Kiki Vogel – Living Vibrantly!

The Potluck Catering Club – A Taste of Fame – Authored by Linda Evans Shephard and Eva Marie Everson

I am not typically a reader of fiction. However, I read this one and I need to be honest… I really enjoyed this story. As a fan of American Idol – I found the fact that we were “behind the scenes” of a reality show with a group of women of varying ages an interesting and fun read.

It’s unique in that this group of ladies, living in their smaller, quiet town sign off on paperwork for one of their college-aged kids doing an assignment. As such, they didn’t take the signing of the paperwork very seriously and quickly learn that they were in fact now part of a reality show which would require them to go to New York City and compete if they were voted through.

Each chapter is told by different women in the group. I enjoyed getting to know each one individually and see how they are viewing all that is going on and how they bring their beliefs into play in different situations. I began to relate to each woman based on my own personality and it was interesting to see what the other women were actually thinking through the different situations that arose, and of course their personal thoughts about each other.

I also noticed that like real life – each woman had things going on in her life that weren’t really public knowledge to everyone in the group. It was a gentle reminder to myself that you need to keep in mind that everyone you meet is likely dealing with something, just getting over something or may just be heading into something that can be life changing. It gives you a different perspective on personality quirks, or moods you encounter with others you connect with. I was actually able to relate to a few of the characters and I love when I am able to do that as it makes it all the more interesting.

I don’t want to give away the story but I will tell you that there is mystery, personal stories, bad guys, and crises that play out as they are dealing with the reality show drama and it keeps it very interesting throughout.

With reality shows, it seems every season the badmouthing about the contestants and the accusations of a show being “fixed” are ever present. That too played out in this story. I noticed that when things were really starting to possibly tear them apart – one of the women would pause and remind them that they were friends, in this together and that they should pray for the situation. Another good reminder!

I found myself rooting for the women of The Potluck Catering Club to win the show! If they won – the money was going to help their church. That made everything these ladies had to deal with all the more frustrating.

There is a bonus in this book too. I really liked the fact that several of the recipes that are mentioned in the storyline are included at the end of the book. Each recipe has “notes” from one of the characters. The recipes are easy to make, with familiar ingredients; some are new and I like that.

My eleven year old daughter LOVES to cook so she has tested a few of the recipes. Peppermint Patty Brownies were an instant favorite, but there are many great recipes in this book that will surely tempt you!

Go get the book, brew a hot pot of coffee, have a brownie, and enjoy this great story – I really enjoyed the book, it was a great Sunday afternoon read and reminded me that every once in a while it’s nice to take a break!

“Available September 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”