The Best of Me by Sharon Sala – a Review

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Description:
Take a trip to Blessings, Georgia, where bestselling author Sharon Sala welcomes you with a touching small-town romance:
An orphaned little girl who desperately needs a new home
A couple ready to welcome her with open arms
Friendly neighbors who are always there for each other
A Southern small town where great things happen to good people

Ruby Butterman and her husband, Peanut, cannot have children, but they’re given a second chance at a family when eight-year-old orphan Carlie is left in their care. It’s a challenge for Carlie to adapt to a new town, a new school, and a new family, and when she gets bullied at school, Ruby and Peanut discover how to step up as parents, and how to make a forever family for their beloved little girl.

Review:

The Best of Me by Sharon Sala is the 13^th and final book in her wonderful Blessings, Georgia series. As I have noted many times, I am a big fan of this series, as it is always wonderful to return to Blessings, Georgia and the fabulous townsfolk we get to spend time with.  The Best of Me is a different kind of story, which was an emotional and wonderful read; especially since this was the finale.  Ruby and Peanut are the main characters in this book (they had their own story early on), and it was so fitting for them to have their unexpected wish to complete this series.

The story starts with a woman and her 8-year-old daughter getting off of a Greyhound bus and walk into the Blessings Police station. The mother tells the officer to call Ruby Dye, and when Lon (the police chief) calls Peanut to bring Ruby, the mother’s heart gives out before they come; the daughter, Carlie was very aware that her mom was dying, as she had been trying to take care of her during the last few months. When Ruby arrives and reads the letter the woman left, she learns that the mother was an old friend, and she wanted Ruby to become Carlie’s legal guardian.

Ruby and Peanut have been happily married, even though she can not have children of her own. They are the perfect people to take care of Carlie, who fulfill their wish; making this such a heartwarming story.  Ruby and Peanut have so much love to give, knowing how hard it was for Carlie, but their devotion to her was amazing, as in time she flourished.

As is her normal, Sala also gives us a second story revolving around Ladd and Deborah, who were childhood friends, with both meeting again. Ladd ran his cattle ranch, after the death of his mother; and to his surprise, Deborah returns home to help her mom, after the death of her father.  It is Deborah, who will rescue Ladd, after being seriously hurt by a bull attack.  It was a nice sweet romance, as they both realized they still had feelings for each other, and together they would find a way to combine both ranches.  This was a fun addition to the overall story.

It is always a joy to meet up with many others we have met before.  I did enjoy the friendship between Carlie and Melvin Lee, who took it upon himself to protect her and be her first friend.  Cute. The added addition of Carlie being bullied by another girl, was very well done, and ended nicely.

What follows is wonderful heartwarming, emotional and uplifting story, with a couple we have loved from the start, wonderful secondary characters, and a wish come true with the addition of Carlie.  I love returning to Blessings, which is a wonderful community who takes care of their own. Sharon Sala writes another delightful story in this wonderful small town, with great couples that we care about with each and every book.  Blessings, Georgia always gives the vibe of a perfect place you would love to live in. 

The Best of Me was a fantastic ending to this series, and I will miss all the wonderful characters that were recurring throughout.  If you enjoy a pure romance, wonderful characters, great couples, and a small-town atmosphere, then you should be reading this series. Thank you, Sharon Sala for giving us so many wonderful stories.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher