The Madam of Decatur's Ladies of Literature (Lunch)

We'll identify with heroine Deena in this book...as she navigates a new start in her life in the city of Atlanta, Georgia. What You Leave Behind: A Novel, by Wanda M. Morris, 2024 and 384 pages. It is an Editor’s Pick Best Books of Year So far 2024.

An excerpt from Amazon.com:

“Award-winning author Wanda Morris returns with a powerful, haunting thriller following a lawyer who after the mysterious disappearance of a local landowner and the death of his sister just months before, uncovers a conspiracy that dates back to Reconstruction and persists in half the United States today.

Deena Wood’s life has fallen apart in the aftermath of losing her beloved mother, her marriage, and her prestigious job at an Atlanta law firm. She needs what the Geechee people of coastal Georgia call a “dayclean,” a fresh start.

She returns to her childhood home in Brunswick, Georgia, to heal. But her return is anything but the respite she thought it might be. To make peace with all her loss, she often drives through the city. One day, she unwittingly finds herself on the oceanfront property of a loner widower who is fighting to keep land that has been in his family since the end of the Civil War. He threatens her and warns her to never return. But shortly after, he disappears, and his very expensive property is quickly put up for sale. Curious about what has happened to the man, Deena digs into his disappearance and finds a family legacy at risk. What starts out as a bit of curious snooping, turns into a deadly game of illegal land grabs and property redevelopment in poor and rural communities with dark and powerful forces at work.

Without realizing it, Deena finds herself caught up in a nightmarish scheme that threatens her community and her family. She’ll need help and finds it in a close but unlikely source because she knows she must do whatever it takes to stop the sinister forces at play before she becomes their next target.”

Our meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a "meet and greet." At approximately 12:15 p.m., we will begin the book review. Sprigs offers a variety of appetizers, entrees, drinks and desserts. You are welcome to come and go as needed.

You must have the latest booster against Covid re: the CDC and have written proof (ask your pharmacy for documentation/invoice, etc.) of such before attending a meeting. For those 65 years and older, a second updated Covid vaccination is needed. Any medical exceptions to this must be requested in advance of meetings; additional precautions may apply. Please maintain proper distances between members. We will plan to sit outside so please dress accordingly. In case of inclement weather, we will eat inside where masks are optional.

If you have attended a previous meeting, you are invited for a holiday celebration and potluck lunch at Sally's and Alan's house on December 10th. Lasagna, garlic toast and drinks (water, wine, apple juice, milk, coffee and tea) will be provided. We know our ladies need choices so please let me know if you'd like gluten-free lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, dairy-free lasagna or garlic-free/onion-free lasagna.

Please bring a dish of your choice. You must have a "Fall" updated Covid vaccine and furnish written proof of such. If you have a medical reason to not receive a vaccine, an exception must be approved in advance. Additional precautions may apply.

We will plan to eat inside but there are outside patios for anyone wanting to eat outside. Please maintain appropriate physical distance for each other as we are still careful about Covid.

You will be surrounded by books (tours available upon request!) and one small, 17-year-old pup! We'll start off with some early Medieval Gregorian Chants! Parking is available on the street; please take care not to block driveways or mailboxes. We live in Medlock Park; address will be provided for attendees.

You may bring a holiday gift for exchange. Please limit it to about $ 20 in value; it may be regifted or new. Come in your jeans or come in your glitter...just come to have a great time together1

I hope to see you there!!

Sally