Thank you to Celestial Eyes Press for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.

I loved humor in a book. I think, when it’s done well, it really can make the book enjoyable. This book nailed it. While serious at times, there was a lot of humor and light-heartedness scattered throughout. I liked the coincidences scattered throughout. I thought it didn’t seem awkward or forced.

The writing made this book easy to read. I could’ve stayed in this town with these characters for much longer than the book was. I liked the uniqueness of the characters. They were all quirky and fun to read about.

If you’re looking for something fun to read, I highly recommend this.

A new author with a new approach.
A simple book that brings two characters in an unusual meeting that changes their lives.
4 stars

Stuck in Manistique is such an original story. We follow Mark, who is the sole beneficiary of his aunt’s estate in Manistique, a place he’s never heard of before. He never realized his aunt ran a bed and breakfast, and despite his best efforts, guests continue to arrive and stay. This is such a character drive novel, which makes it one of my favorites. I really enjoyed Mark and Emily as main characters, and found the side characters also the be well developed and unique. I really enjoyed this book, centered around family and fate, and will definitely recommend it!

An Unexpected Inheritance

Mark was close to his Aunt Vivian as a child, but he hadn’t heard from her in years when he finds he’s the sole beneficiary of her estate which includes a house in Manistique, Michigan. Manistique is near the midpoint of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and quite a trek for Mark. It’s remote and when he arrives his first thought is to figure out how to get rid of the house.

He’s looking through the house when he’s surprised by a knock at the door. Dr. Emily Davis, a recent medical school graduate, on her way to Mackinack Island, hit a deer near Manistique and shattered the windshield. She needs a place to stay and was told that Mark’s house is a bed and breakfast. This is news to Mark, but she’s in trouble, so he agrees to let her stay for at least a day.

Mark’s surprises are far from over when more guests arrive, and he finds that he is actually operating a bed and breakfast. One day leads to the next, and Mark and Emily find themselves enjoying each other’s company, but there are more surprises in store.

This is a fun read. Mark is the clueless innkeeper to whom things keep happening. It’s hilarious to see him deal with his new role. Emily is a likable character and makes a sensible foil for Mark. The character development in this story is thin, but the action is fun and fast.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

Reflecting on this, the word that keeps coming to mind is 'warm'. There is simply a warmth to it that keeps it moving along; the characters, the town, the underlying plot. It's not all warm fuzzies, however, as it starts off pretty slowly. It did take a little while for me to reach that comfort where I wanted to curl up it and forge on. Here's the first note I took a few chapters in:

Mark is...a fairly clueless, but altogether pretty normal guy kind of stumbling through life. Emily is...a fairly clueless, but altogether pretty normal girl just kind of stumbling through life. Their paths converge shortly after Emily becomes the victim of a "deer-car". (It hit her, she is fiercely adamant of this). A week shy of her 25th, or, one week short of rental car eligibility, she wanders to the nearest bastion of hospitality. That just happens to be Mark's Aunt's bed and breakfast, bequeathed to him that very same day after her recent passing.

It goes on like that. I wasn't convinced. Thankfully, there aren't any fatal flaws or nagging habits that sink the entire affair. Easily my biggest critique is Cuesta's lack of physical description. Some notes I took to illustrate:

- 25% in and I have no idea what either of our protagonists look like. Mark is "not unattractive". Emily is "thin" with "brown hair". Knausgard, this is not...

- 34%, Mark is "6 feet tall"!

- 41%, "Emily had legs...her hand was warm, smooth. She was light." Good grief.

- 55% "The sky was a deep purple with pink highlights." Most descriptive passage yet...

There are more, but I think that gets the point across.

Cuesta does slowly win you over with some quirky character names like Bear Foot Hemenway (I know...) and equally quirky character traits; Mark is deathly afraid of bridges. He also works in an early shout out to Yossarian, and a lecture regarding Nabokov's credentials as a Russian novelist. As the book continued to sort of float on, I found it hard not to begin rooting for Mark and Emily and the goofy supporting cast. I kept finding myself jotting down stuff like:

- Despite its simplicity and straightforwardness, this is a pretty cute story and it reads like a breeze. I smiled more than I'd probably care to admit.

- Whimsical, I daresay.

- The end really got me, somehow it managed to sneak up on me and pack a nice emotional punch.

All things considered, I feel comfortable handing Stuck in Manistique three solid stars. I smiled, I rolled my eyes, I might have even laughed and, most importantly, I never lost interest. I would comfortably recommend this to most readers' list of easy summer reads, beach books, easy-breezy light-lit etc.. One last note:

- This is simply an easy book to like. It's far from perfect, but it's just so darn likable. Maybe it's a touch contrived, corny, forced...But very easy to root for despite those perceived flaws.

