Synopsis
Jane Austen Meets Small-Town Wisconsin in a Warm 1930s Romp!When vivacious college student Melody Merriweather is summoned home to run her family's general store after her father suffers a heart attack, she's convinced her life is over. The sleepy mining town of Merriweather, Wisconsin is a far cry from her exciting life in Chicago.With the country deep in the Depression and a five-hundred-dollar debt coming due on the first of the year, Melody finds herself facing the impossible task of saving the Merriweather Mercantile while trying to manage her eccentric inherited staff: the sweet but timid shop girl, Harriet; the crabby Mrs. Haufbrau; and the infuriatingly handsome young butcher, Cal, who seems determined to critique her every move.Desperate to transform the struggling Merc, Melody orders luxury scarves and hats and brews cider to sell under the counter, all the while attempting to play matchmaker to Harriet. But when mysterious lodgers arrive in town with an agenda of their own, will Melody recognize what's been right in front of her all along before it's gone?Perfect for readers who enjoy Jane Austen retellings, Depression-era historical fiction, clean and wholesome romance, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine pairings, forced proximity, a meddling matchmaker, class-divide love stories, small-town found family, and plucky heroines in over their heads.Fans of Cranford and All Creatures Great and Small who love a warm ensemble cast—with a dash of romance and 1930s Americana—will devour this series.★ "A charming retelling of Austen's Emma!"—Publishers Weekly★ "I just adore Melody Merriweather's character—she is the best friend I had always wished for!"—Amazon Reviewer★ "The perfect escape read; loved every delightful and laugh-out-loud moment."—Amazon ReviewerPraise for Michelle Cox's historical fiction:★ "This engaging story charms us." —BookTrib★ "An engaging and effective romp." —Kirkus Reviews