The Incredible Winston Browne by Sean Dietrich is an absolutely lovely telling of the human spirit and what it means to have friends and family. Taking place in a small town, it is the story of Winston Browne, town sherif in Moab, Florida. Winston has spent his life married to his job. And it’s only as he is about to die that he realizes the importance of the connections he has made during his life. Full of emotional tearjerkers and laugh out loud moments. I adored this book. I think I may have to check out some more by Dietrich. Highly recommend. One of my favorites of the year. Thanks #NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this amazing book. #bookstagram #all_the_pages

This is one of those books that doesn't fit neatly into any genre of category. It has some elements of a southern mystery, historical fiction, romance and what I would call life drama. I enjoyed this rather slow moving story, set in Moab Florida. Sheriff Winston Browne had been the law for decades. Not much happened, until a young girl showed up in one of the resident's henhouses. She was in need of protection and Winston Browne took on the role. She was moved in with a local woman and they became a family, while Winston continued to search for her family. Winston receives bad news from his doctor, and decides to live whatever time he has left to the full. He keeps it a secret, but while sorting out what to do about Jessie and trying to keep her safe, he comes to realize that he has made a difference in the world, at least in his town.

I have never read anything by Sean Dietrich before, but his writing had definitely drawn me in. It is descriptive, showing us the slow lifestyle of this southern town and making me feel like I am there in that hot, sultry Florida summer. The story is set in 1950, where life was slower, entertainment was simple, Jackie Robinson was huge in baseball, but still couldn't stay in the same hotels as the rest of the team, and life was hard. This is a story about everyday life in a small town, but also shows how they come together to support Jessie, the young girl who shows up in Moab with a story. Jessie's story is a bit out there, escaping from a cult with the help of her mother and on the run from the leaders, but that is almost secondary to the story of how the town comes together to protect her and support Winston. I loved the character of Winston Browne. He is everything to the town of Moab, and the town and its people have been everything to him, although he doesn't realize how much he means to them. He has never married, although we do learn about his first and only love, and has no children. We all know it is never to late for love and Winston decides he is going to make the most of his last days. Eleanor is another character that plays a huge part in the story and goes through a lot of changes along the way. I loved watching her grow, it was like a caterpillar that finally came out of the cocoon and spread her butterfly wings. I love small town settings with their variety of characters. Some are quirky and provide a bit of comic relief, some have issues, but most are characters that could be your neighbour and I would love to meet them. This is a story about friendship, love, life’s seeming disappointments, and the goodness of people. Winston Browne is indeed an incredible man, and this was an enjoyable story, I do recommend this one.

My Thoughts: I probably would not have picked up this book to read, but one of my dearest friends had emailed me a blog post this past year by someone she follows called Sean of the South. When I saw this was written by him, I had to read it. Sean is definitely a storyteller, and this book was a charmer. The book is filled with 3 dimensional, interesting characters who are realistically portrayed. The story is heartwarming with a bit of suspense thrown in as to what will happen with a couple of different storylines. I call this type of book a good old story along the lines of a Huckleberry Finn or This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger. The Southern setting was well-portrayed and is always a plus for me. I highly encourage you to pick up this book. It will pull you in.

There is something about a small town novel that will draw me in every single time and Sean Dietrich does that small town feel so well in The Incredible Winston Browne. A variety of quirky and well written characters will draw you into the town of Moab, Florida in the 1950s. This is a time period that I have always been particularly interested in as well, so it certainly helped to draw me in all the more. With a good blend of small town charm, love and some suspense too, I couldn't help but enjoy this incredible story. If you love a historical fiction and/or stories set in a loveable small town... this is certainly one to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Perfect book for love and mystery fans! Geography was so well described that I felt I was there. Characters were so interesting as well. Thank you!

This book was a good escape from my normal choice of thriller/psychological suspense. I had never read anything by this author before, but I thoroughly enjoyed the good mix of characters and the slow-paced 1950s small-town setting. The book was written almost like each chapter was its own short story, but the storylines moved throughout perfectly. I was drawn into each character's story and felt like I was there with them...from Sherrif Winston dealing with his unexpected bad news to quiet Buz who is dealing with his own loss to Jessie, who shows up in town running from something she won't talk about. I'm already looking forward to reading another book by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for the chance to read this book.

This is another incredible and heartwarming story by Sean Dietrich. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 rounded upward.

The time is the 1950s; the place is Moab, Florida, a tiny town where everyone knows everyone else. Winston Browne is the sheriff; Eleanor Hughes is a frustrated single woman that fears she is headed for spinsterhood; and a small girl, Jessie, is on the lam from a creepy cult that considers her to be “a little abomination.”

I read this book free, courtesy of Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Publishers. It’s for sale now.

The story begins with Winston in his doctor’s office. There’s bad news about his chronic cough. Tests show it’s not only malignant; it’s metastatic. In other words, Winston should put his affairs in order.

Winston is a friendly guy, but he’s also an introvert. He tells no one of his condition. He’s single, and there’s no family to warn, so he goes about his life about the same as before he learned his diagnosis.

Jessie is awakened in the middle of the night by one of the Sisters, who hustles her into a waiting vehicle. She’s being busted out of the Temple compound by softhearted women that know the girl is doomed if she remains. Jessie has an independent spirit, and so when she is dropped off at the train station with instructions of where to go and who to trust, she follows her instincts instead. Her instincts take her to Moab, Florida.

Eleanor—you can call her Ellie—is fed up with Jimmy. They’ve dated for year upon year, and she is so frustrated by his inaction that she can scarcely stand the sight of him. If he is so crazy about her, then why doesn’t he propose? She’ll never have a husband or a family, and it’s all his fault. But then Winston comes along, and the birds sing in the trees.

For the first half of this book, I thought it would be a four star read. It was a good enough tale, but I had my reservations. For starters, where are the Black people in Moab? If we’re meeting the townsfolk—and we surely are—how is it that all of them are Caucasian? A visit from Jackie Robinson is all well and good, but this is Florida, for heaven’s sake. Is Moab a sundowner town?

I run a quick search, knowing that the African-American population during this mid-1900s was much lower than it is now, and I am grudgingly convinced that there might well be a little town in the boondocks with only white residents. Back then, it could have happened, so…okay.

It is during the second half that everything falls together and I am swept away by the characters. No more consulting the Google oracle; the intimacy has become too strong for me to step back.

It’s difficult for me to find a feel-good book without schmaltz. Most books that are billed as heartwarming tend to make me roll my eyes or retch a little. Dietrich works magic, though, and although it takes a minute or two to reel me in, ultimately I am captivated. The droll, understated humor that drops in and out at just the right moments is a key element. The captions that appear regularly make me guffaw more than once; don’t skip over them! They’re terrific. The text is punctuated now and then by contributions from the Moab newsletter, whose minutiae underscores just what a dull place this town usually is.

However, let me also say a quick word here about the audio version. I began reading this book close to the publication date, and so when I was partway into it, I checked out the audio book from Seattle Bibliocommons. By doing so, I could extend my reading sessions, switching over to the audio when I had to do something else with my eyes and hands. The author reads his own narrative, and he has a wonderful voice, warm with just the right amount of drawl. The best way to enjoy this book is to access both the print version and the audio; if you must choose one or the other, it’s a toss-up, perhaps with a slight edge toward the audio.

Some readers will be pleased to know that there is no off color language or sex involved. If a movie were made based on this book, it would most likely show a General Audiences rating.

Highly recommended to those that love a feel good story, historical fiction, or Southern fiction.

Fans of small-town stories will fall in love with The Incredible Winston Browne. This book is full of nostalgic stories set in small-town Moab, stories that reflect the normal ups and downs of real life. Grief and loss, friendship and love, but most of all, family. The families we make.

Mr. Dietrich's rich prose is by turns funny, tender and bittersweet with a strong sense of place that left me feeling as if I had taken a trip to visit the community of Moab. I felt a roller-coaster of emotions as Winston Brown's story was told. I felt this to be a compelling read, of how a seemingly 'normal' person can have an incredible influence on those who crossed their path.

