I bought this book at the dollar store thinking it was a Christmas cookie cookbook. I was happy to find I had bought a novel and even happier when I started reading it and discovered it was a good story. There are some sad parts, but that is how life is. The history of common ingredients was interesting, the stories of each member of the cookie club rich and very real. I was already planning on planning a cookie exchange before I bought this book and now I have some really good ideas. If you are interested in cooking and stories about strong, but flawed and realistic women, you will enjoy this book. I can't wait to try some of the recipes.

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I ordered this book thinking it would be a sweet Christmas story of friends. I was disappointed with the foul language and immorality. I was glancing through it and did not even read it. Big disappointment.

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This was such a fun light hearted book to read. Didn't want to stop and put it down!

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I found this book intriguing. I have a group of lady friends who act as support and encouragement for each other much as these ladies did. I enjoyed the format of a cookie exchange because I make several hundred cookies each Christmas myself.

I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys reading about the strengths, sharing, and encouragement of women and how they support each other throughout life's trials and successes.

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This book looked like it might make a nice book to give as a Christmas gift to some friends with whom I have done cookie exchanges. I am glad I read it before buying it for them.

Not that it's a bad book; --it was a good book. But the story is a bit depressing at times as the characters' lives (past and present) are recapped. Some folks may appreciate the deep focus on love and friendship, perservering through years full of both happy events and difficult times. I just personally prefer lighter reading to give for gifts at Christmas time.

Tucked in between chapters are cookie recipes, and also interesting information (history, health benefits, etc.) about common cookie ingredients like flour, salt, sugar, chocolate, nuts, cinnamon, ginger.

It's a good book. I would make sure you read it first to know if you would find it an appropriate gift for someone else though.

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The book was fun to read. I enjoyed the characters and the actual Cookie Club party. I have had cookie exchanges myself and may start it back up again. I passed the book on to my sister who is in a book club and suggested them to read it before they do their cookie exchange.
I also enjoyed reading the book because it took place in the town I live. It was fun to actually be able to picture where the character where.

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This was interesting I haven't tried the recipes but I plan too.
Long book.

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From the beginning, I fell in love with Marnie the main character and her group of friends. The friends were diverse and from all walks of life which gave the book a realism because we pick up friends in our lives through many different ways. As I prepare for my first cookie exchange this year, I loved reading how organized and committed these ladies were to this yearly tradition.

Marnie has quite a group of ladies that surround her. From a new co-grandma to a friend from high school, she gathers 12 women each year to exchange cookies, stories and their lives. All while kicking off the holiday season - what a charming tradition. With recipes for the cookies that are shared at the party, the reader was able to be a part of the cookie club. My one negative thought was the chapters that described ingredients and gave the history of chocolate, sugar and so on - I thought this was a little weird and would have preferred maybe more back story to the characters than these inserted chapters.

This is a sweet/sweat story that is worth adding to your list to read for next year's holiday season. I may even try a recipe or two!

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Cute story, enjoyed the book, passed it to a friend to read

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This book was very good. Not the usual action packed mysteries that I usually read. But a good book all the same. It is a feel-good book. Now, I am trying to start my own cookie club to bring my sisters and I closer.

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