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How to Stuff a Wild Zucchini
Sophisticated New York playwright Lori Scott feels like a failure when her producer boyfriend calls it quits on both their relationship and her first play. On a dare, she throws a dart at a map and ends up moving to Brigham City, Utah, where she plans to set aside writing, religion, and men to focus on her new career substituting as The Garden Guru for the local paper. But fate has something else in mind. When she accidentally lights her house on fire, Lori has no idea of the sparks that lie ahead. Will she be able to resist the charm and persistence of local firefighting hero John Wayne Walker? Will old hurts and fears cause her to turn her back on the best thing that's ever happened to her? Author Heather Horrocks brings a fresh, fun voice to this delightful contemporary romance about following your heart, finding true love, and wrestling with a basket full of zucchini!
224 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2009
13 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Heather Horrocks
99 books241 followersI’m an author who had a somewhat unorthodox upbringing. I was raised in South America and the Middle East, and wrote my first stories as a teenager in Kuwait, where my sister and I proved it really is hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk. I wrote my first novel in three months on a typewriter when I was 21, I used every romance cliché possible (including amnesia — need I say more?), and never rewrote anything, which is why it’s so much fun to pull it out occasionally when I need a good laugh. I wrote sporadically until my youngest child (who is now 18) was two, when I decided it was time to either actually start writing, or to stop saying I was a writer. So I took a class and started doing the scary things that writing requires. Now I’ve written about twelve novels and several children’s books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
August 6, 2009
Deseret Book Mormon chic-lit. Strong on the Spirit, lite on the good writing.
September 15, 2009
You would think from the title that this would be a funny book. I grabbed it off the new books table at the library. I didn't realize it was published by Deseret Book until I picked it up to read. Trying to be open minded, I decided to read it anyway. Bad decision. Intolerance for non mormons starts from the very beginning when Charles asks Lori if she is LDS before allowing her to rent his home. Come on already, it is 2009, isn't it illegal to discrimanate in housing? And supposedly Lori has drifted away from the "church", but she acts exactly like a Mormon, even not drinking caffinated sodas (which by the way, most good mormons that I know suck down in great quantities).
And John, the supposed good guy is a scumbag. He should have broken up with Dawn before he even met Lori. It was obvious he wasn't into her at all. Yet he had asked her to be dating him exclusively (overused term in the book) and then starts panting after Lisa, never really breaking up with Dawn. And Lori, she agrees to exclusively date John even though she plans on going back to New york. And then the kicker, John worrying about whether or not Lisa finds her testimony, this being much more important to him than whether he loves her for who she is.
All in all, a very junior highish story. Such a waste of a good title.
And John, the supposed good guy is a scumbag. He should have broken up with Dawn before he even met Lori. It was obvious he wasn't into her at all. Yet he had asked her to be dating him exclusively (overused term in the book) and then starts panting after Lisa, never really breaking up with Dawn. And Lori, she agrees to exclusively date John even though she plans on going back to New york. And then the kicker, John worrying about whether or not Lisa finds her testimony, this being much more important to him than whether he loves her for who she is.
All in all, a very junior highish story. Such a waste of a good title.
June 25, 2009
I was really hoping to like this one. The cover looked so cute! There were just several things lacking in this book for me. It lacked a great story line,the romance was all weird and too fast, and the heroin made dumb decisions. She was too wishy washy in the relationships and she lied to her fiance. Not very likable characteristics.
July 13, 2016
DNFed somewhere around 75%, but I skipped to the end and read the last chapter. This was easily on the worst books I've ever read, and I only went so far through it because a friend recommended it because it was her favorite book.
Lori is a New Yorker who left the Mormon church due to serious issues with it and her father. Because of her Broadway play flopping, she moves to Brigham City, Utah, due to reasons to stupid for me to care to explain. There, she writes a gardening column even though she doesn't know how to garden, and meets the most Mormon person in all of Utah -- John Wayne Walker. Yes, John Wayne Walker. John Wayne Walker (I'll say his full name every time to emphasize the stupidity) has several brothers, all named after Western actors, and it is made clear that his poor mother gave all the rights to naming their children to her husband. With naming decisions like he had, I think she'd protest after one kid. I'm all for (good) unique names, but that is just bizarre.
John Wayne Walker falls in love with Lori at first sight because she's pretty, modest, and wears a CTR ring (yeah, right). And no, it was not insta-love like you may say -- it was "divine revelation" that she would be his wife the first moment he saw her. Moving a little fast, Mr. John Wayne Walker.
