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Homegrown Muse
A provocative novel about a woman who confronts greed, fear, and prejudice in the modern Southwest. Free-spirited Lyssa Smith sees her life thrown into chaos when she unwittingly exposes a plot devised by "Tank" Turnbull, a powerful land developer in the Phoenix area. But doing the right thing comes at a price, as Turnbull and his conspirators seek to save themselves by destroying her reputation, ruining her career, and exposing her secrets. With her carefully constructed life crumbling around her, Lyssa seizes the opportunity to salvage her dreams by forging an unlikely alliance with Dane Callicott, a man who seems to want more than she can give. Still grappling with the failure of his latest venture, the unconventional Highline Resort, Dane is presented with another maverick proposition, but he’ll need Lyssa’s help to carry it off. Should Dane listen to his muse and risk his family’s fortune on another visionary project, or will he return to the safe but unsustainable practices of his father? Shackled by family expectations, battered by a series of betrayals, and blinded by impossible choices, Dane and Lyssa might very well bulldoze over their one chance for happiness—unless together they can blaze a new trail forward. What readers have to say about "Homegrown Muse": "What a delight. . . . The author has a beautiful way with words and her descriptions are rich and evocative. . . . Rich character development. . . . a warm romantic story." Susan Umpleby, Kindle reviewer "A wonderful, well-written book that had me captivated from the start." Bonnie Lamer, author of "True of Blood" "A voice that is natural and easy to read." Nancy M. Morse, author of "Where the Wild Wind Blows" "Some of the scenes in this book actually made me groan or gasp, either with sheer amazement or in utter disbelief." Cheryl M.-M., Amazon reviewer
224 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2011
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 26, 2011
Lyssa Smith is a woman with principles and determination. But she’s trying to work from the outside in to make as much of a difference in the land development industry as possible. And sometimes, she ends up alienating some of the people who actually have the money and resources to make the necessary changes. Her life takes a serious wrong turn when several of these people decide they’ve had enough of her high morals and it’s time for her to be out of the industry.
Dane Callicot has the opposite problem. He’s already on the inside, but nobody seems to care about the things he cares about. His life has been mapped out from the day he was born, but it’s not the life he wants. How can he have the things that are important to him in life without alienating everyone he cares about?
Having their own demons to conquer, Dane and Lyssa eventually find that they’re on the same side. Soon after, a business relationship becomes something more when they find in each other the understanding and support they both need. But with so much working against them, the misunderstandings and betrayals keep building up around them.
Homegrown Muse by Sally Bennett is a wonderful, well-written book that had me captivated from the start. The characters grab a hold of you – whether by their likability or their conniving. I found myself rooting for Dane and Lyssa even when I wanted to shake some sense into them both; and I couldn’t wait until the dust settled and those in their way got what was coming to them. I enjoyed the book from beginning to end and I have the lack of sleep circles under my eyes to prove it.
There are a few of things that keep me from giving Homegrown Muse an all-out five, though. As much as I wanted Dane and Lyssa to come together, it seemed odd that they had known and worked closely with each other for years without a romantic spark until now. It would have seemed more realistic if both had harbored at least some romantic feelings or attraction that had simply never been acted upon. Also, the secret that Lyssa’s parents kept from her was troublesome for me. I can understand the point of view of the characters in the book, but it still rubbed me as somewhat selfish and harsh. A point that did not really affect my rating of the book but still bothered me was the prejudice and racism that dominated some of the characters’ lives and made them even less likable in my mind. Perhaps it is my Midwestern naivety of the business and social climate of the Southwest United States. But if the opinions set forth in Homegrown Muse are truly indicative of those in the Phoenix area, the city will never make it to my ‘possible places to move to’ list. Let me add, though, that Sally Bennett did not support either the prejudice or the racism, but rather seemed to be showcasing the ramifications of both. I give Homegrown muse four and a half stars.
Dane Callicot has the opposite problem. He’s already on the inside, but nobody seems to care about the things he cares about. His life has been mapped out from the day he was born, but it’s not the life he wants. How can he have the things that are important to him in life without alienating everyone he cares about?
