Raeley Ann Sutton has suffered a double whammy. Not only did her husband leave her for a much younger woman, but her mother also succumbed to cancer. One of her mother's last wishes was that Raeley and her teenaged daughter would move into her house in tiny Whitten, Alabama. Encouraged by the success of Whitten's girls' basketball team (her daughter is a skilled player) and her few ties to Huntsville, Rae moves back and quickly gets back into the fold of Whitten. She joins the Thursday ministry that her mother belonged to and although the other three members are much older, she soon finds the best support group a woman could have.

Unexpectedly, she also finds romance with the basketball coach. But when her ex-husband seems to begin to regret jettisoning their relationship, Raeley needs to make a choice.

This book started out hilariously, but when Rae found religion, it lost me a bit. However, I understand not everyone may react as I did and may find the religion aspect appealing. Whitten, Alabama is full of sweet tea, co-cola, and people "praying on" things. Bless their hearts. #BlessYourHeartRaeSutton #NetGalley

I requested this book not knowing much about what to expect from the plot, but thinking the cover was cute. I guess in this case, you CAN judge a book by its cover! I LOVED this book. The emotions of all the characters were very realistic and as a reader you really feel close to the characters, especially Rae. I think this is the best kind of cute, easy read book, one that feels warm and home-y like all good teen/young adult shows or early 90's and 00's movies. You don't really get the connection to the characters like that anymore. I can't wait to read Susannah B. Lewis's next works of art! Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book for an honest review.

This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed this book! The story was enjoyable, nice plot and hope to read more by this author soon!

Firstly I loved this book when I started reading it. I love age gap friendship and the story was good but unfortunately once I realized it was christian fiction I couldn't finish the book. That's my fault so I still wanted to review. This book would be great for someone who reads christian fiction.

The cover and title initially captured my attention. I'm also familiar with Susannah B. Lewis through her social media platforms, so I was excited to see she had a Southern women's fiction novel available. The small town setting, quirky cast of characters, and the heroine's character journey are all delightful. I really liked the relationships between the older women and Rae. The grief and loss are almost palpable as Rae works through the loss of her mother. I felt that was handled beautifully.
For me, the pacing was a bit slow. I'm also not a fan of the romance subplot. It was not well-structured and did not present a satisfying conclusion.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions shared here are my own.

. . . ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⋆ ⭒
Initially, I was completely in love with this one. It’s Hope Floats meets P.S. I Love You, with some Starr’s Hollow Gilmore Girls mixed together - what’s not to love?!

It features intergenerational friendships ( something I always enjoy ), family dynamics, it had a comfort-read feel, and it’s a wholesome little tale that latched on to my heart in the first half.

I discovered as I went on that this book fell into the genre of Christian fiction, with religion and faith quickly became a central theme of this novel, and for me, the shift happened a little too swiftly and all-encompassing. I recognize that Rae grew up in the church, so it was part of her foundation, but the turnaround time from trying to rekindle her faith & trust to entirely devout was so speedy that it felt a bit inauthentic to me. I think it would have felt more natural if there was a bit more time spent on the work of her finding and trusting in her faith instead of a flip-switch.

The ending also did not do it for me - I understood how Rae got there, but I also felt that she deserved better; one can forgive while still maintaining respect for their faith and for their person.

But with that being said, I really enjoyed the relationship that Rae had with her mama and that Margie had with her friends, and I loved the small-town sense of support; it gave me Fried Green Tomatoes vibes, especially with all of the Southern food that was featured.

There’s certainly a lot to love about this one, and while it ended missing the mark for me, I would still recommend it as a summer porch read, best paired with some sweet tea.

~👩🏻‍🦰

Ohhh, _Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton_. Literally and figuratively. :D

This is such a delightful read. It brought back many a fond memory of the church I was blessed to grow up in, and the plethora of "church ladies" who could cook, bake, pray, and minister like nobody's business. (God, please give Hazel, Doris, Agnes, and the other ladies a heavenly hug for me.)

The book is a timely read as summer approaches (and looks ahead to fall, too--mmmmmm Thanksgiving! I'm ready!), and also reminds me of the power of community. Two years into the pandemic, and I'm again challenged to get (re-)involved at church--and also, again, appreciative of the senior saints among us. I just want to give them all a big hug after reading this!

It's in turns humorous and heartbreaking--sometimes even on the same page. It challenges me in my walk with God, and how I live that out at street level (to borrow a phrase from Paul David Tripp). Deep, encouraging, and convicting, it truly blesses my own heart.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a quick and easy read. It reminded me of Sweet Magnolias - the characters and the story lines were very similar except that in this book the main character’s best friends are older women, which I thought was sweet.

I wanted to love th S book, I am a huge fan of Southern Fiction but I found it so difficult to read, most of characters were one dimensional at best and the storyline was impossible to believe.

An enjoyable story. I liked the characters. Just not a memorable book. I will be keeping my eye on Lewis to see what she writes next.

While the underlying story was one I enjoyed, I was put off by page after page of religious content. I was hooked on the drama of Rae Sutton and wanted to know what happened here so I continued to read but must admit I skipped quite a few pages that were religiously based.

The writing was well done and the story is captivating, but not one I would read again.

Grief, hope, and heart intertwine in a novel that is Fried Green Tomatoes for the 21st Century.

When I downloaded an ARC of Bless Your Heart Rae Sutton, I opened the copy fully expecting to read the first few pages to get a feel for the book before returning to the other books I needed to read for review. Yet once I had turned that first page, I was hooked and unable to put this book down.

Lewis has a way of writing about the South in way that is immersive, yet isn’t kitschy. Too many writers attempt to pen a Southern novel and lay the drawl on waaaay too thick and make its natives look ridiculous. Lewis handles the South with respect. Her writing takes you on a journey and makes you feel as if you are right there with the characters.

Rae Sutton is a heroine in whom every woman will see herself. She is strong yet flawed and practically leaps off the page and sits across from you with her ever present glass of sweet tea. She is a strong woman with a big heart. Her love for her mother is palpable as you read and the grief she feels in the wake of her mother’s passing and the loss of her marriage is just as strong. The pain she feels amidst such hard change is something so many can relate to, and readers will be inspired by the way Rae handles the tragedies that life has thrust upon her.

The supporting cast of characters sparkles, providing a wonderful backdrop for the book, as well as a great community for Rae. I was charmed by the Third Thursday group she joined in her mother’s stead. They provide heart and humor for Rae and feel like a real group of ladies one might come across. And reading as Rae finds the notes her mother hid for her before her passing will make your heart swell, and might bring a tear to your eye.

Tender and true, Bless Your Heart Rae Sutton is a shining example of Southern women’s fiction done right. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this book! It is full of emotions; it will make you laugh, cry and feel every emotion in between. It deals with loss, grief, and forgiveness. This book will touch your heart and soul. I can't put into words how much I enjoyed reading it. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Title: Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton
Author: Susannah B. Lewis
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Bless Your Heart. Rae Sutton" by Susannah B. Lewis

My Assessment:

'Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton' was a wonderful read showing a loss, grief, divorce, healing, love, forgiveness, redemption, and hope. The story was well-written in a small-town setting with adorable characters that presented so much to the story, especially Rae Sutton, who had lost her mother due to cancer. Rae had also gone through a divorce and was raising her daughter Molly. After her mother's death, Rae decides to move back to her hometown of Whitten and chooses to live in her mother's home that had been left to her by her mother. Along with all that had gone on with Rea, she developed strong friendships with three elderly ladies [Mrs. Fannie, Mrs. Dora, and Aunt Maxine] were Rae's mother's best friends who met every third Thursday. These three ladies would meet once a month for what they called their ministry, which consisted of 'sending out get well cards, flowers, while they discuss what was going on in their town, their arguing and prayers for family and friends.' In addition, they provided some comic relief with their antics. So how did this help Rae? Well, at this time, there was a need for Rae as she was healing from a divorce and grieving the loss of her dear mother. As Rae decides to fix up the house and start going to church, what will happen? What brought me to tears were the letters Rae's mother left for her. There was also seemingly a second chance romance with another love interest that you will have to pick up this good read to see how all of that will turn out for Rae.

All in all, 'Bless Your Heart' was a captivating story that will keep one turning the pages till the end, giving one thought to ponder over long after the read.

Thank you for the free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are my own.

Rae Sutton live has been in an upheaval since her husband has left her because he didn't want to be married anymore. Now her Mama has lost her battle with cancer. She left the house to Rae and her daughter Molly. Everywhere there are memories but her Mama had already cleaned out so much of the house. Molly is settling in and has tried out for the basketball team. Of course, Aunt Maxine took her ladies meeting that her Mama, Mrs. Fannie and Mrs. Dora attended. They argue with each other but the also send out birthday cards, get well cards, flowers to people in the hospital, blankets for newborns and so much more. They are also very religious. They believe that when Rae gets right with the Lord, she will start to find peace. Along the way, her Mama was leaving her notes. In the end, her Aunt Maxine leaves her the final letter. Forgiveness and peace will lead the way.

Growing up with a Southern family I totally get this book. I loved this author and I have a new favorite. This is my favorite book I have read so far this year. It made we laugh, It made me cry. The characters are some of the most precious people I have read about to date. I hate spoilers so I am being very careful with my review. There is a good guy and a bad guy. I like Rae, would have a hard time forgiving my husband. I know what the Bible says too, but I know it would not be possible on my own. I did not want this novel to end. I'm not sure I was completely happy with the ending, but it was not my story to tell.
I want to thank Thomas Nelson along with NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this special book. The opinions in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed this read. A 35 year old woman that has been knocked down, by her husband leaving her for a younger women, and then by loosing her Mom. She is raising her 15 year old, basketball loving daughter, and her family is there for her!

I really enjoyed the humor shown by Rae, especially when she described her husbands girlfriend, she had me laughing out loud, and the mind pictures!

Rae is pulling herself up by her boot straps, but she has the help of family and forever friends, friends of her mothers, those that care about her well being as well as her spiritual health.

We are gifted with some warm Southern hospitality, and small town living! This became a real page turner for me, I had to know how everything turned out!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

2.5/5⭐️

Rae Sutton is a 36-year-old woman with a 14-year-old daughter whose husband left her for a younger woman and who has just lost her mom to cancer. She uproots her life and returns to her hometown and her parents’ old house and begins to remake herself with a new career and possible new love. With God, her Aunt Maxine, and two other elderly friends to lean on (as well as some wise letters left to her from her mom), she must make some difficult decisions about the future.

On paper this sounded like a great plot line, but I had some issues with it. Firstly, I simply wasn’t invested with the characters and at times was frustrated with Rae and her waffling between two men.
Secondly, the writing seemed rather simplistic, and too often I found the vernacular grating and over-the-top (it’s set in AL).

I did like how the characters’ faith and beliefs were woven into the story and how they were used to lead to life decisions.

But overall I just wasn’t engaged enough to make for an enjoyable read, and if I’m being honest, at times I had to push myself to finish.

My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing me the free early arc of Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

Small Southern charm oozes from this story of loss, grief and faith. Love the tight knit group of ladies who shine through their ministry even with the bumps along the way. Love the letters left to encourage Rae written by her mother and found by Rae at the exact moment they were needed. All the characters are realistic and the subjects relatable. The humorous squabbles are an added benefit as they reflect true moments in life. Highly recommended!

Rae Sutton, is a single mother to Molly Margaret, a basketball playing teenager with a wise head on her shoulders. Rae is dealing with the death of her beloved mother, considering moving back to Whitten, Alabama into the house she was raised in, and learning how to stand on her own. Add in a possible new love interest, opening up her own business, sorting out her feeling for her ex, and being surrounded by her mother’s circle of friends, Rae has her hands full.

I enjoyed this story, I happen to like stories set in the South. I enjoy the characters, the internal dialogue running through Rae’s mind, and the friendships and advice provided by her mother’s friends, including her Aunt Maxine. I wanted to sit at the table and listen to these women, learn from them, laugh with them. The author got a bit too religious in the second half of the book but living in the South, it can be a very religious place. I enjoyed watching the characters especially Rae grown, develop and come into their own. I could see her conflict, her wavering, and her feelings when it came to her love life. Overall, this was an enjoyable read, something to sit back with, grab a glass of sweet tea and enjoy.