IN THE LAND OF SECOND CHANCES

When a traveling salesman mysteriously appears in smalltown Ebb, Nebr., he quickly settles in at Wilma Porter's Come Again B&B and sets about solving all the problems plaguing Ebb's small social circle in this chatty, earnest novel. While no one fully believes that the impeccably dressed Vernon Moore has truly come to sell games of chance (there are no prospective buyers, for one thing), they are eager to keep him around for excitement and advice. Through a series of conversations over Wilma's down-home cooking, and at Calvin Millet's Department Store—a family establishment fast falling prey to bankruptcy and Wal-Mart takeover—Mr. Moore pitches philosophy and faith to Ebb's residents. During Mr. Moore's six-day stay, Millet develops plans to save his store and gains courage to discuss death with his terminally ill daughter; a rich investor chooses his community over himself; and a lonely divorcée finds romance. Busybody Wilma makes for a spunky narrator, but in this story of odds and uncertainty the stakes fall short. The conceit—hotshot stranger comes to town to talk sense to backward rural folk—is hoary and diminishes the otherwise colorful characters, especially when Mr. Moore's shaky logic and platitudinous pontificating go unchallenged. Agent, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. (Oct. 15)