REVIEW: The Sunshine Club by Carolyn Brown

The Sunshine Club by Carolyn Brown: Carolyn Brown’s heartwarming storyline will give you lots of warm and fuzzy good feelings and her homey humor will tickle your funny bone.

The Sunshine Club consists of three women, Gussie Sadler, Ina Mae Garber and Blanche Ducaine. When they were ten-years-old they formed the club because the local boys formed a club and put up a sign saying, “No Girls Allowed.” It’s sixty years later and Gussie and Ida Mae are devastated at the loss of Blanche, as is Blanche’s niece Sissy Ducaine. Sissy’s Aunt Bea was the anchor in Sissy’s life as Sissy grew up traveling the road in a small RV with her rock musician parents, even being homeschooled. Sissy did head off to college and became a family and marriage therapist. Following her Aunt Bea’s very unconventional, for Newton, Texas, jazz funeral complete with first line, second line, lace parasols and waving hankies, Sissy, Gussie and Ina Mae met up at the Sunshine Club. This was the first time anyone other than the three founders of the Sunshine Club ever entered the clubhouse. The three needed each other to console and heal. Gussie and Ina Mae decided their contribution to Sissy’s healing was a little matchmaking with the local preacher Luke Beauchamp. Gussie and Ina Mae never dreamed how successful their matchmaking would end up being. But at what cost?

The Sunshine Club is another great addition to author Carolyn Brown’s Women’s Fiction repertoire. This book has it all from very likable characters, to a charming storyline, to an exceptional conflict and resolution to, best of all, heartwarming humor. I love matchmaker stories, especially the ones where senior ladies won’t even consider giving up on their matchmaking like Gussie and Ina persevere here. This fits that to a “T” and in addition there’s a twist. Sissy turns the tables on Gussie and Ina Mae with a little matchmaking of her own. I greatly admire Carolyn Brown’s talent and ability to tell a story that draws the reader in and makes the reader feel a part of the story. It’s like sitting and chatting with old friends about all the good times we had and the mischief we got into. This is especially true for me as I am the same age as the Sunshine Club ladies and the references to their earlier years hit home for me.

I love this author’s voice and how she incorporates the voices in the characters’ heads that guide them. Carolyn Brown tells the best stories with wonderful Happily Ever Afters!

Book Info:

Publication: December 7th 2021 | Montlake | NA

Sisters of the heart play Cupid in New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown’s funny and heartwarming novel about friendship, family, and finding love.

Gussie, Ina Mae, and Blanche have been best friends for more than sixty years. From their humble beginnings of founding the Sunshine Club when they were girls to becoming the matchmaking queens of Newton, Texas, these three were inseparable. When Blanche passes away, Gussie and Ina Mae feel the best way to honor their dearly departed is with a shot of whiskey, some good music, and making a match for Blanche’s niece, Sissy.

Never mind that Sissy’s in town for only six weeks. Is there a better reason for her to stay? And is there a better prospect than handsome, charming, blue-eyed local preacher Luke Beauchamp? No and no. The attraction is already there. Now it’s up to Gussie and Ina Mae to make sure the sparks really get to crackling by Christmas.

The Sunshine Club is back in business. Don’t underestimate two feisty women who have their hearts set on a happy ending.