The Flood Girls by Richard Fifield

Moderator---Kim

The setting is Quinn, Montana in a town that doesn't even have a population of 1000.  But there is never a dull moment.  The colorful townspeople keep the story fast moving and quirky.

Flood is the last name of two of the main character, Rachel and her mother Laverna.  Rachel left town some years ago after ruining not only her reputation but many relationships and marriages in Quinn.  Her mother was included in the ruined relationships department.  Her AA inspired amends return does not sit well with the locals, including her mother.

The Flood Girls is the softball team in Quinn.  Laverna runs it plus owns and operates the Dirty Shame bar, the second of two bars in the town.  Between the bar customers and the softball team, a host of characters show up.  Jake Bailey is one of them.  He is a 12 year old who has mature tastes in chic clothing, reads Jackie Collins books and can sew as well as any seamstress.  He keeps score for the softball team and is loved by the women.  You can't say the same for his stepfather, Bert.  Buley, owner of the thrift store, keeps Jake's fashion sense on display.  Ginger Fitchett is the richest woman in town and a player on the team.   There are two Mabel's, Black Mabel and Red Mabel.  There are kind-hearted men including Bucky, Jim #3, and the Fire Chief.  From firemen to miners, the book isn't short on characters.

The novel, published in 2016, is about redemption and being part of a team.  It is about flawed people and some who are still admirable and have much to impart.  It is a trip into small town America where each person is unique, for better or for worse, and has their own distinct voice.  It is people rough around the edges, capable both of violence and kindness.  And it comes together with the Flood Girls and their softball team.

Dinner in Quinn

KFC is on the menu with

fried chicken, green beans,

cole slaw, biscuits, mashed

potatoes and gravy.

"What's not to like--bar brawls, AA, soft

ball and quirky characters."---Kim

"What you might expect from a small town story.

Everyone knows everyone, even their

questionable pasts."---Shellie