All Your Pretty Dreams — Lise McClendon

Humorous, romantic, and full of the turmoil of becoming an adult, All Your Pretty Dreams asks the question: How do I know who I am? And when I find out, who will accept me?

When Jonny Knobel is called home to play his accordion in the family polka band, his mood sinks. He learned the accordion early from his grandfather but has put that all behind him. A prison stretch would be less painful. But when he arrives in Red Vine, he realizes he needs to reboot his life. His heart is a sad, bruised place. A split from his high school sweetheart, a job that doesn't satisfy, regrets about college: it's all too much. Top it off with the temptations of college students in town doing a study on wild bees and you have a recipe for one weird summer vacation.

Just back from an escape to Europe and hoping to jump start her academic career in the study of insects, rude city-girl Isabel Yancey leads the field crew. Inside her aloof manner she brings plenty of her own baggage to the decrepit motel the Knobel family owns. Her rich Chicago parents drive her crazy, but not as crazy as her love life. When she meets Jonny deep in the heart of Minnesota, she's coming off a series of bad choices in male companionship and nothing could be further from her mind than romance.

In the spirit of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, All Your Pretty Dreams asks the question: Who will you be as an adult? Is it possible to be a good son (or daughter) and still be independent? With his grandfather's accordion strapped on and a series of family embarrassments to contend with, Jonny searches for his place inthe world. Will he get to design his own buildings? Will he ever find someone who truly understands him? One summer in Red Vine just might hold the answers.

Lise McClendon is the author of nine novels, including the suspense novel, Blackbird Fly. Her writing has been called "a lyrical, often humorous style" as she continues to explore the drama and absurdity of family life in All Your Pretty Dreams. A fan of the accordion she does a rowdy but enthusiastic polka and can more often be found listening to rock and roll. She lives in Montana where she hikes, skis, and stalks the wily trout when not writing novels.

Check her website at www.lisemcclendon.com to find more about the books and recipes for blueberry tarts, honey lemon slaw, and other dishes featured in All Your Pretty Dreams.