Back in the Burbs is a collaboration between two best-selling authors, Tracy Wolff and Avery Flynn. These are young women, and their youthful vibe is reflected in main character Mallory, whose life is falling apart when we meet her. Her marriage has fallen apart, and she has filed for divorce from her self-centered husband. Because she was the office manager at their law firm, which has become “his” law firm, she is unemployed and living with her parents in New Jersey, staying in her old pink bedroom. This is a far cry from her life in Manhattan as a lawyer’s wife. Her circumstances change when she learns that her great-aunt Maggie, known as the eccentric member of the family, has left her house to Mallory in her will.
Mallory learns that there is a mortgage on the house as well as an inheritance tax due. Then there are the HOA fines for numerous violations, since Maggie had trouble living by the rules. Mallory rolls up her sleeves and starts to tackle the issues, with a little help from her hunky contractor Mikey, her surprise sister Sarah, and her darkly-handsome neighbor, Nick, who turns out to be her nemesis as well, since he is the head of the very HOA that is a giant thorn in Mallory’s side.
While the story is relatively predictable, it’s a fun read and very different from many of the more serious, moody novels I’ve been reading. The authors’ tone is light, and we cheer for Mallory as she gets her life back in order. Some of the language is a little off-color, and there’s a bit of sex, nothing over the top, and certainly not enough to put one off. I enjoyed this book, and I give it three and a half stars.
Recipe for Disco Fries
What, you may wonder, are Disco Fries? Well, they are similar to the classic French dish called Poutine, which is simply cooked fries, topped with cheese curds and brown gravy. Disco Fries are said to have originated in New Jersey, where Back in the Burbs is set.
Disco Fries are fries, mozzarella cheese, and brown gravy. In both dishes, hand-made fries are best, but if you want to do it fast and easy, use bagged fries and cook them in the oven.
Then, pour some brown gravy from a jar, top with mozz, and use the microwave to melt the cheese.
Yum!
Did you like the book? The recipe? I’d love to know! Please leave a comment.
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