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.