Assuming everyone in Utah is Mormon like the rest of the world, he asks her out on a date to Lagoon. Lagoon is the most amazing amusement park I've ever been to (and I've been to Universal Studios Orlando) and it is severely underappreciated in this book. The only ride she describes riding is the stupid swing you have to pay extra money for! Seriously? I don't think Heather Horrocks has ever been to Lagoon.
Then, by a sheer miracle, John manages to convince Lori to go to church again. From the parts I didn't skim, it's easy to tell that she quickly drops her serious issues with the church. By the halfway mark, she describes everything church-related as "calming", "relaxing", and blah-blah-blah. Did I mention that this book has no conflict? It has no conflict.
Having left all family and friends behind in New York (she was only supposed to be in Utah for 3 months) Lori decides to stay in Utah and have a child with Mr. John Wayne Walker. They name the baby Isabella Zee Walker. This is confusing, because Lori said they considered naming the baby Zucchini or something, because of her hatred for Zucchini and that she met John Wayne Walker while doing a gardening column. When John Wayne Walker announces the baby's name in church, she says Zee must have been as close to Zucchini as John Wayne Walker was willing to get.
So the end of the book continues the Walker's family tradition of naming children without any input from the mother. However, the tradition of giving outrageous names to their children was terminated, as Zee as a middle name is not crazy like Lori thought. Seriously, being named John Wayne Walker gives you a little free reign to name your kid whatever you want. If the kid hates you later, just tell them that the traumatic childhood caused by your name made you do it.
On a more legitimate criticism, the dialogue in this book is the stiffest and most unbelievable I've ever seen. Everyone in Utah besides John Wayne Walker's player friend is written as Mormon -- good Mormons, at that. The only bad Mormon ever mentioned is Lori's father.
Thank you, Heather Horrocks, for inadvertently spreading the "Utah is a Mormon Cult" myth even further. Being reminded of the state's sheer holiness, I'll be sure to attack the next Jehovah's Witness missionary I see with this book.
Lori is a New Yorker who left the Mormon church due to serious issues with it and her father. Because of her Broadway play flopping, she moves to Brigham City, Utah, due to reasons to stupid for me to care to explain. There, she writes a gardening column even though she doesn't know how to garden, and meets the most Mormon person in all of Utah -- John Wayne Walker. Yes, John Wayne Walker. John Wayne Walker (I'll say his full name every time to emphasize the stupidity) has several brothers, all named after Western actors, and it is made clear that his poor mother gave all the rights to naming their children to her husband. With naming decisions like he had, I think she'd protest after one kid. I'm all for (good) unique names, but that is just bizarre.
John Wayne Walker falls in love with Lori at first sight because she's pretty, modest, and wears a CTR ring (yeah, right). And no, it was not insta-love like you may say -- it was "divine revelation" that she would be his wife the first moment he saw her. Moving a little fast, Mr. John Wayne Walker.
Assuming everyone in Utah is Mormon like the rest of the world, he asks her out on a date to Lagoon. Lagoon is the most amazing amusement park I've ever been to (and I've been to Universal Studios Orlando) and it is severely underappreciated in this book. The only ride she describes riding is the stupid swing you have to pay extra money for! Seriously? I don't think Heather Horrocks has ever been to Lagoon.
Then, by a sheer miracle, John manages to convince Lori to go to church again. From the parts I didn't skim, it's easy to tell that she quickly drops her serious issues with the church. By the halfway mark, she describes everything church-related as "calming", "relaxing", and blah-blah-blah. Did I mention that this book has no conflict? It has no conflict.
Having left all family and friends behind in New York (she was only supposed to be in Utah for 3 months) Lori decides to stay in Utah and have a child with Mr. John Wayne Walker. They name the baby Isabella Zee Walker. This is confusing, because Lori said they considered naming the baby Zucchini or something, because of her hatred for Zucchini and that she met John Wayne Walker while doing a gardening column. When John Wayne Walker announces the baby's name in church, she says Zee must have been as close to Zucchini as John Wayne Walker was willing to get.
So the end of the book continues the Walker's family tradition of naming children without any input from the mother. However, the tradition of giving outrageous names to their children was terminated, as Zee as a middle name is not crazy like Lori thought. Seriously, being named John Wayne Walker gives you a little free reign to name your kid whatever you want. If the kid hates you later, just tell them that the traumatic childhood caused by your name made you do it.
