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Blessings, Georgia #3
Saving Jake
There is always hope
After eight years in the Marines, Jacob Lorde returns to Blessings, Georgia, with no plans other than to hole up in his empty house and heal what's left of his soul. But with a charming next door neighbor and a town full of friendly people, keeping to himself is easier said than done.
As long as you can come home
Laurel Payne understands far too well what Jake is going through, after witnessing her late husband experience similar problems. She's in no hurry to jump into another relationship with a complicated guy, but their attraction is undeniable-and perhaps exactly what both of them need.
After eight years in the Marines, Jacob Lorde returns to Blessings, Georgia, with no plans other than to hole up in his empty house and heal what's left of his soul. But with a charming next door neighbor and a town full of friendly people, keeping to himself is easier said than done.
As long as you can come home
Laurel Payne understands far too well what Jake is going through, after witnessing her late husband experience similar problems. She's in no hurry to jump into another relationship with a complicated guy, but their attraction is undeniable-and perhaps exactly what both of them need.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2016
512 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Sala
279 books2,298 followersBiography
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
September 22, 2016
Oh it has been some time since I settled back for a visit with Sharon Sala's Blessings, Georgia series. Oh my, this town and it's people just draw me in and welcome me with truth Southern hospitality. This third book in the series like the others before it approaches some tough subjects in a gentle, heartwarming way bringing about healing and romance.
The Blessings, George series all tie together by the small town setting and some recurring characters, but they are nice and versatile in that they can standalone or be read out of order.
Saving Jake opens when Marine, Jake Lorde, returns to his hometown recovered from his physical injuries, but still bruised and in pain on the inside. Nightmares and flashbacks are his routine, loud noises and crowds are his bane. Survivor guilt is the worst for a man who was dubbed a hero because he survived a bomb when the friend who saved him didn't make it back from war. Jake just wants to come home to the old family home and rest.
Laurel Payne eyes her new neighbor with trepidation. Old Mr. Lorde's son is home and his past life as a Marine along with the expression in his eyes looks all too familiar. Her husband came back from the war all wrong and he took his life leaving her to clean up the pieces, literally, find a way to survive on the new reduced income, and raise their precious daughter alone since the Payne family all blame her for his death. Jake Lorde might be good looking and he might be the kindest and hardworking man she knows, but she wants nothing to do with a hurting and broken warrior after the last one.
But between the needs of sweet little Bonnie Payne and the nudges of the people of Blessings, this pair of lonely hurting people begin as friends, find comfort and help each other through each new situation. A vengeful man in the shadows, feuding family, fear in the night hours, and the toils of daily life become doable when they do it together.
The author brought together two people weighted under the troubles of PTSD, survivor's guilt, suicide, and blame. The subjects are dark, but yet the bright and warmth of the story shone through bringing hope and love. There is laughter and few tears.
It's a gently paced story that keeps the reader on her toes as it swaps between narrators and scenes rapidly. Jake and Laurel are the main narrators, but the other cast of characters share in the telling and in a few brief scenes apart from the main story plot. There is a humorous side plot when an enemy of Jake's plots to harm him and runs up against the consequences for his actions frequently. The situation with Laurel's in-laws was sad, but I loved seeing her be the bigger person and show them up even while I pitied them for what happened as a result of their meanness.
I enjoy how the town and it's people are present as the backdrop with this small mountain town heads into the Fall holiday season of school costume parades and fall festival, Thanksgiving with the folks, and visits to the Curl Up and Dye, the Piggly Wiggly, and the diner in between.
The romance is a neighbors to friends to lovers that develops slowly. Neither want or think they can have a relationship at first. They fight attraction even while clinging to the help and companionship that comes along. Jake is a strong protector and I about melted into my chair when he took care of 'his girls' being the hero they needed and showing his gratitude to his fallen comrade for the life he saved by finally living it happily. Laurel is fierce and independent, but Jake's care and tenderness allow her to lower her walls and allow herself to have love and trust again. They were wonderful together and I loved how cute little Bonnie enhanced rather than distracted with her part in the story.
All in all, I was filled with heartwarming pleasure when it was through. I adore this series that makes me think of homecooking, good neighbors, and a town I would love to live in. This is for those who like gently-paced, touching small town romance.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Blessings, George series all tie together by the small town setting and some recurring characters, but they are nice and versatile in that they can standalone or be read out of order.
Saving Jake opens when Marine, Jake Lorde, returns to his hometown recovered from his physical injuries, but still bruised and in pain on the inside. Nightmares and flashbacks are his routine, loud noises and crowds are his bane. Survivor guilt is the worst for a man who was dubbed a hero because he survived a bomb when the friend who saved him didn't make it back from war. Jake just wants to come home to the old family home and rest.
Laurel Payne eyes her new neighbor with trepidation. Old Mr. Lorde's son is home and his past life as a Marine along with the expression in his eyes looks all too familiar. Her husband came back from the war all wrong and he took his life leaving her to clean up the pieces, literally, find a way to survive on the new reduced income, and raise their precious daughter alone since the Payne family all blame her for his death. Jake Lorde might be good looking and he might be the kindest and hardworking man she knows, but she wants nothing to do with a hurting and broken warrior after the last one.
