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Thursday, February 4, 2016

Review of The Secret To Hummingbird Cake


   
 
 

From goodreads.com:


The Secret To Hummingbird Cake by Celeste Fletcher McHale.

In the South you always say “yes, ma’am” and “no, ma’am.” You know everybody’s business. Football is a lifestyle not a pastime. Food—especially dessert— is almost a religious experience. And you protect your friends as fiercely as you protect your family— even if the threat is something you cannot see.

In this spot-on Southern novel brimming with wit and authenticity, you’ll laugh alongside lifelong friends, navigate the sometimes rocky path of marriage, and roll through the outrageous curveballs that life sometimes throws . . . from devastating pain to absolute joy. And if you’re lucky, you just may discover the secret to hummingbird cake along the way.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to read and review from Thomas Nelson Publishers.  The opinions are my own.

A sensitive story of three very close friends and part their lives. One of the main characters has cancer and we struggle, along with the friends, with her disease.
The three friends are Carrigan, Laine and Ella Rae. There are other important characters in the book and all are a special part of the book.

I warn those who have lost a loved one or close friend, it is a hard read so keep the tissues handy. I lost my husband to this disease and found it especially hard to read but real in so many places in the book.

I am not sure if most of us has this kind of friendship but we would wish we did. I did like the book and the closeness of the characters.

It is Southern in the book and will remind the readers of things they also did when they were young. The characters are in their 30s.

There are laughs. Carrigan asks the minister if he knew the difference between Catholics and Baptists.  He said he did not. "Catholics  speak to each other in the liquor store. "   "He was not amused."  I  am from a small West Texas town and remember the boys climbing the water tower and marking it.  I am also a Catholic and know the Baptists are strong in their beliefs about liquor and cards. The Baptists in my town were sure our priest sinned as he played cards.

The Secret of the Hummingbird Cake will come in the book; keep reading. My mother made this cake often.

I have decided to give it a 5 star rating.
One thing I have found are the words " No time limit on grief" are true.
There are discussion questions at the back of the book.
One question is: " Do you think food actually tastes better if you prepare for those you love?"


Paperback, 304 pages
Expected publication: February 9th 2016 by Thomas Nelson
Celeste Fletcher McHale may be reached at www.celestefletchermchale.com
Leona Olson