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Smart Blondes
Austin socialite Carrie Pryce has no clue her criminally charming husband is carrying on with another woman until she returns home unexpectedly, mistakes the sounds of passion for a home-invasion robbery and accidently shoots him in the backside. Stunned, Carrie drives all night to her quirky hometown and collapses in a near-catatonic state.
A crew of ladies spanning three generations realize it’s up to them to help Carrie get her life out of the ditch. Known as the “Presbyterian Mafia,” these are not sweet old gals. They have a book club that never reads, a garden club that doesn’t garden, and a bible study class that gossips about the Methodists. They’re known around town for antics including catfights, car chases and Voodoo rituals. The women enlist Carrie’s former childhood best friend Portia (now a lawyer) and her flamboyant cousin Eric (recently returned from New York) in their effort.
While dealing with the after-effects of her imprudent gunplay and managing a hair color disaster, Carrie meets Rhett Richards. He’s an attractive oil field worker who can make women think un-Christian thoughts by the mere act of wearing a pair of tight wranglers. Carrie soon learns that hometowns can be the perfect places to bury old scandals and create new ones.
A crew of ladies spanning three generations realize it’s up to them to help Carrie get her life out of the ditch. Known as the “Presbyterian Mafia,” these are not sweet old gals. They have a book club that never reads, a garden club that doesn’t garden, and a bible study class that gossips about the Methodists. They’re known around town for antics including catfights, car chases and Voodoo rituals. The women enlist Carrie’s former childhood best friend Portia (now a lawyer) and her flamboyant cousin Eric (recently returned from New York) in their effort.
While dealing with the after-effects of her imprudent gunplay and managing a hair color disaster, Carrie meets Rhett Richards. He’s an attractive oil field worker who can make women think un-Christian thoughts by the mere act of wearing a pair of tight wranglers. Carrie soon learns that hometowns can be the perfect places to bury old scandals and create new ones.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
32 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Sonia Koso
1 book2 followersI grew up in the eccentricity-filled piney woods of North East Texas and have been writing since I was a teen. Writing is my first love and what I chose to pursue in college. After receiving a B.A. in English Writing, my life took a drastic turn and I found my self in law school. I practiced law for over a decade but was drawn back to writing in 2012. My stories feature strong women, good-looking guys, legal dilemmas and a strong, Southern flavor. Smart Blondes borrows many characters from my childhood and my legal career.
I do most of my writing at my condo in Austin’s SOCO district. This is ground zero of “Keep Austin Weird” and is within walking distance of local landmarks including Guero’s, Lady Bird Lake, Amy’s Ice Cream, the Continental Club, and the Austin City Limits Theater. I know a story is working when the characters are so compelling I can ignore the constant distractions.
I do most of my writing at my condo in Austin’s SOCO district. This is ground zero of “Keep Austin Weird” and is within walking distance of local landmarks including Guero’s, Lady Bird Lake, Amy’s Ice Cream, the Continental Club, and the Austin City Limits Theater. I know a story is working when the characters are so compelling I can ignore the constant distractions.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 19, 2014
Smart Blondes by Sonia Koso is a July 2014 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Austin, Texas is a thriving community of the Avant Garde and the affluent mixing and mingling seamlessly. Into this area, two girls grew up together, one a beautiful outgoing blonde who commanded attention from everyone easily, while the other was always in the background being the studious cheerleader for her friend. After growing up they took different paths in life and lost touch... until one of them gets herself into a bit of jam and heads home.
As it turns out Carrie's charmed life has come to a crashing halt. Her husband, Jake is having an affair with the french maid and Carrie catches them in the act. Her reaction was priceless. She returns home and moves back in with her mother and seeks the advice of her childhood friend, Portia who is now a successful attorney. While Carrie has been living the socialite lifestyle, Portia has been working her tail off. But, she has a good marriage and her only wish is that someday she and Travis will be able to have a child, which is something they are having trouble with.
With Carrie's return, some of Portia's resentments return as well. However, Portia is a professional and an adult so she works at putting all that in the background. Meanwhile, we are introduced to a really eccentric and hilarious cast of characters that are friends and relatives of Carrie and Portia's. Eric is a gay cousin , and Deane is really an old family friend but was like a grandmother to the two girls. The marriage of Jake and Carrie is for all intents and purposes over with, Jake being the initiator . Jake's mother who never liked Carrie attempts to control Jake and her granddaughter and all the ensuing divorce issues.
