The Way Back to You

January 31, 2020

After taking an early retirement, Sully Raines is on the search for the birth mother he never knew until the passing of the mother who raised him. His search leads to Blessings, GA, where he's face-to-face with his childhood sweetheart, Melissa. Now a young widow, Melissa lives a quiet existence; encountering Sully after 20 years is the last thing she expected. Once reunited, the pair help each other heal and find answers to unresolved questions with support from the wider Blessings community. This latest series entry (after A Rainbow Above Us) features likable characters, but each plot twist seems more convenient than the last, and the narrative meanders along at a relatively slow pace without much tension or conflict. VERDICT Best for readers of sweet romances already familiar with the series.--Claire Brown, Red Deer P.L., Alberta, Canada

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2019
After his parents' deaths, retired firefighter Sully Raines learns that he was adopted. He searches for his birth mom, following clues to Blessings, Georgia. When he arrives, he pulls a woman to safety from a crash, and discovers that he has rescued Melissa, his girlfriend when they were teens. He is surprised to find her in Blessings, and is happy to make the town his home, moving in with Melissa. But his encounter with her is only the start of a set of unexpected and joyous reunions sparked by a fellow resident with a sixth sense. With subplots involving an escaped criminal and Melissa in danger and a premise that is not exactly believable, this isn't a perfect tale, but Sala's characters are appealing, and readers will enjoy their happiness. Fans of Susan Wiggs and Debbie Macomber also may enjoy Sala's latest Blessings novel.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)