This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
Matthias, the estranged elder son of Martha Davidson, had returned home after twelve long years. Ashley, her younger son, was en route with his fiancée. However, what should have been a joyous family reunion took a tragic turn when Martha died suddenly. However, her death raised several puzzling questions. Why was there a vicious altercation between Martha and Orpah Abraham, the television star and self-proclaimed pie queen of Fairmont? Why did Martha, despite being an exceptional baker herself, not enter the town’s pie contest? As each character took turns to tell their version of the truth, sordid details from the past threatened to emerge. Life of Pies: Special Cookbook Collector Edition by C.S. Johnson and Crystal McGough also contains twelve recipes for mouthwatering pies.
I loved how the book engaged readers’ senses in multiple ways. Each chapter represented a unique voice, revealing new insights into the murder mystery. The different points of view let us get straight into the characters’ heads, showing the good, bad, and ugly in them unflinchingly. I liked how each had their demons and burdens to carry, yet they kept trying to do the best for themselves. Their morality was questionable, ranging from downright deceit to possible murder, yet C.S. Johnson deftly showed how each felt that their actions were justified. I loved seeing the close-knit community overcome petty issues and commemorate their deceased friend. The detailed recipes and scrumptious-looking pictures of assorted pies were a great addition. I loved reading the accompanying background stories that Crystal McGough compiled. The pies were not merely gastronomic delights but also the keepers of fond memories, with the treasured recipes reminding one of the carefree childhood days or a loving relative who is no more. Life of Pies is a complete package that I recommend to every pie-lover.
