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Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton
Sometimes what your life is missing is an eccentric group of older ladies to take you under their wing...
When Rae Sutton's mama passes away and leaves her the house where she grew up, Rae can't imagine how the little old place might restore her broken life. Mourning the recent loss of her marriage, she takes the house and settles back into her tiny hometown with her fourteen-year-old daughter, Molly Margaret, and their overweight dog.
There she’s embraced by her mother's close-knit circle of friends, the Third Thursday ladies. Though almost half their age and far less confident of positive outcomes, Rae joins their ministry-slash-book-club-slash-gossip circle and allows the women to speak wry honesty and witty humor into her tired heart. As a new career and a new romance bring their own complications, Rae relies on the unlikely family she's found and begins to wonder if her future holds more hope than she ever could have imagined.
"Wise, witty, and full of Southern charm,?Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton?is as refreshing as a tall glass of sweet tea on a hot summer day!" -Denise Hunter, bestselling author of the Riverbend Romances
Sweet, stand-alone Southern contemporary women's fictionComing soon from Susannah B. Della & Darby
When Rae Sutton's mama passes away and leaves her the house where she grew up, Rae can't imagine how the little old place might restore her broken life. Mourning the recent loss of her marriage, she takes the house and settles back into her tiny hometown with her fourteen-year-old daughter, Molly Margaret, and their overweight dog.
There she’s embraced by her mother's close-knit circle of friends, the Third Thursday ladies. Though almost half their age and far less confident of positive outcomes, Rae joins their ministry-slash-book-club-slash-gossip circle and allows the women to speak wry honesty and witty humor into her tired heart. As a new career and a new romance bring their own complications, Rae relies on the unlikely family she's found and begins to wonder if her future holds more hope than she ever could have imagined.
"Wise, witty, and full of Southern charm,?Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton?is as refreshing as a tall glass of sweet tea on a hot summer day!" -Denise Hunter, bestselling author of the Riverbend Romances
Sweet, stand-alone Southern contemporary women's fictionComing soon from Susannah B. Della & Darby
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2022
136 people are currently reading
6001 people want to read
About the author
Susannah B. Lewis
15 books588 followersSusannah B. Lewis is an author, humorist, and podcaster. She has written nine books, including Can’t Make This Stuff Up and How May I Offend You Today, both USA Today Bestsellers published by Thomas Nelson. Her work has been featured on Erma Bombeck’s Humor Writers, TODAY, and US Weekly, and her articles have appeared in Parents Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and more. She is the winner of the Southern Writers’ Magazine Short Story Contest and a recipient of the BlogHer Voices of the Year Award. Susannah also hosts the Moral of the Story Podcast, produced by AccessMore.
She lives on 90 beautiful acres in Tennessee with her husband, their three children, and a "whole bunch" of dogs and cats.
She lives on 90 beautiful acres in Tennessee with her husband, their three children, and a "whole bunch" of dogs and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
February 6, 2023
This book was an unexpected delight. If you like inspirational fiction with a Southern flavor, then you will want to snatch this one up. Rae Sutton is stuck. In the midst of grieving the loss of her mother, she is also dealing with the separation from her husband and love of her life. How can Rae move forward without the support of two of her favorite people? And what about her daughter who is fourteen and at such a vulnerable age? Support comes from an unexpected source--her mother's old friends, the Third Thursday Ladies. This is a wonderful read that will make you laugh, cry, and celebrate the ways God blesses us through the hands and feet of others.
If you love this one, be sure to check out the latest title from this author: Della and Darby
If you love this one, be sure to check out the latest title from this author: Della and Darby
September 22, 2022
The story was cute but I didn’t realize it was Christian fiction, and it got a little overly preachy several times. I have nothing against the genre, but I just wasn’t prepared for the proselytizing!
December 31, 2021
This is the first book that I have read by this author and can't wait to check out more of her books. I loved the character of Rae and I loved the women that came alongside of her following the loss of her mom. My mom has been gone from us for over 7 years and went suddenly. I wish that she would have been able to have written letters and advice to me ahead of time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 4, 2022
Good. Sweet. Pleasant.
April 24, 2022
I was aware that this was going to be a Christian novel. However, I was not prepared for just how Christian it would be! This is a sweet novel that gets bogged down in minutiae and repetition. Rae has been divorced from her husband for a couple of years now, but I kept getting the feeling that she would do anything to get him back.
Rae spending her time with her daughter's new Basketball coach is not ringing true to me.
My issues with Rae's late mother's relatives and friends are innumerable. Maybe it is because I'm a Northerner, and I can't appreciate this kind of closeness that this family has. But for an Aunt to sit in on---no - crash her nieces' date was mind-boggling.
All of this, and I'm not even halfway done with this book! I can't wait to see what else is in store, but I'm afraid that I'm not going to be one of the happy reviewers, and I most likely will DNF, and I really hate doing that.
If this book gets any better, I'll let you know!
Rae spending her time with her daughter's new Basketball coach is not ringing true to me.
My issues with Rae's late mother's relatives and friends are innumerable. Maybe it is because I'm a Northerner, and I can't appreciate this kind of closeness that this family has. But for an Aunt to sit in on---no - crash her nieces' date was mind-boggling.
All of this, and I'm not even halfway done with this book! I can't wait to see what else is in store, but I'm afraid that I'm not going to be one of the happy reviewers, and I most likely will DNF, and I really hate doing that.
If this book gets any better, I'll let you know!
June 2, 2023
Actually a 4.5 read!!
Rae lost her marriage and her Mother close together and can't figure out how to get over the awful lost. So Rae moves her and her daughter to her Mother house and get support from the group of woman to brings comfort the the community. Rae discovers that she needs these woman and the support they give her. When she starts dating her cheating husband comes back and wants to get back together. What will Rae do and will she give this over to God for His direction? I did enjoy this book. I did not really enjoy the storyline of her cheating husband who wants to come back to her even after how he hurt her. I will not tell you how it ends but I found this frustrating. God tells us to forgive but trust is another issue. I did really enjoy Rae and her healing she discovers from the older woman in her life. They are a true blessing to her. The advice and the encouragement they give her is inspiring !! I do recommend this book and hope you will enjoy it!!
Rae lost her marriage and her Mother close together and can't figure out how to get over the awful lost. So Rae moves her and her daughter to her Mother house and get support from the group of woman to brings comfort the the community. Rae discovers that she needs these woman and the support they give her. When she starts dating her cheating husband comes back and wants to get back together. What will Rae do and will she give this over to God for His direction? I did enjoy this book. I did not really enjoy the storyline of her cheating husband who wants to come back to her even after how he hurt her. I will not tell you how it ends but I found this frustrating. God tells us to forgive but trust is another issue. I did really enjoy Rae and her healing she discovers from the older woman in her life. They are a true blessing to her. The advice and the encouragement they give her is inspiring !! I do recommend this book and hope you will enjoy it!!
June 20, 2023
Lots to enjoy about this novel...southern culture, a bickering group of old women and time period details.
My favorite part of the novel was towards the end when main character Rae has a life changing decision to make.
My favorite part of the novel was towards the end when main character Rae has a life changing decision to make.
March 9, 2022
Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton is a delightful southern read. Susannah B. Lewis is a new to me author and I was so impressed with her writing. I literally had tears running down my cheeks while reading one sentence and the next sentence I was laughing out loud! The protagonist, Raeley Ann Sutton is recently divorced by her husband of seventeen years and her dearly loved mother just passed away. She is raising a fourteen year old daughter and decides to move into her childhood home. Rae's Aunt Maxine and and her mother's book club/gossip club immediately take her into their embracing group. I loved every single character. I connected so well with them because my parents are from a small town in northeast Mississippi. In fact, I wondered did Ms. Sutton use my Mawmaw and aunts for inspiration?
The letters from her mother about did me in. But in a good way. This is a romantic, heart-wrenching, heart-warming story that has kept me in Whitten, Alabama long after I finished reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and will make this my third Thursday book club pick in June.
*I was given a copy of the book by Thomas Nelson Publishers and this is my honest opinion.
The letters from her mother about did me in. But in a good way. This is a romantic, heart-wrenching, heart-warming story that has kept me in Whitten, Alabama long after I finished reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and will make this my third Thursday book club pick in June.
*I was given a copy of the book by Thomas Nelson Publishers and this is my honest opinion.
June 24, 2022
This was a sweet southern story about grief and healing, but it was entirely too religious for me.
Read it you like fried green tomatoes, fudge rounds, and Dr. Pepper.
What I enjoyed:
• The crew of old ladies had great banter.
• The letters from Rae’s mother.
• Rae’s daughter, Molly.
• The home renovation/upcycling stuff.
• Kent was such a great guy.
What didn’t work for me:
• Heavy on the religious content; I highly disliked the ending and I feel sure that if this wasn’t a Christian book it wouldn’t have gone in that direction.
• I didn’t enjoy the narrator for the audio (the way she did the old ladies’ voices was cringe).
• Carter was the worst and super manipulative.
Read it you like fried green tomatoes, fudge rounds, and Dr. Pepper.
What I enjoyed:
• The crew of old ladies had great banter.
• The letters from Rae’s mother.
• Rae’s daughter, Molly.
• The home renovation/upcycling stuff.
• Kent was such a great guy.
What didn’t work for me:
• Heavy on the religious content; I highly disliked the ending and I feel sure that if this wasn’t a Christian book it wouldn’t have gone in that direction.
• I didn’t enjoy the narrator for the audio (the way she did the old ladies’ voices was cringe).
• Carter was the worst and super manipulative.
July 3, 2022
4 Stars
Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton
A story so full of southern comfort, you’ll be grabbing a glass of sweet tea while you read!
36-year-old Rae Sutton is going through many hardships in her life and working to find her place again. After losing her mother to cancer and experiencing a divorce with her husband, Rae doesn’t know how to begin again with her 14-year-old daughter, Molly. I’m reminded of the saying, But God. But God is with Rae throughout this entire process, and I truly loved her journey to finding peace among the chaos.
The beginning of the story starts off with us at Rae’s mother’s funeral, with glimpses of her end of life with Rae. While this book is full of grief and heartbreak, there is also forgiveness, love, mercy, grace – the Lord gives us peace in the pain.
Rae moves into her mother’s home and tries to start a new life. Her mother has left little letters in many different places for her to find as she goes on in life without her, and those provide such a comfort to Rae. I loved those little details every time she found the letters because it was always during a time when she needed motherly advice.
Rae starts a new relationship with her daughter’s basketball coach and for the first time in a long time, she finally feels like things are starting to get better since her mother’s passing. But will things work out with him? Is that what will bring her peace? With being a Mom, trying to start a new business, the meetings with the third Thursday ladies, a new man in her life and trying to keep her feelings for her ex-husband away, she doesn’t know how to navigate this new life.
My favorite parts of reading this were all the southern references. I am from Tennessee, so I loved the descriptions of sweet tea, mason jars, canning, Tupperware, southern living magazine and of course – bless her heart.
Rae’s mother was part of the “third Thursday ladies” group where she would get together every third Thursday of the month with Aunt Maxine, Mrs. Dora and Mrs. Fannie. They would sit around and pray for those in need, see who needs visiting in the hospital or who needs comforting from a recent loved one passing away and they would make sure to do for others. They also had a lot of funny gossip-y chats that would remind us all of someone or a group in our family of people we just loved. 😊 Rae ends up joining the group in place of her mother and she finds comfort in the friendships and advice given.
The third Thursday ladies group reminded me of the times we would go visit my Mammaw on her front porch and just sit out on the front porch and sit a “spell” with her.
The faith content in this story was beautiful. Rae feels angry at God for everything going on but there is a beautiful redemption for her with the Lord and I cried reading it. I honestly felt like this was very realistic and the characters were easy to connect to. If you love a good southern story, with beautiful Christian faith content, you’ll love this.
The only reason this is not a 5 star for me is because I didn’t love how it ended 100% but I still loved this story so much.
Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton
A story so full of southern comfort, you’ll be grabbing a glass of sweet tea while you read!
36-year-old Rae Sutton is going through many hardships in her life and working to find her place again. After losing her mother to cancer and experiencing a divorce with her husband, Rae doesn’t know how to begin again with her 14-year-old daughter, Molly. I’m reminded of the saying, But God. But God is with Rae throughout this entire process, and I truly loved her journey to finding peace among the chaos.
The beginning of the story starts off with us at Rae’s mother’s funeral, with glimpses of her end of life with Rae. While this book is full of grief and heartbreak, there is also forgiveness, love, mercy, grace – the Lord gives us peace in the pain.
Rae moves into her mother’s home and tries to start a new life. Her mother has left little letters in many different places for her to find as she goes on in life without her, and those provide such a comfort to Rae. I loved those little details every time she found the letters because it was always during a time when she needed motherly advice.
Rae starts a new relationship with her daughter’s basketball coach and for the first time in a long time, she finally feels like things are starting to get better since her mother’s passing. But will things work out with him? Is that what will bring her peace? With being a Mom, trying to start a new business, the meetings with the third Thursday ladies, a new man in her life and trying to keep her feelings for her ex-husband away, she doesn’t know how to navigate this new life.
My favorite parts of reading this were all the southern references. I am from Tennessee, so I loved the descriptions of sweet tea, mason jars, canning, Tupperware, southern living magazine and of course – bless her heart.
Rae’s mother was part of the “third Thursday ladies” group where she would get together every third Thursday of the month with Aunt Maxine, Mrs. Dora and Mrs. Fannie. They would sit around and pray for those in need, see who needs visiting in the hospital or who needs comforting from a recent loved one passing away and they would make sure to do for others. They also had a lot of funny gossip-y chats that would remind us all of someone or a group in our family of people we just loved. 😊 Rae ends up joining the group in place of her mother and she finds comfort in the friendships and advice given.
