Meanwhile, Velma, the part-time janitor at Jerusalem Baptist Church and owner of the town diner, listens, journals her thoughts, and cooks her way through her problems. Her first-person narrative is told without illusions, without glossing over the grit and the grime of her customers' faults and foibles. She sees the people in Leeway through the lens of love and observes, "Love is 10 times as complicated as hate. And forgiveness will tear you limb from limb." It's forgiveness that gives the book its sure-to-shock, knock-your-socks-off, surprising twist at the end. Strong themes, including domestic violence, compassion, and the healing power of prayer, make this a compelling novel you won't be able to put down--and that you'll want to share with a friend. Delicious recipes from Velma's Place are the dessert at the end of each chapter and strike a light note in the midst of heavy themes. --Cindy Crosby
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