Friendship Cake

Hope Springs #1

by Lynne Hinton

“I would welcome a friendship with Lynne Hinton. I would welcome an invitation to sit down at her table, but mostly I would welcome her next book.”
—Maya Angelou   Lynne Hinton’s beloved bestselling classic, Friendship Cake,  is a beautiful, poignant, and funny novel of five small-town women friends that offers inspiring life lessons in faith, love, strength, survival, and community—as well as a host of delicious Southern recipes! A heartwarming delight reminiscent of Jan Karon’s New York Times bestselling Mitford books, Friendship Cake , in the words of Rita Mae Brown ( Rubyfruit Jungle ), “will give you plenty to chew over. Delicious!”

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Christian Fiction, Christian, Southern, Womens Fiction

222 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Lynne Hinton is the pastor of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The author of numerous novels including Friendship Cake, Hope Springs, Forever Friends, Christmas Cake, and Wedding Cake, she lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Reviews

[Lisa (Harmonybites) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, I feel like a sap for loving this so much, but I confess I did. And goodness, I have to give props for a book so moving it made me cry--more than once.

I give you fair warning. This is friendship cake indeed. Light and sweet enough to carry a label cautioning you about cavities and diabetic shock. A novel about five women: a young pastor of a Christian church in North Carolina and four of her elderly parishioners in a graying congregation. We get to know each in turn in the five introductory chapters in their own voices, although the rest of the novel is third person. Each chapter begins with a recipe, as each is part of a women's society committee in the church putting together a cookbook.

We first meet Margaret Peele, and her strong folksy voice drew me right in. A widow, Margaret is the sensible center of the church fellowship. Childless herself, young people are drawn to her willingness to listen and help. Louise Fisher is the woman who dares speaks out on those things others would ignore. Never married, she's a woman whose heart has long been given to another woman, her best friend of decades who is dying of Alzheimers. Beatrice Newgarden, a widow with three grown children, is a meddlesome busybody--but someone who at the core has a good heart, and initiates the cookbook project because she hopes it can bind them all together--as friends. Jessie Jenkins is the one black member of the otherwise "all-white" church. A mother and grandmother long separated from the husband who abandoned her years ago. Their pastor Reverend Charlotte Stewart is new to the church. She's straight out of seminary and well aware the only reason she was hired is because the church can't afford to pay what a male preacher would demand. She was drawn into a Methodist church as a child because she as the "daughter of an alcoholic... longed for an hour without surprises."

I read this book because it was recommended on "The Ultimate Reading List" in the "Inspirational Fiction" section, which listed Christian Fiction. I'm not a believer, but that doesn't mean I didn't feel I couldn't learn or be moved by those of faith--I love CS Lewis, so I decided to give the list a shot. Five books listed were available in neighborhood book stores, including this one, and those were the ones I tried. I have to tell you, the others didn't put forth a form of Christianity I found the least admirable. Rather those books' worldview came across as cramped, narrow-minded, even bigoted. I have a feeling the other "Christian Fiction" authors would not like this book or Lynne Hinton, herself a Christian pastor. In fact several of them have pastors as characters resembling her Charlotte as their villains. I'm not claiming this as great literature. But I'm happy to be in the company of Maya Angelou, who said she'd welcome Hinton as a friend, and "welcome an invitation to sit down at her table"--because the vision she presents here, particularly in contrast to those other books, comes across as compassionate and wise.

[Elizabeth Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friendship Cake by Lynne Hinton has a very special place in my life on so many different levels. I have read it perhaps five times, and each time I have gleaned new treasures and appreciation for the stories shared.

Trigger warnings for the sudden death of a child, and for dementia related/hospice theme.

Friendship Cake is set in a rural North Carolina community church. The Women's Guild undertakes the compilation of a cookbook. The committee ladies gather recipes from church members. Each chapter begins with a recipe, and is then followed by a story featuring the cooks life.

I am drawn to this book, and the other books in the series, because I see myself, my community, and my friends in the stories told. While my life has unfolded in a deep South Texas community, I have asked myself some of the same questions...have faced hard choices.

