Check It Out Column for week of Feb. 8-14, 2009
Books for the Hungry Heart
By Kathy Stutzman, Community Relations Assistant
Valentine’s Day is approaching and love and food just seem to magically go together. In the last
few years some interesting book series have been written weaving food, mystery, and romance
together. Some refer to them as “foodie fiction”. They feed not only your soul but your culinary
appetite as well.
A new favorite of mine is the inspirational Pot Luck Club series written by Linda Evans
Shepherd and Eva Marie Anderson. Filled with the hilarious adventures of a group of female
friends the books take you on a roller coaster ride of fun, danger and romance, not counting
mouth-watering recipes. These are great books waiting to be devoured.
The Potluck Club. The first book in the series begins with a group of six women meeting
together for prayer and potluck. The women are real, experiencing funny and heartbreaking
events together. Each character has a background story that they try to keep secret from the
others. Delectable recipes for dishes such as beef brisket, cinnamon rolls and broccoli casserole
are included.
Trouble’s Brewing. Time for seconds as juicy secrets add turmoil to the women’s lives. A self-
appointed matchmaker and devoted gossip, one friend is stirring up trouble among the Club
members. Read as troubles boil over and someone has one too many suitors.
The Potluck Club Takes the Cake. Continued excitement as The Potluck Club returns with a
third helping of friendship, heart-pounding danger and fun. Lots of twists and turns as one friend
worries about tying the knot. Includes to-die-for recipes.
The Secret’s in the Sauce. The women decide to start a catering business that is threatened by
personal problems. Sprinkled with humor, drama and food. Recipes include Texas hash,
Southern pecan pie, and pineapple muffins.
Other series that include recipes are the scrapbooking mysteries series by Laura Childs set
against the backdr