Soul Food is a collection of loosely connected, life-affirming stories celebrating the tenacity of the human spirit in seeking and finding clarity, contentment and resilience in a complicated world. The stories span chronological, emotional and thematic arcs dotted with humor and moments of self-reflection. Some were inspired by real historical incidents that have been fictionalized. Others are pure fiction.

You can read the stories in any order, as each stands on its own, or follow them from first to last to discover connections between the characters, their struggles and their relationships with each other. For example:

  • In "A Recipe for Freedom," Rebecca publishes a cookbook entitled The Art of Nutmeg Cookery. In it is a recipe for gingerbread that reappears in "A Grave Situation" and "A Party for Allen."
  • In "The Lady in Red," Larry and Marilyn Winston discover the body of a woman in a glass coffin on their estate. Shared history related to the mystery then resurfaces in "Mama Rose's Kitchen" during a political struggle on the other side of town.
  • In "The Enlightenment of Franklin Rutledge," the title character, a divorced, middle-aged, self-absorbed psychiatrist, starts the journey to his own healing. Along the way, he helps Martha Rae Edmonds in "The Well-Wrapped Life" and Delores from "1-800-555-MARY."
  • In “Warrior Women of the Third Sunday," we meet Claudette from "A Stitch in Time"; Marceline, Franklin Rutledge's ex-wife from "The Enlightenment of Franklin Rutledge"; and several other women from previous stories as they gather for their monthly book club meeting.

These diverse, and sometimes quirky, characters must navigate the ups and downs of their lives by meeting a challenge, making a change, consciously choosing not to change, or finding acceptance and peace if change is not possible.

The discussion questions at the end of the book are designed to help you, your friends or your book club think about and discuss the connections and relationships between the characters, as well as their journeys to self-awareness. This section also contains a glossary of some cultural terms that may be unfamiliar to you.

Like a good Sunday brunch, which includes complimentary foods from appetizers to entrees to desserts, the stories are colorful, homey, easily digested and filling for mind, body and spirit.


Enjoy Soul Food-and come back for seconds! 

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Available in paperback and eBook formats​
Praise for Soul Food ​
Quirky characters, surprising plots and complex history come together in this inspiring collection of stories. Soul Food is written with heart, thought and wit that will make you think, laugh and learn; a delightful read.  — Nancy Slonim Aronie, author of Writing from the Heart and Memoir as Medicine 
Soul Food is a delightful collection of stories, chock full of humor, each one infused with a salient essence of truth. Each offering feeds the soul and nourishes the spirit. Pair with tea, espresso or a fine wine. — Phyllis A. Blackstone, educator, storyteller and author of My Storied Life ​
Reading Soul Food by Beth Gibbs was like sharing a delicious meal with old friends. Each story is a delectable dish, served up by appealing, clever characters—people I felt I knew or wished I knew. A variety of timely topics are part of the friendly dinner conversation. Beth’s clear, concise writing style makes each story a pleasure to read. While each story stands on its own, I particularly enjoyed the way threads and characters of one story found their way into other stories, much like the flavors and spices of a good meal are picked up throughout several dishes. I finished the collection feeling content and satisfied, as though I’d eaten an enjoyable meal.  — Carla Dean, President, Journey Writers, Inc.