Invasion of the Widows' Club

Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (05/07) There are few females as charming - or as deadly when insulted - as the ladies from the South. Joyce Livingston's "The Invasion of the Widows' Club" is one of those books which showcase the earlier statement in all its "gory glory." Part romance, part mystery -- but all of it delicious, sparkling fun. This wonderfully chatty book takes us to Nashville, where Valentine Denay just founded a new chapter of the Red Hat Society. Since quite a few of her friends are widows just like herself, they've decided to limit the membership to widows only. Although Valentine is a widow, she has a man in her life, and a rather wonderful one at that. Robert is a widower himself and he truly cares for Valentine. He would love to marry her, yet Valentine is reluctant to do so. Her first marriage was wonderful and she still feels strongly tied to her past. Will Robert wait for Valentine? Or will he be swept away by somebody else, maybe even Val's next door neighbor, the pretty and perky Barbie? While Barbie is plotting to get her hands on Robert, she offers her hospitality to a newcomer, Diamond Jansen. Diamond and Barbie hit it off from the very start, but soon strange things start to happen in Barbie's house. Who is telling the truth? Who is lying? Will Valentine find out soon enough? Joyce Livingston's "Invasion of the Widows' Club" is a fast-moving, charmingly chatty story with just enough unexpected twists to keep it interesting, but not too heavy. The characters are believable and likeable. The story is fun to read, yet it also delivers a few important life lessons. I would highly recommend this book to any female reader, regardless of age. I am certain there is enough fun in it for all ages.

I loved Livingston's first book, The Widow's Club, so I was anxiously awaiting this one and didn't read the back cover before I dove in. The mystery and light suspense caught me by surprise--pleasantly so. Val's nemesis from high school, Barbie Baxter, is back in force and up to her usual shenanigans. The secondary characters, Val's cul-de-sac friends, Reva and Sally, are also back, coping with the trials of widowhood and single-parenting. Their subplots enhance the main plot seamlessly. The spiritual thread is well developed and happens naturally without intruding on the story, although I found Val to be a tad more forgiving than I might have been in the same situation. What situation, you might ask? Well, you'll have to pick up a copy and read it for yourself. No spoilers here. The Invasion of the Widows Club is a fun read--perfect for an afternoon in the hammock with a tall glass of cold lemonade. Perchance is there a third Widow's Club in the future? I hope so. I haven't seen enough of Valentine and her friends. Reviewed by Ane Mulligan [...]