ISBN: 9780738827421

Kimmy Gruber, envied for her good looks, wealth and perfect marriage, hides the pain of a lonely childhood and recent rape. Arlena Talbot, a single mother living with a drunken boyfriend … More...

Kimmy Gruber, envied for her good looks, wealth and perfect marriage, hides the pain of a lonely childhood and recent rape. Arlena Talbot, a single mother living with a drunken boyfriend and young son, possesses an undiscovered talent and a remarkable ability to help everyone except herself. When Kimmy and Arlena meet, Kimmy becomes fascinated by the trailer park in which Arlena lives, particularly the antics of some of its unusual residents. Warned by her husband, Jode, to 'stay clear of the trailer park,' Kimmy becomes obsessed with this strange world so near to her own home. When a series of brutal animal mutilations and a 'slowwitted' boy is murdered, Kimmy and Arlena launch their own investigation which, ironically, appears to implicate Kimmy's own husband.As more evidence emerges, Kimmy's marriage begins to crumble as Jode distances himself from her. But Arlena, sensing Kimmy's distress and determined to help her, drags Kimmy on late-night outings to do some 'detectivin.' Arlena feels indebted to Kimmy for it was she who discovered Arlena's talent and introduced Arlena to an art agent which ultimately brings her much success. Arlena also feels Jode is innocent and leads Kimmy on a hilarious search to unmask the true culprits. Incredibly, Arlena succeeds.The story's characters undergo self-doubt and rejection but through perseverance find their way in a complex and threatening world. Stereotypes are dispelled providing the opportunity for individuals to rise to their highest and lowest levels. THE JAR WOMAN ends on an upbeat and hopeful note without sacrificing the pain of reality as it lays bare the exhausting commitment of true friendship. The Jar Woman Mason, J. T., Xlibris Corporation<