FRIENDSHIP CAKE

Author: Lynne Hinton ISBN: 9781615588541 05/2002 FICTION Publisher: AVON A

When five women from the Hope Springs Community Church in North Carolina form a committee to create a church cookbook, they embark on a project much more meaningful than they could have ever imagined. As novice pastor Charlotte Stewart, no-nonsense Margaret Peele, maverick Louise Fisher, steadfast Jessie Jenkins, and busybody Beatrice Newgarden meet to share recipes, they begin to open their lives and hearts as well.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Lynne Hinton’s FRIENDSHIP CAKE reads like a story told by friends, to friends, over a cup of tea at the kitchen table. It never feels like the characters are “characters”; rather, the women whose voices tell these stories seem so real they might be anyone. One might be a mother or friend. Or, one might be the reader. Every woman brings real emotions, experiences, and opinions to the project set before them. And, one of the most charming parts, I think, is that each brings her own brand of humor. Even in the serious passages, there is love and humor. This book is a lot like life in that respect.

The “focus” of the book begins as a church project being undertaken by a small church in North Carolina. The idea of creating a community cookbook has been brought to the table. A committee has been formed, and recipes for the book solicited. That is the start of the revelation of the message of the book, that women’s friendships are unique and complex and, like good food, nourish the soul as well as the body.

One of my favorite passages in the book tells of how some women can—and do—manage to feed more mouths than there seems to be food to accomplish the task. The parallel between feeding the multitude with a  few fishes is obvious, and comforting. It is a truth; we have all seen a woman stretch her pantry to feed the unexpected who show up for dinner. I loved it that the book brought this point to light.

There isn’t anything not to love about this book. With its homey writing style and loveable characters (not to mention the fabulous recipes!), it is sure to be a favorite!

Kay James