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The Unpolished Life of Eleanor Whitfield
Etiquette expert Eleanor Whitfield can teach you which fork to use. Running a honky tonk bar in the Georgia mountains? That wasn't in the curriculum.
Eleanor Whitfield's life is falling apart with perfect posture. Her elite Atlanta etiquette academy is circling the drain—because apparently, nobody needs to know which fork to use anymore. When her eccentric Great Aunt Mavis dies and leaves her a mysterious inheritance in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Eleanor expects a lifeline. Maybe a trust fund. Perhaps some valuable antiques.
Instead, she gets a honky tonk bar called The Rusty Spur.
Complete with line dancing, karaoke nights, and a health code violation she's afraid to ask about.
There's just one She can't sell it for six months. And she has to keep it running, or she loses everything.
Make that two Wyatt Rivers, the bar's tattooed, infuriatingly handsome manager, thinks she's going to ruin everything his beloved Mavis built. He's protective, stubborn, and committed to preserving every honky tonk tradition—including the mechanical bull that nearly killed her on day one.
Eleanor knows the rules of high never wear white after Labor Day, always send a handwritten thank you note, and definitely don't fall for the rugged small-town bar manager who looks at you like you're equal parts amusing and aggravating.
But Copper Creek, Georgia has different rules. Here, showing up with a casserole matters more than knowing which wine pairs with fish. Here, community trumps pedigree. And here, beneath the neon lights and twang of steel guitars, Eleanor discovers that the messiest, most imperfect life might just be the one she was always meant to live.
If only she can convince Wyatt she's staying before her six months is up... and before a developer's offer tempts her back to the life she's trying to leave behind.
Eleanor Whitfield's life is falling apart with perfect posture. Her elite Atlanta etiquette academy is circling the drain—because apparently, nobody needs to know which fork to use anymore. When her eccentric Great Aunt Mavis dies and leaves her a mysterious inheritance in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Eleanor expects a lifeline. Maybe a trust fund. Perhaps some valuable antiques.
Instead, she gets a honky tonk bar called The Rusty Spur.
Complete with line dancing, karaoke nights, and a health code violation she's afraid to ask about.
There's just one She can't sell it for six months. And she has to keep it running, or she loses everything.
Make that two Wyatt Rivers, the bar's tattooed, infuriatingly handsome manager, thinks she's going to ruin everything his beloved Mavis built. He's protective, stubborn, and committed to preserving every honky tonk tradition—including the mechanical bull that nearly killed her on day one.
Eleanor knows the rules of high never wear white after Labor Day, always send a handwritten thank you note, and definitely don't fall for the rugged small-town bar manager who looks at you like you're equal parts amusing and aggravating.
But Copper Creek, Georgia has different rules. Here, showing up with a casserole matters more than knowing which wine pairs with fish. Here, community trumps pedigree. And here, beneath the neon lights and twang of steel guitars, Eleanor discovers that the messiest, most imperfect life might just be the one she was always meant to live.
If only she can convince Wyatt she's staying before her six months is up... and before a developer's offer tempts her back to the life she's trying to leave behind.
- GenresFiction
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
291 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Hanna
107 books3,022 followersHey there! Before I tell you all about myself, can I invite you to join my private Rachel's Readers Facebook group? That's where my readers hang out, discuss my books, participate in giveaways and learn about new releases.
You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rache...
So who am I? My name is Rachel Hanna, and I am a wife, mother of three incredible kids (maybe I am a BIT biased?), two lovable doggies and one cat that lives outside and thinks he owns the world. Okay, I also have a gecko now too. Don't judge me.
I started writing as a young child, and I went into the field of Journalism for many years as an adult. Now, as a romantic fiction writer, I get to live out my own daydreams every single day and share them with readers around the world!
I'm a Southern chick living near Atlanta, so I say "yes, ma'm" and "ya'll", but I wouldn't have it any other way. :)
You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rache...
So who am I? My name is Rachel Hanna, and I am a wife, mother of three incredible kids (maybe I am a BIT biased?), two lovable doggies and one cat that lives outside and thinks he owns the world. Okay, I also have a gecko now too. Don't judge me.
I started writing as a young child, and I went into the field of Journalism for many years as an adult. Now, as a romantic fiction writer, I get to live out my own daydreams every single day and share them with readers around the world!
I'm a Southern chick living near Atlanta, so I say "yes, ma'm" and "ya'll", but I wouldn't have it any other way. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 9, 2026
I was hesitant to read this book because it sounded cheesy, but this book made me feel so “warm” while also making me tear up. There are so many beautiful life lessons woven into the storyline. It hit home in so many ways.
“About trust. About letting go of the need to control everything, the need to know everything, and plan everything. About how terrifying and freeing that is all at once.”
“You can be graceless and still be loved. You can fail and still be worthy.”
“About trust. About letting go of the need to control everything, the need to know everything, and plan everything. About how terrifying and freeing that is all at once.”
“You can be graceless and still be loved. You can fail and still be worthy.”
May 6, 2026
Hmmm....
I found a video with Rachel Hanna talking about her latest book so I thought, why not? What I found was an old fashioned Harlequinnesque romance. Two people are pushed together, feel a spark, fall in love, the end.
Good on Hanna for not relying on the all too easy sex scene to use up her page count. It was a nice change. However, asking us to believe that they didn't kiss for four months of dating, gotta throw the Bullshit Flag on that. Even the most devout born-againer will kiss in that amount of time.
The Book Ick in this one had to do with the fact that I had to read chapter after chapter after chapter of this timid chick trying to reconcile the fact that she loved her new life but it wasn't what her mom wanted. We understood it the first time, the second time but by the twenty first time I wanted to throw the book but it was on an expensive phone so I growled through the last 20%.
Why do authors have to write these dumb two dimensional characters. It is like they decided this is the subject of angst and that character's world narrows to just one point, over and over and over. Why couldn't her ex-fiance been too pushy, or meddlesome? Why couldn't the developer actually created an issue? Why couldn't she and Wyatt have fought about anything other than the question of would she stay? We aren't dumb, we could manage two or three stories woven together. You don't have to dumb it down to a third grade level and honestly, if you are going to get paid, make some effort.
Yeah. The story was predictable but the characters were redeemed by being endearing and vulnerable. It wasn't ghastly.
I found a video with Rachel Hanna talking about her latest book so I thought, why not? What I found was an old fashioned Harlequinnesque romance. Two people are pushed together, feel a spark, fall in love, the end.
Good on Hanna for not relying on the all too easy sex scene to use up her page count. It was a nice change. However, asking us to believe that they didn't kiss for four months of dating, gotta throw the Bullshit Flag on that. Even the most devout born-againer will kiss in that amount of time.
The Book Ick in this one had to do with the fact that I had to read chapter after chapter after chapter of this timid chick trying to reconcile the fact that she loved her new life but it wasn't what her mom wanted. We understood it the first time, the second time but by the twenty first time I wanted to throw the book but it was on an expensive phone so I growled through the last 20%.
Why do authors have to write these dumb two dimensional characters. It is like they decided this is the subject of angst and that character's world narrows to just one point, over and over and over. Why couldn't her ex-fiance been too pushy, or meddlesome? Why couldn't the developer actually created an issue? Why couldn't she and Wyatt have fought about anything other than the question of would she stay? We aren't dumb, we could manage two or three stories woven together. You don't have to dumb it down to a third grade level and honestly, if you are going to get paid, make some effort.
Yeah. The story was predictable but the characters were redeemed by being endearing and vulnerable. It wasn't ghastly.
April 4, 2026
Rachel Hanna has done it again. She has written a book that makes me smile, laugh, and cry all at the same time. This book was a definite five-star read for me—one of those stories that not only entertains but also gently settles into your heart.
A polished etiquette expert inherits a rundown small-town bar in the small town of Copper Creek. There is a catch: she is required to stay for 6 months and live in the apartment over the bar. What follows is a cozy, emotional journey of starting over, finding community, and discovering what truly matters.
This book resonated with me on a personal level. The idea of leaving everything behind and starting anew somewhere fresh is a dream of mine, and this story made it feel attainable.
I loved Eleanor’s growth, the small-town charm, and the slow-burn romance. It’s one of those books that lingers with you long after you put the book down. The small-town feel and the relatable community members come together to make Eleanor feel at home. The story is filled with humor, friendship, acceptance, second chances, and the discovery of love and a home where you least expect it.
If you love cozy, emotional stories about second chances and fresh starts… this one is a must-read.
A polished etiquette expert inherits a rundown small-town bar in the small town of Copper Creek. There is a catch: she is required to stay for 6 months and live in the apartment over the bar. What follows is a cozy, emotional journey of starting over, finding community, and discovering what truly matters.
This book resonated with me on a personal level. The idea of leaving everything behind and starting anew somewhere fresh is a dream of mine, and this story made it feel attainable.
I loved Eleanor’s growth, the small-town charm, and the slow-burn romance. It’s one of those books that lingers with you long after you put the book down. The small-town feel and the relatable community members come together to make Eleanor feel at home. The story is filled with humor, friendship, acceptance, second chances, and the discovery of love and a home where you least expect it.
If you love cozy, emotional stories about second chances and fresh starts… this one is a must-read.
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March 14, 2026I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this story! I would give it six stars if I could. Rachel is one of my favorite authors, and I get so excited every time she releases a new book.
The characters she creates feel so real that they’re people I could easily imagine becoming friends with.
Eleanor is a prim and proper lady who was raised to have impeccable manners. She doesn’t really live—she simply exists, following in her mother’s footsteps and doing what is expected of her.
Wyatt carries a past full of hurts, but he remains fiercely loyal to his community.
When Eleanor inherits a bar—actually a honky-tonk—from an aunt she never even knew, there’s just one catch: she has to keep it for a year.
At first, she doesn’t understand the meaning of community, but Wyatt helps her see her own worth and why community matters. Along the way, Eleanor discovers a family she didn’t even realize she longed for—and best of all, she allows herself to fall in love.
I received an ARC from the author for a truthful review.
The characters she creates feel so real that they’re people I could easily imagine becoming friends with.
Eleanor is a prim and proper lady who was raised to have impeccable manners. She doesn’t really live—she simply exists, following in her mother’s footsteps and doing what is expected of her.
Wyatt carries a past full of hurts, but he remains fiercely loyal to his community.
When Eleanor inherits a bar—actually a honky-tonk—from an aunt she never even knew, there’s just one catch: she has to keep it for a year.
At first, she doesn’t understand the meaning of community, but Wyatt helps her see her own worth and why community matters. Along the way, Eleanor discovers a family she didn’t even realize she longed for—and best of all, she allows herself to fall in love.
I received an ARC from the author for a truthful review.
March 24, 2026
I truly loved reading "The Unpolished Life of Eleanor Whitfield" by Rachel Hanna. Having read other books by this author, I expected I would find a story about love, hope, friendship and realizing one's potential. This book came through on all those points. A women finds herself in a different situation than she had planned for her life with a new location, new job, new responsibilities and new friends but has to decide if that is what she wants or should she go back to what she knows and is "expected" to do with her life. Hanna adds wonderful characters that make me want to go find this town and become part of everything. There are a couple of opportunities for conflict in the main character which had me want to yell at the book and get her to choose the right answer. I hope there are sequels that follow up on other characters like Presley who loves to sing or Boone who deserves someone special in his life. If you enjoy reading stories with a lot of dialogue, a little bit of love, lots of laughs and a great ending, you will enjoy the "The Unpolished Life of Eleanor Whitfield,
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have read every Rachel Hanna book that I have been able to download or purchase. Other than the Wisteria series, this is a favorite. Eleanor is a young woman who feels like she was never enough for her mother and she is running a business to teach etiquette to young ladies who do not care. Suddenly she finds out that she has inherited a honky-tonk bar in the mountains. She must work there for six months to inherit the property from her Aunt Mavis.
What comes next is an introduction to a town that wants to stay small, developers who want to expand the town, love, relationships and a coming of age story of our dear Eleanor that took me back to my own feelings of inadequacy. If you want a wonderful story, with cooky characters and blossoming love, this one is for you. Thank you Rachel Hanna for the ARC of this book. And a huge thank you that you continue to share your talent with your readers.
What comes next is an introduction to a town that wants to stay small, developers who want to expand the town, love, relationships and a coming of age story of our dear Eleanor that took me back to my own feelings of inadequacy. If you want a wonderful story, with cooky characters and blossoming love, this one is for you. Thank you Rachel Hanna for the ARC of this book. And a huge thank you that you continue to share your talent with your readers.
March 26, 2026
Rachel Hanna writes yet another heart-warming and loveable story through The Unpolished Life of Eleanor Whitfueld. Eleanor Whitfield is currently an etiquette teacher in Atlanta, following in the highly esteemed footsteps of her very successful mother. However, Eleanor is having a hard time keeping the business alive and stable, as most teenagers and families today do not want etiquette lessons. As Eleanor struggles to keep the business afloat, she is presented with an inheritance and an opportunity from an aunt she had never met: a Honky-Tonk bar in Copper Creek. Eleanor must decide whether to embrace the life in Copper Creek or return to her life in Atlanta. Eleanor Whitfield is a perfect representation that you do not have to have your life together, that life is sometimes messy and that is the beauty of a life well lived.
March 30, 2026
Oh, this book was a complete red flag. The main character was constantly manipulated and emotionally abused by the entire town. Everyone and their dog told her what to do, think, and say. She couldn't even express her opinion, in case it offended someone. The main character, in my opinion, was like a dead fish. He was nothing special, but he had a ton of grievances against the heroine. He just walked around sulking like a child. I simply didn't see him as a man who fights for his woman. He was bland and completely uninteresting. The book had potential, but by the middle, it simply vanished. I never felt any romance. I was left with the feeling that the heroine simply gave in to the pressure of the hero and the town. It's well written, concise, a quick read, but boring, and I simply skimmed the last chapters.
March 28, 2026
Rachel Hanna has done it again!! This book was an excellent read with great story line.
Eleanor Whitfield had spent much of her life doing what thought others expected of her. When she inherited a honky tonk bar from her great aunt, her life took a dramatic change.
As a requirement of the inheritance Eleanor had to move to Copper Creek where the Rusty Spur was located. During her six months there she made many supportive friends who helped her understand that she needed to live her life for herself, not others.
Rachel always makes me feel like I know the characters she writes about. I'm already looking forward to her next book!
Eleanor Whitfield had spent much of her life doing what thought others expected of her. When she inherited a honky tonk bar from her great aunt, her life took a dramatic change.
As a requirement of the inheritance Eleanor had to move to Copper Creek where the Rusty Spur was located. During her six months there she made many supportive friends who helped her understand that she needed to live her life for herself, not others.
Rachel always makes me feel like I know the characters she writes about. I'm already looking forward to her next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love Rachels books and she has proven again what a wonderful writer she is. Eleanor and Wyatt what a fun couple. both have had their ups and downs, but can they find happiness with each other? Eleanor moving somewhere out of her comfort zone and Wyatt finding comfort with Eleanor, what could go wrong? There will be a couple twist and turns but what will they do? Read to find out you will not be disappointed.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for free, for my honest review.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for free, for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve read several Rachel Hanna and this is the best one yet that I have read! The characters are well developed & realistic! I could see Eleanor in her aunts apartment that sounded so charming & cozy. There are a couple twists & turns leaving you wondering what Eleanor will do, and if Wyatt can forgive her. Thank you Rachel for this inviting, riveting read!
March 24, 2026
This book I could not put down! From Eleanor being faced with a life changing decision that would affect her whole outlook on life. With suspense coming at different times and her uncertainty of what to do, she ultimately had to choose what she never thought possible! One of my favorites from Rachel Hanna and I’ll definitely be reading again!
March 24, 2026
I really loved this book! I am so glad Mavis gave Eleanor the opportunity to run her bar because it really helped to open up so many things that Eleanor was missing in her life. She finally learned to relax and have fun with so many people she never knew she needed. Love how Eleanor and Wyatt’s relationship grows throughout and how they really do complement each other! ❤️❤️
March 26, 2026
Sooo Heartwarming
I loved this book. It was a wonderful love story not only between a man and woman but between a lost woman and a town full of characters. The descriptions of the mountains were simply beautiful. She truly was an alien entering into a new world and made it her home.
I loved this book. It was a wonderful love story not only between a man and woman but between a lost woman and a town full of characters. The descriptions of the mountains were simply beautiful. She truly was an alien entering into a new world and made it her home.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for free and this is my honest review.
Another amazing book by Rachel Hanna! It is a story of found family with a happily ever after that is heaven sent. I really enjoyed the story of Eleanor not only finding herself but finding love with Wyatt.
Another amazing book by Rachel Hanna! It is a story of found family with a happily ever after that is heaven sent. I really enjoyed the story of Eleanor not only finding herself but finding love with Wyatt.
March 28, 2026
Mountain small town life
A little predictable but still enjoyable. If you enjoy Southern novels you will enjoy the descriptions of Atlanta and small mountain towns, flowers, trees, etc.
A little predictable but still enjoyable. If you enjoy Southern novels you will enjoy the descriptions of Atlanta and small mountain towns, flowers, trees, etc.
March 31, 2026
Couldn't put if down
This has to be one of Rachel Hanna's best books yet! She made me feel like I was at the honky tonk bar every day! I loved every word and didn't want the story to end!
This has to be one of Rachel Hanna's best books yet! She made me feel like I was at the honky tonk bar every day! I loved every word and didn't want the story to end!
April 25, 2026
What a heartwarming read. I'm not a southern girl, but enjoyed the southern charm of Eleanor and Wyatt. This is a feel good story that makes you laugh and makes you cry. This is a standalone, easy read book.
May 5, 2026
This book was an easy listening story, kept my attention, touching a point that often happens in people’s lives, trying to be someone somebody else thought you should be and the journey of finding who you really are. A pleasant book.
March 26, 2026
Best book yet by Rachel. Eleanor & Wyatts story was magical.
March 29, 2026
Life lessons
I love this richly layered story of a woman finding herself, and learning to love and trust herself and others.
I love this richly layered story of a woman finding herself, and learning to love and trust herself and others.
March 31, 2026
fantastic
One of Rachel Hanna’s best. Lots of lessons learned and how to keep ourselves real.
Thank you Rachel for writing this special book
One of Rachel Hanna’s best. Lots of lessons learned and how to keep ourselves real.
Thank you Rachel for writing this special book
April 2, 2026
Wonderful and interesting. A great read.
April 8, 2026
This was a fun book to read and is probably my favorite Rachel Hanna book to date!
April 8, 2026
Very enjoyable easy read. Likeable characters.
April 14, 2026
OMGEE!!! Just finished "The Unpolished Life of Eleanor Whitfield." I didn't want it to end!! Loved every page!!! I know this story will remain with me forever.
April 25, 2026
When you’ve been told all your life what to do, how do you know what you really want to do?
April 26, 2026
This book was such a heart warming book filled with life lessons. It was a great read
May 1, 2026
3.5 stars. Solid feel good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews