Sweet Magnolia.

Sweet Magnolia by Norma L. Jarrett Harlem Moon/Broadway Books, June 2006 $12.95, ISBN 0-767-92142-9

Set on Magnolia Lane in New Orleans, this novel weaves together present and past experiences of sisters Summer and Misa Ledoux. As children, they shared common bonds: a privileged life with membership in high society as well as a strong family unit run by a matriarch who commanded that its name remain untarnished, no matter its guarded secrets.

As adults, Summer and Misa clash on nearly every topic, from their childhood memories to their coping mechanisms. Summer's wedding gives them reason to see each other again, but it is a dark and rain-swept night that changes both of their lives forever.

Jarrett, whose first novel was Sunday Brunch (Harlem Moon/Broadway Books, 2004), ties in the Christian themes of prayer, faith and forgiveness without sounding preachy. Her many subplots are ambitious, but she tackles them well while developing her many characters with finesse. This allows her to hold readers in suspense in many key places, although the most pivotal point was somewhat predictable. The delectable descriptions of the Big Easy's food and rich culture make you yearn for its immediate and triumphant return, post- Hurricane Katrina. You'll also likely wish for another book by Norma Jarrett to add to your reading list.

--Reviewed by Jill Cox-Cordova Jill Cox-Cordova is a freelance writer in Atlanta and a senior producer for CNN Pipeline.