What do you think?
Rate this book
Kissing Creek #2
Heart of Dixie
Dixie’s back in her hometown, but she’s not looking for a reason to stay.
Four days. That's all I promise when I begrudgingly return to the water tower town of Kissing Creek, Tennessee. I have no plans to get tangled up in small town life—and I definitely don’t intend to take up where I left off with Deke McAllister. Then I bump into him and time melts away. A decade ago, his warm caramel eyes and sweet southern charm made it damn hard to leave. This time I’ll be sure to say good-bye.
Deke made his place in the world, then found his place in Kissing Creek.
It’s been ten years since I set eyes on Dixie Barnes. Now she’s back, making my tongue trip and short circuiting what’s left of my common sense, and jeopardizing my heart every time she’s in my arms. The girl’s only here for a few days, and she doesn’t plan to change her mind. Last time she left I didn’t go after her. I won’t make that mistake again.
Author’s Heart of Dixie (Book Two of the Heart of Dixie trilogy) was originally released a few years ago, set in the fictional small town of Moreover, Tennessee. You may have read it. If so, you probably loved it. ::
Spoiler alert, even authors sometimes need a do-over. I was so in love with these characters and their history together, I decided to introduce the setting’s name change in a prequel novella of Dixie and Deke’s origin story and, well, got a little carried away while writing. Good news for you, right? Then I decided I wanted a bonus epilogue for y’all, and what do you know? Same thing happened. Now we have three books to binge.
Heads up, you hopeless romantics, Heart of Dixie ends with a cliffhanger, but you’re going to love the rest of Deke and Dixie’s story in Something to Talk About, which picks right up where this story leaves off.
Ruthie xoxo
Four days. That's all I promise when I begrudgingly return to the water tower town of Kissing Creek, Tennessee. I have no plans to get tangled up in small town life—and I definitely don’t intend to take up where I left off with Deke McAllister. Then I bump into him and time melts away. A decade ago, his warm caramel eyes and sweet southern charm made it damn hard to leave. This time I’ll be sure to say good-bye.
Deke made his place in the world, then found his place in Kissing Creek.
It’s been ten years since I set eyes on Dixie Barnes. Now she’s back, making my tongue trip and short circuiting what’s left of my common sense, and jeopardizing my heart every time she’s in my arms. The girl’s only here for a few days, and she doesn’t plan to change her mind. Last time she left I didn’t go after her. I won’t make that mistake again.
Author’s Heart of Dixie (Book Two of the Heart of Dixie trilogy) was originally released a few years ago, set in the fictional small town of Moreover, Tennessee. You may have read it. If so, you probably loved it. ::
Spoiler alert, even authors sometimes need a do-over. I was so in love with these characters and their history together, I decided to introduce the setting’s name change in a prequel novella of Dixie and Deke’s origin story and, well, got a little carried away while writing. Good news for you, right? Then I decided I wanted a bonus epilogue for y’all, and what do you know? Same thing happened. Now we have three books to binge.
Heads up, you hopeless romantics, Heart of Dixie ends with a cliffhanger, but you’re going to love the rest of Deke and Dixie’s story in Something to Talk About, which picks right up where this story leaves off.
Ruthie xoxo
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2016
91 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Ruthie Henrick
11 books295 followersHello! I’m an Arizona girl who loves coffee, easy-to cook-meals, planning my next trip to anywhere, and adding just one more book to my never-ending TBR. I write sexy, sassy sports and small town kissing books with smart heroines and heroes who make you swoon yet might live right next door. I'm a true romance junkie and a lifetime avid reader who spent too much time shushing the voices in my head before deciding to see what those voices had to say.
I love chatting with other readers, sharing my favorite books and authors. So check out my pretty website, sign up for my newsletter, and come hang out with me on social media!
Website: www.ruthiehenrick.com
Newsletter signup: https://bit.ly/RuthieNLSignup
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ruthiehenrick
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ruthiehenrick
Facebook: http://bit.ly/RuthieHenrick
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RuthieHenrick
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1fah8dG
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/XHh0Oo
BookBub:https: //www.bookbub.com/authors/ruthie-henrick
I love chatting with other readers, sharing my favorite books and authors. So check out my pretty website, sign up for my newsletter, and come hang out with me on social media!
