If like most people you fell in love with Hinton's "Friendship Cake" and the ladies of Hope Springs Unity Church, you'll be equally enthralled with this sequel novel, about life in a small North Carolina community. Jessie, Margaret, Louise, Beatrice, and Charlotte return as the bonds of friendship unite them even closer.

Your spirits will be lifted and your heart will break when the tight group of women are tested by one of their members facing a deadly illness. See the "troops rally" as each of them find a way to help and comfort in their own unique ways, and how faith in God gives them the strength to overcome.

Hinton's style of warmth and humor continue in this second installment of the series, where she encourages all of us to "dig deep" within ourselves and determine what are the most important things in life.

This is a heart-warming read in Southern tradition, shouting volumes about everyday living and the bonds of friendship that ease the many bumps in the road of life.

You'll praise the Lord for having brought your spirit more alive and feel a part of this unique group of North Carolina Friends!