In the tradition of Kate Jacobs and Lolly Winston comes a deeply felt, utterly charming novel of three newfound friends and the unexpected gift that will change their lives.
In the quiet community of Avalon, Illinois, Julia Evarts wonders how to move on with her life. Though her husband and five-year-old daughter give her an abundance of love, Julia still reels from a tragedy that has left her estranged from the sister who was once her best friend. Meanwhile, across town, widow Madeleine Davis takes great pleasure in serving up delectable treats and cozy comforts at her tea salon—now, if only she had some customers to enjoy them. And famed concert cellist and recent Avalon transplant Hannah de Brisay finds herself at a crossroads when her career and marriage come to abrupt ends.
The three strangers forge a friendship at Madeleine’s Tea Shop, and soon their camaraderie extends to everyone in Avalon in the guise of a unique and wonderful gift. But even as Julia becomes ever closer to her new friends, she realizes the profound necessity of confronting the painful past she shares with her sister.
Life and loss, friendship and community, food and family: Friendship Bread tells a spirited, remarkably moving tale about the triumph of hope.
>> Read an excerpt here.
>> Listen to an excerpt here.
>> Find discussion questions here.
>> Discover Amish Friendship Bread recipes here.
Praise
Winner of the 2012 About.com Reader’s Choice Award for Best Novel About Friendship
“Charming.”
—Ladies’ Home Journal
“An engrossing story about a small town and lives transformed.”
—Miami Herald
“Perfect for the book-club circuit and beyond.”
—Kirkus
“With heart and soul, Darien Gee has crafted a charming story of love, friendship, tragedy, and the surprising ways healing weaves its way through a small town.”
—New York Times bestselling author Beth Hoffman
“A vivid, tender portrait of friends, a window into the intricacies of friendship itself.”
—New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice
“You’ll root all the way as these characters stumble toward forgiveness, understanding, and, ultimately, celebration. Friendship Bread is a perfect book club selection.”
—New York Times bestselling author Kate Jacobs
“Darien Gee’s virtuoso storytelling kept me turning pages—and wishing I lived in Avalon.”
—New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer
“Comforting, warm and delicious.”
—New York Times bestselling author Jane Green
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