MANCAMP
ADRIENNE BRODEUR
ISBN# 0-8129-7190-6
July 4, 2006
Ballantine Books
1745 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10019
Trade Paperback
$12.95 U.S./ $16.95 Can.
212 Pages
Chick-Lit
Rating: 3 Cups

Martha Mckenna is a New York City actress, forever looking for her perfect mate. While complaining about yet another failed first date to her girlfriend Lucy, they are bemoaning the fact that most city boys are not versed in the ways of chivalry like Lucy’s southern born best friend, Cooper. Thus comes the idea for a camp for men that would teach them the basics of emergency auto repair, outdoor physical labor, and old fashion manners.

Cooper runs a dairy farm in West Virginia, where city living is far removed from the slower pace of country life. Having taken over his father’s duties after his death has not given him much time to actively pursue his secret attraction for his best friend's friend, Martha. That all changes when he visits Lucy and the sparks fly between Cooper and Martha, leaving Lucy wishing her boyfriend Adam was more like Cooper.

After finding a backer, they decide the camp should be held at Cooper’s farm. Martha, Lucy, and Adam, along with five clients, fly down to West Virginia for a week of milking cows, mucking stables, country breakfasts, and classes on creating a good first impression and building confidence. The diverse personalities create a hilarious mix that bears watching. Unbeknownst to all of the guests, Cooper is faced with a dilemma that his southern stubbornness will not disclose, and so he broods.

Ms. Adrienne Brodeur has written a funny account of the foibles of dating and romance in the twenty-first century. Martha and her friends are your typical new age women who can take care of themselves, with attitude to boot. Cooper is the typical old fashioned man who does not discuss business or his feelings easily. Throw in the cast of minor characters such as Cooper’s mother with her interfering ways, and the campers with their assorted idiosyncrasies, and you have a story rich with funny moments and a touch of drama. I liked the premise of the book and it is a nice read.

Kathy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books