When Dempsey Jo Killebrew gets caught up in a political scandal brought on by her kiniving boss, she is left suddenly unemployed, and under investigation as a possible accomplice. Feeling the heat and having a strong desire "to get out of dodge", she accepts an offer from her father to help restore the old family home he had recently inherited in Guthrie Georgia. The home, known as Birdsong, is a family treasure, a Victorian Mansion that just needs a little love is what Dempsey is told... and considering the options... it sounds like a pretty sweet deal.

When Dempsey arrives in Georgia at the address her father had given her, she can not believe her eyes. Birdsong may have been quite the home back in its day.... but "Bird poop" is more what it looks like now. Painted a color that can only be described as "Pepto Bismo pink, windows that have been duct taped and a yard that is overgrown with wild shrubs and grass up to her waist... oh and lets not forget the inside where not only is everything worn out, musty and dated - but that would also describe the crotchety elderly woman squatter who is somehow a relation and says she is not moving out. EVER.

The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews is an over all sweet read. Dempsey is not a ditzy woman but instead a street smart gal that is used to designer jeans and expensive footwear. Not only is she surprised by the down home feel of Guthrie where Carharts are the comfort clothes of choice by men and women alike - but Guthrie is surprised by this petite chick who thinks she is going to single handedly fix up the mess that was is Birdsong.

I enjoyed listening to this on audio, it reminded me a bit of Hope Floats and I could picture Sandra Bullock in the part of Dempsey. I look forward to trying other reads from Mary Kay Andrews.