Some people inherit a family. Lila Young has to build one from scratch.

When twenty-year-old Lila arrives in a small Midwestern town, hoping for a fresh start with her older brother, she discovers she’s more alone than ever. Determined to make a life of her own, she opens Cutie Pies by the Slice, where neighbors gather over coffee and strangers slowly become the family she’s always longed for.

As the pie shop flourishes, so does Lila’s confidence. Agnes and Maggie become the sisters she never had, and Vern—a quiet, dependable man who faithfully carries her daily bank deposits—becomes someone she learns to trust.

Then Lila uncovers a devastating secret: without her knowledge, her thriving business has become entangled in organized crime. As hidden loyalties surface and those she loves are drawn into dangerous choices, she must decide whether broken trust can be rebuilt—and whether forgiveness is worth the risk.

Set during Prohibition and the Great Depression, Cutie Pies by the Slice is a heartfelt novel of resilience, redemption, and chosen family. Filled with unforgettable characters, small-town charm, and the comforting aroma of fresh-baked pie, it celebrates the quiet courage of ordinary people who discover that the sweetest things in life aren’t inherited—they’re earned.