Regina Hale Sutherland, Queens of Woodlawn Society

Queens of Woodlawn Society

Regina Hale Sutherland

Warner, June 2006, $5.99

ISBN: 0446616753

Without ever knowing it, Ellie Johnson became one of the Queens of Woodlawn Society when she moved into a house on Woodlawn Ave. By moving there she automatically became a member of the bridge club along with Grace, Jane, and Linda. Each of the foursome have an arch in their home designed in the shape of a card suit, with Ellie being the queen of hearts. The others take the recently divorced Ellie under their wing. Grace teaches her how to repair her garden; Linda helps her regain her place in Nashville society; and Jane assists her with a new business start-up.

Ellie remains bitter over her marital break-up due to her husband playing with a Double D bimbo after twenty fives years together. She soon learns that she is considered attractive by men when her first client, a suave Frenchman pursues her, and a police officer wants to date her. Her former spouse keeps calling, and over time their contacts become less acrimonious. However, Ellie remains uncertain as to what she wants, especially from him, and whether she can forgive him. He becomes her rock when she wants to host a society event and when one of regal peers is jailed. Ellie knows she still loves the rat, but doubts she can ever trust him again.

The members of the QUEENS OF WOODLAWN SOCIETY belong to the Red Hat Society, a women's group that is a combination social club and helping hand to one another. Ellie learns to accept what happened and to move on with her life, applying the rules of bridge to making decisions. Readers will adore Ellie and her friends, as this deep character study is an amusing poignant read.