What do you think?
Rate this book
The Same Sweet Girls
The new novel by the celebrated author of The Sunday Wife chronicles the lives of a tight-knit group of lifelong friends.
None of the Same Sweet Girls are really girls anymore, and none of them have actually ever been that sweet. But this spirited group of Southern women, who have been holding biannual reunions ever since they were together in college, are nothing short of compelling. There's Julia Stovall, the First Lady of Alabama, who, despite her public veneer, is a down-to-earth gal who only wants to know who her husband is sneaking out with late at night. There's Lanier Sanders, whose husband won custody of their children after he found out about her fling with a colleague. Then there's Astor Deveaux, a former Broadway showgirl who simply can't keep her flirtations in check. And Corinne Cooper, whose incredible story comes to light as the novel unfolds.
None of the Same Sweet Girls are really girls anymore, and none of them have actually ever been that sweet. But this spirited group of Southern women, who have been holding biannual reunions ever since they were together in college, are nothing short of compelling. There's Julia Stovall, the First Lady of Alabama, who, despite her public veneer, is a down-to-earth gal who only wants to know who her husband is sneaking out with late at night. There's Lanier Sanders, whose husband won custody of their children after he found out about her fling with a colleague. Then there's Astor Deveaux, a former Broadway showgirl who simply can't keep her flirtations in check. And Corinne Cooper, whose incredible story comes to light as the novel unfolds.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
215 people are currently reading
4025 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra King
9 books349 followersCASSANDRA KING, who has been called “the Queen of Southern storytelling,” is the author of six novels, Making Waves, The Sunday Wife, The Same Sweet Girls, Queen of Broken Hearts, Moonrise, and The Same Sweet Girls' Guide to Life, as well as numerous short stories, essays and articles. Moonrise, her fifth novel, is set in Highlands, North Carolina. A native of Alabama, Cassandra resides in Beaufort, South Carolina, with her husband, writer Pat Conroy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 483 reviews
May 30, 2008
I did not expect much from this book, thought it would be yet another story of the friendship among a group of women. However, I was pleasantly surprised. There actually is depth and grit here. The author alternates her focus among the characters so the reader is able to get each women's perspective and therefore, comes to understand and sympathize with their decisions. The women deal with real life issues. And, like so many of the best novels, it is set in the south! Reminiscent of Patricia Gaffney's The Saving Graces and Lorna Landvik's Angry Housewives Eating Bob-Bons.
March 5, 2011
We read this for book club. Most of the girls thought it was ok... I loved it. It really made me think. Friendship is so important, as women we become so wrapped up in the lives of our husbands and children, and we often forget to cultivate the things that we once loved to do. It really made me think about how important it is to live MY life, not just help my husband and child live theirs. To keep a little bit of selfishness alive, and do the things I love. I was also hit hard by the saying "Your biography is your biology". I can totally relate to this, from my own personal experience, when I am in a great mood and all seems to be well in my world, I feel great physically. It makes sense that your body would respond to your moods and mental state. Was it a life changing book? No, it was typical chick lit, but there were lessons to be found in it for me and I enjoyed it:)
February 7, 2020
How do I hate thee? Let me count the ways:
Nothing in this book is believable; not the ''friendships'', not the way they talk, not the ridiculous things they do...nothing.
They say they are best friends, but clearly they don't even know what that means. The are mean to each other a lot of the time, they are nasty about each other behind each other's backs, they are dishonest with each other. There was NO point to Rosanelle being part of the story...because, after all, ''she just doesn't GET it". Byrd...who was she? And Astor; I just had to pick up the book to remind myself that she was the poor, tall-self involved slut. That was pretty much the only thing we learned about her. Most of the story was about Corrine, Julia and Lanier and told from their perspective. I couldn't tell you a single thing about Byrd. The only thing I could tell you about Rosanelle is that she ''just doesn't GET it". The only part of this book that didn't completely stink was the end, the last 2 1/2 pages. Not great in a 400 page book. Skip this one if you don't want a headache from rolling your eyes. Y'all. I do declare. Grits. Oh, honey.....stereotype central.
Nothing in this book is believable; not the ''friendships'', not the way they talk, not the ridiculous things they do...nothing.
They say they are best friends, but clearly they don't even know what that means. The are mean to each other a lot of the time, they are nasty about each other behind each other's backs, they are dishonest with each other. There was NO point to Rosanelle being part of the story...because, after all, ''she just doesn't GET it". Byrd...who was she? And Astor; I just had to pick up the book to remind myself that she was the poor, tall-self involved slut. That was pretty much the only thing we learned about her. Most of the story was about Corrine, Julia and Lanier and told from their perspective. I couldn't tell you a single thing about Byrd. The only thing I could tell you about Rosanelle is that she ''just doesn't GET it". The only part of this book that didn't completely stink was the end, the last 2 1/2 pages. Not great in a 400 page book. Skip this one if you don't want a headache from rolling your eyes. Y'all. I do declare. Grits. Oh, honey.....stereotype central.
