‘Shortest Distance’ a story of mother, sisters

  The relationships between mothers, daughters and sisters have always been a continual source of stories for authors. The love, devotion, jealousy and deceptions often experienced among relatives of the female gender make fascinating drama, at best.
  In “The Shortest Distance Between Two Women,” author Kris Radish also looks at the relationship between sisters, focusing on the Gilford family of Higgins, S.C.
  Emma Gilford is the baby in a family of four daughters. Her mother and sisters have always depended on her calmness and organizational skills when it comes to family crises and events, such as the world-renown, labor-intensive Gilford Family Reunion.
  But this year, life has turned upside down as two of Emma’s sisters seem to be having simultaneous breakdowns, her mother has turned into the town sexpot, and her beloved niece is having an out-of-the-ordinary angst festival of her own. On top of all the family problems, a voice from Emma’s past, her former boyfriend Samuel, seems to be haunting her telephone, stirring up emotions that Emma thought she had long put to bed.
  Taking refuge in her beloved garden, Emma tries to make sense of it all, but the more she tries, the crazier life becomes. Can she put aside her family’s turmoil and concentrate on her own happiness?
  Radish delivers a warm story of Southern grace, charm and nuttiness. Readers will find it easy to relate to the lovable but eccentric Gilford family. This is a lovely example of mature chick lit.