Girls, Pearls, and Rogue Squirrels

When tomboy Mary Kate crosses paths with prim-and-proper Abigail Ashhurst, a delightful series of haps and mishaps come tumbling through the small southern town of Eubanks.

Intermingled with the summertime adventures of this six-year-old sweetie are Abby's best friends, who often visit her front porch to enjoy an accounting of their crazy lives. Yes, they have their share of bumps, grinds, and rolls . . . but nothing like the rogue squirrels who run rampant through town, trying to avoid the determined Mary Kate and her pink BB gun.

You will laugh out loud and want to share this charming story and the recipes that are scattered throughout: sangria, cheesecake, truffles . . .

. . . and what's this about a cake that bleeds?