The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover — Susan Wittig Albert

NYT bestselling author Susan Wittig Albert returns to Depression-era Darling, Alabama . . .

where the ladies of the Dahlias, the local garden club, are happy to dig a little dirt!

In the seventh book of this popular series, it looks like the music has ended for Darling's favorite barbershop quartet, the Lucky Four Clovers -- just days before the Dixie Regional Barbershop Competition. Another unlucky break: a serious foul-up in Darling's telephone system -- and not a penny for repairs. And while liquor is legal again, moonshine isn't. Sheriff Buddy Norris needs a little luck when he goes into Briar Swamp to confront Cypress County's most notorious bootlegger. What he finds upends his sense of justice.

Once again, Susan Wittig Albert has told a charming story filled with richly human characters who face the Great Depression with courage and grace. She reminds us that friends offer the best of themselves to each other, community is what holds us together, and luck is what you make it.

Bonus features: Liz Lacy's Garden Gate column on ''lucky'' plants, plus the Dahlias' collection of traditional Southern pie recipes and a dash of cookery history. Reading group questions, more recipes, and Depression-era info @DarlingDahlias.com

''Captivating . . . Charming characters, a fast-paced plot, and a strong sense of history help make this a superior cozy.'' -- Publishers Weekly

''The author of the popular China Bayles mysteries brings a small Southern town to life and vividly captures an era and culture -- the Depression, segregation, class differences, the role of women in the South -- with authentic period details. Her book fairly sizzles with the strength of the women of Darling.'' -- Library Journal Starred Review