one of my neighbors gave me Julia's Chocolate by Cathy Lamb and it was just fantastic! 

I like it so much, I can't even part with my copy and have bought several as gifts. It reminds me somewhat of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood - but I liked it even better.  It's a tale of courage, wisdom and over coming fear to find your own happiness.  The charcters are quirky and you really come to care about them.  I really recommend adding it to your wishlist or checking it out of the library :)

PBS link with a book description

link to some reviews