checked it out from the library instead of buying it. The gardening bits don't help.
September 13, 2016
Loved this first book in the Mater Biscuit series. I was afraid reading the second book first would spoil this one. But it was wonderful. Delightful characters that develop and grow through the book and become endearing through the second book, 'Mater Biscuit. Can't wait to read the third book in the series. This is a quick read, but you'll fall in love with the ladies and find yourself laughing to yourself as you turn the pages.
November 28, 2014
A sweet story set in Euharlee, Georgia about recently widowed Imogene Lavender and her two daughters, Jeannie and Lou. Imogene's love of gardening and tomato growing is the backdrop for life's ups and downs, with plenty of humor to giggle out loud.
October 24, 2008
I really enjoyed this story ---
July 13, 2011
This book was pretty good! It was an easy read and it was very heartfelt, however the ending was disappointing. The story seemed to end suddenly with no real satisfying resolution.
August 21, 2014
It was encouraging to read how one can survive losing a loved one, and then begin again and help those who are also struggling. Also got some good gardening advice!
June 29, 2021
I'm not quite sure what to say about this book. I had really been looking forward to reading it and I'm a little bit disappointed. My sister read it before me and she said had similar feelings.
In some circles this would fall into the genre of Christian fiction, although I have a few reasons why I would disagree.
On the side for Christian fiction, it is about a main character who professes to be a Christian and is involved in her church. There is an underlying Christian feel about the book and is certainly not anti-Christian. I'm pretty sure that the author is a Christian as well.
On the other hand, I consider a true Christian book to be one that contains the Christian message somewhere in the book and has a goal of perhaps leading the reader to see the message of Jesus told or played out in the lives of the characters.
I would also expect a Christian book to be free of swearing and sex outside of marriage unless there is some amount of remorse, repentance, and or spiritual growth of the person involved in those activities at some point in the book. So this book falls short in those aspects. Just a side note, the main character is not the one engaged in these activities, but another person in her family.
However, I think the one big thing that bothered me the most was that this story centers around a woman in her 60s who becomes widowed. When hardly 3 months have passed, her friends are telling her she should find a new man. But she had been married for 48 years!!!
The book was meant to be somewhat humorous and did have some humorous moments, but her friends needed to give her time to grieve, for goodness sakes!!!
All that being said, I wouldn't try to tell someone not to read the book. It does have some redeeming factors and I'm still going to read the other two books in the trilogy. I didn't hate it, I was just disappointed.
In some circles this would fall into the genre of Christian fiction, although I have a few reasons why I would disagree.
On the side for Christian fiction, it is about a main character who professes to be a Christian and is involved in her church. There is an underlying Christian feel about the book and is certainly not anti-Christian. I'm pretty sure that the author is a Christian as well.
On the other hand, I consider a true Christian book to be one that contains the Christian message somewhere in the book and has a goal of perhaps leading the reader to see the message of Jesus told or played out in the lives of the characters.
I would also expect a Christian book to be free of swearing and sex outside of marriage unless there is some amount of remorse, repentance, and or spiritual growth of the person involved in those activities at some point in the book. So this book falls short in those aspects. Just a side note, the main character is not the one engaged in these activities, but another person in her family.
However, I think the one big thing that bothered me the most was that this story centers around a woman in her 60s who becomes widowed. When hardly 3 months have passed, her friends are telling her she should find a new man. But she had been married for 48 years!!!
The book was meant to be somewhat humorous and did have some humorous moments, but her friends needed to give her time to grieve, for goodness sakes!!!
All that being said, I wouldn't try to tell someone not to read the book. It does have some redeeming factors and I'm still going to read the other two books in the trilogy. I didn't hate it, I was just disappointed.
June 24, 2018
Okay. Not as good as the sequel, ‘Mater Biscuit. Loutishie’s personality comes out so much better in MB. But both books made me, a non-gardener except for herbs in containers, want to dig up a big vegetable garden and grow every last vegetable there is!
July 16, 2017
Great book!
October 17, 2018
Love the title. No substitute for either.
March 22, 2020
So-So
Read this author described as a mix of Jan Karon and Fannie Flagg. Didn't ever find that. A Sunday afternoon read.
Read this author described as a mix of Jan Karon and Fannie Flagg. Didn't ever find that. A Sunday afternoon read.
September 8, 2021
Nice story of Southern living and the tragedies of life. I felt as though I have been to church with these women my entire life.
July 18, 2022
perfect summer read!
June 13, 2010
Quick note, I would actually give this book at 3.5 star rating...
I really enjoyed this book. If I had to describe it in one word, I would call it "sweet." I was drawn to the title because, really, who doesn't adore and appreciate the wonder of true love and homegrown tomatoes?! I don't read a whole lot of books with a main character over the age of 60, so that was a change for me. At the same time, the 13 year old character was probably a bit too grown up and not entirely realistic for her age, but I enjoyed her, too, nonetheless. Slightly predictable, but still interesting, and it helped keep me entertained while laying around at home while I was sick. Interesting thoughts on love and especially loving after loss...
