Book Review: "The Potluck Club: Trouble's Brewing" by Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson

A second helping please

The Potluck ladies are back with more adventures and more food to share. In this go-round, once again each character has her own back story that takes special meaning in her life. Evie is trying to get attention of her sheriff boyfriend and somehow becomes engaged to another man! Goldie is trying to settle into her new single life, but her former husband keeps trying to win her back. Vonnie brings her long lost son to meet the family of the father he never knew while Donna seems to be catching his eye and that of reporter Clay. Lizzy's adult son has moved back home after being separated from his wife. And then there's Lisa Leann, whose wedding shop is a hit and she starts her own column with a little help from the tidbits she picks up around the store. The characters all intertwined through their potlucks which bring a sense of togetherness to the story.

Once again, I had a grand time while reading this book. It was funny, the characters were fleshed out more, annoying characters made no so annoying anymore, and lots of good food mentioned throughout. People are more open in this book and not afraid to speak what's on their mind. I was really glad that Lisa Leann's daughter put her foot down to her mother's advice column. I felt like it was about time someone put a stop to her gossiping ways and especially from someone who Lisa Leann would actually listen to. It might get confusing at first about who's who, but each character's story is every bit delicious as the recipes they offer. In the last book, I had complained about how Clay felt like an unnecessary character in the story. In this book, he's more apart of the story as we learn more about his personality. In fact, the reader becomes sympathetic towards him and his unrequited feelings toward Donna. The problem with the love triangle is that you want Donna to end up with Vonnie's son but you want Clay to feel happy too. I also wish that Goldie would be able to be free to move on with her life, but I don't think Jack will allow that. You definitely need some goodies while reading this book, because it will give you the munchies. Can't wait for the third!

The Potluck Club: Trouble's Brewing by Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson is published by Revell (2006)