New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sharon Sala brings you back to Blessings, Georgia
How often do you find a love like this?
Cathy Terry is tired of running. Full of fear and hope, she backpacked across the country to Blessings, Georgia, not knowing if or when her abusive ex-husband would catch up to her. In Blessings she glimpses a safe haven and the closest feeling to home she’s … to her. In Blessings she glimpses a safe haven and the closest feeling to home she’s had in a long time—even more so when she meets Duke Talbot. The sweet, strong, and handsome rancher provides a shoulder to lean on. The stakes get higher as the community embraces her and her relationship with Duke deepens—but can Cathy claim a new home and family before her past claims her?
Blessings, Georgia Series:
You and Only You (Book 1)
I’ll Stand by You (Book 2)
Saving Jake (Book 3)
A Piece of My Heart (Book 4)
The Color of Love (Book 5)
Come Back to Me (Book 6)
Forever My Hero (Book 7)
A Rainbow Above Us (Book 8)
The Way Back to You (Book 9)
Once in a Blue Moon (Book 10)
Praise for Sharon Sala’s Blessings, Georgia series:
“Sharon Sala’s Blessings, Georgia series is filled with unforgettable charm and delight!”—Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Sharon Sala is a consummate storyteller. Her skills shine in her Blessings, Georgia series. If you can stop reading then you’re a better woman than me.”—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
“There are not many authors who can write a story with such depth and emotion, but Sala excels and shines… Sala is magical!”—RT Book Reviews
“Blessings sure sounds like a great place to put down roots.”—Fresh Fiction
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Once in a Blue Moon is the tenth book in the Blessings, Georgia series but I feel like it was fine reading it as a stand-alone. It was paced perfectly and once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. It was full of family camaraderie, humor, intense emotions, danger, and romance. It was easy to read, and the storyline was developed. The town of Blessings was wonderful, and the town’s people were heart-warming.
Duke Talbot wasn’t a very social man but something about Cathy caught his attention. He couldn’t quit worrying about her or get her out of his thoughts. He admired her courage and strength and wanted to create a future with her. Cathy Terry was on the run from her rich ex-husband who threatened to kill her. She ends up in Blessings and plans on staying there through the winter. She tries to keep to herself but after falling during her morning run, she comes to the attention of Duke. After her ex-husband’s private investigator finds her, she decides it is time to stop running from him. She wants to settle down and stay in Blessings so she decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a free copy from Sourcebooks and gladly leave this review. My introduction to Blessings. Georgia and it’s a place I will be returning to. Loved the story and the town. It’s what small town living is all about. Sharon Sala doesn’t disappoint, running from an abusive relationship, finding peace then love in a small town, standing up to her abuser and making life better for others. A great heroine
Everyone needs a town like Blessings, where most everyone is kind and helpful and truly care about one another.
I think people looking to change their lives somehow end up in Blessings. That is the case for Cathy who has left an abusive ex-husband and looking for a fresh start in life. She has quite an interesting background and some crazy skills as you will find out as you read this book.
Duke has lived in/near Blessings nearly all of his life and while he is happy, he hasn’t found that one woman that would complete his life….until he comes across Cathy after she has taken a tumble while jogging. He is a goner soon after that moment.
The romance is sweet and not too rushed. There are some very touching moments in the last part of the book as Cathy sets out to make a difference in the town. You’ll have to read the book to find out what exactly she does and how it is received.
This is a great series and I highly recommend it for anyone that likes small town southern fiction.
Wonderful characters and an Interesting situation. Really enjoyed this book.
This is Book 10 in a series and they get better and better. Love these books, they are more then just romance, they have a bit of suspense to them as well. They are a well though out book that will keep reading!
Spoilers. A little disappointing. A lot wordy. Cathy seemed to be the center of a swirling vortex of drama: her stalker ex husband (whose story had all kinds of loose ends and was wound up in fifteen pages); the mall shooting aspect of the story seemed to have no purpose. I’d have liked it better if the story concentrated more on her development of the Bottoms. Duke seemed destined for saint hood. I have read the earlier books in this series and liked them much better.
Awesome book
This book is part of her Blessings,Georgia series. I don’t think I’ve read anything by this author before and I think I’ve been missing out! This book was so good! Cathy is a kick ass girl who is trying to get away from her ex husband and lands in this quaint town. She meets Duke and sparks fly to say the least. The story was good and kept me up lastnight to finish. Definitely recommend!
Thanks to Sourcebooks for the copy
Heart racing, action packed and emotional journey filled with second chances, engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Was a great read from beginning to end and so hard to put down.
This author always entertains me, whether it be a small town romance or a suspense. This one was a bit of both.
I love the town of Blessings, never known small town life myself, perhaps it would be a blessing and a curse…no secrets. Going to this town is like putting on comfy slippers, whether you’ve read them all or just a few, each story stands alone. I do love revisiting past characters though, seeing their journeys.
Cathy and Duke are great characters. She’s on the run from her ex and he’s just an all round good guy.
Rabid coyote, possible hit-man, small town gossip all make a very funny and entertaining tale with of course a happy ending. Loved it, bring on the next one.
I can’t tell you how much I love Blessings, GA. It is hard to describe how this story fills my heart. It truly is an “all the feels” kind of read. It has everything I love but more than that, it takes me back to the land of the simple romance stories of yesteryear. Eek.
Cathy and Duke are beautiful together. Our heroine is on the run from a dangerous ex-husband. I love what a beautiful mixture of tough and classy she is. She has lived an eclectic life. Duke is my dude. He is all about family and the community of Blessings. He has experienced loss but has maintained a heartwarming connection to his family. SOOO GOOD! These two together create a sweet read with the right amount of anxiety at times.
The icing on the cake for me was getting to revisit the community of Blessings GA and all the beloved characters from previous storylines. Wink. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!
Plan for a resolution to this story that is creative and gives me the perfect ending to this couple’s tale. Ugh you also will get a tease that this author has become known for in this series. It is beautifully cruel. Hee hee. Definitely a recommended read. Hope you enjoy as much as I did. Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO
The tenth book in the Blessings, GA series, Once in a Blue Moon by Sharon Sala held my attention just as much as the first prequel did years ago. Ms. Sala has a hit with this Southern town of good people which Cathy Terry learns firsthand. Coming to Blessings as a winter layover from traveling she finds friends, love, and a place to call home. It just makes you want to go live there too. If only it was not simply a fictional town.
One of the things that I love about this series which is so clear in Cathy’s experience is the kindness, true goodness of the place. Even those who suffer from poor choices find second chances to make better ones for a better future. Duke Talbot has known this all along. Why he is still single is a question all ask including Cathy. Since I live in a small Southern town I found him to be not so unusual. There are men who will not settle for second best but wait for the real thing.
The story is written like life in a small town, the pace may seem slower and the activities not so adventurous but this is life. Ms. Sala captures it completely and truly. I raise o glass of sweet iced tea to her, Duke, Cathy and all the good folk of Blessings. Bless their hearts, and I mean that in the nicest of ways. Thank you Ruby for turning that statement around from a Southern negative joke to a positive uplifting one.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Once in a Blue Moon is the 10th book in the Blessings, Georgia series. I haven’t read all of the books but have read several in this series. I had no problems following along with the storyline even though this book is part of a series. I loved the setting of the book, and would love to live in a small town like this one. The people are nice, and look out for others not everyplace is like that in this day and age we live in. I would certainly recommend this book to others.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher Sourcebooks and was under no obligation to leave a positive review, all opinions expressed here are my own.
What a fabulous addition to the Blessings, Georgia series. This may be the first book I’ve read in this series, but I will read the previous books, as soon as time permits. Cathy comes to Blessings, Georgia after a backpacking trip and decides to stay for a while, since winter is approaching. She has secrets and we’ll learn what they are during our read of this wonderful story. While out running, Cathy takes a spill and Duke is the man who takes her to the hospital. Cathy soon finds herself falling in love with this wonderful town and it’s residents. Will Cathy finally get her own happily ever after? I won’t leave any spoilers, so grab your copy and see what happens.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.
*4.5 stars*
A sweet slice of small town life…
Blessings, Georgia has been a favourite place of mine for a while now. This is book ten already but instead of becoming less interesting the characters, and their stories, just get more interesting…
Cathy was on the run and stumbled on this small town by chance. Luck, fate – life is funny that way but there were only good things in store (for the most part…). Duke was another unexpected, but wonderful turn and their friendship, their feelings, bloomed under the watchful eye of the town’s residents and his family. They were real people, meeting, falling in love and dreaming about the future while life continued to delight, shock and keep them on their toes…
I love how ordinary, everyday things sit side by side with the not ordinary at all. It’s all written with the ‘yeah, that’s life isn’t it’ brush even while dramatic ups and downs – and the people that caused them – roll right along. Cathy and Duke were down to earth but unique and intriguing at the same time. With supporting characters providing all the comfort and colour you could wish for, this town captured my attention and my heart once again. It’s hard to pick a favourite but I will warn you now. When you come across Melvin Lee, protect yourself because he will steal your heart without even trying…
*I happily reviewed this story
**Thank you to NetGalley
Cosy, charming, and engaging!
Once in a Blue Moon is a warm, lighthearted tale that takes you back to Blessings, Georgia and into the lives of Cathy Terry, a young woman on the run from her powerful, dangerous ex who isn’t content to just let her walk away with all his secrets, and the dependable, hardworking rancher, Duke Talbot who’s been too busy taking care of everyone else to find the time to make a family of his own.
The prose is fluid and smooth. The characters are kind, caring, and supportive. And the plot is a feel-good, uplifting tale with a sliver of mystery that’s full of life, love, friendship, community, family, romance, love, and intrigue.
Overall, Once in a Blue Moon is another sweet addition to the Blessings, Georgia series by Sala with its small-town charm, endearing characters, underlying thread of suspense, and reminder of how important it is to find a place to call home.
Another wonderful visit to Blessings, Georgia. Cathy Terry has left her life of privilege behind her after divorcing her wealthy husband. She took his threats against her seriously and has stayed off the grid before arriving in Blessings, Georgia. Duke Talbot works their family ranch with his brother and meets Cathy when she takes a fall while out jogging. There’s something about her that he can’t resist and she values his willingness to be of help to everyone in town. Can she get past the trauma of her marriage, be safe and have a future in Blessings…with Duke? Wonderful characters with a strong story that encompasses Cathy and Duke along with the many lovable town members that we have met before. One of my favorite authors, Ms. Sala knows how to write a well-rounded story that tugs on your heart strings. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Let’s return once again to ‘Blessings, Georgia‘ for Duke and Cathy’s story in ‘Once in a Blue Moon‘. The release date is August 25, 2020. I have loved this series for a long time, and every new title is a gem that I cannot wait to explore.
Cathy has just divorced her abusive, wealthy husband who makes veiled threats at their final meeting. She’s decided to leave life as she knew it far behind… okay, she’s running as far as she can to start fresh with no ex to threaten her new, hopefully, safe life. She’s decided to settle in Blessings, Georgia for the winter, at least, for the town is welcoming and feels safe for now. Unfortunately, Cathy suffered a bad fall while out and the good side to that is meeting a knight in shining armor in the form of Duke, a local rancher. A friendship soon develops, although each is rapidly falling in love and hoping the other feels the same.
Cathy wants nothing more than to settle down in Blessings, stay with the man she’s come to trust and love, and feel safe in a town full of kind, good-hearted people for the rest of her days. When trouble comes searching for her trying to bring her past into her present Cathy must make decisions – run again, or take a stand for her future with the man she loves at her side.
As always in the ‘Blessings, Georgia‘ series, you’ll find humor, a touch of suspense, almost instant attraction kind of love, and people who feel as real as your next-door neighbors. I enjoyed Duke and Cathy’s road to a happy ever after so much. Sure, there were some potholes, but nothing worth having comes easily (most times). If you love a really good romance, with people you’ll feel comfortable with immediately, in a town that doesn’t know the meaning of a stranger… then ‘Once in a Blue Moon’ is a perfect match for you.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of Once in a Blue Moon by Sharon Sala for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and no one has influenced them.
I have now read quite a few books in this amazing series. At first, it took a bit of time to get used to Ms. Sala’s writing style, since so many characters have a point of view, and it changes quickly and often. Now that I have adjusted, I no longer find it distracting. In fact, I enjoy it.
Once in a Blue Moon is a delightful romance that kept me engaged from the first page to the last. The plot is so unique, and the characters are real, both are heartwarming and touched my heart. This book has a bit of it all. It gives a great feel to small town USA and the endearing characters in Blessings, Georgia. Once in a Blue Moon even has a bit of suspense, which I’ve come to expect in Ms. Sala’s books, and a wonderful love story to enhance my reading experience.
