Gone to Green

Green #1

by Judy Christie

In Gone to Green, Lois goes from being a corporate journalist at a large paper in the Midwest to the owner of The Green News-Item, a small twice-weekly newspaper in rural North Louisiana. The paper was an unexpected inheritance from a close colleague, and Lois must keep it for at least a year, bringing a host of challenges, lessons, and blessings into her life.

When Lois pulls into Green on New Year’s Day, she expects a charming little town full of smiling people. She quickly realizes her mistake. After settling into a loaned house out on Route 2, she finds herself battling town prejudices and inner doubts and making friends with the most surprising people: troubled teenager Katy, good-looking catfish farmer Chris, wise and feisty Aunt Helen, and a female African-American physician named Kevin.

Whether fighting a greedy, deceitful politician or rescuing a dog she fears, Lois notices the headlines in her life have definitely improved. She learns how to provide small-town news in a big-hearted way and realizes that life is full of newsworthy moments. When she encounters racial prejudice and financial corruption, Lois also discovers more about the goodness of real people and the importance of being part of a community.

While secretly preparing the paper for a sale, Lois begins to realize that God might indeed have a plan for her life and that perhaps the allure of city life and career ambition are not what she wants after all.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Mystery

260 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Judy Christie is an author and consultant who lives in Northwest Louisiana.

She writes inspirational fiction and nonfiction. Her popular Green series chronicles the goings-on in the small Louisiana town of Green and is part of Abingdon Press’s new inspirational fiction line.

Judy is also the author of the popular Hurry Less, Worry Less nonfiction series, published by Abingdon Press.

Wreath, published in October 2011, is Judy’s first young adult book. Look for it and a free download on her books page!

Judy was a journalist for many years and is a frequent speaker at retreats and workshops. She works with clients around the country on how to slow down and enjoy each day more and how

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to a contemporary series set in small town Louisiana. Main character Lois starts over and finds a lot to love about living in a small town.

[LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lois Barker is not Father Tim, but if you felt at home in Jan Karons Mitford, you will love the lively characters in Judy Christies Gone to Green. When big city journalist Lois Barker inherits a small town newspaper from a friend, she only intends to stay the required year in Green, Louisiana, before unloading the paper and moving on to something better. But is there anything better than being her own boss and making a difference in a local community? Of course, readers know from the beginning that Barker will stay. (After all, there are more titles to look forward to in Christies Green series!) But it takes a few scandals and news scoops and a whole lot of new friends (including an attractive lawyer and a helpful catfish farmer) to convince her that she has at last come home.

Judie Christie writes in a fun first person voice that had me on page one. Each chapter begins with an amusing excerpt from the Green News-Item. Although Lois is also on a spiritual journey, the preaching never overwhelms the story. I enjoyed the Mitford books, but it always bothered me that Father Tim had to be a professional Christian for readers to consider his spiritual insights appropriate to the character. I am hoping that in Lois Barker Christie will break out of that mold and show a lay believer whose commitment to God makes a difference. The setting is still a small Bible-belt town. Who is going to write me a Northern urban tale where the gospel is seen through someone in the marketplace? Im thinking maybe an African American hairdresser in a neighborhood that is a cross-section of urban American life.

[Chelsea Gray · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, I did not like this book! I can't believe so many people have rated this 4 or 5 stars! Just because its a Christian book doesn't mean it's a very good one. It could not hold my attention at all! As you may see, it took me almost a month to read it when on average, I finish a book within a couple days. I felt that there were A TON of missing details! To this moment, I still have no idea as to what ANY of the characters look like! SO FRUSTRATING! I really don't see how people were so moved and inspired by Lois' problems that she "overcame" I mean it was like the problems she faced came and left within just a few sentences. If you thought this book was amazing, then you obviously don't read much. If you did, you would understand.

[Christy Trever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gone to Green by Judy Christie is the first book in the Green series, which looks to be a load of fun! Lois Barker is stunned to find her life turned upside down after the death of a good friend and co-worker who left her a small newspaper in Green, Louisiana, along with a stipulation that she keep it for at least a year. Lois leaves her feature editor position in Dayton, Ohio for smalltown Cajun country that is still fighting prejudice as well as inertia. The paper had been run by a team of good ole boys, so Lois is bound to shake things up. This slim novel was a completely enjoyable read, following Lois' renovation of the town that brings about changes in her heart. Christie captures the small town rivalries and drama without portraying its citizens as small-minded or stereotypes (except for the good ole boys, of course). There's just a hint of romance, a dash of faith, and a good measure of seeing how much just difference one person can make. I look forward to the follow-up, Goodness Gracious Green.

[Connie Davis Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I think the writer has talent, she had way too many anticlimactic points in the story. I was amazed at how there were several chances to build tension and convey serious emotion but instead she would wrap up in 2 to 3 lines. There was a point when a dangerous man was coming toward her in a parking lot when suddenly someone came out of a store across the street. The next line had the police there. Very disappointed and would not recommend. Guess you get what you pay for - it was free.

[Courtney Stroup · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this book started off boring to me & lacking romance… then it took a turn & I didn’t want to put it down. The plot thickened… and I realized the boring parts were just needed character building and a thoroughness to ensure the reader’s understand of the setting.

Written in first-person (which was a new thing for me to experience), a sort of coming-of-age-story (but she’s 36 & trying to figure out what to do with her life), and the romance is just starting (and the subtlety is cute).

God isn’t as involved as I wish he were in a Christian fiction romance… but that might be because she just finally gave Him control & came back to Him. So, perhaps book 2 will have more.

Overall, a neat book in a new style and rhythm. I actually did like it.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do I start? I was sick yestereday when I picked up this book and spent the day reading on the couch. It was a great little Christan fiction story with a hlot of factsion thrown in about an actual newspaper experience. The plot was done well, there was a lot of humor, the book kept me more interested than tv the entire day and I wanted to finish it to see where and how the author finished the entire story off. I wish I had the next book in the series, I believe she has one out or coming out. I would have given it 4.5 stars. It waan't pushy in it's nature when it came to the reliqious side of things, the author seemed to make her point in a natural through the people in the story without sounding as if she had taken sections and lifted them from the Bible. She said little and let you get the rest on your own. It was a nice little story that I would absolutely say to anyone pick this one up, you'll have laughs, you'll like the way the story movies right along and you'll enjoy and miss some of the characters when you put the story down! Great book!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big city editor, with an upcoming promotion, leaves it all to go to the town of Green in Louisiana. There she has a new job, left as in inheritance from a good friend, and one which will keep her more than occupied. Apart from learning how to live in a small town where everyone knows everyone, she also needed a "lesson in talking Southern".Difficulties and lots of obstacles, but can our heroine overcome them?
An enjoyable read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A New Fan

I fell in love with this book immediately. I love the story of Green, Louisiana, and the people who make it happen. I look forward to reading the remainder of this series.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about Lois. She works for a newspaper as a journalist. Her coworker is buying a paper and ends up dying prior to the sale. He heirs the paper to Lois in his will. She must keep the paper for a year before she can sell. She moves to Louisiana, where the paper is located...in Green, LA. She ends up falling in love with the people and the paper. Can she really sell it after a year. Read more to find out.

What I didn’t like...a lady preacher. Not biblical.

[Kristina Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

GONE TO GREEN is the first of five books by the author regarding the small town of Green, Louisiana. In this first installation, Lois Barber, a news editor in the bustling town of Dayton, Ohio, is offered the chance to be the owner of the Green News-Item, a small newspaper in Green, LA. Only one catch: she has to stay for at least one year. Lois' adventures (told mostly by her and in the third person) as she adjusts to the climate, the people, and the nuances of Southern living make for an interesting read. One "cutesy" thing that the author does is start each chapter with a "news item" taken from the whimsical columns of the newspaper. They have absolutely NOTHING to do with the story, but they help provide another level of insight into the town and the mindset of the people there. And even though Green, LA appears to be a sleepy, back woods kind of town when Lois arrives, she quickly finds out that there is PLENTY to report: corrupt real estate dealings, embezzlement of funds and discrimination as can only take place in the South. Before the year is up, Lois finds herself entrenched in the going-ons of the community and in the lives of her new found friends. So, will she keep the paper once her year is up - or does she decide to stick around and see what else may develop? Here's a hint: see my first sentence above. Moving on to book #2.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful read! It takes place in a fictional small town located in North Louisiana. Lois suddenly inherits a small town newspaper there and has to run it for 1 year according to the will. Quite a culture shock for a 30 something city editor working in Dayton, Ohio. The author, Judy Christie, captures small town life with out making everyone out to look like a bunch of hicks. So Lois has to pack up and move to Green, LA and run The Green News-Item for one year, make it profitable and then she can sell it and get on with her life... or can she? I think the moral of this story is that you can be happy with what God gives you. Work with your gifts, not against them.Hmm. Which shelf to put it on? Religious or Fiction or should I build a new shelf- religious fiction? This book is religious but not in a "in your face" kinda way. And her descriptions almost make me want to move back to Louisiana!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was interesting and I feel like the author included lots of little tidbits about creating a newspaper, which I loved. It had lively characters and a good premise. I also felt that the ending was a bit abrupt and could have been played out a little better. One other thing that bothered me was that there was a woman preacher in this book. It bothers me because it is not a part of my belief system. Man is supposed to be the head of the church as set forth in 1 Corinthians 11. Even with these small things, this book was interesting and a good read if you are looking for a good clean book.

[Myra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gone to Green is a charming story about a big-city newspaper woman who inherits a small-town paper. Lois Barker has no choice but to slow down her fast-paced life as she reorients herself to life in rural Louisiana. Along the way she meets some quirky characters and a few not-so-nice ones, too. This is an easy and enjoyable read about a woman on a journey of both physical and spiritual dimensions. Author Judy Christie had beautifully captured the atmosphere and setting. Her characters will creep into your heart and stay awhile.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book surprised me a little. I was expecting a light girly read, but instead found something with a bit more substance. The book had a lot of religion and faith in it, but not in a pushy way. The author writes in an almost business-like manner, getting right to the point; a sentence contains a lot of information and in a paragraph the time line advances a lot, but somehow it all works.

[Luisa Rivas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Kindle freebie and another pleasant surprise. The book was entertaining, and to my surprise, it's kinda of a Christian chick lit, which was funny and sorta weird. The pace and the language were crisp, the plot was good, and all the religiousness wasn't cloying, just sort of inspirational.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun! Loved every page...first book I've read whose setting is at a newspaper..Great character development; fun story, lots of intrigue with just a teeny bit of romance. On to book #2...hoping for more romance. This is a great story by itself even if you don't want to get into a series. It wraps up perfectly... No cliff hangers that force you to buy book 2. Very well done.

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very gripping book. Follow Lois as she comes to Green and comes to terms with this small charming town. A must read.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Promising first book in a series that has a little Mitford about it. Smart to giveaway the first in the series for free.

[Birgit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite a romance, not quite a sort of detective story - although there were some criminals - this is more about finding oneself, finding confidence and trust in oneself, and finding one's way and trust back to God.
The story about the newspaper owner - who went to fulfil an obligation to her dead friend - and how she adapted to her new life and the challenges it offered, was a joy to read. Nothing sensational happening, really, but everything told in a, I would call it, calm and soothing way. Sounds boring? Not at all, I assure you. There was enough happening to keep a reader interested and wanting to find out more in the next chapter, then the next.... until all of a sudden you've reached the last page.
It did remind me, in the narration style, and type, a bit of the movie Fried Green Tomatoes.
Loved this book and will definitely read more of this author, and especiall in this series.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a little of everything.

Ed finds a newspaper in Louisiana to buy and run in his retirement. But before the deal goes through, Ed dies. In his will, he leaves the paper to his colleague, Lois, but she has to keep it for a year before she can do anything else with it.

Over the course of that year, Lois revises her opinion of the town several times. She makes a number of friends, exposes corruption and deceit, and organizes a number of events to help the town. Still, for whatever reason, she's convinced she's going to sell the paper and go back to working in the newsroom of a bigger paper in a more happening locale.

