Eat, Drink, and Remarry: Memories from a Lifetime of Art, Class, and Southern Charm

by Patricia Altschul

A Gallery Book. Gallery Books has a great book for every reader.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir

240 pages, Hardcover

Published November 11, 2025

Reviews

[Alysson · Rating 2 out of 5]

My toxic trait is that I’ll read every Bravo book, no matter how bad it is.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good! I didn’t want to stop reading. Patricia had lived such an interesting life. I couldn’t believe all the fun and once in a lifetime experiences she’s had. She’s such an interesting woman.

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her on the show, now I love her in the pages.

Yes to all her funny ancedotes and sass, Ms. Patricia is #goals.

[Marika · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful book! The author is more than she seems or is portrayed on the reality show Southern Charm. Miss Patricia has a Master's degree in both art history and archeology and was at one time an assistant professor of art history at George Washington University. Full of wit, charm and advice. You don't have to have been a viewer of SC to appreciate this book.

*I read an advance copy and was not compensated

[hannah ☆ ୨ৎ˚࿔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always so hard to rate a memoir, truly. Miss Patricia, who I love and adore from Southern Charm, is quite a lady. This entire book feels like a big name drop (I mean that in the nicest way possible) because Pat is a CONNECTED woman. She's rubbed elbows with so many recognizable names, and she's seen a lot in life. There is a LOT of art, art history, etc. mentioned throughout this book. I liked hearing about her job and (three!) marriages, and a teeny bit about Whitney. I'll be honest I would have liked to hear more about Whitney 😂 but she did address that later on saying she promised him not to say too much. I loved getting a glimpse behind the gorgeous house and lifestyle we see of Miss Pat, to realize she's pretty much normal like the rest of us (besides the butler and mansion lol).

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always loved Miss Pat on Southern Charm!

[Krisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable read! I picked it up expecting a light, entertaining memoir, but it turned out to be so much more. She has lived an extraordinary life, filled with fascinating experiences, sharp wit, and wisdom that goes far beyond what reality TV viewers might expect.

What really struck me is how much more there is to her than what we see on Southern Charm. Through her stories, I learned a lot—not just about her personal journey, but also about elegance, resilience, and living life fully on your own terms. Her humor and candor make the book a joy to read, and it gave me a new appreciation for who she is.

This was a delightful, insightful memoir that’s both fun and inspiring. Definitely worth the read!

Thank you NetGalley & Gallery Books for sending this book for review consideration.

[Bert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia is queen of the Bravo world. Queen of my world too. I cannot believe this was only 250 pages. Nowhere near long enough. Give me 1250 pages of Patricia talking about her life and I think even then I’d say it’s not enough. The best!!

[Lea Tirrell]

(audiobook) bb inspired me to listen to this, and now I feel ready to binge this season of southern charm or maybe even a full series re-watch

[Julia K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great easy read from Miss Pat. Her sense of humor comes through and was interesting to hear about her life in more detail.

[Margaret Livaudais · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love her on southern charm and just had to read this. She has had such an interesting and exciting life it was so fun to get to read all about it. So many fun stories and little pieces of advice I really enjoyed this book.

[Caroline O'Gorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms Pat is an icon and I underestimated her. I found her memoir extremely entertaining and I learned that there is much more to her life than marrying rich men. Who knew!

[Meghan Karstetter Medvitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was entirely wrong about her. Loved this.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across Eat, Drink, and Remarry by Patricia Altschul through my social media feed. I never watched an episode of Southern Charm but am aware of the show as it is heavily publicized. I decided to purchase this book because I was certain that Patricia Altschul is someone special since most of the characters on the show are younger there had to be a particular reason why a more "senior" lady is the focus when there is normally little representation of this demographic in reality television.

Southern Charm is a reality television series that chronicles the personal and professional lives of several South Carolina socialites. One of the show creators is Whitney Sudler-Smith who is Patricia Altschul's son. He initially cast his mother as a recurring guest and she became a mainstay. It's easy to see her appeal as a perfect counterpoint to the less mature castmates. It's not just a just a difference in age, but education, career and lifestyle (marital decisions).

The memoir presents as glossy and breezy as the title suggests. There is no "dirt being dished" and the divorces described amicably. Considering the large numbers of notable people she has met there is no racy anecdotes nor seismic news shared here. Instead it is more happy recollections of young adulthood recounted. Some "bon mots" worth mentioning are to refrain from asking new acquaintances what they do and instead say "tell me about yourself" giving the person a chance not be be defined by their profession.

In regards to my original reason picking up this book: trying to understand the seemingly unusual woman showcased in a popular reality television series. it's really just a lovely tribute from a son with means to create and showcase his own mother in a popular show. We should all be so lucky to have the continued admiration of our adult children as so many young Americans have become estranged or less connected to their parents---tangentially it shows good parenting too.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thanks to Gallery Books for the gifted physical copy and Simon Audio and Libro FM for the gifted ALC. As a Bravo fan, I was thrilled.

As a proud reality TV junkie and Southern Charm watcher since episode one, I went into this memoir ready for the sass. And Patricia Altschul delivered like only she can.
Yes, we get the Patricia we know and love. She’s dispensing etiquette lessons, attempting (and often failing) to wrangle the Southern Charm boys, and reigning supreme with a perfectly chilled Martini in hand. But what I loved most was discovering the woman before the kaftans and confessionals.

Long before she became Bravo royalty, Patricia lived a life dripping in glam. She lived quite the life from the Upper East Side to the elite art world, forging friendships with André Leon Talley and Mario Buatta. She’s smart, sharp, unapologetic, and completely aware of who she is and that confidence radiates off every page.

Also her relationship with Madison? Surprisingly one of my favorite parts. Madison wasn’t always my fave, but present day Madison earns her spot, and their dynamic brought humor and heart to the story.

Cassandra Campbell’s narration captured Patricia’s dry wit, elegance, and subtle shade so perfectly.

Whether you’re a longtime Southern Charm fan or just love memoirs filled with style, confidence, and unapologetic living, this one is such a fun, charming read.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia’s life doesn’t just read as glamorous or eventful — it feels layered, intentional, and incredibly well-lived. You truly get the sense of someone who is not only fascinating, but genuinely sharp, self-aware, and far ahead of her time.

For someone of her generation she has an incredibly modern mindset. She approaches marriage, change, and personal identity with this calm confidence and intelligence that feels surprisingly current. It’s no wonder she became such a fan favorite on Southern Charm. The same wit, poise, and dry humor people love on screen come through so clearly in the

Her art career was especially interesting and impressive to read about. The creative world she moved through, the people she encountered, and the way art and relationships clearly shaped her taste and perspective make her story even richer. By the end, I didn’t feel like I’d read a typical memoir. It felt more like spending time with someone who has truly lived — stylishly, thoughtfully, and very much on her own terms.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is more to Ms.Pat than meets the eye. If you watch the show Southern Charm, you know her as the doyen of Charleston.
She has a fascinating story to tell. I was very impressed with her background and education. There is a lot of name dropping in her book but these are all friends she knows and loves.
Interspersed in the book are etiquette questions that she answers and I learned a thing or two. Her beloved butler Michael was one of my favorites on the show. I’m not a martini drinker but enjoyed having his recipe provided in the book.
My only wish for Ms. Pat is that Whitney gives her a grandchild soon!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy! As a Southern Charm original fan, I was excited to get an early read to learn more about Ms. Patricia's life. And wow! I had no idea the life she has lived! She has accomplished so much both professionally and personally. I can't believe the situations she has been in, the friends she has made through her travel journeys and the connections she has well before her Bravo career. Such a business savvy women that so many could learn from!

[JANELLE · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love watching Miss Pat on Southern Charm and was excited to read this memoir.

It was so much more than I expected - her story is amazing, she's had such a fascinating life and I really enjoyed learning more about her. She's so accomplished professionally with many connections and fun travels. Her words are witty and entertaining.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

[Holly A Sowinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” applies to my perspective on Miss Pat. Her upbringing and world view is much different than I pegged based on the snippets we see of her from Southern Charm. I really enjoyed learning more about her past! Her memoir is well-written, entertaining, and informative.

Only negative of the book was the chapter talking up her groundbreaking kaftan collection, her gin endorsement, and her Home Shopping Network collection.

[Kristen Barfoot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this read! I didn't know really anything about Ms. Pat outside of what is portrayed on the TV Show Southern Charm.

She led quite the full life full of education, an incredible career in the art world, and beautiful, fun relationships - both romantic and friendly.

Great pacing of the book and I loved her little Ask me Anything style though the book as well.

My only complaint is that I REALLY wish Ms. Pat narrated it herself!

[Gabi Baer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a longtime fan of Southern Charm, reading Miss Pat’s book was an absolute must for me! Coming from someone who actually works in the antiques business, I found her adoration for antiques to be the highlight of the book. My only slight critique is that I truly wish she had narrated the audiobook herself.

Overall, it was a really entertaining, quick read. Miss Pat is just as great on paper as she is on screen!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t watch Southern Charm, but I follow it. I always wondered how Patricia got involved and where the money came from… now I know her story and I like and respect Patricia. This reminds why telling stories matters.



***I received a free ARC of this e-book from Gallery Imprint and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*** 

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Southern Charm I was excited to hear that the matriarch of the show had written a memoir.

She has led an extraordinary life, possibly a little embellished, but a fun read all the same.

I love to ask me anything segments at the end of each chapter. Real life advice from Ms Pat that we all can use.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved learning about Ms. Patricia's interesting life! We get the same sass and etiquette lessons I've come to love from Southern Charm, while also learning about her personal journey and professional accomplishments. Enjoyed the audiobook narration too (even though she doesn't narrate).

Thanks Simon Audio for the gifted copy.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given it 5 stars if Patricia had read it herself.

It was what I expected. Lots of name dropping and using words that I am not really sure what they mean.

I enjoyed hearing about her early life and everything that lead her to being the Patricia that we know and love on Southern Charm.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia has lived such an interesting life and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing all about it! I listened to this book on audio, so if I were to try and find one complaint - it's that it was not read by Patricia herself. Other than that, I found this book to be well written and kept my interest. Patricia is much more than the glamourous, witty woman you see on Southern Charm. She is an inspiration!

[Maria Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must for Southern Charm Fans

This clever book is a must for Southern Charm fans. Patricia is as elegant on the page as she is on television. Her life story is fascinating—a pure joy to read about. I hope more books are in her future!

[Macy Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I love Southern Charm so I knew this would be entertaining. Ms Patricia shares her life story and advice. I found her writing over my head at some points but overall was such an easy non-fiction read.

[Brittany Baker]

southern charm was my pregnancy binge watch so it felt fitting that miss patricia’s book would be a great naptime listen! miss pat is an interesting lady with an even more fascinating story - we get merely the surface on the show. my only complaint is that she didn’t narrate!