Carr serves huge slices of entertainment with that perfect small-town setup, crafting eccentric characters who immediately win over readers…relatable backdrops make for a likable cast, and Carr smartly revolves the book’s developments around these appealing ladies and their provincial goings-on… Carr has a talent for spinning imaginative prose and injecting healthy doses of dry wit, though that doesn’t mean the story is lacking in deeper moments…Readers who love nostalgic small-town tales will devour Carr’s debut."

“A finely crafted and thoughtful look at the problems that bind us within our seemingly mundane, everyday lives…Overall, this is a wonderful, emotionally resonant tale with a relatable, well-observed narrative that rewards readers with its quiet strength and wisdom. Very highly recommended.”

 "…a heartwarming story that captures relationships, growth, and tragedy in an enlightening atmosphere readers will find engrossing...Discussion points at the novel’s end make for perfect pointers for book clubs and reading groups interested in a closer examination of small-town relationships in general and women’s transformations in particular.”

“Lunch Ladies by Jodi Thompson Carr is a literary masterpiece—a beautifully written story woven with richly complex characters that pull on your heartstrings…There is so much to love about this novel. From the witty banter between characters to the moments of quiet reflection where the characters’ internal dialogue begins to feel like your own, the author has deftly lured readers in with her clever prose…If you love a small-town vibe rife with quirky characters, then you won’t want to miss Jodi Thompson Carr’s Lunch Ladies.”

"Rich with witty dialogue and the ups and downs that come with friends and family, this is a wonderful book that many will enjoy. Kudos to author Jodi Thompson Carr for creating a masterpiece full of emotion, love, warmth, and life."

"Crystal, Coralene, and Sheila are all wonderfully complex characters with fully fleshed out voices that make switching between their perspectives easy to follow. It's even easier to root for them...It's a truly well-written, reflective novel perfect for a book club or rainy Sunday morning."