What a ragtag group of characters Jodi Thomas has created in PICNIC IN SOMEDAY VALLEY. First impression is that living in this time and place is certainly no picnic for its folk. They work hard and seem to have difficulty making time for play. But one thing is for sure, these folk have big hearts and value hard work, family, and honesty and if they can find love then that is a pure bonus to their lives. 

There is a large cast of characters in PICNIC IN SOMEDAY VALLEY. At first, I couldn’t grasp why we are being introduced to a rather eclectic bunch of characters with their own unique stories. They don’t seem to have anything in common or connections. But that is exactly the strategy of Jodi Thomas, and we are invited to sit back and watch the action and feel part of the story as we meet and get better acquainted with some of the best characters. 

Jodi Thomas is a gifted storyteller and in PICNIC IN SOMEDAY VALLEY, we are once again amazed at her creativity and imagination. The characters are so richly described that they feel real. Their stories reach deep into your heart. Somehow, all of these characters' lives become intertwined, and each incident is guaranteed to make you grin and perhaps laugh out loud. As one character plainly states, they don’t necessarily match but they fit.

There’s something in the air in Honey Creek and the surrounding towns, more precisely in the wind. There’s a storm brewing and it would appear there might be chaos in its wake. The good citizens of these small towns might wake up to some changes in their towns and lives after this storm. They say a good rain washes away a lot of ills. But for these folks, the rising water may just uncover some truths better left unsaid. Even in such a lovely town, there exists evil. In PICNIC IN SOMEDAY VALLEY, we are faced with this reality and hope that good will prevail.

Even in a group setting, there are some that stand out and Jodi Thomas picked out a half dozen to star in this latest story. Jesse Keaton, at his ranch with his children, was slated to become a horse hotel of sorts. Piper, the mayor of Honey Creek, was busy getting people organized. Piper’s secret boyfriend Ranger Colby gave up any premise that this was to be a long-awaited weekend together. The elusive Marcie shouldered guilt by association with a guy in prison. Marcie needed a haven. Pecos was the town dispatcher who was commissioned to direct folks during the storm. Marcie found herself at Pecos's elbow to maintain calm during the ensuing chaos. And let’s not forget Brand Rodgers self-appointed guardian of Marcie. 

PICNIC IN SOMEDAY VALLEY follows a wondrous series of stories about unforgettable characters that live in or about an area known as Honey Creek. It’s no surprise that it has that mesmerizing quality that fans of Jodi Thomas expect. Jodi Thomas writes about lives that are enriched by the deeds that they do. I have never been disappointed with anything Jodi Thomas writes and so was very excited with the opportunity to read and review her newest Honey Creek novel, PICNIC IN SOMEDAY VALLEY.