THE STORY: The action is set in Truvy's beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are anybody come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), th

You probably knew Molly Ivins as an unabashed civil libertarian who used her rapier wit and good ole Texas horse sense to excoriate political figures she deemed unworthy of our trust and respect. But did you also know that Molly was one helluva cook? And we're not just talking chili and chicken-fried steak, either. Molly Ivins honed her culinary skills on visits to France—often returning with perfected techniques for saumon en papillote or delectable clafouti aux cerises. Friends who had the privilege of sharing Molly's table got not only a heaping helping of her insights into the political shenanigans of the day, but also a mouth-watering meal, prepared from scratch with the finest ingredients and assembled with the same meticulous attention to detail that Molly devoted to skewering a political recalcitrant. In Stirring It Up with Molly Ivins, her longtime friend, fellow reporter, and frequent sous-chef Ellen Sweets takes us into the kitchen with Molly and introduces us to the private woman behind the public figure. She serves up her own and others' favorite stories about Ivins as she recalls the fabulous meals they shared, complete with recipes for thirty-five of Molly's signature dishes. These stories reveal a woman who was even more fascinating and complex than the "professional Texan" she enjoyed playing in public. Friends who ate with Molly knew a cultured woman who was a fluent French speaker, voracious reader, rugged outdoors aficionado, music lover, loyal and loving friend, and surrogate mom to many of her friends' children, as well as to her super-spoiled poodle. They also came to revere the courageous woman who refused to let cancer stop her from doing what she wanted, when she wanted. This is the Molly you'll be delighted to meet in Stirring It Up with Molly Ivins.

This is an amazingly meaningful account of a childhood spent in utter poverty in the American South post World War II. It was “root hog or die” for Judy, her mother, and her three siblings after their father just up and left them in the night. When Judy’s momma was injured at the mill, the kids spent a couple of years in an orphanage where there was a heinous double murder. Momma worked her fingers to the bone to get her children back in her arms. Was Judy destined to repeat her mother’s hardships? Not this Steel Magnolia! Judy raised millions for Florida’s impoverished children. With several appointments by Florida governors, she has been called the Oprah Winfrey of her county. Her own children adore her southern bluntness and her fierce passion for serving humanity. Winner of the Florida AAUW Best Short Story Award, Judy shares her own true account of her triumphant life and spiritual quest.

The Sweet Magnolias is now a Netflix Original Series! From #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Sherryl Woods Return to the world of the Sweet Magnolias, where friends are closer than family, and fun and scandal are always part of the mix. Ever since she discovered her ex-husband’s affair, Dana Sue Sullivan decided to put down new roots and create the best restaurant in Serenity, South Carolina. After years of hard labor, her dream has become a reality. Sullivan’s provides more than just Southern comfort food—it’s become a haven for the whole town—and Dana Sue knows better than anyone that relying on friendship can get you through the toughest times. But when her teenage daughter, Annie, develops an eating disorder that lands her in the hospital, Dana Sue’s perfect life comes crumbling down. On top of it all, her own health starts to deteriorate. Dana Sue knows she needs to change habits now to help them both get better—even if that means letting Ronnie Sullivan back into their lives. And who knows, his return might end up being a recipe for a new beginning… Read the Sweet Magnolias Series by Sherryl Woods: Book One: Stealing Home Book Two: A Slice of Heaven Book Three: Feels Like Family Book Four: Welcome to Serenity Book Five: Home in Carolina Book Six: Sweet Tea at Sunrise Book Seven: Honeysuckle Summer Book Eight: Midnight Promises Book Nine: Catching Fireflies Book Ten: Where Azaleas Bloom Book Eleven: Swan Point Bonus: The Sweet Magnolias Cookbook

The first from the Service League of Natchitoches, Cane River Cuisine offers over 800 recipes handed down through the Creole, Indian, French and Spanish generations with beautiful photography that set the trend for community cookbooks. This is a must for every Southern foodie.