The Undertaker's Daughter by Kate Mayfield

Historical Fiction - 3.5 stars

Sold as a cross between Six Feet Under and The Help, The Undertaker's Daughter is Kate Mayfield's memoir about growing up in 1960s Jubilee, Kentucky in her home that doubled as a mortuary. Her father served as the undertaker as well as the town ambulance driver, and Kate enjoyed every minute she spends with him. She wouldn't, however, spend time in the embalming room.

Mayfield weaves various relationships into the story, from Ms. Agnes, the eccentric older "lady in red," to her bipolar and sometimes violent sister, Evelyn. Subject matter spans many topics, including the argument for concrete vs. metal vaults, desegregation, and small town politics. It is obvious that her father was an alcoholic and a philanderer, but was her favorite person in the world. Poignant and often funny, I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good, interesting read, especially book clubs.

The Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson

Fiction - 2 stars

Our April Book Club selection, The Yada Yada Prayer Group, redeemed itself in the end. However, for the first 1/3 of the book I wavered between disgust with the main character (Jodi) and her judgmental, uber-controlling ways and impatience with the lack of storyline. Once I got past the "introductions," the story was somewhat decent, and Jodi definitely grows as a result of her experiences. However, she was still controlling and annoying. This is definitely a book for readers who are interested in stories of "girl power" and not really for people who want an intellectual discussion. That being said, it sparked the best book club discussion we've had. I would only recommend it if you want a really light read about the power of women supporting each other.

First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen

Fiction - 3.5 stars

Sarah Addison Allen is the master of the light, feel-good read. I love her stories of women finding themselves in small-town Southern towns. This story started in Garden Spells, the story of Claire and Sydney Waverly and their struggles with the Waverly heritage. 

In First Frost, the story of the Waverly brood continues. Claire has transformed her catering business into a candy business, but she is not completely happy. Meanwhile, Sydney struggles with her daughter Bay's interest in a forbidden friendship and her own inability to have another child. The best thing about a Sarah Addison Allen book is that all of these problems are resolved and it ends with hope. I recommend it as a bedtime or beach read.

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

Fiction - 3.5 stars

Sage Singer is a baker for a reason. She works at night to escape people, her own loneliness, the guilt from a hidden relationship, and the memory of her mother’s death.Her constant reminder, a significant facial scar, is her constant companion. Sage meets Josef Weber, an elderly man in Sage’s grief support group, and they strike up an unlikely friendship. They see past each others' scars, and they grow comfortable together.

Everything changes when Josef asks Sage for an unimaginable favor. The request begins a story of horror and heartbreak, and through it, Sage begins a journey of self-discovery that will make her realize who she really is. 

I really liked this book. Though the subject matter is tough (the Holocaust), it is an interesting and easy read. I would recommend it for a book cub read.