DNF at 27%.

At first I was excited to find out the H/h were over 30, but as I read other things took the place of that small thrill. Where to start...?

First, the story felt very disjointed. POV switches very quickly and often doesn't stay on one person very long--we get Ruby and Peanut (don't get me started on that name) but also Ruby's ex, Ruby's ex's brother, one of the negligent nieces of one of Peanut's recently deceased clients, and the caregiver of that same client, all in rapid succession. I honestly might have left out a person or two there.

Second, SO MUCH HAPPENED so quickly. At the point I gave up on it, the heroine had suffered a traumatic event (the first half of which was told to us retrospectively, even though it happened in the timeline of the book) which she was quickly extricated from, Ruby and Peanut had declared their love (yes, they knew each other for--a year and a half, maybe?--but had no relationship beyond friends/hair dresser/client; he was sending her secret admirer-type gifts but nothing further until her incident is over then it's "I love you" all over the place), another bad guy is set almost immediately out to get Ruby, and the drama over the dead guy's will (again, Peanut's client but not obviously connected to him and Ruby--though he does reflect that she and the caregiver are similar in temperament) is set into motion. Though there was obviously so much more drama to come, I was frankly exhausted at that point by what had already happened and just couldn't bring myself to care.

Third, I just didn't like the writing style. Besides the rapid-fire POV switching, the dialogue felt ridiculous and unrealistic and pretty much everyone we encountered in town seemed verging on silly. I've heard good things about Ms. Sala, so I'm going to hope that it's just the Blessings, Georgia series that's not for me and possibly try something else later.

Much, much later.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

So much emotion packed into one book. Pain. Humiliation. Shame. Love. Fear. Greed. Humility. Passion. Hunger. Pride. Blessings. Blessings, Georgia is a typical small town where everybody gossips & yet, are all part of a family.

Ruby Dye moved to town on the run from an ex husband & a life of abuse. She's grown to live the town & has become a beloved member of the community. Is her life going to take a turn for the better? When her past comes to call, can she survive it again?

P. Butt Butters is a small town lawyer. He's finally found the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. He's been scared to tell her how he feels so he turned secret admirer, sending her flowers, cards & little gifts. When he's ready to confess, she disappears before their date. Can he rescue her from her past?

The main plot line is the trials & tribulations of Ruby & Peanut's romance. Every step of the way they face adversity, love & danger. The plot twists & turns with unexpected happenings show how strong the former abuse victim has become. The little side plots are detailed & showcase small towns at their best & worst. This was a special story of truth, courage & faith. I loved it!! ( )