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Green Hills #1
Grocery Girl
Win a free print copy of this book!
16 days and 15:18:52
10 copies available
U.S. only
She inhales life with every breath. He’s suffered a world of pain. Can they rise above tragedy to find their happily ever after?
Maree Davenport refuses to let a tearful past rule her future. After losing her parents at the age of five, the big-hearted fabric designer is determined to embrace her feelings and find happiness no matter what. So when she literally runs over a handsome new firefighter in the produce section, the hopeless romantic is certain she’s just collided with destiny.
Everyone Rhys Larsen ever loved has died. And though he may have hit it off with the pretty girl at the store, the haunted EMT knows better than to let her into his heart. But when an accident leaves her wounded and in need of care, he vows to nurse her back to health.
As Maree struggles to break through the grieving man’s walls, she fears his deep-seated superhero complex will make him unreachable. And as Rhys grapples with trying to protect the beautiful woman from his curse, he worries he’ll have to choose between doing the right thing and true love.
Can this conflicted couple reconcile their opposite takes on adversity and find purpose in each other’s arms?
Grocery Girl is the touching first book in the Green Hills wholesome small-town romance series. If you like strong but vulnerable characters, emotional growth, and quaint backdrops, then you’ll adore Virginia'dele Smith’s celebration of joy.
Buy Grocery Girl and escape to Green Hills today!
Maree Davenport refuses to let a tearful past rule her future. After losing her parents at the age of five, the big-hearted fabric designer is determined to embrace her feelings and find happiness no matter what. So when she literally runs over a handsome new firefighter in the produce section, the hopeless romantic is certain she’s just collided with destiny.
Everyone Rhys Larsen ever loved has died. And though he may have hit it off with the pretty girl at the store, the haunted EMT knows better than to let her into his heart. But when an accident leaves her wounded and in need of care, he vows to nurse her back to health.
As Maree struggles to break through the grieving man’s walls, she fears his deep-seated superhero complex will make him unreachable. And as Rhys grapples with trying to protect the beautiful woman from his curse, he worries he’ll have to choose between doing the right thing and true love.
Can this conflicted couple reconcile their opposite takes on adversity and find purpose in each other’s arms?
Grocery Girl is the touching first book in the Green Hills wholesome small-town romance series. If you like strong but vulnerable characters, emotional growth, and quaint backdrops, then you’ll adore Virginia'dele Smith’s celebration of joy.
Buy Grocery Girl and escape to Green Hills today!
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2021
165 people are currently reading
2315 people want to read
About the author
Virginia'dele Smith
11 books388 followersAshli Montgomery is a wife, a momma, and an author whose passion is sharing love stories, books, quilts, yoga, recipes, and all of her favorite things in life. She is quilting to mend the mind by spearheading and educating a community of friends who love quilts and quilting but hate Alzheimer’s disease through Quilt 2 End ALZ, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit she launched to use her quilting hobby as a platform to advocate for an end to Alzheimer's disease.
Ashli writes under the pen name Virginia’dele Smith to honor Syble Virginia Tidwell, Adele Gertrude Baylin, and Etta Jean Smith. These three cherished grandmothers were beautiful role models, teaching Ashli to love without judgment and to always put family first. Through Grandma Syble’s journals and appetite for books, through Momadele’s priceless cards and handwritten letters, and through many, many hours of visiting over fabric at Mema’s kitchen island, Ashli also learned to treasure words.
You are invited to join Ashli in Green Hills and learn more about Virginia’dele Smith by subscribing to Ashli’s newsletter, The Gazette, at AshliMontgomery.com.
Ashli writes under the pen name Virginia’dele Smith to honor Syble Virginia Tidwell, Adele Gertrude Baylin, and Etta Jean Smith. These three cherished grandmothers were beautiful role models, teaching Ashli to love without judgment and to always put family first. Through Grandma Syble’s journals and appetite for books, through Momadele’s priceless cards and handwritten letters, and through many, many hours of visiting over fabric at Mema’s kitchen island, Ashli also learned to treasure words.
You are invited to join Ashli in Green Hills and learn more about Virginia’dele Smith by subscribing to Ashli’s newsletter, The Gazette, at AshliMontgomery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 4, 2021
When you're reading, you travel in time and space, but most importantly, you travel inside your mind, inside characters' emotion, inside author's head and heart. It is a voyage of discovery, whether you're reading some crime mystery or romance or anything. As a reader, you are going somewhere in a more intimate contact than you have with any other being on the planet. Movies, TV or anything cannot take you as deep into the essence of feeling and emotion as reading does. And no matter whatever the genre you're reading, if it's well written, the book speaks to the reader. Grocery Girl by Virginia'dele Smith does the same.
Maree Davenport lost her parents when she was only five. Despite all the hardship she faced at very young age, she will not let her future be dictated by a tearful past. Determination to find happiness despite her circumstances drives her every day. When she first saw the handsome new firefighter Rhys Larsen at store, she believed that They were just fated to be together.
Rhys Larsen's entire past is dotted with tragic deaths. Despite feeling a connection with the pretty girl at the store, the haunted EMT knows better than to be taken in by her. However, when an accident leaves her injured and needing treatment, he vows to take care of her.
Rhys falls hopelessly in love with young, beautiful, charming, highly intelligent yet distant Maree. Her beauty, her charm draw him in like a siren's call.
While Maree struggles to break through the walls of his heart, Rhys struggles with his desire to protect the beautiful woman from his curse of losing everyone he loves. They are both damaged, lost, and guarded until they find one another on this emotional journey of love. Buckle up for a ride that will not only break your heart, but put it back together by the end.
This book, Grocery Girl, is sweet, touching, oozing charm, full of wonderful, likable characters, and has a surprising amount of emotional depth and insight about love, loss and the tendency of people to put their hopes in things that may or may not always be as real as they think. It’s not just about finding the person who makes your heart race or swoon but it’s also about learning about who you are, what is actually important and what makes you tick. It’s peppered with a little humour and there’s a dash of sadness. The setting of Green Hills is gorgeous and used very effectively in the storytelling!!
The writing is beautiful imbued with the rich language that arrest the reader's heart. Virginia'dele Smith tells her story not in so many words but through the description of thoughts and conduct of her characters. The theme of love is expounded on the thoughts and conduct of Maree and Rhys. With a slowly and deliciously unravelling story, author gradually introduces lives and issues of characters.
Virginia'dele Smith, knows how to write emotion - gritty, sad, heart achingly moving emotion. This was an unforgettable reading experience. The author weaves a mixture of light and dark, love and hate, pain and joy, past and future, Suffering and healing. All put together in a gorgeously written, relatively short book. In Grocery Girl, Virginia'dele Smith captured both the thrill and fumbling perfection of first love – the awkwardness, curiosity, desire, hope. Highly recommended.
Maree Davenport lost her parents when she was only five. Despite all the hardship she faced at very young age, she will not let her future be dictated by a tearful past. Determination to find happiness despite her circumstances drives her every day. When she first saw the handsome new firefighter Rhys Larsen at store, she believed that They were just fated to be together.
Rhys Larsen's entire past is dotted with tragic deaths. Despite feeling a connection with the pretty girl at the store, the haunted EMT knows better than to be taken in by her. However, when an accident leaves her injured and needing treatment, he vows to take care of her.
Rhys falls hopelessly in love with young, beautiful, charming, highly intelligent yet distant Maree. Her beauty, her charm draw him in like a siren's call.
While Maree struggles to break through the walls of his heart, Rhys struggles with his desire to protect the beautiful woman from his curse of losing everyone he loves. They are both damaged, lost, and guarded until they find one another on this emotional journey of love. Buckle up for a ride that will not only break your heart, but put it back together by the end.
This book, Grocery Girl, is sweet, touching, oozing charm, full of wonderful, likable characters, and has a surprising amount of emotional depth and insight about love, loss and the tendency of people to put their hopes in things that may or may not always be as real as they think. It’s not just about finding the person who makes your heart race or swoon but it’s also about learning about who you are, what is actually important and what makes you tick. It’s peppered with a little humour and there’s a dash of sadness. The setting of Green Hills is gorgeous and used very effectively in the storytelling!!
The writing is beautiful imbued with the rich language that arrest the reader's heart. Virginia'dele Smith tells her story not in so many words but through the description of thoughts and conduct of her characters. The theme of love is expounded on the thoughts and conduct of Maree and Rhys. With a slowly and deliciously unravelling story, author gradually introduces lives and issues of characters.
Virginia'dele Smith, knows how to write emotion - gritty, sad, heart achingly moving emotion. This was an unforgettable reading experience. The author weaves a mixture of light and dark, love and hate, pain and joy, past and future, Suffering and healing. All put together in a gorgeously written, relatively short book. In Grocery Girl, Virginia'dele Smith captured both the thrill and fumbling perfection of first love – the awkwardness, curiosity, desire, hope. Highly recommended.
December 31, 2021
Anyone who’s read enough romance books knows exactly how most of them will go: there’s a meet-cute, growing feelings, an adorable montage of blissful happy moments, followed by something that threatens to tear them apart, a reconciliation, and - of course - a happily ever after. That’s the drill pretty much for most of the time. In Grocery Girl, author Virginia'dele Smith is self-aware of these romance tropes which only adds to the charm of the book.
Maree Davenport lost both her parents when she was just five-year-old. Even though she was faced with a lot of hardship at an early age, she won't allow the past to dictate her future. Rhys Larsen, the handsome new firefighter Maree had just met, had already captivated her since the moment she first saw him in the store. Larsen's past is dotted with tragic deaths. In spite of feeling a connection with the pretty girl at the store, Rhys knows better than to be drawn to her. As Maree struggles to cross the barriers of his heart, Rhys is torn between his desire to protect Maree from the curse of losing everything he loves.
Grocery Girl is a realistic portrayal of the ways that love steals and then inevitably breaks our hearts. It's an exploration into the path that grief takes in our life, the ways it affects all of our future decisions and actions and never ever leaves our heart. The way author Virginia'dele Smith developed the characters in this story was exquisite. I felt every jolt of new-found love, every heart-breaking event and the overwhelming tension with one unsaid thing that one character could not face enough to tell the other. Highly recommended.
Maree Davenport lost both her parents when she was just five-year-old. Even though she was faced with a lot of hardship at an early age, she won't allow the past to dictate her future. Rhys Larsen, the handsome new firefighter Maree had just met, had already captivated her since the moment she first saw him in the store. Larsen's past is dotted with tragic deaths. In spite of feeling a connection with the pretty girl at the store, Rhys knows better than to be drawn to her. As Maree struggles to cross the barriers of his heart, Rhys is torn between his desire to protect Maree from the curse of losing everything he loves.
Grocery Girl is a realistic portrayal of the ways that love steals and then inevitably breaks our hearts. It's an exploration into the path that grief takes in our life, the ways it affects all of our future decisions and actions and never ever leaves our heart. The way author Virginia'dele Smith developed the characters in this story was exquisite. I felt every jolt of new-found love, every heart-breaking event and the overwhelming tension with one unsaid thing that one character could not face enough to tell the other. Highly recommended.
March 7, 2025
“When I’m not around her, I crave her. Literally crave her. It’s crazy, I know, but my hands twitch to touch her, to hold her hand, or sit close to her. When I’m around her, I’m constantly dog paddling to keep from drowning in her. She knocks me off kilter, like I’m fumbling around, unsure of what to say.”
Why aren’t there men like this?!
Why do all the men that have past trauma make Me love them more?! Poor Rhys he didn’t deserve any of that😭
Overall loved the book! It was so cute, and why the heck is there another Rhys Larsen😭 I think it’s a sign that I have to read twisted games🤣
Why aren’t there men like this?!
Why do all the men that have past trauma make Me love them more?! Poor Rhys he didn’t deserve any of that😭
Overall loved the book! It was so cute, and why the heck is there another Rhys Larsen😭 I think it’s a sign that I have to read twisted games🤣
January 26, 2022
Sweet and easy to read. Received as a complimentary copy from the author in return for an honest review.
November 22, 2024
"Life is messy. It's scary, and it's hard, and it's painful. And every bit of it is worth the risk because love is so much more than any one of those difficult emotions. It's more than all of them put together. That kind of love makes every day a little brighter. It makes colors more brilliant and laughter more contagious. It's wonderful, it's all-encompassing. And it's a gift."
From the moment Maree and Rhys locked eyes... something happened between them. She was drawn to him, and he was totally pulled towards her. In a small town, you are bound to keep bumping into each other, and that they do. From the very beginning, Maree knows what she wants and is clear about it. But Rhys is holding back. Something is preventing him from taking the next steps with her. He won't label them. He won't put his feelings out there. And even after the moments he let his guard down, stole kisses, held her in his arms, he always always backed away. She won't push him, but she also will need him to finally admit his feelings and allow her in. Because the back and forth is breaking her heart. But will he ever? When Maree is injured, he steps up, no questions asked, day and night caring for her. He wants her safe, but he's afraid of losing her. He's lost a lot , and he feels he's cursed and will lose her if they take the next step. So where does that leave them? Can Rhys push away the fear and take a leap of faith with Maree. Faith that perhaps this moment isn't to be waisted, but a blessing they both should make the most of.
WHAT YOU'LL FIND:
Firefighter MMC
Quilter/Fabric Designer FMC
Small town
Family Dynamics (I love Marees siblings)
Recovering from Grief
He nurses her back to health
Faith filled
Clean /Closed door romance
Lots of Sizzling kisses, no spice.
The kisses... the kisses... the kisses. Some of the best!
Rating: 4.5, rounded up to 5 stars!
I loved this story! I really don't want to leave Green Hills, I was JUST settling in! I can't wait to read book 2 in the series!
From the moment Maree and Rhys locked eyes... something happened between them. She was drawn to him, and he was totally pulled towards her. In a small town, you are bound to keep bumping into each other, and that they do. From the very beginning, Maree knows what she wants and is clear about it. But Rhys is holding back. Something is preventing him from taking the next steps with her. He won't label them. He won't put his feelings out there. And even after the moments he let his guard down, stole kisses, held her in his arms, he always always backed away. She won't push him, but she also will need him to finally admit his feelings and allow her in. Because the back and forth is breaking her heart. But will he ever? When Maree is injured, he steps up, no questions asked, day and night caring for her. He wants her safe, but he's afraid of losing her. He's lost a lot , and he feels he's cursed and will lose her if they take the next step. So where does that leave them? Can Rhys push away the fear and take a leap of faith with Maree. Faith that perhaps this moment isn't to be waisted, but a blessing they both should make the most of.
WHAT YOU'LL FIND:
Firefighter MMC
Quilter/Fabric Designer FMC
Small town
Family Dynamics (I love Marees siblings)
Recovering from Grief
He nurses her back to health
Faith filled
Clean /Closed door romance
Lots of Sizzling kisses, no spice.
The kisses... the kisses... the kisses. Some of the best!
Rating: 4.5, rounded up to 5 stars!
I loved this story! I really don't want to leave Green Hills, I was JUST settling in! I can't wait to read book 2 in the series!
December 31, 2021
Grocery Girl by Virginia'dele Smith is a beautiful story that explores grief and love. While on the surface, this book seems like it is going to have some sad moments, it is definitely one that contains a lot of happiness. That being said, this is still a story about love. It’s a story about love for your family, your friends and that special person that you may find when you least expect it.
In her young life, Maree Davenport has suffered a great deal of loss, but she refuses to let it stop her from being happy. Her being in Green Hills has its purpose, and she does the best she can with what she's been given. Having lost everyone he loved and broken heart so many times that Rhys Larsen fears it might break again so he maintains a distance from everyone. When he first meets Maree at grocery store, he tries not to fall for her but that's not possible.
Virginia'dele Smith has created characters that are both relatable and enjoyable to read about. The writing is warm and sweet. The characterization is spot on with a delightful cast of characters that are endearing, genuine, and kind. And the plot is a charming tale full of hope, heart, and humour.
Grocery Girl is, ultimately, a story about love, loss, life, trust, family, friendship, ageing, self-discovery, happiness, and fate. It is a sentimental, absorbing, compelling novel by Virginia'dele Smith that does an exceptional job of highlighting that true love is not just roses, chocolates, and grand gestures but all the tender, touching, supportive moments in between. I absolutely adored this novel and look forward to reading Virginia'dele Smith's future works.
In her young life, Maree Davenport has suffered a great deal of loss, but she refuses to let it stop her from being happy. Her being in Green Hills has its purpose, and she does the best she can with what she's been given. Having lost everyone he loved and broken heart so many times that Rhys Larsen fears it might break again so he maintains a distance from everyone. When he first meets Maree at grocery store, he tries not to fall for her but that's not possible.
Virginia'dele Smith has created characters that are both relatable and enjoyable to read about. The writing is warm and sweet. The characterization is spot on with a delightful cast of characters that are endearing, genuine, and kind. And the plot is a charming tale full of hope, heart, and humour.
Grocery Girl is, ultimately, a story about love, loss, life, trust, family, friendship, ageing, self-discovery, happiness, and fate. It is a sentimental, absorbing, compelling novel by Virginia'dele Smith that does an exceptional job of highlighting that true love is not just roses, chocolates, and grand gestures but all the tender, touching, supportive moments in between. I absolutely adored this novel and look forward to reading Virginia'dele Smith's future works.
December 31, 2021
Grocery Girl is an addictive, uplifting, slow-burning tale that takes you into the life of Maree Davenport, a fabric designer. She's lost so much in her young age, but refuses to let it keep her from being happy. Despite her troubled past, she is determined to make the best of her situation in Green Hills.
Rhys Larsen has lost everyone he ever loved. In spite of the chemistry he may have had with the pretty girl at the store, he is not willing to let her into his heart. However, when she is injured after an accident, he commits himself to nursing her back to health.
I loved the contrasts, the slow reveals, and the visual transformations along the way. There's a subtle and sombre tone to much of the story, mixed with some light-hearted moments. It's most definitely a romance, but there's a significant amount of introspection and personal growth, with a more women's fiction feel in the back half. There are some great themes focused on here, with heavier subjects and an overall message that no love story is picture perfect but that doesn't make it any less special. It's a rich, well written book, and I love how unique it felt.
Virginia'dele Smith's writing is magical and lyrical. She is so good at painting a picture through her words. The setting and details feel vivid. I adored this perfect romantic story and have been left with a wonderfully warm feeling since finishing it. I'll be waiting impatiently for her next release.
Rhys Larsen has lost everyone he ever loved. In spite of the chemistry he may have had with the pretty girl at the store, he is not willing to let her into his heart. However, when she is injured after an accident, he commits himself to nursing her back to health.
I loved the contrasts, the slow reveals, and the visual transformations along the way. There's a subtle and sombre tone to much of the story, mixed with some light-hearted moments. It's most definitely a romance, but there's a significant amount of introspection and personal growth, with a more women's fiction feel in the back half. There are some great themes focused on here, with heavier subjects and an overall message that no love story is picture perfect but that doesn't make it any less special. It's a rich, well written book, and I love how unique it felt.
Virginia'dele Smith's writing is magical and lyrical. She is so good at painting a picture through her words. The setting and details feel vivid. I adored this perfect romantic story and have been left with a wonderfully warm feeling since finishing it. I'll be waiting impatiently for her next release.
December 16, 2021
Boy was that awful. The characters lacked chemistry and everyone around the main couple were very flat characters that were overly involved in their relationship. The main characters had no personality except that they loved each other. Maree was the "dream" girl and was "perfect," but there was nothing remotely interesting about her that I could understand why Rhys was so interested in her except that she was good looking. I would have liked to have seen more depth with the characters. Also, the side plot with the arsonist went no where, but kept being brought up. I would have liked to have seen a resolution to that as well.
May 26, 2022
The female lead in this small town romance is sweet and inspirational. The male is a sexy fireman with a history which keeps him pulling back from commitment for fear of loss of the loved one. It's a decent love story if a bit frustrating through much of their developing relationship. If you prefer a story without graphic sex this one might be for you. 3.5 stars
December 31, 2021
In Virginia'dele Smith's novel, love and fate collide to bring together a fresh romance story. Grocery Girl is a story that balances romance with sage advice, thoughtful discussion with chance encounter.
The plot revolves around Maree Davenport and her quest to find love. Of course, the path to love is never a smooth one. Some secrets are revealed, the ideas of fate and happily ever after are challenged, and love grows in unexpected places.
Virginia'dele Smith has such a rare and innate ability to knit characters into the very fibres of your heart. Initially I was dubious of Maree Davenport - but overtime her erratic and hopelessly optimistic nature resonated with me. She conveys a spirit that’s in all of us; hopeful, sometimes scatty and always hilarious- finding herself in the most dubious of situations. Her quest for love is amiable because, after all, a meaningful connection is a common humanistic trait. Her desire for fate to intervene and change her unsuccessful love life is, at times, heart-wrenching.
This book is hard-hitting, a truly gripping read from the very first page and it is easy to put yourself in Rhys Larsen's shoes, to feel what he feels, from anger, hurt to heartbreak.
Underneath the witty story and engaging people, however, are themes that impact on the reader more profoundly than might at first be realised. The ways in which we allow ourselves to be defined by our past, by our professions, by others and by habit is woven throughout the narrative. I think this illustrates enormous skill from Virginia'dele Smith. Anyone who likes to read contemporary romance will like Virginia'dele Smith's Grocery Girl.
The plot revolves around Maree Davenport and her quest to find love. Of course, the path to love is never a smooth one. Some secrets are revealed, the ideas of fate and happily ever after are challenged, and love grows in unexpected places.
Virginia'dele Smith has such a rare and innate ability to knit characters into the very fibres of your heart. Initially I was dubious of Maree Davenport - but overtime her erratic and hopelessly optimistic nature resonated with me. She conveys a spirit that’s in all of us; hopeful, sometimes scatty and always hilarious- finding herself in the most dubious of situations. Her quest for love is amiable because, after all, a meaningful connection is a common humanistic trait. Her desire for fate to intervene and change her unsuccessful love life is, at times, heart-wrenching.
This book is hard-hitting, a truly gripping read from the very first page and it is easy to put yourself in Rhys Larsen's shoes, to feel what he feels, from anger, hurt to heartbreak.
Underneath the witty story and engaging people, however, are themes that impact on the reader more profoundly than might at first be realised. The ways in which we allow ourselves to be defined by our past, by our professions, by others and by habit is woven throughout the narrative. I think this illustrates enormous skill from Virginia'dele Smith. Anyone who likes to read contemporary romance will like Virginia'dele Smith's Grocery Girl.
November 13, 2023
Boring. Nothing much happened. Romance was there but super shallow — like how are they that trusting of each other without interacting much with each other?
Romance: Clean. Nothing happens. No explicit scenes or curse words.
Romance: Clean. Nothing happens. No explicit scenes or curse words.
February 2, 2023
Such a sweet book! It’s a wholesome, small town, contemporary romance. And I loved how the beginning of the chapters have a little shopping cart on them I think it adds such a cute touch!!
November 27, 2021
Romance isn’t my usual genre, but I enjoyed this and was charmed by the characters.
November 7, 2021
Addicting! I couldn’t stop until the end!
Loved this book! The characters were so lovable and relatable, I was cheering them on, and had to keep reading to find what happened next. It’s way past bedtime, but I just had to finish it!
Loved this book! The characters were so lovable and relatable, I was cheering them on, and had to keep reading to find what happened next. It’s way past bedtime, but I just had to finish it!
November 7, 2021
Captivating First Book
I am so looking forward to the next in the series, I look forward to seeing more of Maree and Max and the rest of Green Hills residents.
I am so looking forward to the next in the series, I look forward to seeing more of Maree and Max and the rest of Green Hills residents.
December 22, 2021
I still have fears running down my face. Happy but relieved tears. A journey of life created by fear. He had lost everyone he loved. The journey is long, but healing takes time. A fantastic book
December 22, 2021
Cute and breezy
The style of this book is very cute and fun, the type of book you want to read by the beach or next to the fireplace. The dialogue is very southern and cutesy, and even the narration is complete with a lot of offhand remarks written from the perspective of the main characters that feel conversational and intimate with the reader. It really transported me to a small town where everyone knows everyone.
A couple things that drew me out of the story… the perspective shifts a LOT, sometimes every other paragraph, and it’s marked by the novel as if you’re starting a new chapter. It got annoying to switch so frequently. But it was also nice to read from multiple people’s perspectives.
Rhys infuriated me with his delusional self image, maybe more than he’s supposed to. Part of the book I wasn’t even rooting for a happy ending. There wasn’t much demonstration of growth by the end, either. On the other hand, I loved Maree! She had so much personality and her patience was admirable while justifiable. She was an incredibly written character.
I know it’s a series, but the ending left a lot of unanswered questions. There’s even a big mystery subplot that never gets wrapped up. I was waiting for things to resolve, only to find myself turning the page to a big “The End”. I’m curious if this will be a series-long subplot or if it’ll be addressed in the next book.
Thanks to the publisher and sponsor of the Goodreads giveaway for the chance to read the book!
The style of this book is very cute and fun, the type of book you want to read by the beach or next to the fireplace. The dialogue is very southern and cutesy, and even the narration is complete with a lot of offhand remarks written from the perspective of the main characters that feel conversational and intimate with the reader. It really transported me to a small town where everyone knows everyone.
A couple things that drew me out of the story… the perspective shifts a LOT, sometimes every other paragraph, and it’s marked by the novel as if you’re starting a new chapter. It got annoying to switch so frequently. But it was also nice to read from multiple people’s perspectives.
Rhys infuriated me with his delusional self image, maybe more than he’s supposed to. Part of the book I wasn’t even rooting for a happy ending. There wasn’t much demonstration of growth by the end, either. On the other hand, I loved Maree! She had so much personality and her patience was admirable while justifiable. She was an incredibly written character.
I know it’s a series, but the ending left a lot of unanswered questions. There’s even a big mystery subplot that never gets wrapped up. I was waiting for things to resolve, only to find myself turning the page to a big “The End”. I’m curious if this will be a series-long subplot or if it’ll be addressed in the next book.
Thanks to the publisher and sponsor of the Goodreads giveaway for the chance to read the book!
November 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this book!!! Great characters! Looking forward to the next one.
January 1, 2022
Heartwarming
This was a very sweet and touching story of trauma, guilt, fear, and how the power of love can break through all of that and heal.
This was a very sweet and touching story of trauma, guilt, fear, and how the power of love can break through all of that and heal.
November 23, 2021
Love finds itself in the grocery store. Forgiveness and love finally come. Characters relate to present day life and the storyline is strong.
March 9, 2025
This book was so cute, but the ending was disappointing.
December 11, 2021
Love can heal
Maree has lost so much in her young life but refuses to let it deter her happiness. She knows that there’s a reason she’s in Green Hills and she makes the best of what she’s given. She even continues her late mother’s tradition of weekly donating fruit to the underserved of the community. Now what to do with the new hunky firefighter she sees every week on fruit buying day.
Firefighter Rhys keeps everyone at arm’s length. He’s lost so much and is fearful of having his heart broken again. When he meets Maree at the grocery store, he tries to keep all his walls up. But her upbeat attitude is not easily defeated. Can he keep his heart safe? And then he almost loses her.
Maree has lost so much in her young life but refuses to let it deter her happiness. She knows that there’s a reason she’s in Green Hills and she makes the best of what she’s given. She even continues her late mother’s tradition of weekly donating fruit to the underserved of the community. Now what to do with the new hunky firefighter she sees every week on fruit buying day.
Firefighter Rhys keeps everyone at arm’s length. He’s lost so much and is fearful of having his heart broken again. When he meets Maree at the grocery store, he tries to keep all his walls up. But her upbeat attitude is not easily defeated. Can he keep his heart safe? And then he almost loses her.
October 31, 2021
Beautiful debut novel
Pick up your copy of Grocery Girl today!
Virginia'dele Smith delivers in this beautiful debut novel, Grocery Girl: Green Hills Book 1
Pick up your copy of Grocery Girl today!
Virginia'dele Smith delivers in this beautiful debut novel, Grocery Girl: Green Hills Book 1
December 3, 2021
This was an amazing read!
I have read literally 100’s of books. This is now my favorite! I am blown away by the depths of love, fear, trust and understanding of why relationships are so complicated that Virginia’dela Smith is skillfully able to portray. Grocery Girl: Green Hills Book 1 is not a quick read, but well worth the time it takes to read.
I have read literally 100’s of books. This is now my favorite! I am blown away by the depths of love, fear, trust and understanding of why relationships are so complicated that Virginia’dela Smith is skillfully able to portray. Grocery Girl: Green Hills Book 1 is not a quick read, but well worth the time it takes to read.
April 6, 2024
Thanks to Goodreads and Books are Ubiquitous, LLC for a gifted copy. All comments and opinions are my own.
Even when I’ve read a book that I end up not liking, I often find myself writing a longish review, as was the case with this book. Of course this is just my opinion, and you may feel differently, but consider all the other really great books available when you’re trying to decide what to read next.
Promoted as a wholesome and heartfelt small-town romance, this is the first in the 5-book Green Hills series and my introduction to this author as well.
Despite my overall disappointment, there were things about this book I liked, such as charming main character Maree Davenport. The youngest of three orphans who have survived the foster care system, Maree is now an adult living in Green Hills, a beautiful small town in southeast Oklahoma. She has a fabric design and quilting studio and is finishing her third book which pairs heirloom recipes with vintage-style quilts. I want to read these books!
Another entertaining aspect of this novel was how each chapter opens with a quote that hints at the topic in that chapter. One of my favorites was “If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn’t sit for a month.” – Theodore Roosevelt.
The novel begins when Maree meets new-in-town hunky fireman Rhys Larsen, and it’s love at first sight for both of them. But Rhys has a painful past that prevents him from getting close to anyone. This should be where the story gains traction, but it’s where I started to lose interest. Everything became predictable and I had to wade through most of the novel before Rhys explains why he keeps pulling back from commitment.
And while we’re waiting for Rhys to grow up, we are inundated with a cascade of cliches – so many that identifying them would make a great drinking game. Did the author find a list of these cliches on the internet and see how many she could include? Did no one caution her and suggest she actually write creatively instead of falling back on trite phrases? Here are a few examples I came across: “gathered her wits, Sadie Jones was eighty if she was a day, Millie had been a hair’s breath away from giving up, ships passing in the night, she absolutely would not allow herself to go down that path, put on her game face, natural zest for life, massive dose of guilt, stuck to his guns, stood there glued in place, her mind was reeling, stomach had plummeted, choosing his words with care, in the blink of an eye, treading on thin ice, sounding very much like the cat that just ate the canary, I never look a gift horse in the mouth, his actions had spoken louder than his words.”
In addition to the simplistic writing and predictability of plot and characters, I think it’s important to alert readers to a *Content warning* related to the description of the serious car accident and surgical procedures that occur in the book. While this is a “closed door” novel as far as romance goes, the author doesn’t hesitate to graphically describe the injuries and medical treatment in vivid detail. Too much detail for me.
Even though I finished the novel, for the reasons stated here I can only give it two stars and won’t be reading any others in the series.
Even when I’ve read a book that I end up not liking, I often find myself writing a longish review, as was the case with this book. Of course this is just my opinion, and you may feel differently, but consider all the other really great books available when you’re trying to decide what to read next.
Promoted as a wholesome and heartfelt small-town romance, this is the first in the 5-book Green Hills series and my introduction to this author as well.
Despite my overall disappointment, there were things about this book I liked, such as charming main character Maree Davenport. The youngest of three orphans who have survived the foster care system, Maree is now an adult living in Green Hills, a beautiful small town in southeast Oklahoma. She has a fabric design and quilting studio and is finishing her third book which pairs heirloom recipes with vintage-style quilts. I want to read these books!
Another entertaining aspect of this novel was how each chapter opens with a quote that hints at the topic in that chapter. One of my favorites was “If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn’t sit for a month.” – Theodore Roosevelt.
The novel begins when Maree meets new-in-town hunky fireman Rhys Larsen, and it’s love at first sight for both of them. But Rhys has a painful past that prevents him from getting close to anyone. This should be where the story gains traction, but it’s where I started to lose interest. Everything became predictable and I had to wade through most of the novel before Rhys explains why he keeps pulling back from commitment.
And while we’re waiting for Rhys to grow up, we are inundated with a cascade of cliches – so many that identifying them would make a great drinking game. Did the author find a list of these cliches on the internet and see how many she could include? Did no one caution her and suggest she actually write creatively instead of falling back on trite phrases? Here are a few examples I came across: “gathered her wits, Sadie Jones was eighty if she was a day, Millie had been a hair’s breath away from giving up, ships passing in the night, she absolutely would not allow herself to go down that path, put on her game face, natural zest for life, massive dose of guilt, stuck to his guns, stood there glued in place, her mind was reeling, stomach had plummeted, choosing his words with care, in the blink of an eye, treading on thin ice, sounding very much like the cat that just ate the canary, I never look a gift horse in the mouth, his actions had spoken louder than his words.”
In addition to the simplistic writing and predictability of plot and characters, I think it’s important to alert readers to a *Content warning* related to the description of the serious car accident and surgical procedures that occur in the book. While this is a “closed door” novel as far as romance goes, the author doesn’t hesitate to graphically describe the injuries and medical treatment in vivid detail. Too much detail for me.
Even though I finished the novel, for the reasons stated here I can only give it two stars and won’t be reading any others in the series.
February 20, 2025
Thank you to Green Hills Fans of Virginia 'Dele Smith (her FB page), the author and the publisher.
The title intrigued me and wasn't sure what it was about until I started reading it of course. What's interesting is the copy I received didn't have a plot on the front inner flap which I thought was unusual. But I did read the plot on Goodreads before I received it.
Maree is just a small town girl, living in a sort of small town, Green Hills, OK, where it was no longer such a small town that every single person knew all the others anymore. She found it by accident due to a car that swiped her on the interstate and they took her to the hospital there. She was fine but her car wasn't. She found her place in Miss Sadie's house for a while. Then she opened her own design studio making quilts and fabrics for quilts, etc.
She's doing her usual grocery shopping on Monday, to help the community with donations of fruit and veggies, when she meets a new firefighter Ryhs. She can't get past those grey eyes but finally notices on the second visit there's more to him than those eyes. Rhys is an enigma, and holds his life close to his vest. Maree doesn't nag him but wants to know more about him. He's avoiding her for reasons which she doesn't know of yet.
What is it with books with names I have to look up to pronounce? You would think Maree would be easy but it was MARIE and I kept pronouncing in my head as it looks. Rhys is pronounced Reece (like Reese?) but in the book Maree's friends went through various pronunciations and none them were that so I'm going with how I know how to pronounce it.
It's not preachy Christian fiction but I saw bits or it here and there which was easy to digest. As for the ending, again, open ended but I know what will happen. This is a series. There are 2 more in this series, one about Maree's brother Max, who's a professional football player, who lives in Green Hills, during his off time, and her sister, M'Kenzee, a professional photographer.
The title intrigued me and wasn't sure what it was about until I started reading it of course. What's interesting is the copy I received didn't have a plot on the front inner flap which I thought was unusual. But I did read the plot on Goodreads before I received it.
Maree is just a small town girl, living in a sort of small town, Green Hills, OK, where it was no longer such a small town that every single person knew all the others anymore. She found it by accident due to a car that swiped her on the interstate and they took her to the hospital there. She was fine but her car wasn't. She found her place in Miss Sadie's house for a while. Then she opened her own design studio making quilts and fabrics for quilts, etc.
She's doing her usual grocery shopping on Monday, to help the community with donations of fruit and veggies, when she meets a new firefighter Ryhs. She can't get past those grey eyes but finally notices on the second visit there's more to him than those eyes. Rhys is an enigma, and holds his life close to his vest. Maree doesn't nag him but wants to know more about him. He's avoiding her for reasons which she doesn't know of yet.
What is it with books with names I have to look up to pronounce? You would think Maree would be easy but it was MARIE and I kept pronouncing in my head as it looks. Rhys is pronounced Reece (like Reese?) but in the book Maree's friends went through various pronunciations and none them were that so I'm going with how I know how to pronounce it.
It's not preachy Christian fiction but I saw bits or it here and there which was easy to digest. As for the ending, again, open ended but I know what will happen. This is a series. There are 2 more in this series, one about Maree's brother Max, who's a professional football player, who lives in Green Hills, during his off time, and her sister, M'Kenzee, a professional photographer.
October 28, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Grocery Girl
Author: Virginia'dele Smith
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 16 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
16 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I enjoyed this book so much. It´s such an easy read, very much character-led, and filled with many sweet moments. Loved it!” Female reader, aged 54
“This is almost the perfect ´sit by the fire with a glass of wine´ read. I loved getting to know the two slightly broken characters, and I was rooting for them all the way till the end. There´s a little suffering in here, a little love, and a lot of hope.” Female reader, aged 35
“An excellent book for anybody looking for a light romance filled with ups and considerable downs. It´s not overly long, the plot is simple, and the characters are complex – but not too complex. Perfect for the genre.” Female reader, aged 61
To Sum It Up:
‘A cosy romance filled with memorable and slightly broken characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Grocery Girl
Author: Virginia'dele Smith
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 16 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
16 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I enjoyed this book so much. It´s such an easy read, very much character-led, and filled with many sweet moments. Loved it!” Female reader, aged 54
“This is almost the perfect ´sit by the fire with a glass of wine´ read. I loved getting to know the two slightly broken characters, and I was rooting for them all the way till the end. There´s a little suffering in here, a little love, and a lot of hope.” Female reader, aged 35
“An excellent book for anybody looking for a light romance filled with ups and considerable downs. It´s not overly long, the plot is simple, and the characters are complex – but not too complex. Perfect for the genre.” Female reader, aged 61
To Sum It Up:
‘A cosy romance filled with memorable and slightly broken characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
January 12, 2024
Can two people lost in a sea of anguish find the strength to love each other without fear? Grocery Girl is a heart wrenching tale of loss and love in a cozy small town. The characters will touch you deeply as will their pain. The emotional narration is gut-wrenching and will wreck you, in the best possible way. Once I started reading, I got sucked into the story. Grocery Girl is truly unputdownable.
Let’s start with the characters. Maree is a sweet heroine who dealt with crushing emotional pain. After her parents die, she’s all alone. But she’s determined to not let her sorrow dictate her future. Then, in the grocery store, she meets handsome Rhys. She thinks it’s destiny but she’s not sure she can break down the walls around his heart. They are opposites when it comes to pain and losing loved ones. Can they overcome to be together? This paradox drives the characters. I found it to be inspiring while reading. As someone who’s dealt with extreme pain and loss, I empathize.
The descriptive narration is flawless and allows the reader to experience everything. Every detail is poignantly described with emotional nuances and subtext.
The romance is very slow-burn with small-town charm. The meet cute is adorable. The pacing of the romance is slow but realistic. Rhys has a lot of issues to work through. When the ending came, I was an emotional mess. I had a book hangover for days.
If you’re looking for a slow-burn, emotional, small-town romance, pick up this gem.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Let’s start with the characters. Maree is a sweet heroine who dealt with crushing emotional pain. After her parents die, she’s all alone. But she’s determined to not let her sorrow dictate her future. Then, in the grocery store, she meets handsome Rhys. She thinks it’s destiny but she’s not sure she can break down the walls around his heart. They are opposites when it comes to pain and losing loved ones. Can they overcome to be together? This paradox drives the characters. I found it to be inspiring while reading. As someone who’s dealt with extreme pain and loss, I empathize.
The descriptive narration is flawless and allows the reader to experience everything. Every detail is poignantly described with emotional nuances and subtext.
The romance is very slow-burn with small-town charm. The meet cute is adorable. The pacing of the romance is slow but realistic. Rhys has a lot of issues to work through. When the ending came, I was an emotional mess. I had a book hangover for days.
If you’re looking for a slow-burn, emotional, small-town romance, pick up this gem.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
May 2, 2022
My Manifesto (prequel):
This was such a personal and heart-warming introduction to the author. Her descriptions of her grandmothers reminded me of mine [I also grew up with 3 (out of 4)]. Green Hills sounds exactly why I moved from The OC to the Midwest.
Grocery Girl:
An unhurried slice of life
The first chapter is lesson for us all regarding charitable works. ‘Our needs can wait; today is about others.’ May we all set good examples for our children and others around us.
The author wrote the characters’ compliments very realistically; they were detailed and relevant to the topic (unlike in most romances). Even the ones from strangers in a bar were respectful…very refreshing.
I listened to Patsy Cline a each time I sat down to read this – and I NEVER do anything that would distract me from reading (nor do I like slow country). It added just the right touch.
There’s one scene that reminded me of what one of my daughter’s grade-school friends said:
‘A friend stands up FOR you; a true friend stands up TO you.’
How much better the world would be if we only judged the ones we cared about rather than stand by silently in their pain.
‘ “There she is,” Max greeted them …
“Here she is,” Maree replied, in a way that Rhys knew was a secret language just for the siblings… ’
I literally had to stop reading since my eyes filled with tears (thinking about my long-estranged brother who had been my best friend growing up). And there were more memory catalysts throughout. Thank you for that.
This was such a personal and heart-warming introduction to the author. Her descriptions of her grandmothers reminded me of mine [I also grew up with 3 (out of 4)]. Green Hills sounds exactly why I moved from The OC to the Midwest.
Grocery Girl:
An unhurried slice of life
The first chapter is lesson for us all regarding charitable works. ‘Our needs can wait; today is about others.’ May we all set good examples for our children and others around us.
The author wrote the characters’ compliments very realistically; they were detailed and relevant to the topic (unlike in most romances). Even the ones from strangers in a bar were respectful…very refreshing.
I listened to Patsy Cline a each time I sat down to read this – and I NEVER do anything that would distract me from reading (nor do I like slow country). It added just the right touch.
There’s one scene that reminded me of what one of my daughter’s grade-school friends said:
‘A friend stands up FOR you; a true friend stands up TO you.’
How much better the world would be if we only judged the ones we cared about rather than stand by silently in their pain.
‘ “There she is,” Max greeted them …
“Here she is,” Maree replied, in a way that Rhys knew was a secret language just for the siblings… ’
I literally had to stop reading since my eyes filled with tears (thinking about my long-estranged brother who had been my best friend growing up). And there were more memory catalysts throughout. Thank you for that.
January 31, 2025
Wow. You know that video of the kid telling his mum she made a really bad sandwich? That played in my head during the majority of this book. Really bad sandwich.
Considering this is a romance book, their relationship was completely shallow and lacked depth. The author narrated the backstories of these characters at the very begining of the novel, meaning that when the characters met, they had nothing to tell each other because the author didn't want to repeat the story again. Therefore, their conversations went something like this.. 'I told her about my horrible childhood and she felt sorry for me'. There's no depth in that. You don't actually see the two bond at any point. And then, the love interest will say the most out of pocket thing like 'You're my north star', and we're supposed to believe they're in love with each other?
I liked that the main character had interests. She was clearly based on the author, which is nice, I guess.
The whole plotline about this serial arsonist is ridiculous. Never solved, referenced very randomly. I get that he's a firefighter and you want him to fight fires, but easily could've thought up a candle burning in someone's home near the love interest work, rather than some serial arsonist that burns buildings and never gets caught or mentioned ever again.
I feel like this book genuinely had potential to be a good story, but the author just needed somebody to severely edit the book and give honest feedback. Then, she would be able to produce something much more readable.
Considering this is a romance book, their relationship was completely shallow and lacked depth. The author narrated the backstories of these characters at the very begining of the novel, meaning that when the characters met, they had nothing to tell each other because the author didn't want to repeat the story again. Therefore, their conversations went something like this.. 'I told her about my horrible childhood and she felt sorry for me'. There's no depth in that. You don't actually see the two bond at any point. And then, the love interest will say the most out of pocket thing like 'You're my north star', and we're supposed to believe they're in love with each other?
I liked that the main character had interests. She was clearly based on the author, which is nice, I guess.
The whole plotline about this serial arsonist is ridiculous. Never solved, referenced very randomly. I get that he's a firefighter and you want him to fight fires, but easily could've thought up a candle burning in someone's home near the love interest work, rather than some serial arsonist that burns buildings and never gets caught or mentioned ever again.
I feel like this book genuinely had potential to be a good story, but the author just needed somebody to severely edit the book and give honest feedback. Then, she would be able to produce something much more readable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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