We Interrupt This Date

by L.C. Evans

Since her divorce a year ago, Susan Caraway has gone through the motions of life. Now she is finally coming out of her shell. Just when she decides on a makeover and a new career, her family members call on her for crisis assistance. First there's her sister DeLorean who has returned from California with a baby, a designer dog, and no prospects for child support or a job. Susan's son Christian comes home from college trailing what Susan's mama refers to as "an androgynous little tart." Then there's Mama herself, a southern lady who wrote the book on bossy. A secret from Mama's past threatens to unravel her own peace. But not before Mama has to move into Susan's home with her babies--two Chihuahuas with attitude. Susan would like to start her new job as a ghost tour operator. She would like to renew her relationship with Jack Maxwell, a man from her past. But Jack isn't going to stand in line behind her needy family.

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Fiction, Mystery

296 pages, Paperback

First published June 9, 2009

Reviews

[Martha Cheves · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Interrupt This Date – Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat

‘My mother hadn’t stopped talking about my shortcomings and my need to plunge back into the dating world since the moment we’d stepped out the door of her condo. “You’re already forty and not getting a moment younger. Shall I tell Stanley you’re interested? I increased my pace, nearly mowing down a touristy-looking couple. “Mama, I love you, but the answer is no. I do not need to energize my social life by going out with guys you dredge up for me. By the way, men named Stanley do not make good dates.” “Stanley is a wonderful man. I met him at Sunday School.” “And Stanley is so kind, so devoted to his mama.” - You have just met Susan Caraway’s very southern raised mother.

“You’re sure the breakup is for real? After all, this isn’t the first time you and Baldwin have argued and you wouldn’t want to make another mistake. It’s not the end of life as you know it on planet earth. We’ll find you a job and eventually you’ll be ready to move on.” “Job?” DeLorean looked at me, with tears welling in the corners of her eyes. I’m too broken up right now to even think about work. Besides, you live a million miles from nowhere. How am I supposed to get to work without a car? I couldn’t possibly afford daycare. I mean, it’s not like I’m qualified for a high paying job. All my salary would go to keep Cole, probably in some understaffed nursery where he’d be lonely and neglected in a wet diaper all day. I’ll just stay home with Cole and do your housework or something. When he’s older, and I’m over the breakup, I’ll decide what kind of career I want.” - You have just met DeLorean, Susan’s much younger sister. When DeLorean moved in with Susan, she brought her son Cole and her rather large dog Brad.

‘Christian wrapped his arms around me and awkwardly patted my back. “I don’t mind telling you, it isn’t just DeLorean and Cole who need help. Mom, we need to talk.” I’d suspected from the moment he arrived that he had a problem that had brought him home. I gripped the back of a chair and watched my knuckles change from beige to pearly white. “What is it?” I rasped out. He favored me with his patented poor-worrywart-Mom look. “It’s not like I’m into drugs or anything. It’s only that I want to quit my job. Right now, all I do is go to class, study, and go to work. I need time to have fun once in a while. You know, I want the full college experience, which I can’t have if all my time is booked with work and classes. I thought you could come up with some extra money to pick up the slack.” “Why don’t I simply get a second job?”(Susan said). “Thanks, Mom, that would be great.” - You have just met Christian, Susan’s one and only son who has popped home for the weekend from college.

Who is Susan? Susan is the wife that put up with a man for almost 20 years just to have him leave her for a younger woman. She spent the last year, after her divorce, feeling sorry for herself and has finally decided to get back into life. She has made the decision to take on a job offered by a friend to manage and run the ghost tours at the Blackthorn House in Charleston, SC. Adding to this new beginning, Susan has decided to sell her house for smaller accommodations and possibly try a little dating. But, when her mother falls, spraining her ankle, her sister needs a place for herself and son to live and her own son wanting more money for college, her life is turned completely upside down. And to top it off, Jack Maxwell has moved back to Charleston.

While reading We Interrupt This Date I’ve found myself laughing at some of the events that take place. I’ve found myself wanting to slap her sister in hopes of making her grow up. I’ve wanted to shake the mother in hopes of making her realize that she is using Susan by way of pity and I’ve wanted to kick her son in the rear hoping to make him see how spoiled he has become. As for Susan, I just wanted her to wake up, put her foot down and stop letting people dictate her life. All-in-all, the story and characters created by L. C. Evans is one that I can honestly say was very entertaining.

