Normally it takes me 1-3 days to read a book. Pink Clay took a few months because I just couldn’t get into the story and from the get go I hated the characters and how cardboard and unrealistic they were. Emily is a straight up caricature and her growth is just silly. It’s so maudlin and sentimental. I won’t be posting this to my instagram out of fairness to the author.

This book was very poetic to read and was very compelling. Truly shows two different sides of people and how vastly different they can be, yet still be best friends! It was a calming read. Kind of slow in my opinion, but not terribly slow.

In "Pink Clay," Jennifer Lucic weaves a heartfelt narrative about the intertwined destinies of two women, Emily and Sarah, whose paths converge in the stark reality of an oncology ward. Emily, a 25-year-old heiress accustomed to a life of opulence, grapples with an aching emptiness that is only deepened by a shattering cancer diagnosis. On the other hand, Sarah, a 27-year-old single mother and passionate ceramic artist, fights tirelessly to support her family while confronting her own battle with the disease. Despite the chasm between their worlds, these two women forge a remarkable friendship, supporting each other as they navigate the turbulent seas of treatment and the complexities of existence.

Lucic possesses a remarkable talent for creating characters that resonate deeply with readers. Emily’s transformation from a shallow social butterfly into a woman in search of authentic connections is nothing short of captivating. Meanwhile, Sarah’s unwavering strength and commitment to her son bring added layers to her persona. The delicate and realistic portrayal of their evolving friendship lends an authenticity to their relationship, making it both heartfelt and relatable.

Lucic’s prose resonates deeply and remains inviting. She masterfully intertwines vivid descriptions with dialogue that rings true. While the story unfolds seamlessly, there are times when the rhythm stumbles. A standout quality of the author is her knack for expressing intricate emotions with straightforward but impactful language, a true gem in this literary treasure.

The novel delves into the rich tapestry of friendship, resilience, and the quest for purpose amid life's trials. It beautifully illustrates how the bonds we forge can uplift us and reveals the hidden strength that lies in our vulnerabilities. Lucic also weaves in poignant social concerns like economic inequality and the healthcare system, enriching the narrative with profound complexity.

Lucic weaves a tapestry of dual perspectives, seamlessly shifting between the viewpoints of Emily and Sarah. This clever storytelling technique immerses readers in the depths of both characters' minds. Furthermore, the vibrant symbolism found in Sarah's ceramic artwork introduces a beautifully intricate metaphorical depth to the tale.

The book weaves a beautifully structured tapestry, where each chapter adds a thread to the overarching narrative. Yet, some readers may feel the rhythm slows down at times, especially when diving into the meticulous descriptions of medical procedures. Nevertheless, the surge of emotional depth keeps the audience riveted.

Pink Clay flows like a captivating river, its narrative style both crisp and inviting. With simple yet powerful language, it opens its arms to readers from all walks of life. The rich emotional layers and relatable characters draw you in, keeping you enchanted and eager to turn the pages.

Pink Clay is a beautifully crafted tale that stirs the soul and lingers in the heart long after the last page is turned. Lucic masterfully spins a narrative of hope and camaraderie against the trials of illness, showcasing an exceptional talent for storytelling. This poignant work invites readers to ponder their own connections and underscores the vital role of empathy and support in our lives.

I wholeheartedly suggest Pink Clay to those who savor tales rich in character and emotional resonance. This enchanting narrative is perfect for anyone drawn to the powerful themes of camaraderie, inner strength, and self-discovery. Though it meanders at a leisurely pace occasionally, the profound impact of the journey makes every moment spent with it a treasure worth seeking out.

Pink Clay, Jennifer Lucic's latest novel, fittingly is released in October. When wealthy coffeehouse heiress Emily goes viral on social media for all the wrong reasons, her carefully curated world crumbles. At the same time, struggling single mom Sarah, was on the receiving end of Emily's viral stunt. and left to pick up her crumbled artwork. Emily and Sarah come from different worlds but are brought together by an unexpected diagnosis of breast cancer in their mid-late 20s. While the story picks up after their diagnosis and we see Emily's character go through a metamorphosis there were a lot of mistakes (even for an ARC) throughout and the story felt rushed at times. I enjoyed the storyline more so than the writing.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Thank you to the publishers for permitting me to read this book. Like a condensed version of the movie Beaches, this book chronicles the unlikely and emotionally charged relationship between two women from opposite walks of life, but this time, they share the same diagnosis. The prose is uneven and lacks cohesion, but, although the plot is predictable, the character development, particularly of Emily, is redemptive and filled with beauty. I would characterize this book as an uplifting beach read that packs an emotional punch.

Great premise but the writing is so awful that absolutely nothing could redeem this book. Save your money!

“Just do what you’re told, and you’ll always protect the money. This life isn’t easy to hold, but thank god it’s filled with honey…”

Emily is a privileged woman who is trying to prove to herself and to her mother that she can take the reins of her family’s company. Sarah on the other hand, is just an artist that is selling pottery to give a decent life to her son Liam. So despite their opposite lives they have something in common: their existence changed in the blink of an eye after a diagnosis of cancer and because of this, they are bound to meet and help each other in any way possible.
Despite being a story about cancer, as a reader I’ve never felt like it was only about the disease; I think the author created the perfect story of how two strangers got together to fight this invisible but sometimes lethal enemy without making it too heavy on the audience. Their friendship can appear so sudden but moving through the chapters I felt as if Emily and Sarah were best friends since forever.
Since the beginning of the book I personally identified more with the character of Sarah because of her difficult upbringing and the way she was always able to turn her life around despite the obstacles. Since page one I felt like I needed to cheer for her and that she didn’t deserve anything that was happening to her. On the contrary it was a little hard to relate to Emily at first because in the beginning she acts as a selfish rich woman who thinks nothing bad can ever touch her, but when she comes to terms with the fact that life doesn’t really care about social status, she becomes much more relatable.
Overall I really liked the book and I enjoyed reading this story about friendship mixed with a little bit of heartbreak and some past traumas ready to bring some troubles to the characters’ lives.

This book had such high potential and premise. But the writing is basic, the characters are flat, the story development is hollow.

The writing is surface, topical, obvious, and has ZERO depth. Which is shocking considering the subject of the book. But the writing is so poor, even such a serious topic became elementary.

LPink Clay was the first novel I’ve read by Jennifer Lucic. It tells the story of Sarah & Emily, who meet under not so great circumstances and then are brought back together through shared cancer diagnosis. Both come from completely different backgrounds, yet they form a bond that teaches both of them so many lessons on friendship, love, and life.

While I felt the flow of the story was a bit rough around the edges at times, and some of the characters were a bit unlikeable, overall I think this was a beautiful book. The negative aspects of Helen, Drew, and sometimes Emily were necessary for the evolution of the characters.

At the end I found myself wishing I could continue on Sarah & Emily’s friendship journey. I found myself very attached to both at the end of the book. It’s crazy how a fictional story can make you ponder so much about life. So many thanks to NetGalley and Underground House Publishing for allowing me to review this ARC. I don’t think I’ll ever forget Pink Clay!

The plot is great - the ups and downs at times are beautiful and heartbreaking. I can’t imagine going through what the two MC’s take on in this novel. I was devastated, overjoyed, and overwhelmed when they were.

I just wish there was more oomph in the writing and character development. I finished feeling like the story was lacking in places that could’ve been a firework instead of firecracker. At times I even felt so many things were just glazed over. Some parts seemed rushed through (or just not cared for) when I wanted the nitty gritty. Almost like watching a hallmark/lifetime channel movie, but with a great plot.

The book follows 2 woman in their mid 20s from very different walks of life that end up in the same place.

Emily is a coffee company heiress whose been wealthy since birth. On the outside she has it all; big fancy house, good looking husband and designer everything. But on the inside, she’s dead.

Sarah is a single mom and ceramic artist whose struggling to make ends meet no matter how hard she works. She’s thankful for the little moments in life and takes nothing for granted.

The two meet by fate and their friendship gets off to a very rough start. When they find themselves battling breast cancer in the same oncology ward, they form a strong bond over chemo cocktails.

The book talks about social status, human connections and how chaotic and unexpected life can be. It’s a heartwarming and breaking story that’s relatable and full of life lessons.

In *Pink Clay*, Jennifer Lucic crafts a poignant tale of two women from vastly different worlds, brought together by the unlikeliest of circumstances: a shared battle against cancer. This novel is a striking exploration of class divides, the fragility of life, and the unexpected ways in which human connections can become a lifeline.

Emily, a 25-year-old heiress to a coffee empire, has spent her life enveloped in luxury. From the outside, her existence is one of effortless elegance—champagne, designer clothes, and high-society galas. Yet, beneath the polished exterior, Emily grapples with a profound emptiness, a void that even her opulent lifestyle cannot fill. When a routine mammogram shatters her world, Emily is forced to confront the harsh reality that her wealth cannot shield her from the cruelties of life.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Sarah, a 27-year-old single mother who knows the meaning of struggle. Her life is defined by the hustle to provide for her son, balancing a side job as a ceramic artist with the demands of motherhood. When Sarah receives a devastating diagnosis, the precarious balance she’s worked so hard to maintain is thrown into chaos.

The heart of *Pink Clay* lies in the bond that forms between Emily and Sarah as they navigate the physical and emotional trials of cancer treatment. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, the oncology ward becomes a great equalizer, stripping away the superficial layers of class and privilege. Lucic beautifully captures the raw, unfiltered moments of vulnerability, where both women find solace in each other’s company. Their friendship becomes a source of strength, humor, and a reminder that even in the darkest times, we are not alone.

As someone who has faced the same battle with cancer, this book resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Lucic’s writing is both tender and unflinching, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those battling illness. The chemotherapy sessions, the uncertainty of test results, and the emotional toll of the disease are portrayed with a realism that is both heart-wrenching and deeply empathetic. Yet, amidst the grim reality, there is a thread of hope—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of connection.

*Pink Clay* is more than just a story about illness; it’s a narrative about life’s unexpected twists and the people who help us endure them. Lucic deftly explores themes of friendship, motherhood, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and unfair. The novel is a reminder that wealth and privilege do not insulate us from suffering, and that true wealth is found in the relationships we cultivate and the love we share.

In conclusion, *Pink Clay* is a touching and thought-provoking novel that moved me profoundly. Jennifer Lucic has created a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, one that encourages us to look beyond the surface and find beauty in the most unexpected places. This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever faced adversity and found strength in the unlikeliest of companions.