If Carolyn Brown titles her book A HEAP OF TEXAS TROUBLE you can be sure that's what she will deliver. Every page is chock full of fun, craziness and mind blowing detailed chaos. I can't think of anyone who can use biblical quotes so irreverently and make me laugh out loud. And to think the catalyst for this humorous tale of small town life is none other than a pair of red bikini under-britches.

Carolyn Brown challenges her reader in A HEAP OF TEXAS TROUBLE in many very creative ways. First off you must get all the relationships straight -- match up mother and daughter and their unique styles. Next throw in a bunch of off the wall neighbors, townsfolk and friends from Cadillac Texas and let the fun begin.

It all starts with a cheating husband and escalates into a tradition breaking challenge. The Red Hot Chili Contest at the Jalapeno Jubilee will never be the same.

Sage wisdom flows easily among these feisty women -- young and old. Young women looking for the special guy -- you know the one that makes them sizzle and sigh. And the older set with a delightful mix of candor and lack of filter.

It starts out as Carlene discovers proof that her husband Lenny is having an affair -- rather simplistic but it was this moment that sets the scene for all that follows. At first Carlene's family seems rather split on her decision to kick him to the curb like the mangy dog he is. The holier the member the more intent on having her rethink her decision to go ahead with a divorce. But not to worry. Carlene's family and friends are on her side even when the road to divorce gets a little rocky. Lenny just doesn't want to go quiet into the night.

Carlene's cousin Alma Grace is very busy worrying about the sins visiting on a person who divorces regardless of the justification. But Alma Grace keeps waiting for her signs and true to Carolyn Brown's vintage humor you definitely want to stick around for that moment.

Just as a note -- A HEAP OF TEXAS TROUBLE was originally published as The Red-Hot Chili Cook-Off book two of the Cadillac series. This was a three book series but I assure you each story stands on its own although references folks in the other books. The Cadillac series introduced some of Carolyn Brown's best characters and in terms of situational comedy none can come even close.

Book Summary

(Originally published as The Red-Hot Chili Cook-Off.)

One woman's quest for chili perfection

Carlene Lovell is going to hit her no-good, deadbeat, cheatin' ass, soon-to-be ex-husband where it hurts: at the annual chili cook-off, which he's won for 10 years in a row. To win, though, she'll need more than a little help...

Is another man's second chance at love

Police Chief Jack Landry has been smitten with Carlene forever. Now that she needs some help keeping the peace (and getting revenge), it's his chance to prove that not all men are dogs....