The Sassy Belles

Sassy Belles #1

by Beth Albright

Meet the Sassy Belles

They're strong as a mint julep, sweet as peach cobbler, and no matter what, they stick together.

There are only two seasons in Tuscaloosa -- football and waiting-for-football. When Lewis Heart, football announcer and voice of the Crimson Tide, vanishes after an impromptu romp with Vivi Ann McFadden at the Fountain Mist Motel, Vivi does what any Southern woman would do: call her best friend, Blake O'Hara Heart, attorney-at-law.

With the town gossip swirling around them, Vivi and Blake are determined to find out what happened to Lewis and clear Vivi's reputation. Because after all, men may come and go, but the Sassy Belles are forever.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Fiction, Mystery, Humor, Contemporary Romance

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Beth Albright is a Tuscaloosa native, former Days of Our Lives actress, and former radio and TV talk show host. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Journalism. She is also a screenwriter, voice-over artist and mother. She is married to her college sweetheart, Ted and mother to brilliant college student, Brooks. A perpetually homesick Southern Belle and a major Alabama Crimson Tide fan, she splits her time between San Francisco and, of course, Tuscaloosa.

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Lewis, the voice of the Crimson Tide apparently dies while in the throws of passion with Vivi Ann, she immediately calls her best friend and lawyer Blake. But somewhere between her running from the hotel room and the ambulance arriving his body has disappeared. When the media gets involved sightings of Lewis start coming in from all over Alabama.


The Sassy Belles is quite an unusual book in that the journey is more important than the destination. Honestly it doesn't really add up and there are one or two plot flaws but it's such good fun that it's hard to hold anything against this book.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Allison McLemore and honestly I could listen to her reading the phone book. Her voice drips southern honey and as far as I'm concerned she's not just the best narrator for books set in the deep south, she's the only narrator. Three stars for the book, the fourth star is for the narrator.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review: http://bit.ly/10QX0tk

My opinion: WHAT (dramatic pause) an adorable read this was without being overly sticky sweet! I just had fun reading this book. I love when chicklit/romance authors can do a really nice balance between a good mystery (that left me guessing) and lighthearted writing. Ms. Albright has shown herself to be a master. It was a easy going read which was to be expected. I must admit that I didn't expect to be kept guessing. It was a really nice break for some heavier duty reading I was doing.

Her characters are the typical overly dramatic, southern Prima Donnas expected in southern literature. Some of the scenes really made me snicker at how catty and sarcastic the women acted toward one another.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book! I found myself laughing out loud as I was falling in love with Sonny(of course) and cheering for Blake! There was romance and mystery but not too much romance! I can't wait to read the rest of the series and I'm sure the other books will be just as good as this one was! I'm not from the South but know plenty of people who are and Beth is spot on in her descriptions and the way things are there!

[RaeLynn Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake's best friend, Vivi, has been caught in the middle of a scandal. Vivi's discreet affair with Lewis, Blake's brother-in-law, is made public when he winds up dead--smack dab in the middle of one of their rendezvous. Now it's up to lawyer Blake and her lawyer husband to get Vivi out of this pickle (which no good Southern belle should ever find herself in). But with the right amount of sass, the right friends, and a strand of pearls, a true Southern belle can overcome anything; even that pesky high-school flame that happens to be the lead detective on the case.

There's something special about The Sassy Belles by Beth Albright. The characters, family, and setting she creates is vivid and real, and puts you there in the story from page one. I've never been to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but I'm sure that if I were to get off a plane there today, It'd feel like I've been there all my life. And that's exactly what Albright was striving for, I'm sure.

The sense of humor that's special to the south (I had no idea pearl necklaces were for fashion AND choking) comes through loud and clear and made me laugh out loud several times. Albright takes special care with each of her characters to make sure they're independent of each other, real, and vivid. After reading her debut novel, I wanted best friends like Blake O'Hara and Vivi McFadden. And who wouldn't want a fiery grandmother like Mother? The Sassy Belles is a fun, quick, summer read filled with sass, humor, mystery, and romance. Not once was it dull or did it drag; the pace kept the book moving nicely.

Albright's storytelling is strong, and her weaving of mystery and twists is masterful. There's a sense of belonging, family, and home between the covers that I can't wait to get more of in her next book, Wedding Belles.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This turned out to be a great debut and a lot of fun. It is a good start to a trilogy that I am looking forward to reading. she used several genres that I like, Women's Fiction, Southern Fiction and a little Cozy Mystery.

I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters in the book and
Tuscaloosa Alabama. I found myself googling a few of the places she mentioned. I will be continuing with the trilogy and looking forward to the next books Wedding Belles she is putting recipes in this one and Sleigh Belles. I hope if the next two books are as fun as The Sassy Belles that she continues with the series.




The Cypress Inn Tuscaloosa, Al.
Cooking like a Sassy Belle -- Peach Cobbler
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYB980...

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivi Ann and Blake have been friends since the third grade. Their lives revolve around small town, Alabama football. Blake needs to use all her strength and her law degree to get Vivi Ann out of her latest escapade. Fun reading about the best of friendships. Wonderful summer beach read.

[Katherine 黄爱芬 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vivi Ann McFadden kehilangan kekasihnya, Lewis Heart di suatu motel. Takut dituduh membunuh Lewis, Vivi minta bantuan Blake O'Hara, sohib terbaiknya sekaligus kakak ipar Lewis.

Novel ini plotnya agak maju mundur, menceritakan keluarga Blake, keluarga suaminya, Harry, dan juga keinginan nostalgia melankolis dari Blake utk mempertahankan Brooks Mansion. Belum lagi ditambah rumitnya dgn Sonny, mantan pacar Blake sewaktu remaja yg sekarang mjd polisi penyidik hilangnya Lewis ini.

POV novel ini adalah Blake dan saya rasa dialah tokoh utamanya ketimbang Vivi. Saya kurang suka isi cerita novel ini. Persahabatan Vivi dan Blake lumayan walau agak lebay juga sih. Permusuhan mereka dgn Dallas, mantan saudara tiri Blake ini rada annoying sih. Sebenarnya mereka sama-sama saling rese sih menurut gw. Tapi yg membuat saya jadi muak adalah perselingkuhan Blake maupun Harry yg lebih mirip anak kecil saling balas dendam.

Walau endingnya dibuat HEA, saya merasa gak ada effort yg berarti di novel ini. Nilai moral juga gak ada. Saya juga gak merasa sarkasnya asik. Novel ini lebih ke arah chicklit ketimbang Contemporary Romance mnrt gw.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stop what you are doing and get to listening or reading this book asap!! I love a good accent and the narrator: Allison McLemore voice is genius!! so you know what that means??! Beth's writing is GENIUS!! i know, i am not talking about myself but let me tell you that Beth's just have it going on!! we are so smart and so creative 2! The humor, the silliness, the silly moments in this read are OH MY GOODNESS!! u have gotta read this book. go on now, please read it!! so awesome!! I don't even wanna give anything away ...this humor, this story ...it is just priceless!! I mean snot (i know - how unlady like of me??! but lady like my butt, u know southern humor and all. LOVE IT!) 3 books in this series so far ... I hope and pray book 2 & 3 are just as awesome. I look forward to reading more from Beth soon. I can't wait! MUST READ ... love, love, love it!! so fun. like humor, southern humor, southern lingo and such??! u will love this read. I loved it from Audible. funny times!! ( ;

[Belle LouAllen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Beth convinced me to read this at our stitch club Christmas party after a few cocktails lol

And I’m glad she did!!! It was so cute and funny. Would be a perfect beach read.

[Lynne Levandowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SASSY BELLES by Beth Albright
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Date published: May 28, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-7783-1528-5
Romantic Fiction
Paperback
Reviewed by Lynne
http://www.amazon.com/books/dp/077831...
Obtained via publisher
Rating: 4.5


In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where women are strong and beautiful, are THE SASSY BELLES, Vivi, Rhonda, and Blake. Having established this exclusive sisterhood back in junior high, these Southern Belles vowed to guard each other’s backs forever, no matter what. They deemed themselves as “Southern Belles with an attitude and a splash of fun.” Then, although Rhonda moved away in tenth grade, Vivi and Blake always remained THE SASSY BELLES, the closest of friends. Family.

Blake O’Hara Heart is now an attorney whose husband and law partner, Harry, is aspiring to move into the political realm.

Vivi Ann McFadden, an only child, lives alone on a beautiful plantation with her former nanny, Corabelle, and Arthur, the gardener. She is romantically involved with Harry Heart’s brother, Lewis, a popular football announcer, who, during a playful romp at a local motel, suddenly winds up dead, with Vivi being the only suspect. Frightened, who else would Vivi call for help but her best friend, Blake, a good attorney who always fights for the underdog?

As the Tuscaloosa gossip swirls around them, THE SASSY BELLES are determined to find out the truth about Lewis’s disappearance and clear Vivi’s reputation.

