A Southern novel full of friendships and finding love.

“There’s no time,” Colin said. “You have to go. Find me, call me . . .”

Jacey and Colin shared the three most intense days of their lives together, waiting for help as Mississippi floodwaters surrounded them. Jacey knew Colin was the love of her life—until her rescue boat went under water, along with Colin’s last name and pieces of Jacey’s memory.

The last thing she remembered was being submerged in water. Again.

As Jacey walks down the aisle as the maid of honor in her friend’s wedding a year later, the last person she expects to see is Colin. The biggest surprise, though, is that the man of her dreams is not wearing jeans and flip-flops as he did when he held her through those long nights of the flood. He’s the preacher.

As Jacey’s memories come flooding back, it’s almost more than she can take. The fate of the young family trapped with them haunts her. The unwavering honesty—and support—of her best friend Georgia forces her to take a fresh look at herself.

She’s spent her life afraid of love. But a flood is opening Jacey’s heart in the most unexpected ways.

PUBLISHER AND ACCOLADES

Thomas Nelson, May 2017

‘The writing is so beautifully done, the prose so delicately chosen, that the book is a treat to savor.”
-RT Book Reviews, 4 stars

“McHale has a way of creating characters who are believably flawed and human. Her wit and hilarity are perfect matches for the heartfelt romance in this winsome book.”
-Publishers Weekly

“This interesting take on a different type of post-traumatic stress and how it may be overcome with faith, love, and friendship would be a good read for fans of Beth K. Vogt.”
-CBA Market

SUBSIDIARY RIGHTS

Audio

• Thomas Nelson

Friends since kindergarten, Carrigan, Ella Rae, and Laine thought they’d been through everything together. But when cancer threatens to rip the trio apart, their world spins in a way they’ve never known before. Through it all, will they discover the secret to the divine taste of hummingbird cake—and to friendships that never end?

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 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 handle the outrageous curveballs that life sometimes throws—from devastating pain to absolute joy.

As the three friends navigate everything from a devastating medical diagnosis to the rocky path of marriage, their bond is tested. 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.

PUBLISHER AND ACCOLADES

Thomas Nelson, February 2016

‘The book is filled with love, friendship and learning to hold on even when life is hard; but it is also about letting go. Thick with Southern charm, readers will warm to the characters and wish they were friends with these wonderful women. A beautiful story to savor.”
-RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

“McHale’s conversational tone, flawed characters, and feel-good ending make for an uplifting read that incorporates themes.”
-Library Journal

“With wit and verve, Fletcher McHale portrays the joys and aches of modern Southern womanhood. The Secret to Hummingbird Cake celebrates strong women and stronger ties. Its humor, poignancy, and a clash of sass will touch the heart.”
-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

“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

SUBSIDIARY RIGHTS

Audio

• Thomas Nelson