GOD'S COUNTRY CLUB

by Gail Donohue Storey ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 26, 1996

In a sequel to her debut The Lord's Motel (1992), former librarian Storey continues the romantic, tongue-in-cheek adventures of the comically neurotic Colleen Sweeney, besting the urban upheavals of modern Houston. Having escaped the clutches of the lecherous Web Desiderio in the last novel, Colleen finally hooks Mr. Right in the form of Gabriel Benedict, ER doctor, tall rich Texan, and all-around sensitive guy. Colleen moves into his country club condo for a thinly veiled marriage tryout. Gabriel, who's getting in touch with his feminine side to avoid another traumatic divorce, is the man of Colleen's dreams, but, in her own words, ""Worry is how organized people like me take care of their catastrophes in advance."" Which is not to say that the anxious Colleen doesn't have anything to worry about: To retain her job at the library, she's volunteered to take library services to the homeless, bringing her face-to-face with the less fortunate residents of Houston. Raised in the Boston projects herself, and with a father who is currently homeless, Colleen should be familiar with the ravages of poverty, though unfortunately the conversations she has with her target group are naive enough to sound like simplistic propaganda. Furthermore, once she and Gabriel become engaged, complications arise--entering into Texas society, making wedding plans, keeping her unconventional family hidden from Gabriel and his parents, Peaches and King, winning over Gabriel's obstinate son. Along the way, Storey offers comic one-liners on the absurdities of modern relationships, feminist networking, and a whole host of other post-yuppie targets, providing a Texas-size helping of zingers and satirical commentary. There's even a running analysis of the Charles and Di fiasco as a paradigm of modern love. Engaging and casually endearing, but there are no surprises here, and the ""issues"" are rendered with too heavy a hand.

Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1996

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 240

Publisher: Persea

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories: FICTION