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Last Circle of Love
A funny, heartwarming story about a feisty group of women who shake, spice, and heat things up with a “recipe” book for romance, from the bestselling author of Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons.
Newly installed at All Souls Lutheran, Mallory “Pastor Pete” Peterson soon realizes that her church isn’t merely going through turbulent waters, but is a sinking ship. With the help of five loyal members of the Naomi Circle, the young, bold minister brainstorms fundraising ideas. They all agree that the usual recipe book won’t add much to the parish coffers, but maybe one with all the ingredients on how to heat up relationships rather than casseroles will…
Pastor Pete has her doubts about the project, but it turns out the group of postmenopausal women has a lot to say on the subject of romance. While Charlene, the youngest member at fifty-two, struggles with the assignment, baker-extraordinaire Marlys, elegantly bohemian Bunny, I’m-always-right Velda, and ebullient Edie take up their contributions enthusiastically. After all, their book is really about cooking up love in all its forms.
But not everyone in the congregation is on board with this “scandalous” project. As the voices of opposition grow louder, Pastor Pete and these intrepid women will have to decide how hard they’re willing to fight for this book and the powerful stories within—stories of discovery, softened hearts, and changed lives.
Newly installed at All Souls Lutheran, Mallory “Pastor Pete” Peterson soon realizes that her church isn’t merely going through turbulent waters, but is a sinking ship. With the help of five loyal members of the Naomi Circle, the young, bold minister brainstorms fundraising ideas. They all agree that the usual recipe book won’t add much to the parish coffers, but maybe one with all the ingredients on how to heat up relationships rather than casseroles will…
Pastor Pete has her doubts about the project, but it turns out the group of postmenopausal women has a lot to say on the subject of romance. While Charlene, the youngest member at fifty-two, struggles with the assignment, baker-extraordinaire Marlys, elegantly bohemian Bunny, I’m-always-right Velda, and ebullient Edie take up their contributions enthusiastically. After all, their book is really about cooking up love in all its forms.
But not everyone in the congregation is on board with this “scandalous” project. As the voices of opposition grow louder, Pastor Pete and these intrepid women will have to decide how hard they’re willing to fight for this book and the powerful stories within—stories of discovery, softened hearts, and changed lives.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2022
328 people are currently reading
4722 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Landvik
26 books1,056 followersLorna Landvik is a mother of two and wife of one. She is the author of eight novels, including the best-selling ANGRY HOUSEWIVES EATING BON BONS, PATTY JANE'S HOUSE OF CURL and OH MY STARS. Also an
actor and playwright, Lorna has appeared in many stage productions. She is a new and passionate neophyte to the practice of yoga, which is a fine antidote to her long established practice of lounging.
actor and playwright, Lorna has appeared in many stage productions. She is a new and passionate neophyte to the practice of yoga, which is a fine antidote to her long established practice of lounging.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
November 29, 2022
3.5 stars, cute story.
I've long been a Landvik fan, although occasionally she delves too deep into politics and issues (Chronicles of a Radical Hag, I'm looking at you). I'm happy to say that this book remains, for the most part, in fairly neutral territory. There are a few issues thrown in, but they feel relevant and natural for the narrative rather than soapboxes for the author.
This novel centers mostly on four women from the Naomi circle at All Souls Lutheran church. The women have seen their numbers dwindling as the church population grows older, and money is tight. Their latest few fundraisers have flopped, especially in comparison with the other church in town, Prince of Peace (nicknamed "Price of Peace" by the All Souls members). When the women have a conversation with their young new pastor, Mallory "Pastor Pete" Peterson, they brainstorm an idea--instead of publishing another church cookbook, how about publishing an "A to Z of Erotica" book? As they begin to compose chapters for each section, the women learn more about themselves, their spouses, their friends, and other church members than they could have ever dreamed.
First off, the book they are writing is about romance, about love, and yes, a bit about sex but it is definitely not erotica. The subject does cause all of the participants in the project (it evolves past the women) to take a much closer look at their marriages, their wants and needs, and their thinking surrounding all aspects of intimacy. There are some chuckles along the way, but I found the book to be mostly heartwarming and touching as the original four women and Pastor Pete reach out to others around them.
This is a quick, light, and meaningful read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I've long been a Landvik fan, although occasionally she delves too deep into politics and issues (Chronicles of a Radical Hag, I'm looking at you). I'm happy to say that this book remains, for the most part, in fairly neutral territory. There are a few issues thrown in, but they feel relevant and natural for the narrative rather than soapboxes for the author.
This novel centers mostly on four women from the Naomi circle at All Souls Lutheran church. The women have seen their numbers dwindling as the church population grows older, and money is tight. Their latest few fundraisers have flopped, especially in comparison with the other church in town, Prince of Peace (nicknamed "Price of Peace" by the All Souls members). When the women have a conversation with their young new pastor, Mallory "Pastor Pete" Peterson, they brainstorm an idea--instead of publishing another church cookbook, how about publishing an "A to Z of Erotica" book? As they begin to compose chapters for each section, the women learn more about themselves, their spouses, their friends, and other church members than they could have ever dreamed.
First off, the book they are writing is about romance, about love, and yes, a bit about sex but it is definitely not erotica. The subject does cause all of the participants in the project (it evolves past the women) to take a much closer look at their marriages, their wants and needs, and their thinking surrounding all aspects of intimacy. There are some chuckles along the way, but I found the book to be mostly heartwarming and touching as the original four women and Pastor Pete reach out to others around them.
This is a quick, light, and meaningful read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
September 12, 2022
Four women, members of the Naomi Circle of the All Souls Church in rural Minnesota, are brainstorming for fundraising ideas. With the help of their young female pastor and her friend, they propose an A to Z book of "erotica," which is more like looking at different perspectives on love and relationships. Of course, some of the more traditional members are deeply disturbed by this suggestion, but we gain insight into the characters and their friends through the anecdotes they share. Lorna Landvik is a master of characterization with humor: we learn about Bunny and her beloved husband now lost in an Alzheimer fog; Velma, a widow missing her first love; Charlene, who has secrets in her marriage she'd rather not divulge;and Edie, whose husband is dealing with a difficult diagnosis. If you are looking for a feel good read, Last Circle of Love might be just the ticket. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
August 11, 2023
This makes for a quick read with some light-hearted moments.
January 11, 2023
I like to take a chance now and then and read something outside of my comfort zone. Sometimes this pays off, and sometimes it doesn’t. I thought the premise of Last Circle of Love sounded unusual, and I’ve read something from the author, Lorna Landvik, before, so though I usually avoid books that mention religion, I hoped for the best.
Last Circle of Love has its moments, I often found it sweet, warm, funny and thoughtful, and somewhat surprisingly, really not at all preachy. The women of the circle, and their Pastor, are often not what you’d expect, certainly a little bolder, and and I enjoyed their individual stories.
Unfortunately however the novel’s execution overall felt uneven to me. The plot doesn’t really have much in the way of momentum and often feels unfocused. In part I think this is because the shifts between the perspectives of the many characters happen quite randomly and as a result the story feels disjointed. The conclusion also leaves some important threads dangling.
Though it has its charms, the issues with the structure meant Last Circle of Love was simply an okay read for me.
Last Circle of Love has its moments, I often found it sweet, warm, funny and thoughtful, and somewhat surprisingly, really not at all preachy. The women of the circle, and their Pastor, are often not what you’d expect, certainly a little bolder, and and I enjoyed their individual stories.
Unfortunately however the novel’s execution overall felt uneven to me. The plot doesn’t really have much in the way of momentum and often feels unfocused. In part I think this is because the shifts between the perspectives of the many characters happen quite randomly and as a result the story feels disjointed. The conclusion also leaves some important threads dangling.
Though it has its charms, the issues with the structure meant Last Circle of Love was simply an okay read for me.
December 7, 2022
I've read several of this author's previous books and was thrilled to receive an early copy of this book. Initially, it may seem like the story is geared mainly toward older readers, but I think the underlying message of true love in this fun story full of unique characters, is one younger readers would enjoy too. The church group of women is trying to compete with another church in their fundraising, sick of feeling like they're the "lesser" church. Why do the old, boring, been-done-already church cookbook? Why not try, oh, let's say, cooking up new recipes that will liven up your relationship?!
While reading this book, I found myself mentally coming up with my own ABC words I felt represented all the different aspects of showing love. In her funny, quirky, humorous take on life, the author picked some ABC words I'd never have thought of, but there was a message and story behind each one.
I especially enjoyed how these women (and men) were given plenty of flaws in their relationships, mistakes to overcome, truths to be told, and issues to no longer ignore. These characters will worm their way into your heart, and you feel like you're with them having coffee, sharing secrets (some painful, some funny, some heartwarming) as they come up with a barnburner of a fundraiser!
Great story, great characters, and a great message of love and friendship!
While reading this book, I found myself mentally coming up with my own ABC words I felt represented all the different aspects of showing love. In her funny, quirky, humorous take on life, the author picked some ABC words I'd never have thought of, but there was a message and story behind each one.
I especially enjoyed how these women (and men) were given plenty of flaws in their relationships, mistakes to overcome, truths to be told, and issues to no longer ignore. These characters will worm their way into your heart, and you feel like you're with them having coffee, sharing secrets (some painful, some funny, some heartwarming) as they come up with a barnburner of a fundraiser!
Great story, great characters, and a great message of love and friendship!
September 27, 2022
My review will appear in Booklist! This is a feel-good read perfect for book clubs, especially those who prefer books that are lighter on conflict.
November 25, 2022
Finished reading: November 25th 2022
"She was bored - and miffed - by people's low expectations of what she could and should do and was beginning to welcome opportunities to blow a hole through those expectations."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
January 3, 2023
What a lovely novel! We meet all the characters exactly where they are in life, and then get some back stories. I would love to sit down with all these people (except Nancy!) for a cup of coffee, or three. Thank you, Lorna Landvik.
January 19, 2023
Last Circle of Love A Novel by Lorna Landvik You Like Them General Fiction (Adult) | Women's Fiction Pub Date 06 Dec 2022 | Archive Date 20 Dec 2022 Lake Union Publishing This is a book about older ladies who are going through the change. I did think it was fun about then wanting to do a book about Erotica using a the ABCs. I enjoyed the story but felt the execution could of been better as the story feel flat as times some part of the story made me feel sad. #NetGalley #bookreview @lakeUnion #generalfictionadult #womensfiction
March 25, 2024
Title:
Last Circle of Love
Author: Lorna Landvik
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 2.25
Pub Date: Decebmer 6, 2022
I received complimentary eARC from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Comical • Uplifting • Quirky
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Newly installed at All Souls Lutheran, Mallory "Pastor Pete" Peterson soon realizes that her church isn't merely going through turbulent waters, but is a sinking ship. With the help of five loyal members of the Naomi Circle, the young, bold minister brainstorms fundraising ideas. They all agree that the usual recipe book won't add much to the parish coffers, but maybe one with all the ingredients on how to heat up relationships rather than casseroles will...
Pastor Pete has her doubts about the project, but it turns out the group of postmenopausal women has a lot to say on the subject of romance. While Charlene, the youngest member at fifty-two, struggles with the assignment, baker-extraordinaire Marlys, elegantly bohemian Bunny, I'm-always-right Velda, and ebullient Edie take up their contributions enthusiastically. After all, their book is really about cooking up love in all its forms.
But not everyone in the congregation is on board with this "scandalous" project. As the voices of opposition grow louder, Pastor Pete and these intrepid women will have to decide how hard they're willing to fight for this book and the powerful stories within--stories of discovery, softened hearts, and changed lives.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I don't recall how this book came onto my radar, but when I was looking for something lighthearted with friendship as a central theme, it felt like the perfect pick. I was a tad hesitant given the central theme of religion, however, it never felt overdone.
What I like:
• the premise. It sounded like such a fun, light-hearted concept that had so much potential.
• the small town vibe. The community and the relationships were a real strength.
• the mature ladies. It's no secret that I love books with older characters, and the friendship between these ladies felt wholesome and fulfilling.
• the varied definitions of love. The plot tackles a variety of types of love - romantic, platonic, self-love - and how love shifts and changes over time.
What I didn't like:
• the large cast. While potentially necessary to tell this story, in my opinion there were just too many POVs. I eventually loss interest in trying to keep everyone straight, and think it would have been better from 2 to 3 perspectives.
• the flow. Because of the large cast, it felt like it was trying to do too much. There were many side stories that really never panned out and some stuff that could have been edited out.
Last Circle of Love had its sweet and funny moments, yet a week after finishing it, I am struggling to recall much about it. It was a light-hearted look at love in a broader sense of the term, and it was great to see the women exploring themselves. I wish the execution would have been a little smoother, as it didn't leave me wanting to explore all of this author's work.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers looking for older characters
• church groups
⚠️ CW: sexual content, body shaming, medical content, dementia, death, grief
Author: Lorna Landvik
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 2.25
Pub Date: Decebmer 6, 2022
I received complimentary eARC from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Comical • Uplifting • Quirky
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Newly installed at All Souls Lutheran, Mallory "Pastor Pete" Peterson soon realizes that her church isn't merely going through turbulent waters, but is a sinking ship. With the help of five loyal members of the Naomi Circle, the young, bold minister brainstorms fundraising ideas. They all agree that the usual recipe book won't add much to the parish coffers, but maybe one with all the ingredients on how to heat up relationships rather than casseroles will...
Pastor Pete has her doubts about the project, but it turns out the group of postmenopausal women has a lot to say on the subject of romance. While Charlene, the youngest member at fifty-two, struggles with the assignment, baker-extraordinaire Marlys, elegantly bohemian Bunny, I'm-always-right Velda, and ebullient Edie take up their contributions enthusiastically. After all, their book is really about cooking up love in all its forms.
But not everyone in the congregation is on board with this "scandalous" project. As the voices of opposition grow louder, Pastor Pete and these intrepid women will have to decide how hard they're willing to fight for this book and the powerful stories within--stories of discovery, softened hearts, and changed lives.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I don't recall how this book came onto my radar, but when I was looking for something lighthearted with friendship as a central theme, it felt like the perfect pick. I was a tad hesitant given the central theme of religion, however, it never felt overdone.
What I like:
• the premise. It sounded like such a fun, light-hearted concept that had so much potential.
• the small town vibe. The community and the relationships were a real strength.
• the mature ladies. It's no secret that I love books with older characters, and the friendship between these ladies felt wholesome and fulfilling.
• the varied definitions of love. The plot tackles a variety of types of love - romantic, platonic, self-love - and how love shifts and changes over time.
What I didn't like:
• the large cast. While potentially necessary to tell this story, in my opinion there were just too many POVs. I eventually loss interest in trying to keep everyone straight, and think it would have been better from 2 to 3 perspectives.
• the flow. Because of the large cast, it felt like it was trying to do too much. There were many side stories that really never panned out and some stuff that could have been edited out.
Last Circle of Love had its sweet and funny moments, yet a week after finishing it, I am struggling to recall much about it. It was a light-hearted look at love in a broader sense of the term, and it was great to see the women exploring themselves. I wish the execution would have been a little smoother, as it didn't leave me wanting to explore all of this author's work.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers looking for older characters
• church groups
⚠️ CW: sexual content, body shaming, medical content, dementia, death, grief
September 24, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
This novel follows a group of “seasoned” women who are all in the same church circle. Their church is losing members and money so they are looking for a way to attract both. They decide to create a cookbook of sorts but the recipes are all suggestions/musings/personal stories about love and sensuality.