The third Thursday ladies group reminded me of the times we would go visit my Mammaw on her front porch and just sit out on the front porch and sit a “spell” with her.
The faith content in this story was beautiful. Rae feels angry at God for everything going on but there is a beautiful redemption for her with the Lord and I cried reading it. I honestly felt like this was very realistic and the characters were easy to connect to. If you love a good southern story, with beautiful Christian faith content, you’ll love this.
The only reason this is not a 5 star for me is because I didn’t love how it ended 100% but I still loved this story so much.
May 24, 2022
Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton
by: Susannah B. Lewis
Thomas Nelson-FICTION, Thomas Nelson
pub date: May 24, 2022
genre: General Fiction (Adult)
Comfort can be found in small Southern towns. Upon losing her mother, main character Rae immersed herself in the warmth of a return to her hometown community of Whitten, Alabama. As she also deals with the end of her marriage, Rae navigates new beginnings in career and romance as she explores faith and forgiveness.
Rae's formation of multigenerational female friendship with her mother's buddies was one of my favorite parts of this book. Their wit, wisdom, and traditions helped Rae in her period of transition.
Even though the theme of overcoming loss was prominent in the book, Author Lewis had me frequently laughing out loud with her sprinkles of Southern humor. Settings of front porches, church pews, and high school gyms brought back my own fond memories of growing up and living in small Georgia towns. The tastes and smells of Little Debbie cakes, fresh tomatoes, purple hull peas, and chicken salad were so familiar to me. Although I might have preferred Rae to make some different decisions, the choices were hers to make in the story of her life. I enjoy Christian fiction and small town Southern settings. The warmth, optimism, and hope offered by this book were uplifting to me.
Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson-FICTION, Thomas Nelson for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
by: Susannah B. Lewis
Thomas Nelson-FICTION, Thomas Nelson
pub date: May 24, 2022
genre: General Fiction (Adult)
Comfort can be found in small Southern towns. Upon losing her mother, main character Rae immersed herself in the warmth of a return to her hometown community of Whitten, Alabama. As she also deals with the end of her marriage, Rae navigates new beginnings in career and romance as she explores faith and forgiveness.
Rae's formation of multigenerational female friendship with her mother's buddies was one of my favorite parts of this book. Their wit, wisdom, and traditions helped Rae in her period of transition.
Even though the theme of overcoming loss was prominent in the book, Author Lewis had me frequently laughing out loud with her sprinkles of Southern humor. Settings of front porches, church pews, and high school gyms brought back my own fond memories of growing up and living in small Georgia towns. The tastes and smells of Little Debbie cakes, fresh tomatoes, purple hull peas, and chicken salad were so familiar to me. Although I might have preferred Rae to make some different decisions, the choices were hers to make in the story of her life. I enjoy Christian fiction and small town Southern settings. The warmth, optimism, and hope offered by this book were uplifting to me.
Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson-FICTION, Thomas Nelson for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
May 18, 2024
At first I wasn't so sure about this book, but I generally enjoyed it. It's a sweet story about a woman moving back to her hometown after her mother's death. She brings her daughter with her and they navigate figuring life out in the midst of grief, a new town, and a recent divorce.
The divorce was not on biblical grounds so I was very wary of where it was going. I can't really tell you without spoilers...but I did enjoy the ending ;)
The best part of the book is how the community comes around each other and each of the old ladies has sage advice. It was fun to see their interactions. Oh also, there was a sweet salvation moment.
The worst part of the book is the worldview on relationships. I will never understand the mindset of going on your first date and expecting a kiss??? And then wondering if it's actually a serious relationship after multiple dates and a myriad kisses??
I would not be opposed to reading more by this author as I did think it was well done.
Content: romance: see above. death, adultery, flirting.
The divorce was not on biblical grounds so I was very wary of where it was going. I can't really tell you without spoilers...but I did enjoy the ending ;)
The best part of the book is how the community comes around each other and each of the old ladies has sage advice. It was fun to see their interactions. Oh also, there was a sweet salvation moment.
The worst part of the book is the worldview on relationships. I will never understand the mindset of going on your first date and expecting a kiss??? And then wondering if it's actually a serious relationship after multiple dates and a myriad kisses??
I would not be opposed to reading more by this author as I did think it was well done.
Content: romance: see above. death, adultery, flirting.
March 28, 2022
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton, as Susannah B. Lewis is a new to me author, but I thought the synopsis sounded interesting, and I wanted to give it a try. I have to say that I was not prepared for just how much I was going to love this particular title, and I don't think I've ever truly read anything like it before.
