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The Fixer Upper
The Fixer Upper
The Fixer Upper
Audiobook14 hours

The Fixer Upper

Written by Mary Kay Andrews

Narrated by Isabel Keating

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

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About this audiobook

“Entirely satisfying, an expert balance of warmth and compassion, terrific supporting characters, a little steamy sex and just enough suspense to keep you from guessing how it will all go down.” — Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A hilarious novel about one woman’s quest to redo an old house . . . and her life, as only New York Times bestseller Mary Kay Andrews can tell it.

After her boss in a high-powered Washington public relations firm is caught in a political scandal, fledgling lobbyist Dempsey Jo Killebrew is left unemployed and broke. Out of options, she reluctantly accepts her father’s offer to help refurbish Birdsong, the old family place he recently inherited in Guthrie, Georgia. All it will take, he tells her, is a little paint and some TLC to turn the fading Victorian mansion into a real-estate cash cow.

But when she arrives, Dempsey realizes that “Bird Droppings” would more aptly describe the moldering Pepto Bismol–pink dump with duct-taped windows and a driveway full of junk. There’s also a murderously grumpy old lady, one of Dempsey’s distant relations, who has claimed squatter’s rights and isn’t moving out. Ever.

Everyone in Guthrie seems to know Dempsey’s business, from a smooth-talking real-estate agent to a cute lawyer who owns the local paper. As if that's not bad enough, pesky FBI agents keep showing up on her doorstep, looking for information about her ex-boss.

All Dempsey can do is roll up her sleeves and get to work. Before long, what started as a job of necessity somehow becomes a labor of love and, ultimately, a journey that takes her to a place she never expected—back home.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherHarperAudio
Release dateJun 23, 2009
ISBN9780061902277
The Fixer Upper
Author

Mary Kay Andrews

Mary Kay Andrews is The New York Times bestselling author of The Beach House Cookbook and more than twenty novels, including The Weekenders, Ladies' Night, Spring Fever, Summer Rental, The Fixer Upper, Deep Dish, Blue Christmas, Savannah Breeze, Hissy Fit, Little Bitty Lies, and Savannah Blues. A former journalist for The Atlanta Journal Constitution, she lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Reviews for The Fixer Upper

Rating: 4.264705882352941 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

170 ratings49 reviews

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This was the first book I listened too after being introduced to Scribd. I think I’m hooked. Audiobooks and Scribd. I use to listen with Audible but was getting expensive.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    When We Were Strangers blew me away.I mean, it's about time I read a b0ok in 2011 that gripped me as much as this book did and honestly, the binding I got for the Advanced Copy was rough to read, the words were half-faded and still, I didn't mind at all. Not a single bit. Because the story was that powerful.Irma is a woman with strength, character, and resolve, yet also I found in her innocence, fear, and a sense of loneliness. This character in a story exhibited every trait that I would strive to have when finding myself faced with the challenges she faced. This is an immigration story that, though told on a nearly day-by-day, common occurrences basis, was filled with adventure, longing, hope and more.Pamela Schoenewaldt writes so beautifully about Italy, about the culture, the food, the scenery. She describes with a brush of truth what life would have been like for a plain girl such as Irma. Without emotion to cloud the story (other than Irma's own emotion), I followed the ups and downs of every event with my heart in my throat. Honestly, this would make for a fantastic book club discussion book and I intend to write it down on my list.Fantastic, powerful novel and I'm so thankful to TLC Tours for providing me with the opportunity to read it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Irma Vitale grows up in the tiny village of Opi, in a remote area ultimately to become part of Italy. Her people are shepherds and, in her village, everyone is as close as family. When circumstances dictate that Irma leave her home, and travel to America, she does so with great reluctance, but in the hopes of finding her brother and making a life with him that will allow them to help her father and her aunt. Irma emigrates, first to Cleveland, then to Chicago and, ultimately to San Francisco. Her dream of becoming a dressmaker to fine ladies of fashion is realized after great struggle and hardship and then Irma, whose life has touched the lives of so many others, is taken as a sort of apprentice to a local midwife, who runs a medical clilnic for those who can't afford, or are afraid to seek, the help of the medical community. In doing so, Irma finds her life taking a wholly unexpected direction. Schoenewaldt has created, in Irma Vitale, a character that the reader can believe in and empathize with, The story of her life has thecredibility that is engendered by good research and by the careful fleshing out of actual circumstances and events. This story will be of particular interest to those whose grandparents or great grandparents may have made one of the mid-19th Century voyages in steerage in search of a better life for themselves and their children--and in doing so, left all that they knew and loved irretrievably behind. It helps the reader to understand and appreciate the magnitude of that sacrifice, and the courage required to make it.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I received this book as an LibraryThing Early Review copy from the publisher Thank you.I was immediately drawn into this story of Irma Vitale, an eighteen year old Italian peasant who must make hard choices in her life. She lives in Abruzzo in the tiny village of Opi where her family have been shepherds for generations. When her mother dies, Irma realizes that her own future is bleak. There are no men in her village to marry and little chance of getting a husband from the nearest town where Opi women are considered mountain whores. If she does not marry, she always will be dependent on the charity of others just as her beloved aunt Zia Carmela is dependent on Irma's father for a roof over her head. Carlo, her elder brother, has already left home and gone to sea to work a passage to America. When things at home take a turn for the worse, Irma decides to follow her brother to Cleveland. She leaves everyone she cares for and her beloved home to find her way alone to America.Irma's journey is beautifully told. Strangers who become friends, if only for a very short time, help her so many times. A peddler gives her a ride in his wagon to Naples and, on the way, they stop at his sister's village where the local priest writes her a letter of intent. The peddler finds her a ship for the Atlantic crossing, a ship whose captain and crew will not cheat her. On the voyage she meets other families with whom she forms temporary bonds, immigrants who also are trying to find a better life. When she reaches New York and then Cleveland (for that is the place Carlo wanted to live and she hopes to find him), more people have helped her than have taken advantage of her. The description of Irma's journey from Opi to the coast is fascinating and the Atlantic crossing in steerage is harrowing. Schoenewaldt draws a realistic picture of the hardships these people face. Mostly illiterate, they move from their isolated worlds into the unknown, afraid but so brave. Even though Irma and her fellow passengers dream of returning and helping their families they really know that they will never see their relatives and home again. Where the novel falters, I believe, is in the last