A Little Bit Country

Based on Dollywood, Dumplin meets Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in this contemporary romance about two boys who fall in love at a country music-themed amusement park. When a long-lost secret about Verna and Wanda is revealed, it threatens to unravel their relationship.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

In this captivating and humorous contemporary romance, inspired by the vibrant world of Dollywood, we meet Dumplin, a young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Alongside Simon, a charming and relatable character, Dumplin confronts societal expectations and challenges the norms of beauty and gender roles. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of a lively country music-themed amusement park, adding an extra layer of excitement and charm to the narrative.

Emmett Maguire, a seventeen-year-old from Illinois, dreams of becoming the biggest gay superstar in country music. However, his current circumstances limit his aspirations. For now, he finds solace in spending the summer with his aunt in Jackson Hollow, Tennessee, where he will have the opportunity to perform at the amusement park owned by his idol, country legend Wanda Jean Stubbs.

Luke Barnes, on the other hand, harbors a deep disdain for country music. As the grandson of Verna Rose, the disgraced singer who had a notorious falling out with Wanda Jean, Luke is well aware of the pain and turmoil that the genre has brought to his family. Despite his reservations, Luke finds himself in a difficult situation when his mother's medical bills start piling up. He reluctantly takes a job at the last place he wants to be: a restaurant at Wanda World, the amusement park where Wanda Jean still reigns as a beloved icon.

It's during his time at Wanda World that Emmett and Luke cross paths. Despite their initial reservations and differences, they are drawn to each other due to their shared love for music and their unique perspectives on life. As they spend more time together, they discover that they have a lot in common and begin to form a deep bond. However, their happiness is short-lived when a long-lost secret about Verna and Wanda comes to light, threatening to unravel everything they have built.

Will Emmett and Luke be able to get past the truths they discover? Or will their relationship be doomed to fail like so many other Sad Country Love Songs? The journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and love that Dumplin and Simon embark on is filled with heartwarming moments, hilarious banter, and unexpected twists. This book will resonate with fans of Erin Hahn, Phil Stamper, and David Levithan, as it explores the complexities of identity, family, and the power of music to bring people together.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 136 x 203 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780063085664