Life of Pies

Twelve years ago, Matthias Davidson left his broken home to find a better life, leaving his mama, brother, and sister behind. But a broken man only becomes more broken in a world without love and hope. Now Matthias is in trouble, and he desperately needs help. And he only has one place left to go. Home to Mama. Will Matthias be able to reconcile with his mother? Will he find a way out of his trouble - or will more trouble find him?

Asher Davidson is headed home to visit his mama and sister, and to see his wayward older brother, too - and he's bringing home a surprise: Pamela Pearson, the love of his life, and the woman he intends to share his future with. But with the murder of his mother, and the revelation of past family secrets, Asher finds that he and Pamela may not go together, as sweetly as he'd originally thought.

Charles Piper has been a respected judge in the small town of Fairmont, but there is little he can do to sway the courts of public opinion. When Martha Davidson's marriage fell apart, he was quick to offer her his help, and she was quick to return his kindness with his favorite chocolate pie—and that's when the town's whispers began to swirl....

After a lifetime of failure and half-hearted successes, Edith Hennessey is far from content with her life—but she's still grateful to at least be alive. When her best friend and next-door neighbor, Martha Davidson, is found dead, Edith strives to think of a way to honor her passing.

Orpah Abraham has always been a woman who's had the world against her. After working hard and doing her best to appeal to all the right people, she's learned the full value of persistence and perseverance. But now that Martha Davidson—her one true rival for the coveted title of Pie Queen, and the one woman she'd never been able to win over—is dead, and her friends and family are asking questions, Orpah finds her career and reputation on the line. For her, it's time to draw a line in the sand—and cross it herself. It's time for No More Miss Nice Pie.

Garland Morris is an easygoing guy—eager to please, quick with a smile, and always interested in a good gamble. For years, he's enjoyed his job at the First Bank of Fairmont, especially since it provides him the stability he needs to be a little adventurous when it comes to hedging his bets. But when Charles Piper and Orpah Abraham, Fairview's most respected judge and one of Alabama's most prominent media figures, approach him, each asking for a "special request" regarding the bank's financial records, Morris finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Solomon McCain has long been the sheriff around Fairmont, and even though it's a small town, there's always a bit of trouble here and there. And while he's helped put away criminals, both petty and professional, nothing prepares him for the morning of the Fairmont Pie Contest. What should have been an easy, fun-filled day is suddenly filled with accusations of murder, cheating, assault, and more—and all from individuals he'd known and worked alongside for years. Solomon knows there will be hell to pay if he authorizes a formal investigation.

Pamela Pearson grew up knowing it was best to fend for herself, and meeting Asher Davidson didn't really change that. After they argue over their future, Pamela wonders if maybe she was wrong, especially as she sees Asher's dedication to his family following his mother's death.

Dennis "Dezmo" Moreland grew up on the streets of Chicago, and he's had his share of trouble, even if he's learned how to stay out of it. When he's caught up in a bad investment, and his best friend and business partner owes him the money to get out of it, driving in the car for several hours after a shake-down is worth the trouble. But when he arrives in Fairmont, the last thing he expects is to be caught in the middle of the town pie contest, with its battling egos, family drama, and possible murder.

Joe Davidson didn't anticipate coming back to Fairmont after his family broke apart. But when the news of Martha's death reaches him, he finds his way home, just as the annual pie contest is getting judged. When they need a new judge, he steps up and offers his services, even if he doesn't know why.

Donnie Hennessy is a man who's dedicated his life to service, and he knows all about the pain it brings—the pain he feels, and the pain he gives to others. He knows it's best that he contain it as much as possible, before his past ruins everything he has....

Sama Davidson always loved being Mama's girl. But now that her mother's gone, she has to find a way to carry on.