Martimsreynolds.com

COMPELLING …

“Being a drummer with experience in how touring in a rock band can grind you down, the book premise quickly pulled me in… The book is a compelling fun and easy read with characters that are colorful and quirky-cool. I love the way the redeeiming ending brought it all together. I highly recommend The Chayotes to anyone.”

— Dave Smith, Drummer, Back Pages Band

ROLLICKING, PROVOCATIVE AND HUMOROUS

“Marti M. S. Reynolds’ debut novel, The Chayotes, is a rollicking, provocative, and humorous ride from LA to Monterey with a vital stop at a barn in a little beach town—a place where talented, misplaced musicians routinely gather to jam but never finish a song. Every chapter begins with a clever title, like “It Suddenly Got Very Drunk Out,” and every title is followed by an earworm, like “This is the Life” by Amy Macdonald. Page after page, Reynolds adds a new character, pet, or owl, and their stories entwine like the vines of a chayote plant. From the moment Thørnn, the rock star who drives a Lamborghini, trades places with Reggie, the drifter who rides a bike with a cart, the fun and pathos begin. As we follow Stone, Reggie, Lexi, Dewey, Johnny, and the others, it’s clear that Reynolds knows how to deliver a song and write a novel that blends the soul of blues with the thrill of rock and roll. The Chayotes is a concert in prose, and it’s worth the ticket price!”

— Irene M. Drago, award-winning author of Irish Timber, Lavinia Wren and the Sailmakers, The Maine Point, and Daughters of Long Reach

A WONDERFUL YARN!

“As half of an acoustic duo in the 60s/70s, I have an inside appreciation for this book. I love how you wove squash and dogs into the story!”

— Craig Nuttycombe, Songwriter, Musician & Recording Artist

ONE OF MY FASTEST READS

“If you measure success by the warm glow and lump in the throat after turning the last page, then you hit it out of the park.”

GREAT STORY, GREAT CHARACTERS

“Ms. Reynolds’ writing style is fun, witty and engaging, but her themes throughout the book are much deeper, touching on the dreams that we all have in youth that so often get lost in the daily shuffle of life but remain simmering beneath the surface. This is a story of taking risks, finding redemption, and most of all the healing and unifying power of music.”

— Maggie M., Contributing Reader

VIVID & ENTERTAIING

“The author’s detailed descriptions of people, places, and events are simply amazing! The images of colors, sounds, smells, along with the movements and language of the characters are vivid and entertaining. This is such a fun read with musical options on the side.”

— D. Weeks, Poet, Author of A Calming Collection

INCREDIBLY FUN READ

“The author gives the reader clever chapter titles and tailored playlist songs to ponder or listen to as you read. Her colorful cast of characters, all pursuing purpose and dreams, have adventurous and entertaining back stories. Their hope sprouts, culminating in a satisfying, uplifting ending.”

— M. Hackett, Retired Educator