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Pie Girls
Princess, Southern belle, and spoiled-rotten social climber Searcy Roberts swore on a stack of Bibles she’d never return home to Fairhope, Alabama. After marrying her high school sweetheart and moving to Atlanta, Searcy embraces big-city life—Carrie Bradshaw style.
But now, Searcy has a teeny, tiny problem. Her husband’s had a mid-life crisis. He’s quit his job, cancelled her credit cards, and left her for another man.
Searcy returns to Fairhope, ready to lick her wounds. But when her mother falls ill, she’s thrust into managing the family business—only to discover the beloved bakery is in danger of closing its doors forever.
Enlisting the help of the adorable bike store owner next door, an array of well-heeled customers, and her soon-to-be ex-husband, Searcy hatches the plan of the century to save Pie Girls.
But now, Searcy has a teeny, tiny problem. Her husband’s had a mid-life crisis. He’s quit his job, cancelled her credit cards, and left her for another man.
Searcy returns to Fairhope, ready to lick her wounds. But when her mother falls ill, she’s thrust into managing the family business—only to discover the beloved bakery is in danger of closing its doors forever.
Enlisting the help of the adorable bike store owner next door, an array of well-heeled customers, and her soon-to-be ex-husband, Searcy hatches the plan of the century to save Pie Girls.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
40 people are currently reading
1032 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Clark
23 books82 followersLauren Clark writes sweet, happily-ever-after romances set in the Deep South, including her new Golden Isles series of novellas set on St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island, Georgia.
A former CBS television news anchor and reporter, Lauren is the author of several award-winning novels, including Dancing Naked in Dixie, Stardust Summer, Pie Girls, and Stay Tuned. Visit her website at authorlaurenclark.com.
Lauren also writes suspense novels under the name Laura McNeill, including Center of Gravity and Sister Dear, both published by HarperCollins. Visit her website at lauramcneill.com.
A former CBS television news anchor and reporter, Lauren is the author of several award-winning novels, including Dancing Naked in Dixie, Stardust Summer, Pie Girls, and Stay Tuned. Visit her website at authorlaurenclark.com.
Lauren also writes suspense novels under the name Laura McNeill, including Center of Gravity and Sister Dear, both published by HarperCollins. Visit her website at lauramcneill.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
November 14, 2015
★★★★✩ (This is a review of the audiobook.) I liked Mary Hollis Inboden’s first person narration of Searcy Roberts; she has a nice voice and good southern accent. The rest of the cast are good, too, except I didn’t enjoy the voice of the man who did Luke.
As far as the story-line goes, let me preface by telling you “chick-lit” isn’t a genre I indulge much. For that reason, I only listened to it while I was in the car, where I was a captive audience; therefore, it took me awhile to get through.
The synopsis says Searcy is pretty much the Southern Carrie Bradshaw – a character on a show I never got into. (Gasp!) Searcy is amazingly self-centered. For someone who grew up relatively poor, she sure embraced the “princess” life-style. Man-oh-man! Talk about “high-maintenance.” For the most part, the book takes place in the week or two Searcy “recovers” from the final break-down of a marriage that has long been dead. Even though I knew she needed to face reality and get over her denial, she spent a little too much time on Alton, Alton, Alton, her to be ex-husband. I would have liked a little more pie shop and less of her failed attempts to get him back, plus an analysis of what went wrong. Although, at a time like that, it is best to exam one’s side of the relationship.
Those of you who do like the “chick-lit” genre will probably rate this book higher. Still, I thought this book was going to end up getting a three star rating, but I enjoyed the last forth of the book so much more, I increased my stars. The author developed Searcy into a character I actually liked. Amazing, that.
As far as the story-line goes, let me preface by telling you “chick-lit” isn’t a genre I indulge much. For that reason, I only listened to it while I was in the car, where I was a captive audience; therefore, it took me awhile to get through.
The synopsis says Searcy is pretty much the Southern Carrie Bradshaw – a character on a show I never got into. (Gasp!) Searcy is amazingly self-centered. For someone who grew up relatively poor, she sure embraced the “princess” life-style. Man-oh-man! Talk about “high-maintenance.” For the most part, the book takes place in the week or two Searcy “recovers” from the final break-down of a marriage that has long been dead. Even though I knew she needed to face reality and get over her denial, she spent a little too much time on Alton, Alton, Alton, her to be ex-husband. I would have liked a little more pie shop and less of her failed attempts to get him back, plus an analysis of what went wrong. Although, at a time like that, it is best to exam one’s side of the relationship.
Those of you who do like the “chick-lit” genre will probably rate this book higher. Still, I thought this book was going to end up getting a three star rating, but I enjoyed the last forth of the book so much more, I increased my stars. The author developed Searcy into a character I actually liked. Amazing, that.
I received and audio copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 23, 2015
As the story opens we find brand-name dropping Searcy home alone on her wedding anniversary. She is a little annoyed at her husband for being late but she keeps herself going with dreams of the diamond encrusted pendant she is sure Alton had bought her for their anniversary.
Searcy is portrayed as high maintenance and pretentious, her life revolves around shopping, shoes and endless luncheons and dinner parties. However I liked her from the start. Searcy had a lot of redeeming qualities. She genuinely loved her husband and cooked her own anniversary dinner. She felt she had the perfect life. However, that night her whole life, as she knew it, was about to come tumbling down.
Pie Girls is a story about secrets, family, love and finding who you really are and what makes you truly happy.
Searcy and Alton both left the small town they felt was holding them back to finally live the high life they had always dreamed of, only to find that money doesn’t buy happiness.
Follow Searcy as she trips, falls, bumbles and bakes her way into Luke’s heart and the lives of the people of Fairhope.
The characters were all fun and enjoyable. Even CC and Precious! I found myself hoping along with Searcy that everything would turn out well for Pie Girls.
A light hearted read filled with humour, drama, romance and baking. If you love chick lit you will love Pie Girls.
Searcy is portrayed as high maintenance and pretentious, her life revolves around shopping, shoes and endless luncheons and dinner parties. However I liked her from the start. Searcy had a lot of redeeming qualities. She genuinely loved her husband and cooked her own anniversary dinner. She felt she had the perfect life. However, that night her whole life, as she knew it, was about to come tumbling down.
Pie Girls is a story about secrets, family, love and finding who you really are and what makes you truly happy.
Searcy and Alton both left the small town they felt was holding them back to finally live the high life they had always dreamed of, only to find that money doesn’t buy happiness.
Follow Searcy as she trips, falls, bumbles and bakes her way into Luke’s heart and the lives of the people of Fairhope.
The characters were all fun and enjoyable. Even CC and Precious! I found myself hoping along with Searcy that everything would turn out well for Pie Girls.
A light hearted read filled with humour, drama, romance and baking. If you love chick lit you will love Pie Girls.
September 3, 2014
Pie Girls is an adorable story about Searcy Roberts, a young married woman in Atlanta who seems to have it all—successful husband, endless credit cards, a life of lunching and shopping—although some important elements are missing. On their anniversary, her advertising executive husband disappears, and when he finally surfaces, he reveals he is leaving her for a new life in an ashram. Devastated and determined to hide this news from her best gal pals in the city, she returns to her small, Alabama home town where her mother runs a pie shop.
Once she arrives, she finds her mother is hiding an illness, the pie shop is in trouble, and the bike shop owner next door is unsettlingly handsome and attentive. Leaving behind a privileged life, Search is forced to remake herself post-divorce. Out of shallowness and insecurity grows depth and maturity. Through her struggles, she finds herself and the life she is meant to live.
Lauren Clark is an outstanding writer; her story and prose flow with the mark of a pro. Pie Girls is a witty, charming story of how one woman takes life’s lemons and makes lemon meringue pie. Pie Girls is a fast-paced, 5-star read. Fun, engaging, and highly recommended.
Once she arrives, she finds her mother is hiding an illness, the pie shop is in trouble, and the bike shop owner next door is unsettlingly handsome and attentive. Leaving behind a privileged life, Search is forced to remake herself post-divorce. Out of shallowness and insecurity grows depth and maturity. Through her struggles, she finds herself and the life she is meant to live.
Lauren Clark is an outstanding writer; her story and prose flow with the mark of a pro. Pie Girls is a witty, charming story of how one woman takes life’s lemons and makes lemon meringue pie. Pie Girls is a fast-paced, 5-star read. Fun, engaging, and highly recommended.
November 15, 2014
Pie Girls is a story about a young wife, Searcy. She's married to very wealthy Anton Roberts. She shops at all the best stores. She has a personal shopper, a woman who makes a very good living helping Searcy spend money. Searcy is celebrating her 10th wedding anniversary, cooking a wonderful home-made meal with a pie made from her grandmother's secret recipe. Apparently, even with all her money, she is willing to roll up hew sleeves when it involves baking. She is anticipating a very, very expensive gift and preparing for the occasion purchases shoes that costs more than my kitchen appliances. When Anton is hours late for the big event, Searcy first believes he has just forgotten their plans. Apparently, he tends to forget plans when he is deep into his work. Anton's boss lists Anton as missing, which terrifies Searcy. But Anton is not missing. He eventually just pops in at home and announces he no longer wishes to be married and then quits his lucrative job. Searcy is beside herself. She identifies herself as Anton's wife. She doesn't believe she knows how to be anyone else. She decides to go home to stay a bit with her mother who owns and runs a restaurant called "Pie Girls." Searcy's mother has let the popular "Pie Girls" go and turns to her daughter for help. Searcy has got what it takes to turn the business around if she can find it within herself to believe she is capable of being more than the rich wife of Roberts.
This story is rich in descriptives and I truly enjoyed going shopping with Searcy. I loved experiencing the wonder of having whatever you want whenever you want it and going through the trials and tribulations Searcy goes through as she discovers her hidden strengths and talents. I found myself drawn into her world and enjoyed every minute of it. For this reason I give Pie Girls a 4 1/2 stars and highly recommend it. It is a book to read while enjoying a delicious dessert or a glass of wine. ~JoEllen
August 11, 2014
I love Lauren Clark's books and this was no exception. I do have to admit that I was a LITTLE concerned at the beginning because.... well.... I HATED Searcy! She was shrill, materialistic, shallow and generally annoying, so I really was worried about how Lauren was going to pull this one out of her hat, but she did - beautifully. I loved watching Searcy become the person she evolved into. The supporting characters were well fleshed out and likeable, and Luke was yummy. Oh, and did I mention that there are RECIPES too?? FOUR of them. Another great offering from Lauren Clark!
October 6, 2014
Originally published at Reading Reality
There are two completely opposite literary tropes about going home. One is the title of the Thomas Wolfe novel, You Can’t Go Home Again. The other is the quote from Robert Frost, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.”
For Searcy Roberts, home is definitely Frost’s version. She has to go back to tiny Fairhope, Alabama, and it has to take her in. Not initially because either she loves it or it loves her, but because they both love her mother Maggie, the owner of Pie Girls.
And Searcy has no place left to go. Considering the amount of glee she expressed on seeing Fairhope in her rearview mirror 10 years ago, there’s more than a little schadenfreude around town that she got stuck coming back.
The person Searcy is at the beginning of the story deserves every bit of that karmic payback, too. She’s vain, shallow and using conspicuous overconsumption to fill in the huge holes in her life and, frankly, her personality.
Searcy is a woman who not only can’t live without regular consultations with her personal shopper, but she expects champagne (her favorite and in her signature style) while she does her consultation. And then she feels fully justified in dropping $3,000 on “just a few things”.
Searcy isn’t mean or bad tempered, she’s just chosen to become high-maintenance to make up for everything lacking in her life. Like any relationship at all with her husband. Or much relations, ever.
When Alton finally does the very late but ultimately couragous thing and calls both their marriage and his advertising career, over and done, Searcy answers a call from her mother and realizes that her only option is to go home to Fairhope and regroup while she checks in on her mother’s health and on the family business, Pie Girls.
Both the shop and her mother are ailing. In fact, they are both terminally ill, and they need Searcy to give them both a new lease on life, every bit as much as Searcy needs to go back to her roots and find herself a new purpose.
it’s too late for Searcy to rescue her marriage (in fact, it was too late on her wedding day), but it isn’t too late for Searcy to make a fresh start on the rest of her life.
Escape Rating B: As a heroine, Searcy is a study in contrasts. The woman she is at the beginning of the story isn’t a person I liked very much. She felt like a caricature of one of the stars of Real Housewives, rich and pampered and completely shallow. She wasn’t bad or mean, she just wasn’t really there.
Then her marriage finally gives up its last ghost, and she’s depressed and desperate. And completely self-absorbed. She’s ashamed to let her friends know what happened, so she hides and covers up.
When her mother calls, it’s a rescue. Not in any financial way, but simply because it adds purpose to an otherwise purposeless life. It’s only when Searcy stops feeling sorry for herself and gets herself re-involved with Fairhope and Pie Girls that she becomes a person that you’d want to know.
Because of this, the first half of the book moves a bit slow. I wanted Searcy to see the clue-by-four way earlier than she did. It actually takes her soon-to-be-ex-husband bringing his boyfriend around to meet her that she finally gets that he’s gay, and has been all along. (The reader figures this out much, much earlier)
Although if I had to deal with his mother, I’d probably hide myself too. Possibly in Greenland. Or Antarctica. Far, far away from his mother and her badly behaved, spoiled rotten purse-dog.
But once Searcy starts taking care of her own mother, the store, and her old friends in town, her life perks up and her story gets much more interesting. And fun. I liked Searcy at the end, quite a lot, and I was rooting for her happy ending.
There are two completely opposite literary tropes about going home. One is the title of the Thomas Wolfe novel, You Can’t Go Home Again. The other is the quote from Robert Frost, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.”
For Searcy Roberts, home is definitely Frost’s version. She has to go back to tiny Fairhope, Alabama, and it has to take her in. Not initially because either she loves it or it loves her, but because they both love her mother Maggie, the owner of Pie Girls.
And Searcy has no place left to go. Considering the amount of glee she expressed on seeing Fairhope in her rearview mirror 10 years ago, there’s more than a little schadenfreude around town that she got stuck coming back.
The person Searcy is at the beginning of the story deserves every bit of that karmic payback, too. She’s vain, shallow and using conspicuous overconsumption to fill in the huge holes in her life and, frankly, her personality.
Searcy is a woman who not only can’t live without regular consultations with her personal shopper, but she expects champagne (her favorite and in her signature style) while she does her consultation. And then she feels fully justified in dropping $3,000 on “just a few things”.
Searcy isn’t mean or bad tempered, she’s just chosen to become high-maintenance to make up for everything lacking in her life. Like any relationship at all with her husband. Or much relations, ever.
When Alton finally does the very late but ultimately couragous thing and calls both their marriage and his advertising career, over and done, Searcy answers a call from her mother and realizes that her only option is to go home to Fairhope and regroup while she checks in on her mother’s health and on the family business, Pie Girls.
Both the shop and her mother are ailing. In fact, they are both terminally ill, and they need Searcy to give them both a new lease on life, every bit as much as Searcy needs to go back to her roots and find herself a new purpose.
it’s too late for Searcy to rescue her marriage (in fact, it was too late on her wedding day), but it isn’t too late for Searcy to make a fresh start on the rest of her life.
Escape Rating B: As a heroine, Searcy is a study in contrasts. The woman she is at the beginning of the story isn’t a person I liked very much. She felt like a caricature of one of the stars of Real Housewives, rich and pampered and completely shallow. She wasn’t bad or mean, she just wasn’t really there.
Then her marriage finally gives up its last ghost, and she’s depressed and desperate. And completely self-absorbed. She’s ashamed to let her friends know what happened, so she hides and covers up.
When her mother calls, it’s a rescue. Not in any financial way, but simply because it adds purpose to an otherwise purposeless life. It’s only when Searcy stops feeling sorry for herself and gets herself re-involved with Fairhope and Pie Girls that she becomes a person that you’d want to know.
Because of this, the first half of the book moves a bit slow. I wanted Searcy to see the clue-by-four way earlier than she did. It actually takes her soon-to-be-ex-husband bringing his boyfriend around to meet her that she finally gets that he’s gay, and has been all along. (The reader figures this out much, much earlier)
Although if I had to deal with his mother, I’d probably hide myself too. Possibly in Greenland. Or Antarctica. Far, far away from his mother and her badly behaved, spoiled rotten purse-dog.
But once Searcy starts taking care of her own mother, the store, and her old friends in town, her life perks up and her story gets much more interesting. And fun. I liked Searcy at the end, quite a lot, and I was rooting for her happy ending.
September 19, 2014
Originally posted at Bunny's Review
Starting out readers is greeted with Searcy. Someone who seems very high maintenance, that needs to best of everything, the latest fashion with a maid and butler. But as they say looks can be deceiving. In this reading can also be deceiving.
Searcy is waiting on her husband who is late for their anniversary dinner. A celebration that Searcy has painstakingly cooked, Lamb chops almond slivered green beans and chess pie. With a husband four hours late everything is over cooked or wilted beyond eating. Searcy is mad, who wouldn’t be mad. All phone calls go directly to voice mail.
I started this book on a Friday night, fell asleep reading. This did not happen because the book is boring. I was up 3 hours past my bedtime. When I got up Saturday morning I did a little house work but just could not get into cleaning. This book was pulling at me to finish. I sat down with a glass of sweet tea (yes, southern style) and finished this book.
One moment I was laughing at and with the characters the next I wanted to cry. Throughout the book Searcy is on a roller coaster, little highs with lots of lows. But somehow she manages to keep pulling herself up, a strong female character that does not take anything lying down. She goes to extreme lengths to save what is most important. Searcy is a true Southern Belle, someone who grace and acts like a lady even when an enemy is throwing mud in her face. She happily shows everyone that she is not the high maintenance female but the hometown girl that was a little lost.
This was southern fiction at its finest. A perfect read for a lazy Saturday.
Thanks for a superb read Lauren.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.
Starting out readers is greeted with Searcy. Someone who seems very high maintenance, that needs to best of everything, the latest fashion with a maid and butler. But as they say looks can be deceiving. In this reading can also be deceiving.
Searcy is waiting on her husband who is late for their anniversary dinner. A celebration that Searcy has painstakingly cooked, Lamb chops almond slivered green beans and chess pie. With a husband four hours late everything is over cooked or wilted beyond eating. Searcy is mad, who wouldn’t be mad. All phone calls go directly to voice mail.
I started this book on a Friday night, fell asleep reading. This did not happen because the book is boring. I was up 3 hours past my bedtime. When I got up Saturday morning I did a little house work but just could not get into cleaning. This book was pulling at me to finish. I sat down with a glass of sweet tea (yes, southern style) and finished this book.
One moment I was laughing at and with the characters the next I wanted to cry. Throughout the book Searcy is on a roller coaster, little highs with lots of lows. But somehow she manages to keep pulling herself up, a strong female character that does not take anything lying down. She goes to extreme lengths to save what is most important. Searcy is a true Southern Belle, someone who grace and acts like a lady even when an enemy is throwing mud in her face. She happily shows everyone that she is not the high maintenance female but the hometown girl that was a little lost.
This was southern fiction at its finest. A perfect read for a lazy Saturday.
Thanks for a superb read Lauren.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.
August 29, 2014
I was given a copy of this book by the author for an honest review..
The first impression I had of this book, like any other book was the cover and the title. This book was… different, in the best way! After I was finished with the book, I realized that the title of the book was perfect! Now… I am getting ahead of myself (I always do this when I love a book); this book begins with Searcy Roberts a spoiled housewife who insists on having the best of the best. She is married to her high school sweetheart; Alton Roberts, and in the beginning it seems that she has it all. It isn’t until the first two chapters take you on a rollercoaster ride and it shows you that things are not what they seem; when are they ever? Her marriage is falling apart even if she is denial, don’t take this wrong; he has not been cheating but he loves another… person… more specifically another man. “To be honest,” I did not see that coming. I was like, what!?!
To top it all off, she visits her mother to take her mind off of things and arrives noticing her mom and Pie Girls (Her mother’s pie shop) is not doing well. Going back to her hometown she discovers her undeniable love for baking, crush for “someone,” and realizes that she was not herself while she lived with Alton. With the help of an old friend, a new man, and a few heels she attempts to save Pie Girls and her mother’s life.
However, when Searcy has the yard sale to fundraise for Pie Girls, it does remind me of “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” by Sophie Kinsella when Becky tries to pay off her credit card by selling her wardrobe. But overall, I loved the book!!!
I have never read any of Lauren Clark’s books and with this book I fell in love with her writing!
I am definitely going to read others!
Did I mention, there are recipes!? THERE ARE! THERE ARE!!
This book is a MUST READ.
The first impression I had of this book, like any other book was the cover and the title. This book was… different, in the best way! After I was finished with the book, I realized that the title of the book was perfect! Now… I am getting ahead of myself (I always do this when I love a book); this book begins with Searcy Roberts a spoiled housewife who insists on having the best of the best. She is married to her high school sweetheart; Alton Roberts, and in the beginning it seems that she has it all. It isn’t until the first two chapters take you on a rollercoaster ride and it shows you that things are not what they seem; when are they ever? Her marriage is falling apart even if she is denial, don’t take this wrong; he has not been cheating but he loves another… person… more specifically another man. “To be honest,” I did not see that coming. I was like, what!?!
To top it all off, she visits her mother to take her mind off of things and arrives noticing her mom and Pie Girls (Her mother’s pie shop) is not doing well. Going back to her hometown she discovers her undeniable love for baking, crush for “someone,” and realizes that she was not herself while she lived with Alton. With the help of an old friend, a new man, and a few heels she attempts to save Pie Girls and her mother’s life.
However, when Searcy has the yard sale to fundraise for Pie Girls, it does remind me of “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” by Sophie Kinsella when Becky tries to pay off her credit card by selling her wardrobe. But overall, I loved the book!!!
I have never read any of Lauren Clark’s books and with this book I fell in love with her writing!
I am definitely going to read others!
Did I mention, there are recipes!? THERE ARE! THERE ARE!!
This book is a MUST READ.
September 4, 2014
The 5 Second Review:
Pie Girls by Lauren Clark is a delicious (see what I did there?) romance that any fan of Phillips or Crusie would be hard pressed to put down until it was finished.
The 3 Second Review (for good measure):
Did you love Hope Floats? Yes? Buy this.
What I loved:
Searcy (the main character of Pie Girls) left her small town behind when she married Alton and moved to Atlanta to become a Rich Housewife of... but she also became a vapid, annoying, fashionista with nothing more important on her mind than what her husband was going to get her for their next anniversary.
Clark manages to create, in Searcy, an amazingly well-rounded characters that develops from a high-maintenance whiner into a strong, vivacious do-er. And the whole time I was eagerly gobbling up every word in every chapter.
Clark's ability to create characters that stick with you will keep you coming back for more.
What could have been improved upon:
I'd like to have seen a little bit slower development in Searcy's love life, but not because it felt rushed, but just because I wanted a little more here.
Why I gave it the rating that I did:
I rarely find romance novels that manage to create compelling three-dimensional characters with such grace, humor and fun as Clark's characters in Pie Girls. Like I said, If you are a fan of contemporary romances (that are sexy without graphic sex), you'll want to get this book on your eReader right away.
Pie Girls by Lauren Clark is a delicious (see what I did there?) romance that any fan of Phillips or Crusie would be hard pressed to put down until it was finished.
The 3 Second Review (for good measure):
Did you love Hope Floats? Yes? Buy this.
What I loved:
Searcy (the main character of Pie Girls) left her small town behind when she married Alton and moved to Atlanta to become a Rich Housewife of... but she also became a vapid, annoying, fashionista with nothing more important on her mind than what her husband was going to get her for their next anniversary.
Clark manages to create, in Searcy, an amazingly well-rounded characters that develops from a high-maintenance whiner into a strong, vivacious do-er. And the whole time I was eagerly gobbling up every word in every chapter.
Clark's ability to create characters that stick with you will keep you coming back for more.
What could have been improved upon:
I'd like to have seen a little bit slower development in Searcy's love life, but not because it felt rushed, but just because I wanted a little more here.
Why I gave it the rating that I did:
I rarely find romance novels that manage to create compelling three-dimensional characters with such grace, humor and fun as Clark's characters in Pie Girls. Like I said, If you are a fan of contemporary romances (that are sexy without graphic sex), you'll want to get this book on your eReader right away.
December 17, 2014
Pie Girls is a charming Southern tale about a spoiled Atlanta socialite, Searcy, whose wealthy husband leaves her high and dry, forcing her to fend for herself and return to her roots in small town Alabama. This witty and warm novel by Lauren Clark charms with laugh out loud moments and plenty of Southern hospitality, along with a few mean girls thrown in for good measure. I was immediately sucked into Searcy's story at the outset, and even though she begins the book as a superficial diva with a dangerous shopping habit, I loved Searcy. She had a way of talking herself into situations that were absolutely hilarious. There were scenes I still fondly recall that had me laughing out loud. Seriously, I need this book made into a movie so I can "see" them play out! But Clark is terrific at balancing the storytelling with equally tender moments that pull at the heartstrings. Above all, this is a story about finding yourself and loving yourself, even in the face of adversity. And, of course, finding romance in the most unlikely of allies. Definitely a book to tuck in with at the end of a long day and escape with Searcy into a world of Southern comfort.
August 8, 2014
I was given a copy of this book by the author for an honest review..
I can say this is a wonderful book. It will make you mad, happy, sad, tearful and happy again. There are parts that shocked me but that was a good thing. I loved that it was set in Alabama as that is where I live. It is a very sweet story that I have enjoyed so much. This story is honestly a wonderful story and even though the heroin is/was a spoiled woman she pulled it together and did what she had to for herself, her mother and everyone she loved. From start to finish you will love this book.
Lauren Clark is a wonderful author of other books as well and they are all good also. Stardust Summer was a really wonderful book that anyone should enjoy.
Loved this book.... Thus the 5 star review. You won't regret reading this story.
I can say this is a wonderful book. It will make you mad, happy, sad, tearful and happy again. There are parts that shocked me but that was a good thing. I loved that it was set in Alabama as that is where I live. It is a very sweet story that I have enjoyed so much. This story is honestly a wonderful story and even though the heroin is/was a spoiled woman she pulled it together and did what she had to for herself, her mother and everyone she loved. From start to finish you will love this book.
Lauren Clark is a wonderful author of other books as well and they are all good also. Stardust Summer was a really wonderful book that anyone should enjoy.
Loved this book.... Thus the 5 star review. You won't regret reading this story.
August 31, 2014
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
I knew I would like this book just from reading the synopsis. I grew up in the South, and I love reading books set in the South. The main character, Searcy, slowly changed through the book and was very believable. The author uses wonderful descriptions and sets the scene nicely.
Clark's description of the shop, Pie Girls, makes you wish it was in your hometown. Reading the section where Searcy is baking, you can almost taste the roasted red pepper and feta quiche, lemon meringue, and chicken pot pie.
The recipes at the end of the book is a bonus, and I can't wait to try them out. I would definitely recommend this book to readers looking for a fun read!
I knew I would like this book just from reading the synopsis. I grew up in the South, and I love reading books set in the South. The main character, Searcy, slowly changed through the book and was very believable. The author uses wonderful descriptions and sets the scene nicely.
Clark's description of the shop, Pie Girls, makes you wish it was in your hometown. Reading the section where Searcy is baking, you can almost taste the roasted red pepper and feta quiche, lemon meringue, and chicken pot pie.
The recipes at the end of the book is a bonus, and I can't wait to try them out. I would definitely recommend this book to readers looking for a fun read!
September 15, 2014
Searcy lives in Atlanta big-city socialite style. She never sees her husband as he is always on business trips. He suddenly wants a divorce and disappears to the hippy life. Searcy has to go home to Fairhope, Alabama, to help her sick momma. Her mom owns Pie Girls, a pie shop. Luke owns the bike shop next door and he's cute and really helpful. She finds out they are about to lose the shop so she plans a big fund raiser to sell all her fancy stuff to save the pie shop with the help of their friends and community. Can she save it? I loved the story of the big city versus the small town atmosphere and the characters are wonderful! 5*****
August 29, 2014
This is definitely not my typical read. I noticed that it is set in Fairhope, AL which is one of my wife's favorite places to visit. I figured why not!
Pie Girls is an easy read that sweeps you up into the life of high-maintenance socialite, Searcy Roberts. As Searcy's life turns upside down you are brought along for the ride. This is a story of self-discovery: what is home, love and family?
I loved loved the pace of the book which does a good job of capturing the southern lifestyle and atmosphere!
Pie Girls is an easy read that sweeps you up into the life of high-maintenance socialite, Searcy Roberts. As Searcy's life turns upside down you are brought along for the ride. This is a story of self-discovery: what is home, love and family?
I loved loved the pace of the book which does a good job of capturing the southern lifestyle and atmosphere!
September 4, 2014
Utterly delightful and entertaining! I laughed, I cried, I got hungry. All for the sake of a good read! It was smooth, light and fluffy just like her pies. I want a slice and cup of coffee! Job well done, Lauren!
*StoryCartel.com allowed me this free download in exchange for a fair honest review* 5 STARS.
*StoryCartel.com allowed me this free download in exchange for a fair honest review* 5 STARS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
January 30, 2015Author's guest post at my blog:
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2014/12/...
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2014/12/...
August 29, 2017
Socialite becomes an authentic person.
Clothes, shopping, lunches was Secarcy life. Her husband spoiled her until he had a change of heart. She had to make a new plan.
Clothes, shopping, lunches was Secarcy life. Her husband spoiled her until he had a change of heart. She had to make a new plan.
August 1, 2018
Awesome read. Could not put it down.
Ok . I finished this in 2 days. Wow....just WOW. Inspiring and up lifting. Such beautiful descriptions of the Bay..
Ok . I finished this in 2 days. Wow....just WOW. Inspiring and up lifting. Such beautiful descriptions of the Bay..
November 14, 2014
Rate: ✯✯✯✯✯
Summary:
Princess, Southern belle, and spoiled-rotten social climber Searcy Roberts swore on a stack of Bibles she’d never return home to Fairhope, Alabama. After marrying her high school sweetheart and moving to Atlanta, Searcy embraces big-city life—Carrie Bradshaw style.
But now, Searcy has a teeny, tiny problem. Her husband’s had a mid-life crisis. He’s quit his job, cancelled her credit cards, and left her for another man.
Searcy returns to Fairhope, ready to lick her wounds. But when her mother falls ill, she’s is thrust into managing the family business—only to discover the beloved bakery is in danger of closing its doors forever.
Enlisting the help of the adorable bike store owner next door, an array of well-heeled customers, and her soon-to-be ex-husband, Searcy hatches the plan of the century to save Pie Girls.
My Thoughts:
Hi Dolls!! I was really lucky to have the change to review this book by Lauren Clark, Pie Girls have glued my attention to her books. ( I really need to look out or more book by this author.)
Here we go this book is about the story of lovely Searcy , who always dreamed to leave her small town and go big. But even when she got almost “everything” money, nice apartment, lots of designer shoes, and a handsome husband she still being Cinderella and at the end of the day all the magic disappear and she turns into a pumpkin of course not literally LOL, but Searcy is missing a lot of stuff in her daily basic. Things that she try and have avoid for many years now but Bang!!
Her husband turns the whole story when he quits his job and want the divorce.
Searcy was so devastated with this but I really admired that she try first to saved her marriage, she didn't give up easily but It was really late she supposed to do care of her husband everyday, but she was settle in her comfy life with really good and expensive things that she thought she couldn't have everything in life so she just move with the flow.
Of course like every woman that is her situation knows or supposed wants to go away and she do it.
When shes at her moms the whole topic thing gets totally clear for us readers and I love it!!!! but I hate that Searcy was so selfish and adsorbed in her material life, that she didn't even call her mom once at week and the poor old lady was ill and by herself.
Through the pages you'll fall for Searcy and understand her and you will find a new HOT man, you will discover that Third person in Searcy's marriage and believe you will be astonish.
My Facts:
- Easy to read, very clear and it has a nice plot.
- Loved the fact the Searcy wasn't afraid to fight for her mom.
- Loved how Searcy's friends acted when they find out about the divorce.
- OHH and the Altons affair!!
- The Pies!! I Love to bake!
So readers don't wait more and start watching how Searcy become the person she evolded into. Get to know the supporting characters that I'm sure will remind you someone you know and you will like them and OMG Luke he is OMG super duper SEXY & HOT.
OHH and what about the pies you'll read of a lot of recipes Searcy bake for her moms bakery and guess what????
You will find 4 recipes of PIE GIRLS!!!!
CAN'T WAIT TO BAKE AND BE A ONE OF PIE GIRLS!
Thanks Lauren Clark for an amazing Book!!
Summary:
Princess, Southern belle, and spoiled-rotten social climber Searcy Roberts swore on a stack of Bibles she’d never return home to Fairhope, Alabama. After marrying her high school sweetheart and moving to Atlanta, Searcy embraces big-city life—Carrie Bradshaw style.
But now, Searcy has a teeny, tiny problem. Her husband’s had a mid-life crisis. He’s quit his job, cancelled her credit cards, and left her for another man.
Searcy returns to Fairhope, ready to lick her wounds. But when her mother falls ill, she’s is thrust into managing the family business—only to discover the beloved bakery is in danger of closing its doors forever.
Enlisting the help of the adorable bike store owner next door, an array of well-heeled customers, and her soon-to-be ex-husband, Searcy hatches the plan of the century to save Pie Girls.
My Thoughts:
Hi Dolls!! I was really lucky to have the change to review this book by Lauren Clark, Pie Girls have glued my attention to her books. ( I really need to look out or more book by this author.)
Here we go this book is about the story of lovely Searcy , who always dreamed to leave her small town and go big. But even when she got almost “everything” money, nice apartment, lots of designer shoes, and a handsome husband she still being Cinderella and at the end of the day all the magic disappear and she turns into a pumpkin of course not literally LOL, but Searcy is missing a lot of stuff in her daily basic. Things that she try and have avoid for many years now but Bang!!
Her husband turns the whole story when he quits his job and want the divorce.
Searcy was so devastated with this but I really admired that she try first to saved her marriage, she didn't give up easily but It was really late she supposed to do care of her husband everyday, but she was settle in her comfy life with really good and expensive things that she thought she couldn't have everything in life so she just move with the flow.
Of course like every woman that is her situation knows or supposed wants to go away and she do it.
When shes at her moms the whole topic thing gets totally clear for us readers and I love it!!!! but I hate that Searcy was so selfish and adsorbed in her material life, that she didn't even call her mom once at week and the poor old lady was ill and by herself.
Through the pages you'll fall for Searcy and understand her and you will find a new HOT man, you will discover that Third person in Searcy's marriage and believe you will be astonish.
My Facts:
- Easy to read, very clear and it has a nice plot.
- Loved the fact the Searcy wasn't afraid to fight for her mom.
- Loved how Searcy's friends acted when they find out about the divorce.
- OHH and the Altons affair!!
- The Pies!! I Love to bake!
So readers don't wait more and start watching how Searcy become the person she evolded into. Get to know the supporting characters that I'm sure will remind you someone you know and you will like them and OMG Luke he is OMG super duper SEXY & HOT.
OHH and what about the pies you'll read of a lot of recipes Searcy bake for her moms bakery and guess what????
You will find 4 recipes of PIE GIRLS!!!!
CAN'T WAIT TO BAKE AND BE A ONE OF PIE GIRLS!
Thanks Lauren Clark for an amazing Book!!
February 1, 2015
My review
Well, the publishers summary holds a bit of a spoiler really, in that Alton left Searcy for another man! Of course, the listener knows this but Searcy is left in ignorance. Now, he didn't really leave her destitute, but she could no longer finance her self indulgent lifestyle.
Thing is, she may well have grown accustomed to the high life, but the author has provided her with an upbringing which has equipped her to deal with the normal, hum drum existence of life, just like everyday people!
Just as well really, as she had to go home to Mother, drag the bakery back from the brink, accustom herself to her husbands' new lifestyle and find herself a new man.
I found the first part of the story hard to stick with, I mean, the mother in law, are there really people like that? What about Searcy? So heartbroken, yet attracted to another man with a funny voice!
Altons boyfriend, would he really, when nobody YET knew he existed, really show up and out Alton like that? Yet nobody seemed to mind his awful behaviour, surely he would let Alton ..... Oh well, never mind. And what about Searcy? Who on earth would try to sell expensive jewellery and designer clothing at a yard sale, especially when in need of top dollar!I also admired how clothing and furniture in an apartment in one city was all packed up and flown to another in what seemed like a couple of days. Yes, some inexplicable storylines here!
AND YET .........
Despite all these gripes of mine, I did get involved in the story and actually found it enjoyable, it seemed to me that once Searcy got home, rolled up her sleeves and got on with it, the real, entertaining and interesting story began.
It's very difficult to rate this story, but because I enjoyed the second part so much, I really would like to hear more stories about the Pie girls.
Narrators
I think Mary Hollis Inboden would have made a far better job of it on her own, the male voice, particularly when acting Alton, sounded telephonic and creepy. The whole production sounded as if the narrators were in separate studios to each other, the characters they portrayed never sounded as if they were in the same room. I hated Luke's voice, he sounded like a simpleton, surely no woman could fall for a man with a voice like that!
Mary Hollis Inboden did a good job of her parts, I love her voice and her accent, could listen to her forever, but JoBe Cerny, I'm afraid that, to me, he sounds like the man in the TV ads for cars or something, he didn't work for me at all.
If I had to allocate stars for narration, Mary Hollis Inboden would get 4 and JoBe zero
This audiobook was gifted to me in expectation of this my honest opinion
Well, the publishers summary holds a bit of a spoiler really, in that Alton left Searcy for another man! Of course, the listener knows this but Searcy is left in ignorance. Now, he didn't really leave her destitute, but she could no longer finance her self indulgent lifestyle.
Thing is, she may well have grown accustomed to the high life, but the author has provided her with an upbringing which has equipped her to deal with the normal, hum drum existence of life, just like everyday people!
Just as well really, as she had to go home to Mother, drag the bakery back from the brink, accustom herself to her husbands' new lifestyle and find herself a new man.
I found the first part of the story hard to stick with, I mean, the mother in law, are there really people like that? What about Searcy? So heartbroken, yet attracted to another man with a funny voice!
Altons boyfriend, would he really, when nobody YET knew he existed, really show up and out Alton like that? Yet nobody seemed to mind his awful behaviour, surely he would let Alton ..... Oh well, never mind. And what about Searcy? Who on earth would try to sell expensive jewellery and designer clothing at a yard sale, especially when in need of top dollar!I also admired how clothing and furniture in an apartment in one city was all packed up and flown to another in what seemed like a couple of days. Yes, some inexplicable storylines here!
AND YET .........
Despite all these gripes of mine, I did get involved in the story and actually found it enjoyable, it seemed to me that once Searcy got home, rolled up her sleeves and got on with it, the real, entertaining and interesting story began.
It's very difficult to rate this story, but because I enjoyed the second part so much, I really would like to hear more stories about the Pie girls.
Narrators
I think Mary Hollis Inboden would have made a far better job of it on her own, the male voice, particularly when acting Alton, sounded telephonic and creepy. The whole production sounded as if the narrators were in separate studios to each other, the characters they portrayed never sounded as if they were in the same room. I hated Luke's voice, he sounded like a simpleton, surely no woman could fall for a man with a voice like that!
Mary Hollis Inboden did a good job of her parts, I love her voice and her accent, could listen to her forever, but JoBe Cerny, I'm afraid that, to me, he sounds like the man in the TV ads for cars or something, he didn't work for me at all.
If I had to allocate stars for narration, Mary Hollis Inboden would get 4 and JoBe zero
This audiobook was gifted to me in expectation of this my honest opinion
March 21, 2015
PIE GIRLS
Author: Lauren Clark
Narrated by: JoBe Cerny and Mary Hollis Inboden
Type of Book: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 8 hours and 26 minutes
Release Date: December 23, 2014
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Chick-Lit
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Searcy Roberts has been with her husband Alton since high school. Now in their mid-thirties they have been married for ten years.
Searcy is a spoiled-rotten southern belle who exists in a world of air kisses, personal shoppers, BMWs, diamonds and designer clothes.
On the night of their ten year anniversary Searcy is blindsided when Alton announces that he is quitting his job as an advertising executive and that he doesn't want to be married anymore.
Unsure of what she will do with the rest of her life, Searcy is relieved when her mother calls and invites her to visit.
Arriving back in Fairhope Searcy discovers that her mother is very ill and her business is in jeopardy.
Searcy must reevaluate how she has been living her life. She makes it her mission to save "Pie Girls" from closure and in saving the business she just might save herself.
At the beginning of this book I really disliked Searcy and I thought this was going to be an entire book filled with superficial characters living plastic lives. I was mistaken.
As the story progressed I began to like Searcy more and more. As she grows as a person, she also grows on the reader.
The narrators have done a terrific job of making the characters come alive. Their narrative skill very definitely contributed to my enjoyment of this book.
If you like "feel-good" and/or redemptive stories then PIE GIRLS is for you. It is well written and the story flows along at the perfect pace.
There are a few surprises in the story which I will not mention. I do not want to ruin the surprise for other listeners/readers.
Despite it's slow beginning I very much enjoyed listening to this audiobook and it was a surprisingly entertaining book. I recommend this audiobook to listeners who want a fun story that is pure entertainment.
I rate this audiobook as 4 out of 5 stars and I look forward to more books by Lauren Clark. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
To learn more about this author visit: www.laurenclarkbooks.com
To learn more about Narrator JoBe Cerny visit https://m.facebook.com/JoBeCernyfanpage
To learn more about Narrator Mary Hollis Inboden go to:
http://www.maryhollisinboden.com/#2601
To purchase this audiobook visit:
https://mobile.audible.com/pd/Fiction...
To read more of my reviews please visit my blog http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Author: Lauren Clark
Narrated by: JoBe Cerny and Mary Hollis Inboden
Type of Book: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 8 hours and 26 minutes
Release Date: December 23, 2014
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Chick-Lit
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Searcy Roberts has been with her husband Alton since high school. Now in their mid-thirties they have been married for ten years.
Searcy is a spoiled-rotten southern belle who exists in a world of air kisses, personal shoppers, BMWs, diamonds and designer clothes.
On the night of their ten year anniversary Searcy is blindsided when Alton announces that he is quitting his job as an advertising executive and that he doesn't want to be married anymore.
Unsure of what she will do with the rest of her life, Searcy is relieved when her mother calls and invites her to visit.
Arriving back in Fairhope Searcy discovers that her mother is very ill and her business is in jeopardy.
Searcy must reevaluate how she has been living her life. She makes it her mission to save "Pie Girls" from closure and in saving the business she just might save herself.
At the beginning of this book I really disliked Searcy and I thought this was going to be an entire book filled with superficial characters living plastic lives. I was mistaken.
As the story progressed I began to like Searcy more and more. As she grows as a person, she also grows on the reader.
The narrators have done a terrific job of making the characters come alive. Their narrative skill very definitely contributed to my enjoyment of this book.
If you like "feel-good" and/or redemptive stories then PIE GIRLS is for you. It is well written and the story flows along at the perfect pace.
There are a few surprises in the story which I will not mention. I do not want to ruin the surprise for other listeners/readers.
Despite it's slow beginning I very much enjoyed listening to this audiobook and it was a surprisingly entertaining book. I recommend this audiobook to listeners who want a fun story that is pure entertainment.
I rate this audiobook as 4 out of 5 stars and I look forward to more books by Lauren Clark. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
To learn more about this author visit: www.laurenclarkbooks.com
To learn more about Narrator JoBe Cerny visit https://m.facebook.com/JoBeCernyfanpage
To learn more about Narrator Mary Hollis Inboden go to:
http://www.maryhollisinboden.com/#2601
To purchase this audiobook visit:
https://mobile.audible.com/pd/Fiction...
To read more of my reviews please visit my blog http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
January 18, 2015
I was given an Audible code for the audio edition by the author. I can't remember if the request of a review for the code was made. But anyway, a review there will be.
This is a coming of age story. Granted, our 35-year-old heroine Searcy Roberts is a bit old to just now be coming of age, but her growth was somewhat hampered by a money-poor youth and a boyfriend/fiancée/husband who made it where she didn't have to grow up.
I am not going to lie. I was not a fan of Ms. Searcy Roberts at the beginning of the book. In fact, I was ready to just walk away. But being a Southern girl myself, I know that the most spoiled Southern heroine generally turns into a strong woman. And that is what happened in this story.
The book opens with Searcy waiting for her husband on their anniversary. He never shows. No, he is not dead. But Searcy's way of life is about to take a major hit. This story is about a woman who is forced out of her comfort zone and into the prime of her life.
The author has a good way with words. I could picture scenes, get the feel for mood, and even wince and cringe at the embarrassing or emotionally painful scenes. As a native Atlantan (there are about six of us left in Atlanta), the other thing that made me cringe were issues with things like brownstones in Buckhead and Saks in downtown. And don't get me started on the myriad of logistical/factual problems with a simple ride on MARTA. But if you don't "know" Atlanta, this won't jerk you out of the story the way it did to me. A minor quibble, but it did make me roll my eyes. More than once.
Listening to a full cast performance of the book was quite interesting. I didn't really understand "full cast" meant more than two performers. I thought the female narrator just changed her voice and then the male performer changed his. But in the credits at the end, there was a whole host of performers mentioned. So that being said, some of the voices were discordant to me. The male "hero" had a much older voice than I would have wished for the hero. Some of the female voices sounded incongruent with the characters they portrayed.
Overall, a lovely listen and a good little book.
This is a coming of age story. Granted, our 35-year-old heroine Searcy Roberts is a bit old to just now be coming of age, but her growth was somewhat hampered by a money-poor youth and a boyfriend/fiancée/husband who made it where she didn't have to grow up.
I am not going to lie. I was not a fan of Ms. Searcy Roberts at the beginning of the book. In fact, I was ready to just walk away. But being a Southern girl myself, I know that the most spoiled Southern heroine generally turns into a strong woman. And that is what happened in this story.
The book opens with Searcy waiting for her husband on their anniversary. He never shows. No, he is not dead. But Searcy's way of life is about to take a major hit. This story is about a woman who is forced out of her comfort zone and into the prime of her life.
The author has a good way with words. I could picture scenes, get the feel for mood, and even wince and cringe at the embarrassing or emotionally painful scenes. As a native Atlantan (there are about six of us left in Atlanta), the other thing that made me cringe were issues with things like brownstones in Buckhead and Saks in downtown. And don't get me started on the myriad of logistical/factual problems with a simple ride on MARTA. But if you don't "know" Atlanta, this won't jerk you out of the story the way it did to me. A minor quibble, but it did make me roll my eyes. More than once.
Listening to a full cast performance of the book was quite interesting. I didn't really understand "full cast" meant more than two performers. I thought the female narrator just changed her voice and then the male performer changed his. But in the credits at the end, there was a whole host of performers mentioned. So that being said, some of the voices were discordant to me. The male "hero" had a much older voice than I would have wished for the hero. Some of the female voices sounded incongruent with the characters they portrayed.
Overall, a lovely listen and a good little book.
December 1, 2014
Pie Girls is a family restaurant meant to be passed down to Searcy. But, alas, Searcy had bigger, more extravagant plans. Desperate to leave Fairfield, she climbs her way up to the top of the social ladder and marries Alton Roberts, the local rich boy—and her meal ticket to the big city. They head off to Atlanta, where she spends her days shopping at Barneys and gossiping with her fellow socialites over caviar and champagne. Ah the sweet life of the rich and glamorous.
Little does she know, her days of decadence are numbered. Her husband has been harboring a deep, dark secret—and it all comes to a head on their wedding anniversary. Given Searcy’s self-absorbed lifestyle, I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t enjoy watching her suffer.
This is where it gets tricky. When I start to loathe the main character, there’s a 50/50 chance the book is going in the goodwill bin. Searcy needed to amend her ways—and fast. Surprisingly she pulled it off! Once she moved back to her hometown and started helping out around the pie shop, I quickly warmed up to her—and so did the townies. Most importantly, she charmed the super cute bike shop owner next door. It’s a good thing she did because that guy is always ready to swoop in and save Pie Girls from burning down or flooding out.
From chapter to chapter, it was a lot of fun watching the transformation of both the pie store and Searcy’s personality. The descriptive prose transported me straight to Fairfield, where I could hear the locusts buzzing in the fields, smell the heady scent of brown sugar in the shop, and see the vibrant flowers hanging above the rows of shops on Main Street. Throughout the book, my taste buds were throbbing for all sorts of gooey goodies. Very dangerous for a girl who lives within walking distance of a bakery!
Despite our rough patch at the beginning, Searcy won her way back into my heart when she dropped the Carrie Bradshaw act and got down to brass tacks on the pie shop. I hope you’ll check this book out and give Searcy a chance too. If you’re in the mood for a light and fluffy story with a little bit of bite (not unlike lemon meringue pie), grab your fork and dig into Pie Girls.
February 27, 2015
Looking for something delicious to read? I've got just the book! It's Lauren Clark's yummy chick lit novel, PIE GIRLS! You're going to want to dig right in. I've read two of her other novels, STAY TUNED and STARDUST SUMMER and I have to say, PIE GIRLS is my new favorite!
Searchy Roberts is the definitive materialistic name-dropping, label buying, Christian Louboutin stiletto wearing, Black Am Exp flashing, perfect mani/pedi social diva, that you love to hate, unless of course, you're in her Atlanta circle of friends. Well, on the night of their 10th wedding anniversary, her equally perfect plastic husband, Alton doesn't show up - with her Tiffany present - to celebrate.
He does show up that night missing on the TV news. Apparently, he hasn't been on a business trip or working for over a week. After investigating, they find out he wants a new life that doesn't include Searchy or his lucrative advertising business. The wind has just been sucked out from under Mrs. Alton Roberts wings. A woman who has never worked a day in her "shop 'til she drops" life.
They say you can never go home, well in Searchy's case, home is where you go to be loved up by those who know you best. Soon she's on a plane back to Fairhope, Alabama and Mama, friends and the family shop, "Pie Girls" which daily serves up a blissful way to get rid of the blues. But not everything fancy-schmancy, Searchy finds in Alabama adds comfort to what's going on in her crash and burn personal life. She's going to be adding some "humble" to that pie.
PIE GIRLS is all about redemption and taking back your life. I liked Searchy at the beginning because she was so easy to dislike, it was obvious she was going to change. I loved her transformation. Lauren wrote it without falling into cliché, which a lesser polished writer may have. Oh yeah, there's a great boy gets girl storyline, too!
To check out ALL things LAUREN CLARK, including her website, blog, facebook, twitter, where you can buy her books, etc, just go to http://www.laurenclarkbooks.com
Have a wonderful week reading. Just to make reading PIE GIRLS extra delightful, Lauren has added recipes at the end. YUMMY!
Searchy Roberts is the definitive materialistic name-dropping, label buying, Christian Louboutin stiletto wearing, Black Am Exp flashing, perfect mani/pedi social diva, that you love to hate, unless of course, you're in her Atlanta circle of friends. Well, on the night of their 10th wedding anniversary, her equally perfect plastic husband, Alton doesn't show up - with her Tiffany present - to celebrate.
He does show up that night missing on the TV news. Apparently, he hasn't been on a business trip or working for over a week. After investigating, they find out he wants a new life that doesn't include Searchy or his lucrative advertising business. The wind has just been sucked out from under Mrs. Alton Roberts wings. A woman who has never worked a day in her "shop 'til she drops" life.
They say you can never go home, well in Searchy's case, home is where you go to be loved up by those who know you best. Soon she's on a plane back to Fairhope, Alabama and Mama, friends and the family shop, "Pie Girls" which daily serves up a blissful way to get rid of the blues. But not everything fancy-schmancy, Searchy finds in Alabama adds comfort to what's going on in her crash and burn personal life. She's going to be adding some "humble" to that pie.
PIE GIRLS is all about redemption and taking back your life. I liked Searchy at the beginning because she was so easy to dislike, it was obvious she was going to change. I loved her transformation. Lauren wrote it without falling into cliché, which a lesser polished writer may have. Oh yeah, there's a great boy gets girl storyline, too!
To check out ALL things LAUREN CLARK, including her website, blog, facebook, twitter, where you can buy her books, etc, just go to http://www.laurenclarkbooks.com
Have a wonderful week reading. Just to make reading PIE GIRLS extra delightful, Lauren has added recipes at the end. YUMMY!
January 25, 2016
Originally reviewed at Books Etc.
I've read and enjoyed many of Lauren Clark's novels in the past so I was really happy to read Pie Girls, a light hearted women's fiction novel that was released last year. It was just as I expected from Clark's novels: fun, entertaining, and full of great characters.
Enlisting the help of the adorable bike store owner next door, an array of well-heeled customers, and her soon-to-be ex-husband, Searcy hatches the plan of the century to save Pie Girls.
Oh, Searcy. When we first meet her, she's the kind of woman you love to hate. She seems to have it all together and has no problem flaunting it. She has the husband, the money, the lifestyle everyone (for the most part) envies. But then it all comes crashing down around her and she has to face some hard facts. Has she really been living a life that should be envied?
The best thing about these kind of fall from grace stories is when the character is genuinely trying to figure out her life and make changes for the better. I could tell that Searcy's journey was going to be one I would be happy with, even if she did struggle mightily at times. I was rooting for her the whole way through and I kept my fingers crossed that she'd get the Happily Ever After she deserved.
One of the things I loved about this book was the small town feel. I liked getting to know the characters in Fairhope and seeing how they rally behind Searcy, her mother, and Pie Girls.
Pie Girls is a lot of fun. Lauren Clark is fantastic at balancing a light hearted storyline with moments that have a lot of depth. I definitely encourage you to check out her previously published novels!
*A copy of this novel was provided by the author in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*
I've read and enjoyed many of Lauren Clark's novels in the past so I was really happy to read Pie Girls, a light hearted women's fiction novel that was released last year. It was just as I expected from Clark's novels: fun, entertaining, and full of great characters.
Enlisting the help of the adorable bike store owner next door, an array of well-heeled customers, and her soon-to-be ex-husband, Searcy hatches the plan of the century to save Pie Girls.
Oh, Searcy. When we first meet her, she's the kind of woman you love to hate. She seems to have it all together and has no problem flaunting it. She has the husband, the money, the lifestyle everyone (for the most part) envies. But then it all comes crashing down around her and she has to face some hard facts. Has she really been living a life that should be envied?
The best thing about these kind of fall from grace stories is when the character is genuinely trying to figure out her life and make changes for the better. I could tell that Searcy's journey was going to be one I would be happy with, even if she did struggle mightily at times. I was rooting for her the whole way through and I kept my fingers crossed that she'd get the Happily Ever After she deserved.
One of the things I loved about this book was the small town feel. I liked getting to know the characters in Fairhope and seeing how they rally behind Searcy, her mother, and Pie Girls.
Pie Girls is a lot of fun. Lauren Clark is fantastic at balancing a light hearted storyline with moments that have a lot of depth. I definitely encourage you to check out her previously published novels!
*A copy of this novel was provided by the author in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*
October 27, 2014
Pie Girls is a captivating southern chick lit tale about new beginnings and homecomings. Searcy Roberts is your quintessential spoiled, materialistic socialiate whose world is turned on its axis when her husband goes missing on their wedding anniversary. Just when things couldn't get any worse, Searcy discovers a revelation about her husband that changes the course of her life forever. In an attempt to move past the unexpected news about her husband, Searcy returns to her small hometown with her tail tucked between her legs. Searcy moves in with her mother and begins to chart new territory in her much less glamorous life and starts working at her mother's bakery, Pie Girls.
Author Lauren Clark is a unique new voice in southern fiction and has a clear knack for descriptive prose, dialogue, and character development. Here's one example of the great prose throughout the novel:
"I see a man in a worn navy t-shirt and a pair of Levi's, frayed at the heels. Though I'd rather not admit it, I can't help but notice that the jeans fit just right, and how his bicep and arm muscles contract when he reaches for a tool or tightens a bolt. Dry-mouthed, I observe the noise-maker for another minute or two. He's singing along to the lyrics, pausing only for a brief air guitar solo."
I also liked how Searcy grew throughout the story and was a stronger, more down to earth woman at the end of the novel than she was at the beginning. By the middle of the novel, I was firmly rooting for Searcy to overcome the obstacles in her life. I'm also a huge fan of anything involving romance, so I loved the relationship development between Searcy and the hunky bicycle shop owner, Luke Nolan.
I highly recommend this novel!
Author Lauren Clark is a unique new voice in southern fiction and has a clear knack for descriptive prose, dialogue, and character development. Here's one example of the great prose throughout the novel:
"I see a man in a worn navy t-shirt and a pair of Levi's, frayed at the heels. Though I'd rather not admit it, I can't help but notice that the jeans fit just right, and how his bicep and arm muscles contract when he reaches for a tool or tightens a bolt. Dry-mouthed, I observe the noise-maker for another minute or two. He's singing along to the lyrics, pausing only for a brief air guitar solo."
I also liked how Searcy grew throughout the story and was a stronger, more down to earth woman at the end of the novel than she was at the beginning. By the middle of the novel, I was firmly rooting for Searcy to overcome the obstacles in her life. I'm also a huge fan of anything involving romance, so I loved the relationship development between Searcy and the hunky bicycle shop owner, Luke Nolan.
I highly recommend this novel!
November 29, 2014
~~I received this in exchange for an honest review~~
This book was a great read!! I liked this book a whole bunch!! You have a woman, who is spoiled to the bone. She shops when ever she wants and has a husband that has no problem with it. They were high school sweethearts. They got married and have been married for 10 years. Everything is perfect is Searcy's world, that is until her husband goes missing, and doesn't show up for hours. When he does, Searcy's world comes crashing down. He is leaving her. So she goes back home to see her momma, help in the bakery, and find who she really is. But, can she go back to her life that she doesn't know? Can she forgive Alton for what he has done? Or will she just give up?
I gave this book 4.5 stars, I like this book a whole bunch!! It made me laugh, cry, and get angry. It also annoyed me a little bit. In the beginning, Searcy is literally a spoiled rotten brat. She doesn't want to go back to the small town that she grew up in. She wants her Prada, Gucci, and her Chanel. I was really annoyed that she thinks that, that is important stuff. But the wake up call that she gets in the book is great! She not only realizes that she needs to grow up, but she needs to step off the pedestal that she has placed herself on. A little country air, and down home manners does her good!! I think that if you haven't read this book, you need to sit down with a glass of wine and read it! At the end, you can get some recipies for some pie! I know I am going to try to make one of them!!
This book was a great read!! I liked this book a whole bunch!! You have a woman, who is spoiled to the bone. She shops when ever she wants and has a husband that has no problem with it. They were high school sweethearts. They got married and have been married for 10 years. Everything is perfect is Searcy's world, that is until her husband goes missing, and doesn't show up for hours. When he does, Searcy's world comes crashing down. He is leaving her. So she goes back home to see her momma, help in the bakery, and find who she really is. But, can she go back to her life that she doesn't know? Can she forgive Alton for what he has done? Or will she just give up?
I gave this book 4.5 stars, I like this book a whole bunch!! It made me laugh, cry, and get angry. It also annoyed me a little bit. In the beginning, Searcy is literally a spoiled rotten brat. She doesn't want to go back to the small town that she grew up in. She wants her Prada, Gucci, and her Chanel. I was really annoyed that she thinks that, that is important stuff. But the wake up call that she gets in the book is great! She not only realizes that she needs to grow up, but she needs to step off the pedestal that she has placed herself on. A little country air, and down home manners does her good!! I think that if you haven't read this book, you need to sit down with a glass of wine and read it! At the end, you can get some recipies for some pie! I know I am going to try to make one of them!!
December 22, 2014
Have you ever thought about what you truly desire out of life? Would it take circumstances in life? These issues and more are explored in Pie Girls by Lauren Clark. I was given this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis:
Searcy has the perfect life with her husband Alton in Buckhead Atlanta. She has great friends by her side for all the shopping and events. Today is the celebration of her anniversary but where is her husband? Why does he suddenly show up with ultimatums which ultimately send Searcy back to Fairhope, Alabama. What will she find once she gets there? Will everything be the way she remembered it?
My Thoughts:
I am a fan of Lauren’s work. I did enjoy the book. Ms. Clark has a way of creating memorable characters that will keep you coming back for more. Her characters also have humor. These characters bring about the plot line. I was not a fan of Searcey in the beginning but grew to love her as the story went along. I also wanted to know if she would be successful in turning her life around.
The setting takes place in both Buckhead and Fairhope. Buckhead is the wealthier section of Atlanta that includes the high end shops and restaurants. I personally love visiting this area of town. I am not a shopper like Searcy but a great place to visit.
I also had the opportunity to visit Fairhope Alabama, for an author event. The visit to the town was brief. The event took place at Page and Palette the local independent bookstore. This town is worth visiting and seeing more of the next opportunity.
Synopsis:
Searcy has the perfect life with her husband Alton in Buckhead Atlanta. She has great friends by her side for all the shopping and events. Today is the celebration of her anniversary but where is her husband? Why does he suddenly show up with ultimatums which ultimately send Searcy back to Fairhope, Alabama. What will she find once she gets there? Will everything be the way she remembered it?
My Thoughts:
I am a fan of Lauren’s work. I did enjoy the book. Ms. Clark has a way of creating memorable characters that will keep you coming back for more. Her characters also have humor. These characters bring about the plot line. I was not a fan of Searcey in the beginning but grew to love her as the story went along. I also wanted to know if she would be successful in turning her life around.
The setting takes place in both Buckhead and Fairhope. Buckhead is the wealthier section of Atlanta that includes the high end shops and restaurants. I personally love visiting this area of town. I am not a shopper like Searcy but a great place to visit.
I also had the opportunity to visit Fairhope Alabama, for an author event. The visit to the town was brief. The event took place at Page and Palette the local independent bookstore. This town is worth visiting and seeing more of the next opportunity.
April 17, 2015
A good, full-cast listen! The first quarter of the story is spent getting to know Searcy in her high-maintenance life. I suspect it is the author's intent that we come to not like this Searcy. Once she reaches Fairhope, Alabama, and the balance of the book, it is as if we have a completely different main character -- one that we would truly like to befriend.
This book is easy on the ears, though I do not think it was necessary to the story to record this audiobook in full-cast. It is in my opinion the voice for Alton and the voice for Luke should have been swapped. The narrator for Luke sounds a bit too feminine to be a convincing match to his physical description, but, as the reveal is revealed, seems a better fit for Alton. The narrator for Alton has a voice a bit more perfectly masculine for Luke, the bike shop owner.
There is no surprising "wow" moment in this book, meaning it is quite predictable. All of the characters are likeable, real characters. Well, maybe they all aren't likeable initially -- but they become so by the end.
When you are looking for a simple HEA, this will fit the bill.
I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for a review when I replied to a Goodreads call out. Thank you for gifting me the opportunity to give this a listen.
This book is easy on the ears, though I do not think it was necessary to the story to record this audiobook in full-cast. It is in my opinion the voice for Alton and the voice for Luke should have been swapped. The narrator for Luke sounds a bit too feminine to be a convincing match to his physical description, but, as the reveal is revealed, seems a better fit for Alton. The narrator for Alton has a voice a bit more perfectly masculine for Luke, the bike shop owner.
There is no surprising "wow" moment in this book, meaning it is quite predictable. All of the characters are likeable, real characters. Well, maybe they all aren't likeable initially -- but they become so by the end.
When you are looking for a simple HEA, this will fit the bill.
I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for a review when I replied to a Goodreads call out. Thank you for gifting me the opportunity to give this a listen.
April 5, 2015
**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Searcy in the beginning of this book, seemed like she belonged on an episode of "True Housewives" and I think even she would admit that. Her world comes crashing down when her husband tells her he doesn't want to be married anymore. She has to find a new place to live, and her lavish lifestyle is OVER! When her Mama calls and asks her to come home to help out, she jumps at the chance to escape until she can figure things out.
Once she is home, things really start to fall into place for her. Although her mother isn't well, and the business is failing. Searcy finds a strength she didn't know she had to help the people she loves.
I liked this book. I truly did. It moves super fast and easy. A great beach read with some very sweet romance included. I can't help but feel that it also went too fast. There's no real explanation for Searcy's complete personality change. She was still completely snobbish when she got home. Then, poof, she's all down to earth and can't believe how spoiled she'd acted the previous 10 years or so. There were some big moments and they just never got the attention they deserved. It was rushed. But still, I would say it was worthy entertainment.
Searcy in the beginning of this book, seemed like she belonged on an episode of "True Housewives" and I think even she would admit that. Her world comes crashing down when her husband tells her he doesn't want to be married anymore. She has to find a new place to live, and her lavish lifestyle is OVER! When her Mama calls and asks her to come home to help out, she jumps at the chance to escape until she can figure things out.
Once she is home, things really start to fall into place for her. Although her mother isn't well, and the business is failing. Searcy finds a strength she didn't know she had to help the people she loves.
I liked this book. I truly did. It moves super fast and easy. A great beach read with some very sweet romance included. I can't help but feel that it also went too fast. There's no real explanation for Searcy's complete personality change. She was still completely snobbish when she got home. Then, poof, she's all down to earth and can't believe how spoiled she'd acted the previous 10 years or so. There were some big moments and they just never got the attention they deserved. It was rushed. But still, I would say it was worthy entertainment.
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