I really enjoyed this book. If I had to describe it in one word, I would call it "sweet." I was drawn to the title because, really, who doesn't adore and appreciate the wonder of true love and homegrown tomatoes?! I don't read a whole lot of books with a main character over the age of 60, so that was a change for me. At the same time, the 13 year old character was probably a bit too grown up and not entirely realistic for her age, but I enjoyed her, too, nonetheless. Slightly predictable, but still interesting, and it helped keep me entertained while laying around at home while I was sick. Interesting thoughts on love and especially loving after loss...
November 3, 2016
This is one of those books where I just so happened to pick it up at the right time in my life. It's a very relatable story. I enjoyed reading of Imo's long happy marriage, just as I entered into marriage myself. As I read of Imo's garden and canning, I was picking veggies from my garden and also canning them. Of course, there are a lot of differences between our lives, but Imo seemed like the type of lady that I would enjoy conversation with.
On top of all that, this book had some unexpected plot twists which I always enjoy. Some of them I did see coming, but there were enough things that I hadn't expected to keep it interesting. I also enjoyed the recap at the end of the book to let you know where are the characters are "today."
On top of all that, this book had some unexpected plot twists which I always enjoy. Some of them I did see coming, but there were enough things that I hadn't expected to keep it interesting. I also enjoyed the recap at the end of the book to let you know where are the characters are "today."
July 19, 2013
Sweet story of Imo Lavender, an older Southern lady raising 2 girls that she's taken in, Jeanette and Lou. This novel in some ways has the pace of the No 1 Ladies Detective series - there's not a large amount of action, this novel is more evocative of a place and the interaction among the main characters. Imo loses her husband of 48 years and eventually decides, with the help of her friends, that she might like some male companionship in her life. She dates several men and deals with the raising of her 2 girls. I love the title - referred to in the story as the only things that money cannot buy. Sweet as Southern tea.
September 29, 2011
I was expecting this book to have more humor in it. In my opinion, there was hardly any at all. It was actually kind of depressing. The author describes Imo's pain so thoroughly that at times I felt it too. I couldn't imagine losing a husband after 48 years like she did then having to raise 2 teenagers while she herself is in her 60s. I think the characters complimented eachother well but Lou's 13 yr old character wasn't very believable. I enjoyed reading from 2 different points of view but the story just didn't do much for me besides make me fear growing old and alone.
September 16, 2008
Imogene "Imo" Lavender is angry when her husband of 48 years dies suddenly leaving her to raise her teenage great niece and an adopted teen. She finally begins to find consolation in her vegetable garden, but also begins hitting the dating scene for 60+ in Euharlee, GA - not a pretty sight. This is a slice of life southern fiction book - similar to Cold Sassy Tree in many ways. My native GA book club members loved it, my non-natives weren't so impressed and neither was I. First in a trilogy.
June 30, 2011
I bought this book really just based on the title... You have to admit, it's a catchy title.
I enjoyed reading Imo's story. Her love of the garden hit a cord within me... We planted 30 some-odd tomato plants this year, but I'm not having near the bumper crop Imo has. Guess it must be the manure tea she uses. I haven't tried that yet...
We will have some homegrown tomatoes for our 4th of July family cookout this weekend so I guess I consider it a successful venture over all.
I enjoyed reading Imo's story. Her love of the garden hit a cord within me... We planted 30 some-odd tomato plants this year, but I'm not having near the bumper crop Imo has. Guess it must be the manure tea she uses. I haven't tried that yet...
We will have some homegrown tomatoes for our 4th of July family cookout this weekend so I guess I consider it a successful venture over all.
April 4, 2016
Unusual love story of a lady who loses her husband when they are in their 60's and her foray back into dating. Imo is also the mother of two girls (adoptive mother for two different situations) One is 16 and one is 10?? She has to try to hold their home together and the solace she receives from gardening helps her. Lots of tips on growing tomatoes, some other vegetable gardening advice and several wrong turns and U turns in her life. Definitely worth reading.
June 1, 2016
this book started off on a really bad emotional note for me, my grandfather just died last year and so I could see my grandmother's relationship with the lead character in this book. luckily my grandmother does not have the hellions guitar lead character does in her life. After almost 50 years of marriage her husband passes away and this story is about how she gets her life back on track. great read but very emotional.
March 5, 2015
This book is just lovely.
The premise of the book is an older lady who lost her husband, and happens to grow great tomatoes in her garden is looking for love. This sounds like a strange plot, but it makes for really great reading.
I highly recommend, especially if you are into gardening.... ;)
The premise of the book is an older lady who lost her husband, and happens to grow great tomatoes in her garden is looking for love. This sounds like a strange plot, but it makes for really great reading.
I highly recommend, especially if you are into gardening.... ;)
April 28, 2012
Sweet story, easy read. I loved all the garden talk. I didn't fine the religious talk to be too much (coming from a non religious person) just viewed it as part of the characters. Won't be reading the sequel though.
August 26, 2014
A very 'quaint' book... almost too much so. I didn't think Imo's actions were believable in several places (totally hands-off approach to Jeannette, hunting men, etc). I'll read the next books because I already took them out of the library. Otherwise, I'm not sure I would have made the effort.
October 7, 2008
Ick. A book about someone whose priorities were as out of whack as her relationship with her kids.
October 16, 2008
Not too far in - so far, so good, but not really a page-burner for me.
April 16, 2009
widowed senior citizen is looking for love in all the wrong places. It was OK. Just not my favorite type of book. It's part of a series.
August 21, 2009
Got a little too Jebus-y for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews