Apple, cherry, blueberry, oh my! But wait, who holds the secrets to making the perfect pie?
When the Pie Queen of Ipswitch passes away, she appears to take the secret of her world-famous pie crust recipe with her. But what if she didn't? In a turn of events that has the town scrambling, Polly Portman leaves the recipe to her cat, Lardo... and leaves him in the care of her niece, Alice.
Suddenly, everyone wants to be the next big pie-contest winner, making everyone go pie-crazy. People become more eager than ever to get their hands on the cat, thinking he'll lead them to fame. Alice and her friend Charlie attempt to put the pieces together and solve the mystery. But what if the recipe isn't that secret?
A story about finding the most important ingredient of all. A tale of the power of pie.
Trigger warnings for death of a loved one and grief.
Tenderhearted, imaginative Alice was crushed by her aunt's death. Grief-stricken, she simultaneously found peace and sadness in the memories evoked by pie. From finding Lardo and her aunt's secrets, to her family, to becoming a person her aunt would be proud of, her determination knew no bounds. While it was definitely a struggle sometimes, I loved her journey of finding the recipe to happiness.
From good-hearted Aunt Polly to a mother who had the green eyes of jealousy, from her level headed father to helpful, humorous Charlie, to disagreeable Lardo, pie brought the town together as much as it threatened to tear them apart. A town where everybody knows everybody's business, it was interesting to see how it all kind of ebbed and flowed around one woman and the pies she so lovingly provided. The talented Polly truly left the world a better place. She transformed the lives of all she met, but perhaps no one more so than Alice. She lovingly gave her family, safety, happiness, and memories that will last her a lifetime. I can only hope to leave a legacy as special as Polly Portman's.
The community of Ipswitch was lovingly crafted, but I couldn't help but wish for more character growth within the individuals of the supporting cast. However, I did like how Alice and her mother's relationship evolved, because I truly did not see it going the way it did. A large, grumpy cat, Lardo was a gem.
Personalized recipes open up each chapter of this sweetly made confection. References to Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys easily ensconced you further into the close-knit 1950's Ipswitch. However, I think the story could have done without the comments about gender roles. A quick mystery, Sarah Weekes baked a treat that warmly imparts the values of kindness, gratefulness, and love. A story of family and friendship, Pie gently touches on the importance of learning how to cope with loss and grief. Although I don't think it was needed, the epilogue was extremely cute. Young and old readers alike will love this delicious tale.
Grab yourself a slice of Pie and read this book.