I usually love books told from multiple points of view but I found it very difficult to keep track of who was who and whose story was whose. Each character deserves a deeper dive into their own personal history of love. I never felt like I really knew the characters.
The story is cute and uplifting - an easy cozy read for fall/winter. It just didn’t totally work for me.
This novel follows a group of “seasoned” women who are all in the same church circle. Their church is losing members and money so they are looking for a way to attract both. They decide to create a cookbook of sorts but the recipes are all suggestions/musings/personal stories about love and sensuality.
I usually love books told from multiple points of view but I found it very difficult to keep track of who was who and whose story was whose. Each character deserves a deeper dive into their own personal history of love. I never felt like I really knew the characters.
The story is cute and uplifting - an easy cozy read for fall/winter. It just didn’t totally work for me.
May 8, 2023
Naomi Circle Meeting.
Meeting Venue: All Souls Lutheran Church, Kittleson, Minnesota.
Meeting Attendees: Mallory Peterson, the congregation know as Pastor Pete and 5 circle members.
Meeting Topic: Suggestions for a new fundraising project.
Discussion: Did you all see the latest fundraising project at the Prince of Peace Church luncheon? How does the oldest church compete with the megachurch recipe fundraising project?
Next Meeting Topic: What do attendees think of Pastor Pete’s proposal, a different recipe book, ABCs of Erotica.
I loved it! Don’t presume you know the story. It has more surprises than you can imagine. It’s a spiritual novel, but I’d prefer to say it’s about our humanity. That’s why I believe the story can and should be enjoyed regardless of religious affiliation and/or denomination or no affiliation. It’s a story that celebrates the joy of every day and celebrates that age is only a number. If you turn away because of the meeting venue, you miss an opportunity for fun, friendship, and love, a unique and meaningful story.
Book Club Questions are available at the end of the novel.
Meeting Venue: All Souls Lutheran Church, Kittleson, Minnesota.
Meeting Attendees: Mallory Peterson, the congregation know as Pastor Pete and 5 circle members.
Meeting Topic: Suggestions for a new fundraising project.
Discussion: Did you all see the latest fundraising project at the Prince of Peace Church luncheon? How does the oldest church compete with the megachurch recipe fundraising project?
Next Meeting Topic: What do attendees think of Pastor Pete’s proposal, a different recipe book, ABCs of Erotica.
I loved it! Don’t presume you know the story. It has more surprises than you can imagine. It’s a spiritual novel, but I’d prefer to say it’s about our humanity. That’s why I believe the story can and should be enjoyed regardless of religious affiliation and/or denomination or no affiliation. It’s a story that celebrates the joy of every day and celebrates that age is only a number. If you turn away because of the meeting venue, you miss an opportunity for fun, friendship, and love, a unique and meaningful story.
Book Club Questions are available at the end of the novel.
August 16, 2024
This isn’t my favorite Lorna Landvik book but she sure knows how to write about compassion, growth, and spirituality. Good story about a community of church within a smaller community. Also teaches you, no matter how old you can always find yourself or love.
October 2, 2024
This just wasn’t for me
February 17, 2025
3/5
Felt quite sleepy, cute but not one that I would shout about
Binge read to get through it (it was slightly shorter than usual too)
Felt quite sleepy, cute but not one that I would shout about
Binge read to get through it (it was slightly shorter than usual too)
October 23, 2022
Imagine a church circle writing The ABCs of Erotica to raise money for the church. I guarantee that what you are thinking won't be close to this book.
Despite the racy summary, the stories that the characters come up with are actually quite romantic. Rather than sex, they focus on the small things that either made or broke their relationships.
This was a really lovely read and made my heart swell and reminded me of all the little (but loving) gestures my husband makes to show he cares. I loved that there were so many different perspectives provided too, whether age, gender, sexual orientation, etc. In addition to the romantic, the book also touches on the hurtful, although still manages to end on an uplifting note.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Despite the racy summary, the stories that the characters come up with are actually quite romantic. Rather than sex, they focus on the small things that either made or broke their relationships.
This was a really lovely read and made my heart swell and reminded me of all the little (but loving) gestures my husband makes to show he cares. I loved that there were so many different perspectives provided too, whether age, gender, sexual orientation, etc. In addition to the romantic, the book also touches on the hurtful, although still manages to end on an uplifting note.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2023
I have been a longtime fan of Lorna Landvik and own all her books. I was very excited to read this one that I thought would have that naughty, but silly “Calendar Girls” vibe set in the Midwest. I enjoyed “The Last Circle of Love” but it isn't my favorite.
The pacing was a bit slow and choppy due to the vast array of characters all contributing their “chapters” to a church fundraising book. It was hard to keep track of who was who and you never got a full picture of any of them.
I really loved some of the stories and found myself wishing for more on certain characters. I also really appreciated the attempt to show ALL forms of love, which you don’t always see!
Thanks for Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The pacing was a bit slow and choppy due to the vast array of characters all contributing their “chapters” to a church fundraising book. It was hard to keep track of who was who and you never got a full picture of any of them.
I really loved some of the stories and found myself wishing for more on certain characters. I also really appreciated the attempt to show ALL forms of love, which you don’t always see!
Thanks for Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 10, 2022
I've been a fan of Lorna Landvik's books ever since I read Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons. Love that title! Last Circle of Love reminded me of that book of hers—a group of women who come together to fill a need in their lives. And oh, what a ride those crazy women take the reader on.
I loved all of the characters in this story. They're mostly older women, who as you may or may not know, sometimes lose their filters. That's where the fun comes in! They decide they want to 'spice up' their traditional fundraising church cookbook.
I'm pretty sure I read this entire book with a smile on my face, as I so enjoyed the antics of this group of church ladies. I could totally see myself being a part of this hilarious pack. What a hoot!
Give Last Circle of Love a try for an fun, entertaining, and uplifting time. You will not be disappointed.
I loved all of the characters in this story. They're mostly older women, who as you may or may not know, sometimes lose their filters. That's where the fun comes in! They decide they want to 'spice up' their traditional fundraising church cookbook.
I'm pretty sure I read this entire book with a smile on my face, as I so enjoyed the antics of this group of church ladies. I could totally see myself being a part of this hilarious pack. What a hoot!
Give Last Circle of Love a try for an fun, entertaining, and uplifting time. You will not be disappointed.
March 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this most recent Lorna Landvik novel. This was a heartfelt read that for me was slow to get going. I wish there had been a list of characters included to refer to as there are lots of people and relationships to remember as you read. The story picked up when the Naomi Circle got going on their fundraising project. This was a lovely heartfelt story about friendship, families, love, loss, health issues and older adults.
February 24, 2023
This was a very light hearted entertaining little read for me.
August 14, 2023
Ms Landvik never disappoints!!
August 30, 2023
2 1/2 stars
March 5, 2025
Delightful......another gem from Lorna Landvik---fun read! All the feels.....
January 2, 2023
Sometimes there are books that just aren’t for everyone and this book would be one of those for me. I was drawn to this book by its cover and did not read the book description. It just isn’t the typical book that I would be interested in.
This book is about several older ladies that belong to the same church group - The Naomi's. They are looking for a new project to bring money into their struggling church. The idea of writing an “ABC’s of Erotica” book was tossed out to the group. As they made their way through the alphabet, it tells a story of each character and what that letter meant to them.
I did enjoy the small town vibe of this book. At times this group of ladies could be mean and judgy, but it was nice to see their relationships grow as they worked on this project together. I am not really a religious person and most of the character’s are a lot older than I am so I feel like that was the biggest issue for me not enjoying this book more.
There were several POV’s in this book…too many cooks in the kitchen. I had a hard time keeping up with who each character was and it seemed like more and more characters kept coming into the story as it went on.
While I enjoyed the heartfelt stories with each letter of the alphabet that the characters were telling, there was just too much going on in this book. The writing itself was good and I did like how it touched on some sensitive topics but there were too many in this one book. I feel like the word “erotica” was thrown around this book way too many times - especially since what they were writing wouldn’t be considered erotica (at least to me).
Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Lorna Landvik for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This book is about several older ladies that belong to the same church group - The Naomi's. They are looking for a new project to bring money into their struggling church. The idea of writing an “ABC’s of Erotica” book was tossed out to the group. As they made their way through the alphabet, it tells a story of each character and what that letter meant to them.
I did enjoy the small town vibe of this book. At times this group of ladies could be mean and judgy, but it was nice to see their relationships grow as they worked on this project together. I am not really a religious person and most of the character’s are a lot older than I am so I feel like that was the biggest issue for me not enjoying this book more.
There were several POV’s in this book…too many cooks in the kitchen. I had a hard time keeping up with who each character was and it seemed like more and more characters kept coming into the story as it went on.
While I enjoyed the heartfelt stories with each letter of the alphabet that the characters were telling, there was just too much going on in this book. The writing itself was good and I did like how it touched on some sensitive topics but there were too many in this one book. I feel like the word “erotica” was thrown around this book way too many times - especially since what they were writing wouldn’t be considered erotica (at least to me).
Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Lorna Landvik for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
October 29, 2023
I liked this better than other books by the same author, but it took a while to get into it for me. There were some lovely turns of phrase, a positive message of self-acceptance and plenty of character growth.
May 16, 2025
I found this book slow and fairly boring. Wasn't terrible, but glad that I finally finished it.
February 26, 2024
In need of a new church fundraiser, the women decide to sell an "erotic" cookbook. Will the rest of the congregation agree with their "scandalous" decision? Or will this project cause the women and the entire congregation to form stronger connections with their loved ones?
I was intrigued by the premise of this book and I was touched by a few different scenes, but overall, the execution fell flat. At times, the story lacked focus, and I didn't like the seemingly random stories about random characters. In addition, since the premise was so similar to another book I read and loved, I couldn't help but compare them. In my opinion, The Erotic Stories of Punjabi Widows (4.5 stars) was much better, and I would highly recommend it over this one.
Lastly, Chronicles of a Radical Hag (5 stars) remains my favorite by this author!
Location: Kittleson, Minnesota and Boston, Massachusetts
I was intrigued by the premise of this book and I was touched by a few different scenes, but overall, the execution fell flat. At times, the story lacked focus, and I didn't like the seemingly random stories about random characters. In addition, since the premise was so similar to another book I read and loved, I couldn't help but compare them. In my opinion, The Erotic Stories of Punjabi Widows (4.5 stars) was much better, and I would highly recommend it over this one.
Lastly, Chronicles of a Radical Hag (5 stars) remains my favorite by this author!
Location: Kittleson, Minnesota and Boston, Massachusetts
January 4, 2023
3.5 stars for this enjoyable story about a group of Women in a Naomi group at All Souls Lutheran Church. The new pastor has her work cut out for her…trying to compete with a new shiny MegaChurch and slow the number of parishioners leaving in addition to raising money for her ailing church. They brainstorm an idea of a different type of recipe book…ABCs of Erotica. Scandalous for a church book!
What a cast of characters. Each women, all over 50, have secrets and need to explore what this means to each of them. A larger cast of characters, all lovable in their own right, but can be hard to follow all the stories and keep them straight. It was nice to read about ‘mature’ women coming to term with their past, present and future. Deeper friendships are formed, relationships renewed and eyes opened. Cozy, lighter read.
Thanks to Ms Landvik, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone!
What a cast of characters. Each women, all over 50, have secrets and need to explore what this means to each of them. A larger cast of characters, all lovable in their own right, but can be hard to follow all the stories and keep them straight. It was nice to read about ‘mature’ women coming to term with their past, present and future. Deeper friendships are formed, relationships renewed and eyes opened. Cozy, lighter read.
Thanks to Ms Landvik, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone!
