A BAD DAY FOR SORRY - Sophie Littlefield

When Stella Hardesty simply couldn't take the physical abuse her husband doled out anymore, she fought back - with a wrench - and killed him. That left her with an inherited sewing shop and a reputation. She took on her second job to help other woman in abusive situations; in her off-hours, Stella makes sure abusive husbands and boyfriends stay away from her clients and on their best behavior. Since her moonlighting job isn't official, she's able to work outside the letter of the law if a situation demands it. Stella has to do just that when Chrissy Shaw believes her husband Roy Dean ran off with her son, Tucker. And in this particular case, playing outside the law results in a little more than Stella bargained for. If Stella can finagle herself and Chrissy out alive, she may encounter some potential waves, however, with the handsome sheriff, Goat Jones.

Folks, there's a new spitfire in town and her name is Stella Hardesty. And there's a new crime fiction star in town and HER name is Sophie Littlefield. A BAD DAY FOR SORRY is quite simply an amazing debut novel. Littlefield blends creative humor, fast-paced action and stellar characters together, adds just a pinch of romantic spark, and, boy, is the result explosive!

Stella Hardesty is truly a unique character for crime fiction. As she so eloquently enlightens the no-good Roy Dean, "...badass comes in all ages." Stella is in her 50s, spunky, funny and done taking crap from anyone. She tolerated an abusive marriage as long as she was going to and she's not about to let it happen again. And while she covets that "badass" reputation, she also harbors an amazing capacity for compassion. Littlefield illustrates Stella's extremes through independence, too. As a reader I appreciate a strong, smart, independent female protagonist. But even the strongest of any gender needs a little help every once in awhile. Stella doesn't need a "white knight" but she can definitely benefit from a "helping hand" once and again. Stella is a character who is going to surprise readers for years to come. And that is a very good thing.

Littlefield also has a knack with humor. Finding the funny in everyday situations and everyday people: their actions, their conversations. That's a big part of what makes this book come alive. From the crew at BJ's Bar to her teenage neighbor, Todd, to the crotchety old quilters; they are all dynamic and flawed and real; it's the richness of those characters that winds its way into the plot to meld everything together. Littlefield has created a symbiotic relationship between the characters, the setting and the plot; the elements of this novel simply don't exist separately.

A BAD DAY FOR SORRY is a masterpiece, and only the beginning for both new gals in town. If you haven't picked this book up yet, it's time to get your hands on a copy however you can!

A BAD DAY FOR SORRY is available in hardcover (ISBN: 978-0-312-55920-5) from St. Martin's Minotaur Books.