I'm having a hard time after reading this book because it's the last book in the Blessings, GA series. I've read all of the books and feel like I'm losing old friends. You can read this book as a stand alone book but I would recommend reading the series as you learn the back stories of the characters. Like all of the other books this one captures the warmth of the small town and all of the characters who live there.

What can I say, I will truly miss this warm touching heartbreaking with redemption series of Blessings, Georgia. As stated by the author this is the last in the series and let me say I feel like
Ms. Sala saved the best for last.
Seven year old Carlie Duroy has come to blessings with her mother from Arkansas. This is not a normal trip for them, Carlie's mom is dying and has left Ruby( We met her in Book 5) as Carlie's legal guardian.
So begins this tragedy of a young girl left all alone in the world who has to adjust to Ruby and her husband Peanut being her legal guardian. Sala takes us through the adjustment and the emotional turmoil of Carlie having to adjust to her new home and new adults she had not known before raising her. Get ready with tissues because there is a lot of sadness in this book but yet lots of overcoming and and gumption that is displayed by the youngest main character.The writing of Carlie and learning her inner thoughts of how she is coping just losing her mother. Her childlike thinking that maybe she will still have her mother somehow pulls at the readers heartstring. A very realistic look of a child who is coping with being an orphan but having gratitude that their is a loving couple waiting with baited breath to love her more than she ever thought she could be love by anyone other than her mother.
There is also a secondary story of second chance love of Ladd and Deborah. Two individuals who were each other first love when they were young. As Ladd went off to college he eventually moved on from Deborah. Years later they are both back in tongue after they each have lost a parent and somehow found they way back to each other. I am truly a sucker for second chance and this storyline truly pulled at the heartstrings. Another and final story from the beautiful series called Blessings.

THE BEST OF ME – Sharon Sala

Blessings, Georgia series

Sourcebooks Casablanca

ISBN: 978-17282-0620-2

April 26, 2022

Contemporary Fiction



Blessings, Georgia – Present Day



The town is filled with friendly people that help each other out. In the final book in the Blessings, Georgia series, we are involved in two storylines.



A little girl named Carlie arrives in town with her ill mother, only to lose her only parent when she dies in the lobby of the sheriff’s office. The letter in the paperwork the mother has says that she knew she was dying and wanted Carlie to be raised by Ruby Butterman. Ruby and her husband, Peanut, immediately take Carlie into their home. It’s a big adjustment for all, but this little group will soon become a family.



Deborah is out walking on her parents’ property when she spots their neighbor—and her old boyfriend—Ladd being chased by an angry bull. Ladd is thrown and injured by the raging bull, and after she chases away the bull, loads the unconscious Ladd into his truck and takes him to the hospital. Ladd wakes up to find Deborah by his side, and he can barely contain his shock at seeing his old girlfriend. She turns out to be a big help as he is laid up for several weeks. The old feelings that they once had for each other reawaken.



Readers know that when they pick up a Blessings, Georgia novel by Sharon Sala that there will be plenty of goodwill and watching the characters learn to overcome the odds. THE BEST OF ME of me continues this theme with the storylines centering around Carlie, Ruby, Peanut, Deborah, and Ladd. The story opens with Carlie and her mother getting off the bus in Blessings and trying to find someone to help them. With a heart condition that is worsening by the minute, Carlie’s mother drops dead in the sheriff’s office lobby. Carlie had been told to expect her death, but the moment still leaves her stunned—and feeling alone. It’s up to Ruby and Peanut to comfort her and enfold her into their loving arms, which they do. There is a man who is interested in taking in Carlie, too, but he is only interested in the money that was left to the small child. How will he be involved in Carlie’s future?



Ladd had lost his father a year ago and is struggling to run the cattle ranch he inherited. Deborah, a veterinary, is only back in Blessings as her father fell ill and is currently in the nursing home. She is there to help her mother with the chores on their ranch and to help decide what to do with the property. Deborah and Ladd just drifted apart when they were younger, but with her back in town, they are soon falling in love again. Will they both get the answers to their questions—or help each other?



THE BEST OF ME is a feel-good tale that will warm your heart and give you faith in the good of mankind. Fall in love with Carlie and root for Deborah and Ladd to find love together. Don’t miss this enchanting tale.



Patti Fischer

What a way to end the Blessings series, Sharon Sala!! I loved the story of Ruby, Peanut and Carly. If anyone deserved a happy ending, it was them! The story of Deborah, Ladd, Maggie and even Nina, was touching and heartwarming. I am a sucker for second chance love!! I will miss this wonderful little town, filled with special people. I am thankful to Author Brenda Novak for introducing me to Sharon Sala and this delightful series!

I have been provided with a review copy of The Best of Me from NetGalley for an impartial review. This is the thirteenth book in Blessings, Georgia series and I just loved getting toreenter this world. I was just drawn into this wonderful story and I just couldn’t get enough of it. It was just so easy to get lost in this great story. I just didn’t want it to end. I just lost myself in and I just couldn’t get enough of these interesting characters. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

The book in Blessing series by Sharon Sala. The Buttermans, Ruby and Peanut, got a chance of a family. Ladd and Deborah get a second chance at love. Loss, hope, love, and friendship fuel this delightful read.
Even though it's the last book, you don't need to read the others to know of people in small town of Blessings, GA. It does make it easier but this is the first Blessings book I read and had no trouble following along. Can't wait to go back and read the entire series.

I've read tens of thousands of books in my lifetime, but I can't remember sobbing through most of any one of them, but Sharon Sala's, "The Best of Me," did just that. I already loved this series, cherishing each and every novel in it, but this one really hit me where I live, and I'd give it 10 stars if I could. If you've ever longed for a place where people were kind, thoughtful, appreciative of the little things in life, honest, helpful, and caring, I think you should start at the beginning and fall in love with this series and the people of Blessings, Georgia, exactly as I did--but keep your tissues handy because you're going to need them, especially in this last book of the the series that I wish would never end.

The central character in this novel is 7-almost 8-year-old Carlie Jo Duvoy, who's been taking care of her ailing mom for the past 2 years--a huge role for such a little girl. As the novel opens, Carlie and her mom arrive in Blessings by Greyhound bus, and manage to make it inside the police station where Carlie's mom breathes her last--sobbing starts on page 4, so tissue-time. Carlie's mom has prepared her as best she could for this sad ending to her life, but there's no way losing your mom at any age is ever easy. She has appointed Ruby Dye Butterman, a recurring character for whom she used to work, as Carlie's guardian. Ruby and her husband, Peanut Butterman, an attorney, are childless, and never thought they'd be parents, but with hearts as big as the ocean, they accept the role they've been given and quickly fall in love with this adorable little girl, just as I did.

Carlie is in a place she doesn't know, with people she doesn't know, but she finds her champion in Melvin Lee, a little boy who won my heart in an earlier novel, even when, as the new girl in school, Carlie gets bullied and injured. I've read many a novel with a young child at its central figure, but, with the possible exception of Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, none of them touched me more than Carlie, and for that I have to thank the author of this series, the amazing Sharon Sala, who has a heart as big as wide as the ocean, wisdom beyond her years, and a deep understanding of love and loss.

There's a second chance at love story in this novel as well, and some time to catch up with several of the wonderful characters we've met in previous novels, but Carlie's story is the one that really grabbed hold of my heart and wouldn't let go, and I think she will affect you in the same way. I know I will never forget her or this novel, and I cannot recommend this novel and this series highly enough.

Thank you, Sharon Sala. for the years of entertainment you've given me, for this series, which I'm sad to see end, and especially for this heartwarming and heartbreaking novel--in this grateful reader's opinion, it is the best of you.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of t his novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

What a wonderful book to end the Blessings, GA series!

I've read every one of these books, and they are all special in their own right. The author skillfully weaves residents of Blessings in and out of the stories, sometimes they are only in one book, sometimes in many. This book focused on beloved characters Ruby and Peanut, and some new people Deborah and Ladd, and Deborah's Mom and Aunt. We also meet Carlie Jo, a little girl who has experienced much more loss in her short lifetime than she should have had.

The story has endings and beginnings, sorrow and joy and hope for the future. I'm sad to see the series end, but am so very glad that it was written.

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

This is my first from Sharon Sala, and it’s safe to say it won’t be my last. This is book 13!!!! in this series. Honestly I’m amazed by that alone. Even though this is the first one I’ve read, it absolutely didn’t take away from the story. You will enjoy this one. And I’m looking forward to read more books from her.

Have tissues in hand! The first chapter is a tearjerker. Once again the story takes place in Blessings, GA and is said to be the final in the series, but what about the next generation? The characters are back from previous books, but can be read as a standalone. The focus is time is on the Butterman’s, Ruby is unaware that she has been made guardian of a sweet little girl. Her former employee, Shirley is dying and with the last of her strength takes her daughter to Blessings to inform Ruby of her guardianship. She makes it into the police station and dies in Carlie’s arms. No 8 year old child should have to go thru that. The story is of Carlie adjusting to her new life, working through her fears, trusting and learning to love total strangers.
As always there are other stories interwoven, growing up and 2nd chance love for high school sweethearts. Well done! Very moving storyline, a real page turner. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #TheBestofMe

Thanks NetGalley for the Arc of The Best of Me by Sharon Sala
I felt so fortunate to have received this book to read, Sharon Sala is one of my favorite authors
this is the first I read one of this series, what a great feel good story of love. I connected with the characters immediately and the story had my smiling and crying throughout. The novel follows a few story lines but easy to follow. such a refreshing change where the characters all do the right thing by one another.
Ruby is the main character, married to Peanut, and when she gets a visit from the local police to tell her that an old friend has passed away, she is even more surprised to find that her friend had a daughter who now needs to be taken care of. Ruby steps up to the challenge without hardly thinking about it, supported by her loving husband. this is such a heartfelt story of taking in and caring for someone in need
There is a 2nd story that underlies the first, Deborah, has been visiting her mother, her father has not been well and recently passed away, she had decided to move home and help her mother, she runs into Ladd, a childhood sweetheart, recently attacked by the neighbors bull. a lovely story of two sweethearts who re-find their love for each other.
I just loved reading this novel, heartwarming, feel good, positive, just what is needed during these crazy times

Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book. This is a great little series of books that I recently discovered. The books have wonderful little stories in them about regular everyday people dealing with everyday issues. This book is no exception. It was heartwarming to see Peanut and Ruby finally get the child they deserved although it was through tragic circumstances. It was also great to see two former lovers find their way back to each other after years of separation and find that their connection was still just as strong for one another. This book is apparently the last in the series. It is a heartwarming book that leaves you with all of the "feel goods" that a happy ever after book should leave you with. However before getting to the happy ever after be prepared to shed many tears. The feelings of loss and heartbreak in this book are poignantly portrayed and it was a fabulous way to conclude this series of books.

I have loved all of the Blessings, Georgia series, but this one really tugs at the heart.

Shirley Duroy arrives in Blessings, back to her roots, bringing her child, Carlie along. This isn't a visit, it's an end stop for Shirley, who hopes to have time to explain to Ruby Butterman her decision. Time doesn't wait, but Shirley was prepared and wrote it all down in a letter. Shirley definitely had good reasons for her choice.

Ruby and Peanut are unable to have children, but find themselves the new guardians of Carlie. Both of them welcome the eight-year-old with open arms. They shower her with attention and love. Carlie is still struggling with grief and worried if she isn't on her best behavior that Miss Ruby and Mr. Ruby will give her away.

Shirley isn't the only one back in town, Deborah Ryman, returned to help her mama with the farm. Her father had a stroke and didn't fully recover as they hoped. Across the way is Ladd Daltry, who had returned a year earlier to try to keep his family's farm running after his father's passing. Ladd and Deborah were once childhood sweethearts, and their paths are about to cross once more when Deborah happens to witness an attack on Ladd and comes to his rescue.

Two chance encounters by different families will change everyone's life for the better! I started reading this book in tears and finished reading it with happy tears! A little sad this is the final book in the series, but I can always revisit the townspeople, who have come to feel real by picking up one of their stories to read again!

I requested and received an ARC from NetGalley via SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

The Best of Me by Sharon Sala is the 13th 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.

I have loved every visit I have made to Blessings, GA. This time was no exception. What a great story. I felt so many emotions while reading this book. The folks in Blessings are so awesome. I just love them and the way they treat each other. There are a couple of storylines happening and the writing is done so well, they just keep flowing. I will miss going back to Blessings, but am so happy that I got to spend so much time there. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

I received an ARC from Netgalley. I'm not usually one for a huge series of books. I'm ok with trilogies but the Blessings, Georgia series has been the exception. This is the last one in the series and it was a touching and wonderful end. Ruby and Peanut finally get a child although in an unconventional way. I laughed and cried. I'm so happy I stuck with this series.

I was fascinated and enchanted by the story of little Carly Jo coming to Blessings and being adopted by Ruby and Peanut! That whole storyline was endearing and special. I didn’t like the abrupt change after the first few chapters into the storyline of Ladd and Debbie. I wasn’t sure who they were because I hadn’t read any of the other books in the series before. So if there was anything I would suggest you changed, it would be that the author make the transition between those two stories smoother.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The latest and final installment in the beloved Blessings, Georgia series, this book can be read as standalone. However, since it's the 13th book set in the small town, I am sure I missed quite a few of the "Easter eggs" peppered throughout when secondary characters popped up. It didn't take from my overall enjoyment of the book, though.

The story starts with a punch: little Carlie Duroy and her mom Shirley walk into the police station with the little girl hauling their suitcases and her mama desperately trying to breathe. To everyone's shock and surprise, Shelley passes away right there after she tells the chief to hand little Carlie to Ruby Dye, the local hair salon owner.

Ruby and her husband Peanut never had children is Carlie is an unexpected blessing, but they will have to navigate through the shock of this surprise (Ruby hadn't talked to Shirley since she left Blessings years ago) and the new challenges of instant parenthood. But like everything in this town, Carlie is a Blessing indeed. 

The book is filled with other secondary plots, including a sweet second chance romance between Ladd and Deborah, who were sweethearts as teens and now find their way to each other again; Shirley's co-worker, who she was afraid would go after Carlie for the money she'd get from her mother's life insurance, and so on.  They are fun stories, but it deviates from the main focus of the book a bit.

All in all it's a heartwarming read. It brings you all the charm of little southern town. Very sweet book and I and sad to hear it's the last one and we won't see Carlie and Melvin Lee grow up and fall in love. Their romance is screaming to be told, considering he's already half in love with her at the tender age of 9! 



Possible Triggers: death from heart failure on page; grief; bullying; a farming accidental involving a bull attacking a farmer on page

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.   Thank you, NetGalley, Sharon Sala and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC.

Thank you Sourcebooks for the ARC to read and review.

The Best of Me is about a little girl who loses her mother, but gains a new family. There is a side quiet romance between a Deborah and Ladd.

I was not familiar with the world Of Blessings, Ga. The author puts you in mind of Debbie Macomber.

This was much more a family drama than romance

Oh wow this book is brilliant
It made me cry my heart out in the first couple of chapters and then made me smile and by the end it made me feel warm inside.
Spoiler alert
It must have been so hard for ruby and peanut in the beginning with a greaving 7 nearly 8 year old but they did brilliantly.
I wish this wasn't the last book of the series as I want to know how debarah and Ladd get on if they make ago at making the herd bigger and if they have a family. If Marvin Lee and carly end up high school sweethearts.