December 3, 2008
CAssandra King is a local writer who I have just started to read. Of the books of hers I have read, this is my favorite so far. She took a group of distinct personalities and wove them together in an interesting tale. Funny thing is that part of the setting is my beloved Georgia mountains. When the girls are up at Blue Mountain, I pictured RAbun County in my mind and felt right at home in the hollows and havens of those lush Southern Appalacian hills. While this is a book definitely geared towards women, it wasn't bad-- light and quick, but with enough substance that you didn't feel like you'd just had an overly sweet milkshake with a cloying aftertaste that some of this genre leave you with.
While one or two of the same old girls were pretty standard fare, the three explored the most fully, Corrine, Lanier and Julia rang true to me. They felt like women I could know or may have met. Life is not always easy or pretty, but it is for the living, and these women found a way to find their way through the vagrancies of life.
Umm...did I mention she is Pat Conroy's wife?
While one or two of the same old girls were pretty standard fare, the three explored the most fully, Corrine, Lanier and Julia rang true to me. They felt like women I could know or may have met. Life is not always easy or pretty, but it is for the living, and these women found a way to find their way through the vagrancies of life.
Umm...did I mention she is Pat Conroy's wife?
April 21, 2012
Cassandra King excels at development of characters and great storytelling. The girls of this book still rumble around in my head and I expect they will stay there always. Innumerable sequels could follow this novel because the book ends with the reader wanting to know much more about these characters. But these characters initially belonged to Cassandra King who so graciously shared them with us and whether she shares them with us again is rightly her choice.
Six college friends who are now approaching age 50 have met twice annually since their college graduation. This is a story of strong, lasting female friendships. The six girls are each unique yet they have the commonality of being held together by the ties of friendship. Yes, the book is Southern fiction about Southern ladies, but anyone who has experienced a strong friendship can identify with this story. King is an exceptional storyteller that brings the reader to laughter and tears.
Six college friends who are now approaching age 50 have met twice annually since their college graduation. This is a story of strong, lasting female friendships. The six girls are each unique yet they have the commonality of being held together by the ties of friendship. Yes, the book is Southern fiction about Southern ladies, but anyone who has experienced a strong friendship can identify with this story. King is an exceptional storyteller that brings the reader to laughter and tears.
August 18, 2013
This book was very up and down. Well, it was actually down, up, then down. I had a hard time getting pulled into the story in the beginning, but then the plot picked up. I was very intrigued by the conflict between these women. I was so caught up in this that it just suddenly dropped out of interest. I literally lost interest in this book within the last 40 pages or so. I got the jist of the story, but it wasn't as captivating at the summary led me to believe.
September 15, 2010
Isn’t it time to retire the ‘friends since college, friends ‘til the end, and one of them is ill?’ theme?
There was nothing new in this book that hasn’t been seen before, and done considerably better (Elizabeth Berg & Patricia Gaffney to mention two).
Julia, Astor, Byrd, Lanier, Corrine and Rosanelle have been friends since college. They have gone their separate ways, yet they meet twice a year. They call themselves The Same Sweet Girls, and during their yearly get togethers they choose a Queen for the year, replete with ceremony and lots of alcohol.
I cannot tell you how many times I rolled my eyes or laughed out loud at some of the dopey things done or said on this book. And if I had money for every time the word naïve or innocent was used to describe someone I’d have some bucks. The only part of the book I really enjoyed in terms of writing was the last 4 pages, and I can’t talk about them because they spoil the book.
Please someone come up with a more original way to tell these stories of women’s friendships that don’t involve illness and/or abuse.
There was nothing new in this book that hasn’t been seen before, and done considerably better (Elizabeth Berg & Patricia Gaffney to mention two).
Julia, Astor, Byrd, Lanier, Corrine and Rosanelle have been friends since college. They have gone their separate ways, yet they meet twice a year. They call themselves The Same Sweet Girls, and during their yearly get togethers they choose a Queen for the year, replete with ceremony and lots of alcohol.
I cannot tell you how many times I rolled my eyes or laughed out loud at some of the dopey things done or said on this book. And if I had money for every time the word naïve or innocent was used to describe someone I’d have some bucks. The only part of the book I really enjoyed in terms of writing was the last 4 pages, and I can’t talk about them because they spoil the book.
Please someone come up with a more original way to tell these stories of women’s friendships that don’t involve illness and/or abuse.
February 26, 2021
Same-old same-old "chick lit" stuff! Just a bunch of old gals crying buckets of tears - bah! It's redeeming grace was it inspired me to Google gourd art - what beautiful designs.
December 24, 2010
I had a little difficulty getting into this book, but once I did, I wanted to finish it. There are many books about women's realtionships. This is not a particularly good one.
In thinking about the characters in the book, I don't think I would want to befriend any of them. I wonder which character we were supposed to identify with. None of the women were pleasant. There are six female characters in the Same Sweet Girls group, but the story is told from the point of view of three of them. Of the six, one is quasi-happily married, two are divorced,and I don't believe the other three have ever been married. The three who do not tell the story are really one-dimensional characters about whom we do not have much information. The two divorcees have children, but their realtionships with them are not good. The other married woman has a handicapped daughter so there are no normal mother-child relationships.
The girls (now in their 50's) met in college and are supposed to be life-long friends, but none of them seem to like the others much. The rituals they follow seem too pointless to be real.
The men in the book do not fare much better. The best female character is married to the Governor of Alabama who seems to be one of the few decent men in the book. She loves being the Governor's wife, but for no reason suddenly decides that she doesn't want to live in the mansion any more.
The ending was really contrived and I didn't like it at all.
One reason I wanted to read this book is because the author is married to my favorite author, Pat Conroy. Pat agonizes over writing his books, which are all autobiographical, and sometimes goes several years between books. His wife turns out books rather quickly. It is easy to see why. She definitely does not have his gift for description. I don't know whether I would read anothe book by her or not.
In thinking about the characters in the book, I don't think I would want to befriend any of them. I wonder which character we were supposed to identify with. None of the women were pleasant. There are six female characters in the Same Sweet Girls group, but the story is told from the point of view of three of them. Of the six, one is quasi-happily married, two are divorced,and I don't believe the other three have ever been married. The three who do not tell the story are really one-dimensional characters about whom we do not have much information. The two divorcees have children, but their realtionships with them are not good. The other married woman has a handicapped daughter so there are no normal mother-child relationships.
The girls (now in their 50's) met in college and are supposed to be life-long friends, but none of them seem to like the others much. The rituals they follow seem too pointless to be real.
The men in the book do not fare much better. The best female character is married to the Governor of Alabama who seems to be one of the few decent men in the book. She loves being the Governor's wife, but for no reason suddenly decides that she doesn't want to live in the mansion any more.
The ending was really contrived and I didn't like it at all.
One reason I wanted to read this book is because the author is married to my favorite author, Pat Conroy. Pat agonizes over writing his books, which are all autobiographical, and sometimes goes several years between books. His wife turns out books rather quickly. It is easy to see why. She definitely does not have his gift for description. I don't know whether I would read anothe book by her or not.
January 27, 2012
This was a book about friendship and acceptance. Not all of the characters were loveable; some of their actions were reprehensible. The story, however, was captivating. The book was about mature women, not some doe eyed young things. They have life histories and complications. They have made mistakes and have supported one another-some more so than others. They dealt with situations and confronted their demons. Some had troubled or unusual marriages. Some had affairs, some resisted. They were not at all what they seemed. An illness turns out to be just that(though I had suspected poisoning...). The book does involve adult issues, such as rape and euthanasia. Viewed from outside, many lives seem perfect, but, when examined, all are flawed. This book did a good job of showing the public perception while exposing the reality. It was nice, as a mature woman, to read a book about mature women coping with life's ups and down. I may not agree with how some issues were handled, and the ending, which was not what I believe true friends would have done, but the book was a good read.
June 9, 2008
Okay story...did not love it and I was kind of bored reading it. A group of girlfriends from college who get together ever year..blah, blah, blah. But the girls didn't seem to like each other very much....I kept thinking "why bother pretending to be friends"?
December 7, 2009
Found it to be a somewhat cliche friendship story. The characters had issues and were not perfect, but they didn't seem real to me, either. How can you be good friends for 30 years and truly not know a person?
January 22, 2009
A hokey novel of six Southern life-long friends. I found it mediocre and maudlin.
January 31, 2022
This was my first book by Cassandra King and it certainly won't be my last. What a wonderful storyteller she is! The Same Sweet Girls is a heartwarming (and heartbreaking) tale of six long-time friends (since college, and now in their almost-50s) still holding on to one another as they navigate through life. The characters are unique, flawed, and very real. Some are sassy, some are meek, some are even a bit selfish and judgmental. But they are all strong women. The choices, challenges, and experiences they face are very relatable. And the conversations they engage in are very believable, especially if you're from the South, like me! I laughed and I cried, and I could not put this book down!
February 21, 2016
I started reading The Same Sweet Girls because I asked my fiance what book to read next and his finger randomly settled on this one. I think I bought this used, but I'm not really sure.... in any case, I'm glad I read it. I thought it was going to be more about a secret that all six of the girls kept, and I thought it was going to be narrated by all six ladies. I was wrong on both counts, which is a relief. I liked that only Corrine, Lanier and Julia narrated. This made it easier to follow but I also think these were the three who had the most interesting stories to learn.
I half expected Julia to make the decision to track down Jesus Perez but I think it's okay that she didn't. I like that she finally learned to love her husband but I'm sad that it took twenty years. He seemed like the only truly good guy in the book. (Even Cal who is depicted as a good man is going through a divorce and kind of has some kind of romantic interlude with 3 of the SSGs.)
I'm also sad that it took Corrine getting sick to learn to get rid of Miles and open up to some new experiences, but at least she was able to. I wish she and her son had had a more happy ending though.
Finally, Lanier was too funny but I felt like I wanted more about her and Paul. Who knows how her story ended...
The theme of this seems to be happy endings come too late. I suppose that might be something Lanier has in her Lesson Book.
I half expected Julia to make the decision to track down Jesus Perez but I think it's okay that she didn't. I like that she finally learned to love her husband but I'm sad that it took twenty years. He seemed like the only truly good guy in the book. (Even Cal who is depicted as a good man is going through a divorce and kind of has some kind of romantic interlude with 3 of the SSGs.)
I'm also sad that it took Corrine getting sick to learn to get rid of Miles and open up to some new experiences, but at least she was able to. I wish she and her son had had a more happy ending though.
Finally, Lanier was too funny but I felt like I wanted more about her and Paul. Who knows how her story ended...
The theme of this seems to be happy endings come too late. I suppose that might be something Lanier has in her Lesson Book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2012
This is the story of six Southern women, and the bonds of friendship that see them through the difficulties of adult life. It serves as a reminder that we can love each other better by embracing the imperfections in others, instead of judging or reprimandin them. It boasts one of the most beautifully poignant, powerful, and memorable endings I've ever read in a book. I could go on, but let me just give you this recommendation and leave it at that. If you like "Southern" literature, and if you enjoy stories about groups of friends, this is a must-read.
February 5, 2024
These are MY notes to help me remember the story. College friends that continue seeing each other for years - how the girls are different but when they get together twice a year (and the many phone calls/visits of some in between) they get caught up on each other lives. I found the last pages alittle weird as Corrine ( the gourd artist) dies and go to meet another friend who died years before and her vine etched gourd helps her climb up the pier from the boat. Alright book not bad or great but an easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2011
I thought this book was a page turner...about woman that get together once a year since they were all younger...they all have a story to tell and the author of this book keeps you interested and gets you to turn the pages and not want it to end...my book is falling apart now because it is one that i like to read and has stayed on my bookshelf since i first read it a few years ago...i really loved this one and it also gives you a surprise ending that makes you want to cry...
July 30, 2021
2.5 okay for a vacation read. Story of six lifelong friends told from the POV of three. Don’t really get to know the other three. Ending seemed abrupt and not sure how they got there for one of the characters.
June 17, 2008
Currently listening to on audio...
Did not like this at all... Had a nice storyline, but nothing touching... and it really could have been...
Did not like this at all... Had a nice storyline, but nothing touching... and it really could have been...
June 27, 2008
I couldn't finish this book.
It had too many goofy characters in it...
I really wanted to like it since I'm in a group of women that meet up regularly. But, it wasn't for me.
It had too many goofy characters in it...
I really wanted to like it since I'm in a group of women that meet up regularly. But, it wasn't for me.
July 3, 2008
Sorry, this was a forgetable snoozer for me.
June 22, 2009
Could NOT get into this...didn't finish it which is almost a never for me! I just was in the mood for something with more substance!
April 12, 2012
gave up on it after about 25 pages...the women were just too "southern" stereotypical and i wasn't prepared for another 375 pages of the same
July 30, 2012
Could not get into this book. Too many main characters that were too similar to keep up with and too much backstory not enough story.
July 24, 2012
Hard to read. The book had ADD. Too bad because her other books are really good.
January 5, 2019
Although the beginning of the book was a bit slow, I couldn't put it down after about page 150. I was up until 2am finishing it and crying my eyes out.
I don't think I will every be as lucky as these ladies are to have these friends they are so close to.
I don't think I will every be as lucky as these ladies are to have these friends they are so close to.
October 17, 2019
A special story about life long friends. Chick lit at its best though the ending was a bit of fantasy.
November 20, 2023
2.5 stars ✨
June 16, 2022
If you have the good fortune to have a best friend, or group of best friends, then you will devour Cassandra King’s The Same Sweet Girls. A timeless, honest, poignant, and joyful story of a tightly knit group of women, the reader will feel embraced and uplifted by their spirit, candor and commitment. A highly recommended read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 483 reviews