THE SASSY BELLES by Beth Albright, a Tuscaloosa native and former Days of Our Lives actress, among other things, is a fast-paced, delightful read. Vibrant in its portrayal of southern life, THE SASSY BELLES is well written and just plain fun.

THE SASSY BELLES has all one would want in a good book: tight-knit relationships, betrayals, mystery, suspense, humor, and good will, with a bit of adventurous romance thrown in for good measure.

Vivi and Blake are two wonderfully close friends who accept each other for who they are, regardless of their faults or mistakes. It is so easy to relate to them. It is also easy to relate to the everyday problems experienced between couples like Blake and Harry. Harry at first seems like a good guy, until his strong political interests get in the way of his marriage.

Vivi is a character who makes the reader laugh, yet still love her, despite her kinky side. Blake, the sensible one it seems, is a strong character who is quick to stand with Vivi and help her as they try to clear her name. Because Vivi is so in love with Lewis, it is easy to feel her pain at losing him. It is clear in THE SASSY BELLES just how strong the loyalties are between Vivi and Blake.

The male characters in THE SASSY BELLES are all strong men, but it is only when Harry does something unexpected and hurtful that the reader learns his true nature. Right from the beginning I favored Blake’s former heartthrob, Sonny Bartholomew, and with good reason, as THE SASSY BELLES reveals later.

All of the characters in THE SASSY BELLES added a lot to this story. The tight-knit family relationships, the deep-rooted caring for one another, smacked of Southern charm that just warms the heart.

Albright is clearly a multi-talented writer who has done a wonderful job in sharing a love for Tuscaloosa through THE SASSY BELLES. It is indeed full of sass and a variety of plot lines that keep the reader interested and glued to their seat to see how everything comes out in the end. In many ways a humorous, yet fun story, THE SASSY BELLES is the perfect summer getaway read. I greatly enjoyed reading it and look forward to Albright’s future work in this series: WEDDING BELLES (coming July, 2013) and SLEIGH BELLES (September 2013).


This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

[Andrea at Reading Lark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Posted on Reading Lark 5/10/13: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2013/...

This was such a fun read! It's also the perfect novel for the spring. I love novels set in the South that paint an accurate portrait of southern culture. Not everyone in the South lives like these women, but there is a lot of truth living within these pages. The dialog was reminiscent of my conversations with friends and family at times. I loved the emphasis on southern culture and values.

The story revolves around the Sassy Belles, a group of women that live in Tuscaloosa, Alabama; they live for football, romance, sweet tea, and gossip. The main Sassy Belles are Blake and Vivi Ann - I adored both of these women!

Blake is a lawyer with ambitions as high as the southern sky. She's married to another lawyer, Harry, who is preparing to embark on a political career. While these two seem to have a picture perfect marriage, things are crumbling on the inside. Blake can't recall the last time she was truly happy in her marriage. She starts to realize that being Harry's wife means that she no longer gets to be Blake. While I felt for her, I did struggle with some of the decisions she makes concerning her marriage. I'll admit that I was ready to spit nails by the end of it and I heaped a lot of the blame on Harry, but Blake isn't entirely innocent. There were moments when I lost a lot of respect for her. In the end, Blake manages to redeem herself and become the person I wanted her to be all along.

In addition to Blake, Vivi Ann kept me in stitches. She is hilarious! From the opening chapter when she is caught in an embarrassing intimate situation, she held my attention. Vivi Ann is full of sass and she knows how to stir up trouble. So many of her tendencies remind me of one of my best friends. I adored her!

The characters are one of the biggest strengths of this novel. They are down to earth and realistic. I felt like I could easily be friends with Blake or Vivi Ann. Hanging out with these two ladies would be a hilarious and entertaining. You certainly could never get bored with them around!

I also adored Blake's grandmother, Meridee. I saw so much of my own grandmother in that character.

In addition to the lovable characters, I also liked the complicated romance strands. Things weren't exactly straight forward for either of the main characters. I was uncertain on more than one occasion about how things would end up.

All in all, this was a fun chick lit read. It was nice to read something a little lighter after a series of darker novels. I'm certainly excited to see what sort of mischief the Belles will get up to next.

One Last Gripe: I felt like there was a lot of repetition. For example, a character would say something in one chapter and repeat almost the same thing word for word in a later chapter.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: The humor

First Sentence: My name is Blake O'Hara Heart and, boy, do I have a story to tell!

Favorite Character: Blake

Least Favorite Character: Dallas

[Hollyberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started off very weird for me to be honest, I have never heard of a book where someone thinks that they have killed someone during sex, and instead of calling an ambulance, they left the body there took off, and called their best friend who happens to be an attorney, and she happens to be married to the dead guys brother! Seems like a complicated plot right? Well, it only gets worse, however, in the best way possible!

Beth has created a story so seemingly complicated that I thought it would be hard to follow, but it is not at all, and I had a great time trying to figure it all out myself and put all the pieces together. The main character Blake is so down to earth and the struggles that she is going through I think a lot of women go through the same thing, her best friend Vivi had me laughing out loud to myself on more than one occasion in the book as she reminds me of some women in my life that I know that have the same kind of personality, and lack of filter on what should be said aloud, and what should be said to yourself in your own head.

There are a few different sub-plots going on that kept me wondering, where is this part of the story going, and how can it possibly relate or tie-in with the main plot? Well, I promise you they all do! Some of them not till the last 10 or so pages in the book, but it all comes together so perfectly, that I am really left wanting more of these characters stories!

I was expecting this book to be a "chick-flick" type of story, but it turns out to be so much more than that. It is a murder/missing person investigation, a look at what it is like to live in a small town in the south, a wife's dilemma in to what is happening in her marriage, a testament to true friendship and never ending love! If you are looking for a book with a lot of sustenance to it, this one is for you, and I am hoping and begging for a sequel please, a 5/5 for me.

[Kari Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Goodreads:

There are only two seasons in Tuscaloosa—football and waiting-for-football. When Lewis Heart, football announcer and voice of the Crimson Tide, vanishes after an impromptu romp with Vivi Ann McFadden at the Fountain Mist Motel, Vivi does what any Southern woman would do: call her best friend, Blake O’Hara Heart, attorney-at-law.

With the town gossip swirling around them, Vivi and Blake are determined to find out what happened to Lewis and clear Vivi’s reputation. Because after all, men may come and go, but the Sassy Belles are forever.

Not since Steel Magnolias have we fallen in love with such sexy, strong and hilarious Southern women. So grab your best girlfriends and join these Belles on the first of many joyrides through the Deep South….

My Thoughts:
I have a nice little obsession going with the south. I love stories about belles of the south. I love the tradition and manners and the attitude when you are behind closed doors and can put the manners away.

Albright did a great job introducing this new series. Great characters. Great story. I’m hooked.

I love love love the characters. Blake is trying to find herself after years of a downward spiral she didn’t even know she was on. Her best friend Vivi is heartbroken when her Lewis disappears. Harry wants to find his brother to make it look good for his political career, not because he cares for his brother. Sonny is the lead investigator on the case and was Blake’s first love. And let’s not forget Kitty and Meridee, the matriarchs of the family. The good ones were good, the bad ones were bad… but they were all good.

The Sassy Belles is a quick and fun read. It’ll make you laugh, make you cry, fill your need for a little mystery and a love story. I give it 5 out of 5 bookmarks. I’m very excited to read Wedding Belles, the second in the series. I have it scheduled for a review in August.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

The Sassy Belles does remind me a little about soap operas. They are strong women characters who all have good points and bad faults. Some characters grow up and some grow up too much. In some ways I figured out where the book was going to go but I had to keep reading to find out how it was going to go.

Some scenes just make me smile just by picturing it in my mind humming It's raining men. Other scenes I wanted to shout don't do that. Some scenes were perfect reminders of different southern ladies.

I really like the friendship between Vivi and Blake. They are strong friends because they see each others faults and still like each other and are their for each other. Also forgive each other.

Their are a few love scenes and way to much knowledge of one scene for the cops. Vivi calls Blake and since she is not answering the phone tries Blake's husband Harry. She is upset and tells him she thinks she has killed Lewis during sex.
So instead of calling 911 they both want to talk to Blake.

By the time the police get to the motel their is no body just a sex toy that they left in the room.

It keeps you wanting to read and find out what is going to happen next. I will read the next book in the series and see how the characters are holding up with all the new changes.

I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of it by Netgalley.
05/28/2013 PUB Harlequin Mira ISBN: 9780778315285

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog My Novel Opinion

THE SASSY BELLES was so much fun to read. Before reading the book I really wasn't sure what to expect, was this just another romance novel? No, there were so many different aspects to the story - the mystery of Lewis's disappearance, the unraveling of Blake and Harry's marriage, Vivi realizing she's in love, the role of Meridee within the close-knit community. The characters felt very real, and the book was practically perspiring southern charm! I am really looking forward to the next releases in the series - WEDDING BELLES (coming July 2013) and SLEIGH BELLES (September 2013).

I received an electronic copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. My full thoughts can be found at mynovelopinion.wordpress.com.

[Caren ~ the misfit geek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun book to read. There is really nothing quite as charming as Southern fiction when it is done well. The cozy mystery aspect kept me engaged all the way through. It was easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable all the way through.

The author did a fabulous job of creating entertaining and quirky characters. She also did a great job of showcasing the unique culture that exists in southern communities. I really enjoyed the special best friends bond between Blake and Vivi. They made me smile and even laugh out loud a few times.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a light, fun read. This was a wonderful debut. It is obvious that Beth Albright is full of talent and is an author to watch. This book is the first in a trilogy featuring the Sassy Belles. I will be reading the other two for sure.

[Harlequin Books]

"You don't have to be from the South to enjoy Albright's debut, but if you are, you most certainly will. Moreover, if you're a 'Bama fan, this is a must-have book. Albright has crafted a witty and adorably charming read that will leave readers grinning from ear to ear. Nicely paced with hilarious characters, the only thing missing from this Southern delight is a glass of sweet tea." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 1/2 stars

The Sassy Belles, New Series!
Category: Relationship Novel

This is definitely a page turner that flows beautifully. I just had to see what would happen next for both women. Great read. ~ Kim S., Harlequin Books Ambassador

[Janga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beth Albright’s debut novel blends elements of romance, mystery, and chick lit into a frothy mix that is as Southern as grits and barbecue and as appealing as a glass of cold sweet tea on an August afternoon. Albright overgeneralizes Southern experience, but the result is a cast of amusing characters. The Sassy Belles was such fun to read that even a reader with ties to Georgia and Auburn could enjoy a few hours in Tide Country.

See full review at Just Janga:
http://justjanga.blogspot.com/2013/05...

[Sharon Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy fun and lively Southern fiction, you will adore Beth Albright's "The Sassy Belles!"

Beth takes you right into the heart of Alabama in all it's glory - with it's passion for good friends, good food, and good football! Beth's characters are just charming - close friends who stick by each other through thick and thin, no matter what!

I highly recommend "The Sassy Belles," as well as Beth's second book in the series, "Wedding Belles." Grab a cold glass of sweet tea and sit back and enjoy the adventures of the sassiest set of friends Tuscaloosa, Alabama has ever seen!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book by Tuscaloosa author Beth Albright! Check out my longer review at:

Alabama Letters

[Kelly Hagens-swart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, witty, and southern from the iced tea to the football Saturdays. A great book for a beach read.

[Ann (Noumena12) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried reading this book but just couldn't get past the sample. The characters just seemed so inane.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun book to read. certainly can relate to the bonds of friendship...

[Diane ~Firefly~ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blake is helping to find her missing brother-in-law who is the voice of the college football team and along the way changes her life.

What I enjoyed:
* I enjoyed Blake's mom - Kitty. She told things like they were.

What could have been better:
* I don't like cheating and Blake definitely cheated with Sonny. All she had to do was wait a day to have a conversation with her husband to officially break up
* Trying to make Lewis a poor misunderstood person - he STOLE money from his incapacitated mother for a scheme that turned out to be illegal. Harry was perfectly justified to have nothing to do with him after that. And there was no way for Meridee to know his latest plan would work when everything in the past hadn't.
* I feel like the only reason Harry started to cheat with Dallas was to give Blake an excuse to leave him. It seemed out of character
* I got sick of all the repeated descriptions of Sassy Belles.
* I really don't understand why the main plot point happened Why did Lewis have to "disappear" to finalize his deal? How would Harry have been able to stop it and why would he want to? And why did Vivi think Lewis was dead?

[Paula Ratcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sassy Belles are here and are ready to entertain. In this book Vivi McFadden is in a heap of trouble when her boy toy Lewis Hart has gotten killed...or has he? Vivi goes running to Blake to save her and find out why her boy died. When the body disappears the pressure is everyone in town to figure out what happened to Lewis Hart?

for more: http://communitybookstop.com/blog/ind...

[Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're in need of a good funny listen this is for you. Never ever mess with a southern woman. Put together a group of them and if you wind up on their sh*t list than you should run. Run fast and run far! These are some funny loyal loving women with always have each others backs, especially when the jerkish men in their lives turn out ti be....less than. A fun listen.

[Night Runner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story, even with the stereotypical southern Belles. The first 15 minutes had me concerned as the comedy was a bit OTT but it leveled out and I enjoyed the story.

There is sort of a love triangle and a light bit of cheating though.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and delightful southern romance. I’m eager to read more from this author.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Scarlett Haymore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I love that it is written in the south. I felt like I knew the characters. It was well written.