Set in Panacea, 'Confetti' gives a nod to author's previous 'Surf Dog' | Book Review
If you’re looking for a delightful deviation from world events and negative news, then throw your hands up and dive into the novel "Bring Your Own Confetti," by Zelle Andrews (independently published, 2022).
"Bring Your Own Confetti is the third and final book in the Paisley series. While the book stands on its own, you’ll regret not reading the two before: "Paisley Memories: The Beginning of Me" and "Dancing with Dandelions: The Beginning of Us."
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Confetti continues portraying the life of Tess Cooper, her daughter Paisley, Tess's new husband Aaron McCallister, and other beloved characters from the previous books in the Paisley series. Tess learns that Paisley has a heart condition that may require surgery, and while she does not want to contact Paisley’s father, she needs to inquire about his medical history.
You can count on Andrews to paint pictures rich in detail and description like you can count on hearing the sizzle of bacon in a skillet. Set in Panacea, Florida, the reader is treated to small town Southern charm and traditional pastimes such as the Wakulla County Swine Show and pig scramble and walking along the shore at the iconic St. Marks Lighthouse.
Bacon-bit and Apalachicola
The “awws” and smiles start at the Prologue where Andrews artfully conveys the sentiments of her main character, Tess, describing motherhood at its core. “If I had one wish for my Paisley, it would be for her to live a long, happy, and healthy life, and when she lays her head on her pillow at night, to know without a doubt, she’s loved beyond measure.”
Andrews writes knowing the South is ripe with the salt of manual labor, sawmills, and woodworking shops. She masterfully uses humor and dialect to keep readers engaged and amused. “Barbecue lips,” “hiccup marathon,” and my personal favorite, “eight no-ways, one hell-no, and one maybe” solidify southern charm and amiable atmosphere.
Even her reference to a rescued pig: “What’s the story with Bacon-bit?” and talking to the pig, asking her to turn her back when she’s about to eat a pork chop, are just a few lines guaranteed to keep you smiling as you read.
Andrews explores her northern Florida setting well; readers familiar with the area will recognize the reference to a seafood restaurant in nearby Apalachicola.
Anyone who has ever eaten in a Southern restaurant will identify with and be entertained by the exchange of waitress and cook. “Drop some pups in the grease.” “They already swimmin’.” (For readers not from the South, don’t worry; the “pups” in question are hushpuppies.)
A nod to 'Surf Dune' book
Andrews wittingly gives a nod to her third novel, one she penned before Confetti was released — "The Adventures of Surf Dude: The Dog of Ochlockonee Bay" (Turtle Cove Press, 2021). In travels from Panacea to Tallahassee, Tess notices a yellow blur dart across the road by the water tower while driving on Surf Road.
One of my favorite passages occurs early in the book. Tess is yard sale shopping (“Once a thrifty girl, always a thrifty girl”) and she describes an old oak dining room table as her “best find so far”:
“It was damaged, with a large groove down the middle. It’s what drew me to it. It reminded me of a battle scar, and we’d both been through a war and survived. Just because something shows wear doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve love.”
Tess is not the only one to share layers of depth. Heartfelt musings from other characters, such as Aaron, are carefully stacked between conversations: “Taxes and Sudoku were created by the devil, so don’t ask me anything about them, but I know people: People are either happy or they’re not, and if you listen carefully, it’s pretty easy to figure out which it is.”
The author even lovingly injects her knowledge of raising a daughter with Down syndrome and captures the essence and playfulness of Tess’s daughter, Paisley, with dialogue that is genuine and heartfelt.
“Mama, are you happy? You look sad all the time.”
“You’re mistaking tiredness for sadness….”
“When I’m tired, I look tired. You look sad.”
Ah, the wisdom, innocence, and perception of children.
While Bring Your Own Confetti is not my normal go-to for reading material, I found myself quite drawn to the relatability of a young woman overcoming struggles and finding joy in the new life she created for herself – bumps and bruises, scars and all.
If you’re looking for a touching story of a mother’s love, the love of a good man, and the bonds of friendship, then be ready to celebrate and enjoy Confetti.
Suzan E. Zan is an award-winning author and poet, and Immediate Past President of the Tallahassee Writers Association. Her most recent publication, From Suffering to Salve: My Journey to Happiness (Turtle Cove Press, 2021) won Silver at the Florida Authors and Publishers Association’s 2021 President’s Book Awards.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 'Confetti' charms with picture of Panacea family's ups and downs
