Last Circle of Love: A Novel

Written by Lorna Landvik

Narrated by Lorna Landvik

A funny, heartwarming story about a feisty group of women who shake, spice, and heat things up with a “recipe” book for romance, from the bestselling author of Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons.

Newly installed at All Souls Lutheran, Mallory “Pastor Pete” Peterson soon realizes that her church isn’t merely going through turbulent waters, but is a sinking ship. With the help of five loyal members of the Naomi Circle, the young, bold minister brainstorms fundraising ideas. They all agree that the usual recipe book won’t add much to the parish coffers, but maybe one with all the ingredients on how to heat up relationships rather than casseroles will…

Pastor Pete has her doubts about the project, but it turns out the group of postmenopausal women has a lot to say on the subject of romance. While Charlene, the youngest member at fifty-two, struggles with the assignment, baker-extraordinaire Marlys, elegantly bohemian Bunny, I’m-always-right Velda, and ebullient Edie take up their contributions enthusiastically. After all, their book is really about cooking up love in all its forms.

But not everyone in the congregation is on board with this “scandalous” project. As the voices of opposition grow louder, Pastor Pete and these intrepid women will have to decide how hard they’re willing to fight for this book and the powerful stories within—stories of discovery, softened hearts, and changed lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Dec 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781799799115

Lorna Landvik

Lorna Landvik is the author of twelve other novels, including the bestselling Patty Jane’s House of Curl, Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons, and Chronicles of a Radical Hag (with Recipes). Also an actor and playwright, Lorna has performed on numerous stages. A recent DNA test determined she’s 95 percent Norwegian and 5 percent wild.

Reviews for Last Circle of Love

[fernemysteryreader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Naomi Circle Meeting.Meeting Venue: All Souls Lutheran Church, Kittleson, Minnesota.Meeting Attendees: Mallory Peterson, the congregation know as Pastor Pete and 5 circle members.Meeting Topic: Suggestions for a new fundraising project.Discussion: Did you all see the latest fundraising project at the Prince of Peace Church luncheon? How does the oldest church compete with the megachurch recipe fundraising project? Next Meeting Topic: What do attendees think of Pastor Pete’s proposal, a different recipe book, ABCs of Erotica.I loved it! Don’t presume you know the story. It has more surprises than you can imagine. It’s a spiritual novel, but I’d prefer to say it’s about our humanity. That’s why I believe the story can and should be enjoyed regardless of religious affiliation and/or denomination or no affiliation. It’s a story that celebrates the joy of every day and celebrates that age is only a number. If you turn away because of the meeting venue, you miss an opportunity for fun, friendship, and love, a unique and meaningful story.Book Club Questions are available at the end of the novel.

[shelleyraec · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I like to take a chance now and then and read something outside of my comfort zone. Sometimes this pays off, and sometimes it doesn’t. I thought the premise of Last Circle of Love sounded unusual, and I’ve read something from the author, Lorna Landvik, before, so though I usually avoid books that mention religion, I hoped for the best.Last Circle of Love has its moments, I often found it sweet, warm, funny and thoughtful, and somewhat surprisingly, really not at all preachy. The women of the circle, and their Pastor, are often not what you’d expect, certainly a little bolder, and and I enjoyed their individual stories. Unfortunately however the novel’s execution overall felt uneven to me. The plot doesn’t really have much in the way of momentum and often feels unfocused. In part I think this is because the shifts between the perspectives of the many characters happen quite randomly and as a result the story feels disjointed. The conclusion also leaves some important threads dangling.Though it has its charms, the issues with the structure meant Last Circle of Love was simply an okay read for me.

[lorikboyd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars for this enjoyable story about a group of Women in a Naomi group at All Souls Lutheran Church. The new pastor has her work cut out for her…trying to compete with a new shiny MegaChurch and slow the number of parishioners leaving in addition to raising money for her ailing church. They brainstorm an idea of a different type of recipe book…ABCs of Erotica. Scandalous for a church book!What a cast of characters. Each women, all over 50, have secrets and need to explore what this means to each of them. A larger cast of characters, all lovable in their own right, but can be hard to follow all the stories and keep them straight. It was nice to read about ‘mature’ women coming to term with their past, present and future. Deeper friendships are formed, relationships renewed and eyes opened. Cozy, lighter read.Thanks to Ms Landvik, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone!

[fredreeca · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Mallory Peterson is the new Pastor if the local Lutheran church. Her church is in need of money and all the previous fundraising attempts have not achieved the desired results. So, some of the ladies of the church have decided on a new fundraising idea, a guidebook to heat up your love life!I have loved several books by this author. It has been years since I have read her. So, I am not sure if I have grown or if she has changed her writing style. But, this book was just a bit too simple and predictable.That being said…I did love the characters and the premise of these church ladies writing erotica. But, the conversations were as clean and wholesome as you can imagine. It is more about growing in love and friendship. This had a chance to be much cuter than it was. I guess this book has its place but it is just not with me.Need a quick story about love…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.