This is a story every reader's heart will embrace.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Winston Browne is the 52 year old sheriff of Moab, Florida. This is a small town full of scrabble players, church socials and fans of Jackie Robinson. A young girl in hiding provides the only excitement this town has ever seen. Winston finds love and friendship, and bonds are developed over a love of baseball. This book is slow moving and pleasant with an ultimately hopeful message. The book was a little too cosy for me, but I am sure people who like reading about small town life will like it more. The audiobook was well-narrated by the author. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. 3.5 stars

Trigger warning <spoiler>Winston has terminal lung cancer and the book describes his symptoms and decline. When I was a teenager I witnessed my grandfather’s destruction by this disease and parts of this book were painful to read. </spoiler>

Thanks to Thomas Nelson & NetGalley for a gifted digital copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This was a sweet, heartwarming 1950s story featuring Sherriff Winston Browne of the small southern town of Moab, Florida. Baseball overrules all other activities, with most of the town rooting for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Everyone knows everybody else's business with the help of the town's local newspaper. Jackie Robinson, a runaway young girl and friendly red dog, and an overwhelmed postmaster preoccupy the quirky characters both young and old.

Mark Twain-loving Sherriff Browne is conscientious and caring both professionally and personally. Together with long-time friend Eleanor they rescue Jessie, a runaway 10-year old who is escaping a dangerous cult. The novel vacillates between Jessie's saga and Winston's health, and comes together in a wonderfully loving climax as the community honors Winston.

In addition to the story, what makes this novel so enjoyable is the writing style - folksy yet witty humor and phrasings that create a warmhearted, tender novel that celebrates the power of friendship and family.

This was my introduction to author Sean Dietrich, and you can bet I'll soon be reading another one of his many novels. If you liked Fannie Flagg's Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Café or any of her other small town novels, or William Kent Krueger's This Tender Land, you'll enjoy this charming and memorable novel.

I'm glad that Jessie joined the story line. I wasn't immediately "hooked" by the book but very glad that I decided to give it 10 more pages; probably would have been more drawn in had I been a baseball fan.

One of my favorite uncle and aunt used to own an herb farm (really only herbs) in Madison, FL. Both of these dear relatives are now dearly departed; but the language and good southern comfort/hospitality of this book transported me back in time to Madison.

The book introduced many characters who were characters. :)

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author Sean Dietrich for the opportunity to review The Incredible Winston Browne in exchange for an honest review.

The town of Moab reminds me so much of the little town that I grew up in. The author is a master storyteller and in this book he has spun a tale that has transported me to my childhood, just with different characters.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion

This book was such a great read. Engaging writing, wonderful characters, solid plot and if I were a person who cried at books, I would have sobbed at the end of this one. I am also not one for historical fiction but the context of this worked solidly.

What a wonderful book. I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I am so glad I did. It was a quick read but so full of characters in a little town, and easy to get to know. The author fleshed them out well. There were ones that you rolled your eyes at, ones you rooted for, and ones you cried for. In fact, yes, I admit it. I cried more than once. Definitely recommend it to any reader who likes a real story with real people in a real town setting (1940’s/1950’s). I’m sure the book said but I am horrible with keeping numbers straight. This is the type of book that Fannie Flag writes.
I received an complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It's wonderful going into a book with high expectations only to find they're not only met but exceeded.    Such was the case for me with  The Incredible Winston Browne by Sean Dietrich.  Not that I'd read this author before but friends had praised this book and   rightly so too.    For such a gently moving, character driven tale there was a lot going on.   There was intrigue.   There was friendship,  romance, sense of community, love and hate.    These two powerful yet conflicting emotions are such extremes yet it became clear how common it is for them to be experienced at the same time.

 If I had to choose the element I appreciated the most I'd settle on the characters of small town Moab.  I especially loved Winston, Jessie, Eleanor and Jimmy although  we met many more of their 842 residents.  More than anything Dietrich's characters helped readers  know how it feels to be part of this closeknit community

Winston, the Moab county Sheriff and baseball coach, was such a likeable man.  He had never married and had devoted his adult life to his town.      From the first line of the book readers know Winston is dying but that secret is not shared with others. Instead of  allowing himself to mope he dives into making the most of  what's left of his life.   He finds extra meaning in the shape of a young girl by the name of Jessie and a teen boy named Buzz.   Both youngsters are in unusually tough places in their young lives and Winston does what he can to protect, nurture and care for them and in doing so he is surprised to find how much they have  enhanced his life.  He's filled with joy from simple things such as teaching Jessie to pitch a ball and introducing Buzz to the writings of Sam Clemens.   

Dietrich did a sterling job of ensuring readers got a feel for the fabric of this society.    Without ever referencing a date we get the sense of time and place, the social norms applicable and their local customs.   He included some gorgeous touches iincluding the Moab Social Graces in the local paper which made me chuckle every time they appeared.     Not only did they portray that small town feeling -   who was sick, who had Gone to Glory (died in other words), who had married (and how often), who danced with who at the Womens Missionary Social dance.    Pretty much gossip in print but it made me chuckle every time I read it, especially the continuing thread of Mr and Mrs Sam Allen.   This is Sam's second marriage.

To cap it all off, not only did he make me laugh but he also made me cry.   Sean Dietrich has written a large number of books and the only surprise to me is that they're not more widely read than the Goodreads stats indicate.   This was a terrific book about community, family, friendship love and resilience and if it's in any way indicative of anything else he's written I'll definitely be reading him again.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review which it was my pleasure to provide.

4.5 stars on Goodreads

My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

So now I really know what is meant by a "slow Southern style" - Sean Dietrich does a great job of selling his corner of the world to the rest of us "folk." The town of Moab, Florida, was caught in a cultural time warp: nothing much happens here, and nothing much changes. That is, until Winston receives bad news from his doctor, and decides to live whatever time he has left to the full.

And then the Fates grant Winston his secret wish: the knowledge that he did in fact make a difference in the lives of the town he protected all of his life. There is a fair amount of discussion about baseball. I have to admit that I had my usual knee-jerk reaction when my siblings would start discussing sports: my eyes glazed over and I tuned right out. But, thankfully, I would tune right back in as events heated up and all the town folk rallied round Winston Browne to help defend young Jessie from the evil people she was fleeing from. I loved the way the town rallied behind Winston and took turns sitting with him, right up until the very end.
A truly heartwarming read with lots of humour and likable characters.

Tender and at times unexpected, The Incredible Winston Browne is a quirky character driven novel set in the Southern small town of Moab, Florida.

I loved how this book lets the characters introduce themselves, as well as the tight knit community. Winston Browne is Moab's sheriff, he is a kind of extraordinary everyman, an older brother of sorts to the community, he is clever, compassionate, and lives his values, leaving an impact on everyone he came in contact with. Over the course of the story we see him contemplate his past and present, but we also see his big heart for his town.

Moab is a rural Southern town in the 1950's, filled with all sorts of people, and I enjoyed getting to know many of them over the course of the story. Eleanor is probably one of my favorites for her friendship with Winston, as well as how she is willing to take in little Jessie, as well as taking control of her life. An entertaining read filled with humor and quirk, I loved the unconventional sayings, and the wonderful homey feel of the story. There were also times that the story felt more predictable, as well as others that took me by surprise, in the wending storyline.

Overall, an enjoyable read about a town and a man who is indeed incredible. With rich characterizations, relatable characters, humor, mystery, and heartwarming satisfaction. Worth the read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I found this book to be highly enjoyable and endearing. I loved the character development and how each of the stories tied together to create a cohesive and delightful tapestry that clearly illustrates the time period as well as the culture. I found the dialogue to be well written and extremely witty. This book reminded me of John Irving a bit and loved the authenticity and overall feel of this book. Thanks for the ARC, First Editions.

In Moab, a small 1950s town, town sheriff Winston Browne received devastating health news. In the meantime, his friends Jimmy and Eleanor navigate their relationship, childhood runaway Jesse seeks asylum from a cult and people who want to kill her, and Buz must face the consequences of his lonely childhood.
Author Sean Dietrich combines these storylines and more into a book that's delightful, mysterious and calming. I like his clever way with words that made me laugh out loud. He also brings the characters to life in a way that makes me relate to them. In places, the storylines seem a bit contrived, but I liked the book overall.