Years ago I picked up a new release entitled Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood as my book to read on a plane. I loved it! In time, I went to read Rebecca Wells other books about the Ya-Ya’s: Little Altars Everywhere (which I found somewhat disturbing) and Ya-Ya’s in Bloom (which I enjoyed). So I was thrilled to find The Crowning Glory of  Calla Lily Ponder on the new release shelf at the library. Calla Lily Ponder is Wells’ new heroine, a Louisiana native who desires to be a hair stylist  like her mother was. This novel follows Calla Lily’s life from childhood until adulthood, covering her family’s highs and lows, births, deaths, and lost loves.

If I say more than that, I’ll be giving too much away! I enjoyed reading this novel, though not as much as I enjoyed the Ya-Ya’s. At times I found Calla Lily’s naiveté to be unbelievable. I also thought the ending wrapped up a bit too neatly and quickly. Overall, though, it was a good read and I’d give it 3 1/2 Stars!