Friendship Cake is character driven, and consists of snippets of the lives of the cookbook committee ladies. If you want action, this probably won't be your cup of tea. If you want light and fluffy, this book might make you think and feel about your own questions and choices.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it's not a genre I'm very familiar with-- stories of women, friendships, romance, food, set in the South-- I really enjoyed this book. It gave me both the comfort I was hoping for, while also surprising me by going both deeper and outside of the safe boundaries I was expecting. The author did a great job fleshing out each of the women, they felt so real, flawed but also striving to be a good friend. And the topics this book wrestled with-- homosexuality, racism, faith or lack there of, presence of God or lack there of, life and death, friendship, and yes, good food-- this is a community of friends and faith I would love to be a part of.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from a wonderful friend for Christmas, and read it today - the perfect "I'm sick and feel yukky so need a brain candy" book!
Seeming like a Mitford book with an apparent light theme, the book actually went into some heavier areas. It touched on the themes of homosexuality, alzheimers, interracial marriages and of course, friendship and all that it entails and means. A group of older women begin their relationship acrimoneously, yet through an autumn filled with major events in their lives they draw together to form a group of Friends (with a capital 'F') that understand being a friend is sometimes messy, sometimes sad, sometimes hard, yet in the end always worth it.

[Sherri Staples · Rating 4 out of 5]

I viewed this book before I read it as a pleasant, light read for the summer. Was I ever wrong! It is an amazing book. I highly recommend all women to read it. It reads easy and fast, but it is an intense story about women's friendships in a small town. Twice I found myself in tears over this book. And then there was laughter as well. I loved it. Lynne Hinton, was able to do so much in such a small book. Can't wait to read the rest in the series. READ IT!

[Rosemary · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh! I survived it. I was awake at the end. I was suppose to fall in love with the characters I do not know why I didn't. This si a series of books I think there is at least four, me being me read the second one thinking it was me but hey you like what you like.

[Tara J. Vargo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book at all; it was a struggle to even finish it. The story focuses on four ladies of the Hope Springs Community Church in North Carolina. They start out as members of the same church committee (making a church cookbook) who don't always get along, but end up becoming the best of friends. I'm supposed to believe that even though these 4 ladies have attended the same small church for most of their lives, they never were that close or really knew each other. It takes this cookbook project to get them better acquainted. I mean, they've been living in the same tiny town and going to the same tiny church for 30 some years. Whatever. The pastor of the church is young and according to the book jacket, "experiencing a crisis of faith". It's more than that: she isn't sure she believes in God, and didn't quite believe in God when she was going through the seminary either. She never tells anyone this, and I guess she has some kind of resolution in the book when she finally decides that she is making a difference by being positive and preaching uplifting, new-age, feel-good type stuff from the pulpit. One of the cookbook committee ladies (Louise) is a closeted lesbian who has secretly been in love with her college roommate (Roxi) for the past 40 years. When Roxi (who lives 3 hours away) suddenly gets Alzheimer's, her husband and kids inexplicably decide the best place for her is with Louise in North Carolina. The husband and kids are too busy to be bothered with her, so they dump their Mom with this church cookbook chick, who takes care of her until she dies. Yeah, sure. Margaret is widowed, but now that she thinks about it, maybe she is a lesbian too. Jessie's husband ran off 20 some years ago, just because he felt like it. But all of a sudden, right at the end of the book, he's back! And Jessie's OK with that; no questions asked, move back in. Sure, Jessie raised the kids all by herself and had to struggle and work hard, but you know, true love wins in the end! Bernice is a nosy/town gossip type, and it's obvious that she is the character we are supposed to like the least. However, she was my favorite, because she seemed to realize that everyone around her was an idiot. Final Word: This book is so bad, I'm going to put it in the recycling bin.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many narrating characters

A poignant story of a handful of women who meet regularly to discuss a cookbook they're putting together, gathering recipes from the church members, young and old alike.

We meet Louise who has never been married and is taking care of a long-time friend with Alzheimer's. Louise is not afraid to speak her mind, upsetting people along the way.

Margaret is widowed. She and her late husband Luther never had children. The young women in the community go to her for advice.

Beatrice is a beautician at the local funeral home. She's widowed and the president of the Women's Guild.

Jessie, being black, started going to Hope Springs, an all-white church on a dare. Her divorced daughter lives at home with her 16-year old son Wallace. Even though Jessie's husband left her years ago, they're not officially divorced.

Charlotte is the pastor of Hope Springs. Her mother whom she refers to by her first name, Joyce, is a recovering alcoholic. Her parents are divorced; Her father remarried. Her sister Serena died (suicide?). Charlotte has never been married.

I loved this line. After Louise shared her heart with Margaret about taking care of her friend with Alzheimer's and tells her "...I'm doing what love does." Margaret responds: "Then I will help you, Lou. I will love her too."

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friendship Cake is a series of interconnected vignettes tied together by a church women's group attempting to put together a cookbook among a reluctant congregation. Each chapter begins with a recipe, most of which are typical of these fundraising cookbooks. About thirty-five years ago I helped my mother edit one so I can say the recipes and whole experience of putting it together rings true in this novel.

Beyond the cookbook, there is a woman taking in the love of her life as she succumbs to Alzheimer's and her own family feels like they can no longer care for her. There is a teenage pregnancy that is further complicated by the fact the mother is white and the father is Black. That said, neither life altering event ends up turning into something melodramatic. The various people involved, while emotional are fairly level headed and flexible, and that's a big plus. So often these big events are played for drama in the same of art and end up being ridiculous. Here, the quiet ebb and flow of things feels more realistic.

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[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rather dull book. A woman’s group at a small dying church decides to write a cookbook to hopefully bring more members and interest to their church. The book has people getting used to different services, a woman pastor, a mixed marriage and other changes.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a random book you pick up in a bookstore in another state is exactly what you need.
This book really showcased how important female friendships are, and most of the time they are the ones who are truly there for you in a time of need, not just the good times.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The ladies of Hope springs church want to publish a cookbook, and in turn build friendships. This book is a light read, and a little cheesy at times. Every woman in the group has some part of her life frowned upon by the church, but yet most of these "issues" aren't explored very deeply.

Honestly, I really just couldn't get into this book. The characters didn't grab me. This book is first in a series, but I won't plan to pick up the others. Overall, I wanted to love this book....cake, friendships, and all....but I just couldn't.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story on friendship by more "new age" and "tolerant" than I agree with for a group of "church" women.

[Connie Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay read about friendship, loss, love, and growth.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was having surgery so I started a light, fluffy book. Just a sweet story centering around a group of women connected by church. I enjoyed it as I was resting. The only criticism I’d have surrounds the recipes. Excellent cooks do not use margarine in their recipes. Especially cookies. If the women were submitting their best recipes, the word margarine wouldn’t be in this book.

3.5 stars. It’s a book that’s simple and enjoyable. If you need a break from heavy reading and you grew up in church basement fellowship halls, this might be for you.

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Friendship Cake by Lynne Hinton is the first book of the Hope Springs series set in a contemporary small Southern town. The five women who comprise the Hope Springs Community Church Women's Council (Charlotte, Beatrice, Jessie, Margaret, Louise) decide to publish a cookbook to showcase the culinary skills of their congregation. Each chapter begins with a recipe and describes an individual board member's point of view. They start off with plenty of tension between members, due to their widely differing backgrounds. By facing crises together, they bond strong ties of friendship and trust.

Charlotte is the pastor. She doesn't have a strong vocation; she chose seminary school because a 'full ride' scholarship was available. She was offered the job at Hope Springs to fill in when the male pastor died, because she doesn't command a large salary. She prefers to keep her life on an even keel, no great highs or lows.

Beatrice is generally considered to be a nosy busybody. Her steadfast loyalty through the crises the women endure proves her to be a 'solid-gold' friend.

Jessie joined the formerly all-white church on a dare as a teenager. She never left. Jessie marvels (to herself, in her chapter) at the difference between 'white women's cooking' and her upbringing. In her family they didn't use recipes; they needed to make do with ingredients on hand. She learned cooking at a young age from her mother and grandmother.

Margaret is a widow, happy to live a solitary ordered life. The young people in the community confide in Margaret crises they are too frightened to tell their parents (such as unplanned pregnancy).

Louise has always held herself aloof from the other women in the guild (and the town, too). She doesn't care much for people, except for her beloved best friend. Louise willingly and lovingly sacrifices all to care for Roxie in her last days.

By the end of the book, the women are close and trusted friends. The final recipe 'Real Friendship Cake' is a beautiful summary to this heart-warming story of the power of love and friendship.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this would be just a quick "cozy" read actually touched on topics I wouldn't have expected: homosexuality, divorce, Alzheimers, alcoholism, teen pregnancy, racism...

What was especially nice was that there was no "7th Heaven-esque" resolution at the end where everyone agreed and believed the same things. Instead, like most friends, they agreed to disagree and to support and love each other.

The change in viewpoint from 1st person of the main characters for the first introductory chapters to 3rd person was interesting. It was this set up that allowed the action to unfold while still giving the reader a glimpse into the each woman's thoughts and burdens and personality.

I think if you like the Mitford series from Jan Karon, or the recipe laden mysteries such as Diane Mott Davidson, you may enjoy this book.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I set out to read The Friendship Cake after learning that The Christmas Cake, a book I won and read earlier in the month, was actually book four in the Hope Springs series. I wanted to know what started these women on their journey together as friends.

The Friendship Cake was another easy read, yet also lightly touched with tougher topics like homosexuality, Alzheimer's, teenage pregnancy, the death of a child, race issues, and marital problems. Lynne Hinton's writing itself is average, but she also says some very poignant things along the way and weaves a solid tale about friendship.

I have enjoyed reading about Margaret, Charlotte, Jessie, Beatrice, and Louise and I will pick up Hope Springs and Forever Friends to continue on with their stories and lives.

[Leonel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lynne Hinton's "Friendship Cake" is inoffensive, and sappy. There's nothing wrong with that, for sure. It was a little too soap opera-ish for me - there were non stop tragedies and crying scenes that seems excessive, when I look back at it. Could this be a Southern gothic thing that I am not getting? Even though there is an undercurrent of a religious theme, it explores a (tame) same sex relationship, which I kind of appreciated. I didn't dislike the book, but I wasn't jumping and up and down when I was reading it either. I can't say I will be seeking the rest of the books in the series, though.

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[Kat Pennylegion · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It took me a while to get into it because the first several chapters seem to be about just one person (each chapter) in the town, so it didn't feel like it really had a consistent story. But then the characters started to weave together, and the story came out for the second half of the book. I actually went back and re-read the first five chapters once I knew more about the 5 main characters, and I picked up a lot more information that I didn't really notice the first time. Considering reading the sequel now that I know who the characters are - as long as there is a story throughout the book.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how each chapter began with a recipe and the perspective of the person submitting said recipe. That said, I didn't think this group of women would find their pace and place with each other. They were too different and some were quite prickly. Once they found their footing, things began changing and I definitely liked "seeing" it all unfold. They still have a long way to go before making a difference throughout their community and church but it will be interesting to see what happens in the next book.

[Tama · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lucky me, I wanted to read "Forever Friends" but it is part of a series. As I looked through the series online one of the titles looked familiar to me (this one) and I found it on my bookshelf - wonderful! So I will start this book tonight.

What a sweet book - I really like reading about local places. I always get giddy when I hear of places in a book where I have actually lived or visited. The story and recipes were nice.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story in a style similar to Angry Housewives Eating BonBons but with a group of older women. Strong religious theme throughout, but not preachy. Dealt with so many hot/emotional topics piled one right after another that it really doesn't give the reader a chance to experience any kind of thought-provoking moments, or at least very few. I do think the main characters were pretty well developed as individuals, although a few were a bit stereotypical. Overall a quick, feel-good type read.

[Lora · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about female friendships and relationships. The characters are interesting and diverse. The story does draw on some pretty varied and adult topics (homosexualitiy, failed marriages, premarital pregnancy, death, etc.) that the characters face, but I didn't feel like it did it in a racy way. Just a, "Hey, this stuff happens to real people" sort of way. Not the most stunning book I've read as of late, but still pretty good.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty short book. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it based on the first 4-5 chapters which is the background for the main characters. After that it was a regular storyline with all of the main characters and their lives intertwining.

It isn't bad, not the best but I've read worse!

[Cathy Serpico · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised at how much I ended up enjoying this book, thinking that the spiritual themes would be a turn-off. If anything they were more meditative than religious, and this turned out to be a sweet easy read about the women of Hope Springs and the unlikely friendship that blooms among strong personalities.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

PIcked this up off the sale cart at the library and put it aside for a rainy day. Rainy day arrived. Chick lit with a soupcon of Issues interspersed with recipes. Liked it better than I expected to after the first chapter. Not really fantastic reading, not bad either, I'm thinking of it as Lit Lite.

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just a true "gem". One of those feel-good books giving you a smile here and there and definitely a tear once in a while. The characters are so true-to-life, but manage to keep their friendship going in the midst of doing a "cookbook" for a church fundraiser. It was such an easy read, but really gave you pause for thought.

[Jena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming and poignant story about five very different women who form a lasting bond of friendship as they work together to create a cookbook. The story will make you laugh, and cry, and most of all, appreciate your friends. There are several delicious Southern recipes included, but this book gets five stars for the "real friendship cake" recipe!

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up originally because I thought it was a different book, but it have had a similar title. It was a pleasant read for a day. I will most likely pick up the others in the series since I did relate to the women in the story as they share their recipes to put into a church cookbook. I may try one or two of the recipes myself since they seem simple enough.