But between the needs of sweet little Bonnie Payne and the nudges of the people of Blessings, this pair of lonely hurting people begin as friends, find comfort and help each other through each new situation. A vengeful man in the shadows, feuding family, fear in the night hours, and the toils of daily life become doable when they do it together.
The author brought together two people weighted under the troubles of PTSD, survivor's guilt, suicide, and blame. The subjects are dark, but yet the bright and warmth of the story shone through bringing hope and love. There is laughter and few tears.
It's a gently paced story that keeps the reader on her toes as it swaps between narrators and scenes rapidly. Jake and Laurel are the main narrators, but the other cast of characters share in the telling and in a few brief scenes apart from the main story plot. There is a humorous side plot when an enemy of Jake's plots to harm him and runs up against the consequences for his actions frequently. The situation with Laurel's in-laws was sad, but I loved seeing her be the bigger person and show them up even while I pitied them for what happened as a result of their meanness.
I enjoy how the town and it's people are present as the backdrop with this small mountain town heads into the Fall holiday season of school costume parades and fall festival, Thanksgiving with the folks, and visits to the Curl Up and Dye, the Piggly Wiggly, and the diner in between.
The romance is a neighbors to friends to lovers that develops slowly. Neither want or think they can have a relationship at first. They fight attraction even while clinging to the help and companionship that comes along. Jake is a strong protector and I about melted into my chair when he took care of 'his girls' being the hero they needed and showing his gratitude to his fallen comrade for the life he saved by finally living it happily. Laurel is fierce and independent, but Jake's care and tenderness allow her to lower her walls and allow herself to have love and trust again. They were wonderful together and I loved how cute little Bonnie enhanced rather than distracted with her part in the story.
All in all, I was filled with heartwarming pleasure when it was through. I adore this series that makes me think of homecooking, good neighbors, and a town I would love to live in. This is for those who like gently-paced, touching small town romance.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2017
A really good story with plenty of action that moved right along. I pretty much liked everything, the independent heroine, her delightful daughter, the recovering hero and dealing with PTSD. It was also interesting how justice was delivered. Jake returns home wounded from his service in the Marines and keeps encountering his neighbor Laurel and her young daughter.
October 8, 2016
Originally posted at Smexybooks-http://smexybooks.com/2016/10/review-...
Favorite Quote: “He made falling in love so easy.”
Sharon Sala takes us back to the small town of Blessing, Georgia in her third installment with a sweet and heartwarming story of second chances when a war weary soldier comes home to heal and falls for a young widow and her adorable little girl.
I love small town romances and Saving Jake hits all the right notes. Small towns are notorious for being nosy, unforgiving, gossipy, while being filled with an overabundance of love and compassion. Everyone knows everyone’s business and what happened in past is viewed as if it just happened yesterday. In here, Sala builds an ambiguous tale of love, loss, redemption, and forgiveness with some humor, passion, and emotional angst.
This story engages from page one, flowing smoothly and evenly as Sala sets the tone and scene. Strong characterization, engaging narrative, and a compelling storyline is deeply rooted in humor and sorrow. There is a strong inspirational tone that 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 celebrate during the good times.
I loved meeting Jake, Laurel, and of course, Bonnie. All of them are sweet, sensitive, and kind people who despite their tragic circumstances in life, remain strong and relatively cheerful. Though the relationship starts out somewhat antagonistic, neither are sure if they are ready for friendship much less a romance, watching Jake and Laurel grow beyond their pain and sorrow. Each of them finding the courage to not only go on with their lives after tragedy struck but to learn to reach out to one another despite their fears was heart warming.
Using dual narratives, Sala does an excellent job of getting us into their heads and showing us the deep wounds that need healing in order to move forward. Your heart will definitely hurt as Laurel describes the pain, anger, and guilt she continues to feel after her husband committed suicide. Like Jake, he too was a vet but refused to deal with his PTSD-choosing to end his life instead. Abandoned and blamed for his death by his family, she also has to deal with their escalating harassment.
Jake’s pain is the result of the war. Hailed as a hero for wounds suffered in battle, he deals with PTSD, nightmares, and survivor’s guilt on a daily basis. It’s hard for him to accept his survival when his best friend who saved his life didn’t make it home. He too has his to deal with harassment from a local resident.
Watching this little group grow gradually into a family is delightful to watch. Sala does a wonderful job of developing the relationship while keeping this couple true to themselves. Their problems aren’t miraculously resolved once they acknowledge their feeling for one another. Nothing felt manipulated or forced. I found Bonnie amusing and realistic in narrative and actions. She’s not used as a plot device and is more than able to carry her own weight in the storyline. Her pet invoked some feelings of nostalgia in me as my daughter also had a pet chicken as a child.
Fans of Sharon Sala and small towns bursting with heart are sure to enjoy this latest installment that brings two deserving people a second chance at life and love.
RATING: B
Favorite Quote: “He made falling in love so easy.”
Sharon Sala takes us back to the small town of Blessing, Georgia in her third installment with a sweet and heartwarming story of second chances when a war weary soldier comes home to heal and falls for a young widow and her adorable little girl.
I love small town romances and Saving Jake hits all the right notes. Small towns are notorious for being nosy, unforgiving, gossipy, while being filled with an overabundance of love and compassion. Everyone knows everyone’s business and what happened in past is viewed as if it just happened yesterday. In here, Sala builds an ambiguous tale of love, loss, redemption, and forgiveness with some humor, passion, and emotional angst.
This story engages from page one, flowing smoothly and evenly as Sala sets the tone and scene. Strong characterization, engaging narrative, and a compelling storyline is deeply rooted in humor and sorrow. There is a strong inspirational tone that 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 celebrate during the good times.
I loved meeting Jake, Laurel, and of course, Bonnie. All of them are sweet, sensitive, and kind people who despite their tragic circumstances in life, remain strong and relatively cheerful. Though the relationship starts out somewhat antagonistic, neither are sure if they are ready for friendship much less a romance, watching Jake and Laurel grow beyond their pain and sorrow. Each of them finding the courage to not only go on with their lives after tragedy struck but to learn to reach out to one another despite their fears was heart warming.
Using dual narratives, Sala does an excellent job of getting us into their heads and showing us the deep wounds that need healing in order to move forward. Your heart will definitely hurt as Laurel describes the pain, anger, and guilt she continues to feel after her husband committed suicide. Like Jake, he too was a vet but refused to deal with his PTSD-choosing to end his life instead. Abandoned and blamed for his death by his family, she also has to deal with their escalating harassment.
Jake’s pain is the result of the war. Hailed as a hero for wounds suffered in battle, he deals with PTSD, nightmares, and survivor’s guilt on a daily basis. It’s hard for him to accept his survival when his best friend who saved his life didn’t make it home. He too has his to deal with harassment from a local resident.
Watching this little group grow gradually into a family is delightful to watch. Sala does a wonderful job of developing the relationship while keeping this couple true to themselves. Their problems aren’t miraculously resolved once they acknowledge their feeling for one another. Nothing felt manipulated or forced. I found Bonnie amusing and realistic in narrative and actions. She’s not used as a plot device and is more than able to carry her own weight in the storyline. Her pet invoked some feelings of nostalgia in me as my daughter also had a pet chicken as a child.
Fans of Sharon Sala and small towns bursting with heart are sure to enjoy this latest installment that brings two deserving people a second chance at life and love.
RATING: B
September 26, 2016
“She was his sunrise.”
Being back in Blessings, Georgia is like reading your favorite book while drinking hot cocoa next to a nice going fireplace.
If I had to describe this series, I would say heartwarming with a touch of faith. The main characters are always likable and you want them to be happy.
Jacob Lorde is a marine who's coming back home to Blessings after he was injured on his last tour. He survived but he was left with a limp, scars and he's suffering from PTSD. His father is recently deceased and Jake has decided to move into his house and fix it up. He's thankful when Laurel offers to give him a ride home instead of walking home.
Laurel Payne is a widow. Her husband Adam was a soldier too but he committed suicide, leaving Laurel and their daughter Bonnie alone. Laurel has worked hard to keep a roof over their heads with no help from his in-laws. When she sees Jacob, she is willing to give him a lift to his house but falling for another soldier is not what she wants. On the other hand, Bonnie takes a liking to him right away.
“Honey, it’s okay to be afraid of something, but facing it anyway because you have to…that’s what it means to be brave.”
In a way, their loneliness and Bonnie bring them together. Of course, there is someone who's not too happy about Jake coming back home. He wants to make Jake suffer. But, Jack is ready to protect what he cares for.
“She imagined him wounded and bloody—like Adam had been bloody, except Adam had wanted to die and Jake had obviously fought hard to live.”
Saving Jake was another sweet story by Sharon Sala. Laurel was a good mom, a very hard worker. She liked Jake but she was trying to protect herself from more heartache.
Jake was a great man. It was easy to fall for him. The poor guy had a tough time dealing with his time in combat. He was readjusting to the small town life. I loved how he was with Bonnie and how much he cared for her and for Laurel.
One of the things I like the most about this series is how the whole town has a way of coming together to help the people who need it the most.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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October 4, 2017
Another sweet and quiet story. I liked the multiple povs since they make a this very simple story move at a nice steady pace. The mature characters (20s or 30s?) were more complex than the MCs of the previous book. Their stories were each heartbreaking in different ways and their struggles were compelling. Utterly devoid of any OP drama, I liked that the MCs were really all about each other, once they both figured out what they wanted, that is. There was no mention of previous sexual history and the H really didn't seem like a manho, reformed or otherwise, and that was a huge plus.
As much as I enjoyed this book, the same downfalls of the first story were present in this one as well. For one thing, there was so much drama. Thank goodness it wasn't OP drama at least. But seriously, so many bad things happen. And they all happen in dramatic fashion. The MCs also fell in love very quickly. I'm not sure how much time passes, but it seemed like a couple of weeks. I could be wrong, but it just seemed fast. It wasn't instalove but just about. It was also very sappy toward the end of the book, but I could let that slide after all the drama the MCs endured during the course of this book.
I would still recommend this book to anyone who likes nice and comfortable reads.
