"Love Finds You in Humble, Texas" by Anita Higman

What would happen if two sisters both fell in love with the same man?

That is the question at the heart of this cute romantic story.

“Love Finds You in Humble Texas” by author Anita Higman, is a delightful book about Trudie Abernathy and her sister Lane. Trudie sees her image coach sister as having her life pulled together, but sees herself as . . . well, um . . . as a dung beetle.

For Trudie’s thirtieth birthday, Lane sets out to give her an image makeover and a blind date with a man she herself passed over. But when Lane sees how well Mason Wimberley treats Trudie, she realizes she made a huge mistake and finds herself in love with the first man Trudie has taken an interest in.

Trudie, in her humble way, backs away from her chance at love when she discovers Lane’s feelings, but Mason isn’t easily dissuaded. Though their romance is put on a back burner, he helps Trudie re-discover a talent she has buried for years.

The take-away messages from this book for me are following your God-given talents and abilities and the joy of being humble and selfless.

As an aspiring writer and student of the craft, here are a few things I really enjoyed about this book:

1. Subtexting – For non-writers, this is a technique we use in conversation all the time without even realizing it. Writers use it in their dialogue in an effort to gain authenticity. Simply put, it is the underlying meaning of conversation. Anita Higman uses it well.

2. Interesting Premise – The plot of two sisters in love with the same man automatically sets up conflict, which makes a compelling story.

3. Witty Dialogue – Enough said.

4. Sparkling Narrative – One mark of a true writer. How do you include descriptions and story detail without boring the reader to tears? Higman has mastered this.

5. Philosophical, Without Being Stuffy or Preachy – The author pulls this off by making the main character, Trudie, a deep thinker.

6. The Wedding Scene – It reminded me of a modern-day version of a Jane Austen plot–the torture of being at a wedding with the wrong person, and the right person being there with someone you care about and don’t want to see hurt. What a delightful tangled web!

7. The Character Counterpoint – The juxtaposition of the characterizations of Trudie and Lane Abernathy was a brilliant move by Higman.

All in all, this book is a great read, especially if you like romantic comedy. It is a gentle reminder that sometimes love does indeed find us. It may seem slow in coming, but when it happens, it happens quickly–that instantaneous spark of connection.

“Love Finds You in Humble Texas” by Anita Higman is a dish of romance served with sparkle and snap.

"Love Finds You in Humble, Texas" by Anita Higman