Lost Lake

This book seems a little less polished than some of Allen's earlier works, perhaps because of her recent bout with breast cancer, but that doesn't take away any of the enjoyment. Nobody does it better when it comes to light magical realism and upbeat Southern women's fiction. Although I am primarily a romance reader, I have to admit that my favorite relationship in the book was the complicated friendship between the man-eater Selma and elderly Bulahdeen. These characters were responsible for the only real surprise in the book as well.

I hope and pray that Allen's remission lasts and that she is able to continue writing in her unique voice.