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Pink Glass Houses: Unraveling the Shady Secrets of Miami Beach's Elite Moms in a Scandalous Social Satire
A seductive social satire about the wealthy PTA moms of an elite elementary school in Miami Beach, Pink Glass Houses is very Big Little Lies and Pineapple Street, but with diamonds, a tan, and a glass of rosé.
There’s a reason people call Miami Beach “a sunny place for shady people.”
Welcome to Sunset Academy, the most coveted elementary school in Miami Beach, where there are three categories of families: rich, wealthy, and ultra-wealthy.
Perfectly tanned and smiling Charlotte Giordani is Sunset Academy’s alpha mom. With a sleek blowout and relentless charm, Charlotte’s brashness serves her well. She’s up for election as the PTA president and is riding high, having just secured a massive donation from billionaire Don Walker and his socialite wife Patricia. Don and Patricia are philanthropists, media darlings, and the owners of Villa Rosé, a newly built modern glass house that everyone is talking about. (It’s either spectacular or a tacky eyesore, depending on how you feel about billionaires.)
Enter Melody Howard, a wide-eyed transplant from Wichita, Kansas. At first a skeptic about Miami Beach and its endlessly hashtaggable social scene, Melody finds herself sucked into the glossy, frenetic world of Sunset Academy moms. Melody’s easygoing manner and background in nonprofit management make her an asset to the PTA. But when she emerges as a rival for the PTA presidency, Charlotte begins to unravel. Even the most powerful players on the social scene prove to be vulnerable when an investigation into white-collar crime—triggered by another school mom, the formidable Jamaican-American Judge Carol Lawson—threatens to take down the whole institution. No amount of rosé can soothe tensions as the drama builds to a shocking crisis point.
Told in rotating first person voices, Pink Glass Houses is an irresistibly voyeuristic peek into the lives of the rich and infamous, where cocaine playdates, $100,000 kiddie birthday parties, and relentless social climbing are a way of life.
There’s a reason people call Miami Beach “a sunny place for shady people.”
Welcome to Sunset Academy, the most coveted elementary school in Miami Beach, where there are three categories of families: rich, wealthy, and ultra-wealthy.
Perfectly tanned and smiling Charlotte Giordani is Sunset Academy’s alpha mom. With a sleek blowout and relentless charm, Charlotte’s brashness serves her well. She’s up for election as the PTA president and is riding high, having just secured a massive donation from billionaire Don Walker and his socialite wife Patricia. Don and Patricia are philanthropists, media darlings, and the owners of Villa Rosé, a newly built modern glass house that everyone is talking about. (It’s either spectacular or a tacky eyesore, depending on how you feel about billionaires.)
Enter Melody Howard, a wide-eyed transplant from Wichita, Kansas. At first a skeptic about Miami Beach and its endlessly hashtaggable social scene, Melody finds herself sucked into the glossy, frenetic world of Sunset Academy moms. Melody’s easygoing manner and background in nonprofit management make her an asset to the PTA. But when she emerges as a rival for the PTA presidency, Charlotte begins to unravel. Even the most powerful players on the social scene prove to be vulnerable when an investigation into white-collar crime—triggered by another school mom, the formidable Jamaican-American Judge Carol Lawson—threatens to take down the whole institution. No amount of rosé can soothe tensions as the drama builds to a shocking crisis point.
Told in rotating first person voices, Pink Glass Houses is an irresistibly voyeuristic peek into the lives of the rich and infamous, where cocaine playdates, $100,000 kiddie birthday parties, and relentless social climbing are a way of life.
272 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2024
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17380 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 875 reviews
January 9, 2024
I haven't watched a soap opera since I was nine and completely obsessed with General Hospital (I used to daydream that Frisco Jones was my dad, because, uh, I don't really know because he wasn't exactly a fatherly character) so I'm not a daytime television expert or anything, but someone should really make a telenovela out of this book because it has all the petty drama. There were a couple of points (when Melody sent that text to the wrong person and also the scene with Melody and Charlotte at the gala) where I actually gasped out loud. These people are kind of cray-cray when it comes to their PTA, that's for sure.
I'm honestly surprised by how much I liked this one considering that it's basically just a bunch of rich moms fighting with each other. It's tremendously entertaining in a can't-look-away-from-the-train-wreck kind of way. I grew up in northern Florida (which I do believe is described in this book as being full of meth addicts, which, okay, fair enough) so I have no idea if this is an accurate portrayal of south Florida living or not, but if so I'll take my chances with the meth addicts (who, to be fair, come with their own brand of drama).
It probably goes without saying, but don't expect for there to be likeable characters in this book, because there are pretty much none to be found. Darcy is super amusing but she certainly isn't nice, and I was surprised by how awful Melody is at times considering she's supposed to be the wholesomely midwestern main character. I guess perhaps Axel is fairly sympathetic considering it must be hell to grow up “different” in that sort of environment.
Despite the petty drama that permeates this book, however, there is a moral redemption of sorts at the end. Certain characters get their comeuppance as others figure out what (and who) is important to them.
Also, I have to say that this novel has reinforced my resolve to never join the PTA (or the PAC, as it's called here). Our local community isn't exactly Miami Beach, but I'm sure there's an entirely different type of drama to be found.
Anyway, if you like your books with a ton of drama, a little snark, and a whole lot of rich people behaving badly, definitely give this one a read. It's not fine literature, but it is a whole lot of fun.
Overall rating: 4.15 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
I'm honestly surprised by how much I liked this one considering that it's basically just a bunch of rich moms fighting with each other. It's tremendously entertaining in a can't-look-away-from-the-train-wreck kind of way. I grew up in northern Florida (which I do believe is described in this book as being full of meth addicts, which, okay, fair enough) so I have no idea if this is an accurate portrayal of south Florida living or not, but if so I'll take my chances with the meth addicts (who, to be fair, come with their own brand of drama).
It probably goes without saying, but don't expect for there to be likeable characters in this book, because there are pretty much none to be found. Darcy is super amusing but she certainly isn't nice, and I was surprised by how awful Melody is at times considering she's supposed to be the wholesomely midwestern main character. I guess perhaps Axel is fairly sympathetic considering it must be hell to grow up “different” in that sort of environment.
Despite the petty drama that permeates this book, however, there is a moral redemption of sorts at the end. Certain characters get their comeuppance as others figure out what (and who) is important to them.
Also, I have to say that this novel has reinforced my resolve to never join the PTA (or the PAC, as it's called here). Our local community isn't exactly Miami Beach, but I'm sure there's an entirely different type of drama to be found.
Anyway, if you like your books with a ton of drama, a little snark, and a whole lot of rich people behaving badly, definitely give this one a read. It's not fine literature, but it is a whole lot of fun.
Overall rating: 4.15 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
September 3, 2024
The best part about this novel was the cover.
The entire book was a big waste of time. I kept reading because I thought SURELY some sort of proper storyline will develop and this will get better. I was wrong. Zero plot, zero character development, zero cohesiveness and zero conflict resolution for anything. What was the point of those interviews? Why end the novel with a real estate listing? What was the point in causing conflict between characters just to leave everything unresolved without any purpose?? Even the "scandal" wasn't anything so big. There was so much potential for secrets and lying and jaw-dropping moments but no. The most exciting part of the novel was when I finally finished it.
Honestly, it felt like the author was trying to show off how much she knows about Miami. Congratulations, you read a 258-page novel to find out that Miami is a city with wealthy people where people try to keep up with the Joneses.
Save your time and read anything else so you won't lose brain cells.
The entire book was a big waste of time. I kept reading because I thought SURELY some sort of proper storyline will develop and this will get better. I was wrong. Zero plot, zero character development, zero cohesiveness and zero conflict resolution for anything. What was the point of those interviews? Why end the novel with a real estate listing? What was the point in causing conflict between characters just to leave everything unresolved without any purpose?? Even the "scandal" wasn't anything so big. There was so much potential for secrets and lying and jaw-dropping moments but no. The most exciting part of the novel was when I finally finished it.
Honestly, it felt like the author was trying to show off how much she knows about Miami. Congratulations, you read a 258-page novel to find out that Miami is a city with wealthy people where people try to keep up with the Joneses.
Save your time and read anything else so you won't lose brain cells.
March 2, 2024
This is a satirical novel that tells the story of some of the wealthy parents at an elite elementary school in Miami Beach, Florida. The story centers around the PTA moms and the lengths they go to to gain and maintain power within the social circle.
I found the book entertaining and engaging. The plot reveals, without giving away any spoilers, that all is not as perfect as it seems.
It is a take on the world of privilege, exposing the absurdity and hypocrisy that can sometimes exist within. I wouldn’t say I liked any characters, but that did not diminish my enjoyment. I loved reading the acknowledgments at the end; as a Miami resident, I am particularly fond of local authors, and any mention of our beloved local store, Books & Books, is duly noted and appreciated.
I enjoyed it and recommend it.
I found the book entertaining and engaging. The plot reveals, without giving away any spoilers, that all is not as perfect as it seems.
It is a take on the world of privilege, exposing the absurdity and hypocrisy that can sometimes exist within. I wouldn’t say I liked any characters, but that did not diminish my enjoyment. I loved reading the acknowledgments at the end; as a Miami resident, I am particularly fond of local authors, and any mention of our beloved local store, Books & Books, is duly noted and appreciated.
I enjoyed it and recommend it.
September 27, 2024
Pink Glass Houses is centered around a group of wealthy, highly involved moms at Sunset Academy in Miami. They all want what’s best for their children, though they express this in different ways.
Melody is a recent transplant from Kansas and baffled by the showmanship of the reigning PTA. She knows she can contribute to the school, given her professional background, but she’ll have to get through the old guard first. When scandal rocks Sunset Academy by way of its major donors, questions begin to rise in the community.
Pink Glass Houses offers drama, money, and cliques. Melody was a little green for me and other characters were catty, yet I was entertained by this story, filled with satire about Florida and over-the-top PTA moms.
Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Melody is a recent transplant from Kansas and baffled by the showmanship of the reigning PTA. She knows she can contribute to the school, given her professional background, but she’ll have to get through the old guard first. When scandal rocks Sunset Academy by way of its major donors, questions begin to rise in the community.
Pink Glass Houses offers drama, money, and cliques. Melody was a little green for me and other characters were catty, yet I was entertained by this story, filled with satire about Florida and over-the-top PTA moms.
Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2024
I was immediately hypnotized by the cover for Asha Elias' debut novel, PINK GLASS HOUSES. It'll definitely be in my top covers for 2024, I mean come ON! The story reminded me of Desperate Housewives meets Big Little Lies, so I was really excited to pick it up. I alternated between the audiobook via @librofm and the physical copy, and I really enjoyed being able to navigate the two options seamlessly.
PINK GLASS HOUSES dives into the world of a group of wealthy PTA moms of Sunset Academy, an elite elementary school in Miami Beach, Fl. The families belong in three different categories: rich, wealthy, and ultra-wealthy. The story focuses on several women, but specifically Charlotte Giordani and Melody Howard. Charlotte is charming and cunning, and she's up for election as the PTA president. She has secured a lot of support from some of the most wealthy locals, but when Melody shows up, everything gets thrown for a loop. Melody and her family just recently moved into the neighborhood from Wichita, KS, and has won over many in the school district. When Melody becomes a powerful foil to Charlotte's candidacy, the struggle between the two begins to grow. While Charlotte begins to unravel, Melody realizes that she has entered a world she's never seen before—a world she may never leave.
PINK GLASS HOUSES is a satirical thriller with so many moments that really entertained me. It's campy, juicy, and theatrical. I loved the audiobook cast and highly recommend you choose that option if you have the ability to choose between the physical and audio. If you like over-the-top soapy thrillers, PINK GLASS HOUSES will be perfect for you. GIVE ME ALL OF THE DRAMA.
PINK GLASS HOUSES dives into the world of a group of wealthy PTA moms of Sunset Academy, an elite elementary school in Miami Beach, Fl. The families belong in three different categories: rich, wealthy, and ultra-wealthy. The story focuses on several women, but specifically Charlotte Giordani and Melody Howard. Charlotte is charming and cunning, and she's up for election as the PTA president. She has secured a lot of support from some of the most wealthy locals, but when Melody shows up, everything gets thrown for a loop. Melody and her family just recently moved into the neighborhood from Wichita, KS, and has won over many in the school district. When Melody becomes a powerful foil to Charlotte's candidacy, the struggle between the two begins to grow. While Charlotte begins to unravel, Melody realizes that she has entered a world she's never seen before—a world she may never leave.
PINK GLASS HOUSES is a satirical thriller with so many moments that really entertained me. It's campy, juicy, and theatrical. I loved the audiobook cast and highly recommend you choose that option if you have the ability to choose between the physical and audio. If you like over-the-top soapy thrillers, PINK GLASS HOUSES will be perfect for you. GIVE ME ALL OF THE DRAMA.
January 16, 2024
You know what they say about watching people throw stones in glass houses? It's absolutely entertaining! Told through alternating perspectives, Pink Glass Houses gives readers a backstage glance into wealthy Miami elite. There were times where I felt I was reading two different books, but overall really enjoyed reading.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.
July 4, 2024
Floridians will enjoy all the references to our state, less so the personalities of the characters.
Seeing this book compared to Big Little Lies is incredibly deceptive, in my opinion. BLL offers an intense thriller amidst an incredible variety of characters with clearly distinct personalities. Pink Glass Houses offers PTA drama with a cast of characters that mostly read the same. It was very difficult to differentiate between their POVs. The only similarities between these books are that it’s a cast of women with children in the same school. But don’t go into Pink Glass Houses expecting the same level of mystery and complexity you get from Big Little Lies.
Overall, if you are looking for a women’s fiction centered around PTA drama, this is the read for you. It wasn’t my favorite, but I wouldn’t discourage the read if that’s the mood you are in.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Seeing this book compared to Big Little Lies is incredibly deceptive, in my opinion. BLL offers an intense thriller amidst an incredible variety of characters with clearly distinct personalities. Pink Glass Houses offers PTA drama with a cast of characters that mostly read the same. It was very difficult to differentiate between their POVs. The only similarities between these books are that it’s a cast of women with children in the same school. But don’t go into Pink Glass Houses expecting the same level of mystery and complexity you get from Big Little Lies.
Overall, if you are looking for a women’s fiction centered around PTA drama, this is the read for you. It wasn’t my favorite, but I wouldn’t discourage the read if that’s the mood you are in.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
January 29, 2025
Pink Glass Houses was compared to Big Little Lies and Pineapple Street, which I loved. This is more accurately described as Mean Girls - the adult version or an episode of Real Housewives. It is satire, and the situations were believable for rich people behaving badly. I found Melody moving in and trying to fit in with Miami elite to be interesting. It also shows how that influence changes her. The dialogue between the characters was as superficial as the people they portrayed, which is intentional in a satire. If you enjoy reading books about gossip and bad behavior, this will definitely be your cup of tea.
May 19, 2024
I loved this book, I really did but for the life of me, I don't think I can explain why! I love books about entitled rich people getting their comeuppances, and when we deal with bitchy women stabbing each other in the back, well, that makes it even better for me.
None of the women in this book were likable, even our protagonist, Melody. You see, Melody was our naive girl from a small Kansa city who moved to Miami Beach, which is a whole different place to be—and I do mean different!
It was hilarious (and not in the laughing kind of way) to see what the mothers do to get their kids through elementary school and what elementary school is like. And this wasn't even a private school, where you may expect things like this to happen. This was a public school!
Melody is desperate to make new friends, but she doesn't always make the best choices, and her actions don't always help. Things soon start to unravel when she realizes that even those she thinks of as friends may not really be her friends.
The ending of this novel - well, I sure didn't see that coming.
This was a quick and highly enjoyable read, perfect for your summer reading pleasure.
I highly recommend this book to those who want something that will take them out of their own lives and put themselves into the lives of someone who is way different.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher William Morrow, the author, and NetGalley . I thank you all.
None of the women in this book were likable, even our protagonist, Melody. You see, Melody was our naive girl from a small Kansa city who moved to Miami Beach, which is a whole different place to be—and I do mean different!
It was hilarious (and not in the laughing kind of way) to see what the mothers do to get their kids through elementary school and what elementary school is like. And this wasn't even a private school, where you may expect things like this to happen. This was a public school!
Melody is desperate to make new friends, but she doesn't always make the best choices, and her actions don't always help. Things soon start to unravel when she realizes that even those she thinks of as friends may not really be her friends.
The ending of this novel - well, I sure didn't see that coming.
This was a quick and highly enjoyable read, perfect for your summer reading pleasure.
I highly recommend this book to those who want something that will take them out of their own lives and put themselves into the lives of someone who is way different.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher William Morrow, the author, and NetGalley . I thank you all.
September 9, 2024
Told in first person voices, it’s a wicked + delightfully fun romp into the lives of ultra-wealthy parents of Sunset Academy students. If your favorite guilty pleasure is reading about scandalous, gossipy, social climbers this is for you. Great debut. 4 stars — Pub. 7/30/24
December 6, 2023
Who doesn't love a wealthy school mom's cat fight?
Asha Elias creates a glamorous and hilarious satire of the PTA in a small private school in Miami seductive social satire about the wealthy PTA moms of an elite middle school in Miami Beach. Melody Howard is a midwest transplant trying to fit in but ends up making enemies rather quickly. The PTA in a wealthy school is no joke and Melody starts looking for friends to boost her up.
If you love Pretty Little Liars or any domestic thriller you will devour this book. Elias provides sharp commentary and crisp descriptions as well as a dramatic narrative that will keep you turning the pages. I just loved it and so will you! #PinkGlassHouses #AshaElias
#WilliamMorrow
Asha Elias creates a glamorous and hilarious satire of the PTA in a small private school in Miami seductive social satire about the wealthy PTA moms of an elite middle school in Miami Beach. Melody Howard is a midwest transplant trying to fit in but ends up making enemies rather quickly. The PTA in a wealthy school is no joke and Melody starts looking for friends to boost her up.
If you love Pretty Little Liars or any domestic thriller you will devour this book. Elias provides sharp commentary and crisp descriptions as well as a dramatic narrative that will keep you turning the pages. I just loved it and so will you! #PinkGlassHouses #AshaElias
#WilliamMorrow
July 30, 2024
3.5 rounded up
Lots of drama, this debut is perfect for fans of books like Big little lies but I found it a bit over the top and overly dramatic for my tastes.
Told from alternating POVs, this was excellent on audio with a full cast of award-winning narrators who really made the various characters stand out!
Despite my mixed feelings, it was still a fun rich people problems, Miami PTA mom scene soap opera style book for those who enjoy that sort of read!
Many thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for an early digital copy and Libro.fm for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Lots of drama, this debut is perfect for fans of books like Big little lies but I found it a bit over the top and overly dramatic for my tastes.
Told from alternating POVs, this was excellent on audio with a full cast of award-winning narrators who really made the various characters stand out!
Despite my mixed feelings, it was still a fun rich people problems, Miami PTA mom scene soap opera style book for those who enjoy that sort of read!
Many thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for an early digital copy and Libro.fm for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
August 30, 2024
This book was fun and trashy - typical rich people behaving badly but PTA mom style.
It was a fun quick read, I definitely enjoyed it but I feel like I have one MAJOR question that was unanswered that’s actually going to drive me insane. 😂
3.5 ⭐️
It was a fun quick read, I definitely enjoyed it but I feel like I have one MAJOR question that was unanswered that’s actually going to drive me insane. 😂
3.5 ⭐️
June 2, 2024
Not a likable character in the book, but I couldn't stop reading. Lots of over the top PTA drama. I think this is a perfect summer read.
November 8, 2024
This book was fun. It was a dive into the gossipy, I’m better than you, Miami cattiness. I felt like this book tried to focus on a set of housewives who were dealing with different issues.
This book was quite campy at times but was easy to read and had a dark turn in the end. Here is to the drama.
This book was quite campy at times but was easy to read and had a dark turn in the end. Here is to the drama.
June 6, 2024
To all my reality show loving girlies, Pink Glass Houses is for you 🫶🏻💕
Thank you @williammorrowbooks for my #gifted copy!
Melody and her family have just moved from Wichita, Kansas to Miami Beach, Florida. Not super excited about the move, Melody looks for ways to become involved in the community. Her daughter’s school is an obvious choice. Soon she gets swept up in the PTA and all the antics of the Uber-wealthy.
This book is a hoot, and I mean that in the best way possible. This book is satire and does such a good job of really poking fun at parts of the Miami crowd.
As someone who is from Miami, I loved this satire. I do think some of the small stuff might be missed on someone who doesn’t know Miami well, but overall, this book is incredibly fun.
It’s told in multiple POVs, which at times can be a bit confusing given just how many women’s POVs are shared. Again, that said, once you get into the book, you’ll realize you don’t fully need to keep track of all the names to enjoy the story and find it funny.
I loved how the author used interviews throughout the chapters and how short each chapter was. I haven’t seen this on booksta a lot, and I really think that’s a shame! It would be a great beach read.
Out July 30!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#litbylillireviews
Thank you @williammorrowbooks for my #gifted copy!
Melody and her family have just moved from Wichita, Kansas to Miami Beach, Florida. Not super excited about the move, Melody looks for ways to become involved in the community. Her daughter’s school is an obvious choice. Soon she gets swept up in the PTA and all the antics of the Uber-wealthy.
This book is a hoot, and I mean that in the best way possible. This book is satire and does such a good job of really poking fun at parts of the Miami crowd.
As someone who is from Miami, I loved this satire. I do think some of the small stuff might be missed on someone who doesn’t know Miami well, but overall, this book is incredibly fun.
It’s told in multiple POVs, which at times can be a bit confusing given just how many women’s POVs are shared. Again, that said, once you get into the book, you’ll realize you don’t fully need to keep track of all the names to enjoy the story and find it funny.
I loved how the author used interviews throughout the chapters and how short each chapter was. I haven’t seen this on booksta a lot, and I really think that’s a shame! It would be a great beach read.
Out July 30!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#litbylillireviews
March 12, 2024
This was a quick, easy read! Miami is a fun setting, and I thought the author did a good job of describing the schools, neighborhoods, etc. I was excited to read this one because I loved Big Little Lies, but it fell a little flat for me. The characters all sounded pretty much the same and were not very likable. I also felt the twist at the end was predictable and would have liked a little more resolution for some of the characters. But, was a fun read and would be a great vacation book! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
January 13, 2025
Everything interesting here happened off page. It felt like we were following the most boring people in this whole town. There's literally a chapter cliffhanger: "she has her own yacht" AND WE NEVER GO ON THE YACHT!
Didn't care about a single character. The Miami setting was talked about a lot, but I never felt like it was any different from any other location. No one is clever or interesting, it's all so lame.
I was at 2 stars but I've talked myself into a 1.
Didn't care about a single character. The Miami setting was talked about a lot, but I never felt like it was any different from any other location. No one is clever or interesting, it's all so lame.
I was at 2 stars but I've talked myself into a 1.
July 19, 2024
I love everything Miami, and Asha Elias knocks it out of the park with her debut! 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
July 8, 2024
I absolutely loved this book in all its rose tinted glory!! Are you a fan of The Real Housewives, catty drama, or competitive rich moms? If so, this book is 100% directed towards you and I need you to grab onto it! I had the pleasure of talking with the author through Instagram DM's and (as if it wasn't obvious enough, granted I was only 25% in) I asked her if Housewives were a big inspiration for this novel. She said, "Oh, absolutely! I wanted the whole book to feel like those confessional sessions." I am so incredibly thankful for this conversation because after that I pictured each of these women dressed to the nine's with a green screen still of their mansions behind them sitting down for their confessionals and spilling the tea from their points of views for each chapter with a martini or glass of rosé in hand. It heightened my reading experience to a whole other level. I highly recommend you do the same when diving into this book!
Charlotte - The IT mom who has found herself leading the pack, AKA the PTA for the most prestigious public school in Miami Beach. She has been in charge of raising money for the school with grand parties, assemblies straight out of a game show and even for elite parking spaces. PTA election is drawing nearer and it's pretty well known she has the president title in the Chanel bag. The only problem is, she didn't see Melody coming and that's when life begins to spiral.
Melody - New to town from Wichita, Kansas she is quickly sucked into the glitz and glam of Miami life after coming in a bit skeptic. With a background in nonprofit management she thinks she would make a great asset to the PTA team, maybe even a shot at president. After sending an accidental text to the queen bee herself, it becomes Melody's sole mission earn the title, but at what cost?
Darcy - Sure, she's an involved parent in the PTA, but surface level only. No way is she ever going to stoop to Charlotte's level of fakery and over-the-top obnoxiousness that she finds so ridiculous. Thank god she's connected with Melody. She sees an opportunity to take out her arch nemesis once and for all.
Patricia - Miami socialite, philanthropists, owner of Villa Rosé; a house made entirely of pink glass, and the biggest donor to Sunset Academy. This school wouldn't be half as nice without her or her billionaire husband's generosity. It's the least they can do while keeping their twin sons grounded by enrolling them in public school rather than choosing the private school life. They really just want to give back to the community. But you know what they say. Don't throw stones at glass houses.
This was such a fun read and most likely will make it into my top ten of the year! I can't thank NetGalley or William Morrow enough for my early copy!
Pub. date: July 30, 2024
Charlotte - The IT mom who has found herself leading the pack, AKA the PTA for the most prestigious public school in Miami Beach. She has been in charge of raising money for the school with grand parties, assemblies straight out of a game show and even for elite parking spaces. PTA election is drawing nearer and it's pretty well known she has the president title in the Chanel bag. The only problem is, she didn't see Melody coming and that's when life begins to spiral.
Melody - New to town from Wichita, Kansas she is quickly sucked into the glitz and glam of Miami life after coming in a bit skeptic. With a background in nonprofit management she thinks she would make a great asset to the PTA team, maybe even a shot at president. After sending an accidental text to the queen bee herself, it becomes Melody's sole mission earn the title, but at what cost?
Darcy - Sure, she's an involved parent in the PTA, but surface level only. No way is she ever going to stoop to Charlotte's level of fakery and over-the-top obnoxiousness that she finds so ridiculous. Thank god she's connected with Melody. She sees an opportunity to take out her arch nemesis once and for all.
Patricia - Miami socialite, philanthropists, owner of Villa Rosé; a house made entirely of pink glass, and the biggest donor to Sunset Academy. This school wouldn't be half as nice without her or her billionaire husband's generosity. It's the least they can do while keeping their twin sons grounded by enrolling them in public school rather than choosing the private school life. They really just want to give back to the community. But you know what they say. Don't throw stones at glass houses.
This was such a fun read and most likely will make it into my top ten of the year! I can't thank NetGalley or William Morrow enough for my early copy!
Pub. date: July 30, 2024
December 16, 2024
A social satire highlighting the families at an elitest public elementary school in Miami Beach.
Told through the viewpoint of five families – ranging from the working rich to the uber wealthy – and with a varying scope of moral and ethical values. The short chapters and alternating voices quickly captured my interest as I easily tracked the families as they were introduced, and the melodrama unfolded. As you may surmise, these are characters meant to be gawked at not necessarily appreciated, although some are more innocent than others, none of them are flawless. Nevertheless, it was an engaging read that was something akin to watching a soap opera, only with the focus on the relationships between the mothers and the mothers and their family instead of issues of infidelity (which I assumed might be involved judging by the premise). I was invested in the story until near the end where the drama began to fizzle out, leaving me with a somber and lackluster ending. I was expecting something more dramatic after all the buildup.
Overall, this was an entertaining foray into the caricature of wealthy people and their excesses.
Told through the viewpoint of five families – ranging from the working rich to the uber wealthy – and with a varying scope of moral and ethical values. The short chapters and alternating voices quickly captured my interest as I easily tracked the families as they were introduced, and the melodrama unfolded. As you may surmise, these are characters meant to be gawked at not necessarily appreciated, although some are more innocent than others, none of them are flawless. Nevertheless, it was an engaging read that was something akin to watching a soap opera, only with the focus on the relationships between the mothers and the mothers and their family instead of issues of infidelity (which I assumed might be involved judging by the premise). I was invested in the story until near the end where the drama began to fizzle out, leaving me with a somber and lackluster ending. I was expecting something more dramatic after all the buildup.
Overall, this was an entertaining foray into the caricature of wealthy people and their excesses.
October 15, 2024
I love a good story about the rich and shameless, and this was that.
July 30, 2024
Sunset Academy in Miami Beach is a public school pretending to be an exclusive private one. Back-to School Nights with PTA donations starting at $20,000? Designated donor parking? Birthday parties for nine year olds with a D.J.? Halloween extravaganzas? It’s all at Sunset and it’s all organized by a PTA clique, led by lead fundraiser Charlotte Giordani. Small town Kansas is about as far away from these over-the-top happenings as you can get and that’s where new PTA mother Melody Howard is from. At first she’s amazed by Sunset and hopes her daughter will fit in. Then she’s sucked in by the competition (parties! restaurants! shoes! handbags!) and running for PTA President against Charlotte. She’s urged on by lawyer Darcy Resnick who has her own problems with the Sunset PTA regime. Both wonder why wealthy socialites Don and Pamela Walker make such large donations to the school. Who checks on how that money is spent? And why are so many children in the gifted program anyway?
Pink Glass Houses is a delightful, fun read. Told by multiple narrators, we watch the slow unrolling of disaster as each woman realizes what is most important in her life. Hint: It’s not the PTA. All characters are well described, especially Melody who has to adapt to Miami dress, weather and morals. It’s hard to believe this is a first novel! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow and Asha Elias for this ARC.
Pink Glass Houses is a delightful, fun read. Told by multiple narrators, we watch the slow unrolling of disaster as each woman realizes what is most important in her life. Hint: It’s not the PTA. All characters are well described, especially Melody who has to adapt to Miami dress, weather and morals. It’s hard to believe this is a first novel! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow and Asha Elias for this ARC.
August 5, 2024
Pink Glass Houses was a scandalous and satisfying story about adult mean girls. I loved how this story was filled with drama, deceit, and superficial dialogue. The added humor gave this shallow plot added depth. This contemporary chic lit story was a satirical novel about the wealthy parents at an elite public elementary school in Miami Beach. Even more, this was about a woman who struggled to find her place in a wealthy community full of social climbing and scandals. The behaviors of the women in this story were brash, callous, controlling, and cut throat. To say the least, there was A LOT of fun obscene drama!! This reminded me of a combination of Big Little Lies, Real Housewives, and Mean Girls. I absolutely loved all the qualities of the flawed characters. They were so unlikable that it made them likable. The story was told through multiple perspectives as well as interviews and transcripts. I liked Elias’s writing style-the alternating point of views, interviews and transcripts made for a smooth flow throughout the story. Each of the characters had their distinct personalities. Charlotte was obsessed with keeping up with the joneses, wanting to look perfectly put together. Melody was down to earth, but then became a gossip and mean girl. Darcy was the odd mom out- I loved her snark and wit. Patrica and Don were very pretentious, but acted humble. Carol was pretty level headed, but also enjoyed the gossip. As I stated already, none of these characters were particularly likable, but I found them to be entertaining.
All together, Asha Elias really showed off the cattiness and competition among the prestigious parent community-showing both their inner motives and the ridiculousness of their actions. Although this was a rather shallow story, the juicy drama and scandal made this a deliciously fast paced binge read. Overall, this was out of my reading realm but I am so glad that I followed a Goodreads friend review/recommendation, otherwise I would most likely have missed out on this egregious “Big Little Lies” “Real Housewives” “Mean Girls” theatrics!! I definitely recommend this debut novel by Asha Elias. (Audio)
All together, Asha Elias really showed off the cattiness and competition among the prestigious parent community-showing both their inner motives and the ridiculousness of their actions. Although this was a rather shallow story, the juicy drama and scandal made this a deliciously fast paced binge read. Overall, this was out of my reading realm but I am so glad that I followed a Goodreads friend review/recommendation, otherwise I would most likely have missed out on this egregious “Big Little Lies” “Real Housewives” “Mean Girls” theatrics!! I definitely recommend this debut novel by Asha Elias. (Audio)
March 27, 2024
I loved this book and it’s twists and turns. “Florida is a sunny place for shady people.” Midwesterner Melody and her family are transplanted to Miami where salacious gossip spreads about Miami high society, “Here is the thing about telling people not to repeat something. It doesn't work. Even with the best intentions, the secret you told is repeated over and over again. Your original confidant tells a spouse, who tells a best friend, who tells a hairdresser. Everyone chooses someone whom they think won't repeat the gossip. But invariably the secret is retold and warped a dozen times over until it reemerges, ugly and scandalous. The lesson? If you don't want something repeated, don't say it out loud.” Elias immediately sucks you in to a place that doesn’t seem real, it’s so over-the -top; where being on the PTA is the most coveted position among the housewives of Miami.
The Uber-wealthy Walkers build a pink glass house, where all the world looks rosy. Until secrets are exposed and everyone can see right into their glass house.
I loved the characters, how you start off feeling negatively toward some but they redeem themselves, while others fall from grace. It shows the reality of human nature to judge and spread gossip, which is often lies, and the desire to fit in.
This book gave me vibes of One of Us is Dead, Every Last Secret and The Last Mrs. Parrish. I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC.
The Uber-wealthy Walkers build a pink glass house, where all the world looks rosy. Until secrets are exposed and everyone can see right into their glass house.
I loved the characters, how you start off feeling negatively toward some but they redeem themselves, while others fall from grace. It shows the reality of human nature to judge and spread gossip, which is often lies, and the desire to fit in.
This book gave me vibes of One of Us is Dead, Every Last Secret and The Last Mrs. Parrish. I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC.
August 2, 2024
Loooved this one! This book follows the lives of Miami PTA moms of children in elementary school. These moms take planning classroom events and getting donations for the school to a whole other level. One of the main characters, Melody, moves with her family from Kansas to Miami. She isn’t used to the self absorbed socialites of Miami who care about their social media status, power at the local elementary school and gossiping with their friends. The way they dress, act, and organize school events all shocks her.
The book follows Melody as she finds who her friends are… and aren’t. There is a lot of entertaining drama and I thought the alternating POVs to tell the story were fun! (There were 5 different POV in total I think)
I totally recommend if you’re looking for a dramatic, fun and intriguing read for the summer 😉
The book follows Melody as she finds who her friends are… and aren’t. There is a lot of entertaining drama and I thought the alternating POVs to tell the story were fun! (There were 5 different POV in total I think)
I totally recommend if you’re looking for a dramatic, fun and intriguing read for the summer 😉
July 29, 2024
I enjoyed this a lot! A satirical take on over-the-top parents at an elementary school in Miami. Told through multiple POVs, two moms vie for the coveted role of PTA president. There is also an air of mystery that lingers in the background throughout the book as the opening pages allude to a tragic event. I’ve seen lots of comparisons to Big Little Lies, but the only real similarities between the two is that both deal with moms at a wealthy school. Pink Glass Houses reminds me more of Real Housewives of Miami and Desperate Housewives.
Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
2024
May 30, 2024📱 Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow
August 3, 2024
This is one of my favorite debuts! It was so suspenseful and full of drama that I just couldn’t stop turning the pages! I loved it and I am obsessed!
If you are looking for a shorter read that will knock your socks off, this is the book for you! The setting really made the book what it is and with all the drama it reminded me of Big Little Lies.
****Many thanks to William Morrow for the gifted finished copy in turn for an honest review!
If you are looking for a shorter read that will knock your socks off, this is the book for you! The setting really made the book what it is and with all the drama it reminded me of Big Little Lies.
****Many thanks to William Morrow for the gifted finished copy in turn for an honest review!
April 19, 2024
favorite quote: florida is a sunny place for shady people.
this is accurately compared to big little lies and i was drawn in quickly by the lavish miami lifestyle and the petty drama of PTA moms. consider this book a warning (to me, at least) to stay out of any of my future children’s school politics and PTA members. the book follows of group of elementary school moms whose children are in enrolled in an elite public school that screams privileged private school. small-town Kansas mom Melody waltzes in and tries to navigate how to engage in this sultry, extravagant lifestyle and finds herself lowering her values to fit in.
there were moments in this book that i gasped out loud. i was appalled and cracking that melody had sent that text to charlotte. it feels like watching the real housewives of miami, school mom edition. none of the characters are lovable, it’s like watching a train-wreck, you just can’t take your eyes off of it. all the mentions of the scandalous goings-on in miami made me think of a certain family member who moved there for i think exactly the same reasons mentioned in this book LOL.
i was *upset* about a certain point of the ending, it felt very unfinished and that we could have had an even more dramatic, tell-all ending! i was anticipating some sort of death (nod to big little lies) but this didn’t happen in the way i expected and i feel like patricia’s story could have been flushed out more. who knows the reason for that omission. but if you enjoy books full of juicy drama and rich people behaving like idiots, consider this your next read! it’s an easy one to pick up and read and find some guilty pleasure relaxation.
many thanks to Net Galley and William Morrow for this advanced reader copy! it was so fun to read.
*also important to note that i received this weeks ago but was only just now able to read it and i somehow read a book based in florida the same week taylor swift releases an album that talks about florida multiple times?! it was meant to be. this book will be intertwined with ttpd for me now and i need to immediately go to florida!!!
this is accurately compared to big little lies and i was drawn in quickly by the lavish miami lifestyle and the petty drama of PTA moms. consider this book a warning (to me, at least) to stay out of any of my future children’s school politics and PTA members. the book follows of group of elementary school moms whose children are in enrolled in an elite public school that screams privileged private school. small-town Kansas mom Melody waltzes in and tries to navigate how to engage in this sultry, extravagant lifestyle and finds herself lowering her values to fit in.
there were moments in this book that i gasped out loud. i was appalled and cracking that melody had sent that text to charlotte. it feels like watching the real housewives of miami, school mom edition. none of the characters are lovable, it’s like watching a train-wreck, you just can’t take your eyes off of it. all the mentions of the scandalous goings-on in miami made me think of a certain family member who moved there for i think exactly the same reasons mentioned in this book LOL.
i was *upset* about a certain point of the ending, it felt very unfinished and that we could have had an even more dramatic, tell-all ending! i was anticipating some sort of death (nod to big little lies) but this didn’t happen in the way i expected and i feel like patricia’s story could have been flushed out more. who knows the reason for that omission. but if you enjoy books full of juicy drama and rich people behaving like idiots, consider this your next read! it’s an easy one to pick up and read and find some guilty pleasure relaxation.
many thanks to Net Galley and William Morrow for this advanced reader copy! it was so fun to read.
*also important to note that i received this weeks ago but was only just now able to read it and i somehow read a book based in florida the same week taylor swift releases an album that talks about florida multiple times?! it was meant to be. this book will be intertwined with ttpd for me now and i need to immediately go to florida!!!
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