Review: The Blue-Ribbon Jalapeno Society Jubilee by Carolyn Brown

The Blue-Ribbon Jalapeño Society Jubilee
by Carolyn Brown
Sourcebooks Landmark, March 2013
Paperback, 336 pp.
Genre: Contemporary/ Women's Fiction

Bestelling author Carolyn Brown makes her first foray into women's fiction with this poignant and hilarious novel about four friends in Cadillac, Texas—where the best jalapenos in the world are grown. 

Everything is calm in Cadillac, Texas until Aunt Agnes declares war on Violet Prescott, the president of the Blue-Ribbon Jalapeno Society, just in time for the annual jubilee. But after the festivities—and the hostilities—are over, it's four friends who are left standing, proving once again that friendship is forever.

Miss Clawdy's Café has won the Jubilee blue ribbon every year since the dawn of time. This year, town matron Violet Prescott is going after that ribbon with an iron-clad determination only thinly disguised by her perfect coiffure and flawless manners, bless her heart.

It's time for café owners Cathy and Marty and their best friend Trixie to pull out their secret weapon. And this is where a lifetime of friendship, combined with just the right recipe at just the right time, might carry the day—or blow everything to smithereens.

Welcome to Cadillac, Texas, where the jalapeños are hot, the gossip is hotter, and at the end of the day, it's the priceless friendships that are left standing...

This book is a terrifically fun read. It's got all the spunk and sass of a Fanny Flagg novel. It's set in a small town in Texas and brings with it all of the gossip and family rivalries that trickle down through the generations in small towns. 

All of the ladies in the town want one of the coveted 21 spots in the "club," The club being the Blue-Ribbon Jalapeno Society. It's pretty tough to get a spot though. One of the members has to move out of the county, or die.

The overall theme in the book is friendship, love, and support - through thick and thin. Aunt Agnes is my favorite character. She is one tough, and hilarious, old broad who just happens to have all the answers.

This is the first book I've read by Carolyn Brown, but I will definitely be reading more of her work.

Have a terrific weekend,
Angela


Disclosure: I received a copy of this work from the publisher in exchange only for an honest review.