Ann Pearlman’s amazing novel supplies the great ingredients for a fun and touching find out about a group of women who collect each year to share a journey of friendship, wish, heartbreak-and recipes.

Every year at Christmastime, Marnie and her closest girlfriends tag their calendars for the cookie exchange. Everyone has to bring a batch of homemade cookies and a wine, but this season, it’s their tales that are especially important-the passion and hopefulness of fresh romance, the betrayal and disillusionment some interactions bring, the joys and fears of motherhood, the strain of financial difficulties. On this evening, at least, the sisterly love they have for one another rises above it all. Celebrating courage and joy regardless of hard times and honoring the need for women’s friendships as well as the embracing bonds of community, Ann Pearlman’s delightful novel talks to people.