Another winner!

This is the second book in the Jubilee series, can be read as a standalone too. I personally recommend reading the books in order, the author builds on previous stories with new characters. Similar to the much loved Blessings series, this has all the makings of another hit series.

This is mostly Dani and Aaron’s story, but it’s also a story of Pope Mountain, the families who settled there and the history behind them. There’s also mystery, threatening situations and burgeoning love, along with the strength of family and community. I’m already looking forward to the next book!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

A great book on family loyalty in action. Based in the Kentucky hills and realistic life experiences, create an emotional wringer at times. It is suspenseful and captivating to keep the reader engaged and unable to put down for any length of time. Sharon Sala definitely deserves 5 stars for this book!

I didn’t know what I was expecting when I started this book. I was pleasantly surprised. This book has three different main stories/themes going on throughout. First, the sweet romance between Aaron and Dani. Two people recovering from and living with some serious trauma find their way to each other at the perfect time. I just loved it. There’s also some heavy domestic violence and stalking elements in this book, so check your triggers. Finally, an act of violence leads to a great mystery involving possible treasure and a family history unknown. This was such a fascinating journey and I loved the family dynamics of this gigantic family.

There is nothing I love more than a new Sharon Sala novel! I have been reading her books since I was thirteen and was a fan from day one. It took some time to read her entire catalog at that time but once I had, it put me in a constant position of awaiting her next novel. This was absolutely worth the wait and was just an overall stunning book that I can't recommend enough. If you're familiar with Sharon Sala's past novels, you are going to be just as excited as I was to read this one and I promise that you won't be disappointed. If this is your first Sharon Sala novel, well, strap yourself in because you're about to be a fan for life. And I predict that you're going to be going back through and purchasing all of her other novels to devour as well.

This is the second book in her Jubilee, Kentucky series and while there is generally a fear that the second of anything won't be as good as the first, that fear is unnecessary with this one! I promise. There is just as much action, mystery, and romance as ever. So prepare yourself to fall for Aaron and Dani because their relationship is sweet and satisfying. The phrase *chef's kiss* certainly comes to mind when I think about their relationship and the development between them. I also found that it was unpredictable and kept me guessing as the twists and turns popped up throughout the book. The only thing I'm sad about is that I've finished it and now have to wait until she releases the next one! But I strongly recommend it!

What is there not to love about Sharon Sala's latest release, Last Rites? If there's anything missing, I certainly was unable to find it. Last Rites is the second novel in her new romantic suspense series set in Jubilee, Kentucky, the location of Pope Mountain, and it grabbed me and hooked me from the very first page, and never let go. It kept me wide awake and reading until 6 a.m. for two consecutive nights. Its complicated plot and engaging characters made for an addictive read. Sharon Sala is a brilliant storyteller and once again, this novel proves it. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.

Now, how to discuss what made this book such a gripping read without giving any spoilers--it's no easy task, since this novel has it all, including quite a few triggers, such as domestic violence, a murderous pair of evil twin brothers, an elementary school teacher living in fear for her safety, a gold-digging employee at the Library of Congress, more than one case of attempted murder, edge-of-your-seat suspense, a sweet, sexy romance, a wonderful cast of well-developed characters in the Pope family, many of whom are the inhabitants of Pope Mountain, which is the setting for this series, and an historical journal that contains the key to and reason for a Native American wife and mother gone missing while on the moutain collecting berries more than 100 years ago, and the search for her remains.

To say more would ruin this story for you, but if you love getting lost in a novel that you simply cannot put down, Late Rites is that novel and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.

Well done romantic (but steam free) suspense. Aaron and Dani have both moved to Kentucky to more or less hide from their pasts and to start their futures, They meet with Aaron, a police officer, investigates a shooting. It's an easy read that's the second in a series but which is fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good one for the beach bag.

Once again we visit with the Pope family, in Jubilee Kentucky. The book starts with Shirley Pope Wallace and her four sons who go back to Pope Mountain after the Husband and father ruin everything for their family. This book has a lot of layers and Sharon Sala does a great job in balancing the romance, the intrigue, and the mystery. The oldest son, Aaron becomes a law enforcement officer which leads him to the newest first grade teacher in town Dani Owens When she brings a journal into the police station, it turns into key evidence of an attempted murder. Aaron is a fierce protector, and Dani has had a really tough past that she is trying to forget. I love that we got to see more of the Pope family and see the history behind those who live on the mountain. This is a wonderful book, and I hope there will be more with the Pope family in the future.