Having their own demons to conquer, Dane and Lyssa eventually find that they’re on the same side. Soon after, a business relationship becomes something more when they find in each other the understanding and support they both need. But with so much working against them, the misunderstandings and betrayals keep building up around them.
Homegrown Muse by Sally Bennett is a wonderful, well-written book that had me captivated from the start. The characters grab a hold of you – whether by their likability or their conniving. I found myself rooting for Dane and Lyssa even when I wanted to shake some sense into them both; and I couldn’t wait until the dust settled and those in their way got what was coming to them. I enjoyed the book from beginning to end and I have the lack of sleep circles under my eyes to prove it.
There are a few of things that keep me from giving Homegrown Muse an all-out five, though. As much as I wanted Dane and Lyssa to come together, it seemed odd that they had known and worked closely with each other for years without a romantic spark until now. It would have seemed more realistic if both had harbored at least some romantic feelings or attraction that had simply never been acted upon. Also, the secret that Lyssa’s parents kept from her was troublesome for me. I can understand the point of view of the characters in the book, but it still rubbed me as somewhat selfish and harsh. A point that did not really affect my rating of the book but still bothered me was the prejudice and racism that dominated some of the characters’ lives and made them even less likable in my mind. Perhaps it is my Midwestern naivety of the business and social climate of the Southwest United States. But if the opinions set forth in Homegrown Muse are truly indicative of those in the Phoenix area, the city will never make it to my ‘possible places to move to’ list. Let me add, though, that Sally Bennett did not support either the prejudice or the racism, but rather seemed to be showcasing the ramifications of both. I give Homegrown muse four and a half stars.
October 17, 2011
Lysistrata Smith—how could anyone be called Lysistrata? But Lyssa’s soon a very real character in Sally Bennet's Homegrown Muse, and her muse-born name is delightfully apt. She treads the complex world of ecology and development with confident skill—not to mention dealing with high finance, jealous lovers, cheating businessmen and family misunderstandings. Meanwhile she scrimps and saves her wages in hopes of saving her family, and eats ice-cream with a generous neighbor who pulls all available strings to help find Mr. Right. Unfortunately the world’s Mr. Right’s are often cunningly disguised as Mr. Wrong, and this is one of those novels where the urge to sit the characters down at a table and tell them what’s what can become almost overwhelming. Almost, but pleasingly not quite.
A new development near Phoenix blends high-tech, conservation and beauty into something Dane Callicott can surely be proud of. But why is he so unsure of himself, and why so eager to accept the complaints of his backers that he’s going to lose money? Sometimes risks have to be taken, in business and in love, and sometimes the traditional route to success leads to the wrong result.
Dane and Lyssa’s relationship mirrors the relationships between buildings and the land. When the rubble clears something beautiful will arise, something well worth waiting for. Meanwhile the reader meets two very different families and learns the strengths and weaknesses of both. Independence is good. So is a sense of belonging. And the earth is our home.
I enjoyed the characters of this book, drawn deeply enough to have flaws like the flaws in the landscape. The story’s fun. The gentle hints of marketing and finance intrigue. The family dynamics are pleasantly surprising. And the whole is an enjoyable romance with that extra something that makes it worthwhile.
Disclosure: I obtained a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A new development near Phoenix blends high-tech, conservation and beauty into something Dane Callicott can surely be proud of. But why is he so unsure of himself, and why so eager to accept the complaints of his backers that he’s going to lose money? Sometimes risks have to be taken, in business and in love, and sometimes the traditional route to success leads to the wrong result.
Dane and Lyssa’s relationship mirrors the relationships between buildings and the land. When the rubble clears something beautiful will arise, something well worth waiting for. Meanwhile the reader meets two very different families and learns the strengths and weaknesses of both. Independence is good. So is a sense of belonging. And the earth is our home.
I enjoyed the characters of this book, drawn deeply enough to have flaws like the flaws in the landscape. The story’s fun. The gentle hints of marketing and finance intrigue. The family dynamics are pleasantly surprising. And the whole is an enjoyable romance with that extra something that makes it worthwhile.
Disclosure: I obtained a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2011
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my review. This was a good romance book; lots of adult content (racism, sex discrimination, lines between the social classes, ect) without any of the graphic sex scenes. The story was engaging and quick to read. The romantic relationships between different characters are all believable and even humorous at times. The family dynamics of the main character, Lyssa, were a bit strange, but added to the story rather than detracting from it. Green culture was a big part of the book, but not overdone. Not something I would have picked out myself, but a good read all the same!
August 29, 2011
Really loved this book! Highly recommend it.
January 26, 2026
Homegrown Muse by Sally Bennett Boyington is an engaging and fast-paced contemporary romance that skillfully blends suspense, personal growth, and sizzling chemistry. From the moment Lyssa Smith inadvertently exposes a dangerous scheme, the story captivates readers with high stakes, moral dilemmas, and the challenge of navigating a world where doing the right thing comes at a personal cost.
Lyssa is a wonderfully free-spirited and resilient heroine, whose courage and integrity drive the narrative forward. As her reputation and career hang in the balance, her alliance with Dane Callicott adds both tension and warmth. Dane, grappling with family expectations and past setbacks, is a complex and relatable hero. Together, their interactions are electric, filled with sparks of attraction, mutual respect, and a sense of adventure that keeps readers hooked.
Boyington’s skillful storytelling shines in the way she balances personal stakes with broader suspense, creating a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling. The Phoenix-area setting is vivid and atmospheric, grounding the drama in a real and dynamic environment.
Homegrown Muse is a satisfying blend of romance, intrigue, and personal empowerment. With engaging characters, clever plot twists, and heartfelt moments, it’s a captivating read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with a touch of suspense and the triumph of courage over adversity.
Lyssa is a wonderfully free-spirited and resilient heroine, whose courage and integrity drive the narrative forward. As her reputation and career hang in the balance, her alliance with Dane Callicott adds both tension and warmth. Dane, grappling with family expectations and past setbacks, is a complex and relatable hero. Together, their interactions are electric, filled with sparks of attraction, mutual respect, and a sense of adventure that keeps readers hooked.
Boyington’s skillful storytelling shines in the way she balances personal stakes with broader suspense, creating a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling. The Phoenix-area setting is vivid and atmospheric, grounding the drama in a real and dynamic environment.
Homegrown Muse is a satisfying blend of romance, intrigue, and personal empowerment. With engaging characters, clever plot twists, and heartfelt moments, it’s a captivating read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with a touch of suspense and the triumph of courage over adversity.
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July 20, 2011Comments from a virtual reading at the Spinning Wheel Cafe May 11, 2011:
". . . a lovely read . . ." -- Barbara Silkstone, author of The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and Three-Quarters
" . . . a natural writing style . . ." -- Jenny Milchman, author of "The Very Old Man," in Lunch Reads, vol. 1
" . . . a voice that is natural and easy to read." -- Nancy M. Morse, author of Where the Wild Wind Blows
" . . . I love the uniqueness of the family . . ." -- Karen Cantwell, author of Take the Monkeys and Run
Merged review:
From a reader's review of the Kindle sample:
"What a delight this sample was! I immediately bought the book when I finished it and can’t wait to read it. The author has a beautiful way with words and her descriptions are rich and evocative . . ." -- Susan Umpleby, Susan's Kindle Samples (www.susanskindlesamples.com)
". . . a lovely read . . ." -- Barbara Silkstone, author of The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and Three-Quarters
" . . . a natural writing style . . ." -- Jenny Milchman, author of "The Very Old Man," in Lunch Reads, vol. 1
" . . . a voice that is natural and easy to read." -- Nancy M. Morse, author of Where the Wild Wind Blows
" . . . I love the uniqueness of the family . . ." -- Karen Cantwell, author of Take the Monkeys and Run
Merged review:
From a reader's review of the Kindle sample:
"What a delight this sample was! I immediately bought the book when I finished it and can’t wait to read it. The author has a beautiful way with words and her descriptions are rich and evocative . . ." -- Susan Umpleby, Susan's Kindle Samples (www.susanskindlesamples.com)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews