Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Book Review - STUCK IN MANISTIQUE by Dennis Cuesta

Title:  Stuck in Manistique
Author:  Dennis Cuesta
Genre:  Humor, Contemporary Fiction
Release Date:  October 29, 2018

About the Book:

Near the midpoint of the Upper Peninsula, along a Lake Michigan bend of shore, is the town of Manistique, Michigan. Mark had never heard of Manistique before the death of his estranged aunt, but as sole beneficiary of Vivian's estate, he travels there to settle her affairs. As Mark tours his aunt's house for the first time, the doorbell rings.
Days after graduating medical school, Dr. Emily Davis drives north, struggling with her illicit rendezvous on Mackinac Island. She never makes it—on the highway near Manistique, her car collides with a deer, shattering the car's windshield. Stranded for the night, Emily is directed to a nearby bed and breakfast.
Maybe it's a heady reaction, the revelation that his aunt, an international aid doctor, ran a bed and breakfast in retirement. Or perhaps he plainly feels pity for the young, helpless doctor. Regardless, Mark decides to play host for one night, telling Emily that he's merely stepping in temporarily while his aunt is away.
As a one-night stay turns into another and more guests arrive, the ersatz innkeeper steadily loses control of his story. And though Emily opens up to Mark, she has trouble explaining the middle-aged man who unexpectedly arrives at the doorstep looking for her. 
Will these two strangers, holding on to unraveling secrets, remain in town long enough to discover the connection between them?

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

Perhaps it's because my father's family lives in the UP and I could picture every bridge, lake and street sign. Or perhaps it's because I was raised eating pasties. Or perhaps it's because Stuck in Manistique was simply a delight to read. Whatever it was, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this debut novel from an author who deserves a standing ovation.

I found this book to be thoroughly entertaining. I not only smiled, but laughed out loud several times. There were a few dramatic moments too and a couple of heartbreaking moments, but the characters were quirky and dynamic and loveable.

I hope to see more from this author in the future. Perhaps a continuation of this story? I would love to read about more guests at this B&B. And, my oh my, would I ever love to stay there!

Disclosure:  A complimentary ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own. 

My Rating:


About the Author:

A native of California, Dennis Cuesta attended the University of Michigan and remained in the Upper Midwest during his early career. Stuck in Manistique is his first novel. Dennis and his wife did get stuck in Manistique once, long ago. The interrupted trip served as inspiration for the novel.

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