Review of Elvis Takes a Back Seat by Leanna Ellis

Elvis Takes a Back Seat by Leanna Ellis


In this delightful, inspired novel a young widow, determined to fulfill her husbands last request loads up a three foot bust of Elvis strapped in the backseat of a vintage Caddy and travels from Texas to Memphis to return it to the rightful owner. Along with her “bohemian” aunt who personally knew the King of Rock ‘n Roll and a moody teenager who is hiding her own secret, these three women run into detours and roadblocks as they uncover pieces of their past and discover new dreams along the way.

Do not be fooled by the quirky cover or the catchy title. While I laughed out loud, I also found tears leaking from my eyes in many places. Ellis deals with deep emotions and serious subjects in a fresh new way.. Ellis created a fascinating cast of multilayer characters that appear real and compelling. Her characters are colorful, hopelessly flawed and wonderfully crafted.

ELVIS TAKES A BACK SEAT delves into letting go of our past; the struggles between our human nature and our spiritual nature; and having faith. This is down to earth, page-turning fiction full of family secrets and life truths on hard issues revealed in a unique and convincing way. I loved the Elvis humor and every chapter was titled by an Elvis song. I look forward to many more books by Leanna Ellis.