Search - The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder (Audio CD) (Unabridged)

I really LOVED this book. I really didn't want the story to end. There is a quote on a bookmark that I found that sums up how I felt about this story: "You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend."
I really enjoyed the narrator, Judith Ivey; she really made the story come alive for me. You might remember seeing her in the final season of "Designing Women" (she replaced Delta Burke). I listened to the unabridged version (14 hours on 10 CDs).
Cally Lily Ponder grows up in a small river town called La Luna (luna = moon) in Louisiana. Her mother tells Cally Lily to always look up to the loving light of the Moon Lady (a feminine force that guides Cally Lily through pain, sorrow and happiness). Part of the story takes place in La Luna, and part in New Orleans. Cally Lily has a rich life with many wonderful friends. One of her friends, Sukey, goes to New Orleans and works as a Playboy Bunny - but her life is not without pitfalls and problems. Her friends have to let her go to save her from herself (I don't want to reveal too much of the story).
Calla Lily's own story speaks of wonderful happiness and also of heart-wrenching sorrow. Her friends are by her side but at times Cally Lily must walk the walk alone. She struggles through the pain and slips into the darkness only she can know. But don't let me lead you wrong, the book ends on a positive note.... You will have to read it and see for yourself.

I absolutely love Rebecca Wells and all of her characters. In this one, we depart from Thornton, Louisiana and the Ya-Yas and are introduced to Calla Lily Ponder and the warm and wonderful people of La Luna, Louisiana. I could listen to Judith Ivey read all day long. She brings each of the characters to life, beautifully and vibrantly, and I was glued to the story until the very last word. Can't wait for her next book.