THE TIME OF NEW WEATHER

Author: Sean Murphy ISBN: 9780553586794 5/2008 FICTION Publisher: DELL

With three broken engagements under her oh so fashionable belt, it’s high time London party girl Chloe Flynt gets a job. Unfortunately, Chloe isn’t exactly qualified for anything, except dumping a Mr. Wrong or two (or three!) with a little dignity. Realizing she needs a new beginning, she lands in Austin, Texas, and opens a company helping other people do the dirty work of breaking up… Too bad Chloe’s tall, tough-talking, and take-charge landlord, Matthew Tanner, isn’t interested in her expertise. Because anyone can see that his girlfriend is clearly all wrong for him. Not that Chloe cares. She and Matthew have nothing in common—other than that mind-blowing attraction, that is. But when his girlfriend requests Chloe’s services, all hell breaks loose. If there’s one thing Chloe knows for sure, it’s that just because she’s good at breaking up bad relationships doesn’t mean she has a talent for putting together good ones. Maybe it’s finally time she gives it a try…

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE TIME OF NEW WEATHER by Sean Murphy is as entertaining as anything I've read in a long time. The prose is crisp and clear, the dialogue offbeat enough to be amusing, and the plot reminds me of a bag of something delicious and decadent. This is a story where just one page, or even one chapter, at a time is not enough. I read it through in one sitting. My only disappointment was that the story ended. I could have easily kept reading.

A thought-provoking commentary on life, love and the world we live in, this book is bound to spur almost any reader to contemplation on a wide range of subjects. I don't think it's possible to enjoy the book, with its examination of all things social, without appraising the validity of Mr. Murphy's points. It is unusual to see such a cleverly disguised look at society, but this is precisely what this story is.

In a time where virtually nothing is as one expects it should be and not even gravity can be relied on, people adapt. But with this adaptation comes sacrifice, as well as growth. Buddy is one of those whose acclimation to the new world has brought its own share of delights—and questions. He realizes his path in life, with his knack for "fixing" small mishaps and turning misfortune to happiness, is one that is not completely in keeping with the paths others trod. Buddy finds himself a band of like-minded people and together they embark on a journey.

With some wildly interesting characters a seemingly effortless storytelling ability, Sean Murphy's THE TIME OF NEW WEATHER is a book that once read will not be forgotten. Phrases like "Politically Correct Circus" and "A Turkey for a Turkey!" will bring smiles long after the last page is turned and the book is on the shelf. Very well done!

Kay James