Book Review: The Crowning Glory of Calla Lilly Ponder by Rebecca Wells

In The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder, bestselling author of Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisters Rebecca Wells, introduces us to a whole new cast of Southern characters. A stirring and emotional novel, it follows the title character, Calla Lily Ponder's life from childhood through adulthood and into her late twenties. It is a life begun enveloped in the love and protection of her mother, known as M'dear.

M'dear was born to be a hair dresser; owns her own salon where she ministers to her customer through her healing touch. Their's is a strong mother daughter bond, one that is tragically broken as Calla Lily enters her teenage years. Surrounded by many loving extended family and friends who are as close as family, she gradually makes terms with her mother's death but as I expect is the case with many who've lost a loved one the void is never gone.

Another pivotable moment in Calla Lily's life comes when her childhood love breaks her heart, alone she begins life anew in the big city, in her case New Orleans. It's where she comes into her own and learns that love can come back into ones life. Then tragedy strikes again. Only returning to where she grew up, the small fictional river town of La Luna, can healing come and life come full circle. It's where she learns that second chances can happen.

Here more about the book from Rebecca Wells, in the video below:


I found The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder a story that brought up many issues that I struggle with. It was very hard to read about M'dear's death, because one of my biggest fears is that I will die when my daughter is young. That she won't have me to guide, support, and love her when she faces life's difficulties. I think it's a fear many parents share with me, made all the more omnipresent in my life because I do have some serious health conditions to contend with.

This was definitely a tear jerker for nearly the whole time. But at the same time, it was comforting to find that Calla Lily perseveres through all the tragedies in her life. That in the end, there can be a new beginning and the possibility of a happy ending. It was a satisfying read, and one that once I began I quickly got absorbed into. Browse inside the book, and read the first six chapers online and meet Calla Lily for yourself.

Disclaimer: Thank you to HarperCollinsPublishers for the reviewer's copy.