On a more legitimate criticism, the dialogue in this book is the stiffest and most unbelievable I've ever seen. Everyone in Utah besides John Wayne Walker's player friend is written as Mormon -- good Mormons, at that. The only bad Mormon ever mentioned is Lori's father.
Thank you, Heather Horrocks, for inadvertently spreading the "Utah is a Mormon Cult" myth even further. Being reminded of the state's sheer holiness, I'll be sure to attack the next Jehovah's Witness missionary I see with this book.
September 9, 2009
Ah, the LDS romance novel... how I've missed you! I tend to stay away from the genre because... well, I tend to get a little...involved. I read this book yesterday. As in, that is what I did yesterday. I stopped often enough to change loads of laundry and feed my kids, but that was all I accomplished. And then I tend to project whatever problem they are having in the book into my own life-- so Tim tends to get a lot of "I just need to know (dramatic sigh)if you're...(checks book title for reference) THE ONE..." or I grumble darkly to myself about how he doesn't understand me, or whatever it is, until the book is finished and then I can come back to my own life. This book happens to take place almost entirely in my home town of Brigham City. Mostly I had fun recognizing the places, etc, mentioned in the book. My real-estate agent got a shout-out at the end, so that was fun. Toward the end, they mention finding the "maternity floor" of the hospital where two of my children were born--which is all on one level, so I felt morally superior there. I feel that the main character did not properly enjoy Peach Days, an event not to be mocked; but she was moping at the time, so I guess it's not her fault. I did feel the cliches were a bit over-played (what? we all have cowboy names? "it's not the edge of the earth, but you can see it from here?", "Mayberry with Mormons"? but I have to admit that if those same cliches were applied to some small town I didn't know I might have sighed a bit at the lack of writing skill, but it wouldn't have bothered me, so I think it's a pride issue) but being what it is, it was a fun read.
October 2, 2009
Blech. Sorry. Sometimes I can get into the LDS romantic stories. But this was sooo SOOOO not believable. Sorry. An LDS girl that has serious "hard feelings" towards the church but still doesn't smoke, drink or sleep around? And then she suddenly has a change of heart in 2 months after being away from the church for 13 years?
Blech. Not good writing, not a believable story, not entertaining. I was speed reading, trying to get to the end to be like "FINALLY" (I have a hard time quitting mid book. I can count on one had the times I've done it. Which is why I started "100 Years of Solitude" 3 times. But I never gave up!!)
And BLECH. Someone who has hard feelings towards their father for 13 years isn't going to just call them and then go out for a malt together. Take this from my on a very personal level. Supposedly she hadn't had one single conversation with her dad in 13 years? Well, I've spoken to my father like 2 times in the past 3 years, and I would NEVER go get a drink with him. Seriously, so unbelievable. It frustrated me.
The talk about the ice cream shop is what really drew me in. I didn't skim on that part at all. Sad that that was the best part of the book.
HMMM.. . . ICE CREAM
Blech. Not good writing, not a believable story, not entertaining. I was speed reading, trying to get to the end to be like "FINALLY" (I have a hard time quitting mid book. I can count on one had the times I've done it. Which is why I started "100 Years of Solitude" 3 times. But I never gave up!!)
And BLECH. Someone who has hard feelings towards their father for 13 years isn't going to just call them and then go out for a malt together. Take this from my on a very personal level. Supposedly she hadn't had one single conversation with her dad in 13 years? Well, I've spoken to my father like 2 times in the past 3 years, and I would NEVER go get a drink with him. Seriously, so unbelievable. It frustrated me.
The talk about the ice cream shop is what really drew me in. I didn't skim on that part at all. Sad that that was the best part of the book.
HMMM.. . . ICE CREAM
September 25, 2011
Um, I liked the story line and the characters a lot but I found aspects of the romance pretty obnoxious at times. Here's how it went: "He likes me, I like him, I love him, he told he he loves me but what if he doesn't really love me, he can't possibly love me, he really does love me, I love him so much I have to dump him, I can't live without him but I really have to leave, yadda, yadda, yadda.
I did like that the main character had realistic issues she had to work through. Her parents relationship and her failure to forgive reeked havoc on her life and it was good to see her resolve her issues and find peace.
I did like that the main character had realistic issues she had to work through. Her parents relationship and her failure to forgive reeked havoc on her life and it was good to see her resolve her issues and find peace.
October 13, 2018
I love Heather Horrocks' books! They are laugh-out-loud funny and help me relax in a way most books don't. I think I'll be adding them to my mental health regimen. :) This charming comedy romance had so many delightful elements. The infertility was a little too close to home for me, but I enjoyed everything else about the book. And I'm so looking forward to trying the zucchini chicken curry recipe!
June 10, 2009
Nice enough story. Interesting characters, interesting story, though the heroine felt wishy-washy a few too many times for my taste.
July 31, 2009
Cute for an LDS romance... Cheesy and pain staking at times. Still kinda cute.
August 22, 2009
A reminder of why I don't read LDS fiction. Predictable and cheesy. It was just OK.
September 16, 2017
Very typical LDS romance, but cute fun light read.
May 9, 2014
Synopsis: "Sophisticated New York playwright Lori Scott feels like a failure when her producer boyfriend calls it quits on both their relationship and her first play. On a dare, she throws a dart at a map and ends up moving to Brigham City, Utah, where she plans to set aside writing, religion, and men to focus on her new career substituting as The Garden Guru for the local paper. But fate has something else in mind. When she accidentally lights her house on fire, Lori has no idea of the sparks that lie ahead.
Will she be able to resist the charm and persistence of local firefighting hero John Wayne Walker? Will old hurts and fears cause her to turn her back on the best thing that's ever happened to her? Author Heather Horrocks brings a fresh, fun voice to this delightful contemporary romance about following your heart, finding true love, and wrestling with a basket full of zucchini!"
My Review: Okay, bear with me as a fumble through this review. I want to make it very clear that what I am about to say has nothing to do with being a certain religion. I really don't care if a book has religion in it and I don't care what religion it contains as long as it is put forward in an appealing way. With that said, I was so looking forward to this book and spent a lot more than I normally spend on an individual book to get it. I forced myself to read at least half of the book to give it a fair chance before giving up on it but I couldn't make it any further. It started off in the first 20 pages or so with suddenly pushing Mormonism and just continued to get worse as the book went on, where I finally gave up you couldn't read a page with out some aspect of Mormonism being mentioned at least 10 times. (Now please be aware that if it was any other religion including my own I would be just as frustrated and upset). This obviously major aspect of this book was not mentioned anywhere in the synopsis, I was looking forward to reading about a writer fumbling through trying to write a gardening column with out actually knowing anything about it. I thought it sounded like a funny, fluffy romance. I had read another book by the same author back in December and it was everything I thought this book would be, imagine my disappointment when it was like a missionary was pounding at my door. Not only that but if you don't have the book of Mormon in your home, no worries its included in the book! ARG!! OK I am going to stop there before I really start ranting and raving and saying things that shouldn't be said. Again I want to reiterate that I have nothing against Mormonism and am not out to upset anyone who is but it was poorly presented in this book without any indication that it would be so.
Will she be able to resist the charm and persistence of local firefighting hero John Wayne Walker? Will old hurts and fears cause her to turn her back on the best thing that's ever happened to her? Author Heather Horrocks brings a fresh, fun voice to this delightful contemporary romance about following your heart, finding true love, and wrestling with a basket full of zucchini!"
My Review: Okay, bear with me as a fumble through this review. I want to make it very clear that what I am about to say has nothing to do with being a certain religion. I really don't care if a book has religion in it and I don't care what religion it contains as long as it is put forward in an appealing way. With that said, I was so looking forward to this book and spent a lot more than I normally spend on an individual book to get it. I forced myself to read at least half of the book to give it a fair chance before giving up on it but I couldn't make it any further. It started off in the first 20 pages or so with suddenly pushing Mormonism and just continued to get worse as the book went on, where I finally gave up you couldn't read a page with out some aspect of Mormonism being mentioned at least 10 times. (Now please be aware that if it was any other religion including my own I would be just as frustrated and upset). This obviously major aspect of this book was not mentioned anywhere in the synopsis, I was looking forward to reading about a writer fumbling through trying to write a gardening column with out actually knowing anything about it. I thought it sounded like a funny, fluffy romance. I had read another book by the same author back in December and it was everything I thought this book would be, imagine my disappointment when it was like a missionary was pounding at my door. Not only that but if you don't have the book of Mormon in your home, no worries its included in the book! ARG!! OK I am going to stop there before I really start ranting and raving and saying things that shouldn't be said. Again I want to reiterate that I have nothing against Mormonism and am not out to upset anyone who is but it was poorly presented in this book without any indication that it would be so.
April 27, 2017
So I have to admit with summer being almost over I have been on a little chick lit binge and what a blast it has been. This one I picked up while used book shopping because I loved the cover. I was expecting a funny light hearted read, but the message in this book let a deep impression with me. It started out a bit slow and I had a hard time connecting with the main female character Lori, however, by the last couple of chapter I had tears. What influenced me the most was the integrity and deep love of main fireman, John Wayne Walker (yes it is a cheesy name) He follows the whisperings of his heart even when they seem far fetched and sticks by Lori when she is ruled by fear. Heather Horrocks addresses strained parental relationships, divorce, and infertility in a way that readers will internalize and understand. Lori brings a lot of baggage with her by John handles it in a way I wish all men would. He is just plain amazing! The other surprise development for me was how I felt about the hometown writer Lori comes to replace while he vacations in China, and his neighbor Agatha. Their story is heart warming. Heather spiced up this book with Garden Guru column excerpts in between chapters full or quirky comments and garden advice. Overall, it is a book I would re- read and recommend to others. It is completely clean, romantic and has a good message. Toss in quite a few zucchini and you have the perfect summer combination! What a refreshing read!
April 14, 2011
How to Stuff a Wild Zucchini is a sweet story. Lori Scott is running from a career-ending bust of a Broadway play and the end of a romantic relationship. She lands in Brigham City, Utah, writing a gardening column for a local paper. She thinks the column is all about flowers and ornamental plants for the casual gardener. She soon discovers, to her dismay, the column is about vegetable gardens written for avid gardeners. Meanwhile, the vacationing columnist has generous allowed her to house-sit for him. Lori faces a very large vegetable garden just beginning to produce, especially the zucchini. Vegetables aren't the only things in bloom, either. Handsome firefighter John Wayne Walker shows up to put out the flames in the barbecue only to ignite flames in Lori's heart.
Okay, that summary does sound a bit cheesy. I found the story sweet and charming with just enough local flavor and zucchini jokes to lighten it up and make it fun. Yeah, I live in Utah. Yeah, I'm a Mormon. But I can kill zucchini. It's a rare gift around here. I also found it very refreshing to pick up a book knowing that it contains no profanity and no racy scenes to skim past. Though the characters were a touch cliché, the book still kept me reading and enjoying. If you want a window on LDS culture, this book offers some glimpses as well as a sweet romance.
Okay, that summary does sound a bit cheesy. I found the story sweet and charming with just enough local flavor and zucchini jokes to lighten it up and make it fun. Yeah, I live in Utah. Yeah, I'm a Mormon. But I can kill zucchini. It's a rare gift around here. I also found it very refreshing to pick up a book knowing that it contains no profanity and no racy scenes to skim past. Though the characters were a touch cliché, the book still kept me reading and enjoying. If you want a window on LDS culture, this book offers some glimpses as well as a sweet romance.
October 8, 2009
This book gets two stars instead of one only because my expectations were so low going into it. I hate this kind of book, and this one is the perfect example of everything wrong with LDS romance novels. The cliche characters, the stilted dialogue, the trying-too-hard cuteness, and the fact that every plot turn can be predicted based solely on the back cover. I think this one was even below average with its romantic moments that were cringe-worthy, rather than cute. If this were a real-life couple, they would have had the most awkward courtship ever. The jokes fell flat and the banter felt forced. By the end, I was so excited for their stupid, predictable relationship to come to a happy resolution just so I could be done with this book forever.
I know, I'm being unreasonably harsh, especially since I knew what to expect before I ever picked up this book. However, it's based in my hometown of Brigham City, Utah, so I had to read it. On that note, there were enough "See? I did research!" plugs in here to keep even the most die-hard Brighamite happy. It really bordered on the ridiculous. Okay, I'm done disparaging. I think you can conclude for yourself whether I recommend this book or not.
PS- Ooh! A positive comment: the cover art is really cute.
I know, I'm being unreasonably harsh, especially since I knew what to expect before I ever picked up this book. However, it's based in my hometown of Brigham City, Utah, so I had to read it. On that note, there were enough "See? I did research!" plugs in here to keep even the most die-hard Brighamite happy. It really bordered on the ridiculous. Okay, I'm done disparaging. I think you can conclude for yourself whether I recommend this book or not.
PS- Ooh! A positive comment: the cover art is really cute.
September 2, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. It is a lighthearted LDS romance fiction. Lori a New York native is a writer who just had her first play on Broadway canceled after a week. She is also dealing with inactivity in the LDS church due to the actions of her father when she was 13. In hopes to gain a fresh start she throws a dart at a map and promises her brother & mother to move where it lands if she can also find a job there online within 1 hour. While aiming for Hawaii her dart lands on Brigham City Utah and she is able to find a job temporarily replacing a garden columnist who is taking a sabbatical to China for 3 months and has also offered for her to stay in his home for low rent as long as she promises to care for his garden and car. She thought it was a flower garden and it turns out to be a huge vegetable garden which she knows nothing about especially zucchini! While in Utah she meets the handsome, active return missionary, firefighter John Wayne Walker (his brothers are Clint Eastwood Walker, Roy Rogers Walker and Kirk Douglas Walker) who is searching for the one woman that holds a spark for him.
June 9, 2009
How To Stuff A Wild Zucchini by Heather Horrocks
This is a delightful romantic comedy that has Lori Scott, frustrated Playwright with a Broadway Play that flops within a week, and with the dismal breakup of her boyfriend, dares her brother on a dart board that she will move to the spot the dart lands in, which is Brigham City, Utah, of all places she does not want to live. She decides to focus on subbing as "The Garden Guru" for the local paper. When she gets there, she finds way more than she expects. When she has to call in the local firefighters to prevent her rented house from burning to the ground, she meets one local firefighting hero, John Wayne Walker, who is everything she's been trying to avoid. She even promises to drive the classic "Monstrosity" once a week to appease its owner. No matter if you love or hate Zucchini, you'll be delighted with this romp. I totally laughed out loud in many places. I look forward to Heather's many romantic comedies. She's a keeper.
Forever Friends Rating 5 Stars by Teri
Until Next Time, See You Around The Book Nook
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Pub. Date: May 2009
ISBN-13: 9781606410943
273pp
This is a delightful romantic comedy that has Lori Scott, frustrated Playwright with a Broadway Play that flops within a week, and with the dismal breakup of her boyfriend, dares her brother on a dart board that she will move to the spot the dart lands in, which is Brigham City, Utah, of all places she does not want to live. She decides to focus on subbing as "The Garden Guru" for the local paper. When she gets there, she finds way more than she expects. When she has to call in the local firefighters to prevent her rented house from burning to the ground, she meets one local firefighting hero, John Wayne Walker, who is everything she's been trying to avoid. She even promises to drive the classic "Monstrosity" once a week to appease its owner. No matter if you love or hate Zucchini, you'll be delighted with this romp. I totally laughed out loud in many places. I look forward to Heather's many romantic comedies. She's a keeper.
Forever Friends Rating 5 Stars by Teri
Until Next Time, See You Around The Book Nook
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Pub. Date: May 2009
ISBN-13: 9781606410943
273pp
December 26, 2009
The blurb reminds me a little of Jack Weyland's Charly: sophisticated New Yorker comes to Utah, finds religion, and finds a man (after a few bumps along the way). Except it's not a Ferris wheel binding them together; it's zucchini. (I guess. It didn't seem to be that big of a deal given all the rest of the stuff that happened in the novel, but the characters sure do think it is in the epilogue.)
Pretty predictable and rather average LDS romance, but I enjoyed it anyway. I liked the subplot involving the spiritual development of main character Lori, though I thought it could have been better written to make it more believable (maybe some flashback-type instances to show the readers instead of just having the main character tell it with some internal dialogue). The characters were kind of flat (except for maybe the quirky neighbor Agatha -- I liked Agatha) but none of them were annoying (except for maybe jilted-girlfriend Dawn ... I didn't see why she had to be in the novel at all. Added drama, I guess.)
Even if it was rather predictable as far as LDS novels go, I still had a hard time putting it down. Quick, easy read.
Pretty predictable and rather average LDS romance, but I enjoyed it anyway. I liked the subplot involving the spiritual development of main character Lori, though I thought it could have been better written to make it more believable (maybe some flashback-type instances to show the readers instead of just having the main character tell it with some internal dialogue). The characters were kind of flat (except for maybe the quirky neighbor Agatha -- I liked Agatha) but none of them were annoying (except for maybe jilted-girlfriend Dawn ... I didn't see why she had to be in the novel at all. Added drama, I guess.)
Even if it was rather predictable as far as LDS novels go, I still had a hard time putting it down. Quick, easy read.
April 14, 2011
This is really Mormon chick-lit at its best. Sappy, unrealistic, Utah-y, and strangely involving. There were quite a few things in the book that seemed very far-fetched and bothered me, yet I was compelled to keep reading because I was vested in the characters nonetheless.
And I didn't even really like John. First of all, John Wayne? Why did this family have to use cowboy names? It wasn't key to the story and it was just odd. And kissing her on the first date? After being so commitment-phobic, it seemed a bit forward [and tacky?] for him.
The whole book was based on classic Mormon novel assumptions: the character who is struggling with the Church will quickly return to it (I found it unrealistic that Lori, after 13 years of inactivity and living in Manhattan, was apparently doing nothing worse than drinking caffeinated soda), and there will be some misunderstanding between characters that will drive them apart - only because they do not properly communicate their feelings in the first place. Everything is, of course, resolved quickly and satisfactorily, and everyone lives happily ever after. And that is why these books are an easy and fun read.
And I didn't even really like John. First of all, John Wayne? Why did this family have to use cowboy names? It wasn't key to the story and it was just odd. And kissing her on the first date? After being so commitment-phobic, it seemed a bit forward [and tacky?] for him.
The whole book was based on classic Mormon novel assumptions: the character who is struggling with the Church will quickly return to it (I found it unrealistic that Lori, after 13 years of inactivity and living in Manhattan, was apparently doing nothing worse than drinking caffeinated soda), and there will be some misunderstanding between characters that will drive them apart - only because they do not properly communicate their feelings in the first place. Everything is, of course, resolved quickly and satisfactorily, and everyone lives happily ever after. And that is why these books are an easy and fun read.
September 22, 2018
*Cute story - fun to read about Brigham City - but fell a little flat. I don’t like when the LDS authors make everything just magically work out.
July 5, 2009
great fast read.Lori thought she was going to be a great success, but when her broadway play in NY flops after one week and she finds her boyfriend is really a cheater, she runs home. While playing darts with her brother he dares her to throw a dart at a map of the US and if she can find a job in that area in 1 hour time move their and have her break where no one knows her failures. She lands on Brigham city utah the mormon city which she has shunned for 13 years since her father betrayed the family by leaving. She goes there after securing a job as a gardening columnist. Her first day their she meets john, the firefighter that comes to put out the fire in her bbq. That was the start of the flame between them and john hopes to not ever put out that flame. Lori has a secret that could keep them apart beyond that she doesn't date mormon guys and doesn't go to church or at least she didn't without John's convincing. Hearts will be softened and forgiveness takes place. great story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2011
I'm just starting this book today, it looks like it will mostly take place in Brigham City Utah,how cool is that?? Looks like an enjoyable read, I'll keep you posted. Finished. I loved the idea of moving someplace at the toss of a dart but finding a job on the internet in under an hour, I didn't think that was possible.
Being from Utah I loved all the Utah things in there like fry sauce, I didn't see anyone saying "Oh my heck." Maybe in the next book? And how about living in Utah in the summer never leave your car window down more than an inch or you will find it full of Zucchini that would have really fit in this book well.
I loved a little surprize at the end but I won't spoil it. Anyway if your in the mood for a light romance with just a touch to much religion thrown in this is just the book you need.
Being from Utah I loved all the Utah things in there like fry sauce, I didn't see anyone saying "Oh my heck." Maybe in the next book? And how about living in Utah in the summer never leave your car window down more than an inch or you will find it full of Zucchini that would have really fit in this book well.
I loved a little surprize at the end but I won't spoil it. Anyway if your in the mood for a light romance with just a touch to much religion thrown in this is just the book you need.
May 28, 2012
3.5
I picked this up a couple years ago out of a bargain bin. I thought the cover and title were kind of cute and thought I’d give it a try. I wasn’t disappointed. I thought this was an enjoyable story with likable characters.
John and Lori had a fun relationship; I enjoyed watching them get together. I’m not a big fan of short courtships (I know it works for some people) and would have liked if their dating relationship had been a little longer. While they have their obstacles it stayed on the lighter side, felt almost conflict-free by time I was done. I did appreciate that the conflicts they did have were unique. There wasn’t the typical love-triangle or jealous ex’s that seems to be a popular theme.
Overall, an enjoyable story. I’ll probably check out more by Horrocks.
Content: Clean romance.
I picked this up a couple years ago out of a bargain bin. I thought the cover and title were kind of cute and thought I’d give it a try. I wasn’t disappointed. I thought this was an enjoyable story with likable characters.
John and Lori had a fun relationship; I enjoyed watching them get together. I’m not a big fan of short courtships (I know it works for some people) and would have liked if their dating relationship had been a little longer. While they have their obstacles it stayed on the lighter side, felt almost conflict-free by time I was done. I did appreciate that the conflicts they did have were unique. There wasn’t the typical love-triangle or jealous ex’s that seems to be a popular theme.
Overall, an enjoyable story. I’ll probably check out more by Horrocks.
Content: Clean romance.
July 30, 2009
(Genre:LDS fiction/romance) This book is about a 25 year old New Yorker named Lori who moves to Brigham City, Utah in order to escape and lick her wounds when her broadway play closes after one week and she walks in on her boyfriend (a broadway producer?) being unfaithful to her with another woman. She is a member of the LDS church, but has been unactive and a little anti-religion since her father had an affair with another ward member when Lori was 13. She immediately attracts the attention of a local firefighter and gets to work through all her emotional issues while trying to write a gardening column with very little gardening experience. I thought it was a cute story and it was a very fast read, even though it was rather unrealistic (like most romances). :)
September 19, 2009
I really enjoyed this and I don't think I expected to. Just another LDS romance right?
I like the author's writing style. I like the main character Lori Scott. She has issues - she has never gotten over her father's infidelity and she isn't active in the church. Things fall apart for her and in the course of getting them back on track she moves to Brigham City, Utah after living her whole life in New York state.
She learns so much and has to deal with an abundance of zucchini.
She meets a fabulous guy; he's a fireman. They have some issues to work out but of course things work out in the end.
I am left wondering if Heather Horrock knows any guys like that she could set me up with.
I like the author's writing style. I like the main character Lori Scott. She has issues - she has never gotten over her father's infidelity and she isn't active in the church. Things fall apart for her and in the course of getting them back on track she moves to Brigham City, Utah after living her whole life in New York state.
She learns so much and has to deal with an abundance of zucchini.
She meets a fabulous guy; he's a fireman. They have some issues to work out but of course things work out in the end.
I am left wondering if Heather Horrock knows any guys like that she could set me up with.
October 19, 2009
This book was a fun, light-hearted, humorous story typical of the original LDS teen romances where the the conflict is supplied by the fact that one of the couple is not a Mormon--except in this case the girl actually is a member of the church; she is just mad at God and hasn't been to church since her father had an affair and left their family thirteen years ago. How to Stuff a Wild Zucchini is set in Brigham City so I loved reading about familiar places in my home town: Maddox, the Box Elder Bees, Peach City, Lagoon, the city Welcome sign, and so on. Not a book with a lot of depth to it, but it had enjoyable dialogue and was fun and quick to read. Maybe a bit idealistic--if only it were so easy to change from inactivity to activity.
March 2, 2013
I LOVED this book! One of my faves!! Sure its a little cheesy and unrealistic but it reminds me of hollywood romance movies..You know it would never happen in real life but still love it. Lori Scott is a playwright whos play tanks within a week. As a dare she throws a dart on a dartboard and has to move where it lands. She ends up in Brigham City, UT. She goes on a journey of self discovery and learns that things dont go as we plan! I loved that she ended up in Brigham City. Having been there it was fun to read about it and have them reference places i've been. I thought it was very entertaining and found myself laughing outloud in parts. The characters are charming and likeable. I would recommend it!
September 23, 2009
Not the most brilliant writing and clearly written for an LDS audience. I have a problem with that only because the story line itself would be fun for people of all faiths to follow. Unfortunately there is so much of small town "Utah Mormon" culture in there that even people that are Mormon and yet not from Utah may not get a lot of the jokes she is alluding to. Fun, quick read. Not too particularly thought provoking, which makes me question it as a book club pick. I'd recommend it if you're looking for a light, sometimes funny romance. But I'm warning you, the characters, however likable, are not very realistic.
February 6, 2010
This is the first Mormon romance novel I've read and I must say that it was better written and much less painfully predictable than I was expecting it to be. I hope the author writes more books like this. The main character was interesting and there was a lot of good humor in the book. The plot "twists," while predictable, did not come at a predictable time and a predictable way, most of the time. I felt my time was well spent in reading this book. (It only took about 4 hours, but I'm a fast reader.) The male characters were less well-developed than the female characters--perhaps to be expected given the target audience. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to fans of the genre.
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