The Fixer Upper

By: Mary Kay Andrews

Narrated by: Isabel Keating

Length: 14 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

The delightful New York Times best-selling author returns with a hilarious novel about one woman's quest to fix up her house and her life.

After a political scandal, fledgling lobbyist Dempsey Jo Killebrew is left almost broke, unemployed, and homeless. She reluctantly accepts to refurbish Birdsong, the old family place in Guthrie, Georgia. But, oh, is Dempsey in for a surprise. "Bird Droppings" would more aptly describe the moldering Pepto Bismol - pink dump. There's also a murderously grumpy old lady who has claimed squatter's rights and isn't moving out. Ever.

Furthermore, everyone in Guthrie seems to know Dempsey's business, from a smooth-talking real-estate agent to a cute former lawyer who owns the local newspaper. It wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the pesky FBI agents who show up on Dempsey's doorstep, hoping to pry information about her ex-boss from her. All Dempsey can do is roll up her sleeves and get to work. And before long, what started as a job of necessity somehow becomes a labor of love and, ultimately, a journey that takes her to a place she never expected - back home again.

©2009 Whodunnit, Inc. (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Loved

I always really enjoy her books they are fun easy comforting books I think I enjoyed even more this one because I enjoy refurbishing furniture and what not. The narrators are always great I have listened to allot of them more then once.

Sweet story, Excellent narration!

This was a cute story and easy listen. Isabel Keating did a great job with all the characters, particularly Ella Kate. She brought Ella Kate to life... which I would have never gotten by just reading the book.

Cute Story

This was a good story. I had never read (well listened) to this writer before, so I didn't know what to expect. Likeable charachters and good ol' Southern Charm. I recommend. It's a bit long, I listen to my books when I work out so it gave me plenty of workouts in before I finished it.

Couldn't put the book down

Loved it and could you write a sequel! I really didn't want the book to end. Loved all the characters even the Alex character.

Pretty Good

It took a good 3 hours to get good. Since I bought it, I made myself continue to listen. Glad I did. It is a very sweet and entertaining story.

Loved the narration!

So enjoyable to listen to! Superb changes of accents and style kept it really interesting.

Is Dempsey the doormat for the remodeled home?

What did you love best about The Fixer Upper?

The lead character is very cute and friendly but it quickly turns into being cute to the extent of blind innocence. I loved the details of the remodel but I could have done without the predictable romantic plot. I enjoy Mary Kay Andrews ability to make a person fall in love with the town and people in her book. Ella Kate was just unlikeable enough to keep her from becoming a cliché.

What other book might you compare The Fixer Upper to and why?

This book is similar to Hissy Fit, also by Mary Kay Andrews, in that it's renovation with personal drama and love.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Isabel Keating?

Pretty much any narrator would have been better, but I love Moira Driscoll with these southern tales! Isabel Keating makes the surrounding characters sound like bumbling idiots instead of the likeable people you can tell the author intended to paint them as. Her voice works well for the main character but always falls very short where supporting cast is concerned. Isabel Keating has a tendency to sound blunt, rude or angry. Not my favorite.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

If you thought the politics in DC were bad, clearly you've never lived in small town!

A great summer listen!

What did you love best about The Fixer Upper?

The small-town feeling of it! I grew up in a small town in Arkansas, though no longer live there. I enjoy listening to a story with sweet yet spunky southern characters; just one of the reasons I love Mary Kay Andrew's books. Makes me think of home!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Oddly, Carter Berryhill. He's such a kind, considerate man. Always the gentleman, and willing to help any way he can.

Have you listened to any of Isabel Keating’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not. But I thought she did a great job in this one!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I was eager to learn how Dempsey's work trouble would resolve, in addition to her renovations on the house, dealings with Ella Kate, and her budding life in Guthrie.

Any additional comments?

Wonderful, easy listen!

Good story but unsatisfying ending

I really enjoyed the entire book until the end. It left much to be desired.

funny and heartwarming

so entertaining that I didn't want it to end! the characters seem very real. the 78 year old colorful relative was delightful along with her dog shorty. the plot makes one thing that one should always be alert to what we're getting into with friends or business acquaintances / business cohorts. compares small town living with the neighbors and help close to the opposite meaning the city life of New York.