Invasion of the Widows' Club

Joyce Livingston
Barbour Publishing (2007)
ISBN 1597895083
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (5/07)

There are few females as charming – or as deadly when insulted – as the ladies from the South. Joyce Livingston’s “The Invasion of the Widows’ Club” is one of those books which showcase the earlier statement in all its “gory glory.” Part romance, part mystery -- but all of it delicious, sparkling fun. This wonderfully chatty book takes us to Nashville, where Valentine Denay just founded a new chapter of the Red Hat Society. Since quite a few of her friends are widows just like herself, they’ve decided to limit the membership to widows only.

Although Valentine is a widow, she has a man in her life, and a rather wonderful one at that. Robert is a widower himself and he truly cares for Valentine. He would love to marry her, yet Valentine is reluctant to do so. Her first marriage was wonderful and she still feels strongly tied to her past. Will Robert wait for Valentine? Or will he be swept away by somebody else, maybe even Val’s next door neighbor, the pretty and perky Barbie?

While Barbie is plotting to get her hands on Robert, she offers her hospitality to a newcomer, Diamond Jansen. Diamond and Barbie hit it off from the very start, but soon strange things start to happen in Barbie’s house. Who is telling the truth? Who is lying? Will Valentine find out soon enough?

Joyce Livingston’s “Invasion of the Widows’ Club” is a fast-moving, charmingly chatty story with just enough unexpected twists to keep it interesting, but not too heavy. The characters are believable and likeable. The story is fun to read, yet it also delivers a few important life lessons. I would highly recommend this book to any female reader, regardless of age. I am certain there is enough fun in it for all ages.

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