📚 ALC BOOK REVIEW 📚

Life Is A Lazy Susan of Sh*t Sandwiches By Jennifer Welch & Angie Sullivan
Publication Date: May 27, 2025
Narrators: The Authors
Publisher: Harlequin Audio | HTP

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
(Rounded Up To 5⭐)

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing #partner, Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for this #gifted ALC in exchange for my honest review! I just LOVE being a part of HTP's Hive🐝 influencer program!

📚MY REVIEW:

Life Is A Lazy Susan of Sh*t Sandwiches is a combination of memoir and self-help book filled with hilarious, laugh out loud stories from Jen and Angie (Pumps), two best friends from Oklahoma who have absolutely no qualms about telling it like it is.

I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at a book in my entire life! Jen and Pumps had me laughing hysterically with their sarcastic one-liners and witty zingers. Their reminiscences about their years of close friendship reminded me so much of the easy friendships I have with my closest girlfriends. Pumps and Jen are the ladies you KNOW will spill ALL the tea -- and they certainly do in this book!

They discuss everything in this book, from light-hearted interactions with judgmental and gossipy women in their town, to challenges in their marriages, to parenting woes, to addictions, and even their amateur sleuthing to uncover a cheating hubby's antics all over town. And they do so with vulnerability, humor, and the most genuine realness you'll ever hear. They're not just sharing the Facebook highlight reel versions of their lives - they're digging into the most difficult parts of their lives with a no-holds barred approach. And they're talking about these hard days in ways that will make you realize that everybody else's life is just as messy as yours is.

I LOVED that the authors narrate this book themselves in alternating chapters -- I don't think this one could've been done any other way!

This was an easy audiobook to listen to in those patches of time you have throughout the day. Each chapter was its own story, so I was able to dive in whenever I had a few minutes and never felt like I lost the book's pace or storyline. If you've listened to their podcast, I've Had It, or even if you haven't, I think you'll love this book. If nothing else, this serves as a reminder of how important it is to have friends who genuinely love you - flaws and all - who will help get you through your worst days and help celebrate your best days.

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Thank you to Jennifer, Pumps, Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for this audiobook. I loved hearing the in depth struggles each of the women have had to face, and how they continue to fight these demons each day. Their perseverance and strength is inspiring. I loved finding out the specifics that caused Pumps to deconstruct her religion and life as she knew it. I’ve listened to this podcast since its beginning and I love these ladies. I would listen to them yap anytime.

I found this chaotic, hilarious podcasting duo during the 2024 election cycle while scrolling Instagram and muttering “same” under my breath.

Jennifer Hutt and Laura McLaughlin (aka “Pumps") sucked me in with their unfiltered commentary and refusal to sugarcoat anything.

Lazy Susan: Hot Sandwiches is like sitting in the world’s most inappropriate support group—one led by two well-off women who’ve been through the wringer (betrayal, divorce, addiction, recovery) and somehow came out both funnier and more compassionate.

The audiobook is part memoir, part middle-finger-to-the-patriarchy, and part love letter to underdogs everywhere—especially folks in the LGBTQ+ community..

Their honesty is disarming, their friendship is gold, and their storytelling? Chef’s kiss.

Huge thanks to Dreamscape Media for the listen via NetGalley.

4.5 stars.

This was a really fun memoir. I really enjoy listening to their podcast/tiktok reels so I was very interested in this one. There are a lot of raw vulnerable moments throughout the book; I really appreciate that. This dug into affairs, addiction, careers, deaths and also their successes. This book was pack full witty, funny stories with lots of surprises. This book had me reflecting on parts of my life and how I can view things. I will leave this one with one of my favorite quotes from the book, "Age allows the internal camera to see what matters" -Jennifer Welch

Thank you HTP Books for this ALC!

This book by Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan highlights the power of female friendships.

They are the co-hosts of a popular podcast (although I'd never listened) and this book discusses their opinions on their husbands, their families and their relationship with faith. They are funny but spent most of the book whining about their lives.

The audio was well done, but I found myself wishing I had listened to their podcast to give more context to the book. The discussions on addiction were interesting and it was endearing to see what their friendship had endured. I appreciated their honesty about their marriages and their own contributions to their marriages but this book left me feeling like I had just sat in a room with two middle aged women complaining at me for far too long.

As someone who has never heard of either of these people or their podcast, this one was a shock to me. Their stories are told in a humorous but authentic way and there’s surely something in here that’s relatable for everyone. I loved the experience of being blue in a red state, but some of the loss and grief chapters hit too close to home for me.

I wasn't crazy about the title but figured I'd give it a try. Unfortunately, to me, there's just too much emphasis on politics to be enjoyable

I honestly thought this book would be funny and better than ever, but I couldn't get into it. I was pretty taken aback when I started listening, and it was about how someone went from being Christian to becoming an Atheist. I never look away because many of my friends are this way, but I just got a bad vibe and couldn't continue. I got through halfway and just had to stop listening to it.

The title hooked me! This was my introduction to Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan and their podcast. These two have a few grievances to unleash and I'm glad I was there to hear it. This was funny and thought provoking. At the end I felt like I have two new friends and a new podcast! The banter between these two ladies is honest and hilarious.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for an early copy.

Way too much politics and religion for my taste. Wish I knew that was going to be such a focus before I started reading it. I wanted to read it because of the title. I’m sure there are a lot of other people out there that will enjoy it though.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for providing me with an ALC of "Life is a Lazy Susan if Sh*t Sandwiches" by Jennifer Welch and Angie 'Pumps' Sullivan.

The authors of this wholy relatable book are the hosts of the popular podcast "I've Had It". This book alternates chapters read by each of the authors, with each chapters a story, antidote, or otherwise enjoyable, humorous, slef-help story. This book explores the challenges we are face and says the things that many of us are thinking, but too scared (or too professional) to say out loud, From politics, friends and enemies, Sh*tty husbands, ugly religious groups, and other struggles in adult life - this books covers all the tough topics in a fun and humorous way. I have not experienecd a book like this in a long time.


I highly recommend this audiobook for roadtrips, gym workouts, or times when you are doing something you do not enjoy because this will have to laughing out loud and will have you focuses on the book - forgetting about the menial task you are completing.

Self-help, Bio/Memiors/Humor

Thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for my audio ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is available now.

I was immediately drawn to the title. I knew nothing about these two women or their podcast but I enjoyed listening to their stories of friendship and how they overcame challenges in their marriages.

Part self-help. Part laugh out loud comedy.

I had not heard of Jennifer and Angie before reading this book, but they seem like alot of fun. I applaud them for being so honest in this book. They definitely spoke their mind about politics and being a blue dot in the red state of Oklahoma. They are former evangicals coming to terms with the religion they grew up with and how it affects others not like them. They are staunch supporters of the LGBTQA+ community and support the little man. Like many, they were disappointed in the 2024 election but are still standing up for their beliefs.

Jennifer Welch and Angie "Pumps" Sullivan (from the nickname Angelina Pumpkintina) starred in the Bravo reality show 'Sweet Home Oklahoma' (2017) and are co-hosts of the funny hit podcast 'I’ve Had It' (2022 on). Angie and Jennifer are native Oklahomans who chafe at the 'red state' culture, and they talk about this, and their lives, in their book 'Life Is A Lazy Susan.'

I'm just going to give a brief overview of Angie and Jennifer's stories, which they also discuss extensively in their former reality show, podcasts, television interviews, etc. The ladies have a good sense of humor and are (now) devoted Democrats, so they're right up my alley.

Angie was raised in the evangelical culture of Oklahoma City, and talks about her family's loyal attendance at church and her (previous) absolute faith in the Bible and Jesus. As a young woman, Angie believed early humans lived to the age of 900; that Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90 when their son Isaac was born; and other biblical tales. Angie's right-wing church was hostile to homosexuals, and members embraced typical conservative Republican ideals.

Jennifer's upbringing was the complete opposite of Angie's. Jennifer was brought up as a secular atheist and a Democrat, and she was an outlier in Oklahoma City. Jennifer's friends/classmates constantly invited her to church and Bible study, telling her she'd burn in hell if she didn't believe in Jesus. Jennifer wasn't fazed.

Angie and Jennifer met about 30 years ago, when Angie hired Jennifer to re-do her house. Angie was a lawyer with no aesthetic sense and Jennifer was a talented interior decorator, so it was a perfect fit. Though the women were opposites philosophically, they became best friends, and - over countless cigarettes and gab sessions - Angie and Jennifer shared their lives' ups and downs. And there were MANY downs.

In brief, Angie's husband Kirk - whom her parents begged her not to marry - was addicted to drugs and sex with prostitutes. Kirk, who's a lawyer, spent so much money on hookers that he bankrupted the family and lost their house. Angie writes a good deal about meeting Kirk, their romance, and their disastrous marriage, which Angie clung to far too long before she divorced him.

To add to the dysfunction, Angie herself was addicted to pain killers for ten years, and admits to 'drifting' through segments when she was filming 'Sweet Home Oklahoma'. Angie acknowledges the only good thing about her and Kirk's union is their three wonderful children.

Jennifer also had a good deal of drama in her life. Jennifer's husband Josh, a lawyer, was a lifelong alcoholic and drug addict. Jennifer acknowledges that because Josh is her soul mate, she stuck with him through thick and thin and multiple rehabs. When Josh's addiction became completely untenable, Jennifer divorced him....but Josh finally got straight and the duo now live together as a common law couple.

In the midst of his troubles, Josh lost his law license (for bribing a policeman), and his self-reproach was intense. Josh was later re-instated after undergoing in depth scrutiny by the bar association, and Josh is now a popular guest on the 'I've Had It' podcast. Jennifer notes that it was all worth it, because she and Josh have two treasured children.

Jennifer and Angie write a good deal about their closeness and fondness for one another. In the early years of their friendship, Angie and Jennifer maintained separate belief systems. Angie would relate Bible stories as gospel, and Jennifer would chide Angie about sending her children to Christian schools that made families sign anti-homosexuality statements.

Over time, though, Angie became disillusioned with the racism and discrimination prevalent in her evangelical church, and she became a staunch Democrat. According to Jennifer, Angie won't abide ANY bigotry, and is quick to speak up against racists and homophobes.

Angie and Jennifer's 'I've Had It' podcast is funny and VERY political. The hosts (and guests) aren't shy about their hatred for Trump, and they're furious with people who say they vote Republican for the financial benefits, despite the bigotry of the candidates. Jennifer and Angie have met well-known Democrats like Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders, and Chelsea Clinton, and are (rightfully) thrilled with how far they've come in their careers.

The book is a change of pace for me, and I liked reading about these ultimately strong and successful women...and their wonderful children.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the authors, and it's good to hear their stories in their own voices.

Thanks to Netgalley, Jennifer Welch, Angie Sullivan, and Harlequin Audio for a copy of the book.

My overall rating for this book is 2.5 stars. This book was repetitive in its themes and lacked structure. It felt extremely disjointed at times and as it is narrated by the authors themselves, it felt a little like they were reading from a script with no humanity behind the voice, which is disappointing as they are podcast hosts. Ultimately I feel like you need to be “in” on their podcast in order to fully appreciate this book.

I enjoyed this book and really love both of the authors. It was a massive trauma dump, which I had not anticipated. That is probably my fault for not researching the book more prior to reading it. It really does humanize them. They are more forgiving than I am. That's for sure!

Well this was fun.
I received this audio book from NetGalley and Harlequin for an honest review.

Honestly I went for this book simply based on the title. I haven’t listened to this podcast nor have I heard of these authors, but I am so glad I found them. And now I’m really looking forward to listening to their podcast!

Super honest and real and I loved it.

I love Jennifer and Angie so much. I've loved their friendship since the days of "Sweet Home Oklahoma" and I love their podcast. I figured i must know everything about them there was to know. But I was wrong - this book gave me stories I havent heard before and insight into their sweet friendship. I loved listening to the audiobook that they narrated themselves.

I came into this book not knowing who Jennifer and Pumps were. I expected a memoir of two women that would be funny and relatable, and for the most part, it delivered just that.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the authors. They share their experiences of messy relationships, motherhood, addiction, and friendship.
These glimpses into their lives felt genuine and what I like in memoirs: hearing people tell their stories and overcoming life’s challenges.

Here’s where it lost me. The book was often weighted down with political rants that didn't add anything to the story. In my opinion these rants did nothing but interrupt the actual stories being shared.

I don't read memoirs for political commentary, rants, or beliefs unless I specifically go into the book knowing what I'm going into. I enjoy reading memoirs to connect with someone's lived experiences.

There were times I wanted to quit the book altogether but I still gave the audiobook my full attention and finished. This book has some good life experience I’m sure a lot of women can relate to.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was really enjoyable! I haven’t listened to their podcast before, but I have seen their clips on tiktok. The book title is what initially caught my attention. That same sharp humor is woven throughout the stories. The audiobook was super engaging and raw and honest. It’s also dual narrated.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my advanced audio copy!