Rating: 
Summary: An Original Novel?
Review: Jennings Correctional Facility seems to be the women's alternative to Shawshank. This work was a disappointment. Our heroine, Jennifer Spencer does intake,laundry duty, library duty, even spends time in the hold and her friend, Movita has the warden's ear just as the her male counterpart in The Shawshank Redemption. There is no originality in this novel. The rest of the plot is another First Wive's Club clone...
Rating: 
Summary: Unrealistic at points, but still a good read
Review: Just finished this one. I grew to hate the naivtivity of the main character instantly, but she came around and so did I. The topic, which the author claims to have reseached before writing, is a heavy one and the way this was written was unrealistic. I can understand trying to write dramtically without it becomming a 20/20 special. There was some ugly truth to the book to keep it realistic without it being dreary. I got involved with the characters and that's what kept me reading.
Rating:
Summary: Unrealistic at points, but still a good read
Review: Just finished this one. I grew to hate the naivtivity of the main character instantly, but she came around and so did I. The topic, which the author claims to have reseached before writing, is a heavy one and the way this was written was unrealistic. I can understand trying to write dramtically without it becomming a 20/20 special. There was some ugly truth to the book to keep it realistic without it being dreary. I got involved with the characters and that's what kept me reading.
Rating:
Summary: Very Informative & Good Plot
Review: Not only was this a super "get even" story, but it was also informative about the plight of women in prison today. I was appalled when I read the statistics comparing women's convictions to men's in the afterward.
Overall, a great story with heartwarming characters and a good plot. I'd recommend it to my best friends.
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyed it
Review: OK Ok, so some of the stuff that happened in the book was a bit far fetched like buying a prison and you are a prisoner; getting unconditional pardons for three women as part of the most generous "severence"(and very well deserved) packages I've seen lately. Having good morning songs piped in to the prisons,and serving coq au vin, as well as having taste tests for the Prison candy, and a fashion show of clothes you want to wear in prison. OK. It may not be a part of the everyday world, but who is not to say it won't? Now,Jennifer Spencer may have been a fool to take the fall for any big wig no matter what he done for you or what. Then, in your darkest hour, THEY decide to seperate themselves from you when you really need them the most. You step up in this environment you know nothing about, and DEMAND stuff. And these folks just look at you. But as time goes on, you change the way of the whole prison and come out a hero.Again, I may feel that the girl did the dumbest thing as to take the fall, but again, I quote from the book of Esther, who knows if she was there for such a time as this?? Now some may call this a bunch of fluff, that's your opinion. With the exception of one book("Flavor of the Month"), I can truly say that I have enjoyed the majority of Ms Goldsmith's books.You get these everyday characters, and they take a situation and work it out for their advantage.
Rating:
Summary: Definitely Something to Think About
Review: Olivia Goldsmith has done a sensational job creating the story as well as the characters in Pen Pals. I'm not sure how a story about prison could be entertaining but for me it was.The story begins with Jennifer Spencer, financial wizard, arrogant to a fault who goes to prison for a crime she doesn't commit. Jennifer arrives in the prison thinking that she'd only be there a day or a week at most but soon realizes she's been set up by the person she's trusted and protected and who is going to leave her there without a second thought. Prison teaches her a lesson that she will never forget. Life is not just about material things but about thinking about something/someone other than yourself. Although the story revolves around not only Jennifer Spencer, the main character, but a group of women in prison for crimes they've committed, some really bad and some not so bad and their courage and strength to survive behind the locked gates. Some of the women's stories are simply heart wrenching but through it all, Jennifer comes out a better person who wants to make a difference for the lives of woman who have been mistreated in the system. I guess this novel was a reality check for me as it was something I never thought about. I'm sure this novel was jazzed up a bit to show some happiness behind the bars but the truth of the matter is when your freedom is gone -- making it through each and every day is a challenge. Good work Ms. Goldsmith -- you done good.
Rating:
Summary: All the women are winners!
Review: Olivia Goldsmith triumphs again! In "Pen Pals," a white collar criminal is incarcerated with other women of varied ages, cultures, and ethnicities. Through pure serendipity, these women become knowledgeable, empowering, and rich (in more ways than one!) Clearly, the scenery is "sugar-coated" at times, but that is what makes this a great read . . . the reader is focused on the characters, not their cells!
I laughed and cried and learned; there is more than one kind of prison. "Pen Pals" is a must read for all women!
Rating:
Summary: It's not what it seems.
Review: Other reviews give the plot, etc. I agree that some of the writing is mediocre and that some of the plot is unbelievable, but what Goldsmith has done here is exposed the inhumane situation in America's prison systems, especially women's prisons. She cleverly concealed it in a bestseller style and gives good entertainment while doing so.
Therefore, I gave it 4 stars and urge people to read and learn and realize that the truth about our country is not found in the newspapers. It is odd how much of the truth is buried in popular fiction and Goldsmith is to be commended for her research, her daring and her entertaining style.
Rating:
Summary: Great story
Review: Pen Pals by Olivia Goldsmith was not the book I expected it to be. I thought it was about Pen Pals, you know, people who correspond via mail. In this case, pen means the Jennings Women's Correctional Facility. It is the story of Jennifer Spencer who works on Wall Street and takes the fall for her boss who was making some bad deals. She was not supposed to go to jail, and then once she got there, she knew it was just a matter of time before she got out. Circumstances weren't what Jennifer had hoped for, and in the end she makes unlikely friends, and manages to turn prison life around for all the women at Jennings. A great read -- highly recommended!
Rating: 
Summary: Goldsmith Doesn't Like "Dubya"
Review: Pen Pals is a fairly entertaining book despite the far-fetched "revenge" at the end. But Goldsmith chooses to make a sneering reference to George W. Bush as dumb "Dubya". Does she think all her readers voted for Al Gore? I don't think so. I found this comment offensive; it spoiled the book for me. So listen up, Olivia, keep your politics to yourself!
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