The restless dead have a resurgence in a small Texas town circa 1999. I mean, sure, the town experiences a restless member of the nonliving cropping up every now and then, but these are numbers the women of the Evans family haven’t seen in years.

Three generations of Evans women are about to introduce a fourth generation to the family calling. As proprietors of the only funeral home in town, they are used to being the last stop before town members are laid to rest. Some of their clients just need a little extra help getting there.

This one is told in multiple POVs. Strap in for something kind of wacky, and I recommending avoiding eating while reading.

Bless Your Heart would be good for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, who are open to impalements staged in a Southern setting.

I received an advance copy of the ebook from Minotaur Books and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

Thank you to @netgalley @macmillan.audio and @stmartinspress for the gifted copy of this book.

I just love the Evans women! As the owners of the local funeral home, they make sure that the dead stay dead. These women have big hearts, are tough as nails, and approach every situation with witty humor. They’ve seen it all, fought it all, and refuse to back down from a challenge. They prove that sometimes popping a butterscotch candy and wielding a sharp object is all it takes to get through the day.
This isn’t your typical vampire story, I mean there are vampires and gore, but at the heart of it is a family that will do anything to protect each other and their community.

I had such a great time reading this book. It’s well paced with a great mystery and even better cast of characters. If you’re looking for a fun, easy read - this is the one!

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 (4.5)

Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan-debut author
Publication 4-9-24, read 4-9-24
E-book 301 pgs. and audiobook 10:48
Genre: Adult Fic, Paranormal, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Thriller
Tropes: Vampires, Family Drama, Hidden Secrets

Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for this ARC & ALC❤️! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are mine alone.

The narrator Stephanie Nemeth-Parker read in a Southeastern Texas accent that fit all the characters . The voices brought this fantasy to life with quick pacing by the narrator and the author. I loved all the different POVs-mainly the four Evans' women. The narrator paused and announced every time a new chapter came. The book had a table of contents which helped me follow along with the e-book and audio.

It's 1999 in TX where the Evans' women run a funeral parlor that protects the town from the Strigoi-the "original" vampires along w/ ghouls they create. The matriarch is Ducey Evans(80) along with her daughter Lenore, granddaughter Grace, and great granddaughter Luna. Grace has raised Luna alone and kept her father's identity from her, along with the events leading up to the death of Grace's father Jimmy. The killings and rising dead have started again so the Evans' women know the past has creeped back into their lives. The side characters gave the story some charm, loved Sheriff Buck and Belle . I would definitely read more in this world!

I loved this small town human/vampire story very much in the vein of The Southern Vampire Mysteries and The Dead Don't Die-both the book series and movie highly recommended. I suggest listening to the audiobook because you can adjust the speed, skip parts easily (if desired), and picture the characters more vividly.

Rating: 5/5

"Bless Your Heart" by Lindy Ryan is a chip off the ol' modern horror comedy block. It's not too scary but just bloody enough to keep you interested. If you liked THE SOUTHERN BOOK CLUB GUIDE'S TO SLAYING VAMPIRES and THE VIOLENCE, you will probably enjoy BLESS YOUR HEART.

Ryan skillfully blends elements of family drama, small-town dynamics, and the supernatural to craft a humorous, horrific tale. The characters, particularly the Evans women, are very enjoyable to spend time with, though I confess I got them mixed up from time to time. I liked the late '90s setting very much and *really* liked Crane. I definitely would have had a crush on him in high school.

Give this book a whirl if you are looking for a horror novel that has more laughs than gasps! Don't forget to bring the butterscotch candy.

Thank you very much for the ARC in exchange for this review.

A fun and fast paced romp through a multi-generational funeral parlor with a big secret.

The story was original and interesting with a host of unique character-all of the Evans women are a real delight. The issue for me was the pacing; some places felt rushed, like the narrative was scrambling to get these plot points out so we could move one, which resulted in some characters (Crane especially) feeling flat. Other pieces were dragged out too long, like what exactly the "Godawful Mess" was. Most readers should have pieced every bit of it together by the time it's explained so the revelation doesn't feel at all revelatory.

Nevertheless, it was such a charming horror-mystery that I'm excited to see how Lindy Ryan might really make these characters and this world shine with a little more elbow room.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This book was absolutely incredible and I feel like it’s opened the book world up to a whole new genre: cozy horror. It had all the heart, banter, and unrequited love of a cozy with all the gruesome gore of horror. The Evans women are a monster hunting force to be reckoned with but still have all the mother daughter, family drama of any other family. I definitely connected with the small TX town feel of this novel and of course loved ALL the references of 1999. I can’t wait to not only read more bout this family and town but also see it on the small screen since it’s been picked up for a series. All the characters were really special in this and after reading the acknowledgments it was really obvious why. This is overall a really fun book and I can’t wait to see what the world thinks about it.

“The body resting in the coffin at the front of the empty chapel had once belonged to Mina Jean Murphy, aged fifty-five years and seven months ”
Here are reasons to read the Horror book:

4 Generations - 4 Generations of Evans women have been running a business together in Southeast Texas
Funeral Parlor - They own a Funeral Parlor, but the real truth is that they help keep the dead buried, and they have successfully done so for year
Dead Rise - until one recently dead rises and they realize, the vampires might be returning again

This book was the second in my string of vampire reads this month. And I kind of struggled with it because the characters were hard to keep straight for me. Sure it was campy and fun, and a little bit gory. And there is a mystery, although you aren’t quite sure what it is. I was happy though that the ending turned out a lot better than I thought. However, it never really explains how this all started in the first place OR how it started originally and that is a story I would like. As this is the first in a series, maybe we will get those answers.

This was such a fun read, and felt like Six Feet Under crossed with a multi-generational Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It was surprisingly heartwarming, with the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, and told the hard truths of the Godawful Messes that are sure to arise (see what I did there? 😏) from loving the wrong man.

The Evans women run the only funeral parlor in their small, Southeast Texas town, and for generations, they've been tasked with making sure the restless dead STAY dead. After 15 years of quiet, the dead are starting to rise again, and the Evans women aren't sure who, or what, is calling to them. Known as Strigoi, these vampire like creatures are more zombie like in nature, tearing their victims apart, and the descriptions used in the book are deliciously squishy. When it looks like history is going to repeat itself, matriarch Ducey, her daughter, Lenore, and granddaughter, Grace, band together to protect Grace's daughter Luna from making the same mistakes as her mother. But as a result of that mistake, not just Evans blood flows through Luna's veins, and she may be playing a bigger role in the rising of the dead than anyone could have suspected. I enjoyed the picture of small-town Texas life in the late 90s this story painted, with it's wide cast of side characters, and how the women were strong and resilient despite their personal losses. I did feel the ending was rushed, and the main action was crammed into the last 5% of the book, and that Luna's role in what went down could have been explained more.

This was not what I was expecting. From the synopsis I was looking for something more Grady Hendrix-esque, but this fell short. I feel like there were lots of loose ends left at the end too.

I adored this story! There are so many books about supernatural characters I'm always impressed when an author can put their own unique twist and spin on such characters. Lindy Ryan has a fantastic book 1 on her hands with her I'm already looking forward to book 2.
Texas 1999 The Evans woman Ducey, Lenore, Grace & baby Luna run the only funeral home in town. They've each played their role in buring the dead but when the dead aren't staying dead that's when this book has my undivided attention!
I'm getting this one as a mother's day gift for my Mom this year she's gonna love it as much as I did.

Four stars for the audiobook, and three stars for the novel! I thought the book was super fun overall with vampire zombie mashups and the family of women working in the funeral parlor. I liked the characters and all the butterscotch references. My mind wandered a bit with the story, but overall the audiobook performance made it enjoyable.

The gore and horror starts from the first page! While there is some levity and humor, this is truly horrific in a lot of parts, so take that into consideration when deciding to read or not.
The story gets a little repetitive especially past the 50% mark. I wish the “reveal” had happened a lot sooner so the reader isn’t just hinted at for 100 pages. The pacing was off- but I kept reading! I wanted to figure out what was happening and how the Evans family would solve the problems… I just think it could have been at least 50-75 pages shorter. I also thought there were too many POVs that don’t really add anything to the story. Some would have been better as just a narrator watching scenes/vignettes instead of a specific person.
Overall this was good but maybe not something I will continue to read- it does seem like it will continue as a series.

"Bless Your Heart" by Lindy Ryan delivers a captivating blend of mystery, horror, and Southern charm that will leave readers hooked from start to finish. Set in Southeast Texas in 1999, the novel introduces the Evans women, proprietors of the local funeral parlor, who find themselves facing an unexpected threat when the undead begin to rise.

Ryan's storytelling prowess shines as she weaves together a tale filled with suspense, intrigue, and dark humor. The dynamic trio of Ducey, Lenore, and Grace, along with Grace's daughter Luna, form a compelling ensemble cast, each character bringing their own strengths and vulnerabilities to the forefront as they confront the resurgence of the Strigoi.

What sets "Bless Your Heart" apart is its perfect balance of heart-pounding thrills and heartfelt moments. As the Evans women band together to protect their town from the supernatural threat, they must also confront the demons of their past and the secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Ryan skillfully navigates these complex familial dynamics, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

The Southern setting adds an extra layer of atmosphere to the story, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Southeast Texas. From the sweltering heat to the colorful characters populating the town, every detail feels authentic and vividly rendered.

With its crackling mystery, memorable characters, and Southern Gothic flair, "Bless Your Heart" is a gasp-worthy delight that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Lindy Ryan has crafted a novel that is equal parts chilling and charming, making it a must-read for fans of mystery and horror alike.

Good book!

This was a very interesting story that takes place back in 1999 in a small town in Southeast Texas. The Evans women own and run the only funeral parlor in town. Ducey Evans has been taking care of the dead for almost 80 years now. She runs the parlor with her daughter, Lenore, and her granddaughter, Grace.

Ever since that "Godawful Mess" fifteen years ago, that left them with two dead bodies afterwards, the women and the town have been drama free ever since, but they know that their days are numbered. The women are hiding a big secret from Luna, Grace's daughter, one that can be catastrophic if she isn't told the truth.

When people start dying and disappearing, the Evans women know their time is up and Luna should have been told everything years ago. The Strigoi, a cross between a vampire and a zombie, is awakening the dead and the Evans women are the only ones who know how to stop them. But Luna needs to choose her path correctly.

How will they deal with this fallout?

2 Stars
One Liner: Ugh… nope! (Rant coming up)

1999, Southeast Texas
The Evans women own the funeral parlor in town and have been running it for many generations. Ducey Evans spent all her eighty years in the same parlor and keeps it going with her daughter Lenore and granddaughter Grace. Grace has a teenage daughter Luna who will one day join the business.
After the Godawful Mess fifteen years ago, the Evans women are thankful there’s no other drama in the town. However, things change when a body rises from the dead right in the parlor. Deputy Roger brings more news and a body mangled and half-eaten. As more strange events occur, the Evans women have to face the past and confront the Strigoi (dead-un-dead creepies) to take them down yet again. Will they be too late this time?
The story comes in the third-person POV of multiple characters (Lenore, Luna, Deputy Roger, etc.).

My Thoughts:
Alright! I’m curious to know if the cover designer got to read the book or what to work with a synopsis/ theme given to them. The cover does not match the book’s tone. It has lighthearted drama vibes. I expected something similar with a touch of seriousness. However, there is almost nothing humorous in the book. I like dark humor, but I didn’t find anything funny here.
The beginning is slow, which is okay since it establishes the storyline, characters, and their relationships. However, the middle is full of filler. We get the same stuff in slightly altered versions in different POVs. Does it help connect with the characters? Sadly, no. The characters still remain 2D and surface-level (even stereotypical).
The premise is terrific. But the execution is the opposite. Nothing really happens until the last 20% or so. Even then, it doesn’t pack a punch. Something happens, something else happens, some death, and blah blah…
When the book goes on and on about how the Evans women are the only ones to tackle the menace and should keep the town safe, they do nothing until the very end. It’s all about ‘I don’t want to reveal this secret, so what if people are dying?’ If the family had a proper conversation when they should, the book would have been 100 pages. That would have prevented the need for a sequel (why is this even a series?).
Multiple POVs are useful to provide insight into different characters. However, here, we get the same stuff we already know. In attempting to keep the Godawful Mess a secret for as long as possible, the POVs and character development were compromised. If I had read that term one more term, I’d have deleted the book from my reader. Argh!!
The book has quite a bit of gore. I wasn’t bothered, but it can affect some readers. I’m guessing it would be around 5+ on the scale of 10 (don’t take my word for it). Did I find it scary or creepy? Nope. It was a flat graph except for the spiking annoyance at the characters.
Though Luna was a stereotypical teen, she at least had a few expressions and emotions more than the adults. Of course, making bad decisions seems to be a family trait, so… *shrug*

To summarize, Bless Your Heart is mostly a hook to get readers interested in the series and contains more filler than an actual story. It did not work for me, so please check other reviews before you decide. Many loved it and found it humorous.
Thank you, NetGalley and St.Martin’s (Minotaur Books), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
*******
The review will not be posted on Amazon due to the low rating

I adored this. It read very much like a southern paranormal mystery. The characters were quirky. It kind of reminded me of the aunts in Sabrina the Teenage Witch - one of my favorite shows. There was a ton of humor, both dark humor and sarcastic, and the dialogue between the characters was super fun.

It is a pretty low stress read - almost cozy. There were a few times that I wasn't as engaged but that tends to happen in the middle of most cozy mysteries for me. The writing was really easy to digest and I look forward to reading more by this author.

The concept was so great. I could picture the scenes in the funeral parlor like they were a movie. The family "curse" idea, while not novel, was interesting and unique. I think there is room for more books in the universe if the author chooses to go that route. Either way, this genre bending book was a ton of fun to read.

The dead are rising in a small town. The Evans women have generations secrets. They are tasked with stopping the dead.
I think these little undead boogers were more like zombies than vampires but it doesn't matter. They hangry.

The book spends most of the time trying to build up to the secrets coming out but to me it got tedious with waiting for explanations.

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

The Evans women have been keeping their town safe for decades, so when the restless dead start popping up almost constantly, the four generations have to work together to make sure their town doesn't get overrun. The last time this happened 15 years ago it cost two of them their husbands and fathers.

I think I expected this book to be an absolute romp, what with the zombie vampire things and the tongue in cheek Bless Your Heart title and the small town (because we all know how small towns love shenanigans), but it wasn't. It was a light read, definitely in the cozy mystery genre area, but it was missing a lot of the humor I was expecting.

BUT! My expectations aside, this was a really good book. It brings in aspects of muti-generational families, especially those (and we all know of or personally know that family where the men never seem to stick around wither through death, divorce, or disappearance) where it's a family of all strong women raising stronger women. I loved the funeral parlor setting, that it was family owned for decades (going back to at least Ducey's mother). That gives you such a sense of history, you know exactly what this funeral parlor looks like!

Really good book, I'm definitely looking forward to the next one. There has to be a next one, right?

The Evans women run the only funeral parlor in a tiny Texas town. Everyone knows they're weird and are hiding something, but you don't antagonize the only people who can lay you to rest so people just turn the other way. It just happens to be that one of their secrets is that they've been protecting their town from undead ghouls or strigoi for generations. Things have been quiet, but the repercussions of the one bloody night 15 years ago are starting to deliver restless bodies to the funeral parlor once again. It'll be one bloody, violent death after another until the Evans women can work together to end things, hopefully, once and for all.
It's too light to truly be horror and way too bloody to be anything else. It's also marketed as a story about family yet spends more page space going on about how some family secrets must never be shared than in actual family interaction.
I can maybe see it as the setup for further stories and forgive the fact that it ends with even more unanswered questions than it starts with, except the characters aren't particularly memorable and I don't feel the need to return to this world for those answers.
All my complaining aside, the writing is solid and there is a very clear thread throughout the book that pays off in the end after giving readers some very disturbing scenes. It's not really my genre, so I'm grading on a higher curve.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the interesting read!

Thank you Minotaur Books for my #gifted copy of Bless Your Heart!

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝐑𝐲𝐚𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

★★★★

The Evans women own the only funeral home in town and have a steady business. There has been no drama. When the dead die, they bury them. That’s it. But when the town gossip, Mina Jean Murphy’s body is brought in for a regular burial, she rises from the dead instead. It then becomes clear that the Strigoi, the original vampire, are back, and the Evans women are the ones who must fight to protect their town. As more and more people turn up dead, the Evans women must figure out who is behind the Stigoi’s return.

This was such a fun and unique read! The characters were the BEST! i loved how it was a mix between horror, paranormal, and kind of like a cozy mystery if that makes sense. It was such an interesting blend but it went together so well. I enjoyed how it was told in a multiple POV format. The Evans women were quirky and I am ALWAYS a fan of quirky characters so this one was definitely a hit for me! There was also some dark humor and southern charm mixed in as well! All in all, this was definitely a unique and interesting book that had me entertained the entire time I was reading!

Posted on Goodreads on April 10, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
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**Posted on Amazon on April 10, 2024
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