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Leta Pearl's Love Biscuits
It’s 1982 in Bailey Springs, Alabama, where secrets aren’t just whispered—they’re baked right into the biscuits.
Trudy has kept her head down since high school, when her unexpected pregnancy and marriage to star-quarterback Jimmie Beaumont scandalized the town. A few years later, after Jimmie’s tragic demise, folks still haven’t forgiven her and blame her for his death. Now engaged to a blue-blood politician, Haskel Moody, Trudy’s back in the spotlight—especially after taking a job teaching chemistry to save his campaign for mayor.
As Trudy encounters old high-school ghosts, she also confronts Coach Shug Meechum, whose laid-back charm and infuriating grin incite more than just her frustrations. Meanwhile, Trudy’s mother, Leta Pearl, has been giving some chemistry lessons of her own—slipping her mysterious love-inducing biscuits to men in town to advance her own agenda.
In Bailey Springs, football, tradition, and appearances often mean more than truth. So, when secret recipes are uncovered, and new desires collide with a long-buried tragedy, Trudy must decide if she’ll play by the rules or risk everything for the life she wants.
A laugh-out-loud romp with a smidge of Southern magic, Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits confirms that true love—like the best biscuits—takes some heat to rise.
Trudy has kept her head down since high school, when her unexpected pregnancy and marriage to star-quarterback Jimmie Beaumont scandalized the town. A few years later, after Jimmie’s tragic demise, folks still haven’t forgiven her and blame her for his death. Now engaged to a blue-blood politician, Haskel Moody, Trudy’s back in the spotlight—especially after taking a job teaching chemistry to save his campaign for mayor.
As Trudy encounters old high-school ghosts, she also confronts Coach Shug Meechum, whose laid-back charm and infuriating grin incite more than just her frustrations. Meanwhile, Trudy’s mother, Leta Pearl, has been giving some chemistry lessons of her own—slipping her mysterious love-inducing biscuits to men in town to advance her own agenda.
In Bailey Springs, football, tradition, and appearances often mean more than truth. So, when secret recipes are uncovered, and new desires collide with a long-buried tragedy, Trudy must decide if she’ll play by the rules or risk everything for the life she wants.
A laugh-out-loud romp with a smidge of Southern magic, Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits confirms that true love—like the best biscuits—takes some heat to rise.
- GenresRomance
318 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
11 people are currently reading
1514 people want to read
About the author
Arlon Jay Staggs
1 book12 followersARLON JAY STAGGS is a native of Florence, Alabama, and a Southern storyteller with deep roots, a sharp sense of humor, and a heart for connection. His essays and stories have appeared in The New York Times and december Magazine, and his novel Leta Pearl's Love Biscuits is his debut work of fiction. He holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of California, Riverside, a JD from the Mississippi College School of Law, and is an adjunct professor at Northwest Florida State College. Arlon and his husband divide their time between Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and San Diego, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 9, 2025
What a fun read!!
The characters are delightful except for one who likes to cause all kinds of trouble.
Trudy was the talk of the town when she was in high school since she got pregnant to the star quarterback and then after he died in an accident that they said was her fault.
You would think she would not want to come back into the limelight, but she becomes the chemistry teacher at her old high school and head of the cheerleaders.
She currently is engaged to Mr. Moody who is running for mayor, but the football coach keeps flirting with her.
Her mother Leta has special biscuits that she says will make Mr. Moody become so enamored with Trudy that he won't let her out of his sight.
Leta was very upset when the football coach ate one - he can't have them - he can't fall in love with Trudy.
Will the biscuits work on Mr. Moody, will the coach win out, or will I love biscuits need to be used on someone else?
Find out the secret of Leta Pearl's biscuits in this sweet read that has you riding through some drama and Southern charm, but for the most part you will be laughing.
Thank you to the publisher and Books Forward for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The characters are delightful except for one who likes to cause all kinds of trouble.
Trudy was the talk of the town when she was in high school since she got pregnant to the star quarterback and then after he died in an accident that they said was her fault.
You would think she would not want to come back into the limelight, but she becomes the chemistry teacher at her old high school and head of the cheerleaders.
She currently is engaged to Mr. Moody who is running for mayor, but the football coach keeps flirting with her.
Her mother Leta has special biscuits that she says will make Mr. Moody become so enamored with Trudy that he won't let her out of his sight.
Leta was very upset when the football coach ate one - he can't have them - he can't fall in love with Trudy.
Will the biscuits work on Mr. Moody, will the coach win out, or will I love biscuits need to be used on someone else?
Find out the secret of Leta Pearl's biscuits in this sweet read that has you riding through some drama and Southern charm, but for the most part you will be laughing.
Thank you to the publisher and Books Forward for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 6, 2025
Leta Pearl's Love Biscuits by Arlon Jay Staggs is equal parts Southern gothic, small-town drama, and tender-hearted romance with a sprinkle of magical mischief!
Trudy Beaumont has lived under Bailey Springs’ microscope ever since her teenage pregnancy and the scandal that followed. Even years later, after her husband’s tragic death, the town still whispers her name with judgment. Now, she’s engaged to a well-connected politician and teaching chemistry to polish his mayoral campaign. On paper, she’s doing everything right. But Bailey Springs isn’t a town that forgets or forgives easily.
Staggs crafts Trudy’s struggle with compassion and bite. Old wounds flare when she faces down high-school rivals and the infuriatingly charming Coach Shug Meechum, who sees her in ways nobody else dares. Meanwhile, her mama, Leta Pearl, is serving up biscuits with a little something extra, her secret recipe for love that turns men’s heads and stirs up plenty of trouble.
This novel is as much about family legacies and small-town expectations as it is about forbidden attraction and second chances. I loved how Staggs layered humor and heartache with just enough Southern magic to make the story sparkle. The biscuits may be enchanted, but the real magic here is in watching Trudy wrestle with who she’s supposed to be versus who she truly is.
✨️If you enjoy stories steeped in small-town secrets, complicated family ties, and heroines who dare to reclaim their joy, this one’s for you.
⚡️Thank you Books Forward PR and Arlon Jay Staggs for sharing this book with me!
Trudy Beaumont has lived under Bailey Springs’ microscope ever since her teenage pregnancy and the scandal that followed. Even years later, after her husband’s tragic death, the town still whispers her name with judgment. Now, she’s engaged to a well-connected politician and teaching chemistry to polish his mayoral campaign. On paper, she’s doing everything right. But Bailey Springs isn’t a town that forgets or forgives easily.
Staggs crafts Trudy’s struggle with compassion and bite. Old wounds flare when she faces down high-school rivals and the infuriatingly charming Coach Shug Meechum, who sees her in ways nobody else dares. Meanwhile, her mama, Leta Pearl, is serving up biscuits with a little something extra, her secret recipe for love that turns men’s heads and stirs up plenty of trouble.
This novel is as much about family legacies and small-town expectations as it is about forbidden attraction and second chances. I loved how Staggs layered humor and heartache with just enough Southern magic to make the story sparkle. The biscuits may be enchanted, but the real magic here is in watching Trudy wrestle with who she’s supposed to be versus who she truly is.
✨️If you enjoy stories steeped in small-town secrets, complicated family ties, and heroines who dare to reclaim their joy, this one’s for you.
⚡️Thank you Books Forward PR and Arlon Jay Staggs for sharing this book with me!
October 8, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5
And now I want biscuits. But the ones in Arlon Jay Staggs’ Leta Pearls Love Biscuits are pretty magical. The story is genuinely a small-town romance in a southern town. Arlon Jay Staggs captured the essence through the characters and their dialogue, weaving it throughout the plot. I enjoyed the story with its touch of whimsy, high school nostalgia, and gossipiness of a small town. I also liked seeing Trudy’s emotional growth.
Thank you to Books Forward PR and Author Arlon Jay Staggs for the gift copy of Leta Pearls Love Biscuits and a box of goodies. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
And now I want biscuits. But the ones in Arlon Jay Staggs’ Leta Pearls Love Biscuits are pretty magical. The story is genuinely a small-town romance in a southern town. Arlon Jay Staggs captured the essence through the characters and their dialogue, weaving it throughout the plot. I enjoyed the story with its touch of whimsy, high school nostalgia, and gossipiness of a small town. I also liked seeing Trudy’s emotional growth.
Thank you to Books Forward PR and Author Arlon Jay Staggs for the gift copy of Leta Pearls Love Biscuits and a box of goodies. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2025
thank you to the publisher and netgalley for sending me an arc in return for an honest review
DNF at 30%
this was a sweet book and the characters seemed really lovely but unfortunately i just wasn’t really clicking with the characters or getting invested in the story!
DNF at 30%
this was a sweet book and the characters seemed really lovely but unfortunately i just wasn’t really clicking with the characters or getting invested in the story!
October 8, 2025
A SWEET SOUTHERN ROMANCE WITH A TOUCH OF MAGIC
Arlon Jay Staggs serves up a sweet story with a side of practical magic in this fun small town Southern romantic comedy. A few years ago, Trudy Beaumont was a pregnant teen, then a widow. Now she is a teacher and engaged to the possible next mayor: respectable and responsible. The problem is small towns don't forget scandals, especially when the local newspaper has a column written by her ex mother-in-law who is out to ruin her. Mix in a sexy new school football coach, and a social climbing mother who's biscuits have a secret love potion ingredient and Trudy finds herself in a pot of trouble.
Staggs has written a delightful story where the protagonist is torn between what is expected of her and what she really wants. The love triangle between her, the boring steadfast fiancée and the sexy spontaneous athlete is delightful. She also keeps trying to handle situations at school and ends up causing even more trouble. The real magic in this story are the trouble makers. Barbara's newspaper columns sprinkled throughout the novel will make you snicker. The head cheerleader is the daughter of Trudy's teenage rival and those two will make the reader recall the social ringleaders of their own high school years.
Most of the situations will have you laughing but the story also has a more serious side. Trudy isn't the only one who is fighting expectations. Although some of Trudy's students provide comedic high school "drama", there are also situations that explore serious issues. Trudy is not the only one who feels pressure to conform to society's expectations. One of her students feels pressure to conform and struggles with his own wishes. There is also a male cheerleader and the novel explores the homophobia that was blatant in the 1980's but is still a problem today.
Because of some of the events in the book, some people may not call this a sweet romance. Rather I would label it a zero spice "Sweet and sour" story. Trudy is in an adult relationship, but there is no sex in the story, not even "fade to black" off page.
Thank you Books Forward for this early review copy. I loved it and will be looking forward to more books by Arlon Jay Staggs. Leta Pearl's Love Biscuits provide a sweet romance that you will eat right up. I devoured it in one sitting.
Look for my storybooklady.net book blog post. LETA PEARL’S LOVE BISCUITS ARE A TASTY TREAT on October 8.
Arlon Jay Staggs serves up a sweet story with a side of practical magic in this fun small town Southern romantic comedy. A few years ago, Trudy Beaumont was a pregnant teen, then a widow. Now she is a teacher and engaged to the possible next mayor: respectable and responsible. The problem is small towns don't forget scandals, especially when the local newspaper has a column written by her ex mother-in-law who is out to ruin her. Mix in a sexy new school football coach, and a social climbing mother who's biscuits have a secret love potion ingredient and Trudy finds herself in a pot of trouble.
Staggs has written a delightful story where the protagonist is torn between what is expected of her and what she really wants. The love triangle between her, the boring steadfast fiancée and the sexy spontaneous athlete is delightful. She also keeps trying to handle situations at school and ends up causing even more trouble. The real magic in this story are the trouble makers. Barbara's newspaper columns sprinkled throughout the novel will make you snicker. The head cheerleader is the daughter of Trudy's teenage rival and those two will make the reader recall the social ringleaders of their own high school years.
Most of the situations will have you laughing but the story also has a more serious side. Trudy isn't the only one who is fighting expectations. Although some of Trudy's students provide comedic high school "drama", there are also situations that explore serious issues. Trudy is not the only one who feels pressure to conform to society's expectations. One of her students feels pressure to conform and struggles with his own wishes. There is also a male cheerleader and the novel explores the homophobia that was blatant in the 1980's but is still a problem today.
Because of some of the events in the book, some people may not call this a sweet romance. Rather I would label it a zero spice "Sweet and sour" story. Trudy is in an adult relationship, but there is no sex in the story, not even "fade to black" off page.
Thank you Books Forward for this early review copy. I loved it and will be looking forward to more books by Arlon Jay Staggs. Leta Pearl's Love Biscuits provide a sweet romance that you will eat right up. I devoured it in one sitting.
Look for my storybooklady.net book blog post. LETA PEARL’S LOVE BISCUITS ARE A TASTY TREAT on October 8.
July 10, 2025
This was an interesting read for me, as while I am familiar with the time period, I am less familiar with the setting. Both the South and the Friday Night Lights type culture are novel to me. It was fascinating to see how many rituals and events surround high school football and then to have it layered with various southern elements was interesting, even as it made me so grateful that I didn't grow up in that world.
Trudy is a very young widow, who is living at home with her young son Pete, and dating the Superintendent of schools, Haskel Moody, who is running for Mayor, per family tradition. Trudy decides to put her education to use, by filling the staffing hole at the high school by volunteering to become the new Chemistry teacher. The previous teacher left in scandal, which threatened to make Haskel look bad.
Trudy has no experience beyond the 9 months of student teaching required by her degree and is not much older than her students, including nephew to be, JuneBug Moody. That being said, right off the bat she makes a bunch of ridiculous mistakes, considering she had been a student at that same school and a member of the community for her entire life. It's not really believable that she's forgotten some of the traditions surrounding the football team. The entire town LIVES for football, she would know these traditions like her own name, it's inescapable, and she was a former head cheerleader.
But this sets up the meet cute with Coach 'Shug' Meecham (a completely ridiculous name, though Doyle isn't better) and also starts with the punishments. At first I thought it was a bit of hazing of the young new teacher, but it instead it's a life long widow blaming and shaming because former football hero Jimmie took his life and Trudy 'did nothing to help him'.
We also get chapters in Trudy's mother's voice - Leta Pearl, she of the love biscuits.
The author sets forth this ridiculous premise that any man who eats these biscuits falls madly in love and behaves like a lovesick cliche. Leta Pearl bakes them for Haskel every week, hoping for him to finally propose to Trudy, giving little Pete a good father, and once he becomes Mayor, restoring Leta Pearl back to the top of the local social heap. Her standing took a hit, in the aftermath of Jimmie's death. Trudy has no idea about the biscuits and their power and is mystified why her mother, in a complete breech of Southern manners and hospitality, attempts to slap a biscuit out of the hands of Shug.
Fine. You want us on board with the idea of love spells that actually work, fine, it's fiction, i'll play along. You want to double down and show the men actually having symptoms, with sweat on their upper lips, and blank eyes, upon consuming said biscuits, great. Why then do you COMPLETELY negate this entire plot line and the title of the book, by having some random character that shows up nearly at the end of the book explain that the 'magic' oil in the biscuits is just hooey - it's oregano and oil?!? The idea being that the women believing that their men are eating love biscuits, suddenly act more confident and that's why the men are suddenly lovesick is a weak cop out. Especially since Trudy knew nothing about the love biscuits and Haskel still behaved like a love sick fool.
And once he stops eating the biscuits he suddenly realizes not only that Trudy should be with Shug but that he ends up married to Trudy's older sister Emily, who pops in and out of the story like a bit character, not a major love interest. So annoying.
Then there is the story of JuneBug Moody. He is a football star, popular, dating the head cheerleader, son of the town Mayor, nephew to the school superintendent, etc. JuneBug is also a closeted gay teen, who is possibly in love for the first time with Carter the new kid, who seems like 'a big ole sissy' according to his classmates. And yes, in small town south, back in the day, this was a huge secret. I'll accept that. What I had trouble with was Trudy being compassionate to Carter until she saw him kissing JuneBug. Then suddenly she wants the boys to just stop being like 'that', so that it doesn't affect Haskell's run for Mayor. Even going so far as demanding her mother bake love biscuits for JuneBug's cheerleader girlfriend DeeDee to give him, so that he would suddenly love girls again.
Yes it was a different time but it was still the 1980s - Boy George, Madonna, Wham!, etc. People knew what gay was, and there was a world in which JuneBug didn't have to unhappily marry a woman. Additionally, when Trudy finally learned about the love biscuits, she is furious at having the men in her life manipulated by the 'magic' and yet, she can't wait to force JuneBug to love someone she thinks he should love. Make it make sense.
Barbara and her reign of terror, endlessly heaping abuse on Trudy and undermining her in the press all because of Jimmie's death is another plot point that falls apart because we learn that Barbara gave Jimmie a love biscuit possibly making her responsible for his undoing. Which we are to believe the guilt over which, causes her to deflect and attack innocent little Trudy for seven years. But then again, whoopsie, they have no power so Jimmie was responsible for everything, including taking his own life. But Barbara still gets to print whatever garbage she wishes. Ughhhh.
This book had it's moments, but too many things that made me say, 'oh, come on!' in frustration. This is more of a 3.5 stars for me.
Trudy is a very young widow, who is living at home with her young son Pete, and dating the Superintendent of schools, Haskel Moody, who is running for Mayor, per family tradition. Trudy decides to put her education to use, by filling the staffing hole at the high school by volunteering to become the new Chemistry teacher. The previous teacher left in scandal, which threatened to make Haskel look bad.
Trudy has no experience beyond the 9 months of student teaching required by her degree and is not much older than her students, including nephew to be, JuneBug Moody. That being said, right off the bat she makes a bunch of ridiculous mistakes, considering she had been a student at that same school and a member of the community for her entire life. It's not really believable that she's forgotten some of the traditions surrounding the football team. The entire town LIVES for football, she would know these traditions like her own name, it's inescapable, and she was a former head cheerleader.
But this sets up the meet cute with Coach 'Shug' Meecham (a completely ridiculous name, though Doyle isn't better) and also starts with the punishments. At first I thought it was a bit of hazing of the young new teacher, but it instead it's a life long widow blaming and shaming because former football hero Jimmie took his life and Trudy 'did nothing to help him'.
We also get chapters in Trudy's mother's voice - Leta Pearl, she of the love biscuits.
The author sets forth this ridiculous premise that any man who eats these biscuits falls madly in love and behaves like a lovesick cliche. Leta Pearl bakes them for Haskel every week, hoping for him to finally propose to Trudy, giving little Pete a good father, and once he becomes Mayor, restoring Leta Pearl back to the top of the local social heap. Her standing took a hit, in the aftermath of Jimmie's death. Trudy has no idea about the biscuits and their power and is mystified why her mother, in a complete breech of Southern manners and hospitality, attempts to slap a biscuit out of the hands of Shug.
Fine. You want us on board with the idea of love spells that actually work, fine, it's fiction, i'll play along. You want to double down and show the men actually having symptoms, with sweat on their upper lips, and blank eyes, upon consuming said biscuits, great. Why then do you COMPLETELY negate this entire plot line and the title of the book, by having some random character that shows up nearly at the end of the book explain that the 'magic' oil in the biscuits is just hooey - it's oregano and oil?!? The idea being that the women believing that their men are eating love biscuits, suddenly act more confident and that's why the men are suddenly lovesick is a weak cop out. Especially since Trudy knew nothing about the love biscuits and Haskel still behaved like a love sick fool.
And once he stops eating the biscuits he suddenly realizes not only that Trudy should be with Shug but that he ends up married to Trudy's older sister Emily, who pops in and out of the story like a bit character, not a major love interest. So annoying.
Then there is the story of JuneBug Moody. He is a football star, popular, dating the head cheerleader, son of the town Mayor, nephew to the school superintendent, etc. JuneBug is also a closeted gay teen, who is possibly in love for the first time with Carter the new kid, who seems like 'a big ole sissy' according to his classmates. And yes, in small town south, back in the day, this was a huge secret. I'll accept that. What I had trouble with was Trudy being compassionate to Carter until she saw him kissing JuneBug. Then suddenly she wants the boys to just stop being like 'that', so that it doesn't affect Haskell's run for Mayor. Even going so far as demanding her mother bake love biscuits for JuneBug's cheerleader girlfriend DeeDee to give him, so that he would suddenly love girls again.
Yes it was a different time but it was still the 1980s - Boy George, Madonna, Wham!, etc. People knew what gay was, and there was a world in which JuneBug didn't have to unhappily marry a woman. Additionally, when Trudy finally learned about the love biscuits, she is furious at having the men in her life manipulated by the 'magic' and yet, she can't wait to force JuneBug to love someone she thinks he should love. Make it make sense.
Barbara and her reign of terror, endlessly heaping abuse on Trudy and undermining her in the press all because of Jimmie's death is another plot point that falls apart because we learn that Barbara gave Jimmie a love biscuit possibly making her responsible for his undoing. Which we are to believe the guilt over which, causes her to deflect and attack innocent little Trudy for seven years. But then again, whoopsie, they have no power so Jimmie was responsible for everything, including taking his own life. But Barbara still gets to print whatever garbage she wishes. Ughhhh.
This book had it's moments, but too many things that made me say, 'oh, come on!' in frustration. This is more of a 3.5 stars for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2025
What first drew me to Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits was definitely the cover art and the book blurb. I’ve always loved stories set in the ’80s and ’90s, so I was immediately intrigued by the promise of small-town Southern charm, a hint of magic, and maybe even a love triangle. In that sense, the story did deliver, though not always in the ways I expected. The “love biscuits” are as important as the title suggests, but they take on a surprising symbolic meaning by the end.
The book does a wonderful job portraying Trudy’s new role as a high school chemistry teacher and the chaos that comes with it. Through her interactions with Coach Shug Meechum and her fiancé, Haskel Moody, we see her caught between comfort and passion, security and authenticity. I did find that her emotional connection with Shug moved a bit quickly, but the contrast between her relationships, what feels safe versus what feels real, was thoughtfully drawn out.
Beyond the romance, this story also explores complex themes like identity, societal judgment, and the struggle for self-acceptance. There’s a subplot involving two young characters grappling with their sexual orientation and the stigma surrounding it in the 1980s South, which highlights the impact of homophobia and how societal pressure can shape who we become. It shows how silence, shame, and social judgment can wound deeply, but also how empathy and understanding can begin to heal. I didn’t always agree with how Trudy chose to handle the boys’ relationship, but that’s part of what makes her such a layered and human character, she’s messy, well-intentioned, and still learning.
The “magic” in the biscuits adds a touch of Southern whimsy while symbolizing the power of women who dare to go after what they want. Underneath the humor and charm, the book deals with trauma, gossip, and the struggle to move beyond one’s past. Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits blends Southern fiction, 1980s nostalgia, family drama, and a dash of magical realism into a heartfelt story about love, self-worth, and second chances.
Thank you to Books Forward PR and Arlon Jay Staggs for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this book.
The book does a wonderful job portraying Trudy’s new role as a high school chemistry teacher and the chaos that comes with it. Through her interactions with Coach Shug Meechum and her fiancé, Haskel Moody, we see her caught between comfort and passion, security and authenticity. I did find that her emotional connection with Shug moved a bit quickly, but the contrast between her relationships, what feels safe versus what feels real, was thoughtfully drawn out.
Beyond the romance, this story also explores complex themes like identity, societal judgment, and the struggle for self-acceptance. There’s a subplot involving two young characters grappling with their sexual orientation and the stigma surrounding it in the 1980s South, which highlights the impact of homophobia and how societal pressure can shape who we become. It shows how silence, shame, and social judgment can wound deeply, but also how empathy and understanding can begin to heal. I didn’t always agree with how Trudy chose to handle the boys’ relationship, but that’s part of what makes her such a layered and human character, she’s messy, well-intentioned, and still learning.
The “magic” in the biscuits adds a touch of Southern whimsy while symbolizing the power of women who dare to go after what they want. Underneath the humor and charm, the book deals with trauma, gossip, and the struggle to move beyond one’s past. Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits blends Southern fiction, 1980s nostalgia, family drama, and a dash of magical realism into a heartfelt story about love, self-worth, and second chances.
Thank you to Books Forward PR and Arlon Jay Staggs for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 3, 2025
Set in the 1980s, Leta Pearl's Love Biscuits is filled with Stars Hollow-like small-town drama, but with a Southern twist and a dash of practical magic. I had so much fun reading this novel; it has a bit of everything, and it is so perfect for the season.
Teen mom Trudy is back home living with her parents after a tragedy that left her a widow and a single mom. She's trying to get her life together, and everything is pointing that way since she's about to be married to her boyfriend, who's running for town mayor. Now, Leta, Trudy's mom, has plans of her own to piggyback ride on Trudy's future social status. She's pushing her agenda with every bite of her delicious biscuits, but she's creating a sticky situation for Trudy, and things might fall apart. The mother and daughter are a hilarious duo, with their antics providing a constant source of entertainment. I must admit that I always looked forward to Barbara's columns in the local newspaper. She is Trudy's former mother-in-law, and the woman is out to stain Trudy and her family's reputation. Barbara's pettiness is so ridiculous; she is the biggest Karen of Bailey Springs, but a lot is going on behind Barbara's Bulletin that she does not write about.
Stagg's characters are interesting, funny, and also deep. The novel explores themes of discrimination, depression, and LGBTQIA+ issues and how these impact different characters. Like you'd follow the scent of freshly baked biscuits, this novel shows how important it is to follow your heart, live for your life, and love who fills your heart with joy. The mystery behind the biscuits hooks the reader because, while it is obvious that something magical is going on, we don't truly understand it until the end.
Readers who enjoy rom-com novels, southern charm, magic, and the 80's will eat this up. It fits the season if you want something magical and cozy.
Thank BooksForwardPr for introducing me to Arlon Jay Staggs and his hilarious debut novel. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Teen mom Trudy is back home living with her parents after a tragedy that left her a widow and a single mom. She's trying to get her life together, and everything is pointing that way since she's about to be married to her boyfriend, who's running for town mayor. Now, Leta, Trudy's mom, has plans of her own to piggyback ride on Trudy's future social status. She's pushing her agenda with every bite of her delicious biscuits, but she's creating a sticky situation for Trudy, and things might fall apart. The mother and daughter are a hilarious duo, with their antics providing a constant source of entertainment. I must admit that I always looked forward to Barbara's columns in the local newspaper. She is Trudy's former mother-in-law, and the woman is out to stain Trudy and her family's reputation. Barbara's pettiness is so ridiculous; she is the biggest Karen of Bailey Springs, but a lot is going on behind Barbara's Bulletin that she does not write about.
Stagg's characters are interesting, funny, and also deep. The novel explores themes of discrimination, depression, and LGBTQIA+ issues and how these impact different characters. Like you'd follow the scent of freshly baked biscuits, this novel shows how important it is to follow your heart, live for your life, and love who fills your heart with joy. The mystery behind the biscuits hooks the reader because, while it is obvious that something magical is going on, we don't truly understand it until the end.
Readers who enjoy rom-com novels, southern charm, magic, and the 80's will eat this up. It fits the season if you want something magical and cozy.
Thank BooksForwardPr for introducing me to Arlon Jay Staggs and his hilarious debut novel. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
October 12, 2025
I just loved the title of this book when I saw it. After all, they have long said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
There were several things I really liked about this book, first of which is the early 1980s nostalgia. Now as a late GenXer, this was my childhood. I was more Peter than the adult characters in the book! But, I enjoyed the fashion, hairstyle, music, and movie references throughout as they immediately snapped me back to my childhood. 80s pop culture is iconic. I could even smell my first perm while reading the pages! I also really liked Conner and June Bug's stories which brought seriousness to the story that was much needed.
Unfortunately, I just couldn't connect with the FMC, nor the supporting female cast. Trudy was overly simpering and a bit too much of an airhead for my preference. She msde a lifetime of poor choices and desperately lacked emotional intelligence. I just couldn't spur myself to root for her, and I would not likely be friends with her in real life. But she was a breath of fresh air compared to the town full of conniving gossips, busybodies, and hateful crones (even if some were still in their teens and 20s!). It's like the whole town was still living their high school glory days and obsessed with football, image, and country club theatrics. Ick.
I do think a lot of women will really like this story and connect to it based on their life experiences. But as the band nerd who never got asked to Homecoming or Prom, stories of jocks and cheerleaders and all their drama just remind me why I was so eager to leave high school and my small town behind.
But, I do now really crave a fluffy magical biscuit!
Thank you to Koehler Books and Books Forward for the complimentary advanced copy.
There were several things I really liked about this book, first of which is the early 1980s nostalgia. Now as a late GenXer, this was my childhood. I was more Peter than the adult characters in the book! But, I enjoyed the fashion, hairstyle, music, and movie references throughout as they immediately snapped me back to my childhood. 80s pop culture is iconic. I could even smell my first perm while reading the pages! I also really liked Conner and June Bug's stories which brought seriousness to the story that was much needed.
Unfortunately, I just couldn't connect with the FMC, nor the supporting female cast. Trudy was overly simpering and a bit too much of an airhead for my preference. She msde a lifetime of poor choices and desperately lacked emotional intelligence. I just couldn't spur myself to root for her, and I would not likely be friends with her in real life. But she was a breath of fresh air compared to the town full of conniving gossips, busybodies, and hateful crones (even if some were still in their teens and 20s!). It's like the whole town was still living their high school glory days and obsessed with football, image, and country club theatrics. Ick.
I do think a lot of women will really like this story and connect to it based on their life experiences. But as the band nerd who never got asked to Homecoming or Prom, stories of jocks and cheerleaders and all their drama just remind me why I was so eager to leave high school and my small town behind.
But, I do now really crave a fluffy magical biscuit!
Thank you to Koehler Books and Books Forward for the complimentary advanced copy.
October 7, 2025
Thank you @booksforwardpr @koehlerbookspub @arlonjay for the #gifted book and awesome swag box.
1982, Alabama. Trudy Abernathy, former head cheerleader who was disgraced by becoming pregnant in her senior year by the quarterback is going back to high school, this time as the new chemistry teacher. Barbara Beaumont, the town’s gossip columnist and mom to the aforementioned quarterback and also to current head cheerleader, DeeDee— has a vendetta against Trudy. Her son, Jimmie, died tragically and she puts the blame solely on Trudy. Trudy is now engaged to Haskel Moody, current superintendent and likely to be the next mayor— because Moodys are always mayors (his brother Leon is being termed out). Leon’s son JuneBug is current quarterback and in Trudy’s class. New to school is Carter, trying to make it through the year, gay in a 1980s Deep South small town. Teaching across the hall is head coach Shug Meechum and they don’t see eye-to-eye from jump.
The story alternates from third person to first person accounts by Leta Pearl, Trudy’s mom and baker of the titular love biscuits. As it does, everyone’s lives revolve around each other and Friday night football in a small town.
The early 80s nostalgia hit hard. From references to Princess Diana and the Sunday Countdown with Casey Kasem, the beginning of MTV and cable television, shopping malls and tv signing off to the National Anthem— this book had me all in my memories.
I really loved the characters, minus two of course, and their lives were a great escape from current life in the South.
Could I please ask for a sequel with Emily??
1982, Alabama. Trudy Abernathy, former head cheerleader who was disgraced by becoming pregnant in her senior year by the quarterback is going back to high school, this time as the new chemistry teacher. Barbara Beaumont, the town’s gossip columnist and mom to the aforementioned quarterback and also to current head cheerleader, DeeDee— has a vendetta against Trudy. Her son, Jimmie, died tragically and she puts the blame solely on Trudy. Trudy is now engaged to Haskel Moody, current superintendent and likely to be the next mayor— because Moodys are always mayors (his brother Leon is being termed out). Leon’s son JuneBug is current quarterback and in Trudy’s class. New to school is Carter, trying to make it through the year, gay in a 1980s Deep South small town. Teaching across the hall is head coach Shug Meechum and they don’t see eye-to-eye from jump.
The story alternates from third person to first person accounts by Leta Pearl, Trudy’s mom and baker of the titular love biscuits. As it does, everyone’s lives revolve around each other and Friday night football in a small town.
The early 80s nostalgia hit hard. From references to Princess Diana and the Sunday Countdown with Casey Kasem, the beginning of MTV and cable television, shopping malls and tv signing off to the National Anthem— this book had me all in my memories.
I really loved the characters, minus two of course, and their lives were a great escape from current life in the South.
Could I please ask for a sequel with Emily??
January 14, 2026
Well I have veered off the thriller path and into a humorous southern fiction story that would make a great book club read! (and yes I am enjoying other genres and dipping into that TBR pile instead of just reading ARC's)
Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits is the kind of Southern tale that smiles sweetly to your face and then whispers, “Bless your heart,”. Set in a town where football reputations never die, gossip is a competitive sport, and everyone knows your business before you do, this story leans hard into charm with a mischievous wink. Leta Pearl herself is a force—equal parts meddler, matriarch, and culinary menace—serving up biscuits that stir in all kinds of ingredients. Beneath the humor and porch-swing warmth is a sharp look at judgment, second chances, and what happens when women stop behaving the way a town expects them to. It’s funny, a little messy, slightly magical, and unapologetically Southern—like a church potluck where secrets get spilled before dessert.
Reasons to pick it up:
🧈 Southern charm with bite – Sweet on the surface, sharp where it counts
💬 Small-town drama done right – Gossip, grudges, and long memories galore
🔮 A dash of whimsy – Just enough magic to stir the pot without overdoing it
👩👧 Women who run the show – Loud, flawed, complicated, and unforgettable
📚 Perfect porch-read energy – Comforting, clever, and quietly subversive
If you like your stories warm, witty, and willing to misbehave, this one deserves a spot on your nightstand.
Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits is the kind of Southern tale that smiles sweetly to your face and then whispers, “Bless your heart,”. Set in a town where football reputations never die, gossip is a competitive sport, and everyone knows your business before you do, this story leans hard into charm with a mischievous wink. Leta Pearl herself is a force—equal parts meddler, matriarch, and culinary menace—serving up biscuits that stir in all kinds of ingredients. Beneath the humor and porch-swing warmth is a sharp look at judgment, second chances, and what happens when women stop behaving the way a town expects them to. It’s funny, a little messy, slightly magical, and unapologetically Southern—like a church potluck where secrets get spilled before dessert.
Reasons to pick it up:
🧈 Southern charm with bite – Sweet on the surface, sharp where it counts
💬 Small-town drama done right – Gossip, grudges, and long memories galore
🔮 A dash of whimsy – Just enough magic to stir the pot without overdoing it
👩👧 Women who run the show – Loud, flawed, complicated, and unforgettable
📚 Perfect porch-read energy – Comforting, clever, and quietly subversive
If you like your stories warm, witty, and willing to misbehave, this one deserves a spot on your nightstand.
October 22, 2025
3.5 Stars rounding up
It is tough to balance heavier topics like spousal abuse and queer discrimination, with a lighthearted romance, but this book somehow manages to balance them well.
Leta Pearl is a mother with the best of intentions, using her famous love biscuits to influence the men in town. Now with her daughter Trudy back in town, set to marry the future mayor, Leta is not going to take any chances in things going south.
Trudy is the newly hired chemistry teacher, and her past in the town continues to haunt her at every turn. Having married the star quarterback after high school, everyone in town thought Trudy was living the high life. Far from it and when her ex ends up dead, everyone blames her, with little cause to do so.
She is desperately trying to make a better life for her son, even if it means marrying someone she isn’t head over heels for. The school football coach is about to throw a wrench in all her plans as well.
I was so frustrated with how Trudy was treated throughout the book. She just couldn’t catch a break. I loved the football coach character and her son was adorable as well. Very cute story with some heavier topics woven in. I enjoyed it for sure.
It is tough to balance heavier topics like spousal abuse and queer discrimination, with a lighthearted romance, but this book somehow manages to balance them well.
Leta Pearl is a mother with the best of intentions, using her famous love biscuits to influence the men in town. Now with her daughter Trudy back in town, set to marry the future mayor, Leta is not going to take any chances in things going south.
Trudy is the newly hired chemistry teacher, and her past in the town continues to haunt her at every turn. Having married the star quarterback after high school, everyone in town thought Trudy was living the high life. Far from it and when her ex ends up dead, everyone blames her, with little cause to do so.
She is desperately trying to make a better life for her son, even if it means marrying someone she isn’t head over heels for. The school football coach is about to throw a wrench in all her plans as well.
I was so frustrated with how Trudy was treated throughout the book. She just couldn’t catch a break. I loved the football coach character and her son was adorable as well. Very cute story with some heavier topics woven in. I enjoyed it for sure.
December 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits” by Arlon Jay Staggs
An adorable blend of Southern charm, old-fashioned manners, and pushing the envelope on small town thinking! Trudy seems to finally have all things headed in the right direction - she’s engaged to the next mayor of Bailey Springs, she just secured a job at the high school, and she finally feels like she’s setting herself and her young son, Pete, up for success. But once she starts her teaching job, everything starts to unravel. First, she’s forced to take over the cheerleading squad, led by the younger sister of Trudy’s own high school nemesis. Next, Trudy seems to keep committing snafus that end up exploited by the town gossip, Barbara. And then there’s Coach Meechum - why is Trudy so attracted to this man when she’s supposed to be marrying another? Trudy’s mother, Leta Pearl, has her own schemes working - including making sure she is readmitted to the town’s women’s social club. And her plan all starts with her special biscuits - rumored to make any man fall in love. Will Leta Pearl’s biscuits work their magic and get Trudy down the aisle? Will Trudy be able to find her way as a high school teacher and protect her students’ secrets? Fun, sweet read!
“Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits” by Arlon Jay Staggs
An adorable blend of Southern charm, old-fashioned manners, and pushing the envelope on small town thinking! Trudy seems to finally have all things headed in the right direction - she’s engaged to the next mayor of Bailey Springs, she just secured a job at the high school, and she finally feels like she’s setting herself and her young son, Pete, up for success. But once she starts her teaching job, everything starts to unravel. First, she’s forced to take over the cheerleading squad, led by the younger sister of Trudy’s own high school nemesis. Next, Trudy seems to keep committing snafus that end up exploited by the town gossip, Barbara. And then there’s Coach Meechum - why is Trudy so attracted to this man when she’s supposed to be marrying another? Trudy’s mother, Leta Pearl, has her own schemes working - including making sure she is readmitted to the town’s women’s social club. And her plan all starts with her special biscuits - rumored to make any man fall in love. Will Leta Pearl’s biscuits work their magic and get Trudy down the aisle? Will Trudy be able to find her way as a high school teacher and protect her students’ secrets? Fun, sweet read!
October 11, 2025
If you’re looking for a throwback, southern, low-stakes, lighthearted, small town drama then I have just the book for you. I’m not going to lie, I was initially drawn to this book because the title was cute and the setting was Alabama. Swipe to see the full back cover synopsis, but Leta Pearl wants to get her daughter, Trudy, set up with Haskel Moody. And she will stop at nothing to make that happen. Meanwhile, she’s busy teaching chemistry at the high school, where things take an interesting turn. And let’s not forget about Barbara and her bulletins! (Can I just say that I love these sassy little inserts to guide us through the story?). This was an easy read, and I didn’t find it too exceptionally cringey (which sometimes happens when someone tries to write a southern book - I guess it helps that the author is from Alabama himself). Is it a little stereotypical? Sure. But if you’re willing to really immerse yourself into a story, you can definitely do it with this one. The pub date for this one is October 7! Thank you so much to BooksForward for my copy! And these incredible bookmail goodies!
October 19, 2025
Pulled in and couldn’t put it down.
And I say that as someone who isn’t an avid reader and who has zero tolerance for a slow plot.
Full transparency: the author is my husband — but I can still say, without bias, that Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits is one of my favorite stories. The Southern characters and their dialogue are funny, sharp, and full of life, yet the real beauty is in the quiet moments when Trudy wrestles with who she is and what she wants.
Those passages hit home — especially for anyone who’s ever found themselves saying yes when they wanted to say no, or staying quiet to keep the peace.
This book has humor, heart, and a surprising amount of insight. It’s Southern, it’s smart, and it lingers with you — like the best kind of story (and the best kind of biscuit).
And I say that as someone who isn’t an avid reader and who has zero tolerance for a slow plot.
Full transparency: the author is my husband — but I can still say, without bias, that Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits is one of my favorite stories. The Southern characters and their dialogue are funny, sharp, and full of life, yet the real beauty is in the quiet moments when Trudy wrestles with who she is and what she wants.
Those passages hit home — especially for anyone who’s ever found themselves saying yes when they wanted to say no, or staying quiet to keep the peace.
This book has humor, heart, and a surprising amount of insight. It’s Southern, it’s smart, and it lingers with you — like the best kind of story (and the best kind of biscuit).
November 25, 2025
At the Warwick bookstore meet-the-author event, Arlon entertained us with his trials and triumphs writing a comedic fiction set in a small town. As an educator and textbook author, I was intrigued by how he developed and gave voice to the story’s characters. Indeed, some of my favorite parts of the book were the dialogue between the high school chemistry teacher, her mom, and the football coach. As you read the book, the rich and sassy dialogue helps you hear the characters talking to each other. Their conversations pull you forward so the book is hard to put down. I like to read books that surprise me. And this book has some plot twists well worth the read. Get the book for yourself, family, and friends. You will have lots to discuss.
July 15, 2025
What a cute and fun read! While this book was light-hearted and so buttery sweet, I do think that it touches on some really important and timely aspects, like women's roles in the South, the importance of the matriarchy, and familial and romantic relationships. This book has a lot to offer, and the writing was atmospheric and witty. A must-read if you're someone who can't get enough of the South, it really reminded me of Friday Night Lights!
Great for avid readers of Southern fiction like Fannie Flagg or queer fiction like Steven Rowley. Mixed with an author who really *gets* the South, similarly to Jesmyn Ward. So excited to see what Staggs does next!
Great for avid readers of Southern fiction like Fannie Flagg or queer fiction like Steven Rowley. Mixed with an author who really *gets* the South, similarly to Jesmyn Ward. So excited to see what Staggs does next!
October 5, 2025
I received an e-ARC of this copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
A delightfully funny read, with some serious moments that might be a touch anachronistic. There were a few small-town cliches, but the book overall is written very well, and turns out well in the end. It's not the sort of book I'd normally pick up in a book shop, but I figured I'd give it a look in and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characterisation was done quickly - I wanted to smack Barbara Beaumont the second I read her first bulletin, it was very Bless Your Heartish - and solidly, and I adored Emily's little inputs immensely. A fun read for sure.
A delightfully funny read, with some serious moments that might be a touch anachronistic. There were a few small-town cliches, but the book overall is written very well, and turns out well in the end. It's not the sort of book I'd normally pick up in a book shop, but I figured I'd give it a look in and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characterisation was done quickly - I wanted to smack Barbara Beaumont the second I read her first bulletin, it was very Bless Your Heartish - and solidly, and I adored Emily's little inputs immensely. A fun read for sure.
October 6, 2025
This is a sweet and sometimes funny story set in the early 1980s in Alabama. It’s part rom-com, part commentary on the time and place, part “Mean Girls.” There is a gay subplot that kind of works until it comes to a pat resolution at the end. There are some inconsistencies in the story, especially when it comes to the magic biscuits, but it’s a quick read and very enjoyable from beginning to end.
Thank you to Köehler Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Köehler Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2025
80s in a small southern town is the setting for this debut novel.
It’s seemingly ripe for memorable colorful characters amid an interesting storyline.
Unfortunately, this readers’s attention wandered a number of times. Often distracted by the Greek chorus feel of the Bulletin that was placed intermittently. Understood its purpose but felt it marred the pacing of the book.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, Köehler Books, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It’s seemingly ripe for memorable colorful characters amid an interesting storyline.
Unfortunately, this readers’s attention wandered a number of times. Often distracted by the Greek chorus feel of the Bulletin that was placed intermittently. Understood its purpose but felt it marred the pacing of the book.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, Köehler Books, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2025
I loved this one! The author does such a good job of blending genres (historical fiction, southern fiction, a touch of magical realism, and romance)! I loved the relationship between the characters, and I thought that Staggs really captured Southern culture so well. I think if you enjoyed Friday Night Lights or Fannie Flagg's writing, then you'll enjoy this one!
September 11, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. I found it difficult to get into this book but I did start to care about the characters and want to know how things ended. I expected the 1980s small town drama to be more dramatic, but maybe it’s my having lived through a conservative, rural hometown that made me grit my teeth at times. The concept was sweet and the characters were loveable.
September 4, 2025
“Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits is a delightful DeLorean ride to the ‘80s. Rich with nostalgia, big-hearted characters, and a deeper message to love who you love.” ~Dana Elmendorf, a GMA Buzz Pick author of Grave Birds.
October 10, 2025
This is such a fun trip down memory lane as well as an enchanting tale of love and football in the Deep South! If you love the 80’s and love triangle, with a sprinkle of teen new love, then this book will delight you.
November 16, 2025
A great read that transported me to 1983 Alabama. The characters come to life in a page turning story with plenty of twists, turns, big hair, and gossip. Ultimately, Arlon Jay Staggs hones in on what is most important in life.
September 24, 2025
concept was sweet and the book was really interesting. you felt Barbara's venom throughout, and you could really sympathize for most of the chars. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
November 8, 2025
Such a fun read! Delightful characters, some mischief, some live, and some heartache in a small southern town. Almost forgot the football, of course there’s high school football involved!
November 18, 2025
For fans of small town fiction with a southern setting. There's romance and humor and also touches on darker themes. Enjoyable characters. 3.5 stars rounded up.
December 8, 2025
A fun and fulfilling read full of quirky southern charm and lots of laughs. For any of us growing up in a small Southern town in the 80s it is like a wonderful walk down memory lane.
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