A heavenly treat.

Rarely do you come across a book that triggers fond memories as well as whets your appetite. But The Church Ladies' Divine Desserts by Brenda Rhodes Miller (Putnam Publishing Group, $25.95) does that and more. The 200-plus recipes for tasty treats such as cakes, cobblers, pies, cookies, and candies are interwoven with the precious tales of the churchwomen who make these delights. Not only will you be moved to recall some of the deaconesses, nurses, singers, faithful parishioners, and first ladies that bustled about in your church, you'll also be inspired to stir up these delicacies in your kitchen.