The Secret to Hummingbird Cake Audiobook By Celeste Fletcher McHale cover art

The Secret to Hummingbird Cake

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The Secret to Hummingbird Cake

By: Celeste Fletcher McHale
Narrated by: Nan Kelley
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About this listen

The Secret to Hummingbird Cake celebrates strong women and stronger ties. Its humor, poignancy, and a dash of sass will touch the heart.”

In the South, you always say “yes, ma’am” and “no, ma’am.” You know everybody’s business. Football is a lifestyle, not a pastime. Food — especially dessert — is almost a religious experience. And you protect your friends as fiercely as you protect your family — even if the threat is something you cannot see.

In this spot-on Southern novel brimming with wit and authenticity, Laine, Carrigan, Ella Rae first met on the playground when they were five years old. Now, as adults, they’re still almost inseparable as they life together: from the sometimes rocky path of marriage to the outrageous curveballs that life sometimes throws — from devastating pain to absolute joy. Through it all, you’ll experience the essence and the joy of true friendship. And if you’re lucky, you just may discover the secret to hummingbird cake along the way.

CBA Reviews

“A delightful, heartwarming, and heart wrenching story that captures the beauty and essence of living in a small, southern town. A must read for ALL girls, 18 to 80.” (Ladies Southern Lit Society)

“McHale’s magnificently penned novel is a story which demonstrates the power of genuine female friendships. The writing is sharp, fresh, and delivered to the reader with finesse and humor...a remarkable debut novel that is a must read for all who sincerely believe true friendship is a gift to be treasured.” (MK Torrance, Goodreads Master Reviewer)

“The book starts out as chick lit but then takes a sharp turn on the genre and gives us something much more...a real look at the kind of remarkable female friendships that so many of us experience in real life but few books ever capture. I laughed and I wept, and readers will too. Wow.” (Linda Stasi, Columnist New York Daily News, author of The Sixth Station as well as six nonfiction books, TV Commentator for NY1, What A Week)

“McHale’s debut novel is such an amazing surprise. Just when you think you’ve heard this song before, the music changes. It will make you laugh out loud and make you cry and stay with you long after the read is done. All in all, a brilliant raw look at life.” (Melissa Grego, editor-in-chief at Broadcasting & Cable)

“Highly recommend this book to bookclubs everywhere. In a world where fake friendship is celebrated, it was most refreshing to read a story that defines what true friendship really is.” (The Dallas Dozen Bookclub)

“Finally! A REAL story about REAL friendship! Get the tissues ready...for the happy tears and sad ones too.” (Grant Junior League)

Full length, standalone novel

Women’s fiction, focused on friendship, and set in the South

Includes discussion questions for book clubs

©2016 Celeste Fletcher McHale (P)2016 Thomas Nelson Publishers
Christian Fiction Family Life Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Southern Southern States United States Women's Fiction World Literature Feel-Good Heartfelt Tearjerking
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Beautiful Friendship Portrayal • Emotional Storytelling • Pleasant Voice • Well-developed Characters • Southern Charm
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This is a thoughtful book that fills your heart with joy, love, gratitude, and yes, sadness. If only everyone could experience the type of friendship described within this book.

So much love amidst a great loss

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This book was well written. It had you laughing one minute and crying the next. The story line keeps your interest waiting for the next page. Superb read!

Funny and Sad

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This book is. So funny and at times so sad. I love this book. I’m going to read it again this Christmas.

Get your tissue box for this on.

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book is full of sadness, humor, lasting love, sweetness and honor.

What does Nan Kelley bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Nothing! That was my only dislike...this book is set in the south and in my personal opinion, it should have been narrated with a southern dialect. Nan Kelley is a great narrator, but she just didn't fit this book. No one says the word Mrs...properly...it is alway Miss...narration was too proper for the book I thought.

Heartwrenching and sweet.

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I could not stop listening, and wish there wasn't an end to the book. can't wait to listen/read more.

wish this book never ended

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Gotta be honest...almost stopped listening because I couldn't stand the main character. Not sure I ever did like her, but didn't mind her by the end. She definitely had the most growth as a character. Without giving too much away - it has vibes of Beaches - strong friendships, marriage miscommunication, a little humor and good narration. It's a quick listen and I dont feel like I wasted time listening, but also not sure I'd recommend it and definitely wouldn't listen again. Also - where is the recipe for Hummingbird Cake. Did I miss something?

Firm Southern Friendships

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I loved listening and hearing this precious story. How we have all lost something aong the highway of life, only to imagine but for a split second where it went. In this novel, it is there in a simple recipe of friendship and cake. God has blessed all of us with that, we need to see and rekindle that in what we have lost over the year's. Read, reflect and share and a piece of cake today with someone you LOVE!

Delicious Reading!!

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This book was filled with laughter some suspense and sadness I seriously loved everything about it.

Great read

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The reviews had my expectation level high. What I read was average. Predictable, and boring. Not much to keep the reader engaged, even though the narrator was very good. Too much emphasis on religion/god. Had I realized it was religious text, I'd have skipped the book.

I expected more

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I was pushed to tears by the beautifully written story. Makes you grateful for the angels in our lives.

Magical Beautiful and Heartwarming

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