chapters. Schoenewaldt makes her brave and believable heroine into a sort of superwoman. Irma leaves Cleveland when she realizes that Carlo may never show up and that she must form her own future. A talented seamstress and embroiderer, she goes to Chicago, finds work with a French dresssmaker and is soon a valued staff member copying designs from Godey's Lady's Book for Chicago high society. At one point, she needs medical care and she is helped by a pharmicist and a woman who runs a clinic for the poor. Within weeks Irma is assisting at the clinic and even stitching up the stumps on amputees. After only two years in America, the illiterate Irma learns to read and write, speaks English well enough to teach classes at night, transcribes medical records, treats patients on weekends,all the while creating dresses worthy of Paris fashion houses during the day. And she sets in motion her goal of becoming a doctor!The final sections in Chicago and then San Francisco seem forced. Chicago doesn't feel real; it could be any generic big city with a few place names and society names added for authenticity. Her friends, although appealing, are almost stereotyped: the kindly Jewish peddler; the saintly woman who runs the street clinic and is apparently the only person in the city to adopt Dr Lister's sanitation methods; the hearty Irish cleaning woman who has plans to become rich. But the latter part of the book is still very enjoyable. I recommend this book because it gives such a good explanation of why immigrants give up everything to brave a dangerous sea voyage to America where they often find that their hopes are only dreams. It is a pleasure to travel with Irma and the strangers who become her friends.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Not a prize winning literary work of art, but a highly entertaining piece of chit lit. Long enough for full character development. A should read
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This book reminded me quite a bit of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. There is significant growth in both characters, and their immigrant (or immigrant family) status brings a wonderful culture to their stories. As stated by others, this story has indeed been told before, yet one finds themselves unnervingly attracted to Irma, wishing her well, reading impatiently to discover what else she can handle and can do. I don't usually describe books as 'hopeful' because I feel it gives it a cheesy taste, but I'll use it for When We Were Strangers. The ending left me hopeful, happy, and fully satisfied with the story of Irma's life. 4/5 stars.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    As others have said, this is actually a GOOD Early Reviewers book! I wasn't honestly expecting much, as the program has sent me some real groaners of books, but this one was a pleasant surprise.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Predictable, but so adorable! Great beach reading! Interior Design - The South - Crisis - Love
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    It was a great book but leaves you wanting more. Well read and well writteb
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    It was hilarious and a great storyline. A must read!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I love Mary Kay Andrews' stories. They are all written with colorful characters and a wit that is always refreshing. The Fixer Upper does not disappoint. Take one attorney caught in a scandal, add distant southern relatives and an inherited home to keep you busy. Shake it up and see what you get. ?
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    The first part of this novel was enjoyable -- the author has clearly spent a great deal of time in Italy, and is able to give the reader a good sense of a place without being wordy. Unfortunately, the bulk of the story relies too heavily on a string of "oh, isn't that convenient" events and characters with overly-modern speech and philosophies, which snowball until the story becomes nearly unreadable. The need for "suspension of disbelief" is great here, but the story is not fantastic enough to create such a suspension. Despite the weighty topics including immigration, rape, abortion, and 19th century medical practices, the book ends up feeling very light and more like a short story (which is what the author wrote originally for the main character).
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    After being framed during a political scandal, A young woman travels to Georgia to "flip" a house her father has inherited. She encounters an elderly squatter living in the home and many other quirky characters through her journey.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The story was light and a bit predictable- but entertaining
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I enjoyed much of the historical information that was woven through the fictional story of a young Italian immigrant girl coming to America. Very nicely written - moves along well as she moves to Cleveland, Chicago, and eventually California. It was easy to put myself in her shoes for a little while. Read this in one day.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I am happy to have found Mary Kay Andrews books. They have all been great stories.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This book took some time to get going for be but once it did, i thoroughly enjoyed it.

