BARCELONA CALLING by JANE KIRKPATRICK

Jane Kirkpatrick’s historical novels have long been favorites of mine. Her heroines are based on real women who were not only strong, but ahead of their time.

It’s not surprising that in many ways Ms. Kirkpatrick’s life exemplifies the stories she tells. If you have not read HOMESTEAD, her autobiography of struggling to settle the desolate Starvation Point with her husband, Jerry, you simply must. It truly is amazing, but then so are all of her books – novels or nonfiction!

And so it was with great anticipation that I picked up my copy of her first contemporary women’s fiction novel, BARCELONA CALLING.

What a delight it is! We meet Annie Shaw, an author with three published novels and her future hinging on her forth. Her sister, cousin, and two close friends form her critique group and they become obsessed with the idea that if they can just get Oprah t0 notice the book, Annie will be on her way.

The ensuing adventures are hilarious and I could not resist reading large passages to hubby.

He is used to this whenever I read a Jane Kirkpatrick book. Most evenings after dinner we sit down to read in front of the fire – or in the summer, out on the deck as we watch the pink glow of the sunset’s reflection on Mount Adams. I literally read all of HOMESTEAD aloud to hubby, much to his enjoyment.

I loved BARCELONA CALLING! As a writer who hopes to be published someday, I wondered if Ms. Kirkpatrick had somehow peeked inside of my head! As an avid reader, I couldn’t wait to read Annie’s next antic!

I highly recommend this book! I think you will love it as much as I did. I have but one question: Ms. Kirkpatrick, has Oprah called you yet? What a fun interview that would be! 

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” KJV Psalms 19:14