Carrigan, Ella Rae, and Laine meet on the playground when they are five years old and become Best Friends Forever. A blonde, brunette and a redhead, they are different in many ways besides their hair color. Carrie is feisty, flirts with disaster and Ella Rae eggs her on, while Laine is always calm, ready with the lecture/scolding and then jumps in to be with her buddies. At sixteen, Carrigan meets tall, handsome, dimpled, Jack Whitfield only son of the owners of a hugely successful cattle ranch, Whitfield Farm. Jack is considered the "catch" of the town, and Carri sets out to snag him. At seventeen, they elope, have a three minute wedding and honeymoon at a huge Texas water park joined by Ella Rae and Laine. Returning home to angry family members, Jack takes all the blame, and all is forgiven. They are married in church with family and friends present the following Friday night. Settled in their own home, life is beautiful. Carri has Jack and her friends and that is everything to her.

This debut novel weaves a lovely story of Best Friends Forever and also introduces much sadness with the scary and gloomy topic of Stage 4 cancer. The many emotions the author brings adds to the beauty of this heartbreaking and heartwarming story. I laughed, I cried, and laughed again as author Celeste Fletcher McHale continually tugged at my heartstrings. The banter between the gals is so real, funny, and honest. I love all three, but Laine is my favorite. She has my admiration for her planning, her bravery, and sweet devotion and kindness to everyone.

THE SECRET TO HUMMINGBIRD CAKE has the most attractive cover, and I immediately want to find a recipe and try to create this cake. The book is one for my keeper shelf and a rare treasure I will read again and cherish each of the loving characters, especially Jack. Jack is my hero because he is always there for Carrigan and loves her always and forever. He truly understands the closeness of the three women and is there at the most crucial times. Truly a remarkable man.

The banter and bonds of the three friends is so special and so beautifully described. The exploration of the rocky path to marriage Carri and Jack travel have so many touching moments, and I was rooting for them. Lots of Southern charm from the pretty little town of Bon Dieu Falls, Louisiana, with a cast of characters that is impossible to forget. Y'all will love THE SECRET TO HUMMINGBIRD CAKE and you will not have the option of forgetting it. I love, love, love it! Ms. McHale, you are off to a great start with this winner! I am a fan.