Did you hear the wahooing going on this weekend? That was me when I started “Finding Comfort” the second installment in the Comfort and Joy Trilogy. I loved the first one – the second was even better and now I have to wait for the third!!

Back is Gloria!!! Mason!!! Lacy, Drue, Leonard, Wanda and all the other wonderful characters that breathed life into Comfort and this series. As a fan of the author’s previous works and an ardent admirer of Gloria, I was eagerly awaiting this book and it did not disappoint.

Gloria continues to be the relatable, independent character I fell in love with in the first book. Her journey of self-discovery and growth is a testament to her resilience, making her someone many readers, including myself, can closely relate to. She’s a character of a certain age and reminds us that we’re all a work in progress, regardless of where we are in life.

In Comfort, the town’s intricate web of connections comes to life as Gloria’s path intertwines with the townspeople. Kimberly Fish has upped her game with the mystery angle in this book. She skillfully brings Gloria’s logical banking background into play, creating a character that feels real and multi-dimensional.

What sets this series apart are the unexpected and humorous twists and turns in Gloria’s life. It’s a reminder that no matter how much we plan, life often has a different agenda, and the author captures this with wit and charm. Gloria’s authenticity and growth make her someone you’d want as a friend. Her comment about menopause, “It’s like puberty’s ugly step-sister.” Had me chuckling to myself for ½ the day. And then when she makes a list against an adversary, she drops “Knives may have made the list.” OK an out loud giggle (one of many) escaped during my reading.

I eagerly await the third and final book in the trilogy. I NEED to know what will happen with Mason – because if Gloria’s not going to go for it – I’m getting in line (well if I wasn’t happily married, that is.)

It’s a must-read for fans of the author, for anyone who appreciates well-crafted characters, relatable stories, the comforting embrace of small-town life and all women of a certain age.

The only thing keeping this book from 5 stars is good proofreading.