Book Review: Yankee Doodle Dixie

If there is one thing that will draw me out of a blogging break, it's a good book review. Considering my lack of posts this summer, you should know that I wouldn't be writing about this book if I didn't think it worthy.


A few weeks ago I was contacted by St. Martin's Press to review the sequel to a book I previously read and wrote about. A few years ago I received "Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter" by Lisa Patton for Christmas. I thoroughly enjoyed the tale of Leelee Satterfield, a Tenessee GRITS and a true steel magnolia who weathered (quite literally) more than her fair share of struggles when her (ex) husband uprooted the family from Memphis to Vermont to run a bed and breakfast inn. The book was an absolute delight to read and I have since recommended it to several friends, loaned out my own copy, and re-read it on my Kindle this winter.

So, when St. Martin's Press asked if I would be interested in receiving a complimentary copy of Patton's second novel "Yankee Doodle Dixie" to read and review, I jumped at the opportunity. I wasn't aware that Patton was writing a sequel and was thrilled to reconnect with Leelee Satterfield. It comes as no surprise that Patton has once again written a fantastic story that is both relatable and hysterical.

The second novel picks up just a few hours after the first story ends, which I love considering I never want stories to end. Leelee is on her way back to Memphis with her two daughters and is faced with a new home, job search, recent divorce, and possible relationship.

With grace, wit and charm, Leelee shows true determination in looking out for herself and her daughters. She accepts a job as an administrative job at a radio station, rents a cute little home, and reconnects with those hysterical three best friends we all loved in the first novel. Since readers did not experience Memphis in the first novel, I think Patton does a good job of re-establishing Leelee in her home town and showing readers the city's flavor.

Always a fan of women as role models, I was pleased to see Leelee once again prove she isn't afraid of hard work, sweat or tears. She sets an example to both her daughters and other friends; Leelee not only overcomes her struggles, she far surpasses them and becomes a better woman for them.

One thing I particularly enjoyed reading about is Leelee's relationship with her dear friend Kissie. It's obvious that the 80-something-year-old black woman who worked for Leelee's parents long ago is near and dear to her heart. The two women are very much like mother and daughter and their relationship is something precious. When Patton intertwines remnant memories of Leelee's childhood experiences, you come to see that Kissie has in many ways shaped Leelee's life and just as she's doing now, served as a mentor and friend during times of sadness or struggle.

The book mixes both realistic scenarios and slightly outrageous possibilities, keeping you laughing and empathizing throughout. Patton's descriptions and dialog draw you in to the story, making you feel right alongside the characters.

"Yankee Doodle Dixie" tells a true-to-life story about a woman anyone of us could be or know - a recently divorced mom faced with the challenges of living a new life in her former hometown. However, at the end of the day, Leelee maintains her steel magnolia grace and wit, proving that with time, women can have their cake and eat it too.

"Yankee Doodle Dixie" will hit shelves in September and I look forward to purchasing the published version. It's a terrific story and appears at a time (economically, speaking) when all women can use a little inspiration!

Note: St. Martin's Press gave, at no cost to me, a complimentary copy of "Yankee Doodle Dixie" for the purpose of this review. I did not receive monetary compensation. The views and opinions expressed on Tale of a Grits are purely my own. Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for this unique opportunity.