Newly Published: Rush by Lisa Patton

Lisa Patton totally won me over with her first novel, Whistin' Dixie in a Nor'Easter several years ago now.  I loved the novel about Leelee Satterfield who relocated to Vermont with her husband and two young daughters to run a small inn, new to the job of running a bed and breakfast, new to the winter weather of the Northeast, and new to the fact that her husband was cheating on her and left her to figure things out on her own.

Patton has written two more novels since then, and I am always sad when I turn the last page.  Rush is Patton's fourth novel, and I am hoping it is the one that will make her books must-read titles for many women.

Taking place at Ole Miss, Patton's novel transported me to this southern campus steeped in the tradition of Greek sororities and fraternities and the rush process.

Three women take turns narrating this story.  Cali is a college freshman, away from home for the first time and the grandparents who raised her. She is smart and kind and wants desperately to be in a sorority, but doesn't have the pedigree or the connections that will ensure this. She also has a few family secrets that she doesn't want anyone to know.

Wilda is an Ole Miss alum who can't believe her good luck that Lilith Whitmore, the president of the Alpha Delta Beta sorority has contacted her and wondered if their daughters would like to room together at Ole Miss.  Lilith has ulterior motives in mind, but Wilda is so blinded by the interest from this new, wealthy friend that she quickly agrees to anything Lilith suggests, only to realize how truly devious she is after it is nearly too late to get away from her.

And Miss Pearl has been taking care of the Alpha Delta Beta girls for years.  She's the housekeeper at the sorority house, but she treats the girls just like they are her own. She's got dreams for her future, but her job always leaves her barely able to make ends meet, and when she has an opportunity to finally achieve her dreams there are a few things that stand in her way.

I loved the way these stories played out.  Southern fiction is always something I enjoy and the fact that this is set on a college campus is another aspect I loved about it.  Even though Lilith is a rather deplorable character, I enjoyed reading about the beautifully decorated dorm room, the designer brands she wore and the impressive parties she threw.  

Wilda is the character I could most identify with and I loved her chapters  - especially when she finally wised up to Lilith's behavior.  

This book feels a little bit like The Help by Kathryn Stockett and was an absolute delight to read.  The 2018-19 school year is now upon us as are college football games, so The Rush is a perfect fall read, although I guarantee it can be enjoyed year round.