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Pink Clay
With champagne and caviar, twenty-five-year-old Emily glitters through society, her life a kaleidoscope of luxury afforded to her by birthright as a coffee company heiress. But beneath the Hermès, lurks a gnawing emptiness, one mirrored in the mammogram that shatters her perfect world.
Scrambling to make ends meet, twenty-seven-year-old Sarah knows struggle like the worn groves in her clay-stained sneakers. A single mother, balancing a side hustle as a ceramic artist and a son’s laughter, she never expected the blow that would leave them both reeling—a diagnosis they can’t afford to face.
Thrown together by fate, or a shared oncology ward, their backgrounds couldn’t be more different. Yet, in the stark reality of chemo cocktails and stolen tears, a bond blossoms. Emily and Sarah navigate the labyrinth of treatment while being 20-somethings just trying to find their place in the little piece of the world they call life.
Will this unlikely friendship survive? Will they?
This is a story of unexpected connections, of laughter in the face of fear, and the transformative power of friendship. It is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the greatest treasures are found not in material wealth, but in the shared grit and grace of coming together.
Scrambling to make ends meet, twenty-seven-year-old Sarah knows struggle like the worn groves in her clay-stained sneakers. A single mother, balancing a side hustle as a ceramic artist and a son’s laughter, she never expected the blow that would leave them both reeling—a diagnosis they can’t afford to face.
Thrown together by fate, or a shared oncology ward, their backgrounds couldn’t be more different. Yet, in the stark reality of chemo cocktails and stolen tears, a bond blossoms. Emily and Sarah navigate the labyrinth of treatment while being 20-somethings just trying to find their place in the little piece of the world they call life.
Will this unlikely friendship survive? Will they?
This is a story of unexpected connections, of laughter in the face of fear, and the transformative power of friendship. It is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the greatest treasures are found not in material wealth, but in the shared grit and grace of coming together.
338 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2024
About the author
Jennifer Lucic
3 books8 followersJennifer Lucic is an author, wife, and mother. Originally from California, she moved to Texas where she lives with her husband and three daughters. Jennifer has been writing for pleasure since childhood when her elementary school teachers, recognizing her talent for storytelling, encouraged her to write short stories in lieu of the required journaling and essay assignments.
In high school, Jennifer's English teacher shared books with her and ignited her love of reading and literature. In these books, Jennifer discovered the difference between writing silly stories to pass the time and developing plot, structure, and character.
To stay up to date on news and updates regarding Jennifer’s work, please visit her website. www.jenniferlucic.com
In high school, Jennifer's English teacher shared books with her and ignited her love of reading and literature. In these books, Jennifer discovered the difference between writing silly stories to pass the time and developing plot, structure, and character.
To stay up to date on news and updates regarding Jennifer’s work, please visit her website. www.jenniferlucic.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 30, 2024
Pink 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!
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!
August 23, 2024
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. Their friendship gets off to a very rough start but 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.
Thank you netgalley for the arc.
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. Their friendship gets off to a very rough start but 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.
Thank you netgalley for the arc.
November 10, 2024
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.
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.
August 31, 2024
I was captured from the first chapter. The characters were described with great detail. It is palpable as to how they each are impacted by their life circumstances.
I read the book in one sitting. I wanted to continue being a part of the story and could not put it down till I knew the outcomes. Each page brought new insight and revealed the impact between two strangers, from very different backgrounds, who bond over a common challenge.
Truly moving and relatable. I highly recommend reading this book!
I read the book in one sitting. I wanted to continue being a part of the story and could not put it down till I knew the outcomes. Each page brought new insight and revealed the impact between two strangers, from very different backgrounds, who bond over a common challenge.
Truly moving and relatable. I highly recommend reading this book!
December 24, 2024
This was not my typical style of book that I would grab for relaxing or entertainment but, with that said I really enjoyed the connection between Sarah and Emily and their journey through life. Each woman had such a drastically different outlook on how life ‘should be’ and yet they became the very best of friends knowing what each other needed.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2024
I really loved this books story of the two women from very different worlds finding strength in one another during their BC journey. It was well written and the ending was poetic… I would highly recommend this book to curl up with on a weekend.
May 26, 2025
The premise was interesting but the writing got in the way of enjoying the story. The dialogue was choppy at times and felt unnatural. Everyone but Sarah and Liam were highly unlikable, but I did enjoy Emily and Helen’s redemption arc in the end.
December 16, 2024
read this book !
This book is sweet, amazing and will bring you to your knees with emotions, from joy to profound sadness to a celebratory gladness. Amazing!
This book is sweet, amazing and will bring you to your knees with emotions, from joy to profound sadness to a celebratory gladness. Amazing!
October 13, 2024
Pink Clay, by Jennifer Lucic
The story begins with Emily Cassius, the 25-year-old heiress of 'The Daily Grind' coffee company at a promotional event. She accidentally runs into Sarah Kenneth whose coffee splashes onto Emily's clothing and Emily, furious, begins smashing Sarah's art. The stark contrast between the two 20-somethings cannot be overstated. Sarah, an artist with pottery, is also a single mother without a family for support. She struggles daily to have food, gas, and rent money available, sometimes getting a hand-out from Drew, an on-again/off-again boyfriend. Her son, Liam, helps get the pottery ready to sell at the market but is also being bullied at school and is having problems. Then there is Emily who has had an exclusive and luxurious home life and education. Everything in her family has to do with holding onto the money. Money that has been gained through the coffee company and her father's money. Emily's mother, Helen, is a ruthless businessperson who articulates frequently the need to hold onto the money, appearances, and relationships, even her relationship with her daughter. Emily has a family in name only, as every relationship is transactional and purposeful all in the name of the coffee company. Each of these two young women has interpersonal issues and boundaries that need to be examined, however, both of them almost simultaneously have medical exams and receive a diagnosis of breast cancer. They meet again after their diagnosis and uncover their shared feelings of fear of the unknown. Each travels through chemo treatments, chemo sickness, and all the usual daily issues they must deal with. Emily and Sarah don't know what the future will bring or what will happen to their families.
The characters are strong but damaged female leads who dig deep to handle not only their diagnosis but also the changes that they are going through as their treatments continue. Each woman is colorful and a multi-faceted human being with strengths they never knew they had. They are fierce and yet full of humor, hopeful but fearful. Each one gets pulled back into the dysfunctional aspects of their lives and struggles to deal with the day-to-day problems beyond the medical treatment complications. This book deals with women's issues, women's relationships, and women's strengths in a believable way.
The story begins with Emily Cassius, the 25-year-old heiress of 'The Daily Grind' coffee company at a promotional event. She accidentally runs into Sarah Kenneth whose coffee splashes onto Emily's clothing and Emily, furious, begins smashing Sarah's art. The stark contrast between the two 20-somethings cannot be overstated. Sarah, an artist with pottery, is also a single mother without a family for support. She struggles daily to have food, gas, and rent money available, sometimes getting a hand-out from Drew, an on-again/off-again boyfriend. Her son, Liam, helps get the pottery ready to sell at the market but is also being bullied at school and is having problems. Then there is Emily who has had an exclusive and luxurious home life and education. Everything in her family has to do with holding onto the money. Money that has been gained through the coffee company and her father's money. Emily's mother, Helen, is a ruthless businessperson who articulates frequently the need to hold onto the money, appearances, and relationships, even her relationship with her daughter. Emily has a family in name only, as every relationship is transactional and purposeful all in the name of the coffee company. Each of these two young women has interpersonal issues and boundaries that need to be examined, however, both of them almost simultaneously have medical exams and receive a diagnosis of breast cancer. They meet again after their diagnosis and uncover their shared feelings of fear of the unknown. Each travels through chemo treatments, chemo sickness, and all the usual daily issues they must deal with. Emily and Sarah don't know what the future will bring or what will happen to their families.
The characters are strong but damaged female leads who dig deep to handle not only their diagnosis but also the changes that they are going through as their treatments continue. Each woman is colorful and a multi-faceted human being with strengths they never knew they had. They are fierce and yet full of humor, hopeful but fearful. Each one gets pulled back into the dysfunctional aspects of their lives and struggles to deal with the day-to-day problems beyond the medical treatment complications. This book deals with women's issues, women's relationships, and women's strengths in a believable way.
July 19, 2025
“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 a deep friendship mixed with a little bit of heartbreak and some past traumas ready to bring some troubles to the characters’ lives.
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 a deep friendship mixed with a little bit of heartbreak and some past traumas ready to bring some troubles to the characters’ lives.
April 27, 2025
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.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews