Ya-Yas in Bloom
By: Rebecca Wells
Harper Collins Canada; www.harpercollins.ca

The Ya-Yas are back. In this third installment of the series, we find out how the four Louisiana girls met at the age of four and learn more about the next two generations of Ya-Yas that followed.

Read this if you: Can't get enough of the Ya-Yas and want to find out how many grandkids they have, or you want more details on how Vivi Walker's relationship with her children developed.

Don't read this if you: Don't have your girlfriends on your speed-dial.

The mood you need to be in: Sentimental, preferably after having just read a letter from a friend you haven't seen in a while or after having just flipped through your scrapbook of high school memories.

What you should be snacking on: Cornbread, while sipping on a Mint Julep - Southern all the way.

The best part: When a condescending nun scolds Vivi for giving her son one of her garters for Show and Tell. She insisted: "It was simply the first thing that I picked up in my hand" as he rushed out the door for school.

Other books on your nightstand: Wells' Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood and Little Altars Everywhere, The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters by Elisabeth Robinson

In a nutshell: The shifting narrative - including from a nosy neighbour - confuses the story at times. However, fans of Wells will consider this a must-read - revisiting the same, now-familiar characters who share stories from their past makes for a relaxing read. For those who have never quite caught on to the series, it's chick lit with back story so you might want to try Divine Secrets first.

By: Christine Walewski