Summary
When Eddie Love took a 23andMe DNA test, he thought the results would tell him whether he had Irish or French or German roots. What he didn't realize is that he'd find out that the man who he thought was his father was not his father. Thus began a multi-year caper to find out not only who Eddie's real father was, but what happened (besides, you know, the obvious).
Eventually, Eddie lassoed his friend Christina into helping him solve his mystery and document their journey. Their adventure took them deep into Orange, Texas, where elderly residents eventually came clean with secrets they'd been keeping for decades.
Told through narrative, emails and interviews, "The Saint, The Sinner(s) and Eddie" is a quirky, true story about family, lies and friendships (plus a handful of dogs, countless bowls of gumbo, one pawnshop wedding and more half siblings than you can count).
Press
Houston PRess
Nov 5, 2018 - Jesse Sendejas Jr
Frank’s Pizza Owner Solves His Own Small-town Mystery in New Book
Eddie Love might be the most reserved successful business owner you’d ever encounter. Although he runs one of downtown Houston’s most beloved spots, Frank’s Pizza, and its popular neighboring watering hole, Frank’s Backyard, he’s the last to seek out the spotlight for these booming ventures.
So, it may be a little surprising that this self-described “quiet and shy” businessman has co-authored a tell-all book about his life. More to the point, the book – titled The Saint, The Sinner(s) and Eddie: The True Story of A Small-Town Texas Secret – is about recent, unusual events in Love’s life, a life that required re-examination following an ancestry test Love took on a whim.
He and co-author Christina Ledbetter, who shouldered most of the writing chores, met at Frank’s Backyard to discuss the work, which was published independently through Amazon and released in July. Ledbetter says she’s primarily written blogs and book reviews for Associated Press, but has never written a book until now. For two years, she shelved all her freelance work to focus on telling Love’s story. It’s a personal story about family and identity, but it hits universal and timely themes like gender politics, small-town morality and the expanding role of DNA testing in everyday life. It’s also a humorous, poignant and entertaining read that works as a two-part mystery…
Full story here: Frank’s Pizza Owner Solves His Own Small-town Mystery in New Book
Reviews
“5 Stars - Achingly funny and haunting...
I loved this book! It pulls you into a small East Texas town, another world and life, (willingly) dragging you along on Eddie’s search for familial acceptance. Eddie’s search is without anger, self pity, exasperation, or judgement, characteristics foreign to most of us. I want a sequel.”
“5 Stars - Love, Lost & Found...
The story and delivery style will draw you in and keep you turning pages until the end. I love true stories and this one may make you question everything you think you know about your own family history! Jump in and hang on, it’s a bumpy ride with a warm and wonderful resolution. Enjoy!”
“5 Stars - A wild ride! Great writing style. Loved it...
I rarely write reviews only because I write for work and read too many books. But I did have to make a quick comment. Read this book in a few hours. Hysterical. Eddie has my kind of humor. Just not right! Christina uses a few different writing styles in the book which allows it to read well and make it a hoot! Her side comments really add to the story. And what a story it is! ...”
“5 Stars - Could not put down!...
Great entertaining read. I can’t believe all this happened in the small town of Orange, Texas. The writing keeps you hooked and involved in the lives of Eddie and his family. It feels like you are taken on the journey with them figuring out the mystery.”
“5 Stars - Totally Spell-Binding...
Fascinating read. Literally could not put the book down once I got started. Intriguing account of a man’s unrelenting quest for the truth as he unravels a series of clues to reveal his actual identity. Really captivating if you’re into scandal, surprise, decades-long family secrets and endless twists and turns. And by the way, Orange, Texas will never be the same!”
“5 Stars - Thoroughly enjoyed this book...
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! I felt as if they were right in my house telling me the story as it unfolded. Pretty crazy story!! Well written.”
See more reviews on Amazon.com and Facebook.
Order
"The Saint, The Sinner(s) and Eddie" is available on Amazon.com:
* order page (link to ebook and paperback on amazon.com)
Photos
Some of the people, places and things mentioned in the book.
Edwin and Rachel vacationing in Havana, Cuba in 1956 about a year before Eddie was born.
Edwin (Mr. Orange) loving his attention getting KOGT van.
“Lovell” kids “Glenna”, “Mickey”, Eddie & “Tully” at home.
Eddie & Mary in 1961. Eddie says, "Mary was always good to me. Loved her dearly."
Uncle Hugh (formerly referred to as Alcatraz Inmate 444) in 1963 next to his baby blue '57 Chevy.
Rachel, on a rare trip home from the hospital, with her kids “Mickey”, Eddie, “Tully” & “Glenna”.
Vertically challenged Eddie from Jr. High School annual.
April Fools’ Day (1989) at the pawn shop. Ted Kipperman, Eddie & Debbie.
“Mickey”, “Lou”, Edwin & Eddie in 1994 at “Lou’s” house in Deer Park, TX. Rachel’s portrait in the background.
3 generations: Eddie, “Bobby” & “Robert” in 1998 at Eddie & Debbie’s house in Katy, TX.
A family reunion of sorts, outside of Frank’s Pizza in 2006, where the beer was flowing freely; “Wayne”, “Keith”, “Delores”, “Lou” & “Tully”.
“Cliff” at 3, 13 & 57 does, in fact, pose this way all the time.
Eddie & “Cliff” at the 2016 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
Eddie (Papa Ed) with granddaughter London; his willing accomplice in silliness.
Eddie, London (aka Dragon Slayer Extraordinaire) & Debbie (Mema).
Debbie and the dogs (Sonny, Sally & Sammy) in 2018 relaxing in the backyard.
Sally (the dog) and her namesake Sally (the Flying Nun) when they were young.
Sonny, Sally & Sammy; these dogs are NOT allowed on the couch.
You may notice the Swiffer handle on the couch. It prevents Sonny from getting on the couch… in theory.
Christina & Eddie, at Christina’s, early in the book writing process.
Christina and Eddie are still great pals and she’s hoping she gets to play herself in the movie version of their adventure.
Eddie back at his alma mater; Little Cypress Mauriceville. The football stadium, in the background, where he says he “played high school football about a million years ago.”
Eddie’s bread; all wrapped up and ready to go.
Eddie’s attempt at replicating Nanny’s uber-delicious banana cake. Looks? Not even close. Taste? Not too bad.
Edwin’s mother Nanny lived 96 years. She was 100% German, a devout Lutheran, and the world’s best cook (according to Eddie).
“Greg Phillips”, who turned out not to be Eddie’s grandson, Eddie & Debbie in front of Frank’s Pizza.
Eddie always enjoys meeting his new found relatives, like Ethel and Donnie.
Carol “Ingram’s” extensive genealogy research plays a pivotal role in this story.
Friday night at Frank’s Pizza in Downtown Houston.
Frank’s Backyard (beer and bourbon bar), the newest addition to the Frank’s Pizza family and right next door to Frank’s Pizza.
UPDATE:
Unfortunately, Frank’s Backyard did not survive the COVID 19 restrictions; permanently closing in April of 2020.
Ultimately, the Frank’s Backyard space was redesigned, remodeled, and reinvented as
Solecita ’Churreria y Taqueria’ serving authentic Mexican churros, tacos, tortas, frozen margaritas…