Safety
As much as I enjoyed this book, the same downfalls of the first story were present in this one as well. For one thing, there was so much drama. Thank goodness it wasn't OP drama at least. But seriously, so many bad things happen. And they all happen in dramatic fashion. The MCs also fell in love very quickly. I'm not sure how much time passes, but it seemed like a couple of weeks. I could be wrong, but it just seemed fast. It wasn't instalove but just about. It was also very sappy toward the end of the book, but I could let that slide after all the drama the MCs endured during the course of this book.
I would still recommend this book to anyone who likes nice and comfortable reads.
Safety
February 4, 2019
Bordering on a little too cozy-small-town-sweet for my taste. But I liked the sprawling, multiple POVs of the various characters in town and the little glimpses into all the lives. Pleasant, unobjectionable way to spend listening.
March 17, 2020
Jacob comes home from the marines with PSTD. Laurel a single parent saw the same thing with her late husband before he killed himself. While they are attracted to each other both have reasons not to get involved. A man Jacob testified against is in town looking to hurt Jacob or his girlfriend Laurel, several different sidelines add to the story.
May 12, 2020
Saving Jake is another really good one in the Blessings, Georgia series. I loved both Jake and Laurel, and enjoyed reading about their developing relationship. It was great to see the other characters from Blessings as well!
October 9, 2016
I've read several books in this series and have really come to love the little town of Blessings. The residents are mostly friendly (have to have some "bad" characters), go out of their way to help each other, and even fall in love with each other.
This book throws together Jake Lorde, former military suffering from PTSD, and Laurel Payne, widow & mother that has had a hard time herself the past few years. While they may not seem like a likely couple, there is something that attracts the other to them. And while their relationship seems to blossom overnight, it isn't easy and they each had some things to overcome.
I liked Jake's protective side because that really helps both of them out. And Laurel, while ostracized from her in-laws after his death, manages to overcome and survive without their support. I felt like all of the characters were down to earth and the book has some sad situations but a happy ending.
Can't wait to see what is next for the town of Blessings. I have an idea, but we'll see if that is the next story or a future one.
This book throws together Jake Lorde, former military suffering from PTSD, and Laurel Payne, widow & mother that has had a hard time herself the past few years. While they may not seem like a likely couple, there is something that attracts the other to them. And while their relationship seems to blossom overnight, it isn't easy and they each had some things to overcome.
I liked Jake's protective side because that really helps both of them out. And Laurel, while ostracized from her in-laws after his death, manages to overcome and survive without their support. I felt like all of the characters were down to earth and the book has some sad situations but a happy ending.
Can't wait to see what is next for the town of Blessings. I have an idea, but we'll see if that is the next story or a future one.
October 30, 2016
I love Sharon Sala’s books. In this one, Jake Lord comes home from serving his country, a scarred and traumatized man. He hasn’t been in Blessings since his father’s funeral, and now, after almost a year in hospitals healing his physical injuries, he’s looking for some mental peace moving into his now empty childhood home.
Laurel Payne had suffered her own share of horror and grief. Her husband came home from the war a changed man with PTSD. Shortly after, he committed suicide. Widowed, with no help from his judgmental family, Laurel now works tirelessly to provide for her young daughter.
This heart-warming story is filled with great secondary characters, especially Laurel’s daughter, Bonnie, a real charmer. Although the title is Saving Jake, these two, damaged people work hard to save each other, and in doing so, may manage to save themselves. Enjoy!
Laurel Payne had suffered her own share of horror and grief. Her husband came home from the war a changed man with PTSD. Shortly after, he committed suicide. Widowed, with no help from his judgmental family, Laurel now works tirelessly to provide for her young daughter.
This heart-warming story is filled with great secondary characters, especially Laurel’s daughter, Bonnie, a real charmer. Although the title is Saving Jake, these two, damaged people work hard to save each other, and in doing so, may manage to save themselves. Enjoy!
September 28, 2016
Resilience. We all have this quality embedded within. The ability to weather the bruises life throws our way without caving in. Jake returns to civilization a changed man. His body may have healed but his mind is slow on the uptake. The turmoil of his experience has left him broken and guilt-ridden. Heartbreaking images are on a continuous reel in his head. Traumatized he becomes a loner with nothing for company but his painful memories. Until Laurel sets her mind to bringing him out of his dark cocoon and into the light. Blessings is an apropo name for a place where the people care and miracles happy. Ms. Sala writes from the heart and that's why her stories are so appealing for me. Saving Jake is about conquering the past and rebuilding the path to the future.
November 11, 2017
Many Blessings
Sharon Sala's Blessings, Georgia series just keeps getting better and better! War hero Jake Lorde has returned home to Blessings. Laurel Payne has her hands full raising her young daughter and trying to keep them going after her husband committed suicide. She definitely doesn't want to be drawn in by another military man with problems. This is a great book with lots of interesting things.
Sharon Sala's Blessings, Georgia series just keeps getting better and better! War hero Jake Lorde has returned home to Blessings. Laurel Payne has her hands full raising her young daughter and trying to keep them going after her husband committed suicide. She definitely doesn't want to be drawn in by another military man with problems. This is a great book with lots of interesting things.
October 6, 2018
A quick entertaining read. Good small town novel.
August 18, 2020
Loved it & love Sharon Sala
October 17, 2016
I just didn't get how the h/h fell in love. I didn't feel there was enough interaction to even get them to barley like each other much less love each other. I do love the town though and glad we got at least hints of the last couple. Don't know what happened to Johnny and his brothers...didn't see them.
May 12, 2017
Lovely story
This story was one that touched my heart completely. At times it made me giggle like Bonnie in the book did. Other times I cried just like Laurel when she thought she had lost the only one left in her life that had meaning, her daughter Bonnie. Jake is a man I would be honored to know as all the brave soldiers that have come home with nightmares and PTSD. I loved this story and recommend it to anyone needs a soul-searching tale to renew our faith.
Thank you Sharon Sala for the pleasure you bring to us in your books.
This story was one that touched my heart completely. At times it made me giggle like Bonnie in the book did. Other times I cried just like Laurel when she thought she had lost the only one left in her life that had meaning, her daughter Bonnie. Jake is a man I would be honored to know as all the brave soldiers that have come home with nightmares and PTSD. I loved this story and recommend it to anyone needs a soul-searching tale to renew our faith.
Thank you Sharon Sala for the pleasure you bring to us in your books.
March 9, 2017
A sweet, nay, saccharine romance. The hero and heroine were nice enough. Both with enough flaws and troubles to keep it interesting and their romance grew slowly and naturely. The kid was cute without being too annoying.
The problem I have was there was so many totally unnecessary scenes. It really felt like there was a word count goal and scenes were added just to reach that goal. They didn't further the plot, they didn't enhance my understanding of the characters.
The "bad guys" should have just tattooed "Bad Guy" on their foreheads and be done with it -- the descriptions of them was so over the top and so often completely unnecessary.
It could have been so good with about 75 to 100 fewer pages pages.
The problem I have was there was so many totally unnecessary scenes. It really felt like there was a word count goal and scenes were added just to reach that goal. They didn't further the plot, they didn't enhance my understanding of the characters.
The "bad guys" should have just tattooed "Bad Guy" on their foreheads and be done with it -- the descriptions of them was so over the top and so often completely unnecessary.
It could have been so good with about 75 to 100 fewer pages pages.
August 31, 2019
I am enjoying this series. And book #3 was no exception. However, there is one small detail that is so wrong, I’ve laughed out loud. The fictional town of Blessings in about an hour, at most, from my home town, Statesboro. There are NO mountains. Barely even a hill. The land is flat and sandy. Now if it took place in north Georgia, where the topography is much different, but Blessings is one hour south of Savannah.
Other than that, I love the series and love how Ruby Dye ties it all together.
Other than that, I love the series and love how Ruby Dye ties it all together.
October 4, 2016
I’ve read plenty of stories featuring returning military men who just want to be left alone, and Jacob Lorde is typical of many. Years in the Marines have left him with one desire: going home to Blessings, to an empty house, and just stay there to deal with his own demons. But, sometimes the refuge you think you need isn’t what you really wanted, or needed at all.
Laurel is Jake’s next door neighbor, and she instantly recognizes the haunted looks and knows the troubled soul beneath the pretty shell. Dealing with her own version of PTSD, Laurel’s husband returned battered, bruised and broken, only to inflict his pain on her when he took his life, leaving her with a young daughter and his family full of hurt and blame for her.
These two have a wonderful balance: neither wants to risk developing feelings, but their relationship develops despite their self-protective walls. Adding to the softness and gentling that both need is Bonnie, Laurel’s daughter and her own childish sweetness that demands protection, adoration and attention. Slowly the two manage to lay some old demons to rest as they work through their own new realities, and find a way to walk in more sunshine than shadow.
Wonderfully playing the guilt, grief, fears and struggles with PTSD from both sides, Sala paces the romance gently, as Laurel and Jake come to appreciate and rely on one another. A gradual couplehood is built, with gentle reaffirmation and acceptance from the people of Blessings, as well as an oft-defeated antagonist, bent on hurting Jake’s reputation, and his repeated failures.
When you add in the fall events, school dress-up parades, the chatter from the ladies of the Curl Up and Dye, and a general feeling of caring so present in the town, this story is full of what you want in a romance.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
Laurel is Jake’s next door neighbor, and she instantly recognizes the haunted looks and knows the troubled soul beneath the pretty shell. Dealing with her own version of PTSD, Laurel’s husband returned battered, bruised and broken, only to inflict his pain on her when he took his life, leaving her with a young daughter and his family full of hurt and blame for her.
These two have a wonderful balance: neither wants to risk developing feelings, but their relationship develops despite their self-protective walls. Adding to the softness and gentling that both need is Bonnie, Laurel’s daughter and her own childish sweetness that demands protection, adoration and attention. Slowly the two manage to lay some old demons to rest as they work through their own new realities, and find a way to walk in more sunshine than shadow.
Wonderfully playing the guilt, grief, fears and struggles with PTSD from both sides, Sala paces the romance gently, as Laurel and Jake come to appreciate and rely on one another. A gradual couplehood is built, with gentle reaffirmation and acceptance from the people of Blessings, as well as an oft-defeated antagonist, bent on hurting Jake’s reputation, and his repeated failures.
When you add in the fall events, school dress-up parades, the chatter from the ladies of the Curl Up and Dye, and a general feeling of caring so present in the town, this story is full of what you want in a romance.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
June 28, 2020
I found this series on hoopla in audiobook and as I also had the ebooks on my tablet, I decided to do a read/listen of this one and see if I enjoyed it. Well, Blessings, Georgia is the place to go for feel good stories of community, friendship, family and romance. Even though Saving Jake is the third book in the series, I had no problems with the story and am confident in saying that these books can be read as standalones. The audiobooks were narrated by Amy Rubinate. I am not sure how I have never listened to her perform an audiobook because she has over 140 under her belt and received many awards. I really enjoyed her narration of the three I have listened to so far. She has great expression and uses her inflection and intonation to differentiate the many female voices. Her male voices are also well done. Her pacing was right on and I am thoroughly enjoying this series.
Jake Lorde has returned to Blessings after being injured in battle. He was awarded the Purple Heart, but he does not feel like a hero. One of the first people he sees when he arrives home is Laurel Payne. It turns out she is his neighbour. Laurel understands what Jake is going through as her marine husband committed suicide after returning home. Laurel and her young daughter quickly develop a friendship with Jake, but when Laurel needs his help, her is always there for her.
I really enjoyed this story. Laurel and Jake were wonderful characters and Laurel's daughter Bonnie was a delight. I always love when children play a big role in a story. The town of Blessings is a character in itself. Jake has a past here that he will have to deal with in order to be happy. He also has friends and people who care about him, so it evens out. Laurel is dealing with her dead husband's family who blame her for his suicide and they also cause some angst. As Jake and Laurel work together to sort out some problems and deal with an emergency that could have been devastating, they become closer to one another and eventually fall in love. It does not go smoothly, but I knew it would eventually arrive at a happily ever after. I very much enjoyed the ride getting there.
Jake Lorde has returned to Blessings after being injured in battle. He was awarded the Purple Heart, but he does not feel like a hero. One of the first people he sees when he arrives home is Laurel Payne. It turns out she is his neighbour. Laurel understands what Jake is going through as her marine husband committed suicide after returning home. Laurel and her young daughter quickly develop a friendship with Jake, but when Laurel needs his help, her is always there for her.
I really enjoyed this story. Laurel and Jake were wonderful characters and Laurel's daughter Bonnie was a delight. I always love when children play a big role in a story. The town of Blessings is a character in itself. Jake has a past here that he will have to deal with in order to be happy. He also has friends and people who care about him, so it evens out. Laurel is dealing with her dead husband's family who blame her for his suicide and they also cause some angst. As Jake and Laurel work together to sort out some problems and deal with an emergency that could have been devastating, they become closer to one another and eventually fall in love. It does not go smoothly, but I knew it would eventually arrive at a happily ever after. I very much enjoyed the ride getting there.
October 18, 2016
I love Sharon Sala’s Blessings, GA stories. We are taken to a place where love is true and villains get their due.
Jake has been to war in Afghanistan and returned home injured, scarred, suffering from PTSD, and alone. His Purple Heart is more of an insult than an award to him. His scars are something to hide. He has returned to his father’s home after burying his dad, but doesn’t really plan to stay there, at least initially. Then he reintroduces himself to the town and neighbors he has always known and his plans change. When Jake was a teenager he witnessed a crime and testified in court, sending the town bully to prison. This man has harbored hatred and vowed revenge, but Jake is not the same man he was before he became a Marine.
Laurel is a widow with a young daughter Bonnie (who threatens to steal the show throughout the book). Her husband committed suicide, an event that was gruesome in a way that Laurel seldom speaks of and caused his family to blame her and sever ties with Laurel and Bonnie. Laurel is also Jake’s neighbor. The three of them gradually form a bond that becomes more than friendship and neighborliness. When Laurel’s former in-laws come calling it is not with good intentions and can only be resolved with Laurel’s independent and outspoken efforts.
A good man and a good woman plus a sweet child make a love story that moves from strangers to friends to lovers in a slow paced novel. I just ate it up like a bowl of homemade ice cream. I do adore Sharon Sala’s style of writing and the characters that come to life at her calling. She also creates an environment that is lush and flourishes with secondary characters who support the story, even the villains. I treasure each and every opportunity to visit Blessings, GA, and get to know more residents. This is a book worth reading and keeping to reread just for the good feelings that develops as the pages turn. A wonderful story I highly recommend.
Jake has been to war in Afghanistan and returned home injured, scarred, suffering from PTSD, and alone. His Purple Heart is more of an insult than an award to him. His scars are something to hide. He has returned to his father’s home after burying his dad, but doesn’t really plan to stay there, at least initially. Then he reintroduces himself to the town and neighbors he has always known and his plans change. When Jake was a teenager he witnessed a crime and testified in court, sending the town bully to prison. This man has harbored hatred and vowed revenge, but Jake is not the same man he was before he became a Marine.
Laurel is a widow with a young daughter Bonnie (who threatens to steal the show throughout the book). Her husband committed suicide, an event that was gruesome in a way that Laurel seldom speaks of and caused his family to blame her and sever ties with Laurel and Bonnie. Laurel is also Jake’s neighbor. The three of them gradually form a bond that becomes more than friendship and neighborliness. When Laurel’s former in-laws come calling it is not with good intentions and can only be resolved with Laurel’s independent and outspoken efforts.
A good man and a good woman plus a sweet child make a love story that moves from strangers to friends to lovers in a slow paced novel. I just ate it up like a bowl of homemade ice cream. I do adore Sharon Sala’s style of writing and the characters that come to life at her calling. She also creates an environment that is lush and flourishes with secondary characters who support the story, even the villains. I treasure each and every opportunity to visit Blessings, GA, and get to know more residents. This is a book worth reading and keeping to reread just for the good feelings that develops as the pages turn. A wonderful story I highly recommend.
October 7, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a beautiful story. We learn early on that Jake and Laurel have had their share of difficulties in life. Jake has just returned home from war having been injured and Laurel is a widow raising a child on her own. Unfortunately for Laurel and Jake there are still trials ahead.
Jake and Laurel are neighbours and life keeps putting them together. Jake proves to be a good neighbour to have, helping Laurel out when she is in a bind. Their feelings and romance take time to develop and nothing is hurried. It feels natural.
In the background there are a few not so nice things happening. The family of Laurel's late husband blame her for his death and are harassing her. While a man from Jake's past that he help put in jail is planning revenge.
We get to see the various story lines come together through the eyes of not only our couple but various residents of the town. A theme of karma and good triumphing over evil is woven into Saving Jake that gives it a lovely wholesomeness that I found comforting.
There is a warmth and sense of community in the town of Blessings. From the very end of the story we get a hint of the next book in the series. I look forward to visiting Blessings again.
This is a beautiful story. We learn early on that Jake and Laurel have had their share of difficulties in life. Jake has just returned home from war having been injured and Laurel is a widow raising a child on her own. Unfortunately for Laurel and Jake there are still trials ahead.
Jake and Laurel are neighbours and life keeps putting them together. Jake proves to be a good neighbour to have, helping Laurel out when she is in a bind. Their feelings and romance take time to develop and nothing is hurried. It feels natural.
In the background there are a few not so nice things happening. The family of Laurel's late husband blame her for his death and are harassing her. While a man from Jake's past that he help put in jail is planning revenge.
We get to see the various story lines come together through the eyes of not only our couple but various residents of the town. A theme of karma and good triumphing over evil is woven into Saving Jake that gives it a lovely wholesomeness that I found comforting.
There is a warmth and sense of community in the town of Blessings. From the very end of the story we get a hint of the next book in the series. I look forward to visiting Blessings again.
October 23, 2016
Sharon Sala's newest novel in her Blessings, Georgia Series, Saving Jake, is eloquently written. Ms. Sala has an extraordinary way of engaging her readers from the very 1st line until the final sentence. She's been a favorite of mine since I read her wonderful book, King's Ransom.
In Saving Jake she deals with a very real topic, returning home from war and trying to transition back into the civilian life. Blessings, Georgia with its truly close family residence, is definitely a great town to try and recoup ones old life. Ms. Sala also addresses several other really important issues that families face. It's an amazing book, I don't know of a single person who could not relate or be engulfed in this book. Real life lessons are taught, addressed, & dealt with in this phenomenal book. Life without end, Amen. Love knows, no boundaries. A perfect books to share with the ones you love most.
June 11, 2023
Another great story. Another peek into another family in Blessings. The romance moves quickly I have noticed in the last two books but considering the trauma in the lives of both couples in this book and the previous one, it feels right with the stories.
I saw a couple of stories evolving in this book for future stories and I am looking forward to finding out how those unwind. The couple from book one are common back story characters in both books following their story along with the crew from the Curl Up and Dye and Granny's restaurant and the town lawyer and law enforcement.
There is always a character to not like to well at all it seems but in this one there were some that you don't like to well that redeem themselves by the end and that was nice to see.
I don't know what it is about this town and its characters but it really draws you in and you get attached to these people and feel their joy and pain. I really enjoy them and recommend them.
I saw a couple of stories evolving in this book for future stories and I am looking forward to finding out how those unwind. The couple from book one are common back story characters in both books following their story along with the crew from the Curl Up and Dye and Granny's restaurant and the town lawyer and law enforcement.
There is always a character to not like to well at all it seems but in this one there were some that you don't like to well that redeem themselves by the end and that was nice to see.
I don't know what it is about this town and its characters but it really draws you in and you get attached to these people and feel their joy and pain. I really enjoy them and recommend them.
June 14, 2020
Boring
This was a miss for me. I really liked the story between Jake and Laurel. Bonnie was great too. However the author continues her habit of giving too little attention to them. We get way too much useless story about everyone else. The villain in this story is so cartoonish that I kept picturing him as one of the 3 stooges. Also the bit about her in laws felt clunky and didn't really add anything. Would have loved for the story to be more focused on Jake and Laurel falling for each other. It was slow moving between them and then suddenly they were in love and it kind of came out of nowhere. Overall it was really just boring because it didn't have the heat or the sense of danger that the previous books in the series had.
This was a miss for me. I really liked the story between Jake and Laurel. Bonnie was great too. However the author continues her habit of giving too little attention to them. We get way too much useless story about everyone else. The villain in this story is so cartoonish that I kept picturing him as one of the 3 stooges. Also the bit about her in laws felt clunky and didn't really add anything. Would have loved for the story to be more focused on Jake and Laurel falling for each other. It was slow moving between them and then suddenly they were in love and it kind of came out of nowhere. Overall it was really just boring because it didn't have the heat or the sense of danger that the previous books in the series had.
July 5, 2017
This book was an alright romance. My only compliant is that the H/H spent half the book being friendly neighbours and being wary of each other, but then they sleep together and suddenly they're planning a future together and saying they are in love. I think there should have been a little more internal conflict after their relationship began. Especially since the heroine had been very against dating a former solider and the hero was still dealing with issues of PTSD.
September 14, 2016
Review to follow.
March 16, 2017
There are many stories about our wounded Soldiers suffering from PTSD due to the horrors of war. What often is forgotten are the families of these suffering heroes who are affected as well. What this story has done was taken both one returning hero and a woman and her daughter who were left behind when a husband/father couldn't take the memories of war any longer. The author has done a remarkable job of bringing to life how a small town can envelope its emotionally hurt and suffering people to help them heal.
The characters were so well written that they made you feel...the tears broke free so many times because of Jake's suffering...not just for himself, but his lost brothers in arms. Just how much the people of Blessings suffered themselves for Jake, Laurel and Bonnie was heart aching. The care that was taken to create a perfect counterpoint to Jake's suffering with Laurel and Bonnie who needed healing as well, came through in the tender moments shared between Jake and Bonnie (nothing compared to Jake giving Brave Bear to Bonnie). How they helped each other heal was one of the most beautifully written parts of the story. The small town aspects, as well as the suspenseful elements all played together to create a very memorable story.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
The characters were so well written that they made you feel...the tears broke free so many times because of Jake's suffering...not just for himself, but his lost brothers in arms. Just how much the people of Blessings suffered themselves for Jake, Laurel and Bonnie was heart aching. The care that was taken to create a perfect counterpoint to Jake's suffering with Laurel and Bonnie who needed healing as well, came through in the tender moments shared between Jake and Bonnie (nothing compared to Jake giving Brave Bear to Bonnie). How they helped each other heal was one of the most beautifully written parts of the story. The small town aspects, as well as the suspenseful elements all played together to create a very memorable story.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
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June 28, 2023This is the #3 book in the Blessings, Georgia series. It doesn't really what order you read them in, except perhaps the first and last one. Each is about a separate group of people who live in Blessings, Georgia. People there seem nice and neighborly, and help each other in time of need.
The main characters are Jacob Lorde, Laurel Payne, and her 6 year old daughter, Bonnie.
Jacob was coming home from 8 years in the Marines. "He needed a place to heal and Blessings, Georgia, the place where he grew up, was calling him." His father had died and left him his house, so he had a place to settle into. He was suffering from PTSD and just wanted to be left alone.
Laurel Payne lived in a trailer down from Jacob, with her daughter. Laurel was also suffering from PTSD in a different way. She cleaned houses to make a living for her and her daughter. She had a "pain" in her head. She had been married to Adam Payne who come home from the Army much like Jacob had. The difference was one day she came home to see, "the blood splatter on the wall, the blood soaked bed and bedclothes, and the pool of blood on the floor beside her horseshoes." Adam had committed suicide with no explanation. He had been suffering from PTSD as well.
Truman Slade was also a major player, who had a terrible hate for Jacob. This hate runs throughout the story.
A great book that is hard to put down.
The main characters are Jacob Lorde, Laurel Payne, and her 6 year old daughter, Bonnie.
Jacob was coming home from 8 years in the Marines. "He needed a place to heal and Blessings, Georgia, the place where he grew up, was calling him." His father had died and left him his house, so he had a place to settle into. He was suffering from PTSD and just wanted to be left alone.
Laurel Payne lived in a trailer down from Jacob, with her daughter. Laurel was also suffering from PTSD in a different way. She cleaned houses to make a living for her and her daughter. She had a "pain" in her head. She had been married to Adam Payne who come home from the Army much like Jacob had. The difference was one day she came home to see, "the blood splatter on the wall, the blood soaked bed and bedclothes, and the pool of blood on the floor beside her horseshoes." Adam had committed suicide with no explanation. He had been suffering from PTSD as well.
Truman Slade was also a major player, who had a terrible hate for Jacob. This hate runs throughout the story.
A great book that is hard to put down.
February 8, 2018
This is another great story in the Blessings, Ga, series, and Sala continues to entertain with a sweet, timely story of a young Iraq soldier returning to his small hometown seeking hope and healing. Jake Lorde experienced all the horrors of war and returned with both physical and emotional scars. His beloved parents have died, but Lorde hopes the quiet and solitude, plus physical labor of returning the family's farm to working order, will help him forget the terrible days in the desert. Jake is surprised to find his nearest neighbor is the widow of another Iraq war veteran. Laurel's husband returned home with no external injuries but committed suicide after sinking into a deep depression, leaving Laurel to raise their daughter Bonnie alone. Although they are both certain that a relationship will do nothing to improve their situations, they soon find they need each other in ways they didn't even know. Long-standing family feuds and an ex-con bent on revenge complicate matters along the way, but love prevails and once again, Sala provides a perfect happy ending.
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