2009
CreateSpace
286 Pages
ISBN978-1448614622

Review Stir, Laugh, Repeat at Amazon.com Stir, Laugh, Repeat

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you really need an escape book, mine are fluffy books and southern fiction. I grew up in the Charleston area of South Carolina and sometimes I need a little taste of home. Southern fiction comes in two genres. Good and really really bad. There is no in-between, I fear.

I must admit that had the author not supplied this book for me to review, I might not have picked it up. The cover is pretty uninspired (with apologies to the cover artist) and I will admit I do judge books by their cover. I'm glad that, based on the description, I gave it a try. Such a touching book and a great book about finding yourself in the middle of your life and deciding what really matters.

I loved that it had plenty of funny moments, a little bit of a romance, but the main theme was about a strong woman, who was growing stronger. I found myself identifying a bit with the man character, being the person that everyone contacts when they need help, running in twenty different directions and going nowhere fast. Okay, so the main character was a little older than I am, but it still struck home a bit.

My favorite part is that the author let Charleston be Charleston. There was no romanticizing it. The vernacular wasn't completely destroyed. I didn't feel like reaching through the author's typewriter and whacking her right upside her pretty little head. This is a bad habit that some southern fiction writers fall into and it drives me completely crazy.

It was very well edited and the plot moved along. The introduction of the ghost tours and giving us background on that was genius of the author, it brought another element into the story without burying us in the details. Sweetly written with heart.

Recommended for those looking for a light read or those like southern fiction.

[Chrisssy · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazingly a really good fun read by LC Evens I amnoiw finishing up on The Witness Wore Blood Red and I am really enjoying her work

[Bette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written, character-driven story. At times the whining is overdone, but not enough to make me put the book down.

I enjoyed this light-hearted, chick-lit tale.

[Angela Holtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Lilac Wolf and Stuff

Goodreads had a different cover, actually pretty bland, a large white house. I like this cover, with the 2 chihuahuas. The dogs are actually very annoying, and are her Mama's babies. Her sister shows up with a Golden-Doodle, completely untrained and full of fleas and matted fur. Poor guy, the sister doesn't take care of him and Susan or "Nic" is not attached to any of the dogs moving through her house.

The story starts off with Susan, living alone after her divorce now a year gone by. She hates her job, but after being a stay at home mom for the last 20 years, doesn't have a great skill set to offer in this competitive market. That's one thing I like in this story, maybe it will date it but L.C. Evans didn't sugar coat what our economy is like. In fact, the character realizes that considering her options, the miserable job at the pawn shop is better than some alternatives.

Then her friend Victoria shows up and offers her a job running her new Ghost Tours operation. And sweetened the deal saying Susan could live in her Bed & Breakfast and either sell or rent the house that is just too big and expensive for 1 person. Susan wasn't about to gamble and lose the only steady paycheck she has. But her boss finds out and uses it as the excuse he's been looking for to fire her and hire his niece. This part bothered me because she really should have stopped taking his abuse right then. After all, he'd already fired her.

Then her sister shows up with a baby, a huge dog and no money. Moves in with Susan. Then Mama falls and sprains her ankle...and moves in with Susan. Then her son comes home for the weekend with a girl-who-is-a-friend from school. The girl is all piercings, purple hair, grunge but proves to Susan that there's a responsible person underneath it all. So when Jack shows up, he is frustrated to discover the same old "drop anything for her family" Nic he used to know. Susan is in tears because she can't figure out what is wrong with Jack until FINALLY she blows.

So, will the Ghost Hunting job be a success? Who knows, but you'll see what offers Victoria gives her to keep her interested. Will she smooth things over with Jack? Maybe...you'll have to read and see.

You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to shake sense into Susan. lol

[Celia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Storyline: We Interrupt This Date written by L.C. Evans is a thoroughly and wholly accurate depiction of all of the things that are great and terrible about a family. Especially a southern family.

Susan is a well-mannered, freshly divorced southern woman with a well-meaning and overbearing mother who is constantly meddling in her life and an utterly spoiled and self-centered younger sister. Not to mention, Susan also hates her job and her terrible boss. She is also a recent “empty nester” with her son off at college in Virginia.

Now at a cross-roads: Susan feels trapped by her job, by her family and by her own divorce. She must make some changes or she will surely lose her what’s left of her sanity. And when an old friend moves back to town, things really start to heat up. Whatever shall a delicate, southern belle do?!

We Interrupt This Date is a quick, easy and light-hearted read with frustrating-to-the-point-of-endearing friends and family that the reader should be able to easily relate to.

Grammar/Spelling: I noticed some minor typos sprinkled throughout the book. A once over with spell-check or another beta reader would take care of those issues.

Character Development: I’m from the south myself and Ms. Evans really nailed down the typical genteel southern lady with Susan’s mother, Ms. Caraway. She is perpetually meddling in only the way that a mother can and to top it off, she’s retired leaving her plenty of time to “help” Susan out in ways that she couldn’t possibly appreciate. I have a grandmother who is very nearly Ms. Caraway in the flesh. She means well, but goodness! Things can’t possibly be that awful all of the time!

Writing Style: Ms. Evans’ style is simple and flows nicely. Somehow, even with all of the chattering of an intrusive mother at the very beginning, she pulls the reader in during the first few pages and keeps them hooked until the end.

Continuity: I noticed no issues with continuity.

Overall Rating: 3

I really enjoyed We Interrupt This Date and look forward to more well-written books from Ms. Evans. She whipped up a sweet romance, folded in some family insanity and served it up with a hilarious cherry on top in her winning novel. I would recommend this to just about anyone interested in a light hearted story without any heavy language or adult situations. Good for all ages.

[Grace Krispy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the cover of this book- I feel it really showcases the type of book this is, and I'm a sucker for these types of covers. This fun chick-lit book by L. C. Evans highlights a slightly older divorcee's struggle to become a better version of herself, and perhaps even find some love in the process. The author has a nice writing style, and the prose is fluid and easy to read. Susan's mother, Regina, espouses the importance of good manners and proper presence for a Southern lady. Unfortunately, Susan and her sister DeLorean both fall short in this area. DeLorean and Regina are fun characters, and they complement Susan's neuroses rather well. Regina's quirks ring true and DeLorean's spoiled sense of entitlement keep Susan hopping. Susan herself can sometimes be exasperating, as she mindlessly caters to her family's needs, putting her own desires aside. She still manages to be likable, but I thought several times "oh, come on!" when she persisted in making bad choices. I liked Jack, but he didn't seem as real to me as the three women did. I particularly loved the way the characters spoke with each other, and that added depth to help round out and define each character. Witty and realistic, the dialogue really makes this story. We get to know the characters through the way they speak to one another, and the background shared helps as well.

This story follows the "quintessential chick-lit plot." It makes for a very comforting and fun read, but there really wasn't anything that took me by surprise. There were several threads that ran through this novel, and I felt that the story meandered around in the middle. Instead of one straight, tight thread with the lesser storyline threads wrapping around the central thread, it felt a bit more like the secondary threads were rather loose. They did all find some closure by the ending, but it felt like a winding road to get there. Some aspects of the storyline were really endearing and amusing, but some parts dragged just a bit for me. The ending was satisfying in the way that this type of book tends to be, offering a warm, cozy feeling in lieu of surprises.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's predictable but fun, and a great way to pass some time. This is the perfect type of book to take to the beach this summer.

3.5 /5 stars @ gracekrispy.com MotherLode review blog

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW OF STORY LINE:
This was a great story. There were times where there were too many different things going on at once (pawn shop, mother, sister, friend, Jack) and it seemed a little flighty, but regardless of that, it was a great story.

This book didn't read like a story. It felt like you were sitting in your living listening to a friend tell you what was going on with her life. There was no fakeness in the story, no "yea right" moments. Everything that happens, DOES happen. And it happens to every day folks, which is what makes this book a comforting, relatable, funny book.

REVIEW OF CHARACTERS:
The characters in this book were written perfectly. That mother will put any guilt-shoving mother to shame. The sister could be any one of our sisters and all the other characters could easily stand for any of our friends. It's rare to find a book where there isn't at least one character that just doesn't seem to fit. This book managed to do it. Great job!

REVIEW OF WRITING:
I enjoyed the writing in this book. It was easy to read and most importantly, enjoyable. I found myself waiting to see what would come out of the mothers' lips or how Susan was going to talk her way out of a situation. Well done.

REVIEW OF EDITING:
Nicely done, nothing major missing or incorrect.

REVIEW OF COVER:
It’s nice. Anyone from the South can relate to the cover and be taken back.

OVERALL REVIEW:
This was a fun read for me. Every daughter will relate to this book, and anyone with a "crazy" family will absolutely love it. It's funny, witty and reads like real life. I will be passing this book on to friends.

[Jenna Scribbles · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Reluctant 3

This review may contain spoilers.

