Lydia's Party by Margaret Haskins

“Sumptuous . . . a repast that’s alternately uncomfortable and soothing, weepy and jubilant, evocative and realistic. Party host and art teacher Lydia is having her annual dinner for her women friends. . . . In a quirky, impossibly magical and sweetly charming twist, Lydia helps guide them all to forgiveness.” —Publishers Weekly A great review on this book; Lydia wants to believe in her friends and in the past comaraderies they have shared, each with their own struggles and idiosyncrasies. Each friend coming to her home on this blustery Chicago evening has thoughts to share about the others in the hours leading up to the party; but Lydia's courageous announcement changes everything. They walk forward together in a compassionate and accepting manner. This is real life, and it so reminded me of my sister, Amy, and how she was about building bridges with her friends: a final act of grace and mercy before her death.