by Cathryn Conroy (Gaithersburg, Maryland): I laughed. I mean I really, really laughed out loud. Several times. And I cried. Oh, I needed a tissue or two. And not just once. This is just one of those books that hits every emotion.

And I loved it!

Written by Edward Kelsey Moore, this is the story of three longtime friends: Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean. They are now in their mid-fifties, but they met in high school in the 1960s and became inseparable. They were dubbed “The Supremes.” One of their favorite places to go—then and now—is Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat diner where lots of folks who live in the quiet little town of Plainview, Indiana also go. Good food, good gossip. But it’s more than that. It’s community, security, and solace.

And quite often, our three Supremes are the subject of that good gossip at Earl’s, like it or not. • Clarice, who is a superbly talented pianist, is married to Richmond, and Richmond has a very active love life—just not always with his wife. She has just about had it with him and his adulterous shenanigans. People are talking, and she is hurting.

• Barbara Jean, who was born to a single mother who had no idea who her daughter’s father was, grew up in poverty but married Lester, a wealthy entrepreneur who loves and adores his beautiful wife. But years ago, their only son, Adam, tragically died when he was eight years old. After Lester dies, too, Barbara Jean suffers both losses terribly, drinking far too much while she pines for a long lost love who has suddenly returned to town.

• Odette is very happily married to James, but she has a few problems of her own. In addition to frequently seeing and talking to the ghost of her dead mother, Odette receives a scary health diagnosis that she tries to keep secret—until she can’t.

Each of the three Supremes experiences great joys and great sorrows—just like in real life—and they are there for each other through it all, a testament to a friendship that has endured through the decades.

This is an engaging and captivating novel with colorful characters and often hilarious plot points. It is a little treasure and an absolute delight. Just like the dishes served at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat diner, this is a literary comfort food for the soul.

Just a note: When I bought this book, I thought it was ChickLit. It’s not. Men: If you want to understand women better, read this book.

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