This beautiful story focuses around grief, healing and redemption, and the reader feels like they are following right along with Rae Sutton as she navigates both her husband leaving her for another woman, and her mother's sudden death from cancer. I loved how relatable, well developed and likeable the characters truly were, and I adored the southern flair present throughout the majority of the story. As Rae struggles with everything dropped on her plate, she develops a strong friendship with three elderly ladies who her mom considered her best friends. They give her an escape from her loneliness, and encourage her back into the arms of the only one who can truly heal her heart, our Heavenly Father.
With beautifully written prose, a lovely small town setting, and characters that had me drawn into the story right from the opening pages, Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton is definitely one of the best books I've read so far this year. It made me both laugh out loud, and genuinely tear up, and I loved the growth we see in Rae's character, and the way she truly resolves to have Jesus at the front and center of everything going forward.
This book felt both authentic and realistic, while still providing a nice escape into the literature world, and I love when books can manage to do both.
I'd highly recommend this one, and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to advance read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This beautiful story focuses around grief, healing and redemption, and the reader feels like they are following right along with Rae Sutton as she navigates both her husband leaving her for another woman, and her mother's sudden death from cancer. I loved how relatable, well developed and likeable the characters truly were, and I adored the southern flair present throughout the majority of the story. As Rae struggles with everything dropped on her plate, she develops a strong friendship with three elderly ladies who her mom considered her best friends. They give her an escape from her loneliness, and encourage her back into the arms of the only one who can truly heal her heart, our Heavenly Father.
With beautifully written prose, a lovely small town setting, and characters that had me drawn into the story right from the opening pages, Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton is definitely one of the best books I've read so far this year. It made me both laugh out loud, and genuinely tear up, and I loved the growth we see in Rae's character, and the way she truly resolves to have Jesus at the front and center of everything going forward.
This book felt both authentic and realistic, while still providing a nice escape into the literature world, and I love when books can manage to do both.
I'd highly recommend this one, and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to advance read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 11, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this one was among the DNFs of 2022 since I quickly lost interest in it when I got to 50%. It was very difficult for me to read about every little detail of the main character's life and although the atmosphere should have been calming and soothing, it ended up being plain boring.
I am convinced that people's lives in the South are much more exciting than how they're depicted in this book. I did like the first part where there's grief and coping involved, so we see the heroine dealing with such feelings and learning to live with them.
Everything else is just... not for me. I did give it a 2-star rating for the effort, though, since it could have been a lot worse.
Unfortunately, this one was among the DNFs of 2022 since I quickly lost interest in it when I got to 50%. It was very difficult for me to read about every little detail of the main character's life and although the atmosphere should have been calming and soothing, it ended up being plain boring.
I am convinced that people's lives in the South are much more exciting than how they're depicted in this book. I did like the first part where there's grief and coping involved, so we see the heroine dealing with such feelings and learning to live with them.
Everything else is just... not for me. I did give it a 2-star rating for the effort, though, since it could have been a lot worse.
July 8, 2022
Ugh. I knew that this would be a Christian based story, but what a drag. I don’t know why people find this ‘inspirational’. Yes, go back to your cheating crap ex husband Rae Sutton. Y’all deserve each other.
An actual quote from the book- ‘Girl, just pray and then you’ll know.”
This was just incredibly cringey for me. I guess people like this sort of thing, but those people are not my people.
An actual quote from the book- ‘Girl, just pray and then you’ll know.”
This was just incredibly cringey for me. I guess people like this sort of thing, but those people are not my people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2023
An enjoyable rom-com full of southern charm! I loved the generational friendships and the way the story felt real.
June 3, 2022
I don't usually read contemporary women's fiction, but I'm glad I took a chance on Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton. This was also my first time reading anything by Susannah B. Lewis, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! II'll be sure to look for more of her work in the future.
Rae Sutton is still reeling from a sudden divorce when she's hit once again--this time with the loss of her mother. Comments her "Mama" made shortly before her passing alongside letters from Mama, and discussions with family friends lead Rae and her teenage daughter, Molly, back to Rae's childhood home. Between motherhood, renovations, starting a new business, and monthly meetings with Mama's old friends, Rae is swamped and still struggling to deal with her losses. When Molly's new coach, Kent, enters the picture, Rae quickly finds room in her heart for him, but still finds herself longing for Carter, her now ex-husband. How will she decide what (and who) is right for her and Molly?
This novel is very well written and engaging. The characters were relatable and faced realistic struggles. I found myself completely engrossed in Rae's life, and laughed and cried along with the characters. The ending definitely threw me for a loop--I didn't see that coming for some reason!