Website: www.ruthiehenrick.com
Newsletter signup: https://bit.ly/RuthieNLSignup
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ruthiehenrick
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ruthiehenrick
Facebook: http://bit.ly/RuthieHenrick
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RuthieHenrick
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1fah8dG
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/XHh0Oo
BookBub:https: //www.bookbub.com/authors/ruthie-henrick
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 31, 2016
Ladies, there's not just a new bbf in town, there is a new book husband in town and his name is Deke McAllister! Trust me when I say you are going to want to meet this smart, sexy, and oh so sweet high school teacher.
When Dixie returns to Moreover, TN she has one plan, and one plan only- get in and get out as quickly as possible. She’s back to bury her estranged father and she has no desire to rekindle relationships with any of the people she left behind. But you know what they say about best laid plans…
Heart of Dixie has everything you could want in a sweet romance-a strong yet vulnerable heroine, an utterly charming and absolutely swoony hero, best friends that have your back no matter what, a small town that you’d love to live in, and a community you’d be happy to be a part of. Ruthie did such an incredible job of drawing me into this wonderful story of lost love and second chances, holding me captive until the very last page. It was hard to put this book down and let these characters go.
"I’ve got you princess. I’ve always got you."
October 16, 2016
Ruthie's back and better than ever!!!
When Ruthie hit the scene with Twice in a Lifetime I knew I'd become a fan for life. As I was given little snippets of her work on HOD, I found myself begging her for more. Finally, FINALLY, with her story complete, I had the honor of getting an early copy of this beautiful, small town story with big heart and let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
Ruthie has a way of bringing you smack dab in the middle of the town she's created in HOD. Moreover, Tennessee and it's cast of characters quickly crept into my heart with each turn of the page and then sunk it's claws and made me want to stay.
Dixie is back home for the first time in years to bury her father after leaving his not-so-nice memory behind along with her beloved friends and the love of her life. She's hell bent on getting out of there as soon as Cooter's in the ground and gone for good, but it's almost as if the town (and it's occupants) are calling for her to plant her roots back where they belong.
I absolutely loved this tale of rekindling old love, revisiting a painful past left behind, and coming to terms with what's to come in the future. Ruthie's writing is GORGEOUS. Her descriptions bring everything to life and her characters--especially Deke (she gave him a man bun just for me, I think LOL) will have you wishing you were a resident of Mooreover, too.
Can't wait to get more of this series and learn more about the other characters!
When Ruthie hit the scene with Twice in a Lifetime I knew I'd become a fan for life. As I was given little snippets of her work on HOD, I found myself begging her for more. Finally, FINALLY, with her story complete, I had the honor of getting an early copy of this beautiful, small town story with big heart and let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
Ruthie has a way of bringing you smack dab in the middle of the town she's created in HOD. Moreover, Tennessee and it's cast of characters quickly crept into my heart with each turn of the page and then sunk it's claws and made me want to stay.
Dixie is back home for the first time in years to bury her father after leaving his not-so-nice memory behind along with her beloved friends and the love of her life. She's hell bent on getting out of there as soon as Cooter's in the ground and gone for good, but it's almost as if the town (and it's occupants) are calling for her to plant her roots back where they belong.
I absolutely loved this tale of rekindling old love, revisiting a painful past left behind, and coming to terms with what's to come in the future. Ruthie's writing is GORGEOUS. Her descriptions bring everything to life and her characters--especially Deke (she gave him a man bun just for me, I think LOL) will have you wishing you were a resident of Mooreover, too.
Can't wait to get more of this series and learn more about the other characters!
July 1, 2017
That's it! I'm moving to Moreover! I never truly understood what people meant by "book boyfriend" until Deke came into my reading world. I'm in love with Deke! Dixie was a great character but if I met her in a dark alley, I would totally fight her for Deke. Every single time that I thought I knew where this book was headed, I was wrong. And that NEVER happens to me. EVER! This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I was thrilled yet devastated when it was over. I am now a HUGE Ruthie Henrick fan! I discovered this book thanks to my Indie Book Connect box and will be looking for more of her work soon! If you read just once book this summer, this would be a good one!
July 15, 2017
Oh this book is HOTTTTTTT! I want to be Dixie. Either that or I need to find a way to get rid of Dixie and keep Deke for myself. This book was seriously incredible stuff! I usually don't go for books like this but I got it in my Indie Book Connect box and my opinion has totally changed. I couldn't put it down!!! I can't wait to read more from this author! So good!
