Women Friendships - Humorous Fiction "A bowl of my Mama's gumbo and a little wine will solve any problem you've got," said every single Gumbeaux Sistah ever. Five, fiery, Southern women wage a hilarious war against the problems of one of their deep-in-trouble sisters using their improbable friendships, evil-genius schemes, oh-so-numerous cocktails, and a shared passion for good gumbo. When southern artist, Judith Lafferty, loses her long-time, prestigious museum job to a smarmy, do-nothing younger man, she finds herself devastated, alone, and on the brink of financial disaster. Enter the incomparable Gumbeaux Sistahs, who deliver coffee to her front door as a ploy, kidnap her, feed her excellent gumbo, and come up with outrageous solutions to her problems. Their motives are just good excuses to drink wine, have a great time, argue over whose mother makes the best gumbo, and, most of all, help a sister out. Any challenges that face this crowd don't stand a chance against these five resourceful ladies. The Gumbeaux Sistahs has many twists and laugh-out-loud moments as well as some truly heart-wrenching ones too. It's a heart-warming, smart story of friendship and unexpected shenanigans that you do not want to miss. For more information go www.gumbeauxsistahs.com
Jax Frey, author & artist: Born in New Orleans, Jax came into this world whooping & hollering with a sense of celebration of southern culture, food, family and fun. Translating that celebration into her writing and onto canvas is her true calling.
When Judith is abruptly fired from her art museu m management job to make way for a younger male director, she decides to drown her sorrows at her local coffee shop, where a group of unique women befriend her. At first she tries to give them the brush off, but they won't take no for an answer. Congregating at each other's homes over competing gumbo recipes (each woman thinks hers is the best), they scheme together to find a way for Judith to make a living AND get her revenge on the evil museum boss witch-with-a-B, Lillian. Each woman has her own story of how she got to this point in life, and how they all met each other. There are twists and secrets, and it was a fun, engaging read, full of both humor and pathos in turns. FInished in one sitting because it's hard to put down. LOVED these characters!
I love these women, every single one of them. They are the kind of women I aspire to be now, even in my 40s, let alone when I am in my 60s. That fierce sense of loyalty and friendship and desire to boost each other up in the face of adversity is the kind of clan every woman needs in her life, even if she doesn't realize it. As we go through the book as they are trying to get revenge for Judith's firing, we see how each woman came to be the strong woman she is today and how she realized that these other women were exactly what she was looking for, even if she didn't know it.
This book reminded me of classics like Fried Green Tomatoes, Steel Magnolias, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, and so many more. And just like those books, I could see this one unfolding on the big screen as well.
You'll fall in love with their quirkiness. You'll want to go down to visit them. And you're going to get really hungry, craving some gumbo. Lots of fun! And I'm hoping we see these ladies again!
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
This heartwarming little book is all about friendship, determination, and caring. That it takes place where I live was lagniappe! (A little something extra). Knowing all the places was so much fun! The story line is as uplifting as the characters themselves. This is a light, fun story involves some kooky, over-fifty women with big hearts and determination to get things done. They’re the epitome of the New Orleans spirit. Their distinct personalities make them “Gumbeaux Sistahs” as they cook, dance, cry, and celebrate life together. It’s a fun book that would be great for book clubs. And, I must add, I love Jax Frey’s art, too. Look it up!
Judith is okay alone, but finds out that having Sistahs is much, much, better, especially when together they find the best recipes to soothe the soul. A pinch of love, a dash of laughter and cups of hilarity equal a book that you will not want to put down. I loved every minute and you will too...Don’t forget to make your mama’s Gumbeaux before you sit down to read so that you will experience a heart warming good time on every level :)
Take one unemployed art museum director. Add four helpings of open-hearted women. Season with caring and helping. Mix well and dive in!
In the vein of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Jax Frey crafts a clever mystery set in the Covington, LA art world. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll laugh some more at the antics of The Gumbeaux Sistahs. And if you have any Gumbeaux Sistahs in your life, count yourself especially blessed.
What a delightfully charming book about friendship! These endearing women are a true sisterhood—loving and bickering and teasing and helping each other as much as they can! I found myself wanting to be one of the Gumbeaux Sistahs! I laughed out loud many times, but there are many poignant parts as well. The setting of Covington, Louisiana came to life on every page. This story is lively and lovely, and I can’t wait to read more about this group of women and hopefully meet more friends!
What a delightful story of women supporting women, and supporting their communities. I loved getting to know all the quirkiness of these characters and would like to know more. Added bonus, recipes at the end of the book! You might want to make a pot of Gumbeaux before sitting down with this book.
I laughed, I cried...I want gumbeaux sistahs! Gumbeaux Sistahs, a novel is a wonderful read that stops you from putting it down becuase you have to know what happens next! A true example of friendship and what we all should strive to be. Please check out her site for the book and beautiful art! Jax Art & Gifts!
This is such a wonderful feel good book! Absolutely loved it! This being set in Covington, LA we visit often. Love your writing style. I need some good friends
I LOVE this book and the whole Gumbeaux series. Reading the books is like visiting with old friends.
I just loaned books 1-4 to a friend and this is her comment:
I'm about halfway through the first book Gumbeaux book and I'm enjoying it! I like the relationship between the women and their willingness to step up and help each other in various ways, depending on their own personal strengths.
Check out these amazing books! You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you will become addicted to reading this series!
I loved this book! I loved the support, love and friendship each Sistah brought to the mix. Great read! Well developed characters that draw you in...The Friendship bench is something we could all use...what an awesome concept! I also loved that the story revolved around older women. The little treat at the end! Chef's kiss!
The story and the characters were good, yet underdeveloped. Although there was a fair amount of redundancy, this local favourite was an easy Saturday afternoon read. I enjoyed the sense of community highlighted. Its YaYa-esque shadowing and location of the story is warming.
We read this book as the Pulpwood Queens selection for July at Main Street Reads. I truly loved the book. It was engaging, entertaining and I could totally relate to the characters! I’m a mixture of Bea and Helen. The world needs more supportive friends like the Gumbeaux Sistahs.
Such a great book! I love the friendships of the women. The honesty and the bonds formed while trying to help out each other and other women. I also liked the justice in the end. Not to mention I’m from Louisiana so could totally relate. Can’t wait to read the next in the series!
Enjoyed meeting each of the distant and learning each of their stories and how they got together. I especially enjoyed landmarks in Covington, LA where I also live. It is a great community and has many wonderful people.