I am quite split on this book. It had strong points, lots of strong points such as great characters (Patty, Philip, and DeLorean were fantastic). The storyline was such fun. It had many twists and turns. I enjoyed the fun unique angels and never felt bored. The writing style was smooth. There were a few places that contained formatting issues. (Entire pages were tabbed right on my Kindle.) I didn’t laugh out loud at any part but the author did make me cry during a flashback scene regarding the main character's father.

So, with all those strong points why did I give it a three? The main character’s personality is one that I dislike immensely. Susan puts herself behind everyone else. She has no life. She drops everything, pays for everything, accepts everything, takes on everything with little to no objection. There was only one other character that didn't walk all over her - Trinity. But she has a very, very small part in the book. This kept forcing the word ‘doormat’ into my head as I was reading. Sadly, due to this, I skimmed about 30% of the story.

L.C. set out to show a woman whose life was not her own. She allowed herself to have zero input in any of the things happening around her. Through the various occurrences she finally reached a point and screamed, “Enough!” Ms. Evans presented that story with flying colors. A++ It just happens that I find this scenario as irritating as nails on a chalkboard.

I look forward to reading more work by LC Evans. I really do.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Divorcee Susan Caraway is at a crossroads in her life and she needs to decide in which direction the next stage of her life needs to go, but she has one major problem, she is a doormat for her family! We Interrupt This Date is filled with lighthearted humor, it will strike a chord with everyone who has had to pick up the pieces of their life and start anew, while still attempting to manage the juggling act of balancing family, work and still attempt to have a personal life too!


We Interrupt This Date did provide some laughs, but the overall storyline of this book was just too slow and drawn out for my taste. The constant doormat characterization of Susan bored me halfway through the book, and I found myself wondering when the story would pick up, unfortunately the author didn't allow Susan to stand up for herself until the last few chapters when she reached her breaking point which is a shame. I found myself wanting to reach into the book and smack Susan silly and put her demanding selfish family in their place! The author does a wonderful job of describing the southern way of life, and her authentic depiction of the beautiful town of Charleston, SC was spot on. The other thing that dampened my enthusiasm for the book was that the ending was abrupt, there was not enough romance between Susan and Jack, which was very disappointing. While I generally thought this book was okay, it is not among my favorite southern fiction books that I love to read.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could so easily have had 5 stars instead of 3. L.C. Evans is a good writer. She just desperately needs a better editor. I enjoy detail, but she just drones on and on. The book should have either been shorter, or should have included more action and fewer descriptions. She really could have done more with the romance. There teased of some romance, but there really was none. Yeah, there was a man and a woman, but we didn't really get to see much of a relationship.
A lot of people complained that they didn't like the main character, and I understand, although I don't necessarily agree. I admit I struggled throughout the middle of the book. I was tense and frustrated when I read scene after scene where she was such a pushover. But she eventually figured it all out. I liked how it didn't all wrap up too quickly and then it was all perfect. It was more realistic about the relationships between family members, and how they will always have rough moments, and a lifetime of bad habits can't be overcome with one epiphany.
That said, I don't highly recommend this book...but I do recommend it, hesitantly! I will admit I probably won't read another by this author. I'll check first to see if this was her first book. I'm always more forgiving if it's one of their first attempts.

[D.g. Gass · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I just want to say, I met Herman, I know Herman …

With that off my chest now, the short and sweet on this book. It’s simply delightful. The author gives her readers a look into the days of the life of Susan Caraway and it’s cast of characters, that when you read them have you grinning from ear to ear. From Susan’s boss Otis, a grumpy pawn shop owner, to her co-worker Patty and Patty’s taxidermist boyfriend Kyle, to the two little vicious chihuahua’s of her mothers. Each adding color and charm to this novel.

While “We Interrupt this Date” is filled with light-hearted humor, it will strike a chord, especially for those of us who’ve picked up the pieces and wondered where to go from here. The juggling act we’ve had to attempt to balance family, work and still attempt to have a personal life will have us relating with Susan’s dilemma.

The author dedicates the book to all southern women, but you don’t have to be southern to be able to relate to the “eccentricities” of the characters. And if you want to know why I mentioned Herman, get the book, you’ll find out. While I live in Columbia, SC, I’m sure that you, where ever you’re at, has met him also

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t laughed so hard over a book in I don’t know how long––though I thought the protagonist Susan should be rushed into an emergency Codependents Anonymous meeting and not let out until she learned to say, “No!” loudly. What a great storyteller L. C. Evans is! Susan is recovering from being dumped by her rat of a husband. She’s doing fine––until she gets fired, her flake of a sister comes to stay with her infant and moose of a dog, and her elderly mom moves in because of a sprained ankle. There’s more! It seems that everyone in her world is leaning on Susan. How much can she take?

The tale is way more complicated than I’ve indicated, involving ghost tours, a hunk of an old boyfriend reappearing, and a best friend to may or may not be after said boyfriend. Every character is memorable, nutty, and at the same time, feels similar to people we all know. Even the dogs are memorable.The plot moves along at a perfect pace, revealing secrets and more problems. Even ghosts (maybe). Evan’s writing style is breezy, accomplished and funny.

I hope there’s a sequel––I’ll be the first to buy it.

[Radella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Susan's a divorcee with a horrid job at a pawn store. She's got a mother who is all stereotypical southern old-school lady and an obligatory sister who can't seem to take care of herself. Her best friend Veronica desperately needs help on a new business scheme, and her former best friend from high school (and long term crush) has just shown up in town.From blackmail to ghosts, the book promises a lot but fails to deliver.
Susan is nothing more interesting than a doormat. She drops everything for her ungrateful family, until the last chapter or two. At that point, it's all very superficial changes that made me want to beat her and most of the rest of the cast of characters. Misunderstandings and long-held secrets were fixed with little thought to the reality of a situation. Even the ending failed to provide any satisfaction to the story.

[Vicki Tyley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divorcee Susan Caraway always seems to be at the beck and call of her domineering mother and her “poor me” sister. Then there’s her spoiled son who thinks it only just that his mother take on a second job, so he can enjoy college life without working himself. Trying to be all things to all people, Susan’s pushed to breaking point…

We Interrupt This Date is a fast, fun and entertaining read. Evans’ writing style is fluid, the prose polished. Rom-com is not my preferred genre, but when I reached the last page, I was actually disappointed there wasn’t more. A thoroughly enjoyable book.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

[P.A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written. The story starts out slow but picks up speed near the end. There are a couple dozen editing/proofreading errors which makes the reading choppy. I believe the reason the story seemed to start out so slow was because in the first two chapters there are nine editing/proofreading errors. It is very difficult to get into a story when the errors keep interrupting the flow of the words.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a Texan, I'm considered "a Southern Gal", but there is a totally different culture in the "deep South". LC Evans captures that in this book, which is totally funny, as each person in the family relates, using the Southern etiquette rules. Susan has always had a crush on Jack, but her family has always had a way of interrupting her dates.

This is a laugh out loud book, and you might even see yourself, somewhere in there.

[Cissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The main character Susan or "Nic" as her old friend Jack calls her really makes you want to pull for her. I enjoyed the relationship she had with her mother. I was so glad that everything went her way in the end. Very enjoyable read!

[Bambi Unbridled · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters were so well developed in this little story that you felt like you knew them. I rooted for the main character and hated her sister and mother! I understand LC is working on a sequel, and I am definitely anxiously awaiting it.

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. A love story about a 40-something divorcee who doesn't take time for herself. A lot of woman can probably relate to Susan. Many of the characters just annoyed me and there were a lot of typos.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fun to read, had to smile and chuckle at the characters and yet it was a little romance story along with some relationships gone bad. I'm still laughing over "jackass repellent!" I liked this book best out of the 3 I've read by L.C. Evans!

[Kristi, A Book Fanatic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story of a woman dealing with her craZy family. A light hearted chick lit read.. I loved the price of the book -- 99 cents on my kindle!! Will definitely be reading more by this author!!

[Lisa Book]

I loved this book! I could really relate to all of her conflicting priorities,and found her to be very funny. I loved her writing style, and thought it was a quick and fast read. Can't wait to read more books by L.C. Evans.

[Jolie Corral · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was interesting but overall it was too long. There were parts I felt could have used some editing that would have kept the intent of the story in tact while moving it along more quickly.

[Ann (Noumena12) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I so wanted to slap Susan. STOP being a doormat! The only reason I finished this book was because I needed to read it for my March Challenge.

[Rainey · Rating 3 out of 5]

not bad. foudn the main character whined a little too much. like how the ending wrapped everything up.

[Tracy Tackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a good book, made me laugh out loud several times!!!!

[Deblockhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a nice easy read. I enjoyed the light heartedness of the writing. My first time reading LC Evans, I will be reading more of her work.

[Rachel Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

sooooo funny

[sandi brandt]

.