If you enjoy faith-filled contemporary fiction, you'll want to check this one out.
*I received a complimentary copy of Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.
Rae Sutton is still reeling from a sudden divorce when she's hit once again--this time with the loss of her mother. Comments her "Mama" made shortly before her passing alongside letters from Mama, and discussions with family friends lead Rae and her teenage daughter, Molly, back to Rae's childhood home. Between motherhood, renovations, starting a new business, and monthly meetings with Mama's old friends, Rae is swamped and still struggling to deal with her losses. When Molly's new coach, Kent, enters the picture, Rae quickly finds room in her heart for him, but still finds herself longing for Carter, her now ex-husband. How will she decide what (and who) is right for her and Molly?
This novel is very well written and engaging. The characters were relatable and faced realistic struggles. I found myself completely engrossed in Rae's life, and laughed and cried along with the characters. The ending definitely threw me for a loop--I didn't see that coming for some reason!
If you enjoy faith-filled contemporary fiction, you'll want to check this one out.
*I received a complimentary copy of Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.
April 12, 2022
Raeley Ann’s mother has died and we are introduced to Rae as she informs her ex-husband who has brought his much younger girlfriend to her mother’s funeral, that it isn't okay to bring her, and she doesn’t care if he needs comfort.
He was the one who decided that he wasn’t in love with her anymore.
Rae is pulled into the Third Thursday group with Mrs. Dora, her Aunt Maxine, and Mrs.Frannie.It’s a bit of everything from gossip, a book club, and some ministry thrown in too.
Rae decides to move into her old childhood home and has started restoring it, and at Mrs. Frannie’s insistence, Kent Richardson, her daughter's basketball coach, has asked her out on a date.
Rae is trying to adjust to her new normal of being a single woman and an orphan.
Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton shows us the life beyond a missed loved one, when the grief catches you when least expecting it, and moving on from a marriage that doesn’t last. Rae is able to see beyond her hurting heart.
I wasn’t sure if I would like this but I was sold on the title, how can you not like a title like that, and the story that is told beyond the cover is definitely worth your reading time. Recommended!
My gratitude to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions expressed are my own.
He was the one who decided that he wasn’t in love with her anymore.
Rae is pulled into the Third Thursday group with Mrs. Dora, her Aunt Maxine, and Mrs.Frannie.It’s a bit of everything from gossip, a book club, and some ministry thrown in too.
Rae decides to move into her old childhood home and has started restoring it, and at Mrs. Frannie’s insistence, Kent Richardson, her daughter's basketball coach, has asked her out on a date.
Rae is trying to adjust to her new normal of being a single woman and an orphan.
Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton shows us the life beyond a missed loved one, when the grief catches you when least expecting it, and moving on from a marriage that doesn’t last. Rae is able to see beyond her hurting heart.
I wasn’t sure if I would like this but I was sold on the title, how can you not like a title like that, and the story that is told beyond the cover is definitely worth your reading time. Recommended!
My gratitude to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 10, 2022
Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton has skyrocketed to the top of my 2022 reading list. I love Southern fiction and this is the best of the best. In my opinion Southern fiction has to be character driven and this book is full of characters!
My favorites were the women that surround Raeley Ann. They are priceless. They are at times ridiculous and at other times wise sages. We all need women like them in our lives. The story itself had me laughing one moment and tearing up the next. I highly recommend this book.
My favorites were the women that surround Raeley Ann. They are priceless. They are at times ridiculous and at other times wise sages. We all need women like them in our lives. The story itself had me laughing one moment and tearing up the next. I highly recommend this book.
December 27, 2021
This is a lovely Southern flair story full of delightful characters. Life for Rae Sutton is not what she felt it would be. Almost divorced and dealing with her loving mother’s death has Rae heartbroken. The sweet ladies of her mother’s group envelope her with love and old-fashioned, godly advice and help Rae to survive and begin to thrive.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 3, 2022
I partially blame myself for the low rating on this one as I did not know what I was getting into. I thought this would be a fun romance read that took place in the south. The blatant Christian propaganda was cringeworthy for a not Christian reader. Also sometimes it felt like an advertisement for Dukes mayonnaise. Overall, not for me.
Read
April 25, 2023It was a good book to read between heavier reads.
Read
July 29, 2024DNF due to triggers that brought me down - death of a parent, cancer, cheating spouse, divorce, etc
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2021
I am in a reading funk where nothing is appealing to me, but this book even less than most. It begins with Rae Sutton's mother dying and all that goes into funeral planning and settling the estate. Rae's husband is estranged (okay, divorced) from her and he brings his side piece to the viewing. And there we have the opening drama.
