If you could sum up The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living in three words, what would they be?
I can’t pick just three words to describe this book, but I’ll share three of my favorite things about the book.

1) The story has an almost timeless feel, as if there are bits and pieces from today and yesteryear. Livvy colors her hair all kinds of wacky shades so I knew it was a contemporary story, but the music and small town elements made me feel as if I had stepped back in time.

2) Livvy has some issues – big issues. But it is these issues that make her three dimensional and appealing. She’s the kind of person you really want to get their shit together because they deserve better than they think they do. I appreciated that the author didn’t try to redeem Livvy by having Livvy admit she was a mess and change in a big way (i.e. become perfect). Livvy owns up to her mistakes and faults, but is redeemed by her willingness to trust and love those around her.

3. Read the author’s bio and it’s easy to see where she drew inspiration for the exquisite details that make the reader feel as if they’ve been transported to a sugarhouse in rural Vermont. The vivid descriptions crafted by Miller qualify her to call herself a “wordsmith”.

What does Jorjeana Marie bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
This is the first book I’ve listened to narrated by Jorjeana Marie. She perfectly suited the story and characters in Miller’s book. Her performance never threw me out of the story, and in fact, drew me deeper into the mood, scenes and interactions. Her vocal interpretation of Margaret, the owner of the Sugar Maple Inn, was my favorite.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
**SPOILER ALERT**

Livvy takes her pregnancy test in a bar. The contrast of the loud, noisy crowd surrounding her in such a dramatic moment of crisis underscored Livvy’s (self-imposed) isolation and loneliness. This is also another fabulous example of the author’s characterization of Livvy – she is never pathetic, never plays a victim. She’s a strong woman on a journey to discover her own self-worth.

I was also deeply moved by the relationship between Livvy and Margaret. For someone who runs from commitment, permanency and responsibility, from the start Livvy seemed hellbent on working her way through Margaret’s defensive, bristly, critical persona. Their scenes together are amusing, touching and heartwarming.

Any additional comments?
Highly recommended. Some readers may be offended by theme of adultery (I wasn’t one of them).

Love this book. Love this narrator. Lovelovelove this author and hope she’ll take us back to Guthrie.