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Pie Town #1
Pie Town
Welcome to Pie Town! Bestselling author Lynne Hinton—who has delighted readers with her heartwarming tales of faith, food, and friendship—has cooked up a delectable treat for fans of Fannie Flagg, Whitney Otto, Kaye Gibbons, and Jan Karon’s Mitford books…as well as the dedicated readers of her own popular Hope Springs novels (Friendship Cake, Christmas Cake, et al). The first in a series centered around the inhabitants of a small New Mexico town once renowned for its homemade desserts, Pie Town is the touching and funny tale about the unexpected changes a sleepy little southwestern community undergoes following the arrival of a well-meaning but woefully unprepared priest and a young hitchhiker who looks like big trouble.
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2011
99 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Hinton
26 books184 followersLynne Hinton is the pastor of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The author of numerous novels including Friendship Cake, Hope Springs, Forever Friends, Christmas Cake, and Wedding Cake, she lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
July 3, 2011
After winning this one thorugh a Goodreads giveaway, I sat right down with it, looking forward to a nice, feel-good, hometown story, and that's pretty much what I got...to a point.
This is a tough one to write. Was it interesting? Meh...yeah. Was is a nice little story of life in a small town? Meh...yeah. Unfortunately, though, it was a little too 'nice' for my tastes. I'm not really a fan of anything that's too sugary-sweet or predictable, which is why I'm not a big fan of the romance genre. Give me a cute little animal and I'm there, but when you throw a whole bunch of scarred characters into the pot, having them all 'meet' in little ol' 'Pie Town', I felt like I needed a trip to the dentist from all the syrupy goodness.
The author's elementary writing style certainly didn't help, either. I truly HATE to say this - I really do. I'm not a 'word snob' by any means, but I found that this book read more like an elementary school reader than an adult novel. I will admit, however, that my judgement may have been clouded by the predictable storyline.
At its core, 'Pie Town' is about small town redemption - which is not to say that's a bad thing. Certainly not! In this incarnation, however, it's just not for me.
This is a tough one to write. Was it interesting? Meh...yeah. Was is a nice little story of life in a small town? Meh...yeah. Unfortunately, though, it was a little too 'nice' for my tastes. I'm not really a fan of anything that's too sugary-sweet or predictable, which is why I'm not a big fan of the romance genre. Give me a cute little animal and I'm there, but when you throw a whole bunch of scarred characters into the pot, having them all 'meet' in little ol' 'Pie Town', I felt like I needed a trip to the dentist from all the syrupy goodness.
The author's elementary writing style certainly didn't help, either. I truly HATE to say this - I really do. I'm not a 'word snob' by any means, but I found that this book read more like an elementary school reader than an adult novel. I will admit, however, that my judgement may have been clouded by the predictable storyline.
At its core, 'Pie Town' is about small town redemption - which is not to say that's a bad thing. Certainly not! In this incarnation, however, it's just not for me.
July 27, 2011
The characters in this book were sweet and endearing at times, but just a bit one sided and flat at the others. I found this book to be difficult to really get into and the lives of the people to be quite predictable. Otis was sweet and silly, but you really didn’t get much deeper than that into his character and while everyone adored Alex…Why did they adore Alex except for the fact that he was born ill and wise beyond his years and …I didn’t really understand that bit at all. The priest who had issues mixed with the run-away with issues, mixed with a town that doesn’t serve pie, mixed with a happy divorced couple that …well I’m not really sure about them either. A seriously messed up daughter who leaves her son with his grandparents and a town that is unfriendly at best, makes for an interesting setting that didn't deliver, in my opinion.
The end I saw coming from the first chapter. I think that this could have been a much better story with a few less quirky characters that really never morphed into more than that. The ending wrapped everyone and everything up in a happy little neat package and I love happily ever after stories, but this one fell short of my expectations. It just wasn't my thing.
The recipes in the back of the book sound interesting and I think I will give one or two of them a try. I will be offering this book on Goodreads swap. If you like happy endings, feel good messages about a hard working town coming together to help everyone, you may enjoy this book.
The end I saw coming from the first chapter. I think that this could have been a much better story with a few less quirky characters that really never morphed into more than that. The ending wrapped everyone and everything up in a happy little neat package and I love happily ever after stories, but this one fell short of my expectations. It just wasn't my thing.
The recipes in the back of the book sound interesting and I think I will give one or two of them a try. I will be offering this book on Goodreads swap. If you like happy endings, feel good messages about a hard working town coming together to help everyone, you may enjoy this book.
August 12, 2019
Sweet read, loved the cast of characters.
October 18, 2021
One handicapped little boy - the whole town learned from him the meaning of love.
March 13, 2013
This was a cute and quick read that wasn't too sappy or preachy; however, I was shocked to see swear words in a Christian fiction novel. I know some Christian fiction has gotten more edgy in the last few years but this really surprised me...
Pie Town. A homey name for a small town that conjures up pies, home cooking, and love. Unfortunately, Pie Town does not live up to its name or warm and fuzzy connotations. First, there is no pie (the bakery shut down years ago) and, second, the Pie Town residents are not the friendliest of small-town welcoming committees.
Father George Morris was sent to Pie Town by the diocese for his first calling out of seminary. Father George was hoping and praying for a parish in a Third World country. Why? Because he is running from a secret that would threaten his reputation and calling as a priest.
Trina has been wandering since she was a teen. After finding out that her latest, sweet-talking trucker boyfriend was older than expected, plus married with two children, she literally walked out on him and towards Pie Town.
Although the residents of Pie Town may be judgmental to strangers and newcomers, the townsfolk rally around Alex, an 11 year-old boy with spina bifida. Alex is considered by many to be the heartbeat of the community. Soon after Father George and Trina arrive in town, Alex's condition worsens; Alex's worsening physical condition sharpens his senses about the supernatural world and after a tragedy, with a little help from above, he rallies the town one last time.
Pie Town. A homey name for a small town that conjures up pies, home cooking, and love. Unfortunately, Pie Town does not live up to its name or warm and fuzzy connotations. First, there is no pie (the bakery shut down years ago) and, second, the Pie Town residents are not the friendliest of small-town welcoming committees.
Father George Morris was sent to Pie Town by the diocese for his first calling out of seminary. Father George was hoping and praying for a parish in a Third World country. Why? Because he is running from a secret that would threaten his reputation and calling as a priest.
Trina has been wandering since she was a teen. After finding out that her latest, sweet-talking trucker boyfriend was older than expected, plus married with two children, she literally walked out on him and towards Pie Town.
Although the residents of Pie Town may be judgmental to strangers and newcomers, the townsfolk rally around Alex, an 11 year-old boy with spina bifida. Alex is considered by many to be the heartbeat of the community. Soon after Father George and Trina arrive in town, Alex's condition worsens; Alex's worsening physical condition sharpens his senses about the supernatural world and after a tragedy, with a little help from above, he rallies the town one last time.
October 8, 2014
1.5
I am religious, so I should have connected to this book more, right? Well, apart from some nice emphasis on a character-driven story, it failed to grip me. I liked how we learned that Father George and Trina were sort of "unreliable narrators" when we find out something they refuse to bring up. Other than that, I couldn't care less about Alex, who was supposed to be so adored by Pie Town, that his impending death never left me feeling anything thing but, "meh." Really, had this book tried to cover more about Alex, why he is so loved by his ENTIRE FREAKING TOWN,-all we know is that he is kind and young and has a disease, and trust me I felt bad about that, it sucks. Yet, I couldn't find anything under that to make me care. And that is not a good thing for a story that SAYS that Alex is basically the pivotal character of the book. That us readers will fall in love with this poor guy and cry our eyes out when his disease finally takes him....yet I didn't feel much at all but, "Oh, he died?"
I am religious, so I should have connected to this book more, right? Well, apart from some nice emphasis on a character-driven story, it failed to grip me. I liked how we learned that Father George and Trina were sort of "unreliable narrators" when we find out something they refuse to bring up. Other than that, I couldn't care less about Alex, who was supposed to be so adored by Pie Town, that his impending death never left me feeling anything thing but, "meh." Really, had this book tried to cover more about Alex, why he is so loved by his ENTIRE FREAKING TOWN,-all we know is that he is kind and young and has a disease, and trust me I felt bad about that, it sucks. Yet, I couldn't find anything under that to make me care. And that is not a good thing for a story that SAYS that Alex is basically the pivotal character of the book. That us readers will fall in love with this poor guy and cry our eyes out when his disease finally takes him....yet I didn't feel much at all but, "Oh, he died?"
August 1, 2021
Pie Town is another great novel by Lynne Hinton that has gentle spirituality, shows characters navigating family relationships and friendships and as a bonus shows us the power of a little boy who manages to bring the town together on his own.
Alex is born with spina bifida. His life has been physically painful for obvious reasons and though he won't admit that his mother leaving him in the care of her parents, his grandparents Roger and Malene is heart wrenching, he spreads joy and love to all he meets. Father George Morris is the new priest in town and when he and Trina, the hitchhiker he picks up on the way into town, meet Alex they are welcomed even though all other residents of Pie Town are less than cordial. What is Father George's story? Why is Trina traveling from town to town? Why are Roger and Malene divorced even though we can clearly see they love each other?
Pie Town is a rich story of love and forgiveness told beautifully by Hinton. I recommend all her books, but start with Friendship Cake.
Alex is born with spina bifida. His life has been physically painful for obvious reasons and though he won't admit that his mother leaving him in the care of her parents, his grandparents Roger and Malene is heart wrenching, he spreads joy and love to all he meets. Father George Morris is the new priest in town and when he and Trina, the hitchhiker he picks up on the way into town, meet Alex they are welcomed even though all other residents of Pie Town are less than cordial. What is Father George's story? Why is Trina traveling from town to town? Why are Roger and Malene divorced even though we can clearly see they love each other?
Pie Town is a rich story of love and forgiveness told beautifully by Hinton. I recommend all her books, but start with Friendship Cake.
March 28, 2022
After finish reading the series of Sister Eve, that I really enjoyed, I picked up "Pie Town" also by Lynne Hinton. I must say I couldn't put it down. Some may not agree with me, to each is own, but I surely did love this story. It's about family, sorrow, love, caring and so much more. It's also about how in a small town there could be so much gossip, and different of opinions, and bias. Yet when in a crisis, or difficult situation, they will jump to conclusion, or will realize that only coming together will they be able to achieve a goal. Like building the Church. I think that I really enjoyed this story because of the different cultures living together. To see that it is possible to be able to communicate and with faith, be able to live together. " Pie Town," When you think of Pie the image of a savory pastry with a different fruit, just like in the story a mixture of different languages and beliefs coming together. Lynne Hinton will be one of my favorite authors from now on. Keep writing and I will keep reading.
August 27, 2011
Years ago I met Lynne Hinton at the Festival of Books when she wrote the "Cake" series. I had not wanted to like the first book, and only read it because my book club insisted. I was so glad I did. We met with another book club which consisted of black women called the Sista Circle to discuss Lynne's book and had a terrific conversation stimulated by The Friendship Cake. We all liked the book. Lynne herself is a lovely, intelligent woman and I am honored to have her as a friend. Its true her books are sweet, but not in the sense that they are syrupy or sentimental. They are not "edgy", but they touch on edgy subjects and make them palatable. (Yes pun intended for Pie Town) As for the angels, well having had a "visit" from my late Mother, I was glad to read what verified that which I already knew...thank you Lynne, for another journey that I will cherish in this sometimes harsh world.
September 12, 2011
This is definitely not the kind of book I usually pick up. I got it free from Goodreads First Reads, and I actually thought it would be more of a culinary type novel. There are some recipes in the back, but mainly this falls under the category that I think might be called "inspirational fiction." I know some people who might like this book, but I wouldn't recommend it.
The woman who wrote it is a pastor, so we can infer from that that she is hardly what you'd call "orthodox." I also found it interesting that the main religious themes in the book centered around a Catholic community, when the writer obviously isn't Catholic. Basically I wish she had described things in terms of her own religion, because it was too easy for me not to believe some of the characters' actions.
This is the kind of book that appeals to emotions and a nebulous idea of some universal spirituality. Like I said, I have met people who would love this sort of thing but it's not for me.
The woman who wrote it is a pastor, so we can infer from that that she is hardly what you'd call "orthodox." I also found it interesting that the main religious themes in the book centered around a Catholic community, when the writer obviously isn't Catholic. Basically I wish she had described things in terms of her own religion, because it was too easy for me not to believe some of the characters' actions.
This is the kind of book that appeals to emotions and a nebulous idea of some universal spirituality. Like I said, I have met people who would love this sort of thing but it's not for me.
July 1, 2022
I had just finished a Jack Reacher novel which had me on the edge of my seat. And along comes Pie Town which is set in the state that I live in and the novel made me remember the satisfaction of being back in the Father Tim Mitford series again by Jan Karon. I enjoyed the change of pace, characters, especially Alex. It was just what I needed after Reacher to be lulled into a sense of calm though as it turns out, small towns can be rough as well as caring. Looking forward to the second novel in the series.
