In the Land of Second Chances
Copyright © 2004
by George Shaffner
Algonquin Books
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"My name is Wilma Porter. I own the Come Again Bed and Breakfast, which is the only B & B in Ebb, Nebraska. You may think
that I'm exaggerating, but this town is perched on a sad edge of a slippery slope. I went to church and wished to God I
could help in some way, but He sent us a salesman. That's right, a salesman. At least that's my theory. You be the judge."
So begins this big-hearted novel about the importance of hope.
The folks of Ebb have seen their fair share of hardship, but no one more so than Calvin Millet. His wife has left him and
his terminally ill young daughter. His department store, the last in the area, is close to bankruptcy. His house has been
destroyed by a tornado. Everyone, including the plucky Wilma Porter, watches Calvin's fortunes wane with great interest
for in Ebb everyone's fate is connected to his.
When Vernon L Moore, a nattily dressed stranger, comes to town with the intention of selling games of chance to Millet's
Department Store, more than a few eyebrows are raised. For one thing, no one's seen a traveling salesman in over thirty
years. For another, he has a unique way of seeing things and an uncanny knack for asking life-altering questions.
Although Mr Moore leaves without making a sale, he leaves behind a town where second chances are not only possible,
they can — and do — happen. — from the publisher
... spunky narrator ... colorful characters. — Publishers Weekly
Unusual and
affectionate first novel. ... This cross between Touched by an Angel and The Five People You Meet in Heaven
is a self-help novel that inspires hope by depicting likable down-home folks who overcome adversity with faith.
— Booklist
In this ... touching tale, Shaffner does for writing what Louie Armstrong and "What a Wonderful World" did for music.
— Philip Gulley
A winsome fable. ... Its quirky charm and feminist slant could make it a surprise bestseller. —
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Humor and charm abound. Readers of The Life of Pi and Peace Like a River will appreciate this first novel.
— American Bookseller's Association
This is a pleasant, thoroughly amusing and heartfelt little book that will give you hope and maybe even joy.
— Statesman Journal, Salem, Oregon
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One Part Angel
Copyright © 2006
by George Shaffner
Algonquin Books
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This big-hearted novel about small-town miracles is the entertaining follow-up to
Shaffner's popular debut, In the Land of Second Chances.
Welcome to Ebb, Nebraska — home of the Corn Palace, the Quilting Circle, the Come
Again Bed and Breakfast, and Wilma Porter and her indomitable gang of friends. Loretta
Parsons, Wilma's best friend and the owner of the Bold Cut Beauty Salon, called the town
"the Last Oasis of Nice." And it is.
But Ebb also has more than its share of troubles. Loretta is in a coma and her salon is
burned to the ground. Wilma's grandson, Matt, is in the county jail awaiting sentencing
for arson and attempted murder. Clem Tucker, the richest man in town, is cooking up a
business deal that could have dire consequences for everyone. Even the powerful Quilting
Circle, which includes almost every woman in Ebb, is at its wit's end.
Wilma's prayers for help are answered when the mysterious traveling salesman Mr Vernon
Moore returns to save the day ... and a life or two while he's at it. —
from the publisher
Quietly inspirational, quirkily humorous, Shaffner's feel-good sequel to In the Land
of Second Chances (2004) firmly launches what promises to be an uproarious and
uplifting series. — Booklist
Vernon Moore, the mysterious salesman who upended everyone's lives in the quaint town of Ebb,
NE, in Shaffner's first novel (In the Land of Second Chances) returns to save the
day in
this enchanting sequel. Once again, feisty Wilma Porter, owner of Come Again Bed & Breakfast,
narrates an improbable tale full of miracles, humor, tragedy and a strong dose of religion
and morality. &$#151; Publishers Weekly
Teens will appreciate the unorthodox approach that he takes in building a relationship
with Matt, as well as the glimpse into the stories underneath the wholesome small-town
veneer. &#$151; School Library Journal
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What the Critics Say
