I’m a fan of Paul White’s writing and eagerly read any new release. Most of his books are suspenseful thrillers. This “Bite Size Read” I recently dove into offers a new side to this creative author.

Set in a small community on a Scottish island, the tale centers around a man who wants to escape the big city filled with bustling masses. How many of us have felt the same way sometime in our busy lives? I immediately connected with this “Everyman”.

White’s descriptions of the island are vivid; open skies, fluffy white clouds, and the scent of the sea. His words evoke a sense of freedom and the variety of nature. Although he has never gardened he decides to embark on this new adventure. As any city dweller in the twenty-first century is apt to do, he surfs the web in search of advice, compiling a list of the necessary items to perform his task. Soon he realizes he will need a shed to store the tools and supplies and makes up his mind to build a structure. That brings us to the title of this tale.

Assuming the undertaking would be simple he sets to the task. Five attempts later he acknowledges he will need experienced assistance. He scribbled a help wanted note on a card and placed it in the window of the post office. In short time he received a response from a native islander named Jude. About a week later Jude arrived. With ‘solid muscles’, a biker jacket, and facial jewelry she presents a surprising vision. White tosses in some hearty laughter at this point. I visualized the encounter and it definitely tickled my funny bone.

What follows is both humorous and heartwarming. Armed with Jude’s positive review the community joined together to build a sturdy shed. White provides some delightful twists i didn’t anticipate. All in all this is an amusing and positive tale of a man who makes his dream come true. It’s never corny or overwrought, but warm and engaging. Once again, Paul White has a winner.