The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square

by Rosina Lippi

Julia Darrow runs a thriving business in South Carolina, has a houseful of foster dogs-and she wears designer pajamas all day, every day.

John Dodge makes a living moving around the country, fixing up small businesses on the brink of disaster. His newest venture takes him to South Carolina, where he's greeted by an odd sight: Julia Darrow, walking across Lambert Square, in pajamas.

Intrigued, Dodge asks Julia out to dinner only to be refused. The townsfolk warn him that Julia is an unsolvable mystery, but Dodge likes mysteries, and he's really good at fixing things...

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Southern, Book Club, Novels

368 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2008

About the author

Most of my novels are historical fiction and published under the pen name Sara Donati.

Reviews

[Susan E · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a fan of Rosina, who has written some of my all-time favorite historical novels, The Wilderness Series, under her pen name, Sara Donati. And I loved Homestead, her first book under her real name. And I read her weblog, and want to support her, so I bought this book, hardcover and new, which I seldom do (except for her Wilderness books, which bought new/hardcover, knowing I will read them over and over.)

I appreciate that someone who had committed to writing a historically-accurate series might want something fun to work on when research gets to be too much... that being said, I've been a bit puzzled by this book and her Tied to the Tracks romances... I know she is a talented writer, and I think her Nathaniel character is much sexier than Diana Gabaldon's Jamie (knowing many folks will disagree with me). The thing is, I haven't formed attachments to her modern day characters. I've spent days lost in her Wilderness world, and I've found it very easy to walk away from Pajama Girls. There were some characters that just didn't stand out for me... too many quirky folks to keep track of. The main characters were interesting, but not compelling. I saw where the story was going, so I didn't even have the element of surprise at the end (which seemed rather abrupt).

I enjoyed reading it, just not as much as I expected. Still, it's hard to find something in my To Read list to follow this up... I wish I had something else light and fun to read next.

[Kellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book's biggest problem is that none of the main characters are particularly likable or sympathetic. Dodge comes across as manipulative and insincere. Julia comes across as cold and secretive. In an attempt to build suspense, much of Julia's back-story is not revealed until the final quarter of the book – too late to wring any pity from the reader. The love story is unoriginal and the (admittedly steamy) sex scenes are probably the only interesting passages in the book. Even the happy ending is somewhat lopsided, as Julia overcomes her fears and neuroses to be with Dodge – while Dodge makes no similar sacrifice or growth.

There are several troubling elements in this modern Southern romance. The handful of African American characters are treated like caricatures from a minstrel show. Agnostics are referred to as heathens. And "Yankees," in general, are objects of scorn and suspicion. Local churches stage haunted houses about the dangers of birth control. Grown women are referred to as "girls." This portrayal of the South may or may not be realistic, but it will likely inspire more irritation than amusement in some readers.

Originally published by FeministReview.org

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story takes place in a fictional town of Lamb's Corner in Southern Carolina. Typical of a southern town, population of around 6000, all the residence of the town are born and raised. All in their late 50s and up with the exception of a hand full of 35-40 aged people.

The town is struggling to survive till an automotive company from Sweden comes to build a factory with which to build it's cars to sell in the States. Thus providing the town with more jobs and a higher population, bringing in more business for the already existing stores.

The main Character is a recovering claustrophobic who travels around the buying small businesses that are struggling, flipping them, making them profitable and sustaining again, and when completed, moving on within a year or two, to the next little project that interests him. The most recent is a Pen company in Lamb's Corner, which specializes in antique pens. Buying old worn out pens, refurbishing them and reselling to the big time collector or an individual interested in antiques. In taking on this particular project, John Dodge meets the store owner across the street, Julia Darrow. She owns a small antique/fine linens store. Specializing in the purchasing, re-paring, and reselling of old linens. She is an agoraphobic.

As facts become know, friendships established and pasts unravel, these two emotionally damaged people slowly put each other back together and fix what couldn't have been fixed without the help of that perfect, understanding person. I greatly enjoyed every word.

[Christie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should almost abstain from giving this book a star rating considering the post surgical drug induced state in which I read the first 15 pages and thought that Dodge character was a dog being persosnified. Nevertheless, I always have an opinion.

I thought the town of Lamb's Corner was charming. It, in and of itself my favorite character. It was the most relatable certainly.

Problems: the construction of the book was poorly executed, the characters were too abundant to develop strong feelings for any of them, the agoraphobia issue was laughable, the "shocking twist" that the main character was--gasp--a therapist for one month was ludicrous, the author had major POV issues and was constantly flipping in and out of character's heads. Honestly, where was her writing group???

My favorite part was the 2 pages or so that the author italicized as a flashback because she'd written herself into a corner. It was actually the most interesting part of the book in spite of the fact that I don't think you're allowed to just italicize something because you're in trouble with your story.

2.5 stars for the town of Lamb's Corner.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julia runs a fine linen shop in a small South Carolina town of Lamb's Corner. It suits her well as she recovers from the death of her young husband.
John Dodge moves from town to town rehabbing failing businesses. He never stays in one town for longer than two years and is happy with that lifestyle. Then he takes over a collectible pen shop in Lamb's Corner, South Carolina, meets Julia and his life changes forever.
This was a fun, small-town, sexy romance just perfect for snuggling up with on a cold evening. Lots of unique, quirky characters, an interesting setting and plot with just a hint of mystery and a good, old fashioned romance between two likable main characters.

[NancyInWI · Rating 2 out of 5]

I plodded through this book, wondering why so many people gave it 5 stars. First, I was put off by the sudden and gratuitous sex in the firwst 70 pages of the book. The female protagonist had barely met the male protagonist and they were already having steamy animal sex on stairways!
The middle of the book was boring, with too many characters to keep straight without any development at all.
The end was nice...the last 20 pages of the book were the best part, but I wouldn't recommend going through the first 330 to get there!

[Samantha Rutherford · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy fun page tuning read. Didn't want it to end! Characters that made me laugh - including the dogs. I'm also reading this aloud to my parents...keeping track of who's who is entertaining, my accents are not the only Dodge thing🤣. A great story that in my mind could quite easily be set in 1940's ..just the computers and mobile phones bring it closer to today. Beautifully written as expected 🙂

[Ali McHattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying read, well written, with plenty going on.
Not necessarily a keeper, but very happy to pass on to friends for a positive, entertaining read

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

sounds like a comforting read:

[close:] From the author of Tied to the Tracks comes a charming new novel set in Lambert's Corner, South Carolina-a beautiful town where no one's secrets remain secret for very long.

For John Dodge, moving to new places and reviving ailing businesses is a way of life. So when he sees an ad for Scriveners, a stationery shop in a small town in South Carolina, he decides to take the plunge.

As soon as he arrives in Lambert's Corner, Dodge falls happily into the whirl of gossip, gifts, and quintessential Southern hospitality. Link Kay, one of his employees, warms up to him after Dodge admires his expertise on pens. Bean Hurt-a feisty and outspoken ten-year-old-becomes a fast friend. And Maude Golden, the mayor, supplies him with indispensable information. But the one person who really catches Dodge's eye is Julia Darrow-the beautiful but aloof pajama-wearing owner of the Cocoon, a popular store specializing in luxury linens. Dodge tries to befriend her, but she remains elusive and mysterious. Everyone knows that she is a widow, but no one seems to know why she came to town or why she never leaves Lambert Square-or does she?

Like Dodge, Chicago-born Julia is fleeing a tumultuous past. But with the help of a hilarious and endearing cast of characters, Julia and Dodge learn that, sometimes, you don't need to go far to find home. [close:]

updater:
this is a great read! i highly recommend it, very enjoyable!

[Book Concierge · Rating 2 out of 5]

After Julia Darrow is widowed, she moves to the small South Carolina town where her architect husband had designed and built a multi-use renovation of an abandoned plant. She now owns and operates Cocoon, a high-end boutique selling fine linens. Julia and her sales staff always wear beautiful pajamas when working. John Dodge comes to town when he buys a failing pen / stationery store; he specializes in buying small businesses, turning them around, selling them and moving on. But the attraction between Julia and John is undeniable. Will he settle in Lamb’s Corner, or take Julia away with him on his next project?

This is pretty typical chick lit romance. Handsome, wealthy stranger comes to town and charms everyone, especially the vulnerable lady who has remained aloof and whom everyone protects. The small Southern town is full of colorful characters, including a precocious 10-year-old, a curmudgeonly expert on pens, and a wise lady mayor. There’s an interesting subplot involving a wounded single mother who is African American, and the young Swedish Lothario who has been assigned to the new automobile factory that promises to bring new jobs to the area.

The whole thing is predictable, and Lippi doesn’t even try very hard to give us a reasonable plot to move the story forward. It fulfilled a challenge and was a quick read, but I’m in no hurry to read anything else by this author.

[Maxine Dulaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

main characters: Julia Darrow, John Dodge

I would not say this is a great book. It was entertaining. Julia's character is a little unbelievable at times. The story reminds me of the books about the minister in a small town - can't remember the name right off. There are a lot of characters and a subplot about one of the characters who works in the linen shop and her relationship with a Swedish man who is working for an auto manufacturer that is opening a plant in the town.
Dodge travels around the country reviving businesses that are floundering. Julia owns a linen shop in Lamb's Corner. She and her employees wear pajamas while working. Her husband died recently. She is an agoraphobic - can't leave her house, but this is not obvious, at least to me, at first. Dodge arrives to run Scriveners, a business that sells pens. Julia's mother-in-law blames her for her son's death because she left him alone during a snowstorm when the caregiver could not get to the house and she went out to pick up some things at the store. When the son dies Julia's father marries her mother-in-law and her father takes up sides against her, as well, in the death of Charlie (Julia's husband).

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

The plight of the main character was the only thing that kept me reading. (I'm trying not to reveal too much.) There were holes in John Dodge's back story as well as other aspects of the Kallesjo subplot. I also found the numerous community members hard to keep straight. Bean was an enjoyable character, as was some of the inter-play between Dodge and his sister. But the resolution seemed a bit unrealistic.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started this one I wasn't sure. Then I liked it. Then I wasn't sure again. By the middle I decided I was enjoying this story very much. Light and enjoyable for those times when that's just what you need. (Like after Atlas Shrugged.)

[Jeana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I simply cannot believe that this Lambert Square could possibly ever be a real place (and I come from a small town). None of the characters seemed real, and nothing that happened seemed like they would ever happen.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I liked the way more information about the characters was revealed as you progressed through the book instead of hitting you with all the information at the beginning of the book.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun, quick read - didn't want to put it down! Is it predictable? Why, yes; it all ends happily ever after. But how you get there is always unpredictable, and it is exactly that that makes this book so enjoyable.

[LizH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! Loved the characters and the setting, and just wanted to be in the town with all these people. I didn't want this to end!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful novel, reminding us all that we can not run from our problems but at some point we must turn around and face them, but it is always easier to do so with someone we love beside us.

[Kathleen M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I really liked the book, I hesitate to give 5 stars, simply because it had all the issues that somehow got pretty wrapped up in the end. I could see going into hiding instead of dealing with the situation, but froniding from the world to the ending did not seem realistic. Also there were several issues not concluded in the end with Dodge. Maybe there is a sequel??
Other then that this is a romance of people, dogs and businesses. I would love to walk around in my PJ's all day, think comfortable while in your workspace. Of course, it helps if that workspace sells bed linens, tableclothes and PJs. All the people in town seem to accept this and Julia without so much as batting an eye at her, but as with small towns it's "bless your heart to your face, and poor child to your back." Rosina Lippi got that small town feel just right.

[Maurita Kling · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just can't get into this book even though it's written by 1 of my Favorite Authors- Sara Donati! Supposed to Hilarious etc I'd call what I've managed to read 48 pages ABSURD! Whoever heard of a village in S Carolina which contains independent little specialty shops that sell Antique Embroidered Linen Sheet sets for astonishing prices of $4000.00? Or how about a shop that sells Antique Ink Pens for $3000.00 & up? And who actually Sell them? And don't have to make a profit?
The main characters are equally unbelievable- the Employees & Owner of the Linen shop wear Pajamas as uniforms 24/7. A free Lance ex Military military man makes a living researching failing businesses & 'saving' them while traveling around the country?
For my money this book should start 'Once Upon a Time'!
Unless this gets a Lot more realistic I'm done.

[MaryAnn Halstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storytelling at its best

I don't often review books anymore. I'm a voracious reader and it's rare to find a book or an author that succeeds in impressing me enough to do so. Ms Lippi, obviously, has done just that. A masterful storyteller who took the often depressing subject of mental illness and taught the reader a truth that many of us who suffer know all to well. Love is the best healer. She effectively takes the reader through a wide range of emotions and I found myself laughing more than once, yet she refused to back away from some of the most difficult realities. Be prepared for a first class emotional ride that will leave you crying and laughing in turn.

[Milisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow going but worth the effort

Rosina has written a slow but well told story about grief, fear, and ultimately love and healing. As an author and storyteller, Lippa has the ability to create a community and cast of characters in a way that makes her readers care about their lives and want to know how it will all end for them. The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square is bit slow and predictable but ultimately worth the read.

Overall I give The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square 3.5 stars and would recommend it for a lazy Sunday read.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really just 2.5. The story, characters, setting, etc., were fine, but I just couldn't go along with the idea of women who work in a fine linen shop wearing pajamas all the time. Not just at the shop, but ALL the time. It really interfered with my enjoyment of what is otherwise a pleasant story of a love affair between two middle aged people in a pleasant small town, sort of like a Hallmark movie. I did enjoy learning about pens and fine linens.

[Cristina Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rather a compelling and exciting book connects with people on so many levels and absolute friendship and busybodies So funny and so sad at times, and lovely have a great ending.

.I am impressed with the latitude they all give each other, it is easier to help others than oneself.
to see clearly where their need to go and how they work out the issue. Friendliness is abounded.

[Mellanie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story of Julia, who makes a life for herself in a sleepy South Carolina town after her life in Chicago falls apart. Dodge was a charming protagonist, as well. The title was a little misleading, because this was mostly Julia's story, but that cause me to dislike the book in any way, and in fact, the title was what made me pick it up in the first place, so it was effective.

[Lyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed a lot of this book, at times I thought t could do with some editing. Julia's story is good, as is the back story behind Dodge. The steamy sex was okay, but made for tedious reading after a while. The other characters were interesting as was the setting. It just could have got to the point quicker!

[Angela Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

LPA lovely quiet read but very enjoyable the characters come to life & immerse you into their lives. Just gentle reading no murders or swearing just enough sex which is in context to the relationship between the two main characters. Oh I must mention the dogs if you love dogs you will get many smiles regarding them.☺️

[Rachel Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story succeeds because the world in which it is set is so small. Yet within that world there is each and every relationship and personality type. Written with delicacy and with great understanding of the many foibles of human nature. Thoroughly recommend.

[Diane Sugars · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be a fairly good story, but nothing spectacular. I enjoyed several of the characters, but others I felt had no real part of the story. Just an average storyline with a predictable ending.

[Linda Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dodge is an entrepreneur who moves from city to city reviving losing businesses, but when he buys a a shop in Lambert Square in the south, he meets Julia. Julia owns Cocoon, a thriving linen shop. Both harbor secrets.
Loved all the characters and situations of a small town.