‘The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane’ fictional tale of Cedar Falls women a hit

Janine (Janey) Brown of Cedar Falls desperately wants a new life. After her fiancee dies, she isolates herself and spends all her time cooking elaborate meals for one on her tiny two-burner stove.

Janine (Nean) Brown, also of Cedar Falls, also desperately wants a new life and a way out of an abusive relationship.

So when the HomeSweetHome Network announces that the winner of their fully loaded Maine dream home is Janine Brown of Cedar Falls, both women are elated. But who won the house? And what will happen to the other?

This is the predicament at the center of Cedar Rapids native Kelly Harms's charming summer book “The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane.” Both women (and Janey's saucy Great Aunt Midge) travel to Maine and antics ensue, including a stolen U-Haul, naked swimming, hot gardeners and lots of home-cooked meals.

Janey is particularly well drawn. We see her grow from a shy wallflower into a confident young woman. While it's exciting to see Janey and Nean pursue love with two “delicious looking” men, Harms really shines when she focuses on the friendship that develops between the two women.

While all the characters have their charms, it is Midge, the 88-year-old great aunt, who provides the support, perspective and humor both Janines need - and the grounding that keeps the novel focused. Midge is a riot.

“The extra (money) is for a paperback romance. Get one we'd both like ... you know, steamy.”

“The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane” is a charming summer read packed with humor, surprises and lots and lots of good food. When you finish, you'll want to have your girlfriends over for a big home-cooked meal, and you'll wish you had an aunt like Aunt Midge.

What: Kelly Harms reads from “The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane”

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

Where: New Bo Books, 1105 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids