Charming. That one word describes Jodi Thomas and her works of literary art. You might question how that word could be used for a story that centers on a bloody crime in a quaint picturesque town, so remember this, Jodi Thomas.

There is a rather huge cast of characters that seem impossible to keep track of, but again this author loves to introduce a multitude of folk in her tales. And somehow within a brief time, you begin to recognize the character, the relationships and then wonder just how they will all be included in the story plot.

It is all part of an adventure, and we are invited to join in the fun. So perhaps we are expected to be armchair detectives. Or just a fly on the wall as some lovely romances commence in this town. Either way you are immediately entranced. Just as Jodi Thomas planned.

I am a huge fan of this prolific author. Have enjoyed reading and reviewing whenever possible. It is never too late to discover an author. SUNDAY AT THE SUNFLOWER INN will welcome many new fans.

So here is the dilemma. Which characters should stand out in my review. Certainly Jam and her cafe which is central to the town and its people. Jam has lived her life as a rather lonely single woman resigned to the fact that there is to be no love of her life. So she has settled for that keeping busy at her cafe and enjoying relationships with her patrons. And then one evening a military man enters her life. Unexpectedly Jam finds herself attracted to this stranger. Tucson is the brother of the newly sworn sheriff. His career is in military investigation, and he was to be gone from this small town in just a matter of hours. Tucson finds himself involved in the first investigation of his brother Pecos being sheriff.

Then there is Mason McCoy and his grandfather Sadler. Both have a heart of gold. Each has lived an alone life but now that Mason has dumped himself on Sadler’s ranch, they are finding some joy with the company. Trouble is sniffing around local farms and while Mason’s talent is in construction he is well versed in fixing things. There are things that need fixing in Honey Creek. Mason just may have found a place to land.

And finally is a charming senior couple. Winston and his miss Lilly. Guaranteed to win a place in your heart, as do all Jodi Thomas characters.

Jodi Thomas gives her characters personality and lovable flaws. Her talent is firmly entrenched in the words on each page, her gift of literary gab. She constructs good sturdy folk which illustrates how much thought, care and creativity is invested in this story. Keep in mind at the bottom there is a crime to be solved. Jodi Thomas maps out a twisted plot with dozens of folks connected, no stone unturned and words minced. So pay attention the clues are all there. Looking for a great summer read, look no further than SUNDAY AT THE SUNFLOWER INN by Jodi Thomas.