November 8, 2016
***3.5 Coming Home Stars***
“There comes a time in every girl’s life when she’s compelled to take on a mission that can only end badly.”
It’s very easy to let drive and ambition blind you to the things you need most in life. This is especially true for Dixie Barnes (h). Heart of Dixie, Ruthie Henrick’s first novel in the Moreover Series, gives us perspective on one woman’s inner battle with what she thought she wanted versus what she needs in her life.
“Places change; people change. Sometimes they grow into each other better with time.”
Dixie Barnes is grudgingly on her way back to her hometown of Moreover, Tennessee after a 10 year absence. Guilted by her mother, Dixie’s on a four day trip to plan her estranged father’s funeral. Lost in the fast paced and glitzy lifestyle of an LA publicity firm she runs with her BFF/step-sister, Dixie just wants to get her ‘To Do’ list of funeral items completed and get out of town…the sooner the better. There’s no love lost here – or so she thinks. What she’s doesn’t count on is the warmth in her chest when she reconnects with the places and residents of Moreover or the tug in her heart when she sees her first love Deke.
“There was no way I’d change enough to want to stay in Moreover longer than necessary.”
Deke (H) McAllister was always the smart one in a group of three childhood best friends. The geek. The nerd. All grown up, handsome Deke left a lucrative job in mechatronic engineering to come home and help support is brother and nephew during a heartbreaking time. Now a teacher at the local high school Deke loves the town he grew up in and the people of Moreover. When a chance encounter with the visiting Dixie brings up all kinds of unresolved feelings, Deke must decide if he’s willing to show Dixie why she should stay and be his – forever.
“Yet for all the reasons she could have come home, that wasn’t the one I figured would get her here.”
The Heart of Dixie focuses on Dixie’s inner battle with the choices she made when leaving Moreover. Life with her father was difficult to say the least, and her realization that she’d have to leave broke something in her. Resolved that her future didn’t fit with her small town she spent the next decade trying to fill the hole in her heart with work and social functions…and it was working until she had no choice but to face her past.
“It was shameful to realize I was the one to distance myself from the two I’d been closest to.”
Lending itself to the small town Americana feel Moreover is a tangible character. This small town Tennessee hamlet hosts your typical odd ball residents, the local hangouts everyone loves, that diner serving equal measures of tasty meals and heartfelt belonging. You can’t walk down the street without folks knowing your name and your business, and you feel a sense of community lacking in most towns.
“It’s okay to admit you wanted to come home. You had to know you’d be welcome here.”
Watching Deke and Dixie dance around each other as they found love again was both entertaining and frustrating at times. I loved seeing them realize their mistakes and assumptions they made about each other as teenagers now as adults. The main frustration I had was the back and forth of the relationship and resulting dialogue and actions. There were several times when it’d fade to black at the end of a chapter leaving the characters in an emotional ‘good’ place, and the first paragraph of the next chapter would change and directly oppose all that had transpired with not enough dialogue or peek into the inner characters struggle to explain this quick change of heart. This made it tricky to keep up with where the ‘relationship’ stood at times. Overall, this did not impact my enjoyment of the novel, just jarred me out of the story at times.
Traveling to Moreover, Tennessee was truly a feel-good lighthearted trip. I loved meeting the residents of this quaint town and look forward to future visits with new characters. I encourage you to take a trip and check it out as well.
“Hey, Princess. Looks like you’re making a statement.”
*I received this eBook as an ARC for my honest review. This in no way effects my rating or review.*
K’s Category: 1st date, never read author previously
Characters: M/F
Sex: Yes, Descriptive
OM/OW: No.
HEA: Yes
Standalone: Yes, this will be a standalone series according to author’s afterword.
“There comes a time in every girl’s life when she’s compelled to take on a mission that can only end badly.”
It’s very easy to let drive and ambition blind you to the things you need most in life. This is especially true for Dixie Barnes (h). Heart of Dixie, Ruthie Henrick’s first novel in the Moreover Series, gives us perspective on one woman’s inner battle with what she thought she wanted versus what she needs in her life.
“Places change; people change. Sometimes they grow into each other better with time.”
