Synopses & Reviews
Thirty-something Gretchen Hanover is stuck. Seeking solace from a broken heart, she traded her wedding plans for home improvement shows and ice cream—but she knows she cant live on Ben and Jerrys forever. She also knows that her enthusiastic Lab puppy has outgrown her tiny apartment.
The perfect patch for Gretchens dilapidated plans? Shell become a first-time house-flipper. As ideas go, its daring and genius. Shell take out a short-term loan, buy a fixer-upper, renovate it, resell it, and use the profit for an adorable house of her own. What could be easier?
But Gretchens plans to flip quickly flop when the house turns out to be in worse shape than she expected. She is relying on her retired contractor-father, but he wants to draw in his carpenter friend Noah Campbell. And although Noah is handy with tools, Gretchen isnt so sure about the baggage he brings with him. Will she be able to loosen her grip on the tools when it seems Noah may be her only help?
A whimsical look at color swatches, mismatched curtain rods, and the building of relationships, A Mile in My Flip-Flops reminds us that it takes faith to renovate the heart, as well as the home.
Synopsis
A whimsical look at color swatches, mismatched curtain rods, and the building of relationships, this novel reminds readers that it takes faith to renovate the heart, as well as the home.
About the Author
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 200 books for adults, children, and teens, including Finding Alice, Crystal Lies, On This Day, These Boots Werent Made for Walking, and the Notes from a Spinning Planet series. Melody has two grown sons and lives in central Oregon with her husband and her chocolate lab retriever. A full-time writer, she enjoys skiing, gardening, camping, and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.
Reading Group Guide
1. Gretchen Hanovers escape from the disappointments in life is a varying menu of chocolate ice cream and home improvement TV. How do you deal with lifes disappointments?
2. Gretchens best friend Holly Porter seems to have everything that Gretchen thinks she wants and, while Gretchen expresses a bit of jealousy, it doesnt seem to impair the friendship. Why do you think that is? How do you deal with successes of close friends? Explain.
3. Gretchen seemingly bites off more than she can chew with the house flip. Whats the craziest, biggest challenge youve taken on? How did it go for you?
4. When Gretchens dad is unable to help with her renovation, Gretchen partially blames herself, feels selfish, and considers giving up the house flip. Have you ever faced a tough decision that involved loved ones and career choices? What was it and how did you deal with it?
5. Why do you think Gretchen feels so certain that she doesnt want to get involved with a divorced man? If you were her friend, how would you advise her?
6. A major remodeling project with a deadline is stressful under the best circumstances…how do you think Noah Campbell helped or hindered the process?
7. Besides the hot tub scene, what do you think Gretchen finds most intimidating about Noahs ex wife?
8. What do you think was the most powerful thing that Gretchen learned during the remodeling project?