Sometimes the answers to life’s hardest questions come from the least likely places… Jane Archer has been brought up right and done all the right things. She grew up in a straitlaced family, went to the right schools, got an advanced degree, taught high school biology, got married. So why does she find herself at the age of thirty-three, living alone in a distant Chicago suburb, her marriage and her career a failure, fearing she’s wasted a third of her life? Why is she working in a small-town grocery store and hanging out in a neighborhood bar full of people she thinks of as oddballs and losers, some lovable and some not so much? Trying to figure out how to reinvent herself, Jane is drawn into the lives of the ensemble of characters she meets at Sami’s, with unexpected and sometimes startling or tragic results. Are they the oddballs? Or is she? And is there any hope that at Sami’s she will find professional success or the love she’s been afraid to admit she longs for? Last Call at Smokey Row , a captivating novel by Pat Camalliere, beautifully portrays a slice of life from a recently bygone era, blending the mundane with the bizarre. Engaging and masterfully composed, Last Call at Smokey Row by Pat Camalliere is an easy-to-read yet sophisticated story tinged with nostalgia and familiarity. The novel explores multiple themes, including loneliness, self-discovery, friendship, and the fragility of life. Character development is outstanding, featuring a range of personalities from good-natured barflies to unexpected villains and people who feel familiar. The pace is smooth and consistent, which, combined with one of the most impressive writing styles I've ever encountered, creates a relatable and immersive read. Overall, it is a truly excellent work that will appeal to fans of various genres, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. — Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite Pat Camalliere's writing shines in her ability to create vivid, relatable characters. Camalliere's ability to balance humor, tragedy, and suspense is masterfully done. Her meticulous research is evident, and her passion for Lemont's history is undeniable. Last Call at Smokey Row is a reflection on human connection and the impact of our choices. With richly drawn characters and historical intrigue, this novel is a must read for fans of character-driven stories and local history. Camalliere's storytelling leaves a lasting impression, making this book a memorable addition to her repertoire. — Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite Last Call at Smokey Row by Pat Camalliere is a historical novel about a woman named Jane Archer. Jane moved to a small town, Lemont, Illinois, feeling lonely and out of place, with hopes of starting a new life. One day, a co-worker invites her to Sami's Saloon, although she feels a bit uncomfortable in such an environment. Jane shares her story of how Sami's Saloon changed her life and helped her find purpose. Her journey from feeling lost to finding purpose touched me; it showed how people can grow even after going through hard times. The writing is detailed with strong character development. The supporting characters all played a major role in making the book stand out. I recommend Last Call at Smokey Row by Pat Camalliere to readers who enjoy books about self-discovery, friendships, and finding a sense of belonging in unexpected places. — Reviewed by Mary Clarke for Readers' Favorite Last Call at Smoky Row tells of Jane, who finds herself alone and unloved in her early thirties, despite having followed the formula for a good life, getting a solid education and marrying appropriately. Ironically, the very place she hangs out and the characters she meets there form a foundation for new beginnings that sends Jane into a direction different from either the successful path she thought she was on or the downfall she thinks she's experiencing now. As Jane reviews the patrons of the bar, how they begin "dropping like flies," and the changing relationships and reputations that bind such disparate personalities together, readers enjoy a story steeped in character decisions and life experiences. It brings these oddballs to life, setting their courses in sync with events that propel them in new directions. Pat Camalliere's story is as much about growth and adaptation as it is about a woman's ability to reinvent her future from a present which looks decidedly different than any definition of a successful life that she's absorbed in the past. Readers seeking a story that moves its main characters from a seeming end of life to new beginnings will find Last Call at Smoky Row a thought-provoking tale of how change happens, relationships and connections form, and institutions as venerable and lowly as bars can become incubators for change. —Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services; Editor, Bookwatch; Author: San Francisco Relocated Interview with Pat Camalliere about Last Call at