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Mary Karlik | Celebrating Small Town Texas
October 16, 2015
Howdy! (That’s how we say it in Texas.)
I am a native Texan. I am one of those who are way too proud of their state
people. I’ve lived in
small towns all over central Texas. Each of those towns have their own
personality but together they
make up the bigger than life Texas culture. I love writing about that
culture.
I am excited to introduce WELCOME
TO HICKVILLE HIGH. This is the first book in my Hickville High series. In this series, I
wanted to celebrate
small town Texas and figured the best way to do it was to see it through
“big city” eyes. WELCOME TO
HICKVILLE HIGH is a
riches to rags, upside down Cinderella story.
When Kelsey’s family moves from the posh side of Chicago to an old farm
house in Hillside (aka
Hickville) Texas, she thinks her life is over. But when Austin McCoy two-
steps in to teach her how to
feed the chickens, slop the hog, and care for the horses she discovers a
whole new world.
As a native Texan, I wanted to capture the passion small towns have for high
school football. The
whole town tends to show up for the games decked out in fan gear. And there
is nothing like the the
gigantic homecoming mums. Yes. I said gigantic mums.
Some of them even light up!
But this story isn’t just about Kelsey embracing small town life. She
discovers that things are
rarely as they seem on the surface. More importantly, Kelsey learns to value
herself beyond designer
shoes, perfectly applied makeup, or the “prince charming” she left behind.
Austin, who is totally and completely swoon-worthy, has a few things to
learn too. Like self-
forgiveness, letting go, and not giving up on love.
This is a story about family, friendships, and what’s really important in
life. And yes, gigantic
mums are very important.
I hope you enjoy your visit to Hickville.
GIVEAWAY
Have you ever been to Texas? What's your favorite area? Leave a comment
below and be entered for a
chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card.
Following a career as a nursing instructor, award-winning author, Mary
Karlik earned an MFA in
Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania.
A native Texan, Mary loves horses, dogs, cats, country music, and small town
diners. Although she has
recently relocated in northern New Mexico, her heart remains in the Lone
Star state.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Senior Kelsey Quinn loses it all when her dad relocates the family to
Hillside, Texas, population
Hick. She’ll do whatever it takes to return to the good life, even if it’s
just for one night of
dancing at a gala with the boyfriend she left behind. She trades her
designer dresses for an apron to
work as a dishwasher in a redneck diner. But she doesn’t plan on six feet of
pure Texan, Austin
McCoy, to amble into her life. He teaches her to love the farm life she’s
been forced into, but will
he convince her that it’s the farm boy that goes with that life that she
really wants?
Comments
27 comments posted.
Re: Mary Karlik | Celebrating Small Town Texas
Yes I have been to Texas but I would love to see more
(Heather Kipf 12:50pm October 16, 2015)
I've always wanted to visit Texas, but never had the
opportunity. My Cousin lives outside of Denver.
Quite a few years back, my Mother went on a trip, and
had a chance to visit the Alamo. She was deeply moved
by her visit, and brought me back a dress that she
bought me, as well as a top. I still own them, and
they mean a great deal to me, because she's now passed
on, but I still own these items, knowing where she
bought them, and how much that trip meant to her. For
now, I have to just put that trip on my bucket list,
for my Husband has health issues, and isn't up to a
trip of that length. I always dream about what the
people and food would be like, though, and being a
people-persob, I know I'd have a great time!! I'm
looking forward to reading your latest book. Being a
former transplant myself to where I'm now living, to a
rural area, I can relate completely!!
(Peggy Roberson 3:59am October 16, 2015)
I have not had the chance.
(Marissa Yip-Young 6:01am October 16, 2015)
I would love to visit Texas, but, so far, I havenèt had the
opportunity.
(Deb Philippon 9:09am October 16, 2015)
I have been to Texas, Houston for health reasons at the
centre.
(Sharon Berger 11:28am October 16, 2015)
I am from Ralls Texas we lived there until I was 6 when we had to move to Oklahoma to be close to the VA hospital for my dad. that is where are last resting place will be and we try to go back every year.
(Jennifer Beck 11:34am October 16, 2015)
I drove through once, but did not stay and see the sights.
(Colleen Conklin 12:53pm October 16, 2015)
I've never been to Texas, but I'd like to.
(Joanne Schultz 3:28pm October 16, 2015)
I been to Texas a few times. I loved the Dallas/Fort Worth,
great shops. I also liked San Antonio, with all of the
history, the River Walk and fabulous restaurants. I would
love to go back.
(Barbara Ryan 3:43pm October 16, 2015)
I've been in Dallas briefly, but I would love to see more of the state.
(Kelly Powell 5:20pm October 16, 2015)
Yes, I have been to Texas, mostly just driving through, though! We did have
a nice vacation in San Antonio so that's my favorite area!
(Jeanna Massman 6:46pm October 16, 2015)
I was in Dallas airport once for about 2 hours, but that's it.
(Jen Barnard 8:11am October 17, 2015)
Yes, I've been to Texas several times . I would say Dallas / Fort Worth would be my favorite. I haven't been to San Antonio but sure hope to go sometime .
(Joan Thrasher 11:28am October 17, 2015)
Let me correct my statement. My cousin lives outside of
Dallas. lol I was thinking of another relative I have
outside of Denver. So sorry.
(Peggy Roberson 4:07pm October 17, 2015)
I went to Dallas a long time ago, to visit a friend who had
moved down from NY. I actually have a cousin down there
now, so would love to go back.
(Sharlene Wegner 6:07pm October 17, 2015)
I have been to the Dallas area and the San Antonio area. I
like the Riverwalk, Alamo and the rich cultural history of
the area with the missions, art and local food. Also love
seeing the bluebonnets along I35.
(Maryann Skaritka 11:49pm October 17, 2015)
I've never been there. I have family there now, so I would love to go.
(Zara Heflin 2:56am October 18, 2015)
cant wait to read this, but I have never been to texas although my husband has many times
(Tammy Thayer 11:08am October 18, 2015)
Alas, I have never been to Texas - but I HAVE read about Texas in books! (That's called grasping at straws, LOL!)
(Elaine Seymour 5:09pm October 18, 2015)
Yes I've been to Texas but only drove through it. It's a beautiful state.
(Bonnie Capuano 11:24pm October 18, 2015)
Never been to Texas, maybe I'll do some traveling after college.
(Lisa L. 11:31am October 19, 2015)
I have been and I love it. Favorite city so far is Austin!
(Denise Austin 12:56pm October 19, 2015)
I've never been to Texas but was looking at dude ranch vacations there at one point in time.
(Susan Davco 2:34pm October 19, 2015)
I have not been to Texas or anywhere west of me
(Jeri Dickinson 6:43pm October 19, 2015)
I have never been to Texas, sorry. I live up north,close to Canada.
(Deb Pelletier 9:16pm October 19, 2015)
I've spent very little time in Texas, and I find the two-lane 60 mph highways
fairly terrifying, but there's also something about the countryside of central
(north and south) Texas that leaves me feeling very American, in a good way.
There's not much that does that. We stopped at the McIlhenny site on the
way back from New Orleans this last spring, and we loved it.
(Mary Ann Dimand 9:57pm October 19, 2015)
Sounds good - would like to visit Texas someday.
(Mj Chesick 11:39pm October 19, 2015)
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