This is another one I picked up at the local library book sale. My expectations for these books are low, because it reflects a snap judgement on my part to grab the book based on its title and cover. I believe there is a cliche that goes against this very principle.

That said, this was an enjoyable novel, really a series of short stories all involving a central group of characters who frequent the same small town bar, Lucy’s Tavern. Many characters appeared in multiple chapters, as their lives intertwined with the main protagonist of that particular story.

The main thread of the novel is that these people are like family to each other, connected by the music on the jukebox and the sorrows (and joys, but mostly sorrows) they bring with them when they walk through the door. The characters are all recognizable as people you’d meet in small town America, middle aged, some married, some remarried, some married to the same person twice. Reading this story felt like home in a way. It felt comfortable, like I was sitting at a table at Lucy’s Tavern, sipping on something other than beer, eavesdropping on these characters, or perhaps participating in the conversation.

It also only took me two nights to read, so if you happen to see this one at your local library book sale, go ahead and pick it up.

Next up: House Rules by Jodi Picoult