April 24, 2012
Very good book. One of the best books I have read in a LONG time....
July 18, 2021
Pie Town by Lynne Hinton is book 1 of the Pie Town series set in mid-20th-century Pie Town, New Mexico. My mistake: I did not read the synopsis. I had heard of the legendary pies in Pie Town. Lynne's books are "feel good stories", so I expected heartwarming lore about how the town and the famous pies came to be.
Instead, the book is about a town with cantankerous residents, and no pie. The bakery that gave the town its name in the 1920s has long ago closed. No one in town can agree on anything, except...they all love Alex, a boy with spina bifida. His mother ran away years ago, last seen in Taos with druggies. Alex lives with his grandmother Malene, but everyone in town nurtures Alex.
Book sections start with Alex's great-grandmother Alice's thoughts as she revisits the town (as an angel) after her death. The town's various residents, all "stuck in their ruts" get stirred up by the arrival of a new priest and a hitchhiker. The newcomers have issues to resolve.
All rally around Alex, but can't save him. They just may be able to fix their own lives. Predictable, sweet, syrupy. DNF
Recipes follow for the food prepared by town residents for Alex's birthday party: Hot Buttermilk Cornbread, Oris's Famous Cowboy Beans, Bea's Green Chile Stew, Posole, Francine's Banana Cream Pie, Barb's Biscochitos.
The afterword "Finding Pie Town" describes Hinton's first visit to Pie Town, when no pie was for sale anywhere in town. Happily, in the late 1990s, Kathy Knapp and her mother created Pie-O-Neer Cafe. The legend was reborn. A recipe for Pie-O-Neer Pecan Oat Pie is included.
Internet search reveals Pie-O-Neer Cafe served wonderful pies for decades, until COVID-19 pandemic hit. Pie-O-Neer Cafe closed in early 2020. A new owner may reopen in August 2021, baking Kathy Knapp's Pie-O-Neer recipes.
Instead, the book is about a town with cantankerous residents, and no pie. The bakery that gave the town its name in the 1920s has long ago closed. No one in town can agree on anything, except...they all love Alex, a boy with spina bifida. His mother ran away years ago, last seen in Taos with druggies. Alex lives with his grandmother Malene, but everyone in town nurtures Alex.
Book sections start with Alex's great-grandmother Alice's thoughts as she revisits the town (as an angel) after her death. The town's various residents, all "stuck in their ruts" get stirred up by the arrival of a new priest and a hitchhiker. The newcomers have issues to resolve.
All rally around Alex, but can't save him. They just may be able to fix their own lives. Predictable, sweet, syrupy. DNF
Recipes follow for the food prepared by town residents for Alex's birthday party: Hot Buttermilk Cornbread, Oris's Famous Cowboy Beans, Bea's Green Chile Stew, Posole, Francine's Banana Cream Pie, Barb's Biscochitos.
The afterword "Finding Pie Town" describes Hinton's first visit to Pie Town, when no pie was for sale anywhere in town. Happily, in the late 1990s, Kathy Knapp and her mother created Pie-O-Neer Cafe. The legend was reborn. A recipe for Pie-O-Neer Pecan Oat Pie is included.
Internet search reveals Pie-O-Neer Cafe served wonderful pies for decades, until COVID-19 pandemic hit. Pie-O-Neer Cafe closed in early 2020. A new owner may reopen in August 2021, baking Kathy Knapp's Pie-O-Neer recipes.
February 28, 2025
A great read, with a sequel. Looking forward to reading it.
Wouldn't you think that a town called Pie Town, would have really delicious pies that they were known for? That people would always be stopping there for that pie?
Not true. A small town off the interstate in New Mexico. People living there pretty close-minded about who they want living there...nobody that would be "different"....someone Navajo? A young priest? A young un-wed, pregnant mother? Hispanics?
Pie Town used to be legendary for their pies. Now they aren't. Come meet Father George Morris on his first assignment for the Catholic Church, a young hitchhiker named Trina, Roger Benavidez (the sheriff) and his wife, and their disabled grandson, Alex, Alice, Oris, and so many other characters.
There are recipes included, as well as a study guide for reading clubs.
Wouldn't you think that a town called Pie Town, would have really delicious pies that they were known for? That people would always be stopping there for that pie?
Not true. A small town off the interstate in New Mexico. People living there pretty close-minded about who they want living there...nobody that would be "different"....someone Navajo? A young priest? A young un-wed, pregnant mother? Hispanics?
Pie Town used to be legendary for their pies. Now they aren't. Come meet Father George Morris on his first assignment for the Catholic Church, a young hitchhiker named Trina, Roger Benavidez (the sheriff) and his wife, and their disabled grandson, Alex, Alice, Oris, and so many other characters.
There are recipes included, as well as a study guide for reading clubs.
March 22, 2022
from goodreads site:
Welcome to Pie Town! Bestselling author Lynne Hinton—who has delighted readers with her heartwarming tales of faith, food, and friendship—has cooked up a delectable treat for fans of Fannie Flagg, Whitney Otto, Kaye Gibbons, and Jan Karon’s Mitford books…as well as the dedicated readers of her own popular Hope Springs novels (Friendship Cake, Christmas Cake, et al). The first in a series centered around the inhabitants of a small New Mexico town once renowned for its homemade desserts, Pie Town is the touching and funny tale about the unexpected changes a sleepy little southwestern community undergoes following the arrival of a well-meaning but woefully unprepared priest and a young hitchhiker who looks like big trouble.
Welcome to Pie Town! Bestselling author Lynne Hinton—who has delighted readers with her heartwarming tales of faith, food, and friendship—has cooked up a delectable treat for fans of Fannie Flagg, Whitney Otto, Kaye Gibbons, and Jan Karon’s Mitford books…as well as the dedicated readers of her own popular Hope Springs novels (Friendship Cake, Christmas Cake, et al). The first in a series centered around the inhabitants of a small New Mexico town once renowned for its homemade desserts, Pie Town is the touching and funny tale about the unexpected changes a sleepy little southwestern community undergoes following the arrival of a well-meaning but woefully unprepared priest and a young hitchhiker who looks like big trouble.
July 25, 2023
Well that was different is what I said to myself after closing the book. Caution up front: sexual situations through out the book. Personally, I almost stopped right away but had a feeling this is a redemption story and I was right. One reviewer I read called it wholesome - I disagree. Characters are quirky, jaded, disagreeable but for this story of a town of misfits it works. The writing was good and I am glad I read it.
January 31, 2021
New Mexico author, Lynne Hinton writes beautiful uplifting books! Pie Town is a book of hope, forgiveness and community. A book of faith and love. "....humans always find hope in the change of wind. It is the breath of God, after all, and it is meant to remind them that there is more to this world than just themselves."
May 28, 2024
Feels like a Hallmark script - pleasant, not much depth, pretty saccharine. Some details didn’t make a ton of sense but you’re not reading this book for the details, you’re reading it for the vibes! Need something light? Go ahead and give it a shot. Was gonna give it 2 stars but the recipes at the end brought it back up to 3.
May 25, 2025
What can I say? I am a sucker for the rather sentimental but uplifting stories of Lynne Hinton. Totally out of my general reading oeuvre, but there is a genuine kindness and important truth to her novels. They are feel good reads, and Pie Town was no exception. There is some sadness to add salt and a Dickensian flair.
July 23, 2018
new setting New Mexico
Father George's journey to connect with his parishners (and the world.)
definition of heaven pg 92 All those people out there doing something simple and easy as playing
Father George's journey to connect with his parishners (and the world.)
definition of heaven pg 92 All those people out there doing something simple and easy as playing
September 10, 2019
Excellent
This book grabbed me and would not let go. I had to keep reading, to find out what happened to the people in Pie Town. Lynne Bob's characters are so real I feel that I would know them anywhere.
This book grabbed me and would not let go. I had to keep reading, to find out what happened to the people in Pie Town. Lynne Bob's characters are so real I feel that I would know them anywhere.
May 26, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! It was perfect in everyway possible. It was one of those stories that made you feel like you also loved in Pie Town. It makes me want to go back to Pie Town and sit in the diner and have my slice of pie. - I live in New Mexico and I hope to meet Mrs. Hinton one day.
October 24, 2017
Liked the book, but not as much as the Sister Eve series.
June 16, 2018
Nice easy Summer read
October 5, 2018
It was predictable, but still a sweet "feel good" story!
January 6, 2019
Rated 7 out of 10
January 11, 2020
Hopeful about life and death. Reminds me to be grateful for each moment and that broken people are used everyday to bring about God's work on earth.
December 23, 2020
Great book.
March 4, 2021
Registered at Bookcrossing - http://www.bookcrossing.com/joirnal/1...
Really good story. ❤
Really good story. ❤
October 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Loved that the community came together. We need more of this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews