If you don’t usually venture towards Southern sunny side up fiction, you might not be aware of this fabulous little literary gem. The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion is written by the same dame, Fannie Flagg, who wrote Fried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Café.  Don’t know that one? Okay… Well… Do you know the movie Fried Green Tomatoes? Nominated for two Oscar’s? Jessica Tandy, Kathy Bates? Ah. Yes. That one. It’s based on a book by Fannie Flagg. Which, like most of her novels (including All-Girl), is long on title and charm.

All-Girl reminds me of salted caramel gelato with white chocolate drops. You’re happily visiting ice-cream heaven with your salted caramel. And then… Hello! A tiny sliver of white chocolate hits you with a surprise taste sensation. Deliciously sweet. And delightfully surprising.

What’s the plot you ask? This is a story about relationships, girl-power, polka, and WASP’s.  Not the stingers. But American women pilots in the Second World War. I know! I didn’t know anything about the WASP program either. So much value in one tome – intellect gain and entertainment…

The main character, Sookie, is looking forward to a restful, quiet life after a punishing schedule of weddings. Her children’s. Not her own – she’s been happily married to Earle for aeons (btw how cute are the character’s names?). When she opens a letter addressed to her mother. About herself… The information in the letter presents a mystery. Which Sookie sets out to solve via a journey back in time. And around America.

Ms Flagg writes her characters so authentically (and hilariously), they feel like familiar old friends. Or, well, acquaintances for those characters you’re not 100% keen on. Like her mother.

Overall a divine, warm-hearted summer time tale. Enjoy!… With a large cup of gelato… (I did!)