Stuck in Manistique by Dennis Cuesta is a magical story about a man named Mark whose estranged Aunt Vivian has passed away and left her estate to him. This includes a Bed and Breakfast in Manistique, which is in the Upper Peninsula on Lake Michigan.

Mark, who lives in Chicago, decides not to open the Bed and Breakfast but rather sell it. But people begin knocking on the B&B's door and Mark cannot turn them away. It does seem though once you check in, you don't want to check out, or can't check or some never check out...

Emily, who is a doctor is his first guest. After hitting a deer on the highway she must wait for her car to be repaired, She shows up looking for a room for one night. Thus begins Mark's adventure with some pretty eccentric guests. While learning to manage a Bed and Breakfast he tries to learn about his aunt as his last correspondence with her was when he was a teenager. Emily soon begins to realizes she too has a connection to Vivian,

All strangers when they meet, the guest's lives intertwine under the backdrop of a small cozy town where everybody knows everybody and the pie at Diner 37 is exceptional.

I had the feeling I was not reading a book, but watching episodes of a soap opera sitcom with the fast paced dialogue. It was an enjoyable read.

Stuck on Manlstique is an interesting read from the first chapter had my attention and kept me curious and I enjoyed reading this story. The characters are interesting and loveable . It had a nice twists and funny moments.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily leave a review. Thank you NetGalley and Celestial Eyes Press and Dennis Cuesta for letting me read this story.

This was a very entertaining read. Lots of quirky characters, lots of strange situations and lots of interesting coincidences. Is it Fate? Whatever it is, it's funny!! Great way to spend the day!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for my review. Mark is in Manistique to close up his deceased Aunt Vivian's bed and breakfast that he has just inherited. While he is sorting through boxes, Dr. Emily Davis shows up hoping that she can rent a room as the local hotel is full and she had just hit a deer and her car is in need of repair. Mark decides to be a good guy and let her rent the room for the night. But as the story continues, more and more guests show up at the door and in a bit of a comedy of errors, Mark ends up hosting them all. Beneath the kind of crazy B&B drama, is the drama of what really happened to his aunt. At one time they were very close, and then she just disappeared. Also what is the connection of his aunt to Dr. Davis?

This was kind of a mixed bag of genres, part mystery, part quirky story, but I liked it. It is put downable, but you will want to pick it up and finish. I'm glad I did.

Title: Stuck in Manistique
Author: Dennis Cuesta
Publisher: Celestial Eyes Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Stuck in Manistique" by Dennis Cuesta

My Thoughts.....

"Stuck in Manistique" was really a good entertaining read. I found both of the main characters [Mark and Emily] who were strangers that were 'brought together due to some unlikely circumstances' with some amusing as well as endearing moments. What will happen when all of these guest show up at this Bed and Breakfast that Mark had inherited from his estranged aunt that will only to 'add a houseful of oddly eccentric characters?' These characters will take the reader on quite a wide ride as each one having their own story with all of the things that were happening in their lives. Who was this aunt who was a international aid doctor who had ran a bed and breakfast in her retirement and had left this place to Mark? And the mystery continues about this situation is that Mark knows very little about this aunt other than knowing 'she traveled the worked as a humanitarian doctor in war town countries' but the jest to it all he had never met her. Now, to get the rest of this good story you will just have to pick up "Stuck in Manistique" to see how well this author brings it all out to the reader.

Be ready for twist, turns and humours moments that will definitely keep the reader entertained especially about this area in Michigan. I enjoyed how this author was able to give the readers of just how 'one event can bring so many others things to light.' I loved the connection that Mark had with each one of the guest and that twist at the end was quite a good one.

I requested and received a free eBook copy from Celestial Eyes Press courtesy of NetGalley.

If you have a quirky sense of humor and Faulty Towers is a show that makes you laugh, then reading Stuck in Manistique by Dennis Cuesta needs to be on your list of things to do today! This book is funny and full of details about the area in Michigan. I also liked the characters- each one with their own unique story and contribution to the plot. Stuck in Manistique starts off with Mark in the bed and breakfast that his aunt owned. In town to settle her estate, he feels sorry for newcomer Dr. Emily Davis and decides on the spot to rent her a room.

Mark never imagined that renting out a room in his aunt's home would bring so many lively and interesting characters into his life and into the bed and breakfast. After reading this novel, I would really like to try Mark's french toast!

The mysteries that need to be solved are less detective work and more circumstances that are intertwined with a bit of fate. Romances develop, but will they be in the direction that the reader anticipates? (You'll have to read, I will never tell!) The plot directions kept me guessing for most of the book! Funny and yet you can see how sometimes life does work with mystery and fate to provide closure and answers when you least expect them.

I think what I enjoyed more than the humor is that everyone had layers that are slowly uncovered and the truths are laid open for the characters and reader. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the lake and surrounding areas as I have not traveled to Michigan (yet).


Thank you to NetGalley, Dennis Cuesta, and Celestial Eyes Press for this advanced reader copy for me to review. As always my opinions are my own.

Mark is traveling to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan to settle the estate of his aunt, Vivian. Emily is traveling to an area nearby to meet the doctor she is having an affair with. When Emily, who has had an accident with a deer comes to his door to get a room for the night, Mark learns that his aunt has been running a bed & breakfast in her home. Feeling sorry for Emily, Mark lets her have a room for the night and doesn’t let on that the B&B isn’t operational nor is his aunt still alive. The error keeps growing as quite a few quirky characters come to the B&B and Mark doesn’t seem to be able to say no to them. He also seems unable to get rid of them. The effect these characters have on both Mark and Emily unfolds in a very interesting way. I really enjoyed how this story unfolded!

Will be posting a copy of this review on 10/29 under the name IrishEyes430 at B&N and Kobo

Stuck in Manistique by Dennis Cuesta is a delightful story reflecting the charm and seclusion of small town rural life in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Our main character Mark finds his way to Manistique to wrap up the affairs of his recently deceased Aunt Vivian. Being her closest next of kin, Mark inherits Vivian’s home that Vivian, unbeknownst to Mark, has been running as a Bed and Breakfast. Emily, who turns out to be in need of temporary lodging while passing through, finds the B&B by way of referral when all the other local inns are full. Though Mark has no intention of keeping the house, let alone managing a B&B, he reluctantly agrees to take Emily in as a result of her predicament. This provides the jumping off point for an engaging tale of life in the peaceful and secluded North Woods.
To Mark’s dismay (an the reader’s delight) Author Cuesta then delivers a further parade of chance visitors to the B&B to deftly create a comedic backdrop on which the entire story thrives. Added to the fun is a healthy dose of romantic tension building between Mark and Emily. The tension is further enhanced as Cuesta subsequently reveals a substantial, yet coincidental, past link between the pasts of Emily and Mark’s aunt Vivian.
The story reaches a sublime crescendo as our reluctant in-keeper Mark, despite his efforts to politely turn people away, has his hands full once the B&B becomes fully booked. Author Cuesta then expertly details the ensuing chaos with an aplomb that will have you laughing out loud.
As one who grew up in Milwaukee and vacationed frequently in the Upper Peninsula, I can truly attest that Cuesta nails the charm and flavor of Yooper life in such a way that will rekindle fond memories for anyone who has travelled there.
This book is charming, fun, and delightfully written. The only criticism I have for this outstanding read is a personal one: I would have preferred a different ending to the story. My feelings here are by no means a criticism of the author’s excellent writing, outstanding character development, or engaging story line. It is merely a matter of personal preference, one that in no way deters me from highly recommending this wonderful book.

I don’t know about you, but most of the time, when I read, I am conscious that I am reading. I am aware that I am flipping pages, that I am following a story on paper, and of my surroundings. Occasionally, there will be books marked five stars that I lose myself in completely, where an hour and 100 pages go by and I don’t notice either. Stuck in Manistique is one of these books.

It’s so easy to imagine how the quaint little bed and breakfast looks, how Mark’s delicious breakfast taste, and how comfortable the beds must be. It’s the type of book that makes you want to visit Manistique because you fell in love with the place through literature, through this story. The atmosphere that seeps through these pages is just completely unreal, in a good way, and left me with a comfortably surreal image of that town.

The story itself seems a little bit cliche at first glance but please don’t be fooled. I wanted a familiar plot to lose myself into, and this novel completely delivers with its crowd of quirky, well-developed characters who each bring something to the tale.

There were some pacing issues that threw me off but I assume that this will be edited in time for publishing (I believe it’s coming out tomorrow, actually) but it was still a nice mixture of slow exposure mixed with quick conversations and rapid developments - probably like working in a bed and breakfast, I suppose.

I highly recommend this book. If the summary interests you, please pick it up, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

I’d like to thank Celestial Eyes Press for the free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Great Read!
An enjoyable read that will slowly pull you in as it gets into your heart getting you emotionally invested on the lighter side unfolds bits of fun and dry entertainment! An intriguing read that at times was hard to put down! Edgy, intense, bits of mysterious suspense, enjoyable and we'll worth the read and more!

An unexpected gem! A quirky and fun story. The banter between the characters is witty and often hilarious. The main essence of the plot is about Emily and Mark trying to recover pieces of themselves that they had lost. Throughout the book they form a tight sibling bond while helping each other discover who they are and where they want to go next in life. It is a truly amazing book and the author keeps you turning the pages and engaged from start to finish.

In this charming, light, entertaining story, coincidences abound as a quirky group of strangers end up stranded at a bed-and-breakfast in the Upper Peninsula (UP) town of Manistique. The main character, Mark, a likable financial planner from Illinois, inherits his very recently deceased aunt’s Victorian mansion, a house he has never visited. Just as he begins to finalize the sale of the mansion, now a B&B, people show up one by one either looking for a place to stay after becoming stuck in the town for one reason or another, or as part of a vacation scheduled when Mark’s Aunt Vivian was still alive.

Each character’s secret-filled backstory slowly reveals itself as the characters interact with Mark and the town locals, leading to some mildly surprising plot twists. Memorable characters (twenty-something Emily, a medical resident from Wisconsin; Native American local Bear Foot; George, an elderly casino tour-group castaway; etc.) add texture to the novel and hold readers’ attention with their mishaps. We also learn some interesting details about the history of the UP and its way of life.

Despite its promising storyline, this novel moves slowly, burdened by unnecessary descriptions, strained dialogue, flat humor, and some gaps and contrived plot points. Given that the story is character-driven, the characters deserve more fleshing out to make them distinctive and believable. Overall, the writing remains self-conscious. This novel needs at least one or two more thorough revisions to come up to speed and succeed as a well-crafted tale.

This review is based on an advance reading copy provided by the publisher.

This is an adult fiction novel set Manistique in the UP of Michigan . It features Mark a 30 something financial consultant who finds out his Aunt Vivian has passed away and he must travel to Manistique to settle her estate. He has not had any contact with her in years and had no idea she lived there and ran a Victorian Bed and Breakfast. He plans to sell it and go back to his life . Emily is a recent medical school graduate on her way to start her residency when she has a freak accident and gets stranded in Manistique until her car can be repaired . With no where to stay she ends up at the B and B.
Their relationship is hilarious and all the towns people they meet are so funny and full of small town angst!! The story has a little bit of everything : friendships, sorrow , regrets , breakups and mystery. This is a character based story and each one brings something to the table. Many times it will make you smile and laugh but there are also times it will make you sad. I really wanted to meet all of them!
The story did not go at all the way I predicted. It had twists and turns and the mysteries where unexpected. Not earth shattering but still unexpected.
This was a good read!! It kept me interested and I loved learning about the main characters . Would recommend this sentimental read.
*****This Ebook was received from Netgalley******

I had a hard time getting into this book. There were many good points and scenes but others fell flat or felt unnecessary. I like the premise that Mark inherits the B&B from Vivian and a cast of interesting characters stay with him. I wish that there would have been less quirky ones and more character development of some key ones.

I had a hard time with Mark. He isn't very likeable. Some of his lines are funny but if I was Emily I would feel uncomfortable with him. I wish George's character would have been around longer. Ellen came and went so quickly that her part wasn't needed. And, the blip of Kyle's story line needed to be more detailed or just eliminated.

All in all, a good debut novel. It is worth the read but not a favorite of mine. I think with revisions it has very good potential.

Another new-to-me author. I’ll be completely transparent and let you know that the only reason I requested this book from Net Galley is the title. I’m a native Michigander so I just couldn’t pass up a book about such an obscure small town in the Upper Peninsula that only Michigan residents ever hear about. I was a bit bummed to discover that the author doesn’t live here himself. But being an alum of the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and having lived here at some point, he had a lot of the vernacular and idiosyncrasies down pat.

This story was an extremely slow-starter for me. I haven’t been able to determine if that’s because, like I said, I’m from Michigan so a lot of the narrative had to do with explaining the area the protagonist was driving through. I enjoyed recognizing some of the sites, but it seemed too much to me.

Once things get rolling at the bed and breakfast, zany-ness ensues. I would in no way categorize this book as comedy or slap-stick, but it definitely had some of those elements and was filled with humor. For me, that is what made this story so interesting. As Mark tries to keep track of who he told what, and Emily hides her own secrets, I found myself pulled deeper and deeper into their lives. Once Emily and Mark actually sort of team up to protect those around them and to continue to keep their secrets, it was just a lot of fun.

There were also some extremely serious issues that were dealt with in this story. The transitions from humor to drama were effortless and felt natural. I love the “will they or won’t they” aspect of the relationship between Mark and Emily. The author wrote their chemistry perfectly for the relationship they truly had by the end and, I believe, were meant to have.

I’m impressed this is Dennis Cuesta’s debut novel. There is some wordiness at times throughout the narrative, but he wrote the relationships between Mark, Emily, George, and all the other crazy residents of Manistique so perfectly.