The characters are either very solid with good moral principles or they are shallow and self absorbed and immature. Carrie is sort of milling around in the middle of all that trying to discover her true self. Portia learns a lot about her childhood friend while working on her case and learns that things were not always the way they appeared to be. She ends up gaining a lot of respect for Carrie by the time all things are said and done. When it looks as though Carrie will have to start her life over not only as single mother , but all the bells and whistles she has become comfortable with will no longer be supplied to her by her soon to be ex-husband. But, Portia has refused to just let things go and is working furiously to find a way for Carrie to get what she deserves.
I really enjoyed this book. It would fall into the women's fiction or chick lit genre and is really screwball at times . Each character is well defined and you will love them, hate them, feel bad for them, care about them and root for them. As a Texan I could sort of relate some of these people and could recognize the type of character the author described. Sometimes though the characters were eccentric enough that they could have been from areas much further south and would have fit right it. ( No offense, I was born in the deep south and am a transplanted Texan) . You will love the way things turn out for everyone in the end. Everything all comes together in the most hilarious way and even though it's not the Happy Ever After of fairy tales , it's really a lot better. I'm going to rate this one 4 stars.
Austin, Texas is a thriving community of the Avant Garde and the affluent mixing and mingling seamlessly. Into this area, two girls grew up together, one a beautiful outgoing blonde who commanded attention from everyone easily, while the other was always in the background being the studious cheerleader for her friend. After growing up they took different paths in life and lost touch... until one of them gets herself into a bit of jam and heads home.
As it turns out Carrie's charmed life has come to a crashing halt. Her husband, Jake is having an affair with the french maid and Carrie catches them in the act. Her reaction was priceless. She returns home and moves back in with her mother and seeks the advice of her childhood friend, Portia who is now a successful attorney. While Carrie has been living the socialite lifestyle, Portia has been working her tail off. But, she has a good marriage and her only wish is that someday she and Travis will be able to have a child, which is something they are having trouble with.
With Carrie's return, some of Portia's resentments return as well. However, Portia is a professional and an adult so she works at putting all that in the background. Meanwhile, we are introduced to a really eccentric and hilarious cast of characters that are friends and relatives of Carrie and Portia's. Eric is a gay cousin , and Deane is really an old family friend but was like a grandmother to the two girls. The marriage of Jake and Carrie is for all intents and purposes over with, Jake being the initiator . Jake's mother who never liked Carrie attempts to control Jake and her granddaughter and all the ensuing divorce issues.
The characters are either very solid with good moral principles or they are shallow and self absorbed and immature. Carrie is sort of milling around in the middle of all that trying to discover her true self. Portia learns a lot about her childhood friend while working on her case and learns that things were not always the way they appeared to be. She ends up gaining a lot of respect for Carrie by the time all things are said and done. When it looks as though Carrie will have to start her life over not only as single mother , but all the bells and whistles she has become comfortable with will no longer be supplied to her by her soon to be ex-husband. But, Portia has refused to just let things go and is working furiously to find a way for Carrie to get what she deserves.
I really enjoyed this book. It would fall into the women's fiction or chick lit genre and is really screwball at times . Each character is well defined and you will love them, hate them, feel bad for them, care about them and root for them. As a Texan I could sort of relate some of these people and could recognize the type of character the author described. Sometimes though the characters were eccentric enough that they could have been from areas much further south and would have fit right it. ( No offense, I was born in the deep south and am a transplanted Texan) . You will love the way things turn out for everyone in the end. Everything all comes together in the most hilarious way and even though it's not the Happy Ever After of fairy tales , it's really a lot better. I'm going to rate this one 4 stars.
August 10, 2014
Great book! Love the story. Look forward to reading more from this author.
I felt so connected with each character. Just enough history given on each so you really feel like you know each and every one.
I felt so connected with each character. Just enough history given on each so you really feel like you know each and every one.