Just love the way the author has several different stories going on that all will be inner woven together. Just the right amount so not to be confusing. Once again we are in Jubilee, KY and some new Pope’s have found their way home to Pope mountain. Escaping her abusive ex husband, Shirley with her 4 grown son head back to Pope mountain to reclaim her inheritance and to find peace. Aaron the oldest finds a job with the local authorities, a job he had before and loves.
Dani has bad memories of a stalker that was finally caught and put in prison but needing a fresh start accepts a job as a 1st grade teacher in Jubilee, KY. As she is getting familiar with her new hometown she see a man running from the creek who falls and things from his backpack spills out. Starting to go to help the man she sees a gun near him and backs off into the shadows. The man bleeding picks up his stuff and throws his things into his car and drives off. Dani spots something that he left behind and goes to retrieve it. Thinking turning it into the police be the best way to find the owner. She turns it in to Officer Aaron and so starts the mystery, present and past and the sweet romance between Dani and Aaron.
This book can be read as a standalone, but the 1st in the series was very enjoyable so why not read it? I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #LastRites

I enjoy reading by Sharon Sala. Last Rites, didn't have any surprises for us. Only questions were when and how would the idiot bad guys get caught.
Aaron and his family moved to Pope Mountain to start a new life. It was fun getting to see who they would become. Dani also moved to start a new life. Meeting Aaron is when that happens. Last Rites, is a lovely book.

I am a big fan of Sharon Sala's early works, both as Sharon Sala and Dinah McCall. Sweet Baby and Tallchief are "go to" re-reads for me all the time. I've felt that a lot of her more recent works deviate pretty far from those early ones. I am happy to say that Last Rites feels much closer to the early books. I really enjoyed it and especially liked that the suspense part of the book ended earlier than most so that you could really enjoy the conclusion to the rest of the book. Strong 4 stars.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the chance to read Last rites by Sharon Sala which is the 2nd book in the Jubilee, Kentucky series. I enjoyed the first book in the romantic suspense series, Don't back down and found Last rites was better. This was a quick read, and not only introduces you to more members of the Pope family it only features members that were introduced in the first book. One of my favourite parts is a character who catalogues for the Library of Congress and a journal written by the patriarch of the Pope family and a mystery that was never solved!

I loved this book it was a really great story I can’t wait to read more by this author. It was amazing!

This was a first read for me by Sharon Sala and she did not disappoint. This story includes treasure hunting with tragic consequences, a family mystery that spans generations, a vengeful stalker with a twist, deep family roots, friendship, and romance. If you love any of this then you will love this book. Highly Highly recommend.


Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for allowing me to read this ARC in advance for my honest opinion.

Last Rites is the second book in the Jubilee, Kentucky series by Sharon Sala. The characters who live on Pope Mountain have become friends to me. They look after family, friends and the mountain area too. This story involves past and present with Shirley Pope Wallace coming home with her three grown boys. Life has not been easy for them, but they have found a place to settle with people who care for them.

This is a wonderful plot involving attempted murder more than once as the story progresses. Police Officer Aaron Pope and Dani Owens are at the center with their relationship going from helpful to friends to forever love. The family ancestor has an important subplot that brings everything full circle for this community.

You can count on the people of Jubilee, Kentucky and you can count on a great story of place, people and heritage from Sharon Sala. Read Last Rites for this series to become a favorite of yours too.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

📚Book Review 📚
Last Rites
by Sharon Sala
Pub Date 7/11/23

The Wallace family is stricken with tragedy, changes their names back to Pope and moves to Pope Mountain where the family home is left to them by their Mom/Grandmother.

Shirley Pope and her four sons are welcomed to Pope Mountain by family and friends. They find a true home, a town where they can live and work together. There’s a lot going on in this small mountain town. Shootings, domestic abuse, and other issues never stop the town from coming together to help each other.

This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. This is a very thorough book with many, many characters and a lot of storylines going. For me, it became a bit too wordy and too many storylines/characters in one novel.

Thank you @netgalley and Sourcebooks-Casablanca and Sharon Sala for an electronic book ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) in exchange for an honest review.


#fiction #NetGalley
#reviewer #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookreview #bookreviewer #kindlebook #ebook #arc #books #read #netgalleyreader #netgalleyreviewer #netgalleyarc
#netgalleygoals

This was another riveting book that was hard to put down. The characters are fascinating and the storyline was well-written, engrossing, and skillfully woven together to encompass past and present generations of Pope family history. This story includes treasure hunting with tragic consequences, a family mystery that spans generations, a vengeful stalker with a twist, deep family roots, friendship, and romance. When tragedy strikes on Pope Mountain family bans together to protect and support their own.

In this second book, we get to revisit the generations of family on Pope Mountain and learn a bit more about their past history that has been hidden for many years. We get to revisit with Cameron, Rusty, and Ghost from Don’t Back Down and meet many more interesting characters – Dani, Shirley, and her sons and watch Aaron and Dani’s relationship grow from friends to more. I really enjoyed the way the author set up this series with multiple POVs that lets us see into their thoughts and follow the storyline through the characters.

Shirley Pope Wallace and her sons leave a life of hate and persecution due to tragic circumstances beyond their control to return to their familial roots on Pope Mountain hoping to start again. Dani Owens is also looking for a fresh start after a horrible ending to a bad relationship. Getting out of the big city and leaving the awful memories behind, Dani finds a job as an elementary school teacher in Jubilee but steps into another mess that puts her in Aaron’s path. Chance, fate…whatever you call it, these two were destined to meet and I loved seeing them find the love and acceptance they both deserved.

Another great read in the Jubilee, Kentucky series. It’s not necessary to read the first book, Don’t Back Down, but there are characters from that story that make an appearance here. Plus, it’s a fantastic book and you can see how Cameron and Rusty met and see more of Ghost!

I loved it!

Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Sharon Sala for the ARC of this book.

What a delightful novel! As always, Sharon just has this special way that she weaves the tale to make the bad guy get what’s coming and a love story that melts your heart. Loved Dani and Aaron’s story and both of their arrivals to Jubilee. With a back story of murder and buried treasure and a long missing ancestor Last Rites was a perfect novel

Sharon Sala is always a great read. Portions of Last Rites provided a heavy subject that was dealt with a light touch that still shared the horrors of abuse, gun violence and delivered on the warmth of family and friends. Showing how there is evil in this world and hope. We see Cameron, Rusty and Ghost from Book 1 as well as other familiar faces. There is a historical mystery that provided a poignant ending. This series has me hoping for more and has me reading history on the area - just because! Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #lastrites #sharonsala #popemountain #sourcebookscasablana #netgalley

Last Rites is Sharon Sala’s second book in her new romantic suspense series, Jubilee, but can be read as a stand-alone. This book is a must-read for all fans of Sharon Sala and romantic suspense. The story contains a sweet romance between loveable characters and an enthralling historical mystery without descriptive sex or violence. I couldn’t put this story down! It deserves more than 5 stars.

Shirley Wallace and her four adult sons return to her childhood home on Pope Mountain in Jubilee, Kentucky, after her abusive husband is convicted for murdering two store employees in their Arkansas town. Shirley inherited her late mother’s house and they all legally change their last name to her maiden name, Pope, to further disassociate themselves from scandal. All of them lost their jobs in Arkansas due to her husband’s misdeeds, and Aaron’s wife of a few months leaves him.

Oldest brother Aaron Pope was a police officer with a spotless record and quickly gets hired by the Jubilee Police Department. He becomes involved in an investigation of a young cousin’s shooting and meets the attractive Dani Owens. When he realizes that she may be in danger, he sets himself up as her protector.

Daniella “Dani” Owens is a second-grade teacher who has relocated to Jubilee from Louisiana after a former boyfriend and his identical twin brother stalked and terrorized her. Dani doesn’t have a lot of faith in law enforcement after they failed her and she wound up saving herself from being murdered by Tony Bing. When she sees suspicious activity while hiking and recovers a Civil War-era journal, she becomes a potential witness to a crime.

Naturally Dani and Aaron fall in love while assisting the police in tracking down the shooter and solving the old mystery surrounding the Pope matriarch. In Sharon Sala books, the villains always get what they deserve. Cameron Pope and his large extended family were introduced in Don’t Back Down and serve as minor characters throughout this story. I can’t wait to read more stories featuring the other Pope brothers!

I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and SourceBooks-Casablanca for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

At the beginning, I kept thinking, “I’ve read this book.” Wrong. This is the second book in a series, so there is apparently an exposition that sounds really similar to book one!

So how good is this second book? I give it four stars out of a possible five. Good plot, good characters, a little treasure hunt thrown in for good measure, and a romance that seems logical. I mean, a woman with a stalker and a cop must get together, right? All of this seems like it should work, so why not five stars? Pacing. There is something with this book that is like eating one of those Death By Chocolate Cakes- it’s worth eating, but a little is all you can do at one time. That’s this book. It’s good. Really. But after a little bit, so much Ahmad happened that it feels like a lot of pages should have been read or chapters read, but it’s been maybe 10 pages. It’s the oddest effect.

So- TLDR: good book. Read it.