The Town That Came A-Courtin'

by Ronda Rich

Leaving behind the professional disappointments and romantic upheaval that marked her existence in her hometown of Dexter, Georgia, Abby Houston finds success as a best-selling author and personal, warm-hearted acceptance from the quirky characters who inhabit Bliss, Mississippi. By the author of What Southern Women Know. A first novel. Reprint. 35,000 first printing.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Southern

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Ronda Rich, an eleventh-generation Southerner, is the bestselling author of What Southern Women Know (That Every Woman Should) and a popular national columnist. She speaks with Southern charm and humor at over a hundred events each year. She has appeared on dozens of television and radio shows. Ronda and her dachshund, Dixie Dew, make their home among the red clay hills of her native homeland.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Mary Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some folks think Abby Houston is the luckiest woman alive. The fiery Georgia redhead has vaulted from obit writer to best-selling author. Indeed, she is fortune's favorite except when it comes to love.
Any finally meets her match-and matchmakers- when she stumbles upon a Mississippi town called Bliss. These quirky, kindly townsfolk aren't about to let Abby leave without liven her heart and Bliss in her soul.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely funny. I laughed so hard. This is an amazing story

[Angela Gillooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute and fun read.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light southern charmer with characters you will enjoy meeting. Quick easy read

[Sherry Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book.

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very predictable

[Renee Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good love story with humor and some twists. No unnecessary filth that you find in many nowadays. Quick, engaging read.

[Kona · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was SO hard for me to get through. I was bored most of the time and skimmed through the last three chapters. Not a fan of the southern-bellesque style writing.

[Laurie Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby visits Bliss Mississippi and her life is changed forever. I love the parts when both people got second thoughts but eventually ended up together. Very light and refreshing read.

[Carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is certainly not one of the best books I've ever read, but it's a perky little story full of delightful anecdotes. If you're looking for an easy read with simple southern charm, romance, humour, and a little bit of drama, then introduce yourself to Ms. Abby Houston, a protagonist whom you can't help but love. In her own words, she is a “storyteller, a simple creature graced with the DNA that permeates the bloodlines of most people born in the Deep South…nothing special, no different than most of my kinfolk, who can hold your attention with a spellbinding account of their trip down the driveway to the mailbox.” And that pretty much sums up the reason that Abby’s experience in a practically perfect little town called Bliss, Mississippi is fun to read about. Although the end of the book is ridiculously melodramatic, I found the rest of it simply adorable!

[Stacie Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was outside my normal reading. It was quirky story that was an entertaining read. If there are stereotypes in the South, this book had them. Now I don’t think the author really meant to put them in there, but I got the feeling she was writing what she knows, namely Deep Southern small towns. I have lived in small towns for most of my life, so it was entertaining to read about a different type of culture than what I am used to. With a kidnapping and a town matchmaking, I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a light read.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by a local N. GA author. The whole premise is based on a true story that the author experienced where a whole town kept telling her "you need to meet our mayor - he needs a wife." So funny! A really enjoyable read. Anyone who likes a good Southern story or a little quirky romance should read this book.

[Lori Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I learned that every person has a story, if you'll just take the time to dig down and find it." ... "Sometimes you find those people and those stories in the darkest places. But always, you just have to slow down and take the time to see it." p. 43

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book in condensed form. I thought it was okay, but kind of silly. It was based partly on an experience the author had, but I felt like everything happened too fast in the book and seemed too cheesy.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a number of places that had me laughing. I related far too well with the character's troubles with her mother. The pace was good. A number of the characters reminded of people I knew. Poor Elmer - I almost cried.

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book! Glad Cindy picked this up by accident. If you want a fun quick read, (I read it in a day!) grab this book. You'll fall in love with these characters (yes, even Mama)and learn some insights along the way. Recommended.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable story by a local writer! I loved her column in the paper so I decided to read this book. I found it as cute, sweet, and as southern as her articles. I'm looking forward to reading some of her non-fiction books too!

[Jodi Sykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! Having lived in the South for most of my life, Ronda Rich truly captured the "flavor" of Southerners perfectly. I have friends whose mother reminds me of Abby's Mama 110%! What a delightful read!

[KATY · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this when I first started working at the library on a recommendation from a patron. Note to self: not all patron recommendations should be followed.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Fast read.

[Ashley Bailey · Rating 1 out of 5]

HATED this book....i only read the first two chapters and was bored to death so i took it back to the library...it was just so slow ....

[Vickie Rinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

so much fun! laugh and cry at the same time. just fun

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I learned that every person has a story, if you'll just take the time to dig down and find it."

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

FUNNY - LIKED THE POINT OF VIEW - A SUCCESSFUL AUTHORESS... MY DREAM!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amusing little southern romance that absolutely delighted my mother. Although most of it is predictable, it does offer one off beat twist.

[Susan Phelan]

I enjoyed this.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pick this book up by accident and actually was pleasantly surprised. Another great summer read. 3.5 stars for making me feel good!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny read. Makes you want some high heels.

[Leslie Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of sappy and silly. I liked that it was a good clean book. I was surprised at the kidnapping, which gave it some excitement.

[Glenda L · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute good old-fashioned love story ... not a lot of substance, but entertaining. It is full of romance Southern style ... sweet and funny.