What do you do when your whole life is turned upside down?
Sully Raines sets out to find his birth mother, and ends up in Blessings, Georgia. A new surprise awaits him here, but of the best kind―his childhood sweetheart, whom he hasn't seen since she moved away when they were teens, is living in Blessings now. He's not sure she's as happy to see him as he is to see her, but it's been a lot of years, and a lot of water under the bridge...
Sully's heartfelt search for answers about his past might just turn out to be the key to his future...
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.
Blessings is a heartwarming series I don't want to miss
I love going back to this town where people are nice to each other and they can help someone in need without a second thought.
This time, newcomer Sully Raines is looking for his birth mother. Sully is a recently retired firefighter who finds out he’s adopted after settling his mother's affairs after she passes away. The only thing he has left from his birth mother is a necklace. Sully knows he has never placed any real roots anywhere. Married once but it didn’t last. He feels like something is missing in his life. Finding his birth mother feels like the right thing to do. Of course, the search is not easy but the trail takes him down to Blessings, Georgia.
When he arrives in Blessings, he is a witness to a car wreck. Immediately, his firefighter instincts come forward and he pulls a woman from the burning car. In the emergency room, he discovers that the woman he helped in none other than his first love, Melissa. Once they realized who they are to each other, they don’t want to waste any more time and they want to pick up their relationship where they left it many years ago.
For Sully, Blessings will bring many surprises. All good for him.
I adore this series. It has a lot of heart and sweetness. For some, it might be too sweet and everything has a color rose-glass type of view but sometimes, I need this type of story to lift me up.
A great addition to the series. I can’t wait for the next one.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Sourcebooks via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: December 31, 2019 Actual Rating: 5 stars
Small Town | Southern Romance
Sharon Sala delivers another heartfelt southern romance in The Way Back to You. This has long been one of my favorite series. When I’m in the need of a pick me up or something that will make me genuinely feel good, I read a book in this series. There’s just something so appealing about being brought together with wholesome and good characters that make you feel happy. For this reason, and because Sharon just knows how to write a phenomenal love story, I am always looking forward to the next installment. I truly hope this turns into one of those never-ending series because I don’t know what I would do when it ends. Blessings, Georgia IS a blessing and if it were a real town I would happily pack up and live there.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting the characters within Blessings, Georgia I highly recommend diving in. Each book can be read as a complete standalone as well so you can feel free to read the stories in any order you like. Each book features a brand-new love story in the point of view of a different resident within the small town. These books are interconnected though and characters from previous books (and even future books) do play small roles within them, but it’s not enough to confuse you if you haven’t read them. It’s just enough to feel the friendship and sense of community.
In this one, readers will Meet Melissa and Sully. The two reconnect after a tragic accident occurs in Blessings, and their love story blossoms from there. There is instant chemistry and long-lost love vibes that will make your heart swell with happiness when seeing these two together. You see, Melissa and Sully were each other’s first loves in high school. So being brought together in such tragic circumstances really makes them that much more grateful for their reconnection.
As I mentioned before, this is a wholesome romance with minor sex scenes. The sex scenes aren’t erotic, and nothing is described in detail so if you like books without them then this book (and series) would be a good fit for you. This book (and again, series) really dives into the development of the relationship and the sense of community and friendships within the town. The love stories are clean, sweet, and heartwarming and I loved seeing Melissa and Sully find their happily ever after. There’s a bonus to their story as well because one they meet and fall in love, a mystery from the past starts to reveal itself. And this mystery? It’s truly a wonderful gift!
I hope I convinced some readers to give this series a try because each book is wonderful. I don’t think I rated any other them under 5 stars which really tells you something. I can be a prickly reviewer and usually find something that doesn’t fit in the story but that’s not the case here. I recommend it whole heartedly!
Sully Raines, a retired fireman from Kansas City sets out to find his birth mother and his search brings him to Blessings, GA. Soon after he arrives in town, he rescues Melissa from a car wreck and they realize that they grew up together in Kansas City and in fact, Sully was her first kiss ever. Their romance reblossoms and we get to meet more characters along the way.
The Way Back to You, the ninth installment in the Blessings, GA series, was my first introduction to Sharon Sala and the charming town of Blessings. Overall, I found the book easy to read, enjoyable and delightful. I will definitely seek out the first book to the series.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Blessings, Georgia, a town that may be small but is big in heart. All of the citizens of this town care about each other and look out for one another during times of strife. But overall, this is the kind of town that I wish still existed in our country. It isn't perfect and there is some crime, but overall it would be a peaceful place to live out my life.
In this book, we meet Sully, a retired firefighter on the search for his biological mother. He has tracked her down to Blessings but no one seems to recognize his mother's name. A freak accident spurs Sully into action, saving a woman from a car that explodes, and discovers a childhood sweetheart. I'm sure you can guess the outcome here, they reconnect and find their way back to each other. Along the way, Sully discovers who he is and where he wants his life to continue.
All of the books in this series are sweet, like cotton candy, and while for the most part are conflict free, there are some scenes that create that conflict that all books need to have to be multi-dimensional. There are outcomes that you can see coming, but the ride to that ending is sometimes like a roller coaster with the emotional ups and downs but ending in a satisfying journey.
While all of these books can be read on their own, it is best to start with the first book in this series so you can get to know the citizens of Blessings and celebrate their joys and mourn their losses.
We give this book 5 paws up and I can't imagine what the next book holds for us.
I love my visits to Blessings, Georgia. This outing introduces us to another newcomer to town, Sully Raines. Sully's mother recently passed away and he found papers informing him that he has been adopted. Using information he found and the internet, he ends up in Blessings looking for his birth mother. No one seems to recognize her name, but he recognizes someone else. Being a retired firefighter, he jumps into action to save a young woman after a severe car accident. It turns out that she had lived in the same town as Sully growing up and they had dated. Her family had moved away in high school and she had ended up in Blessings. Of course Sully is now a hero to the town and they want to help him however they can. Of course Melissa and Sully begin to rekindle those feelings they had so many years ago.
If you haven’t read any of the books in this series, I want to assure you that you can read them as stand alone stories. I loved reading them in order so that when a character from an earlier book appears, it is nice to catch up on their stories. Each book features a new love story often with a new character. I love this small town with all the heart of helpfulness they engender. Everyone knows everyone else, but not always their history. That is the case in this story. There is history that plays out, that is a bit of a coincidence, but written in such a sweet way that it fits with the story. Once again I enjoyed Amy Rubinate's narration. She does such a great job with the voices (both male and female), the accents and expression. I definitely love this series and recommend it to those who enjoy sweet, romance in small town.
This is a tough one for me to review. I *loved* the setting. It was my first time visiting Blessings, Georgia in this world created by Ms. Sala. I immediately felt drawn to the town and the people who lived there. I liked the second-chance love story as well as all the good (and bad) karma coming around. However...it just seemed like there was SO much drama happening. Too much...and for me, it took away from the enjoyment of the story. Simply Sully's journey to find his birth mother and his reunion with Melissa would have been more than enough to carry the story for me. But there were so many extra things going on that it really took me out of the story and kept me from liking it more.
I would read another book set in Blessings, and I would read more by the author. I just felt like too much was trying to happen in one story.
I checked this book out of the library and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts and opinions.
Returning to the Blessings, Georgia world is like a nostalgic visit to a place that only exists in your most delightful daydreams. Each installment welcomes one back to a little town in the Georgia foothills peopled by folk that can make you smile or shake your head and a new romance pair who have their own unique troubles and are better together.
The Way Back to You is the ninth in the Blessings, Georgia series of standalone romances all tied strongly together by a locale and growing cast of characters.
Sully Raines sets out on a personal journey of the heart that takes him from Kansas City, MO via a roundabout way to Blessings, GA while hunting the birth mother who gave him up as a baby. He is still grappling with the knowledge that he was adopted and the direct lies his parents fed him for years. He isn't angry or bitter toward either adopted or birth family. He had a good childhood and loved his parents, but is at a loss now that they are dead and gone. Needing to know the answers to his questions, he retires from the fire department and sets out only to arrive in the latest town in time to pull out his emergency responder skills to help save a life. A strong dose of fate has led him to this magical town and the magic of long buried teen love that has become something strong.
Melissa can't believe that it's Sully Raines, her teenage crush, who saved her life. The old spark that she thought was a long dead ember has flamed to life and she gladly helps him search for his birth mom even as she hopes she won't lose him once again when he finds what he's looking for or gets a new clue to hare off after. For the first time in the decades since her husband's death, she is open to love and a relationship.
Meanwhile, Blessings, Georgia is never dull for several others in town especially when a pillar of the community gets outed as an alcoholic and new danger with a shady past comes home.
This series seems to have a unique effect on me. It has a nostalgic, modern magical quality to it that makes me notice, but not care that if these situations happened in life, they could rarely result the way they do. This hunt for a birth family and answers and the running into a first teen love were as low angst and devoid of conflict as it can get. It's not that there isn't any conflict in the story. The conflict is external to the person and their relationships so it ends up with tension, but not much angst. This is just my need at times and I think that's why it hits my happy reading spot so well. It felt like a heartwarming holiday read without the holiday.
After that, I'm sure I hinted enough that you know I adored Sully and Melissa and cheered him on to find his mother and cheered them to a relationship where he could stay in Blessings with Melissa. Sully and Melissa are both in their early forties with one relationship apiece behind them and years to to learn to live alone. Neither really carry baggage so much as just have been content to wait until its the right person or to go along relying on friends to fill the loneliness. That said, Sully and Melissa have both buried their parents and have no siblings so the yearning for family and connection is what drives him in particular to search out those who are left and each other. There is an immediate attraction and a return to the ease of their childhood friendship that builds into something more rather quickly. Now, its just an issue of putting the heart out there when Sully isn't sure what he'll do next.
Beyond their stories are the stories of a new widow who learns that her friends were not really friends, Lovey who is trying to get back on her feet after the hurricane nearly killed her and destroyed her house, an escaped convict, and a mysterious woman new to town. The big mystery of who in Blessings is Sully's mother wasn't that big of a mystery and probably wasn't meant to be. The backstory was so heartbreaking that I found it easy to understand how it all came to be. That late new character addition and his story might have been a bit over the top on coincidence and fate, but it sure had my happy cup overflowing.
It was fun to see Elliot, the town recluse, sometimes psychic, and brilliant artist get more page time. He was so quirky. I hope to see more of him. But, the other fun part is when many of the former characters cameo or are strong secondary characters in the latest story so I can keep up on their lives. The mystery of who took over ownership and reopened the grocery store and also who our secretive red-headed backpacker is will carry over to the next book.
All in all, this gently-paced, rich in the good feels, sweet with a pinch of spice small town romance was just the thing and I can heartily recommend the series to those who enjoy that style of contemporary romance.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
FINAL DECISION: Heartfelt romance that is rooted strongly in the community of Blessings. I enjoyed the story although it is not entirely focused on the relationship between Sully and Melissa but a holistic story of them as individuals and as members of their community.
THE STORY: Sully Raines gets a shock upon the death of his mother -- he discovers that he was adopted. This sends him on a search for his birth mother and brings him to Blessings, Georgia. In Blessings, he runs into Melissa who was a girl who he liked when they were kids.
OPINION: The Southern small town of Blessings, Georgia is a wonderful community. What I liked best about this book is that the town and its residents are central to this book. This is not a couple who are separate from those around them, but rather, this is about people being part of a community. Sully comes to Blessings, Georgia so this is the story of him finding a place in this town and he does it while building a relationship with Melissa.
I loved that the drama here felt real rather than the full throttle drama in some books (I like those too sometimes so it is not a criticism). Everything felt solid and warm. Sully and Melissa seem to settle things between them so nicely. There are some external issues, but I really liked these two who manage to talk through serious issues.
I also really loved that these two find one another at age 45 and look forward to a life together. Not the same life a couple of 25 or 35 have, but a life that is valuable and can be filled with love and belonging.
WORTH MENTIONING: I loved all the characters in the town and this book really made me want to know more about their stories.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE WAY BACK TO YOU is the ninth book in the Blessings, Georgia series. This book can be read as a standalone (and indeed, I haven't read any other book in the series). I'm sure there are overlapping characters, but I didn't feel like I needed to read anything else to enjoy this one.
Modern day romance set in Blessings, Georgia. The story has a very dramatic opening but thankfully the main characters have no obstacles before their happy ending. The book was a quick easy read.
Blessings, Georgia is a place that I would love to visit, especially after reading this book. Even though I haven't read this series in order, I felt quite at home, and that is in large part due to the excellent, warm writing style of Sharon Sala. Couple that with wonderful characters and this romance is definitely one that I was happy to read and was able to thoroughly enjoy.
Sully Raines has returned home to Blessings and runs into old flame Melissa. The reason they are now together may in fact be due to tragic circumstances, but results in a wonderful re-connection between the pair. I love this trope actually, especially considering the way it is done in the story. Melissa often wonders if one ever forgets their first love. Her thoughts on this touched my heart more than once.
When she gets a second chance with Sully it is hoped that good things can happen, and that is exactly what readers are treated to in this story. Although this does well as a standalone, other characters are part of the story, and thus there is a nice vibe of family and community.
Meanwhile, there is a sentimental part of the story because Sully is in search of his birth mother. Although a retired fireman, his job skills are second nature to him, and that is how he sees Melissa for the first time in this story, as he successfully rescues her from a car accident.
So, for a down-home feeling for lovers of romance, with a clean story, but wonderfully effective, do not miss this delightful read by Sharon Sala.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Sully Raines sets out to find his birth mother, and ends up in Blessings, Georgia. A new surprise awaits him here, but of the best kind—his childhood sweetheart, whom he hasn’t seen since she moved away when they were teens, is living in Blessings now.
I read this book for a club and am glad I did. Wasnt sure I would like it but I am totally hooked on this series and will probably start reading book #1. The book can be read as a stand alone, but I am finding they center around the people from Blessings who have their own individual stories.
The town of Blessings is a wonder in itself. Everyone looks out for one another and they are always there in times of trouble. I found myself turning page after page and loving one of the characters named Lovey Cooper (everyone's grandma). If you want to read a heart warming family type of book, pick this one up. Cant wait to discuss it at the book club. #fivestars #romance
This is the perfect book to read between other books. It's short and doesn't contain anything that'll make me super mad. Sharon Sala has an easy to read writing style. Her story always draws me in, and her MCs are generally pretty likable. However, I guess I love the comfort of Blessings, Georgia, but I don't necessarily love its stories. This book is the perfect example.
There was a ton of drama crammed into this tiny book, and as a result the poignancy of any one of the major points of plot development was lost. I wanted to like this story, but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it that much. Other than featuring a non-manho H, a no-pining h, and a safe story, this one wasn't for me. I will probably keep reading this series, though. Colour me crazy, but Blessings seems to be a little bit of comfort and rest in the crazy fantasy/space opera/dystopia/HR world my reading list usually takes me.
The Way Back to You (Blessings, Georgia, #9) by: Sharon Sala
Sala gives hearts the full package. From emotional angst to heartbreaking loss, The Way Back to You gives feelings quite a workout. What begins as his story because their journey. Sully is on the move. Searching for answers and reaquainting himself with his past. Melissa is working her way back from an almost tragedy. When the boy that broke her heart, reveals himself to be the man that saves her life, could a second chance be on the horizon? Blessings, Georgia, is my all time favorite Sharon Sala series, because there resides a bit of every heart inside of each character that she writes. From captivating to relatable, Sala has dreamed up the perfect place to misplace your heart and fall in love.
The Way Back to You is the ninth installment of Sharon Sala's Blessings, Georgia series. With a good series, the reader will want to find out what is next for the residents of the fictional location. This book and writer are no different. Sala took Melissa's story and married it with that of fan favorite, Lovey the diner owner.
I really enjoyed the book. It was a little dramatic and unbelievable at times, but that is what I've come to expect for the residents of Blessings.
Oh, how I love returning to Sharon Sala's Blessings, Georgia series, for a good dose of the warm fuzzies, as well as not one second chance at love story, but two of them in the same book! All I can say is that this ninth book in the series doesn't disappoint, and it gets 5 stars from this reader.
Like all of the Blessings books, The Way Back to You works just fine as a standalone, but be good to yourself, and meet the wonderful characters Ms. Sala has created to people this series starting from the very first book, because almost all of them appear and re-appear throughout the series, and it's helpful to know their history, what brought them to Blessings, and what keeps them there.
In this novel, we meet a new character, Sullivan (Sully) Raines. He's 45, recently retired from his career as a firefighter in Kansas City, Missouri, and his mother has recently passed away. While going through his parents' safe deposit box, he finds a short letter from his mother, as well as his original birth certificate. He stunned to discover that he was adopted, and even more so because his parents never told him so. He also finds an ornate silver cross necklace which was left to him by his birth mother when she gave him up. Her name was Janie Chapman, she was a teenager when she had him, and Sully, who was wondering what to do now that he's retired is now on a mission to find her, and even hires a DNA geneaologist to help him track her down. The trail eventually leads him to Blessings, Georgia, and no sooner does he arrive to start his search when one car runs a stop sign and plows into another car on Main Street. There's a terrified woman inside the car that was hit, screaming to get out because her car is going up in flames. It's Sully to the rescue, and, as the EMT's take Sully, injured during the incident, and the woman he rescued to the ER, he's in for another shock. Her name is Melissa, and she recognizes him. Sully, known as Johnny to her, was her first kiss and her first love, but her family moved away, ending their relationship.
In the real world, what are the chances that these two young sweethearts would ever find each other again? In most cases, I'd say the chances were slim to none, but this is the magical town of Blessings, after all, and no sooner do Sully and Missy see each other again, when they realize they're still attracted to one another, and it's certainly not the only coincidence in this charming, heartwarming novel by a long shot. He never married, and Missy was widowed almost 20 years earlier, and she hasn't even dated since then, choosing to close herself off and live day to day. Seeing Sully again changes that for her, almost immediately.
There's more drama and danger to come, in the case of another character we met in a previous Blessings novel, a criminal, who manages to pull off a prison escape, and he's heading to Blessings because his aunt, his last known relative, still lives there. Hang onto your hat, because the chase is on when Missy becomes his hostage, and to tell you any more would give away too much of this intricately woven story, so you'll just have to get yourself a copy, curl up in your favorite chair, and settle in for a story that will grab you from the very first page and keep you reading long into the wee hours of the morning, just as it did with me.
While I know that Blessings isn't a real place, just as Shangri-la wasn't a real place in James Hilton's novel, Lost Horizon, both share a commonality--they make you homesick for places you've never been, places that only exist in our dreams, places where kindness and decency abound, places where neighbor helps neighbor, places where love is true and forever, and where everyday miracles occur on a regular basis. What better time to fall in love with the town and the people of Blessings, than at the holidays, the season of miracles? I strongly recommend that you do.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
I absolutely love returning to the world of Blessings, Georgia for another heartwarming experience. While The Way Back to You is the ninth title in Sharon Sala’s series don’t be afraid to pick it up and lose yourself in this realistic, charming world. Each title can be read as a standalone with mention of other people we may have already met or perhaps their stories are yet to come, but it is a small town romance full of interesting characters with somewhat inter-connecting lives as any small town is.
This time around we meet up with Sully who as a retired firefighter has recently received news that changed his worldview and is headed to Blessings, Georgia to try to find answers to so many questions running through his mind. The very last person he expected to find – actually rescue – is Melissa, his first kiss, a woman from his youth who slipped from his life many years ago. Now as mature adults they have that spark still between them and perhaps a second chance at a life together. But they’ll have to go through some bumps in the road to find that happy ever after ending.
The Way Back to You is full of anticipation, friendships, sudden life changes, and a love that never really died just went into sleep mode for a few years. Karma definitely has a play in this story, and we’ll get even more of one character’s life story who has been somewhere in every single book of this series. I enjoyed Sully’s and Missy’s journey to a second chance love very much. I would not hesitate to recommend their story (or the entire series) to any reader who loves small-town romances, believable characters, a truly feel-good book, and a story that will linger long after the final page is turned.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
There’s nothing I love better than a second chance, and this one is loaded with them! It’s time for a visit to Blessings, Georgia, for all this second-chance goodness. Blessings wouldn’t be Blessings without a few snooty, petty, affluent citizens, but thankfully the majority are loveable, big-hearted, unforgettable, wonderful souls. And this time, there's something truly special in store for one of our most beloved Blessings residents.
At forty-five-years old, Sully Raines discovers a secret his now-deceased parents have kept his entire life. Sully was adopted, a revelation that changes the course of his life as he sets out to find his birth mother. This eventually leads Sully to Blessings, where his first discovery is finding the sweetest girl he's ever known, his first love as a young teen. As they rediscover their soul-deep connection and Sully continues his search, he and Melissa are faced with challenges that threaten to destroy their future together.
As only this gifted wordsmith can do, Sully's story has the perfect balance of all the elements. Heartfelt, poignant, joyous, suspenseful and fraught with danger, your eyes will be riveted to the page with your heart in your throat, even as you have a huge smile on your face and your eyes get teary. And just when you think it’s over, up pops another loose end to be tied up, wrapping the story in a perfect, beautiful bow.
This book is so full of emotional ups and downs, and you'll love every single minute of the ride. It will make the worst skeptic a believer in fate, karma and destiny and leave you happy, content and satisfied while you eagerly anticipate your next visit to Blessings. Read this standalone first, then catch up with any of the Blessings books you’ve missed. Your heart will thank you!
The Way Back to You by Sharon Sala is a charming small town romance. This is book nine in the Blessings, GA series. This is the first book I have read and it totally stood alone and I was able to keep up with all of the characters, and they are quite the characters.
Sully finds out that he is adopted after his adoptive mom passes away. Sully is retiring his career as a firefighter. He goes on a quest to find his biological parents. In the process of doing that he ends up in Blessings. Within an hour of arriving he saves a woman from a burning car. He finds out this woman is his childhood sweetheart, Melissa. There is a sweet romance between Sully and Melissa.
In addition, Sully continues to search for his birth mom. The reveal is beautifully done. And I loved that the author didn’t just end there.
This is a heartwarming second chance romance with a cast of interesting and quirky characters. On a side note, the author references Spirit with a capital S. I am not sure if that is a reference to God or something else. Sexual content - a couple physical scenes with very little details. You could skip right over them. Violence – there is an escaped convict and he kidnaps someone Drinking – I don’t recall any drinking
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
Sharon Sala delivers another wonderful addition to the Blessings series! I have been a fan of this series since The Curl Up and Dye and The Way Back to You is second chance love perfection. If you have been reading the series you know Melissa Dean. She is a woman that has been dealt her share of misfortune over the years. Well as fate would have it her life is going to change in a big way. John Sullivan Raines thought that he knew who he was and what his life was all about. Upon his mother's death he finds out that he was adopted as a baby. Now as a man over 40 he wonders what ever happened to his birth mother? His search leads him to Blessings and back to his childhood sweetheart Melissa. Together these two rediscover each other as well as Sully rediscovering his heritage. This was a lovely story that makes you believe in love. Love for your friends, family and your heart. The Way Back to You was written from multiple POV and will warm your soul.
I rate this book a solid ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️. It was my first book by this author & I would not be opposed to reading more from her in the future. However, the story seemed to be over about 60 pages prior to the ending, so it took me a while longer than normal to pick it back up to finish the remainder of the book. Favorite quote: -Page 226: “Here’s the deal, honey. I learned a long time ago not to question what happens because most of the time it’s out of our control. What I had to come to terms with was how to get through it. What lesson was I supposed to take away from coming out on the other side? I think you’re looking at your life right now, trying to make sense of it from the viewpoint of the incidents. You’re missing the fact that you continue to get up afterward. You heal with faith. You persevere with the strength of a warrior, my love.” -Sully talking to Melissa
Sully has had a good life, loving parents but has always wondered why he didn’t look like anyone in the family. After his parents are gone he finds a letter and necklace in the deposit box explaining that he was adopted. So starts his journey to find his birth parents . With the help of a dna investigator, he follows leads that bring him to Blessings, Georgia where to his surprise his teenage love lives. After rescuing her from a burning car they realize they still have the same feelings for each other, and also join together to try to unravel the mystery of his parents. And sometimes the answers are closer than you think! Great story!
I love Blessings, GA and the unique stories of its residents. The stories are woven together to leave use with a sense of community and love for these townspeople.
Sully Raines has an incredible story of loss that brings new beginnings and a life he could never have dreamed for himself. Learning the heart wrenching truth that his mother was in fact his adoptive mother, Sully begins a journey to discover the truth and find out who he is. Finding his birth mother leads him to Blessings, GA and at a crucial time. Sully rescues Melissa from a car accident only to discover it is his "Missy", his junior high sweetheart.
Melissa has had one heck of a life and finally it's on track. The BOOM she is in a devastating accident to be rescued by a stranger. Imagine her surprise when she realizes Sully is her young boyfriend .
Melissa and Sully have a good chemistry and I enjoyed them as a couple. Finally, they have a love in their life that will last a lifetime. Now to find Sully's mom. This journey is one with twists and turns and the end is one I was rooting for. As an added bonus, Melissa finds herself with a great big family and she couldn't be happier.
Once again, Sharon Sala has written a lovely book of community, friendship, and love.
The Way Back to You by Sharon Sala (Blessings, Georgia #9) 4 stars
It is always a joy to visit Blessings, Georgia again for a story about some of the individuals that live there. This story is about Sully Raines, who finds out after his mother died that he is adopted. Newly retired from the fire department, the news that he was adopted puts him into a tailspin. He gets some help from an investigator and his last lead points him toward Blessings, Georgia. Circumstances lead to his helping an accident victim from dying and finding out that the lady he rescued was his teenage girlfriend, Melissa. We met Melissa in a previous book, formerly a worker at the local hardware store, to make ends meet she also kept house for a local widower. When that individual died, he left his entire estate - house and business to Melissa.
Not only is this story about second chances and new beginnings, but it is also a search for "Who am I?" when all things familiar is now false. There are some tense moments and scary happenings; but there is a nice resolution for all. I really enjoyed this book; it was fun seeing some past characters again.
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC.
I was drawn to this book due to its setting. The small town was totally relatable and believable. The family dynamics are written through exceptional characters. I would highly recommend this author's books.
This is book nine in the series and I always enjoy returning to Blessings, Georgia. When a new book comes out it is like catching up with old friends. I love how Ms. Sales manages to interweave multi storylines into a fast moving book. In this book, we met Johnny "Sully" Raines and catch up with many old friends including Missy Dean. Without giving away to many secrets, we learn the back stories of one of our favorite characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing a copy of this book for review.
I loved this book!! Great story!! 2nd book I have read by this author will read more of her books!! Received this book from sourcebooks casaablanca from netgally!!
Sharon is the best storyteller. I have never read a bad nor boring novel by her. The Blessings, GA series is so heartwarming and makes you believe in love again!