The Tourist Attraction
(Libby/OverDrive eAudiobook)

When Zoey Caldwell finally embarks on her dream trip to Alaska, she already knows that she is going to love the land and the sights that her rich friend has been raving about for years. What she does not expect is for Graham Barnett, the grouchy diner proprietor who genuinely dislikes most people in general and his customers in particular, to take an interest in helping her, especially in light of her prodigious itinerary. Morgenthaler's secondary characters, both locals and tourists, are hilarious and create plenty of opportunities for Zoey and Graham to grow closer out of shared attraction and embarrassment over the unrepentant meddling. Morgenthaler's dialogue is often laugh-out-loud funny, but she also knows how to write characters who will find a place in the reader's heart. As she imbues a familiar premise with infectious joy, good humor, and plenty to swoon over, her vivid descriptions of Alaska in the summertime are as charming as her protagonists. Watch for more titles in Morgenthaler's Moose Springs, Alaska series.

A grumpy diner owner and an adventurous waitress on her first vacation in years develop unexpected feelings in Morgenthaler's thoroughly entertaining debut. Graham Barnett hates running the Tourist Trap, his popular Moose Springs, Alas., establishment famous both for the gimmicky menu items ("Growly Bear" drinks and "reindeer dogs") and Graham's surly behavior, which the wealthy visitors to the nearby resort find inexplicably charming. He would much prefer to spend his time working on his chain saw sculptures. But as soon as he locks eyes with the "adorably dorky" Zoey Caldwell, who's saved up tip money for years for a two-week Alaskan adventure, Graham puts aside both art and business to spend time with her as her tour guide. Though their relationship hits an early hurdle when Zoey mistakes a chainsaw-wielding Graham for a murderer and kicks him in the groin, the chemistry between the two builds at a satisfying pace. Morgenthaler's descriptions of the scenery are majestic, and her delineation of the friction between the townspeople and the tourists is well done. The quirky supporting characters, including a truck-humping moose, add charm. This sweet, funny tale is sure to win Morgenthaler many fans. Agent: Sara Megibow, KT Literary. (May)

DEBUT Zoey Caldwell has longed dreamed of an Alaskan vacation, and after years of saving she's finally going. Inspired by her friend Lana's year adventures to Moose Springs, Zoey arrives excited and ready for her Alaskan adventure. On her first day in Moose Springs she meets grumpy Graham Barnett who, much to his chagrin, runs an extremely popular diner. Graham is immediately charmed by Zoey, and the two are often thrown together over Zoe's two weeks in town, either by circumstance, or at Graham's insistence. Exploring Moose Springs and the surrounding area with Zoey gives Graham fresh perspective, and he realizes maybe tourists aren't so bad after all. Zoey falls hard for not only Moose Springs, but its grumpy diner owner as well. VERDICT Morganthaler's debut is an utterly delightful romance with humor, small-town high jinks, and protagonists who share great chemistry.--Claire Brown, Red Deer P.L., Alberta, Canada

When Zoey Caldwell finally embarks on her dream trip to Alaska, she already knows that she is going to love the land and the sights that her rich friend has been raving about for years. What she does not expect is for Graham Barnett, the grouchy diner proprietor who genuinely dislikes most people in general and his customers in particular, to take an interest in helping her, especially in light of her prodigious itinerary. Morgenthaler's secondary characters, both locals and tourists, are hilarious and create plenty of opportunities for Zoey and Graham to grow closer out of shared attraction and embarrassment over the unrepentant meddling. Morgenthaler's dialogue is often laugh-out-loud funny, but she also knows how to write characters who will find a place in the reader's heart. As she imbues a familiar premise with infectious joy, good humor, and plenty to swoon over, her vivid descriptions of Alaska in the summertime are as charming as her protagonists. Watch for more titles in Morgenthaler's Moose Springs, Alaska series. Copyright 2020 Booklist Reviews.

DEBUT Zoey Caldwell has longed dreamed of an Alaskan vacation, and after years of saving she's finally going. Inspired by her friend Lana's year adventures to Moose Springs, Zoey arrives excited and ready for her Alaskan adventure. On her first day in Moose Springs she meets grumpy Graham Barnett who, much to his chagrin, runs an extremely popular diner. Graham is immediately charmed by Zoey, and the two are often thrown together over Zoe's two weeks in town, either by circumstance, or at Graham's insistence. Exploring Moose Springs and the surrounding area with Zoey gives Graham fresh perspective, and he realizes maybe tourists aren't so bad after all. Zoey falls hard for not only Moose Springs, but its grumpy diner owner as well. VERDICT Morganthaler's debut is an utterly delightful romance with humor, small-town high jinks, and protagonists who share great chemistry.—Claire Brown, Red Deer P.L., Alberta, Canada

A grumpy diner owner and an adventurous waitress on her first vacation in years develop unexpected feelings in Morgenthaler's thoroughly entertaining debut. Graham Barnett hates running the Tourist Trap, his popular Moose Springs, Alas., establishment famous both for the gimmicky menu items ("Growly Bear" drinks and "reindeer dogs") and Graham's surly behavior, which the wealthy visitors to the nearby resort find inexplicably charming. He would much prefer to spend his time working on his chain saw sculptures. But as soon as he locks eyes with the "adorably dorky" Zoey Caldwell, who's saved up tip money for years for a two-week Alaskan adventure, Graham puts aside both art and business to spend time with her as her tour guide. Though their relationship hits an early hurdle when Zoey mistakes a chainsaw-wielding Graham for a murderer and kicks him in the groin, the chemistry between the two builds at a satisfying pace. Morgenthaler's descriptions of the scenery are majestic, and her delineation of the friction between the townspeople and the tourists is well done. The quirky supporting characters, including a truck-humping moose, add charm. This sweet, funny tale is sure to win Morgenthaler many fans. Agent: Sara Megibow, KT Literary. (May)