Another great hit in a wonderful series. This one is the story of Ruby, the local hairdresser, and Peanut, the local lawyer. Before they get to involved, she is kidnapped by her ex-husband. Once he is captured, he sends his brother after her. Peanut gets shot, and is in the ICU for a good section of the story. I liked the use of side stories, especially of Melissa and the other one of Charlie. Adds more flavor to the story by having side stories. Highly recommend this one. Good story, good series, good author.

Going back to Blessing Georgia and for the most part you have the people as from the other books and the author adds a few new characters. As in the other books Ruby Dye has been receiving gifts from a secret admirer. You do find out who that person is and I was happy for that, but then as you think everything is going to be okay her ex shows up in town just when she comes into some money and is expecting his share he thinks. A book of secrets and adding the ex-just did not work for me after he has been gone for so long and in another State the whole story just felt off for me for some reason, and it did not flow like the others that I read. I am sure for others they will like it. Looking forward to the next book.

It has been years since I've read a Sharon Sala book. She was one of the first romance authors I picked up. I remember loving her contemporary romances and her romantic suspense she wrote as Dinah McCall. I don't know why I stopped reading her books, but it happened around the time of the purge from hell.

Lately I've been coming across her Blessings, Georgia series and I was intrigued. Would it spark something? Would I remember her writing style? While The Color of Love did spark a renewed interest in Sala's writing, I still can't remember what I originally loved about the books I did read. I can't tell you if her style has changed over the years, but I can say that I did enjoy the mix of styles it is now. The Color of Love was a mix of romance, women's fiction, and a bit of religion all rolled into a sweet story. There were times when it felt like there was too much going on, especially with all of the different POV's. There isn't just Ruby and Peanut. We also get the POV from just about every character. Which I think it could have distracted me from the romance between Ruby and Peanut had it not already played out in previous books. Coming into this series at the fifth book I did feel like I missed a lot of the friendship and what led to them professing their love. I did like the idea that the majority of The Color of Love is their relationship after the I love you's. What happens next isn't something we always gets to see in a romance and I was ecstatic that we get that in this book. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book. While I don't think I'll be going back to start the series from the beginning, I do want to read more of Sharon's books in the future. It's sort of like reuniting with an old friend.

The Color of Love is the fifth novel in Sharon Sala's Blessings, Georgia series, and going back to Blessings is always a treat, just like a visit with dear, old friends. In this installment, hair salon owner Ruby Dye is featured, and having grown up in my parents' hair salons, it was a lot like going home. It also reminded me of the film Steel Magnolias, and Ruby and the cast of characters in this novel are as steel magnolia as it gets, and it gets 5 stars from this reader.

If you're following this wonderful series, you already learned that Ruby had a secret admirer in the last book, and in this one, we finally find out who he is, but before we learn his identity, Ruby gets an unexpected and unwelcome visit from her abusive ex-husband, who beats her, kidnaps her and plans to kill her. Thankfully, she escapes, her ex is caught and arrested, and Ruby gets to spend time recuperating from her ordeal at the house of Blessings' only lawyer, Peanut Butterman (no, I'm not kidding, and yes, Sharon Sala has quite a sense of humor), which is when Peanut announces that he's her secret admirer, and Ruby echoes her feelings for him, but don't think you're even close to their happily ever after yet.

This novel also has concurrent subplots galore, each one a gem, from Ruby discovering a destitute family and marshaling the townspeople to help them, the death of an elderly man from Blessings and the settling of his estate--his 3 greedy heirs getting their comeuppance, a long-time employee at the hardware store being a victim of nepotism and being let go after working there for 19 years, an old lady missing from her nursing home and the search for her, and that's just for starters.

There's also the brother of Ruby's ex-husband, who's been called upon to finish the job her incarcerated ex-husband started by killing Ruby, and Peanut coming to her rescue and stopping her from being shot by taking the bullet meant for her instead, and then losing his memory as a result--and that's not even the end of things for Ruby and Peanut either. There are lots of ups and downs in this novel, but through it all, the people of Blessings are there for each other, and to call this novel and this fictional town heartwarming is the understatement of the year.

Through all the trials and tribulations of these wonderfully drawn characters is the most amazing feeling of community in Blessings, Georgia--a place where everyone knows everyone else, everyone is willing to pitch in and help, and where even the gossip mill is kind. It's the kind of place that warms the heart, and if, by the end of this charming novel you don't wish you could move there yourself, I think you need to re-examine your value system. If you're not already addicted to this series, I'd suggest starting at the beginning, but no matter which of these five novels your start with, I think you'll fall in love with Blessings, Georgia too.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of t his novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This was such a joy to read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was funny and sad. It takes you through emotional highs and lows. Yes, there was a LOT going on here but it was fun. I have to go back and read the series from the start. There secondary characters as well as the main characters were a blast. Highly recommend!!!

Review: An enjoyable read that placed me back in Blessings, Georgia, a small-town with a lot of heart and a lot of gossipers! It was nice to be reunited with characters I’ve met before and see where life has taken them. This is Ruby and Peanut’s story and what a story it is.

When Ruby and Peanut finally realize they have feelings for each other, and not just as friends, it takes on a life of its own. When those feelings are found to be reciprocated, look out! Ruby has a past that caused her to feel she wasn’t capable of being loved by a good man. Peanut plans to change all that but he doesn’t get too far in his plans when her past catches up with her and puts her life and others in danger. Watching how they deal with her past while hoping for a future was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Seeing the support of her friends was touching.

There are crimes committed, injuries, illness, hurt, anger, fear, sadness, death, loneliness, secrets, jobs lost, businesses, happiness, loving, love, romance, help for those in need and those helping themselves get ahead. There are family and friends and the community as a whole that pulls together in the time of need. There are many stories being told and all are woven seamlessly together. There is a depth to the characters and small town living is depicted – both the good and the bad. There are several happily-ever-afters as well as nice closure with enough loose ends to take us to the next book in the series and I for one can’t wait.

Sala is a fairly new to me author having only read Curl Up and Dye and I’ll Stand By You. Somehow I missed reading the first, third and fourth books in the series,You and Only You, Saving Jake and A Piece of My Heart, which I hope to rectify soon. Sala writes from the heart with well-developed plots and characters. I will be adding many of her books, not just the ones in this series, to my always growing TBR pile.

My second title in the Blessings series. As with previous title the theme of these books not only focus on the hero and heroine but other individuals who live in Blessings. The book starts off with a bang Ruby ex husband comes after her and the book deals with the aftermath of that and another major incident that happens to her love interest Peanut. We meet Melissa who loses her job after 19 years we meet three sisters who come to Blessing for the reading of their uncle's will. We meet Alice Charlie and Pitty patty are family who has falling on hard times but the people of Blessings come together to get this family back on their feet. This novel reminds me of a southern soap opera in a small time town where most of the residence root for one another to succeeded and only few villains. Review on Goodreads and Amazon.

Ruby has been a fixture in the Blessings stories (although, like all of them, this book can stand on its own) and I’m so happy to see her finally get her turn.  And you definitely couldn’t ask for a better partner for her than Peanut.  Readers should be prepared though because from the very beginning Sala will pull you in.  And then not let go!   

Over the years Ruby has done everything she could to help the people of her town … but she has kept something secret.  An abusive ex, who has decided now is the time to make an appearance.  Things don’t go well and, well, Ruby finds herself tied up & kidnapped.  It’s a harrowing few pages, for us and for her and for Peanut.  Things might get resolved pretty quickly, and in typical Ruby fashion (love that gal!), but it’s going to take a lot of courage to face the aftermath.

With Ruby’s kidnapping, Peanut realizes what his inaction might have cost him and he’s not willing to let another moment go by without Ruby knowing exactly how he feels about her.  And because Peanut is just about perfect, he does it with lots of heart, understanding, and down-home charm.  And because Ruby is Ruby, she handles it with her typical sass and spunk … eventually.  It’s not easy to take on everything that life throws at her, with barely giving her a breath, but she has the courage and spine to take on whatever she has to with style.  You have to admire how she faces things head on, even when seems like it won’t end. 

The Color of Love starts off with a bang and barely manages to slow down before it gets you again.  With a bit of danger and a whole lot of heart, Sala once again shows us why she’s a master writer.

If you’ve followed the Blessings, Georgia series then you’ve known Ruby from the very beginning. We’ll get to learn her whole story now, and her past isn’t pretty. After so many years Ruby really thought that her past had finally truly been left, well, in the past. Unfortunately, her past isn’t quite done with her yet, and she’s going to need the people of Blessings and one maybe not so secret love to help her through this experience.

I was born and raised in a small town, and while they aren’t for everyone I find that I’m always going home every time I pick up the next Blessings, Georgia novel. And yet I have to admit that this wasn’t the Ruby I was expecting. This Ruby has been through a traumatic situation, had her past tossed in her face once again and is recovering from those events. I’m accustomed to the Ruby who, unknown to me, reinvented herself after her disastrous marriage and divorce. Peanut’s love for Ruby may be the town’s worst kept secret, except to maybe Ruby. They’ve had a slow burn courtship for some time now. But now it’s time for Peanut to step up and be there for the woman he loves. Love is not always easy, but it is worth everything when you find that one person that’s right for you. The Color of Love delivers a sweet romance, danger, a bit of mystery and finally finding where your heart belongs.

While each story in this series is settled around one main couple, you “could” read them out of order – but I believe you’ll get the best experience if you follow the stories of Blessings, Georgia in order… especially when it comes to Ruby’s book. Oh, she’s still that good hearted woman we’ve come to love and adore, but this story shows a different side to Ruby that I think reading the series in order will better showcase. As always there are other happenings in town, a few hints at things to come and always that comfort of friends, family and community. I’d not hesitate to recommend The Color of Love to any Contemporary Romance reader.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Sharon Sala has been a favorite author from the first book of her that I read. And with the Color of Love continues to be a favorite. Sharon Sala takes you back to the Blessing, Georgia for another story of danger, love and community pulling together. Color of Love brings you the story of Blessings citizens Peanut Butterman, yes that is his name, and Ruby Dye. This book was the first one that I've read in the series and look forward to reading the rest. Ms. Sala made me laugh and cry with her unique and loveable characters and their unusual names. Peanut and Ruby are taken for a roller coaster ride of danger and emotional turmoil to come together and have a life time of love. The story starts as Ruby's past life comes back to haunt her after 15 years of having a calm and stable life. Out of nowhere her ex-husband shows up to kidnap her just before church and her date with Peanut afterward. Her friends come looking for her and find the scene of the crime. When Ruby is found and brought home she and Peanut become close and she stays with him. Deciding that their relationship needs to go into another direction without the desperation following her ordeal. All the while Ruby & Peanut are helping a family in need and continuing with their relationship and getting closer and falling more in love with each other. While having lunch a while later Ruby notices her backyard is on fire and the police are called. A man is pointing a gun at Ruby and Peanut tackles her to save her and gets shot in the process. Peanut is seriously hurt and almost dies but with the help of the women in his life recovers and asks Ruby to marry him, giving her the family engagement ring. They plan their wedding and invite the whole town to their wedding in the town park and go on to live happily ever after in Blessings, Georgia.

Another one I was sad to DNF. I have loved this series from the start, but this one was just not good. Ruby and Peanut felt like they were 80 years old to me, when they are under 45. There was zero chemistry between the two of them. The whole town felt wrong. It just didn't have the feel of the other books in the series.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Ruby Dye is such an amazing woman I was thrilled she finally got her own story. Ruby has a secret admirer who has been sending her gifts. Local lawyer and Ruby’s friend, Peanut Butterman, is scheduled to have lunch with Ruby to confess his feelings but Ruby’s ex shows up and bad things happen and get in the way.

Ruby and Peanut’s romance is simple and beautiful, with lots of other little stories of Blessings woven through it. Ruby’s issues with her ex and his family, a single mum and her kids who have fallen on hard times, the passing of a local man who leaves a large estate, and more all meander around Ruby and Peanut’s love story. I also enjoy when the misbehaving characters in these stories get what is coming to them. It is so satisfying.

The Color of Love is a charming story. I was wondering if this would be the final story in Blessings, Georgia but a hint at the end of the wonderful epilogue suggests there will be more.

Ruby was getting ready for church and after church she was going to Granny’s Country Kitchen with the local and only lawyer - Peanut and he had never been married and had no family. Ruby was thinking of Peanut as she got ready and hoped he was her secret admirer. For the past few months someone had been showering her with flowers and gifts. There were a lot of single men in Blessings and most of them came through the Curl And Dye at least once a month for a haircut. Ruby’s acquaintance with Peanut had grown from a friendship to a crush to very shocking dreams of Peanut and herself in bed. If Peanut wasn’t the man secretly courting her Ruby’s heart would break. Ruby had showed up in Blessings fifteen years ago as a frightened newly divorced woman in her early twenties. There was a knock at Ruby’s door before she left for church and when they checked she was horrified to see her ex abusive husband Jarrod at her door. She hadn’t seen him in fifteen years. Jarrod showed up to demand money from Ruby. Ruby told Jarrod to get out but he lunged forward before she could escape and locked his fingers around her wrists. Ruby’s friends were worried when Ruby didn’t show up for church. Vera and Vesta Conklin who worked with Ruby and knew where she kept her spare key They were going to Ruby’s house and check on her and let everyone know what was going on. When the sisters got there Peanut had pulled up. The door was unlocked and Ruby’s car was in the yard. The door was unlocked and they went into her house and found a blood trail in the hall as Peanut ran to ruby’s bedroom. The bed had been made and there appeared to have been a struggle on it. Ruby’s purse had been dumped on the bed her wallet was empty,her cell phone was three feet from the bed by the window.The stuffing was scattered all over the bed. Then Peanut ran to the bathroom and found a bloody message under some bloody gauze “ HELP ME”. Jarrod had Ruby gagged and bound in in the back of his vehicle . He hadn’t planned on abduction or expected Ruby to fight back. But this time Ruby stabbed him and then he hit Ruby with his fist like he had when they were married. She still came back at him clawing and scratching. Then Jarrad pulled a gun on Ruby and then she did as he said. Once he tied her up he seen the fear in her eyes. Jarrad hadn’t decided what to do with Ruby yet but if he let her go he would go to jail. Ruby had no idea how Jarrod had found her. She knew after her fighting him the chances of her coming out of this alive were slim to none. The neighbor had seen a man pull up at Ruby’s house and described what she had seen. Jarrod was driving as quickly as he could back to Tenn. Ruby managed to free herself from the bonds Jarrod had tied her in and she ran when he went into the station and a trucker told her to tell Melvin to call 911 and then he went after Jarrod with a tire iron in his hands. Then Chief Putman got the call they had waited for Ruby was in a local hospital in Dublin with minor injuries. The the chief told Lt Farley of Georgia State Highway Patrol to tell Ruby they were coming to get her. Peanut is glad he will have the chance to tell Ruby how he feels. Charlie is twelve and trying to support his sick mother and little sister. Melissa has worked at the hardware store for several years but has been let go so the owner can give his nephew a job. When Ruby was brought home she went to Peanuts house to recover. Then Ruby’s brother in law came to town to attack Ruby. Peanut got shot to defend Ruby.
I liked reading this book. I found it to be a quirky emotional read. I enjoyed the small town feel in this book and found it realistic. I liked the plot and pace as well as the bit of suspense shot in. I loved how the town people care about and help each other. I advise you read this series in order as everything will then come together for you. This choked me up at times and made me smile at other times. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.

Welcome back to Blessings, Georgia as Ms. Sala gives us the story of colorful Ruby and Peanut. The two of them have played a key role in each of the books in the series so its good for them to finally get their own story. Ms. Sala is one of my favorite authors who has an uncanny ability to bring her stories to life through her words and characters. This particular story is a bit slow and seems to take a few interesting twists and turns before bringing her characters to their safe harbor.
Peanut has been secretly courting Ruby with flowers, cards and beautiful surprises. As Ruby is dreaming of Peanut declaring himself she's trapped in a nightmare that she thought she had escaped forever. When Ruby is returned safely if a little damaged back to Blessings, Peanut wastes no more time before declaring himself to Ruby in front of the entire town. Given that this occurs early in the story, readers know there's going to be more to come into their lives before they can get their happily ever after.
To keep things interesting the author gives us two diversions. The first is a little family hard on their luck who will tug at your heart strings. The plucky little boy who's determined to help his family who succeeds beyond his wildest dreams is a good inspiration for people. On the flip side are the greedy sisters who come into town hoping for an inheritance only to find their greed and lack of caring exposed to the entire town with a young woman who cared for their uncle with no expectation of return inheriting it all.
Ruby and Peanut are just settling into their relationship when Peanut is shot trying to save Ruby and suffers bring injuries that make him forget not just Ruby but who he is. Ruby is admirable as she takes on every curved ball life throws her way and refuses to let despair take over.
Inspiring as the story is, I personally find it a little slow. I've realized that what I enjoy is the element of romantic suspense paired with the small town Americana that the author does so well.

I met hair salon owner, community matchmaker, and all around deep-hearted Ruby Dye in the prequel to this series and giving, competent and caring lawyer, Peanut Butterman nearly as early. Their shy and sweet little friends to lovers has been building through the whole series. Finally, its their book.
Review

The Color of Love is the fifth installment in the Blessings, Georgia series. Each book introduces a new couple from the small town group, or at times, a newcomer to Blessings stirs things up. Each book has the built in flexibility to be enjoyed best in order, but also plucked out as a standalone. Until… yes, until now. Because of the build of this couple’s romance, it really does work best to be read at least after the last few otherwise it looks like the most awkward case of instalove out there.

The Color of Love begins on a bang. Ruby has seemed like the most open woman in town, but she had one really dreadful secret- an abusive ex. And Jarrod Dye has found her and it all goes wrong when his once timid ex-wife fights him. A kidnapping and assault and an APB later and Peanut realizes he might lose Ruby for good before he ever screwed up his courage to tell her how he feels about her and Ruby is busy having her own share of regrets, too.

As is usual, the author fills her book with a handful of smalltown happenings besides the main romance. There is poor Melissa getting fired from her job and losing an old friend at the same time. There’s a destitute family in town needing to catch a long overdue break. And three sisters who ignored a mother’s dying wish. Peanut and Ruby are in the middle of it all.

Now, I wanted this story sooooo badly I could taste it. But, this is a gently-paced laid back series so I was reasonable about my wants. This is good because I felt Ruby’s character slid off the rails somewhat in her own book. I didn’t hate this particular incarnation of Ruby, but I missed the sage, heart of gold and touch of humor woman I’ve come to know. I get that she’s had an up close and personal with trauma and the character responded to this in genuine ways, but- it might just be me- I had only rare glimpses of a familiar Ruby. This one was resentful if she even imagined someone’s face or words showed care, angry and bitter, ‘I am an island’ attitude, and oh so dramatic. And Peanut- he was a doll, but if he used one endearment he used a thousand once he and Ruby had an understanding.

So, I liked many aspects of this book, but I didn’t love it mostly because I felt I was reading about a very different heroine from the one who has been the mainstay through the whole series. That said, this one was suspenseful, heartwarming, and lovably small town. I will be back for more- we have some worthy and lonely widows and a prodigal son back in town.

My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 27%.

At first I was excited to find out the H/h were over 30, but as I read other things took the place of that small thrill.

First, the story felt very disjointed. POV switches very quickly and often doesn't stay on one person very long--we get Ruby and Peanut but also Ruby's ex, Ruby's ex's brother, one of the negligent nieces of one of Peanut's recently deceased clients, and the caregiver of that same client, all in rapid succession. I honestly might have left out a person or two there...

Second, SO MUCH HAPPENED so quickly. At the point I gave up on it, the heroine had suffered a traumatic event (the first half of which was told to us retrospectively, even though it happened in the timeline of the book) which she was quickly extricated from, Ruby and Peanut had declared their love (yes, they knew each other for--a year and a half, maybe?--but had no relationship beyond friends/hair dresser/client; he was sending her secret admirer-type gifts but nothing further until her incident is over then it's "I love you" all over the place), another bad guy is set almost immediately out to get Ruby, and the drama over the dead guy's will (again, Peanut's client but not obviously connected to him and Ruby--though he does reflect that she and the caregiver are similar in temperament) is set into motion. Though there was obviously so much more drama to come, I was frankly exhausted at that point by what had already happened and just couldn't bring myself to care.

Third, I just didn't like the writing style. Besides the rapid-fire POV switching, the dialogue felt ridiculous and unrealistic and pretty much everyone we encountered in town seemed verging on silly. I've heard good things about Ms. Sala, so I'm going to hope that it's just the Blessings, Georgia series that's not for me and possibly try something else later.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I love small town romances and Sala’s Blessings, Georgia series hits all the right spots with it’s nosy, judgemental and gossipy residents whose love, compassion, and forgiveness make living there, well, a blessing. The Color of Love revolves around the whole town through each book focuses mainly on one couple. Second chances are the main theme and Sala applies it to series of people who more than deserve it. The story shocks as we open the book an assault and kidnapping. Sala gives us the background on this couple so we can understand the who, what, and whys. Rescued almost immediately, we watch as the town tries to deal with one of their own being hurt and how they try to help them heal.

This story engages from page one as Sala sets the tone and scene. Solid characterization, charming narrative, and a multifaceted storyline make this a feel-good story with some added spiciness. Plenty of humor and wit keeps the story moving at a steady pace while the usual heart-pinching scenes that are indicative of these stories dot the landscape. Reading this series is like wrapping up in a soft blanket on a cold day. There is comfort in the familiar and the soft emotional response it elicits. There is a strong inspirational tone that has in my opinion only grown deeper since the beginning of the series but it matches the world in which it is set. Small towns are often built on the faith of its residents and that faith is what sustains them during the bad times while giving them cause to rejoice during the good times.

Having met the protagonists in earlier books, I enjoyed getting to spend more quality time with Peanut and Ruby. Peanut, the town lawyer, has been in love with Rudy, who owns the Curl Up and Dye hair salon, for a while now. He had been playing her secret admirer but her near-death experience forced him to declare him and now these two are courting one another. They are both strong, kind, intelligent people who, despite the trials and tribulations of their lives, remain strong in faith and heart. I liked that Sala pushes that despite Rudy’s past, she never blames herself. As this relationship has been developing over a course of a few years, starting out as a friendship only to develop into something deeper, the physical aspects occur a little faster then some may expect. Peanut helps Rudy to heal physically and mentally from her assault, allowing them both to move forward with their romance.

Using Peanut and Ruby romance as the base, Sala introduces some new residents to the town while taking others in new directions. One family’s need for help comes to the attention of the local sheriff while a widow discovers that when one door closes, it to open another one. You just have to have the courage to walk through it. Watching each person this little town find their footing place is fun to watch and Sala does a wonderful job of continuing to define and develop the various relationships of the town.

I did feel Sala manipulated the events in order to exploit the emotional tone of the book. Between the widow’s sudden windfall and Peanut’s ordeal towards the end, my eyebrows raised quite a few times. There was a slickness to this story that wasn’t seen in the others and that bothered me a little. Regardless, fans of Sala and small towns filled with southern charm and huge hearts are sure to enjoy her latest story which tells us all second chances belong to all those who have the courage to reach for them.

RATING: C+

This is the fifth book in the series and I enjoyed it just as much as the previous books.This is Peanut and Ruby’s story, Ruby has overcome a lot he had a horrible abusive ex but has not told anyone about him, Peanut has had feelings for Ruby but has been too chicken to do anything about it when he ex-finds her he realises he may have missed his chance.This was a super read you cannot help but feel and root for these two.

The Color of Love is Sharon Sala’s fifth book in the Blessings, Georgia Series. I had not the other books in the series, so it may have helped me to see the big picture of the small-town community if I had. However, it did not hinder my enjoyment of Ruby and Peanut’s (What a name) story.

This small-town story starts out with a bang. But thank the Lord for truckers; the danger is eliminated, and the pace slows down more to a more normal every day pace. This goes to show like Ruby in this story, people often hide the terrible circumstances of the past from others. Even those who are big-hearted and outgoing.

I thoroughly enjoyed Peanut and Ruby’s story. Much of this is since Ruby was fighting back now but was not having to do it alone. Those around her united to stand with her against her bully of an ex-husband. He is certainly a sociopath who could don the skin of normalcy in public. This is a lesson to us all. Tough story but even tougher characters which I grew to love.

Reading this book feels like stepping into a 1960’s sitcom like Andy Griffith. Everybody knows everyone and their business. The town evolves around the news and gossip learned at the Curl Up and Dye beauty shop/hair salon. There are many subplots going on at the same time. The writing is simplistic and, frankly, boring.

Peanut (P. Nutt Butterman) is the town lawyer. Seriously? What a ridiculous name for a lawyer, even one in a small town. I’m sure it was meant to be funny, but it fell flat for me. He’s 45, been in love with Ruby for a year and a half, joined committees just to spend time with her and sent many gifts over the last several months to her signed only as your secret admirer. Rolling my eyes. Dude, you’re a lawyer, where did you leave your balls? Wimpy guys are so not my forte.

Ruby Dye has lived in Blessings, GA for the last 15 years. She escaped a physically abusive ex-husband and started a new life. Somehow, in those 15 years, no one, not even her best friend, knew anything about the abuse, just the divorce. The Curl Up and Dye is her business. Her ex-husband drives several hours from Tennessee into Georgia (really?) to harass her for money - after 15 years of no contact.

So many unrealistic/unbelievable moments. I’m only at 30% and I don’t care about any of these people or what’s going to happen to them. So this is a DNF for me.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.