Dixie Barnes is grudgingly on her way back to her hometown of Moreover, Tennessee after a 10 year absence. Guilted by her mother, Dixie’s on a four day trip to plan her estranged father’s funeral. Lost in the fast paced and glitzy lifestyle of an LA publicity firm she runs with her BFF/step-sister, Dixie just wants to get her ‘To Do’ list of funeral items completed and get out of town…the sooner the better. There’s no love lost here – or so she thinks. What she’s doesn’t count on is the warmth in her chest when she reconnects with the places and residents of Moreover or the tug in her heart when she sees her first love Deke.
“There was no way I’d change enough to want to stay in Moreover longer than necessary.”
Deke (H) McAllister was always the smart one in a group of three childhood best friends. The geek. The nerd. All grown up, handsome Deke left a lucrative job in mechatronic engineering to come home and help support is brother and nephew during a heartbreaking time. Now a teacher at the local high school Deke loves the town he grew up in and the people of Moreover. When a chance encounter with the visiting Dixie brings up all kinds of unresolved feelings, Deke must decide if he’s willing to show Dixie why she should stay and be his – forever.
“Yet for all the reasons she could have come home, that wasn’t the one I figured would get her here.”
The Heart of Dixie focuses on Dixie’s inner battle with the choices she made when leaving Moreover. Life with her father was difficult to say the least, and her realization that she’d have to leave broke something in her. Resolved that her future didn’t fit with her small town she spent the next decade trying to fill the hole in her heart with work and social functions…and it was working until she had no choice but to face her past.
“It was shameful to realize I was the one to distance myself from the two I’d been closest to.”
Lending itself to the small town Americana feel Moreover is a tangible character. This small town Tennessee hamlet hosts your typical odd ball residents, the local hangouts everyone loves, that diner serving equal measures of tasty meals and heartfelt belonging. You can’t walk down the street without folks knowing your name and your business, and you feel a sense of community lacking in most towns.
“It’s okay to admit you wanted to come home. You had to know you’d be welcome here.”
Watching Deke and Dixie dance around each other as they found love again was both entertaining and frustrating at times. I loved seeing them realize their mistakes and assumptions they made about each other as teenagers now as adults. The main frustration I had was the back and forth of the relationship and resulting dialogue and actions. There were several times when it’d fade to black at the end of a chapter leaving the characters in an emotional ‘good’ place, and the first paragraph of the next chapter would change and directly oppose all that had transpired with not enough dialogue or peek into the inner characters struggle to explain this quick change of heart. This made it tricky to keep up with where the ‘relationship’ stood at times. Overall, this did not impact my enjoyment of the novel, just jarred me out of the story at times.
Traveling to Moreover, Tennessee was truly a feel-good lighthearted trip. I loved meeting the residents of this quaint town and look forward to future visits with new characters. I encourage you to take a trip and check it out as well.
“Hey, Princess. Looks like you’re making a statement.”
*I received this eBook as an ARC for my honest review. This in no way effects my rating or review.*
K’s Category: 1st date, never read author previously
Characters: M/F
Sex: Yes, Descriptive
OM/OW: No.
HEA: Yes
Standalone: Yes, this will be a standalone series according to author’s afterword.
October 24, 2016
Life is made up of a bunch of choices. The right one? The wrong one? The ok one? We never really know. Dixie finds out what her choice that she made at the age of 18 means when she travels back to Moreover for her fathers funeral. Let me tell you, Moreover is a town I would live in given the chance! I've always adored a small town and Ruthie has portrayed this town perfectly! I want to go visit! When Dixie left she left behind a best friend named Beth and her boy Deke. She gets back to town and is embraced by both and the rest of the town. As Dixie visits for the week she gets a second chance at the life she's living and the choice she made. See I don't think we always make a right or wrong choice per se, we just learn from the choices we make. Beth, her best friend and the sweetest girl ever and Deke, the most amazing and loving guy you'll ever meet. Will Dixie make the better choice this time after a week in Moreover or will she continue on with the choice she made at 18? Guess you'll have to read this sweet story to find out!
November 6, 2016
Wonderful small town second chance romance. Laughter mixed with pulls at the heart strings will leave you wishing for your own small town to go home to. Highly recommend!
November 8, 2016
*~*~*ARC generously provided by Sassy Savvy Fabulous in exchange of an honest review *~*~*
Rating: 4 *Deke* Stars
Small-town setting, second-chance romance, hot-nerdy-high school teacher, feisty heroine - mix it all together and you get a winner!!
Dixie returns to her hometown of Moreover all set to leave as fast as possible. What she doesn't expect it to question why she left in the first place. Her best friend Beth is now the deputy and her other best friend/high school boyfriend Deke McAllistar is now the hot, sexy, nerdy, very-eligible high school teacher who is also running for the Mayor. The chemistry is still there and they can't help giving into it even when they know its temporary. What Dixie is not prepared for is to be sucked in to the small-town life and the loving community. This was a beautiful story of old love, friendship and family. I highly recommend this book!!
Rating: 4 *Deke* Stars
Small-town setting, second-chance romance, hot-nerdy-high school teacher, feisty heroine - mix it all together and you get a winner!!
Dixie returns to her hometown of Moreover all set to leave as fast as possible. What she doesn't expect it to question why she left in the first place. Her best friend Beth is now the deputy and her other best friend/high school boyfriend Deke McAllistar is now the hot, sexy, nerdy, very-eligible high school teacher who is also running for the Mayor. The chemistry is still there and they can't help giving into it even when they know its temporary. What Dixie is not prepared for is to be sucked in to the small-town life and the loving community. This was a beautiful story of old love, friendship and family. I highly recommend this book!!
October 28, 2016
Heart of Dixie melted my heart by the end! Ruthie's writing is smooth and flows extremely well during all the way through this story. She does a fantastic job of making you feel like you know these characters and like you are right there with them in Moreover. You can't help but fall in the love with the town as well as Dixie, Deke, Beth and even Blake. If you're looking for a book that has all the small town charm with some steam thrown in this is one for you.
Heart of Dixie is about Dixie returning to her small hometown after her father passes away to plan his funeral, which is a town she never wished to return to. While she's in town she'll get more than she bargained for and ultimately find out where she belongs and what she really wants in life.
Heart of Dixie is about Dixie returning to her small hometown after her father passes away to plan his funeral, which is a town she never wished to return to. While she's in town she'll get more than she bargained for and ultimately find out where she belongs and what she really wants in life.
November 6, 2016
Heart of Dixie is a sweet, heartwarming second chance love story set in small town Moreover. Dixie left town 10 years ago and returns only to settle her dead father's affairs. Her plan to get in and out, doesn't quite happen like she wanted. Dixie is a very lovable heroine that is the perfect combination of strong and vulnerable. Deke is a swoon worthy hero with just enough alpha mixed with his sweet side. It was a quick read for me because I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I look forward to reading more about the people in Moreover.
November 8, 2016
This is a story about a girl who loves the boy but runs from her home town and the boy with no notice. Ten years later she returns after her dads death. Everything is the same but different. She feels like she's in the twilight zone every time someone's talks about what a great person her dad was. Her only mission is to get everything done and high tail it out of town. Only problem is can she leave the boy again?
June 4, 2021
I first read Ruthie Henrick's First Class Distraction and was introduced to Dixie and Deke briefly. Right away, I knew I needed more with these characters- and I'm so happy that I had the opportunity to read Heart of Dixie! The plot was one I love- second chance, and the characters were well-developed.
I highly recommend!
I highly recommend!
July 15, 2017
If you prefer books that keep your heart racing in all the right ways, Ruthie Henrick is your new best friend. Dixie and Deke are the best book couple we have ever come across thus far! And we do not say that lightly! We could not stop talking about them. We all wanted to drop everything and move to Moreover without looking back. You'll want to do the same! Five stars do not do this book justice!
October 12, 2016
You will love this second chance love story. The story is inviting and the characters are believable. The author makes you feel like you are there sitting on a bench watching the story unfold. This is a perfect small town second chance romance story.
November 6, 2016
I seriously loved this story! I adore Deke! I love the small town story second chance romance! They are the best and the author knocked this one out of the park!!
November 13, 2016
*** 3.5 Cranky Stars ***
Heart of Dixie is a sweet, second chance romance set in the small town of Moreover.
The title comes from the eponymous character, Dixie Barnes, who has to return from LA to her hometown of Moreover to bury her father. Filled with quirky characters, Moreover is a world away from the celebrity clients and fast pace of the city.
Dixie has no intention of staying longer than it takes to fulfill her familial obligations. She reconnects with her childhood best friend, Beth, who is now a Police Officer, and is informed that her high school boyfriend, Deke McAllister is back in town.
