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The Tall Pine Polka / Your Oasis on Flame Lake
Best friends fast approaching forty in the small Minnesota town of Flame Lake, Devera and BiDi were recently voted “Least Changed” at their twentieth high school reunion—a label neither one finds very appealing. For each craves a change in her Devera desires a break from her humdrum marital routine; BiDi longs to reconnect with her distant fourteen-year-old daughter (the only girl on the high school hockey team), not to mention jump-start a sex drive stuck in neutral. So when Devera’s husband decides to fulfill his longtime dream of opening a nightclub in his basement, Your Oasis on Flame Lake arrives not a moment too soon. Nothing fancy, it’s just a BYOB joint where you can hang out, sing, dance, tell jokes, and be yourself. But then an unexpected crisis throws both families into chaos, forcing them all to take stock of their lives—and learn the power of forgiveness.
752 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
123 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Landvik
28 books1,065 followersLorna Landvik is a mother of two and wife of one. She is the author of eight novels, including the best-selling ANGRY HOUSEWIVES EATING BON BONS, PATTY JANE'S HOUSE OF CURL and OH MY STARS. Also an
actor and playwright, Lorna has appeared in many stage productions. She is a new and passionate neophyte to the practice of yoga, which is a fine antidote to her long established practice of lounging.
actor and playwright, Lorna has appeared in many stage productions. She is a new and passionate neophyte to the practice of yoga, which is a fine antidote to her long established practice of lounging.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 12, 2021
The Tall Pine Polka was hilarious in parts, and the plot was clever, but the story went just too far. 440 pages for a light novel? Takes place at a little town in Minnesota with a cast of characters like no others. Fenny stars, as Inga, in a Hollywood movie filmed in her hometown. So Hollywood and Tall Pine meet in some very funny scenes.
The second novel was very different: much more serious. Each chapter is told in the voice of a different character: two husbands, two wives and one daughter. It's the story of two families, their marriages, their daughters.
The second novel was very different: much more serious. Each chapter is told in the voice of a different character: two husbands, two wives and one daughter. It's the story of two families, their marriages, their daughters.
September 25, 2025
I don't know why but this one didn't keep my attention. I normally like hers but this one jumped around too much or something. Definitely not a page turner.
December 11, 2009
What a delight Lorna Landvik's books are. They all have a cast of characters that are wonderful and hilarious. Her books are funny, full of comedy, wisdom and tears. They are just so believable and heart-warming.
Back Cover Blurb:
Your Oasis on Flame Lake.
Best friends Devera and BiDi, fast approaching forty in the small Minnesota town of Flame Lake, crave big changes. Then an unexpected crisis throws their lives into chaos and teaches them the power of forgiveness.
The Tall Pine Polka.
In the cozy town of Tall Pine, Minnesota, folks are gathering for the Tall Pine Polka, a joyful event of food, fun and dance. But when Hollywood rolls in, friendships will be tested and endings turn into new beginnings.
Back Cover Blurb:
Your Oasis on Flame Lake.
Best friends Devera and BiDi, fast approaching forty in the small Minnesota town of Flame Lake, crave big changes. Then an unexpected crisis throws their lives into chaos and teaches them the power of forgiveness.
The Tall Pine Polka.
In the cozy town of Tall Pine, Minnesota, folks are gathering for the Tall Pine Polka, a joyful event of food, fun and dance. But when Hollywood rolls in, friendships will be tested and endings turn into new beginnings.
August 19, 2011
I guess this is what is known as an omnibus - two novels in one book. I really enjoyed them both, although at first I felt there were a number of similarities between the novels and would have preferred not to read them back to back. For example, the Polka nights and the oasis nights were quite similar, really...
Landvik's writing is often laugh out loud funny, and her characters are just that - real characters... I found myself trying to recount anecdotes from the books to people around me but there was a bit of "you just had to be there"...
I'll definitely have to track down more of her books - so far I've read four I think. This is currently in Mallorca.
Landvik's writing is often laugh out loud funny, and her characters are just that - real characters... I found myself trying to recount anecdotes from the books to people around me but there was a bit of "you just had to be there"...
I'll definitely have to track down more of her books - so far I've read four I think. This is currently in Mallorca.
April 17, 2008
An't believe it actually went on for 800 pages without a point. drivel. Not even good guilty pleasure drivel. Only sheer deterination got me through it, and those are just hours of my life I'm never geting back!
April 4, 2011
I loved the quirky characters in this book. And...I had a few "laugh out loud" moments when reading this story. Lorna Landvik's book are just fun to read!
July 28, 2011
i LOVE lorna landvik, but this book is not her best work.
October 8, 2012
Love this author...
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews