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Blessings, Georgia #2
I'll Stand By You
"Sharon Sala is a consummate storyteller. Her skills shine in her Blessings, Georgia series. If you can stop reading then you're a better woman than me."- Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
No one is alone
Dori Grant is no stranger to hardship. As a young single mother in the gossip-fueled town of Blessings, Georgia, she's weathered the storm of small-town disapproval most of her life. But when Dori loses everything within the span of an evening, she realizes she has no choice but to turn to her neighbors.
As long as there is love to give
Everyone says the Pine boys are no good, but Johnny Pine has been proving the gossips wrong ever since his mother died and he took over raising his brothers. His heart goes out to the young mother and child abandoned by the good people of Blessings. Maybe he can be the one to change all that...
Blessings, Georgia Series
You and Only You (Book 1)
I'll Stand By You (Book 2)
Saving Jake (Book 3)
A Piece of My Heart (Book 4)
Praise for The Curl Up and Dye
"A DELIGHT... COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN." -Fresh Fiction
"ONE OF THOSE RARE TREATS." -RT Book Reviews
"SALA MAKES BLESSINGS, GEORGIA, A VASTLY ENTERTAINING PLACE TO VISIT." -BookPage
"ENGAGING, HEARTWARMING, FUNNY, SASSY, AND JUST PLAIN GOOD." -Peeking Between the Pages
No one is alone
Dori Grant is no stranger to hardship. As a young single mother in the gossip-fueled town of Blessings, Georgia, she's weathered the storm of small-town disapproval most of her life. But when Dori loses everything within the span of an evening, she realizes she has no choice but to turn to her neighbors.
As long as there is love to give
Everyone says the Pine boys are no good, but Johnny Pine has been proving the gossips wrong ever since his mother died and he took over raising his brothers. His heart goes out to the young mother and child abandoned by the good people of Blessings. Maybe he can be the one to change all that...
Blessings, Georgia Series
You and Only You (Book 1)
I'll Stand By You (Book 2)
Saving Jake (Book 3)
A Piece of My Heart (Book 4)
Praise for The Curl Up and Dye
"A DELIGHT... COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN." -Fresh Fiction
"ONE OF THOSE RARE TREATS." -RT Book Reviews
"SALA MAKES BLESSINGS, GEORGIA, A VASTLY ENTERTAINING PLACE TO VISIT." -BookPage
"ENGAGING, HEARTWARMING, FUNNY, SASSY, AND JUST PLAIN GOOD." -Peeking Between the Pages
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
419 people are currently reading
1854 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Sala
280 books2,306 followersBiography
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
June 6, 2018
4.5/5
Aww... What a beautiful story!
‘I’ll Stand by You’ is a contemporary romance at its best. It was such a good read, full of emotional, uplifting, and heartbreaking moments that got me a little teary-eyed.
The aspect of romance in this one was thoroughly beautiful. I loved how Johnny and Dori’s love gradually blossomed. And it was impossible not to feel entirely moved by the way they felt for each other and how they still had so much love to give despite what they both had been through.
I really loved the hero, Johnny. He was such a good man and he loved his two little brothers fiercely. There was no question of his protectiveness toward them. He was caring, thoughtful, understanding, kind, and protective. Totally my kind of hero!
I loved the heroine, Dori, as well. Given that she became a mother of a boy at only the age of seventeen, how she could manage her upside down life and be strong for her baby and granddaddy was definitely beyond my imagination. Just when I thought nothing worse could happen to this sweet girl and her little baby, but then one night, her world was completely upended once again. Thankfully, she didn’t have to experience the greatest loss alone. Johnny and his brothers came to her rescue. He was her true hero.
I loved how the townspeople reached out to Dori as soon as they found out what happened to her. All their kindness and compassion truly touched my heart.
I love reading the books that inspire and give a good meaning of unconditional love. And this one definitely fell into that category. It had almost everything I could want in my read. However, I wouldn’t be honest if I told you that this book was flawless, but since it really made me feel good inside, I couldn’t help but give it 5 stars instead of 4.
If you’re looking for a touching and well-written story with endearing characters and a heartfelt romance element, then look no further. This book is absolutely for you.
Aww... What a beautiful story!
‘I’ll Stand by You’ is a contemporary romance at its best. It was such a good read, full of emotional, uplifting, and heartbreaking moments that got me a little teary-eyed.
The aspect of romance in this one was thoroughly beautiful. I loved how Johnny and Dori’s love gradually blossomed. And it was impossible not to feel entirely moved by the way they felt for each other and how they still had so much love to give despite what they both had been through.
I really loved the hero, Johnny. He was such a good man and he loved his two little brothers fiercely. There was no question of his protectiveness toward them. He was caring, thoughtful, understanding, kind, and protective. Totally my kind of hero!
I loved the heroine, Dori, as well. Given that she became a mother of a boy at only the age of seventeen, how she could manage her upside down life and be strong for her baby and granddaddy was definitely beyond my imagination. Just when I thought nothing worse could happen to this sweet girl and her little baby, but then one night, her world was completely upended once again. Thankfully, she didn’t have to experience the greatest loss alone. Johnny and his brothers came to her rescue. He was her true hero.
I loved how the townspeople reached out to Dori as soon as they found out what happened to her. All their kindness and compassion truly touched my heart.
I love reading the books that inspire and give a good meaning of unconditional love. And this one definitely fell into that category. It had almost everything I could want in my read. However, I wouldn’t be honest if I told you that this book was flawless, but since it really made me feel good inside, I couldn’t help but give it 5 stars instead of 4.
If you’re looking for a touching and well-written story with endearing characters and a heartfelt romance element, then look no further. This book is absolutely for you.
May 13, 2015
Check out this and my other reviews at My Blog
Copy received via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont NA/YA Romance
Series : - Stand Alone
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 4 stars
★Review★
At first I was unsure if I would enjoy this once I stared reading it.
For one, the main characters were a lot younger than I normally like to read about, another thing, there are a lot of POV's right from the get go and it took me a bit to keep track of everyone mentioned.
However, in the end I really loved it. Given all the different POV's it actually ended up giving a real feel of small town life, and how Dori and Johnny had been treated in the town.
There were parts that were heart wrenching, and parts that were heart melting. I adored Johnny, he was just lovely.
It was a bit insta love but it WORKED here for me. It was a really sweet heart-warming story that is a definite re read for me.
Copy received via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont NA/YA Romance
Series : - Stand Alone
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 4 stars
★Review★
At first I was unsure if I would enjoy this once I stared reading it.
For one, the main characters were a lot younger than I normally like to read about, another thing, there are a lot of POV's right from the get go and it took me a bit to keep track of everyone mentioned.
However, in the end I really loved it. Given all the different POV's it actually ended up giving a real feel of small town life, and how Dori and Johnny had been treated in the town.
There were parts that were heart wrenching, and parts that were heart melting. I adored Johnny, he was just lovely.
It was a bit insta love but it WORKED here for me. It was a really sweet heart-warming story that is a definite re read for me.
September 21, 2017
I really loved this book! It definitely isn't the type of book I am used to, but it was super enjoyable! You get a lot of POV's, only one sex scene, and no epilogue. Normally those things would bring my rating down, but the characters and world building in this story are excellent. I loved Johnny, Dori, the kids and all of the townspeople. The love story is amazingly sweet and I truly didn't want the story to end! This is a series so I might go ahead and read the next one hoping for Johnny and Dori sightings😉
June 27, 2015
Ill Stand by You by Sharon Sala
Sharon Sala I have a bone to pick with you! I have not slept in 2 days because I'll Stand by You just would not allow it! How could I possibly turn off my kindle and not know what Johnny Pine and Dori were doing? The other bone that needs picking is this: I have been married 15 years and you straight up wrote a character that I fell in love with. Luckily my husband has the sweet, kind, hardworking and loyal soul of our Johnny Pine or he would have had some work to do.
All kidding aside- I'll stand by You is a fantastic book. A book to be gobbled and absorbed until you reluctantly come to the end. I adore Dori and Johnny. Both grew up fast because life demanded it from them. There are lessons to be had in this book. Most of all- Do not judge each other. Classism is a real issue and it is unfortunate.
If you are taking the time to read this review I beg of you to give this book a shot. Go on over to the library, to Amazon, your local store or wherever it is you obtain your books and make sure you get a copy of I’ll Stand by You by Sharon Sala. It's one of those books that get you over the slump of having read a bunch of heavy books and just want that happily ever after. Yes, there is a tad bit of 'Insta-love" but it is not corny or eye rolling inducing. I promise. It’s one of those books where you feel like you may know these people or even better, you may relate to the issues in your own life.
Side note - that husband of mine? Insta-love. Really... it's a thing. Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for honoring me with and advanced e-copy in exchange for this review.
Sharon Sala I have a bone to pick with you! I have not slept in 2 days because I'll Stand by You just would not allow it! How could I possibly turn off my kindle and not know what Johnny Pine and Dori were doing? The other bone that needs picking is this: I have been married 15 years and you straight up wrote a character that I fell in love with. Luckily my husband has the sweet, kind, hardworking and loyal soul of our Johnny Pine or he would have had some work to do.
All kidding aside- I'll stand by You is a fantastic book. A book to be gobbled and absorbed until you reluctantly come to the end. I adore Dori and Johnny. Both grew up fast because life demanded it from them. There are lessons to be had in this book. Most of all- Do not judge each other. Classism is a real issue and it is unfortunate.
If you are taking the time to read this review I beg of you to give this book a shot. Go on over to the library, to Amazon, your local store or wherever it is you obtain your books and make sure you get a copy of I’ll Stand by You by Sharon Sala. It's one of those books that get you over the slump of having read a bunch of heavy books and just want that happily ever after. Yes, there is a tad bit of 'Insta-love" but it is not corny or eye rolling inducing. I promise. It’s one of those books where you feel like you may know these people or even better, you may relate to the issues in your own life.
Side note - that husband of mine? Insta-love. Really... it's a thing. Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for honoring me with and advanced e-copy in exchange for this review.
October 6, 2019
Hep Seninle Olacağım
Ya yine sıfır beklenti kitabı ve yine mükemmel bir kitapla karşı karşıyayız.
Kitap beni uyuz etme potansiyelini içinde barındırıp hiçbir şekilde beni uyuz etmedi. Ben kitaplarda başrollerin buluşmasını geciktirilmesini sevmem örneğin; Yanlış Zaman Doğru İnsan kitabı gibi ama gel gör ki, yazar bu ikiliyi buluştururken yazdığı olaylar sayesinde kitabı bir an bile bırakamadım.
Johnny'e bayıldım ya. Mükemmel baba, abi, eş, sevgili ve akla gelebilecek her şey ve gerçek bir adam. Öyle son model arabalarla,mankenlerle orda burda takılan ya da ben acımasız bir hayatım oldu ve sevdiklerime acı çektirmeliyim diyen bir adam yoktu karşımızda. Aksine hayat ne kadar sert vurursa vursun ailesine dört elle sarılan adam gibi adam Johnny vardı karşımızda. Bana yaşı biraz küçük gelmiş olsa da cidden otuz yaşındaki adamlara taş çıkartırdı sorumluluk bilinciyle. O kadar herşeye yetmeye çalışırken, kendisinin de sevgiye aç kalması çok üzücüydü. Kardeşleri olan diyalogları, onlar için savaşmasıyla çok güzel bir karakterdi, Johnny.
Kardeşlerine gelicek olursak iki matrak afacan kitaba çok tatlı bir hava kattı. İkisine bayıldım. Özellikle zavvalı Beep'e çok üzüldüm. Kitap zorbalık konusuna çok güzel dikkat çekmiş ve adaletin sağlanmasıyla derin bir nefes aldırdı. Beep'in duygusal hali beni çok üzdü. Zavvalı çocuk dedim okurken o sahneleri hep. Marshall da tam korumacı bir abiydi onu da sevdim. Ve fazla cingöz, tv'de olan bitenlere fazla meraklı bir çocuktu 😂
Dori ise zavallım ona o kadar çok üzüldüm ki. Çocuğu ve büyükbabasıyla sessiz sakin bir hayat kurmaya çalışmasını okurken hayatın, her koşulda savaşmaya devam etmemizi sağladığını gördüm. Ve Dori her şeye rağmen savaştı. Özellikle bebeğini babasız büyütmeye çalışması ve çevresindekilerin yüzüne gülüp aralarında konuşması onun için ne kadar yıpratıcı olsa da aykata kaldı. Bunu yapan insanlar için diyeceğim tam bir küçük kasaba halkı tavrı. Zavallı Luther eğer Pine'lar ile karşılaşmasaydı sonu kim bilir ilerde nasıl olucaktı?
Özellikle yangın sahnesinde o kadar çok üzüldüm ki.. İnsan empati yapınca olayın başına gelme ihtimalini düşündükçe insanın tüyleri ürperiyor. Bir gecede 2 kayıp yaşayan Doriye üzülmemek elde değildi ama Johnny, bir tek pelerini eksik halde olay yerinde belirince gözümden beliren kalplerle okudum resmen. O kadar sevecen bir teklifle geldi ki... Sanki olması gereken yer kendi eviymiş gibi öyle nazik davet etti ki... 😍
İki taraf da saçma sapan gururlarla kafa kafaya gelmediler. Çocukların mutluluğu, yaşamları her şeyden önceydi onlar için.
Pine'ların evindeki süre bana az geldi ama yine olaylı bir hafta geçirdiler o yüzden her şey o kadar hızlıya gelmemiş gibi oldu. Yazar her iki başrolünde hangi açılardan birbirine destek olacağını çok güzel hissetirdi insana. İkisinin yaşı ne kadar küçük olursa olsun yaşlarından daha büyük sorumlulukları çok güzel kaldırmıştılar.
Dori bir anneydi ve daha 17 yaşındaydı. Okurken bu detay beni baya şoka uğrattı. Sonrasında Johnny içinde aynı şoku hissetim 20 yaşındaydı ve ailesi için savaşıyordu. Ne denir ki? İkisine de helal olsun valla.
Kasaba sakinleri bazen beni çıldırtsa da yemek salonundaki kadın, kuaför salonundaki kadın ve en önemlisi avukatıyla o kasabanın yargısız insafa gidilip hespinden nefret edilmemesine karar verdim. O sahneleri okurken baya duygulandım.
Tabi kitapta bazı şeyler aklımı kurcalamadı değil😳 O kadar para nasıl bir anda ortaya çıktı?😕 Yani eğer o kadar varsa kız neden bulaşıkçılık yapıyordu bunca zaman?😒 Daha iyi bir yerde yeni bir hayatları olabilirdi. Orası biraz mantık hatası gibi geldi bana. Sanki yazar mutlu son yazılmalı bu aileye diyip şak diye bu kadar parayı çıkarmış. Zaten zavallı Johnny'im nereye uğradığını şaşırdı ilk duyduğunda o tepkileri çok komikti.
Kitabın sonu güzel bitti ama Pine ailesine 4 erkek çok fazla zavvalı Dori'm tek kaldı aralarında. O yüzden skoru eşitlemek için bir kız bebekleri olsun isterdim. Belki serinin devam kitaplarında adları geçer de olmuş olmamış mı öğreniriz olayları.😂😂
Bir de küçük kasabada yaşamanın dezavantajı dışında avantajını gösterdi yazar bize. O şerefsiz Frankie'yi mahvettiler.💪 Helal be kasaba halkı.👏 Kitabı, işte şimdi bittim dediğiniz anda hayatın yeniden başlamasının mümkün olduğu inancıyla okursanız kitabı elinizden bırakamaycaksınız.
Ya yine sıfır beklenti kitabı ve yine mükemmel bir kitapla karşı karşıyayız.
Kitap beni uyuz etme potansiyelini içinde barındırıp hiçbir şekilde beni uyuz etmedi. Ben kitaplarda başrollerin buluşmasını geciktirilmesini sevmem örneğin; Yanlış Zaman Doğru İnsan kitabı gibi ama gel gör ki, yazar bu ikiliyi buluştururken yazdığı olaylar sayesinde kitabı bir an bile bırakamadım.
Johnny'e bayıldım ya. Mükemmel baba, abi, eş, sevgili ve akla gelebilecek her şey ve gerçek bir adam. Öyle son model arabalarla,mankenlerle orda burda takılan ya da ben acımasız bir hayatım oldu ve sevdiklerime acı çektirmeliyim diyen bir adam yoktu karşımızda. Aksine hayat ne kadar sert vurursa vursun ailesine dört elle sarılan adam gibi adam Johnny vardı karşımızda. Bana yaşı biraz küçük gelmiş olsa da cidden otuz yaşındaki adamlara taş çıkartırdı sorumluluk bilinciyle. O kadar herşeye yetmeye çalışırken, kendisinin de sevgiye aç kalması çok üzücüydü. Kardeşleri olan diyalogları, onlar için savaşmasıyla çok güzel bir karakterdi, Johnny.
Kardeşlerine gelicek olursak iki matrak afacan kitaba çok tatlı bir hava kattı. İkisine bayıldım. Özellikle zavvalı Beep'e çok üzüldüm. Kitap zorbalık konusuna çok güzel dikkat çekmiş ve adaletin sağlanmasıyla derin bir nefes aldırdı. Beep'in duygusal hali beni çok üzdü. Zavvalı çocuk dedim okurken o sahneleri hep. Marshall da tam korumacı bir abiydi onu da sevdim. Ve fazla cingöz, tv'de olan bitenlere fazla meraklı bir çocuktu 😂
Dori ise zavallım ona o kadar çok üzüldüm ki. Çocuğu ve büyükbabasıyla sessiz sakin bir hayat kurmaya çalışmasını okurken hayatın, her koşulda savaşmaya devam etmemizi sağladığını gördüm. Ve Dori her şeye rağmen savaştı. Özellikle bebeğini babasız büyütmeye çalışması ve çevresindekilerin yüzüne gülüp aralarında konuşması onun için ne kadar yıpratıcı olsa da aykata kaldı. Bunu yapan insanlar için diyeceğim tam bir küçük kasaba halkı tavrı. Zavallı Luther eğer Pine'lar ile karşılaşmasaydı sonu kim bilir ilerde nasıl olucaktı?
Özellikle yangın sahnesinde o kadar çok üzüldüm ki.. İnsan empati yapınca olayın başına gelme ihtimalini düşündükçe insanın tüyleri ürperiyor. Bir gecede 2 kayıp yaşayan Doriye üzülmemek elde değildi ama Johnny, bir tek pelerini eksik halde olay yerinde belirince gözümden beliren kalplerle okudum resmen. O kadar sevecen bir teklifle geldi ki... Sanki olması gereken yer kendi eviymiş gibi öyle nazik davet etti ki... 😍
İki taraf da saçma sapan gururlarla kafa kafaya gelmediler. Çocukların mutluluğu, yaşamları her şeyden önceydi onlar için.
Pine'ların evindeki süre bana az geldi ama yine olaylı bir hafta geçirdiler o yüzden her şey o kadar hızlıya gelmemiş gibi oldu. Yazar her iki başrolünde hangi açılardan birbirine destek olacağını çok güzel hissetirdi insana. İkisinin yaşı ne kadar küçük olursa olsun yaşlarından daha büyük sorumlulukları çok güzel kaldırmıştılar.
Dori bir anneydi ve daha 17 yaşındaydı. Okurken bu detay beni baya şoka uğrattı. Sonrasında Johnny içinde aynı şoku hissetim 20 yaşındaydı ve ailesi için savaşıyordu. Ne denir ki? İkisine de helal olsun valla.
Kasaba sakinleri bazen beni çıldırtsa da yemek salonundaki kadın, kuaför salonundaki kadın ve en önemlisi avukatıyla o kasabanın yargısız insafa gidilip hespinden nefret edilmemesine karar verdim. O sahneleri okurken baya duygulandım.
Tabi kitapta bazı şeyler aklımı kurcalamadı değil😳 O kadar para nasıl bir anda ortaya çıktı?😕 Yani eğer o kadar varsa kız neden bulaşıkçılık yapıyordu bunca zaman?😒 Daha iyi bir yerde yeni bir hayatları olabilirdi. Orası biraz mantık hatası gibi geldi bana. Sanki yazar mutlu son yazılmalı bu aileye diyip şak diye bu kadar parayı çıkarmış. Zaten zavallı Johnny'im nereye uğradığını şaşırdı ilk duyduğunda o tepkileri çok komikti.
Kitabın sonu güzel bitti ama Pine ailesine 4 erkek çok fazla zavvalı Dori'm tek kaldı aralarında. O yüzden skoru eşitlemek için bir kız bebekleri olsun isterdim. Belki serinin devam kitaplarında adları geçer de olmuş olmamış mı öğreniriz olayları.😂😂
Bir de küçük kasabada yaşamanın dezavantajı dışında avantajını gösterdi yazar bize. O şerefsiz Frankie'yi mahvettiler.💪 Helal be kasaba halkı.👏 Kitabı, işte şimdi bittim dediğiniz anda hayatın yeniden başlamasının mümkün olduğu inancıyla okursanız kitabı elinizden bırakamaycaksınız.
September 2, 2020
I'm getting a little verklempt.
Thank goodness for Covid, because under different circumstances I very well could have been reading this in public which would be very embarrassing. First, this hardened cynical little heart cried like an 8 year old watching Old Yeller for the first time; later I laughed so hard I think I snorted.
Lots and lots of bad things happen in this book: an off page rape, a child is beaten up by bullies, a fire, a death, some slut-shaming, a gossipy and lying busybody, a viral YouTube vidoe, a bad CPS employee, and a lawsuit. Is it all a little OTT and tropey? Yes, but it works because Sala approaches her tropey events with enthusiasm and ties off each problem and evil doer. Sala doesn’t fall down the rabbit hole and let her characters do the usual, mind-boggling stupid tropes: characters actually report crimes, consult attornies instead of wallowing in pity, engaging in revenge or running off for years.
Yes, big and small, the evil doers get their comeuppance and none more than the rapist. This was the tip of the revenge iceberg.
The 17 year old heroine is now raising her 6 month son while the H, considered white trash, is raising his little brothers. Both are sweet, honorable characters which sounds boring, but that would be very wrong. The secondary characters like Johnny’s little brothers, Peanut the philanthropic town attorney and others are hysterical.
Just so much fun.
Thank goodness for Covid, because under different circumstances I very well could have been reading this in public which would be very embarrassing. First, this hardened cynical little heart cried like an 8 year old watching Old Yeller for the first time; later I laughed so hard I think I snorted.
Lots and lots of bad things happen in this book: an off page rape, a child is beaten up by bullies, a fire, a death, some slut-shaming, a gossipy and lying busybody, a viral YouTube vidoe, a bad CPS employee, and a lawsuit. Is it all a little OTT and tropey? Yes, but it works because Sala approaches her tropey events with enthusiasm and ties off each problem and evil doer. Sala doesn’t fall down the rabbit hole and let her characters do the usual, mind-boggling stupid tropes: characters actually report crimes, consult attornies instead of wallowing in pity, engaging in revenge or running off for years.
Yes, big and small, the evil doers get their comeuppance and none more than the rapist. This was the tip of the revenge iceberg.
The 17 year old heroine is now raising her 6 month son while the H, considered white trash, is raising his little brothers. Both are sweet, honorable characters which sounds boring, but that would be very wrong. The secondary characters like Johnny’s little brothers, Peanut the philanthropic town attorney and others are hysterical.
Just so much fun.
June 8, 2015
Overall rating: 5 "Adorable" stars!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
Sensitive topics:
HEA:
My review:
This was just one of those books that will stay with me for awhile. It had me emotional from when I started till when I put it down. This is a very slow build and the hero and heroine don't even meet until about 20% in, but I felt like we NEEDED that background to the hero and the heroine's characters because that is where I totally and utterly fell in love with them.
Johnny is our hero. His father is in prison and his mother died of a drug overdose at least two years prior. Johnny is left to care for his two younger brothers - Marshall age 9 and Brooks aka Beep age 6 I believe. At the start of the book, we are given insight to what a beautiful and wonderful person Johnny is. His brothers are his life. He loves them unconditionally and would do anything for them. He cooks for them, cleans for them, gets them to school everyday and goes to work everyday for them. There is no question that he is devoted to these kids. THIS folks, THIS is what I want to see in a single parent romance of any kind. A hero like Johnny. :)
Adorable aka Dori is our heroine. She lives with her grandfather and cares for her 6 month old baby Luther Joe. Their relationship is also the sweetest and when you learn how little Luther was conceived, you jus know you are going to love Dori.
Tragedy strikes to bring these two families together and it was such a beautiful thing to witness. The kids are all so damn cute and had me laughing and smiling a lot. There is a scene that brought back my own child hood memories . This is not a steamy book by any means and actually only has one love scene. Their first kiss doesn't even happen until 66%, but you know what? I didn't even care. The whole story was that endearing. I simply loved it!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
Sensitive topics:
HEA:
My review:
This was just one of those books that will stay with me for awhile. It had me emotional from when I started till when I put it down. This is a very slow build and the hero and heroine don't even meet until about 20% in, but I felt like we NEEDED that background to the hero and the heroine's characters because that is where I totally and utterly fell in love with them.
Johnny is our hero. His father is in prison and his mother died of a drug overdose at least two years prior. Johnny is left to care for his two younger brothers - Marshall age 9 and Brooks aka Beep age 6 I believe. At the start of the book, we are given insight to what a beautiful and wonderful person Johnny is. His brothers are his life. He loves them unconditionally and would do anything for them. He cooks for them, cleans for them, gets them to school everyday and goes to work everyday for them. There is no question that he is devoted to these kids. THIS folks, THIS is what I want to see in a single parent romance of any kind. A hero like Johnny. :)
Adorable aka Dori is our heroine. She lives with her grandfather and cares for her 6 month old baby Luther Joe. Their relationship is also the sweetest and when you learn how little Luther was conceived, you jus know you are going to love Dori.
Tragedy strikes to bring these two families together and it was such a beautiful thing to witness. The kids are all so damn cute and had me laughing and smiling a lot. There is a scene that brought back my own child hood memories . This is not a steamy book by any means and actually only has one love scene. Their first kiss doesn't even happen until 66%, but you know what? I didn't even care. The whole story was that endearing. I simply loved it!
"When you cry, it hurts my heart," he said softly and then followed the boys to the car.
"Hey, Dori, didja hafta teach ole Joe there how to swallow, or did he come knowing how to do that?" Beep asked.LMAO and there are many more scenes where they came from.
Dori stifled a laugh. Ole Joe. that was priceless.
"I know you don't love me, but maybe one day, if I'm lucky, you'll look up and realize you can't live without me. In the meantime, I can love you enough for both of us.
Johnny caught Dori watching him, leaned over Beep's head, and whispered in her ear, "I love you and adore you, Dori Pine."
"I love you, I love you, I love you," he whispered and burned his nose beneath the curve of her chin.ABSOLUTE SWOON!
Dori rose on one elbow to look down into his face. The word husband was still spinning in her head as she accepted the truth of what she felt.
"I love you more."
Johnny groaned as he kissed her nose, then her lips, and then wrapped his arms around her neck.
"Oh, baby, thank you. I wasn't sure I'd ever hear you say that. This is true wealth, and I will never take it for granted."
April 22, 2020
A beautiful, heartwarming contemporary story of love and redemption. Mrs. Sala is such a prolific author, and her characterization and writing style is completely absorbing as she builds a story featuring a lovable cast of main characters and their hardships and accomplishments. Entertainment at its best!
August 30, 2015
Have you read a book where the main characters are so sweet that you feel mean to give the story less than a 3-star rating? This is exactly how I felt after finishing the book. The author is a hit-and-miss for me. I loved her Jackson Rule but was less impressed with Finders Keepers. This story falls somewhere in the middle. Set in a small town of Blessings, Georgia, this is a story of budding love between two teenagers who are not your typical 18 and 20 years old. The heroine is a single mother raising her small boy with a help of her grandfather. The hero is a young man from a wrong part of town struggling single-handily to bring up his two younger brothers. When during one night the heroine lost almost everything, the hero came to her rescue. As much as it's a story of their young love, this is also a story of the small town inhabitants. Their description feels more cartoonish and stereotypical than not. It is a very feel-good story but if you are looking for realism and more in depth reading, this is not it. After reading some angsty stories, this was a pretty enjoyable read for me.
March 13, 2020
Karakterlerin yaşı beklediğimden küçüktü sırtlarında ki yükler dağlar kadar büyüktü ama hepsinin üstesinden birlikte geldiler. Sona doğru her şey çabucak oldu bitti biraz daha detay isterdim çünkü karakterlere aşık oldum onların çooook mutlu olduğu bir kaç sahne daha okumayı istedim ama olsun bu haliyle bile güzeldi.
September 24, 2017
This is my fourth attempt at writing this review after finishing I'll Stand By You. I have read several stories by this author and with the exception of Jackson Rule- Sala also writes under the name, Dinah McCall- I have never found another that I was absorbed. Until now.
I read a trusted GR friend's 4 star review over two years ago. I liked what she said and added the story to my wish list. I forgot it was part of a series and, purposely, did not reread the editorial review or hers when I started the story.
I noticed people have categorized it as YA or NA. I thought of it as neither. The main characters were 18 -Dori had a recent birthday- and 20 years old but they were mature beyond their years. The story spanned roughly two weeks but I rarely thought of the short time period. There were highs and lows that pushed at my emotional buttons.
The moments of angst were woebegone. On the upside, there were times that were cheerfully happy. If I could give you one reason why I rated it four stars rather than five was the 'hypocritical Christians' allegory -it is not inspirational or Christian fiction!- and, in my view, a picture of a biased redneck South. I want people to know that 99.9999% of us do not name our children Billy Bob Bubba Joe or Mabel Sue Ruby Lou. And 'living on the wrong side of the tracks' had its heyday with Route 66.
There. I feel better already. :))
If you are looking for an emotional story with wonderfully mature young people, no big misunderstandings and a plot that pulls at your deepest emotions, read I'll Stand By You.
If you ever return to GRs: thank you, Jill!
I read a trusted GR friend's 4 star review over two years ago. I liked what she said and added the story to my wish list. I forgot it was part of a series and, purposely, did not reread the editorial review or hers when I started the story.
I noticed people have categorized it as YA or NA. I thought of it as neither. The main characters were 18 -Dori had a recent birthday- and 20 years old but they were mature beyond their years. The story spanned roughly two weeks but I rarely thought of the short time period. There were highs and lows that pushed at my emotional buttons.
The moments of angst were woebegone. On the upside, there were times that were cheerfully happy. If I could give you one reason why I rated it four stars rather than five was the 'hypocritical Christians' allegory -it is not inspirational or Christian fiction!- and, in my view, a picture of a biased redneck South. I want people to know that 99.9999% of us do not name our children Billy Bob Bubba Joe or Mabel Sue Ruby Lou. And 'living on the wrong side of the tracks' had its heyday with Route 66.
There. I feel better already. :))
If you are looking for an emotional story with wonderfully mature young people, no big misunderstandings and a plot that pulls at your deepest emotions, read I'll Stand By You.
If you ever return to GRs: thank you, Jill!
March 19, 2020
3,5 / 5
Sadece 10 günde başlarına gelmeyen kalmadı diye düşünürken 2020 nin daha 3 ayı dolmadan başımıza gelenleri hatırlayıp sustum 🙄
Sadece 10 günde başlarına gelmeyen kalmadı diye düşünürken 2020 nin daha 3 ayı dolmadan başımıza gelenleri hatırlayıp sustum 🙄
August 16, 2021
This is one of my favorite series and I love being able to go back and read them from the beginning! If you enjoy a more wholesome romance then you can't go wrong with the Blessings, Georgia series. I believe each and every book has been a 5 star read for me!
August 14, 2015
Well, it's good but the drama is too much for me to handle. Right from the start we are presented with a serious problem faced by the hero. And then problems after problems keep coming for both the hero & the heroine. Funny thing is that, there seems to be people who'd help them face their problems. Plus the nosy neighbor who always poke her nose in their lives, running around spreading false gossips. Alas, I still love seeing how they manage to overcome every one of the obstacles that life presented & how that nosy neighbor finally got put in her place.
“I know you don’t love me, but maybe one day, if I’m lucky, you’ll look up and realize you can’t live without me. In the meantime, I can love you enough for both of us.”
OH JOHNNY!!
“I know you don’t love me, but maybe one day, if I’m lucky, you’ll look up and realize you can’t live without me. In the meantime, I can love you enough for both of us.”
OH JOHNNY!!
Read
August 30, 2025Re-read. My original review stands. I still love it!
What a beautiful story! I just loved Dori, Johnny and the various cast of characters in the little Southern town. It was heartbreaking, emotional, funny, sweet and totally fulfilling. There were so many parts that made me smile and others that ripped my heart out. And, isn't it just terrific when Karma shows her face and gets that big bite! I found myself a new author (for me) and I couldn't be happier. ;)
What a beautiful story! I just loved Dori, Johnny and the various cast of characters in the little Southern town. It was heartbreaking, emotional, funny, sweet and totally fulfilling. There were so many parts that made me smile and others that ripped my heart out. And, isn't it just terrific when Karma shows her face and gets that big bite! I found myself a new author (for me) and I couldn't be happier. ;)
October 2, 2017
This was a sweet small town romance. The author began this book in a masterful way. She told separate stories of both MCs and their families, simultaneously making me care about the struggles of the MCs and painting the small town picture. There was a lot to like about this story: a strong heroine who resisted becoming jaded by the crappy things that had happened to her, a swoon worthy H who was mostly beta but alpha when it counted, the cute kids, and the compelling and engaging storytelling. I liked the multiple povs, even though they switched around without indication most of the time, and I also enjoyed the non-stereotypical young H who wasn't a manho. Both the MCs had a hard time with life, but they were both responsible, sweet, and good, determined to rise above the lots they were given. They never played the victim card, but defended themselves and each other. Their romance was very beautiful.
However, there were quite a few few things that I didn't enjoy about this story. The town gossip and the hateful things that were said to and about the MCs were just awful. I do not like this aspect of small town life where everybody is minding everybody else's business. There is also the issue of so. much. drama. Seriously, almost everything bad that could have happened to these kids happened to them. And finally there's the fact that they fell in love and . It seemed romantic but in hindsight, a little rushed. I also didn't understand the part of the plot where all the details of the h's life would be disclosed in a national news outlet. That made no sense and seemed like an invasion of privacy to me.
All in all, I did enjoy this book. If I didn't need to wake up early, I probably would have stayed up late to finish it. Hopefully the next one is good or better. I do enjoy reading a story about people closer to my age. :)
However, there were quite a few few things that I didn't enjoy about this story. The town gossip and the hateful things that were said to and about the MCs were just awful. I do not like this aspect of small town life where everybody is minding everybody else's business. There is also the issue of so. much. drama. Seriously, almost everything bad that could have happened to these kids happened to them. And finally there's the fact that they fell in love and . It seemed romantic but in hindsight, a little rushed. I also didn't understand the part of the plot where all the details of the h's life would be disclosed in a national news outlet. That made no sense and seemed like an invasion of privacy to me.
All in all, I did enjoy this book. If I didn't need to wake up early, I probably would have stayed up late to finish it. Hopefully the next one is good or better. I do enjoy reading a story about people closer to my age. :)
March 23, 2020
The characters of Dori Grant and Johnny Pine made this a wonderful book. The children, Dori's infant son, Luther Joe, and Johnny's brothers, Beep and Marshall, added a sweetness and innocence to the story. There were familiar secondary characters from the prequel novella and the first book that were great also.
In this book, Dori Grant is a teenaged single mom, living with her grandfather, and making sure her infant son has a safe, caring home. Johnny Pine, a twenty year old from a family with a bad reputation, has been raising his two young brothers alone for the past two years, determined to provide them a healthy, nurturing environment. When tragedy strikes Dori, Johnny, who barely knows her, steps up and helps her when no one else does. These two soon find themselves growing attached to one another, and both care deeply for the baby and two children. They have some adversity to overcome before they can look forward to a bright future.
Dori and Johnny were both protective, loyal, and loving. They were very young for main characters in an adult contemporary romance, but it worked well. This book really worked for me on all levels.
In this book, Dori Grant is a teenaged single mom, living with her grandfather, and making sure her infant son has a safe, caring home. Johnny Pine, a twenty year old from a family with a bad reputation, has been raising his two young brothers alone for the past two years, determined to provide them a healthy, nurturing environment. When tragedy strikes Dori, Johnny, who barely knows her, steps up and helps her when no one else does. These two soon find themselves growing attached to one another, and both care deeply for the baby and two children. They have some adversity to overcome before they can look forward to a bright future.
Dori and Johnny were both protective, loyal, and loving. They were very young for main characters in an adult contemporary romance, but it worked well. This book really worked for me on all levels.
October 20, 2020
Sweet in a very gentle way.
June 2, 2015
Happy Release Day!!!
Oh my gosh, I loved this. I was a bit confused to begin with. The cover is very contemporary, but when I started reading I thought this might be a book from the 50's. The characters' speech patterns are "redneck" for sure. Once I got into the flow of the dialog, I never looked back and didn't even notice it anymore. I'd be reading and would suddenly realize that I had tears running down my cheeks. Then I'd be laughing...then more tears. This was what a good read should be. I was rooting for Dori and the Pine boys from the beginning.
Dori has a young son (Luther Joe) and lives with her grandfather. Johnny is raising his two young brothers (Marshall and Beep) after their dad went to jail and their mother died. Both of them have had a hard life, but they are working to keep their families together and growing strong.
A horrible tragedy one night leaves Dori and Luther Joe with no place to go. The neighbors walk away, leaving her in shock. Johnny steps up and invites her and the little guy into his home. Those neighbors who said they'd pray for her, well, they think this means that he's the father to the baby and tongues start wagging even harder than they did prior.
As a reader, you know something is up with Dori's past. And it was as bad as I thought it was going to be. But Dori is a survivor and she intends to make her life with the baby a good one. I loved her spirit.
One of the first times tears came to my eyes is when Beep, Johnny's seven-year-old brother gets beat up. Trust me, you will cry, too. And then Beep will mention his great dislike of raisins and you might just laugh, too!
All the characters need each other for different reasons, and I loved them. Ruby Dye, the owner of the Curl up and Dye beauty shop, is going to be the thread that keeps this series going. And I loved her, too.
Ms. Sala nails small town living. She understands there are good and bad people everywhere. The good ones come out and HELP when a neighbor needs a hand and they don't even ask if they should do so. The bad ones? Well, in this book all the bad ones get what's coming to them. And I laughed out loud at some of the paybacks for them.
This book was a joy to read. The romance was sweet. Justice was served. And I want more. We are left with a hint as to who the next story will be about when Ruby sees someone getting off the bus in front of her shop. I can hardly wait.
*Thank you, Sourcebooks and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book.
Oh my gosh, I loved this. I was a bit confused to begin with. The cover is very contemporary, but when I started reading I thought this might be a book from the 50's. The characters' speech patterns are "redneck" for sure. Once I got into the flow of the dialog, I never looked back and didn't even notice it anymore. I'd be reading and would suddenly realize that I had tears running down my cheeks. Then I'd be laughing...then more tears. This was what a good read should be. I was rooting for Dori and the Pine boys from the beginning.
Dori has a young son (Luther Joe) and lives with her grandfather. Johnny is raising his two young brothers (Marshall and Beep) after their dad went to jail and their mother died. Both of them have had a hard life, but they are working to keep their families together and growing strong.
A horrible tragedy one night leaves Dori and Luther Joe with no place to go. The neighbors walk away, leaving her in shock. Johnny steps up and invites her and the little guy into his home. Those neighbors who said they'd pray for her, well, they think this means that he's the father to the baby and tongues start wagging even harder than they did prior.
As a reader, you know something is up with Dori's past. And it was as bad as I thought it was going to be. But Dori is a survivor and she intends to make her life with the baby a good one. I loved her spirit.
One of the first times tears came to my eyes is when Beep, Johnny's seven-year-old brother gets beat up. Trust me, you will cry, too. And then Beep will mention his great dislike of raisins and you might just laugh, too!
All the characters need each other for different reasons, and I loved them. Ruby Dye, the owner of the Curl up and Dye beauty shop, is going to be the thread that keeps this series going. And I loved her, too.
Ms. Sala nails small town living. She understands there are good and bad people everywhere. The good ones come out and HELP when a neighbor needs a hand and they don't even ask if they should do so. The bad ones? Well, in this book all the bad ones get what's coming to them. And I laughed out loud at some of the paybacks for them.
This book was a joy to read. The romance was sweet. Justice was served. And I want more. We are left with a hint as to who the next story will be about when Ruby sees someone getting off the bus in front of her shop. I can hardly wait.
*Thank you, Sourcebooks and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book.
July 19, 2015
So I got this book via PBS. It was a surprise so I thought I would check it out. At page 5 I almost put it down because I realized it was a NA story, but the writing was working for me, so I stuck with it. By page 30 I was in love with Johnny, as he was a 20 year old, doing a man's job for the last 2 years. By the time page 100 rolled around I was putting young Dori and Johnny in my couple's hall of fame. Right up there with Mercy and Adam, Pia and Dragos, Anna and Charles...etc. Trust me there were tears and plenty of heartfelt emotion by the time the book was over.
17 year old Dori's world was completely shaken up when she went to school dance one night and after it was all over ended up as a single mother. Working as a dishwasher and trying to raise her son with her grandfather isn't easy, but she has a spine of steel and is making it as best she can. But before she can settle in with her 6 month old, Luther Joe, life again hands Dori a punch to the gut. She finds out that night who of her neighbors is worth her time and there is only one person who steps up to the plate. 20 year old Johnny, with a younger brother in each hand he offers Dori a place to stay at the most devastating moment in her life. She accepts and soon moves in and proceeds to light up Johnny and his brother's lives.
This story isn't just about how two young people with a huge world stacked against them, become a solid core of strength to wrap around the young charges that they love and have vowed at all costs to protect. This is also highlights how small small towns can be and how words can do so much damage. Also how people can come together and help a couple become a small family. I fell in love with Dori and Johnny and totally wanted to move next door to them and be invited to BBQs with them. I am so glad I went ahead and gave this NA read a chance to capture my heart.
17 year old Dori's world was completely shaken up when she went to school dance one night and after it was all over ended up as a single mother. Working as a dishwasher and trying to raise her son with her grandfather isn't easy, but she has a spine of steel and is making it as best she can. But before she can settle in with her 6 month old, Luther Joe, life again hands Dori a punch to the gut. She finds out that night who of her neighbors is worth her time and there is only one person who steps up to the plate. 20 year old Johnny, with a younger brother in each hand he offers Dori a place to stay at the most devastating moment in her life. She accepts and soon moves in and proceeds to light up Johnny and his brother's lives.
This story isn't just about how two young people with a huge world stacked against them, become a solid core of strength to wrap around the young charges that they love and have vowed at all costs to protect. This is also highlights how small small towns can be and how words can do so much damage. Also how people can come together and help a couple become a small family. I fell in love with Dori and Johnny and totally wanted to move next door to them and be invited to BBQs with them. I am so glad I went ahead and gave this NA read a chance to capture my heart.
October 21, 2015
4/5; 4 stars; A-
I didn't even know Sharon Sala wrote this kind of romance. I thought she was all about romantic suspense. I saw this audiobook on the shelf at the library and didn't know what to expect. The main characters in this book are all young; teens and young adult, yet it didn't put me off the way so many 'YA' books do. This book had a Robyn Carr or Jodi Thomas feel in term of small town dynamics.
If you are in the market for a very sweet, feel good romance then give this a try.
I didn't even know Sharon Sala wrote this kind of romance. I thought she was all about romantic suspense. I saw this audiobook on the shelf at the library and didn't know what to expect. The main characters in this book are all young; teens and young adult, yet it didn't put me off the way so many 'YA' books do. This book had a Robyn Carr or Jodi Thomas feel in term of small town dynamics.
If you are in the market for a very sweet, feel good romance then give this a try.
February 16, 2020
Dori is a young single mom living with her grandfather, one night their house burns down and her grandfather dies. The only one that will take her in is Johnny Pine. A young man whose parents were no good and left him trying to raise 2 young siblings. The gossip around town really causes problems for the young couple and there is the treat of losing all 3 children.
December 13, 2022
It is the time of year where I am super busy at work so anything I read for pleasure has to be ...not challenging.... these books hit that mark.
Pleasant.
I liked the two main characters and how their romance developed even if it was too quick. Some of the plot decisions made no sense by regular people standards. But I guess for small town romanc-y standards that sort of "make it make sense!" unreality is par for the course.
I did like the little brothers. They were cute.
Pleasant.
I liked the two main characters and how their romance developed even if it was too quick. Some of the plot decisions made no sense by regular people standards. But I guess for small town romanc-y standards that sort of "make it make sense!" unreality is par for the course.
I did like the little brothers. They were cute.
June 20, 2015
A heartwarming feel-good story in a small southern town with a sweet romance, quirky familiar characters, and a gently-paced plot full of tough times, poignant scenes, humor, and triumph. This was my second venture into the author's world of Blessings, Georgia and it was an absolute treat. There really isn't an official series and the book reads as a standalone though there are connections through the setting and familiar secondary characters.
Blessings, Georgia is a small community with its fair share of the usual types and a strong interest in everyone's business. Reputations are hard to live down just ask Dori Grant single teenage mom and Johnny Pine son of a man in prison and of a woman who OD'd on Meth.
Johnny does the best he can working his solid job and caring for his two little brothers. Things are tight, but they're doing alright until his little brother is bullied and beat up badly by older boys from upstanding families. This shocks the whole community. And right behind this incident comes the tragedy that befalls poor Dori. She soon learns who the truly good people are when almost everyone turns their back on her when she is left destitute. The Pines might not have much, but they are the ones who offer help.
Johnny and Dori struggle under their burdens, but slowly start relying on each other as they face gossip, loss, trouble from their pasts, and getting by. They enjoy some fun moments with their temporarily blended families and both think longingly of what it would be like if it went beyond temporary. Both are hesitant about opening up their hearts and tentatively accept what is growing between them, but then life throws them some more curves and they are forced to fight for their chance to be together and to be a family.
This was such a tender, beautiful story when it came to Johnny and Dori, but encompassed a broader range to include their families and the life of the town. Johnny and Dori are the main narrators, but others take their turn as well so the story is told from several perspectives. This was cool because I got to see their story from their own telling, but also how other folks saw them and their situation and saw the overall picture.
The story has some strong conflict, but it was interesting how it wove into the story organically. Things like death, disaster, illness, mean-spirited and greedy people, kind-hearted and loving people, social status, and stigmas through up barriers and I was so vested to see how this pair of young folk tackled them separately and together.
The characters are are a definite strength. Dori and Johnny are very young and still under twenty, but they are world-weary and mature beyond their years taking on responsibility for themselves and the children who depend on them. They both have bad reps in the community and so try to just quietly live their lives. I had so much respect for them both.
The cast of secondary characters were a huge mixed bag. This is what is fun about a small town story told right. These extras that pepper the scenes with their good, their bad, their humor, and even their mean just keep me riveted. The beauty shop, the diner, the grocery store, the church, the school, and pretty much any place where the people gathered offered some entertaining story. But in addition, there was Dori's baby, Luther Joe, and Johnny's brothers, Marshall and Beep who totally stole every scene they're in.
As to the romance, its part of the story and is definitely a really good part, but it is not the only part so it took a while to develop. Dori and Johnny both have reasons to be cautious and they are. They are young and red-blooded so the heat snaps between them, but refreshingly they do it all right. They have a lot of bad things happen and they even fall apart under the pressure, but by golly they would put to shame older couples the way they talked things out, trusted, and relied on each other. Loved this pair and couldn't wait for them to get together.
All in all, this was a delicious, warm slice of southern small town life and I want a second helping. I would recommend this one for those who like slow-paced, heartwarming Contemporary Romance.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Blessings, Georgia is a small community with its fair share of the usual types and a strong interest in everyone's business. Reputations are hard to live down just ask Dori Grant single teenage mom and Johnny Pine son of a man in prison and of a woman who OD'd on Meth.
Johnny does the best he can working his solid job and caring for his two little brothers. Things are tight, but they're doing alright until his little brother is bullied and beat up badly by older boys from upstanding families. This shocks the whole community. And right behind this incident comes the tragedy that befalls poor Dori. She soon learns who the truly good people are when almost everyone turns their back on her when she is left destitute. The Pines might not have much, but they are the ones who offer help.
Johnny and Dori struggle under their burdens, but slowly start relying on each other as they face gossip, loss, trouble from their pasts, and getting by. They enjoy some fun moments with their temporarily blended families and both think longingly of what it would be like if it went beyond temporary. Both are hesitant about opening up their hearts and tentatively accept what is growing between them, but then life throws them some more curves and they are forced to fight for their chance to be together and to be a family.
This was such a tender, beautiful story when it came to Johnny and Dori, but encompassed a broader range to include their families and the life of the town. Johnny and Dori are the main narrators, but others take their turn as well so the story is told from several perspectives. This was cool because I got to see their story from their own telling, but also how other folks saw them and their situation and saw the overall picture.
The story has some strong conflict, but it was interesting how it wove into the story organically. Things like death, disaster, illness, mean-spirited and greedy people, kind-hearted and loving people, social status, and stigmas through up barriers and I was so vested to see how this pair of young folk tackled them separately and together.
The characters are are a definite strength. Dori and Johnny are very young and still under twenty, but they are world-weary and mature beyond their years taking on responsibility for themselves and the children who depend on them. They both have bad reps in the community and so try to just quietly live their lives. I had so much respect for them both.
The cast of secondary characters were a huge mixed bag. This is what is fun about a small town story told right. These extras that pepper the scenes with their good, their bad, their humor, and even their mean just keep me riveted. The beauty shop, the diner, the grocery store, the church, the school, and pretty much any place where the people gathered offered some entertaining story. But in addition, there was Dori's baby, Luther Joe, and Johnny's brothers, Marshall and Beep who totally stole every scene they're in.
As to the romance, its part of the story and is definitely a really good part, but it is not the only part so it took a while to develop. Dori and Johnny both have reasons to be cautious and they are. They are young and red-blooded so the heat snaps between them, but refreshingly they do it all right. They have a lot of bad things happen and they even fall apart under the pressure, but by golly they would put to shame older couples the way they talked things out, trusted, and relied on each other. Loved this pair and couldn't wait for them to get together.
All in all, this was a delicious, warm slice of southern small town life and I want a second helping. I would recommend this one for those who like slow-paced, heartwarming Contemporary Romance.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2016
Another old read that needs rating and review
This is one that I was really surprised that I bought and actually liked. This is so not my type of read at all. I think for me I would give it a 3.5 because many things I enjoyed it feel short in others for me but it was a really nice read all the same.
The heroine is Dori who had a child very young with a lot of rumors surrounding her about the child. She lives with her Grandfather who helps her and loves her in every way but even though she live on the so called right side of town some look down on the young mother. The hero is Johnny who is a young man who has custody of his two younger brother Marshall who is the middle and the youngest Brooks who they call Beep. He and his brothers live on the so called bad side of town but are good people no matter what some in the town think.
They both come up against some major issues in their lives but they are strong enough to stand up to every knock. They meet under very bad circumstances but the hero and his brothers were extremely good and offered the heroine a hand when she really needed it most. Their love story is quick and there isn't much steam but it is sweet. They really enjoyed spending time and enjoyed each others small family and built on it.
If you like small town, sweet romance
This is one that I was really surprised that I bought and actually liked. This is so not my type of read at all. I think for me I would give it a 3.5 because many things I enjoyed it feel short in others for me but it was a really nice read all the same.
The heroine is Dori who had a child very young with a lot of rumors surrounding her about the child. She lives with her Grandfather who helps her and loves her in every way but even though she live on the so called right side of town some look down on the young mother. The hero is Johnny who is a young man who has custody of his two younger brother Marshall who is the middle and the youngest Brooks who they call Beep. He and his brothers live on the so called bad side of town but are good people no matter what some in the town think.
They both come up against some major issues in their lives but they are strong enough to stand up to every knock. They meet under very bad circumstances but the hero and his brothers were extremely good and offered the heroine a hand when she really needed it most. Their love story is quick and there isn't much steam but it is sweet. They really enjoyed spending time and enjoyed each others small family and built on it.
If you like small town, sweet romance
December 31, 2020
The characters in this story are very young (18 and 20) and do whatever necessary to take care of their families. I loved them. Both MCs are good, strong people. Life has knocked them down repeatedly and this story features them finally finding their silver lining. I would have liked another chapter, a bit of a wrap up to tell us where things are headed or how they've progressed. I don't think we see these characters again in future books, but they were lovely. I little bit more comeuppance for the bad guys would have been nice, but Sala tends to save those for the romantic suspense stories.
December 8, 2019
Kitaptaki herkesin bir derdi vardı okurken içim parçalandı ama aşırı da sevmedim. 🤭
October 5, 2016
çok güzeldiniz be!
April 23, 2017
This book has it all, the love of family, sacrifice for family, a great romance and a community that supports each other, a fine example of small-town USA values. The humor sprinkled in is a delight. Happy reading!
July 5, 2020
There's no words that can express how long I've looked for a book that had every element that sucks me in and keeps me riveted.
This book hit every spot.
I need lots of characters that have personalities that feel so vibrant you feel as if you are watching a movie or you're part of the town and I just can't explain it. Sharon Sala did this with a magical sweep of her pen.
Every character is important in this story. There's more than a heroine and hero there's a town of individuals that care, protect and love. The evil characters are put in their place and you can't help but cheer. I sighed, laughed, cried and swooned. I'm in heaven for real.
What's funny is I read the intro to the series book 0. 5 Count your blessings first. Then somehow I accidentally skipped book 1 The Curl up and Dye.
But I'm about to rectify that right now. I see a huge, massive, Binge read /listen in my future.
This one book made my audible escape package worth it.
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