The Fixer Upper

By: Mary Kay Andrews

Narrated by: Isabel Keating

“Entirely satisfying, an expert balance of warmth and compassion, terrific supporting characters, a little steamy sex and just enough suspense to keep you from guessing how it will all go down.” — Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A hilarious novel about one woman’s quest to redo an old house . . . and her life, as only New York Times bestseller Mary Kay Andrews can tell it.

After her boss in a high-powered Washington public relations firm is caught in a political scandal, fledgling lobbyist Dempsey Jo Killebrew is left unemployed and broke. Out of options, she reluctantly accepts her father’s offer to help refurbish Birdsong, the old family place he recently inherited in Guthrie, Georgia. All it will take, he tells her, is a little paint and some TLC to turn the fading Victorian mansion into a real-estate cash cow.

But when she arrives, Dempsey realizes that “Bird Droppings” would more aptly describe the moldering Pepto Bismol–pink dump with duct-taped windows and a driveway full of junk. There’s also a murderously grumpy old lady, one of Dempsey’s distant relations, who has claimed squatter’s rights and isn’t moving out. Ever.

Everyone in Guthrie seems to know Dempsey’s business, from a smooth-talking real-estate agent to a cute lawyer who owns the local paper. As if that's not bad enough, pesky FBI agents keep showing up on her doorstep, looking for information about her ex-boss.

All Dempsey can do is roll up her sleeves and get to work. 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.

Another treat from M.K. Andrews

Hilarious! Maybe more so because I was raised in central Georgia. Ms. Andrews always delivers light, fun stories with lots of true-to-life characters that make you laugh. Her characters are people that we all have known somewhere, sometime in our own pasts. Another good summer read.

Lots of Profanity

I choose this book because of the storyline but was disappointed with the amount of profanity that is used throughout the book. I would like to say it is only a little, but it is not.

The story was great although you knew how it would turn out. The characters were interesting, especially Ella Mae. I loved the contractor who was a forever optimist.

There are recipes at the end and that is nice.

Fun book - couldn’t stop listening

Compellingly fun story. The characters just come to life. It made me nostalgic for the south - and I can’t wait to try the recipes what a fun addition at the end!

Very refreshing read, with a great story!

I loved this story didn't want to put it down. Good character development ... except for T, (he lacked some at the start ... weak/slow to develope)
it was refreshing that it had a romantic style. I will be reading more of her books!

Wanted More of the Story

Wanted more closure to the story. What happened to Dempsey? Did she marry Berryhill? Guess that's what makes a great story... you don't want it to end.