COFFEE KLATCH begins in 1950 as the story of five young women (all wives of American World War II veterans) living in their mass-produced homes on the same remote street in the recently established Levittown New York. Norma Lewis, Anna Marino, Jane Flynn, Betty Carter, and Ella Schmidt are as different as their new houses on Strong Lane are identical. Norma, glamorous and secretive, hides behind her witty remarks. Level-headed and compassionate, Anna becomes the block's peacemaker. Spontaneous Jane is the group's never-say-die cheerleader. And although the narrow-minded Betty and the reserved Ella are both war brides (one from England and the other from Germany), their personalities couldn't be further apart.
At first, the women form an unlikely alliance as suburban pioneers who initially just meet for coffee and companionship. Eventually, through transformative experiences and shared milestones, the five grow closer and encourage each other to find ways to transition from, as Jane puts it, 'young newlywed ninnies' to evolved individuals. However, when one neighbor uncovers another's shocking skeleton-in-the-closet, a feud begins, and the others are forced to take sides. Will the five be able to reunite during the subsequent challenging decades leading up to the town's fiftieth anniversary?
Using shifting point-of-view chapters, COFFEE KLATCH is a nostalgic tale that speaks to the importance of female friendship and empowerment. Sometimes, your oldest friends really are your dearest friends.