Cathy Terry’s character is spunky, a true survivor. Her ex-husband refuses to leave her alone, so she takes matters into her own hands and disappears, hiking across the country and landing in Blessings, Georgia. I loved her surprise when she meets the citizens and her amazement when she welcomed with open arms. As the survivor of an abusive husband, she deserves to find her soulmate.
Duke Talbot is a true southern gentleman and a charming hero who touched my heart from the first scene. His determination to get to know the mysterious Cathy quickly endeared him to me. He’s such a protector, going out of his way to embrace a stranger in trouble.
The romance between Cathy and Duke is sweet, and the attraction is strong. It centers the love scenes more on the emotions and not the physical aspect of making love. I enjoyed their love story and wanted them to have a lovely happy ending!
If you like small town USA stories with an endearing set of characters, along with a great romance, then you will love Once in a Blue Moon as much as I did. Each book in this series is better than the last. Although Once in a Blue Moon reads as a stand-alone, I strongly suggest reading the books in order to capture the essence of this wonderful and quirky small town. Happy reading!
Visiting with the good folks in Sharon Sala’s Blessings, Georgia series is always a treat, and this tenth novel in the series is no exception. I also seem to be reading and reviewing several books about abused women lately, and I’ll warn you up front that this novel does contain that same theme, although the author doesn’t dwell on scenes of abuse. However, we do get a taste of the verbal abuse from Cathy Wagner’s husband, whose controlling behavior, cheating, and threats of death if she divorces him, are the reasons Cathy eventually ends up becoming the newcomer in Blessings, as Cathy Terry, having taken back her maiden name. It’s one more excellent read from Ms. Sala, and it gets 5 stars from this reader.
In Cathy Terry, Ms. Sala has created one incredibly memorable heroine. To get out of her posh Las Vegas lifestyle and away from her husband’s death threats, Cathy was one smart cookie. When she left her marriage, she left with only the clothes on her back and a backpack–her handbag, ID, driver’s license, credit cards, and car all left behind. She was granted $30 million dollars as a divorce settlement and when her husband wasn’t paying attention, moved it to 3 different banks across the country, before climbing on a bus heading for Colorado. From there she wandered, backpacking her way across the country, never staying in one place too long, until, when the weather turned colder, she found herself in Blessings, where she decided to rent a house and hole up there for the winter, mainly keeping to herself, but if you’ve read any of Ms. Sala’s previous Blessings novels, you already know that no one stays a stranger in Blessings for long.
Cathy’s one habit of jogging several miles through town every morning, and her bright red hair have been noticed and aroused curiosity, but it’s only when she turns her ankle while jogging and falls to the ground just as Duke Talbot is driving by, stops, introduces himself, and takes her to the hospital to get checked out, that Cathy starts to realize that the good folks in Blessings are unlike any people she’s ever met, and certainly far different from the rich, callous, and nasty “friends” she used to associate with in Las Vegas, and who turned on her when she divorced her billionaire husband.
We’ve met Duke in previous novels and he’s a big, tall, handsome hunk of a man, is attracted to Cathy from the start, and soon realizes that she’s hiding from someone or something, and goes into protective mode, waiting to take Cathy home from the hospital, and running errands to make sure she has pain meds, a walker, and food she doesn’t have to prepare while standing on her badly sprained ankle. As soon as word of her accident gets out on the Blessings grapevine, and people start turning up to check on her to see if she needs anything, and dropping off casseroles and cookies she’s overwhelmed by their kindness and thoughtfulness. But Cathy is also aware that her ex-husband is most assuredly either looking for her or having her followed to exact retribution for her leaving him, and she still fears that he might possibly kill her or have someone else do so, and she doesn’t open up and spill her secrets easily, but Duke Talbot is nothing if not persistent, and slowly but surely, Cathy learns that she can trust him.
In addition to the sweet romance building between Cathy and Duke, there are more than a few things going on in Blessings–from cattle rustling, a rabid animal in the park at a child’s birthday party, an 8-year-old runaway boy, and more, and little by little, the townspeople get to know Cathy and she gets to realize what a very special place Blessings is.
If this is your first visit to Blessings, you’re going to meet many of the characters who’ve appeared in earlier novels, so while Once in a Blue Moon works as a standalone, I highly recommend reading some or all of the previous novels in this series first, and you’ll soon come to realize that Shangri-la isn’t a hard-to-find little valley somewhere in the Himalayas, it can be found much closer to home in a wonderful little town called Blessings.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.