Lorna Landvik crée des histoires avec un mélange d'humour et d'observation fine, explorant les expériences quotidiennes qui façonnent nos vies. Ses récits explorent les complexités des liens humains et les triomphes souvent invisibles que l'on trouve dans les moments ordinaires. Avec une touche magistrale, elle donne vie à des personnages accessibles, illuminant leurs parcours avec empathie et esprit. L'œuvre de Landvik invite les lecteurs à trouver la joie et le sens dans le tissu de l'existence quotidienne.
Best friends fast approaching forty in the small Minnesota town of Flame Lake,
Devera and BiDi, were recently voted 'Least Changed' at their twentieth high
school reunion - a label neither one finds very appealing.
Set in a charming small town, the narrative weaves humor and warmth through the lives of its quirky characters. As they navigate relationships, personal growth, and community ties, the story captures the essence of friendship and resilience. With a lighthearted tone and relatable themes, it offers a delightful exploration of life's ups and downs, reminiscent of beloved contemporary tales.
The women of Freesia Court are convinced that there is nothing good coffee, delectable desserts, and a strong shoulder can’t fix. Laughter is the glue that holds them together—the foundation of a book group they call AHEB (Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons), an unofficial “club” that becomes much more. It becomes a lifeline. Holding on through forty eventful years, there’s Faith, a lonely mother of twins who harbors a terrible secret that has condemned her to living a lie; big, beautiful Audrey, the resident sex queen who knows that with good posture and an attitude you can get away with anything; Merit, the shy doctor’s wife with the face of an angel and the private hell of an abusive husband; Kari, a wise woman with a wonderful laugh who knows the greatest gifts appear after life’s fiercest storms; and finally, Slip, a tiny spitfire of a woman who isn’t afraid to look trouble straight in the eye. This stalwart group of friends depicts a special slice of American life, of stay-at-home days and new careers, of children and grandchildren, of bold beginnings and second chances, in which the power of forgiveness, understanding, and the perfectly timed giggle fit is the CPR that mends broken hearts and shattered dreams.
The story revolves around Patty Jane Dobbin, who faces the sudden departure of her stunning husband, Thor, just as she is about to become a mother. With the support of her spirited sister, Harriet, they turn adversity into opportunity by opening a charming beauty parlor in Minnesota. This vibrant space becomes a haven filled with friendship, laughter, and comfort, complemented by live harp music and delightful Norwegian treats, offering solace to the community through life's ups and downs.
In the small town of Tall Pine, Minnesota, at the Cup O’Delight Cafe, the townsfolk gather for what they call the Tall Pine Polka, an event in which heavenly coffee, good food, and that feeling of being alive among friends inspires both body and soul to dance . There’s the cafe owner, the robust and beautiful Lee O’Leary, who escaped to the northwoods from an abusive husband; Miss Penk and Frau Katt, the town’s only lesbian couple (“Well, we’re za only ones who admit it.”); Pete, proprietor of the Shoe Shack, who spends nights crafting beautiful shoes to present to Lee, along with his declarations of love; Mary, whose bad poetry can clear out the cafe in seconds flat; and, most important of all, Lee’s best friend, Fenny Ness, a smart and sassy twenty-two-year-old going on eighty.When Hollywood rolls into Tall Pine to shoot a movie, and a handsome musician known as Big Bill appears on the scene, Lee and Fenny find their friendship put to the test, as events push their hearts in unexplored directions—where endings can turn into new beginnings. . . .
A funny, heartwarming story about a feisty group of women who shake, spice, and heat things up with a "recipe" book for romance, from the bestselling author of Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons. Newly installed at All Souls Lutheran, Mallory "Pastor Pete" Peterson soon realizes that her church isn't merely going through turbulent waters, but is a sinking ship. With the help of five loyal members of the Naomi Circle, the young, bold minister brainstorms fundraising ideas. They all agree that the usual recipe book won't add much to the parish coffers, but maybe one with all the ingredients on how to heat up relationships rather than casseroles will... Pastor Pete has her doubts about the project, but it turns out the group of postmenopausal women has a lot to say on the subject of romance. While Charlene, the youngest member at fifty-two, struggles with the assignment, baker-extraordinaire Marlys, elegantly bohemian Bunny, I'm-always-right Velda, and ebullient Edie take up their contributions enthusiastically. After all, their book is really about cooking up love in all its forms. But not everyone in the congregation is on board with this "scandalous" project. As the voices of opposition grow louder, Pastor Pete and these intrepid women will have to decide how hard they're willing to fight for this book and the powerful stories within--stories of discovery, softened hearts, and changed lives.
The story explores the complexities of teenage relationships as Joe Andreson navigates his new life in Minneapolis. He becomes entangled with Kristi Casey, the alluring head cheerleader, whose manipulative nature challenges him. Meanwhile, his friendship with the intelligent and supportive Darva provides a grounding contrast to Kristi's allure. The narrative delves into themes of temptation, friendship, and the impact of first love, highlighting how Kristi's influence will shape Joe's experiences and choices throughout his life.
With her trademark wit and warmth, Lorna Landvik follows Nora Rolvaag (the do-or-die-trying daughter of Patty Jane) and a cast of characters between city and wooded retreat, Minnesota and Norway, a past that's secret and a future that's promising, but uncertain. Readers are in for a rollicking good time with characters whose strengths, foibles, and choices will have you laughing and crying.
Sie gehen auf die Vierzig zu, wurden aber beim letzten Klassentreffen zu den "Besterhaltenen" ihres Jahrgangs gekürt: Devera und ihre Busenfreundin BiDi, zwei ganz normale Hausfrauen aus Minnesota. Trotzdem werden sie von der Midlife-Crisis eingeholt. Nach dem Erfolgsbuch "Patty Jane's Frisörsalon" erscheint hier ein weiterer, schwungvoller Unterhaltungsroman über die Alltagsfreuden und -nöte der beiden Freundinnen.