Rae's mother wants Rae to move into her house, because it's paid for, there's money to start a business of her own, and it gets her away from the memories of her husband's betrayal. Moving back also puts her daughter, Molly, in a new school district and on a new basketball team, which seems to be working well for Molly and Rae, because Molly's coach takes a shine to Rae.
When Rae starts renovating the house, she finds a letter her mother wrote and stuffed under the carpet about how her ex-husband came to talk to her, realizes the mistake he made, and how he wants her back.
Like I said, I'm in a reading funk right now and this book just hit me as cheesy. From the get-go, I do not like going to funerals (but I'm sure not many people do), I do not like any of the fol-de-rol that goes into making a funeral happen, and the last thing I want to read about is someone's last services. I would rather have passed on this book altogether if I had known how much of it was going to be centered on death.
What's right about the book is the relatability of the characters, and the genuineness of the setting. The characters are not over-the-top in their reactions or emotions.
This was my first book by Susannah B Lewis, and right now I'm not sure if I'll take another chance with her writings.
First, I want to say this is all my opinion and someone else may find this book a great read. Two Stars
Thomas Nelson and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Rae's mother wants Rae to move into her house, because it's paid for, there's money to start a business of her own, and it gets her away from the memories of her husband's betrayal. Moving back also puts her daughter, Molly, in a new school district and on a new basketball team, which seems to be working well for Molly and Rae, because Molly's coach takes a shine to Rae.
When Rae starts renovating the house, she finds a letter her mother wrote and stuffed under the carpet about how her ex-husband came to talk to her, realizes the mistake he made, and how he wants her back.
Like I said, I'm in a reading funk right now and this book just hit me as cheesy. From the get-go, I do not like going to funerals (but I'm sure not many people do), I do not like any of the fol-de-rol that goes into making a funeral happen, and the last thing I want to read about is someone's last services. I would rather have passed on this book altogether if I had known how much of it was going to be centered on death.
What's right about the book is the relatability of the characters, and the genuineness of the setting. The characters are not over-the-top in their reactions or emotions.
This was my first book by Susannah B Lewis, and right now I'm not sure if I'll take another chance with her writings.
First, I want to say this is all my opinion and someone else may find this book a great read. Two Stars
Thomas Nelson and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
July 11, 2022
A cute read that I very much enjoyed.
I finished it until the end and let t me tell you.
This book will make you smile, laugh and cry. Sometimes all at the same time!
This new to me author has captured my interest from the very beginning and you guessed it. I'll be looking for more by her in the future. There were definitely a lot of scenes in the book that I loved.
5 stars for this sweet and emotional rollercoaster ride. I'm sure glad I picked up this book.
Rae was just amazing. I definitely connected with Rae through the death of her mother. I had a hard time too. I still miss my mom.
There's no getting over that one. I didn't have what Rae had though.
And truly in my opinion it was the old ladies that stole the show. They're the ones who made me giggle more often than not.
It's why Southern fiction is my most favorite genre.
I loved the inspirational messages. In my opinion, the author added just right amount.
It's my favorite thing for Christian/Southern fiction.
But time was my friend and God. He got me through it.
May I be honest? It was the title and the cover that made me want to chose it. So glad I did!.
I highly recommend this book. 5 stars for a satisfying read!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I finished it until the end and let t me tell you.
This book will make you smile, laugh and cry. Sometimes all at the same time!
This new to me author has captured my interest from the very beginning and you guessed it. I'll be looking for more by her in the future. There were definitely a lot of scenes in the book that I loved.
5 stars for this sweet and emotional rollercoaster ride. I'm sure glad I picked up this book.
Rae was just amazing. I definitely connected with Rae through the death of her mother. I had a hard time too. I still miss my mom.
There's no getting over that one. I didn't have what Rae had though.
And truly in my opinion it was the old ladies that stole the show. They're the ones who made me giggle more often than not.
It's why Southern fiction is my most favorite genre.
I loved the inspirational messages. In my opinion, the author added just right amount.
It's my favorite thing for Christian/Southern fiction.
But time was my friend and God. He got me through it.
May I be honest? It was the title and the cover that made me want to chose it. So glad I did!.
I highly recommend this book. 5 stars for a satisfying read!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 20, 2023
I got this from the library thinking it was going to be a light fluffy enjoyable slumpbuster. Nope. I neglected to take note of the “spiritual” tag on the spine and the religious dedication. If you are a baptist who loves home improvement shows, this is for you. If you are not, STAY AWAY. Raeley (what adult woman with a 15 year old has the name Raeley) and her husband Carter are divorced but he is the love of her life. Blah blah blah. He cheated on her. She still loves him. But then her mom dies, and she makes changes in her life to put herself first…and then there’s a HAWT basketball coach and now she’s torn, hot basketball coach or cheating ex husband? Doesn’t seem like much of a choice, right? WRONG. And amongst all the religious bs about renovating your heart and letting in the Lord and listening to the whispers of the Lord in your heart….there is the bull spit undercurrent of if your rat bastard husband cheats on you, it’s totally fine to take him back because that’s what good women do. NOT HERE FOR THAT NONSENSE. This is not the lesson I want any woman to read.
October 12, 2022
Such a sweet and charming story! I love anything southern, so I really enjoyed those elements of the book.
It had a pretty sad beginning with her mother’s funeral (reading about parents dying is one of the saddest things for me), but I liked how her mom’s letters kept showing up, keeping her “alive” and part of the story.
I would have liked a little more development in Rae’s faith journey, and I could have done without so many immature reactions to her ex-husband. I predicted the ending, but there were several points where I thought maybe it would go in another direction, so that kept me curious.
It had a pretty sad beginning with her mother’s funeral (reading about parents dying is one of the saddest things for me), but I liked how her mom’s letters kept showing up, keeping her “alive” and part of the story.
I would have liked a little more development in Rae’s faith journey, and I could have done without so many immature reactions to her ex-husband. I predicted the ending, but there were several points where I thought maybe it would go in another direction, so that kept me curious.
May 28, 2022
I stumbled across this book on NetGalley and thought it looked interesting and figured I'd give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this story. It is full of heart and humor and was a fantastic read/listen. I loved pretty much everything about this story and will be looking to purchase a hard copy for my keeper shelf so I can enjoy it again and again.
I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
August 1, 2022
Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton is a Christian Fiction story set in Whitten, Alabama. Rae Sutton is at a crossroads in her life. Her mother recently died from cancer and she is grieving, especially after also losing her father a few years earlier. She has also separated from her husband, who is involved with a younger woman. She and her fourteen year old daughter, Molly, have come home, to decide what to do next. She finds out that her mother has left her the house, but can she stay in this small town. While battling her emotions and trying to figure out who she can confide in, she is invited to attend a meeting of the "Third Thursday Ladies", a group her mother was a proud member of. These women would meet once a month to drink coffee and eat dessert as well as discuss who to send flowers to in the hospital, write cards (Get Well, Congratulations) or who to take a meal. They also prayed for their family and friends. When she is given letters that her mother wrote to her to be read after her death, they give her hope. Can this group help her sort out her life? When she meets her daughter’s basketball coach, they develop a friendship that develops into more, but can it work out?
I enjoyed this story and loved Rae's character. She is realistic and relatable, with problems faced by many on a regular basis. Rae's journey was complicated by her husband showing up to try and reconcile. The Thursday Ladies were wonderful. They were a bit eccentric and quirky, but full of life's lessons, advice and most of all love and good intentions. They helped her to put her trust in the Lord to lead her on the best path. I liked the growth in her character as the story progressed. I enjoy stories about the south, with all the quaint sayings, sweet tea, canning, Tupperware (I used to sell it at one time), southern living magazine and of course, the "Bless Your Hearts". The faith content in this story was beautiful. Rae feels angry at God for everything going on but there is a beautiful redemption for her with the Lord as she realized that there is peace in his arms. This beautiful story focuses around grief, healing, redemption, and finding your path. It is a beautifully written story with a small town setting that I love. It made me laugh, made me angry at times and had me smiling as well. I recommend this story to those who enjoy Christian Fiction, and stories of growth, new beginnings, multi-generational friendship and romance.
I enjoyed this story and loved Rae's character. She is realistic and relatable, with problems faced by many on a regular basis. Rae's journey was complicated by her husband showing up to try and reconcile. The Thursday Ladies were wonderful. They were a bit eccentric and quirky, but full of life's lessons, advice and most of all love and good intentions. They helped her to put her trust in the Lord to lead her on the best path. I liked the growth in her character as the story progressed. I enjoy stories about the south, with all the quaint sayings, sweet tea, canning, Tupperware (I used to sell it at one time), southern living magazine and of course, the "Bless Your Hearts". The faith content in this story was beautiful. Rae feels angry at God for everything going on but there is a beautiful redemption for her with the Lord as she realized that there is peace in his arms. This beautiful story focuses around grief, healing, redemption, and finding your path. It is a beautifully written story with a small town setting that I love. It made me laugh, made me angry at times and had me smiling as well. I recommend this story to those who enjoy Christian Fiction, and stories of growth, new beginnings, multi-generational friendship and romance.
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