January 27, 2015
This book was a free kindle download for me and now I feel like I should actually send the author some money. A fantastic bargain for me and one of the reasons I keep downloading those freebies. This book has the flavor of Southern Women chick-lit, no wonder since it's set in Texas. While the author doesn't yet show the skill and talented story telling of my favorite authors in that genre, she definitely shows the promise. The story of Carrie and Portia, as well as their mothers, friends and others in Texas is intriguing and quickly became a page turner. You throw in a few eccentric characters and you appreciate this story all the more. Recommend.
December 11, 2014
The story of pretty girl having to get her life together is somewhat redundant, so I was hoping this would be an interesting twist. The story is something of a combination of Steel Magnolias, Hope Floats, and Legally Blonde. It was and wasn't interesting. I liked the characters and the premise of the story in that smart sassy Texas woman take care of their own, but Carrie, a main character, is a stereotypical predictable plot line. I liked Koso's writing and dialogue; she captures a Texas woman's grit. The book was free through Book Bub, so it was a good free read.
May 1, 2015
A fun, quick read about a tight-knit group of friends in a small Texas town who close ranks and help one of their own when her rat-bastard husband takes up with the nanny and dumps her. Nothing earth-shattering here, but some good laughs and quirky characters (actually, a few too many characters, it was hard to keep them all straight.) I recommend this one for a bit of light entertainment after a heavier novel.
October 8, 2014
I loved this book!! I loved the interplay between the characters and the detail of like on a Texas town.
November 16, 2020
Enjoyable
Unusual and quirky characters make this a lighthearted and enjoyable story. Started by liking Portia but not thinking much of Carrie. However, as I read more of the book my impression of Carrie changed. The storyline had heart break, romance, sadness and happiness and the good guys win. Enjoyed the story and the happy ending.
Unusual and quirky characters make this a lighthearted and enjoyable story. Started by liking Portia but not thinking much of Carrie. However, as I read more of the book my impression of Carrie changed. The storyline had heart break, romance, sadness and happiness and the good guys win. Enjoyed the story and the happy ending.
June 25, 2019
4 Stars instead of 5....
Although I enjoyed most of this book, I did not enjoy the lengthy descriptions of some of the places and people that just seemed so unnecessary. Would have been 5 stars without all of that boring reading.
Although I enjoyed most of this book, I did not enjoy the lengthy descriptions of some of the places and people that just seemed so unnecessary. Would have been 5 stars without all of that boring reading.
July 28, 2024
3.5 Stars - I liked the plot, but there was too much going on, and a boatload of characters that I didn't really car about.
January 8, 2015
I really liked this book! I would recommend this book! I would read something else from this author! This book is like Seinfeld episode - you're not sure what the plot is, cause there was so much going on with a lot of characters. The characters that are endearing are awesome, and the ones that are supposed to be schmucks are that as well! I can't remember what it was 'classified' as, humor, chick lit, drama - who cares, because it had all that and more. There is so much going on the first 1/2 (52% on my Kindle) that I couldn't tell what exactly the plot was, there was a story line, but there were other characters & their stories too. As I told a friend that exact sentence, she asked, why did you stick with it? I'll tell you, because it was completely entertaining to that part, enough that I read it in 3 days. It's a very easy, light read. There are all sorts of details for this little town/community of characters, that includes all of them through the book.
From a literary standpoint, and I"m not a critic, just a weird reader (if you saw my tastes of other books and reviews) I ended up enjoying that the chapters don't just tell the story of one character, so a lot happens in "a chapter" versus various other books that a new chapter takes you to an entire different story line, character. So you really didn't know if the next paragraph would begin talking about someone else, and their story.
I got a little confused with the time line twice - but a timeline is discussed, so you get a better idea of the duration. The author wraps up the story nicely for all characters, and honestly, after reading some trilogies of 5 series book, I could honestly see, if the author had wanted to drag this out, could have split it up, but in my opinion, did a fantastic job in telling all their stories in one book!
I toyed with 4 vs 5 stars, but gave this 5 stars, because I wanted to keep reading to figure out what was going to happen. Was it amazing that I couldn't put it down, not to me. Was it funny, entertaining, serious, creepy, romantic, dramatic, sad = yes! That's a lot to accomplish in 1 book! So kudos Sonia Koso! And I am going to completely steal one of your character's quotes: “every time someone watches one of their (Kardashian) shows, a book commits suicide" AWESOME!
From a literary standpoint, and I"m not a critic, just a weird reader (if you saw my tastes of other books and reviews) I ended up enjoying that the chapters don't just tell the story of one character, so a lot happens in "a chapter" versus various other books that a new chapter takes you to an entire different story line, character. So you really didn't know if the next paragraph would begin talking about someone else, and their story.
I got a little confused with the time line twice - but a timeline is discussed, so you get a better idea of the duration. The author wraps up the story nicely for all characters, and honestly, after reading some trilogies of 5 series book, I could honestly see, if the author had wanted to drag this out, could have split it up, but in my opinion, did a fantastic job in telling all their stories in one book!
I toyed with 4 vs 5 stars, but gave this 5 stars, because I wanted to keep reading to figure out what was going to happen. Was it amazing that I couldn't put it down, not to me. Was it funny, entertaining, serious, creepy, romantic, dramatic, sad = yes! That's a lot to accomplish in 1 book! So kudos Sonia Koso! And I am going to completely steal one of your character's quotes: “every time someone watches one of their (Kardashian) shows, a book commits suicide" AWESOME!
August 7, 2014
This book definitely has the perfect feel for women's fiction set in a small town and that features a cast of quirky and adorable creatures. These people border on the 'absurd' sometimes, but only just so that they end up feeling real, and not just cardboard cutouts of citizens of that little town.
It was a journey to come to love Carrie, to get over Portia's resentment, for both women to take a step aside - Carrie from the spotlight, Portia from the shadows - and find their rightful place, in their own right so to speak.
The only thing that put me off was the very telling voice of the author. It read a lot like a book written in the 90s, when telling, surface descriptions, and omniscient POV that hops heads all over was the norm. If you're into that kind of read, perfect. If not, you might want to try out a sample before you commit yourself. I also felt that the author didn't delve deep enough into the characters when she wrote them - I didn't become them, which is what I expect when I pick up a book to read, especially one of women's fiction.
It was a journey to come to love Carrie, to get over Portia's resentment, for both women to take a step aside - Carrie from the spotlight, Portia from the shadows - and find their rightful place, in their own right so to speak.
The only thing that put me off was the very telling voice of the author. It read a lot like a book written in the 90s, when telling, surface descriptions, and omniscient POV that hops heads all over was the norm. If you're into that kind of read, perfect. If not, you might want to try out a sample before you commit yourself. I also felt that the author didn't delve deep enough into the characters when she wrote them - I didn't become them, which is what I expect when I pick up a book to read, especially one of women's fiction.
July 31, 2015
A great girl friend book
Imagine that you have the perfect life--you are rich, thin,queen of your social group, your husband is fiendishly handsome, and your child is wonderful. Now, imagine coming home to what you think is a burglar molesting your nanny in your palatial home, pulling out your gun for which you have a concealed carry permit, only to find that your husband is having sex with the nanny on your marble counter and you fire off a shot that ricochets and grazes his buttocks. This is what happens to Carrie the protagonist of the story.
Before she can truly come to terms with what she has done and the fact that her car dealer husband wants to trade her in for a new model, she is back in her home town. The Presbyterian mafia a group of women ranging in age from 38-93 years have gathered along with her gay cousin to try to help her out of her difficulty.
This story is warm and witty and the friendships among the women are priceless. Don't desert your female friends--sometimes they're the only ones who can pull you through.
Imagine that you have the perfect life--you are rich, thin,queen of your social group, your husband is fiendishly handsome, and your child is wonderful. Now, imagine coming home to what you think is a burglar molesting your nanny in your palatial home, pulling out your gun for which you have a concealed carry permit, only to find that your husband is having sex with the nanny on your marble counter and you fire off a shot that ricochets and grazes his buttocks. This is what happens to Carrie the protagonist of the story.
Before she can truly come to terms with what she has done and the fact that her car dealer husband wants to trade her in for a new model, she is back in her home town. The Presbyterian mafia a group of women ranging in age from 38-93 years have gathered along with her gay cousin to try to help her out of her difficulty.
This story is warm and witty and the friendships among the women are priceless. Don't desert your female friends--sometimes they're the only ones who can pull you through.
August 10, 2014
‘Smart Blondes’ is quite a surprise read for me, with elements of chick lit, crime, and suspense genre all coming to play, and seamlessly interwoven. When Carrie Pryce accidentally shoots her cheating husband mid-coitus, she runs away and ends back in her hometown where she is reunited with estranged best friend Portia and a cast of characters that add to the craziness.
What I like about this book is that it shows complex relationship dynamics that make the story so compelling. The friendship aspect of the story is clearly and effectively presented, but not always in a good light. The characters are well-developed, each of them having a certain degree of quirkiness. At times, it can get a little overwhelming and takes you away from the main plot a bit, but you’ll realize how they wonderfully come together in the end.
What I like about this book is that it shows complex relationship dynamics that make the story so compelling. The friendship aspect of the story is clearly and effectively presented, but not always in a good light. The characters are well-developed, each of them having a certain degree of quirkiness. At times, it can get a little overwhelming and takes you away from the main plot a bit, but you’ll realize how they wonderfully come together in the end.
December 27, 2014
I found this on the "Best Chic Lit I've Ever Read" list, so perhaps my expectations were too high.
Had I rated it at the half-way mark, I would have given it another star - maybe two. I thought it went downhill about the time Rhett came on the scene. I was enjoying the strong women theme without a Prince Charming riding in.
I also felt the ending was rushed, which left me disappointed in the book. Having said that, I admit to enjoying the humor and the story in the first half, or 2/3 of the book.
Had I rated it at the half-way mark, I would have given it another star - maybe two. I thought it went downhill about the time Rhett came on the scene. I was enjoying the strong women theme without a Prince Charming riding in.
I also felt the ending was rushed, which left me disappointed in the book. Having said that, I admit to enjoying the humor and the story in the first half, or 2/3 of the book.
August 9, 2014
Cute read. Rather humorous at times. I found many of the characters relatable, but didn't really get into any of them too deeply. Carrie sees life as she knows it come to a sudden halt with the discovery of her husband's affair. Estranged childhood best friend, Portia, must help Carrie deal with the legalities to get what she deserves.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
September 12, 2014
Better than expected...
I don't know why I wasn't expecting much from this book, but I'm so glad I was wrong! I have so enjoyed reading this book full of strong Southern women, and their shenanigans, that I'm actually sad it's over. It captured my attention from the very beginning, and held on tight until the end.
I don't know why I wasn't expecting much from this book, but I'm so glad I was wrong! I have so enjoyed reading this book full of strong Southern women, and their shenanigans, that I'm actually sad it's over. It captured my attention from the very beginning, and held on tight until the end.
January 21, 2015
This was a book that drug me in and wouldn't let me out until I had finished. I loved the characters and the richness they each brought to the story. Side stories, old stories, new and unfinished stories - this book was full of them and played them out beautifully.
July 30, 2015
Couldn't put it down
This book had everything, from sad to quirky,not too sexy,just enough,predictable in places,and then surprises..I think there is more to every character,and they should be explored
This book had everything, from sad to quirky,not too sexy,just enough,predictable in places,and then surprises..I think there is more to every character,and they should be explored
December 22, 2014
I went into this book not having a clue what it was about and I ended up really enjoying it. It was fun and had a satisfying ending. I'd recommend this book to others.
December 29, 2014
I really liked this book. At times- the writing style could be a bit hard to follow, a lot of bouncing around.
I loved the characters- and the depth of their involvement in the story.
I loved the characters- and the depth of their involvement in the story.
January 19, 2015
Pretty good
January 20, 2015
Awesome book. Couldn't put it down until it was finished and than felt sad when it was.
April 14, 2015
Very cute! Enjoyed the strong, intelligent women!!
July 11, 2015
What a group of Texas Women won't do for one of their own!! Got to love the characters in this book!!
August 14, 2015
OMG FREAKIN LOVED THIS BOOK. REVIEW TO COME
July 4, 2016
This was a good read once it finally got going. It started off great, then slowed down, and finished strong.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews