Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Small Town Girl

Small Town Girl
Small Town Girl
Author: Lavyrle Spencer
ISBN-13: 9780769404417
ISBN-10: 0769404413
Edition: Abridged
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 4

3.8 stars, based on 4 ratings
Book Type: Audio Cassette
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

59 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

welshwytch avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 89 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
If you love LaVyrle Spencer books, then you'll enjoy this one. Love story about a country singer who goes back home to her roots and falls in love with the man who she spurned when she was a teenager. I loved this book... very heart touching and warm.
robinmy avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 2104 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is a nice light summer read.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Anyone who has counted the days until they could leave home and hope to never look back knows what Tess McPhail went through in Wintergreen, Missouri. She fled there to Nashville and made a life for herself as a singer known as Mac. When her mother starts to rely on her children more and more, "Mac's" sisters tell her she needs to take a turn in helping out. How will she ever survive going from big singing sensation back to that small town country girl? Upon returning home, she finds herself at the brunt of her sisters' jealousy; finds old frustrations with her mother returning; and finds herself against her will wondering what her nerdy neighbor Kenny is up to when he won't give her the time of day.
She finds out that Kenny's daughter has some promising talent, and sees herself in her. Slowly, she finds as she opens her heart to her hometown, the hometown accepts her with open arms. Unexpectedly, Tess finds herself and everything she never knew she wanted.
reviewed Small Town Girl on
Helpful Score: 2
In one of her most unforgettable novels, America's most adored storyteller chronicles the passionate awakening of a country music megastar who embraced fame, but fled from love..........

I love LaVyrle Spencer's novels & this is just another reason why.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Another great book from LaVyrle Spencer. A small town girl makes it big. Comes home to visit her mother and finds that life is different back home. No one really makes a deal about her and her fortunes. Then she finds where she can mentor and be needed.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 34 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A sweet romantic story featuring homecoming and family responsibility
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 48 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
No matter how big one makes it in life home is alway there. Love the song Ms Spencer wrote for the story or was the story written for the song.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Typical LaVyrle Spencer romance.
andim avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I read this a few years ago. I thought it was a pretty good summer read book.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 25 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very good read, couldn't put it down.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great love story. I couldn't put it down.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very sweet story!
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A story about a Nashville country music star, "Mac" McPhail.
She returns home to Wintergreen, Missouri after being away for 18 years to care for her widowed mother for one month. She was not looking forward to the trip. But her visit home changes her life in an exciting way. She falls in love with someone that she thought would be the last one on her list. Turns out to be a beautiful love adventure. Enjoyed this book.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A book about a country music star who feels forced to return to her childhood home to take care of her mother. She is pleasantly surprised at what she finds there.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Nice lite read. Modern fairy tale. Mega country western star Tess McPhail has to return to her home town to care for her mother, for a month. The rest of the story includes new friends, new love and and realization some things are just better left alone. Good Read
reviewed Small Town Girl on
Helpful Score: 1
a comfort book for sure!
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 191 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book!
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 8 more book reviews
This book is about a girl who leaves home for Nashville and becomes a successful country music singer who is worth millions...She returns home to care for her mom when she needs hip surgery... She has many surprises coming her way from this return home....Great reading!
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 5 more book reviews
Pleasant read.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 279 more book reviews
Great story
peanutsmommy avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 49 more book reviews
This is a great story. I really enjoyed the characters. Fun book to read.
Jess77 avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 66 more book reviews
It's been a few years since I've read this book, but I can remember that it was this book that made Spencer be one of my favorite Autors at that time.

Tess leaves her small town for the country lights of Nashville and becomes a popular country singer. She comes home for just a small visit if I remember correctly and keeps finding herself spending time with a boy she knew long before fame.
Grnemae avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 451 more book reviews
Tess McPhail "Mac" left her small hometown of Wintergreen, Missouri at the age of 17 to pursue her dream of being a country music star. Now 18 years later, Mac is a multi-millionaire who has no time for marriage, children or kinfolk. When her sister insists that Mac return home to help care for their widowed mother for one month, Mac agrees but just knows that the entire experience will be dull and boring. Suddenly Mac is a non-person, no public addulations, plus she is resented and insulted by her jealous sister. Mac is enraged over the way her mother and sister treat her and then she finds out that the next door neighbor is none other than Kenny Kroneck, who she had tormented and taunted through out high school. Now a handsome divorcee with a teenage daughter, Kenny refuses to give Mac the time of day. Then Mac discovers that Kenny's daughter wants to become a country music star just like Mac. Mac assumes the role of mentor and everything begins to change in her life. Soon the priceless gifts of family and community open Mac's heart to the sweet rewards of caring and committment. Soon the relationship between Kenny and Mac changes from feigned indifference to playful bickering, then passion and the life of a superstar is changed forever by the simple joys of love.
This is another wonderful novel from Ms Spencer. Reba McEntire (country music star) served as a consultant on this book.
Princessclutter avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 20 more book reviews
This book is a fun book.....very unrealistic! But if you want an escape this is a good one! And very cute ending!
reviewed Small Town Girl on
Returning back to a small town after hitting it big... Our past always seems to catch up with us.
ladycholla avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 2081 more book reviews
Wonderful book by LaVyrle Spencer, always love her.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 132 more book reviews
Warm,folksy and loving
lee avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 131 more book reviews
Very good read
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 2 more book reviews
cute reading
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 8 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book, fast and easy to read.
Susanaque avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 422 more book reviews
This is an excellent book-one of LaVeryle Spencers' better books. It is fun to see the romance evolving and how Casey gets a huge boost in her career by beeing a back up singer/song writer for Mac
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 11 more book reviews
Tess McPhail is one of country music's brightest lights and millionairess many times over, whose career is her life--until her sisters insist she come home after 18 years to help care for their widowed mother.
emeraldfire avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on
Eighteen years ago, a young and hopeful Tess McPhail left her tiny hometown of Wintergreen, Missouri, for the bright lights of Nashville and she never once looked back. Now considered to be one of country music's brightest stars, "Mac" McPhail is a millionairess many times over, whose career is her life. At thirty-five years old, Mac has no time for marriage, children, or kinfolk - until her sisters insist that she finally come home to help care for their widowed mother, Mary.

Assuming that staying in Wintergreen for the next month will be merely dreary, Mac is totally unprepared for what awaits her. After almost two decades spent basking in the public's adoration of her, she is suddenly an inconspicuous, almost inconsequential person - insulted by her jealous older sister, enraged by her intractable mother, and ignored by Kenny Kronek, the next-door neighbor she mercilessly taunted all through high school. Now a handsome divorcé who dotes upon his teenage daughter, Casey, Kenny is widely respected in the community. And he seems downright indifferent towards Mac, refusing to even give her the time of day.

Once she discovers Casey is a promising country music talent, Mac assumes the role of singing mentor for the girl. She gradually becomes an integral part of life in Wintergreen, and the feigned indifference between Mac and Kenny soon turns from playful bickering to sudden passion. By month's end, Mac McPhail is a completely changed woman; she has not only grown to treasure the priceless solidarity of family and community, but also opened up her heart to love.

Yet what was possible in the small town of Wintergreen, appears to be nothing more than a naive fantasy back in Nashville. Under Nashville's bright and harsh stage lights - in the realm of super stardom - is there room for caring and commitment; or is a woman who is worshipped by millions destined to always be alone?

While I certainly enjoyed reading this book, the story was somewhat predictable to me in places. I appreciated that it was an easy read, and it was definitely well-written. However, I must admit that this wasn't my absolute favorite book by LaVyrle Spencer. I give this book a B+!
budsmama avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 11 more book reviews
great read....could not put it down!
Puddnp avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 111 more book reviews
Good light read!
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 124 more book reviews
LaVyrle Spencer chronicles the passionate awakening of a country music megastar. Eighteen years ago, Tess McPhail left Wintergreen, Missouri, for Nashville--and never looked back. Now, at 35, after two decades of public adoration--but no love life--Tess comes home to care for her widowed mother, unprepared to handle what awaits her--and her heart.
TakingTime avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 1072 more book reviews
Raised in a small town,this 35 yr old Nashville megastar millionaire must return. Return to the Mother and sister who do not understand her and the boy next door who she never gave the time of day to during high school.... Can she find a way to get his attendtion now?
jlesnow avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 2 more book reviews
When small-town girl Tess McPhail followed the pull of Nashville's glittering lights, she placed her dreams on becoming a country singer. Eighteen years later, she is a megastar and is caught in a whirlwind of tours, recording sessions, and financial meetings--a whirlwind that crashes to a stop when her sister demands her help in caring for their mother. Angered at her sister's orders, Tess breezes in to town for a month and crashes straight into the past in the form of Kenny Kronek, the boy-next-door `dork' from high school who has been helping her mother. Sparks and tempers fly whenever the two meet, and Tess' professional interest in Kenny's daughter Casey's singing career causes further problems. As Tess relearns how to relate to her family without hiding behind her celebrity, she begins to appreciate the life she left behind and realizes there is a gaping hole in her current lifestyle--a hole that Kenny may be able to fill.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 145 more book reviews
Another Spencer favorite.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 22 more book reviews
I loved it!
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 61 more book reviews
When small-town girl Tess McPhail followed the pull of Nashville's glittering lights, she placed her dreams on becoming a country singer. Eighteen years later, she is a megastar and is caught in a whirlwind of tours, recording sessions, and financial meetings--a whirlwind that crashes to a stop when her sister demands her help in caring for their mother. Angered at her sister's orders, Tess breezes in to town for a month and crashes straight into the past in the form of Kenny Kronek, the boy-next-door `dork' from high school who has been helping her mother. Sparks and tempers fly whenever the two meet, and Tess' professional interest in Kenny's daughter Casey's singing career causes further problems. As Tess relearns how to relate to her family without hiding behind her celebrity, she begins to appreciate the life she left behind and realizes there is a gaping hole in her current lifestyle--a hole that Kenny may be able to fill.
Kmarie avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 529 more book reviews
Eighteen years ago, young Tess McPhail left tiny Wintergreen, Missouri, for Nashville and never looked back. Now one of country music's brightest lights, "Mac" McPhail is a millionairess many times over, whose career is her life. At thirty-five, Mac has no time for marriage, children, or kinfolk - until her sisters insist she come home to help care for their widowed mother. Assuming a month in Wintergreen will be merely dreary, Mac is unprepared for what awaits her. After almost two decades of public adoration, she is suddenly a nonperson - insulted by her jealous older sister, enraged by her intractable mother, ignored by Kenny Kronek, the next-door neighbor she mercilessly taunted all through high school. A handsome divorce who dotes upon his teenage daughter, Casey, Kenny is widely respected in the community. Now he refuses to give Mac even the time of day. Once she discovers Casey is a promising country music talent, Mac assumes the role of mentor. She gradually becomes an integral part of life in Wintergreen, and the feigned indifference between Mac and Kenny turns to playful bickering, then passion. By month's end, Mac McPhail has not only grown to treasure the priceless solidarity of family and community, but also opened up her heart to love. Yet what was possible in Wintergreen appears a naive fantasy back in Nashville: Is there room for caring and commitment in the realm of superstardom - or is a woman worshipped by millions destined always to be alone?
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 74 more book reviews
Great read!
harmony85 avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 982 more book reviews
In this unforgettable novel, Spencer chronicles the passionate awakening of a country music mega-star who embraced fame, but fled from love...
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 134 more book reviews
Thoroughly delightful story about relationships. First book I've ever read by this author. You can bet I'll be looking for more of her writing.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 336 more book reviews
very good read
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 377 more book reviews
Tess McPhail left her tiny hometown of Wintergreen, Missouri for Nashville 18 years ago. Now 35 and one of country's music's richest stars," Mac's" career is her life and she isn't a bit thrilled about having to go home for a month to care for her widowed mother. Her visit turns out to be far from dull and in the end the superstar's complicated, empty life is changed forever by the joys of love.
reviewed Small Town Girl on
It's a Lavyrle Spencer there's nothing more to say.
FabN46 avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 103 more book reviews
Eighteen years ago, young Tess McPhail left her tiny hometown of Wintergreen, Missouri and headed for Nashville - and never looked back. Now, one of country music's brightest lights, "Mac" McPhail is a millionaire many times over. Her career is her life. At thirty-five Mac has no time for marriage, children or kinfolk, until her sisters insist she come home to help care for their widowed mother. Mac isn't thrilled about spending a month in Wintergreen, but her visit home turns out to be far from dull.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 143 more book reviews
I have not read this book. Somehow I ended up with two copies-both a hardback and a paperback. This particular copy has been registered at bookcrossing and has an IB# written inside the cover.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 30 more book reviews
This book is in good condition.
frogslady avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 92 more book reviews
One of my two favorites from this author.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 32 more book reviews
She embraced fame but embraced love.....America's most adored storyteller chronicles the passionate awakening of a country music megastar in her unforgettable new novel.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 475 more book reviews
When Tess McPhail's mother is in need of assistance after hip replacement surgery, Tess's sisters insist that she take a break from her life as a country-western star to care for her. Tess returns to Wintergreen, Missouri, expecting a hero's welcome, but Kenny Kronek, her mother's helpful neighbor and a former schoolmate of Tess's, doesn't care that Tess is a big shot. Tess grows close to his daughter, an aspiring songstress, and in the process, she begins to realize that Kenny is a good-hearted (and handsome!) man.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 115 more book reviews
Eighteen years ago she left her small town and headed to Nashville and has never looked back. Now one of the city's top country music performers, she is called back to take care of her mother. The priceless gifts of family and friends open her heart and show her the sweet rewards of caring and committment.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 104 more book reviews
Eighteen years ago,young Tess McPhail left her tiny hometown of Wintergreen, Missouri,population 1,713. She headed for Nashvilli and never looked back. Now one of country music's brightest lights,she is a millionare many times over. Her career is her life. At thirty-five,Mac has no time for marriage,children, or kinfolk-until her sisters she comes home to help care got their widowed mother. There she meets Kenny her next door neighbor and fall in love.
Marcia avatar reviewed Small Town Girl on + 378 more book reviews
18 years ago Tess McPhail left her tiny home-town of Wintergreen, Missouri population 1,713, she headed for Nashville--and never looked back. Now one of the country music's brightest lights, Mac McPhail is a millionaire many times over. Her career is her life. At 35 she has no time for marriage, children or kinfolk--until her sisters insist she come home to help care for their widowed mother... Mac isn't thrilled about spending a month in Wintergreen. But her visit home turns out to be far from dull. Afteralmost two decades of public adoration, she is suddenly a nonperson--insulted by her jealous older sister, enraged by her intractable mother and ignored by Kenny Kroneck, the next door neighbor she mercilessly taunted all through high school.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 247 more book reviews
This was one of those books I hated to put down and was disappointed when it ended.
reviewed Small Town Girl on + 7 more book reviews
I did not read this book.