The Secret to Hummingbird Cake

By: Celeste Fletcher McHale

Narrated by: Nan Kelley

Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

“The Secret to Hummingbird Cake celebrates strong women and stronger ties. Its humor, poignancy, and a dash of sass will touch the heart.”

In the South, you always say “yes, ma’am” and “no, ma’am.” You know everybody’s business. Football is a lifestyle, not a pastime. Food — especially dessert — is almost a religious experience. And you protect your friends as fiercely as you protect your family — even if the threat is something you cannot see.

In this spot-on Southern novel brimming with wit and authenticity, Laine, Carrigan, Ella Rae first met on the playground when they were five years old. Now, as adults, they’re still almost inseparable as they life together: from the sometimes rocky path of marriage to the outrageous curveballs that life sometimes throws — from devastating pain to absolute joy. Through it all, you’ll experience the essence and the joy of true friendship. And if you’re lucky, you just may discover the secret to hummingbird cake along the way.

CBA Reviews

“A delightful, heartwarming, and heart wrenching story that captures the beauty and essence of living in a small, southern town. A must read for ALL girls, 18 to 80.” (Ladies Southern Lit Society)

“McHale’s magnificently penned novel is a story which demonstrates the power of genuine female friendships. The writing is sharp, fresh, and delivered to the reader with finesse and humor...a remarkable debut novel that is a must read for all who sincerely believe true friendship is a gift to be treasured.” (MK Torrance, Goodreads Master Reviewer)

“The book starts out as chick lit but then takes a sharp turn on the genre and gives us something much more...a real look at the kind of remarkable female friendships that so many of us experience in real life but few books ever capture. I laughed and I wept, and readers will too. Wow.” (Linda Stasi, Columnist New York Daily News, author of The Sixth Station as well as six nonfiction books, TV Commentator for NY1, What A Week)

“McHale’s debut novel is such an amazing surprise. Just when you think you’ve heard this song before, the music changes. It will make you laugh out loud and make you cry and stay with you long after the read is done. All in all, a brilliant raw look at life.” (Melissa Grego, editor-in-chief at Broadcasting & Cable)

“Highly recommend this book to bookclubs everywhere. In a world where fake friendship is celebrated, it was most refreshing to read a story that defines what true friendship really is.” (The Dallas Dozen Bookclub)

“Finally! A REAL story about REAL friendship! Get the tissues ready...for the happy tears and sad ones too.” (Grant Junior League)

Full length, standalone novel

Women’s fiction, focused on friendship, and set in the South

Includes discussion questions for book clubs

©2016 Celeste Fletcher McHale (P)2016 Thomas Nelson Publishers

Heartwrenching and sweet.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book is full of sadness, humor, lasting love, sweetness and honor.

What does Nan Kelley bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Nothing! That was my only dislike...this book is set in the south and in my personal opinion, it should have been narrated with a southern dialect. Nan Kelley is a great narrator, but she just didn't fit this book. No one says the word Mrs...properly...it is alway Miss...narration was too proper for the book I thought.

So much love amidst a great loss

This is a thoughtful book that fills your heart with joy, love, gratitude, and yes, sadness. If only everyone could experience the type of friendship described within this book.

wish this book never ended

I could not stop listening, and wish there wasn't an end to the book. can't wait to listen/read more.

Worth the listen, but slow starter

IMO The story spends too much time in the immature whiny stage of the main character in the beginning of the book and doesn’t really show or explain the development of her relationship (being vague so as not to spoil), but overall this book tells a sweet story of friendship. Narration was ok.

Great book!

This was such a good book! I listened it from beginning to end in one day. So full of love! This would go on my list of top 10 books.

I cried and cried and criedand I still want more!

I never cry over books, movies yes, books no. I felt like these girls, Lane, Ray, and Cari were from my hometown. I felt like I really knew them. They were real people. This book made me feel like I saw a friend from years-past and she told me all I missed out on. I was more books with these same characters. I finished it in 2 day. I was even listening while working. It's a beautiful story but get your kleenex!

great story, the reader makes it come alive!

i loved it! the characters were well developed and interesting. the reader made it come to life without going over board plus it didnt put me to sleep.

laughed, cried, laughed some more. really enjoyed.

I listened to this story on a long trip, and it made the time fly by.

Great Book

Loved this Southern story. Thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to those who appreciate the South.

Surprising story of southern soul sisters

Excellent and surprisingly deep dives into modern Sputhern influence on friendship. True blue bonds that are never severed no matter life, drama, and death. This story took you to places you never knew you wanted to go. Makes you laugh out loud and has you blubbering like a baby tissues needed crying. All the right ingredients in this tale of the secret to hummingbird cake. Make me want to bake right now.