Man, I wish I had a nice friend who'd give me a successful business that I loved doing. (Though I guess he didn't really give it to her since she did have a note at a bank.) And that the business I got had employees like Lois got (with an exception or two).

[Randy Tramp · Rating 4 out of 5]

A journalist moves to Louisiana. She trades her corporate life at a large paper for the ownership of "The Green News-Item" in rural Louisiana and finds friendship with an unlikely group of people. Ready to fight for right, she is unexpectedly drawn into new causes and attracted to an appealing high-school coach who raises catfish parttime.

I enjoyed this read. First, I love to write for the newspaper/magazines. That's what drew me to this story. Crazy things happen, and Lois and her paper are in the middle of it. Newspaper snippets heading each chapter - nice touch. The first part of the book introduced the town, the paper, and a lot of people. The Christian element - just right. Good read.

[Patti Fischetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very strong woman character.

A woman reporter from Ohio and a newspaper in Green, Louisiana get together and changes the lives of the people in this small town forever. I liked the story and the characters were likable but I found it a bit to thin. I know that she has written other books in the series so maybe the situations get meatier and the characters get fleshed out. The lead character is a strong woman who helps a town wake up and start fighting bigotry and corruption. She and her staff turn a small town newspaper into a viable paper as they work together to revitalize Green. Along the way she makes friends and starts sending down roots.

[Darinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lois lives in Dayton, Ohio and has worked in journalism for years. Unexpectedly, she inherits a small town newspaper in Green, Louisiana. She moves to the small town, and tries to fit in with the locals while running the newspaper.

Green turns out to be not quite as charming as Lois was expecting, and she's immediately unsure of her decision to move there. As she tries to adjust to the small Southern town, she makes a few friends and stirs up some trouble. An easy, slow paced read about a small town of interesting characters.

The 1st book in The Green series. Christian fiction with a little bit of romance and mystery.

[Linda Qbq · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about lady newspaper editor, Lois Barker. She lives a busy life in Ohio with many co-workers and friends. Her life becomes a real adventure as she inherits a newspaper in Lousiana and moves there to run that paper for a year. Many wonder-full characters, young and old, good and bad. Lois learns to relax, and have fun, and become friends with the good people of Green, Louisiana. Lots of adventure, and good works, and business building and improving life for the citizens of Green. Excellent book.

[Debbie Kleinsasser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Book that was a Joy to Read

Humor and seriousness of life mixed together to tell of a community’s growth under a new-comer and new owner of the small, town’s only newspaper . It was a joy get to walk with this “outsider” in her own journey toward God and understanding His care in her life. In that process she learned how this small, tightly knit community wove its way into her heart realizing how important they had become to her, individually and collectively. A fun and exciting read that was hard to put down, especially near the end.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written and entertaining Christian Women's Fiction novel about coming back to God and finding a home. The plot was at times sad, at times funny, at times suspenseful, and at times thoughtful all packed into 211 great pages. In addition, the character development was great, especially in our protagonist. I enjoyed reading about her struggle to not only make the paper she inherited better but to help improve the entire town of Green, insisting on justice and helpful progress. I look forward to reading more of this series.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gone To Green (The Green Series Book 1) by Judy Christie – This series is on kindle unlimited, but the first book was an Amazon freebie. I have never had a book that reads more like a small town than this one. If you like snappy pacing and minimal “local color,” you are gonna wanna throw things at me for saying I loved it. But I did! It took me a while to wade through some of the slower spots, but I am invested in this community and these characters. And I think if you will give it a fair shake, you will love it too! Happy Reading!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christie's writing is seamless and interesting. A journalist from Ohio inherits a small newspaper in Green, Louisiana and must run it for a year before selling it. What happens next is the story of a woman seeking what is important in life. The characters are real and the story has some romance and deceit but the "bad guys" get their comeuppance! I will look at the other Gone to Green books after this one. A good, light read.

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely surprise

This lovely book was one surprise after another. Set in northwestern Louisiana, the sense of place was intense. The newspaper office setting was both unusual and realistic. The plot had plenty of twists and turns, and although definitely a Christian inspirational story, the religion was sensitively done and added a lot, even for this Orthodox Jewish reader. I will be looking for more by this author.