    I found myself conflicted from time to time with it though. It seemed there were times reading it when I couldn't help but just want something GOOD to happen to her. Then again, being an immigrant in a new country can't ever be easy. It certainly wasn't for single women in the 1880s in America so I had to tell myself that it was probably more realistic than anything. People took advantage of immigrants. Sisters came over here looking for siblings, sometimes not finding them.

    I couldn't help but think of my own family's experience as I was reading this book. My grandmother's mother came to the US either in the late 1800s or very early 1900s from Slovakia to Ellis Island. Couldn't help but think of their own struggles as I read of Irma's.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Very engaging book. Only comment is the amount of times the main character skips meals altogether...doesn't set a good example for folks of a certain age group (certainly not mine!).
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    "Great self-discovery read - awesome characters!" Great author!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I really enjoyed this book, the story, and the characters! I think this may be the first Mary Kay Andrews book I've read and I'm definitely planning on reading more by this author.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I adored this book. It was rich with history from across the globe and it reminded me of why I love being American. I love the fact that even today you can walk down a city street and still get a feel of so many cultures mixed in one spot. No place else in the world can celebrate that difference. And yet, so many people forget to do just that, celebrate. It shows the great strength a woman has in such trying times. I have already passed the word on about this book and I have already passed on my copy. This is going to make a great gift and a great book for all those reading groups.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I like a book that has me laughing as I turn the last page. The Fixer Upper is smart, funny, and pretty much charmed my socks off. The political story line is secondary to what I think is the main story - no, not the house rehab - I think its more about Dempsey fixing her life. Or at least, finding what she wants to do with her life instead of trying to measure up to her parents' expectations. In the process she meets some wonderful people in Guthrie who show her some of what life has to offer. If you're looking for a good book to read this summer, you can't go wrong with The Fixer Upper. It will be in bookstores on June 23.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Dempsey Joy Killebrew, Georgetown Law Grad, lobbyist for big firm in DC gets fired after she is implicated by her boss in a scandal involving procuring prostitutes for a Congressman (among other things.) Now at this point in the story, I was ready to say that Dempsey wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, but for pete's sake--she graduated from Georgetown Law!! Anyway, she has no money, no job prospects, and therefore allows herself to be stashed away in Guthrie Ga to rehab an old house her father has just inherited from his great uncle. The house comes complete with the requisite dog (no southern story can do without a dog!) and a 79 year old curmudgeonly cousin Ella Kate who is squatting in the ruins and refuses to move.Now we won't say too much about Dempsey's absolutely miraculous makeover of the house --even Ty Bennington's crew couldn't have done that much work and fixed things up that beautifully on her pitiful budget in such a short time. But wait...there's more. Dempsey has to convince the FBI she's innocent and hire's the lawfirm of Berryhill and Berryhill to help her out of the mess. There's a romance. There's political and legal intrigue. There are courtly southern gentleman. There's a California moonbeam, spaced-out mother, and enough friendly, gossipy, nosey, and randy southern citizens of this small town to keep the reader turning pages and laughing out loud. And there's the star of the show: Ella Kate.In the end, Dempsey shows us what she's really made of, develops some self-confidence, pulls her brains out of storage, and becomes a heroine we can cheer for.It won't win a Nobel Prize, but it's a surprisingly good solid little romance for days when you want some chocolate with the marshmallow fluff. I loved it
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Not one of Mary Kay Andrews' better books or at least not one of my favorites. Discraced DC lawyer moves to a small Georgia town with the intent of renovating her family homeplace. Falls in love with her lawyer while being investigated by the FBI. The DC lawyer develops some pretty amazing do-it-yourself skills for someone with zero experience! On the positive side, I loved the name of the local small town lawyer - T. Carter Berryhill. Now that is the perfect name for a small town Southern lawyer!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Dempsey Killebrew, Georgetown Law grad, has been caught up in a DC scandal at the lobbyist where she was employed. Fired and without means to get a good job for the near future, Dempsey heads to her father's ancestral home (he just inherited) to hide out and make the house ready for sale. Her arrival in the small town of Guthrie GA is not met with applause (not that she was expected it but she didn't expect hostility either.)While nursing her wounds, she is tracked down and threatened by the FBI to cooperate in a sting to catch the head of the lobby (her old boss) and a dirty congressman. At the same time, the house needs not just a coat of paint but major renovations which don't make an irascible elderly cousin/squatter very happy.The book was fun and entertaining and caused some very heated discussion at my book club.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This was a fun read -- the first Mary Kay Andrews book I have read. The real fixer-upper in this book was the protagonist and the metaphor for it was an old Southern house in disrepair that the heroine fixes up. It was charming, funny and and I learned some things about hands-on rehab that I never knew. I only gave the book four stars, not five because it was a slow read. I put the book down and didn't feel any urgency to find out what would happen next but I did want to finish it. I may read additional books by this author, either from the library or maybe Book Mooch.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This novel provides interesting glimpses into the life of an unmarried Italian woman who emigrates from a country village in Italy to the United States in the 1880's. Irma tells her own story which starts out well, with a fair amount of detail, then rushes to a conclusion, following several traumatic, and life-changing, events. There are many characters, but most of them seemed flat to me, and although I was able to understand Irma's motivations, I just never felt any attachment to her or to her story.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    When Irma Vitale's mother dies and her father remarries, she realizes she has no future in her small mountain village. Too plain and poor to marry (not that there are many options in the town) she sets out on an odyssey that takes her across the sea to America--Cleveland, Chicago and more. Skilled in needlework, she finds a job in a dressmaker's shop. But this proves not to be the end of her journey.
    This is a beautifully written story, and I would recommend it highly.
    Note: I received this book as a gift from Reading Group Choices.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Dempsey Jo Killebrew finished law school and became a lobbyist in Washington D.C. Her boss, Alex Hodder is linked to a crooked politician and "Hoddergate" ensues. Dempsey is fired and set up as a scapegoat, so her father sends her to Georgia to check out a recently inherited house, hoping to "flip" it. When Dempsey arrives in the small town of Guthrie, GA, she can barely believe the state the Birdsong home is in. Not only is the house in tatters, but an elderly distant cousin is squatting on site as well. The FBI aren't far behind Dempsey in her escape to quite Guthrie, hoping to enlist her aid in turning the tables and incriminating Hodder. Throw in a handsome realtor/handyman and a handsome lawyer turned small town newspaper publisher and you have the makings of a great tale from Andrews
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Dempsy is a junior D.C. lobbyist whose boss has just landed in a public corruption scandal so bad that it has -gate added to its title. That's bad enough, but when he has his secretary deliver a pink slip to Dempsy and Alex refuses to answer any of the 19 voicemail messages she leaves on his voicemail, Dempsy starts to get a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Then her father offers her a way to get out of D.C. and regroup. Mitch has just inherited Birdsong, an antebellum plantation house in Guthrie, GA. Dempsy can go tidy up the house and slap a new coat of paint on it to get it ready to sell. Mitch will even split the profit from the sale with her. Sounds great!So what if Guthrie doesn' t have a Starbucks, or a mall, or a Whole Foods? Dempsy can rough it at the Piggly Wiggly. Only, things aren't quite what she expected.Birdsong is in MUCH worse condition than Mitch believed. It's also occupied by the meanest, orneriest octogenarian Dempsy has ever met. Ok, she can handle this. She went to Georgetown for Pete's sake! Then the FBI rolls into town and tells her that Alex Hotter, her former boss and mentor has passed the public corruption buck; straight to one Miss Dempsy Killebrew. Now she's looking at a possible 15 years instead of 15 paint chips. But the FBI and Alex Hotter are not nearly prepared for what Dempsy can do once she gets going! -Sara