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

Great story

This was a great listen. The narrator was especially talented, between the accents and voices. The characters were interesting also, but I was waiting for the epilogue, but it wasn't there. I would have liked to hear the wrap up on the other characters.

Story held my interest but there were things that got under my skin

First, the book itself: I enjoyed the story but there were a few things that really bugged me. First, the only time a person’s race/ethnicity was mentioned was when it was a person of color. Also, when the author was describing a woman’s “power-suit” she referred to it as “not too dyke-y”. Really? I mean, this book is not that old. I feel like the author should have had a bit more political correctness.

As for the narration, the secondary characters were all pretty good but the voice of Dempsey, which we heard the most, often sounded flat and just like the narrator was reading. Also, there were several very common words (like “forte”) that the narrator pronounced completely wrong (this word she pronounced like “fort.”)

Predictable, but with a twist

Ok, so the formula isn't necessarily anything new, but let's face it "If it aint broke don't fix it". Having said that, I enjoyed this book. All the stuff going on in our heroine's life was enough of an added twist to be a wonderful accompionment to the predictability of the plot. I loved the mother character. We've ALL had these kind of moments with Mom! Plus the extra "small town" characters are really nice too, and add to the richness of the story. I would definitely recommend this book for a fun, feel good listen.

Predictable

Easy read. Pleasant characters. Although some of the eccentricity seems forced. Some of the fashion details . . . So shallow in what is supposed to be a career oriented, law school grad.

She does it again!

Mary Kay Andrews is a true treasure! I am almost through all of her books. Isabel does a fantastic job of narrating!

excellent!

enjoy reading about down home southern hospitality and small towns. Dempse is great! Ella Kate add spice!

Entertaining!

What did you love best about The Fixer Upper?

It was a good story. I was kept entertained.

Which character – as performed by Isabel Keating – was your favorite?

Isabel Keating is amazing.

Any additional comments?

Great story, amazing narration!

Loved the characters, didn't want book to end!

Ella Kate made me laugh out loud while driving! Great story and love the way Mary Andrews creatively weaves in design and entrepreneurship in her books!

Love Me some Ella Kate

Great story, my first by Mary Andrews, so glad I found a Southern story teller. Can't wait to read another.

4 stars overall

Narrator played multiple character voices. Story was good but not many funny parts. was mostly a drama that dragged on before it got to the end. Title is a bit misleading.