It's inevitable these two come face-to-face with old wounds that haven't really healed between them. When they do meet, they realize that the past never really died, and a different perspective changes your entire world view.
Told in the dual points of view of Dixie and Deke, the reader gets insight into both characters.
I enjoyed this story. It was quick and sweet. It had enough heat to satisfy romance lovers and wasn't graphic.
I have to admit, I did struggle with Dixie's backstory. We get hints that her family life with her father, Cooter, wasn't happy, but for the life of me, I couldn't work out what he did wrong enough for Dixie to abandon him and cut ties. I interpreted most of his actions as 'embarrassing', rather than soul destroying. Also, he was the parent who stayed. As such, I found it difficult to feel much sympathy for Dixie and began to see her as self-absorbed.
Similarly, I struggled with her past decisions in relation to Deke. I understood the rationale, I just didn't really buy it. I much preferred Deke's point of view, even though he made me cringe (in a good way) at times.
I have to add that although this story is set in a small town and in contemporary times, it felt like it belonged more to an older one. There were quirky characters, but next to no diversity.
All in all, if you are looking for a sweet, second-chance romance - I say pick this up and give it a try.
November 7, 2016
Dixie Barnes left Moreover, Tennessee ten years ago without looking back. Now she's back to bury her estranged father, who everyone seems to have a good opinion of. She's built a successful life in LA for herself, so all she's thinking is how fast she can get back to her celebrity clients. There are no rekindling old friendships, nor getting involved with Deke McAllistair, the boy she loved and left behind. However, Deke has grown into all kinds of sexy man, and he wants her to stay home for good. Although, all of her old feelings are still there, Dixie keeps telling him that she's leaving, but fate seems to have other plans for her.
Heart of Dixie is a super sweet, story of second chance love. I'm normally a girl that really doesn't dig small towns, but seriously, I would totally live in Moreover. The character development is great, with a highly entertaining cast of secondaries to round it out. Well placed small town humor had me laughing like crazy, and the flammable chemistry threw sparks out of my kindle. Ruthie Henrick has an original, writing style that is so talented, that even this city girl wants to go to Moreover TN badly. The story captivated me quickly, that I devoured it in one sitting, and I can't wait to read more by this awesome author. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Heart of Dixie is a super sweet, story of second chance love. I'm normally a girl that really doesn't dig small towns, but seriously, I would totally live in Moreover. The character development is great, with a highly entertaining cast of secondaries to round it out. Well placed small town humor had me laughing like crazy, and the flammable chemistry threw sparks out of my kindle. Ruthie Henrick has an original, writing style that is so talented, that even this city girl wants to go to Moreover TN badly. The story captivated me quickly, that I devoured it in one sitting, and I can't wait to read more by this awesome author. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
February 7, 2023
Favorite Quotes:
“Put that back! It’s my secret weapon.” She spun it on the hanger to reveal the barely-there straps and plunging back, then clasped it against her and shimmied everything from her shoulders to her toes...“One day I’ll find the nerve to wear this dress and the man of my dreams will fall in lust with me.”
My Review:
Holy scorched sheets, Batman! This one contained enough sizzle and snap to melt the paint off the wall. I am hooked on this deviously continuing tale of the small-town gone big-city return of Dixie, who has come back to bury her heinous excuse for a father. Actually, both her parents were egregious parentals as well as failing as human beings. The various storylines are equally engaging while laced together with clever wit, poignant insights, heart-squeezing memories and interactions, and breath-stealing sensuality. I am anxiously awaiting the conclusion of this addictive saga to hit my kindle.
“Put that back! It’s my secret weapon.” She spun it on the hanger to reveal the barely-there straps and plunging back, then clasped it against her and shimmied everything from her shoulders to her toes...“One day I’ll find the nerve to wear this dress and the man of my dreams will fall in lust with me.”
My Review:
Holy scorched sheets, Batman! This one contained enough sizzle and snap to melt the paint off the wall. I am hooked on this deviously continuing tale of the small-town gone big-city return of Dixie, who has come back to bury her heinous excuse for a father. Actually, both her parents were egregious parentals as well as failing as human beings. The various storylines are equally engaging while laced together with clever wit, poignant insights, heart-squeezing memories and interactions, and breath-stealing sensuality. I am anxiously awaiting the conclusion of this addictive saga to hit my kindle.
Read
February 10, 2023***This review is for the revised edition released on 9 Feb 2023 as part of a trilogy changing the town to Kissing Sorings instead of Moreover.***
Dixie is back in town and it doesn’t take long before she runs into Deke. Both promise themselves that they’ll stay away from the other, but it seems, when they’re together, those promises are forgotten.
Dixie is having a difficult time understanding the comments from the townspeople regarding her father, nothing they’re saying could possibly relate to the man she ran from all those years ago.
She feels welcomed by the whole town, not exactly what she was expecting and it seems to be thawing her heart and resolve just little.
An emotional journey for Dixie, sweet and steamy moments, fun with Beth, but ultimately she has to go back to LA and her new life.
I’m looking forward to the final instalment of this series and to see where Deke and Dixie end up.
I reviewed a free copy and this is my honest review.
Dixie is back in town and it doesn’t take long before she runs into Deke. Both promise themselves that they’ll stay away from the other, but it seems, when they’re together, those promises are forgotten.
Dixie is having a difficult time understanding the comments from the townspeople regarding her father, nothing they’re saying could possibly relate to the man she ran from all those years ago.
She feels welcomed by the whole town, not exactly what she was expecting and it seems to be thawing her heart and resolve just little.
An emotional journey for Dixie, sweet and steamy moments, fun with Beth, but ultimately she has to go back to LA and her new life.
I’m looking forward to the final instalment of this series and to see where Deke and Dixie end up.
I reviewed a free copy and this is my honest review.
November 6, 2016
If I were to summarise Heart of Dixie, it's a cute second chance romance set in a small American town. If you loved the film, Sweet Home Alabama then this book for you.
I enjoyed this book. It was angst free and I loved the small town setting and could completely see the setting and place myself there. The characters are utterly charming and likeable and the author does a great job of bringing in the side characters to build the story. However, while I liked our lead characters, I felt as through I just needed a little more connection from them and a little more emotion; their reconnect and just a little to easy and quick for my tatstes.
Overall, though, I did enjoy it and I would certainly read the next book in this series when it's released. 3.5 stars
I was provided with a review copy of this book from the Publisher under no obligation or inducement.
I enjoyed this book. It was angst free and I loved the small town setting and could completely see the setting and place myself there. The characters are utterly charming and likeable and the author does a great job of bringing in the side characters to build the story. However, while I liked our lead characters, I felt as through I just needed a little more connection from them and a little more emotion; their reconnect and just a little to easy and quick for my tatstes.
Overall, though, I did enjoy it and I would certainly read the next book in this series when it's released. 3.5 stars
I was provided with a review copy of this book from the Publisher under no obligation or inducement.
February 26, 2023
I think this may just be the perfect book ever! Well, for me at least. These characters! This town!
This storyline! It has it all in just the right ways! Great small-town charm with characters that Henrick will make you feel like you know personally. Sweet and steamy with laughs too. Our main characters are Dixie and Deke. Dixie left town 10 years ago but is back to handle her father's affairs - get in and get out - but life doesn't always go to plan and while she's in town she may just realize the choice she made to leave town at 18 may not still be the choice she needs or wants to make now...
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
This storyline! It has it all in just the right ways! Great small-town charm with characters that Henrick will make you feel like you know personally. Sweet and steamy with laughs too. Our main characters are Dixie and Deke. Dixie left town 10 years ago but is back to handle her father's affairs - get in and get out - but life doesn't always go to plan and while she's in town she may just realize the choice she made to leave town at 18 may not still be the choice she needs or wants to make now...
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
September 27, 2017
One decision, a change of address changed so many lives. One life changed drastically for the better others moved forward out of necessity.
Deke got his career but was missing his heart. Dixie got away from her cold father, found an equally cold mother, found her career and closed off her heart.
10 years had changed a lot. Except the affect that Deke and Dixie had on each other.
This is a beautiful second chance book, very descriptive, quirky, and obvious attraction between Deke and Daisy. The book is equally steamy and cute.
I'm curious though about Blake, Beth and Shane. What's their stories?
Deke got his career but was missing his heart. Dixie got away from her cold father, found an equally cold mother, found her career and closed off her heart.
10 years had changed a lot. Except the affect that Deke and Dixie had on each other.
This is a beautiful second chance book, very descriptive, quirky, and obvious attraction between Deke and Daisy. The book is equally steamy and cute.
I'm curious though about Blake, Beth and Shane. What's their stories?
April 16, 2025
Who doesn’t love a second chance romance and the feeling of knowing what you want but can’t have it 🙃
Dixie is a stubborn fmc that’s for sure!
I feel if something drastic happened in their past (which I am under the impression) I’m unsure as to how it was as easy to get back into the swing of things (things being each other) so their relationship when ‘rebuilding’ should I say, wasn’t very realistic and that was abit of a struggle for me.
The setting/descriptions/scenery I loved, that is a small town romance for ya 🫶💖
I could immerse myself there as well as actually watch as each scene unfolded from the paper which I LOVEEE when reading!
Excited for the rest!! 🥰
Dixie is a stubborn fmc that’s for sure!
I feel if something drastic happened in their past (which I am under the impression) I’m unsure as to how it was as easy to get back into the swing of things (things being each other) so their relationship when ‘rebuilding’ should I say, wasn’t very realistic and that was abit of a struggle for me.
The setting/descriptions/scenery I loved, that is a small town romance for ya 🫶💖
I could immerse myself there as well as actually watch as each scene unfolded from the paper which I LOVEEE when reading!
Excited for the rest!! 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2016
What a cute second chance romance! I love the small town feel. The relationships between the characters and the town is magical. The connection between Dixie and Deke is strong and heart warming. I love how you can tell they both truly care for each other even after so much time apart. I only wish there was more of a build up to Deke and Dixie’s reconciliation. I feel it was a little too easy but that did not take away from my overall enjoyment. I read it in one day and I really liked it.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 8, 2023
Dixie has returned to her hometown, but just for a few days. She doesn’t want to rekindle with anyone, and can’t wait to leave again for her real life and job. Not even running into Deke can change her mind.
Ten years ago, Deke let her go. Now when she leaves, he will be certain to go after her and will not let her slip through his fingers again…
In this second chance romance, Ruthie takes us on a sweet journey. Deke is the right man for Dixie, she just doesn’t want to give in yet. He will try everything to make sure she know who he is today, and what they can be together.
Ten years ago, Deke let her go. Now when she leaves, he will be certain to go after her and will not let her slip through his fingers again…
In this second chance romance, Ruthie takes us on a sweet journey. Deke is the right man for Dixie, she just doesn’t want to give in yet. He will try everything to make sure she know who he is today, and what they can be together.
March 12, 2025
The story was good but got a little repetitive with Dixie reminding herself and us that she was leaving after the funeral.
But what irked me was I'd read the reviews and they all said how great the book was and there was a HEA at the end.
But it seems the author has rewritten the book and it ends in a cliff hanger and it's supposed to be a novella. It didn't read like a novella and I was ready for the ending when I get "continue reading for the conclusion to Deke and Dixie's story.
I was not happy and I won't be reading the next book.
But what irked me was I'd read the reviews and they all said how great the book was and there was a HEA at the end.
But it seems the author has rewritten the book and it ends in a cliff hanger and it's supposed to be a novella. It didn't read like a novella and I was ready for the ending when I get "continue reading for the conclusion to Deke and Dixie's story.
I was not happy and I won't be reading the next book.
October 23, 2016
She's done it again, Heart of Dixie is a sweet and heartwarming small town romance. You will fall in love with Dixie and Deke as they become reacquainted with each other when Dixie returns home after 10 years.
Ruthie's words come to life when you feel like your in the heart of Moreover along side the characters. I loved this story but I knew I would. I had high hopes for this book and Ruthie didn't disappoint.
Ruthie's words come to life when you feel like your in the heart of Moreover along side the characters. I loved this story but I knew I would. I had high hopes for this book and Ruthie didn't disappoint.
June 1, 2025
Dixie left her small town at 18 leaving Deke to follow his dreams, to leave her father that could not deal with his divorce, and to attend college with her mom's support. Rather sad book. Her dad changed and tried to reach out to her but she ignored him. Her mom had changed and was no longer the warm person she remembered. And Deke became over the top successful but they lost out on ten years of love.
May 30, 2025
Cute small town romance. There’s nothing really wrong with the book at all, I just didn’t connect with the characters. There’s lots of backstory, but it all feels a bit jumbled and not communicated well.
February 6, 2023
This was a new author for me. This book was very good. Ruthie hit a triple with this!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews