Julie Meier still remembers the first time she attended a book review put on by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Kindly ladies, simmering tea, and, of course, some enlightened book discussion.

"When you find a group of such gentleness and overwhelming love, you never forget it," she said.

So when the nonprofit asked Meier to review a book this year, she knew just what to pick.

"My mind went back to that (review), and I thought about the kind of continuity that friendships and love between people creates," said Meier, former director of the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.

Her thoughts went straight to James Patterson's novel, "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas."

It's a different kind of love story, Meier explained, one between a mother and her baby.

It's perfect for the Catholic Daughters, she said.

"There are so many things in here that absolutely hit - if you've lived 20 years, you'll think, 'Wow, I know that feeling,' or 'Wow, I remember that hurt,'" she said, holding a copy of the novel. "It's a small book, but it's all in here."

About 100 are expected to show up for the 62nd annual Book Review and Tea, the main fundraiser for the Catholic Daughters, said event co-chair Bonnie McDowell.

Proceeds from the $6 tickets will be donated to charities like Smile Train, Birthright of Coeur d'Alene and Right to Life.

The event, open to the public, draws audiences from far outside Kootenai County, McDowell said.

"It's a social event, as well as an educational one, and it's a chance to renew friendships," she said. "So many people come back each year, and we're so happy to have Julie do this for us."

The event is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26 at the St. Thomas Center at 10th and Indiana Avenue in Coeur d'Alene.

The fundraiser will include refreshments and Meier's review.

The novel has been on the New York Times' bestseller list, Meier said, and the prolific author has touted it as his best success.

"When I started picking passages to read I thought, 'I need to read the whole book!'" she said with a laugh.

Above all, Meier said, she suggests folks come for the atmosphere.

"It's like the elegance of the Davenport Hotel, that's what they want to duplicate at this," she said. "Everyone should have the opportunity to walk in and see this beauty. And it's not intimidating, because of the graciousness of the hosts."