Gerber, Daryl Wood

Gerber's sophomore entry (after Final Sentence) dishes up the gossip with a tendency toward too many characters. That said, a familiar formula (young widow returns to childhood home) works its charm. Readers will relish the extensive cookbook suggestions, the cooking primer, and the whole foodie phenomenon. Gerber's perky tone with a multigenerational cast makes this series a good match for Lorna Barrett ("Booktown Mystery" series) and Nancy J. Parra ("A Baker's Treat" series).