May 22, 2023
I needed a lighthearted book during a particularly stressful week, and selected this because of its original premise: Charlene, Bunny, Marlys, Evie, and Velda are members of the Naomi Circle, a women's group at All Souls Lutheran Church. Their congregation is struggling financially and the members (at least the women we meet in the novel) are jealous and resentful of a nearby affluent megachurch, Prince of Peace.
Motivated by this, the women (supported by their young pastor, Mallory "Pastor Pete" Peterson) have an idea to do a twist on their usual fundraiser: What if, instead of a cookbook, they write "The ABCs of Erotica" featuring tips for each letter of the alphabet to keep one's relationship spicy?
So far, so good. Throughout the rest of the novel, the women reflect on their lives and relationships and write their submissions. Secrets are revealed and truths are realized. But, unfortunately, there are some glaring, significant flaws with this novel.
Let's start with the term erotica. These women aren't writing a book about erotica in the sense that one might imagine. Their perspective is that anything can be erotic -- a chin, for example, or demonstrating gallantry. OK, fine, I can buy that. But they throw around the term like it's something scandalous, and after the first few instances of this, it becomes absurd.
There are entirely too many characters. Not only do we have the five women in the Naomi Circle, but we have their spouses, their children, their grandchildren (and in one case, A GRANDCHILD'S COLLEGE ROOMMATE'S FRIEND) a former college friend, and their in-laws. We have Pastor Pete, her husband, their toddler son, and LeeAnn, Pastor Pete's best friend, and her spouse. We have the church's custodian and his brother. We have the nursing home worker who takes care of one woman's husband who has dementia. And all of these people have backstories, and we get most of them. For a 275-page novel, that's...a lot. And most of them want to submit their own story to the book. It would have been much better if we just focused on the Naomi Circle women and their relationships.
The writing, particularly the dialogue, felt clunky and in need of at least another edit. The plot was generally fine, but unplausible things happen.
The synopsis refers to "the voices of opposition grow[ing] louder" in response to the women's project and "these intrepid women will have to decide how hard they're willing to fight for this book and the powerful stories within."
So, bottom line: I liked the premise. It met my expectations as a light read. I even liked most of the characters. But too many flaws for me to rate this higher than two stars.
Motivated by this, the women (supported by their young pastor, Mallory "Pastor Pete" Peterson) have an idea to do a twist on their usual fundraiser: What if, instead of a cookbook, they write "The ABCs of Erotica" featuring tips for each letter of the alphabet to keep one's relationship spicy?
So far, so good. Throughout the rest of the novel, the women reflect on their lives and relationships and write their submissions. Secrets are revealed and truths are realized. But, unfortunately, there are some glaring, significant flaws with this novel.
Let's start with the term erotica. These women aren't writing a book about erotica in the sense that one might imagine. Their perspective is that anything can be erotic -- a chin, for example, or demonstrating gallantry. OK, fine, I can buy that. But they throw around the term like it's something scandalous, and after the first few instances of this, it becomes absurd.
There are entirely too many characters. Not only do we have the five women in the Naomi Circle, but we have their spouses, their children, their grandchildren (and in one case, A GRANDCHILD'S COLLEGE ROOMMATE'S FRIEND) a former college friend, and their in-laws. We have Pastor Pete, her husband, their toddler son, and LeeAnn, Pastor Pete's best friend, and her spouse. We have the church's custodian and his brother. We have the nursing home worker who takes care of one woman's husband who has dementia. And all of these people have backstories, and we get most of them. For a 275-page novel, that's...a lot. And most of them want to submit their own story to the book. It would have been much better if we just focused on the Naomi Circle women and their relationships.
The writing, particularly the dialogue, felt clunky and in need of at least another edit. The plot was generally fine, but unplausible things happen.
The synopsis refers to "the voices of opposition grow[ing] louder" in response to the women's project and "these intrepid women will have to decide how hard they're willing to fight for this book and the powerful stories within."
So, bottom line: I liked the premise. It met my expectations as a light read. I even liked most of the characters. But too many flaws for me to rate this higher than two stars.
January 22, 2023
Like a warm hug
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