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lashea677's review
5.0
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.
romanticread's review
4.0
Jake suffers from PTSD and survivor’s guilt after leaving the Marines. He’s trying to figure out what he’s going to do with himself and what normal now looks like. He’s struggling with being known as a hero and coming back to his small hometown where everyone knows everything about everyone else just exacerbates his emotional turmoil. Then he meets a darling little girl and her beautiful mother ... his life isn’t ever going to be the same :)
Laurel’s husband was also a veteran but he didn’t handle his troubles very well. Widowed and raising their daughter alone, she’s very hesitant to get close to a man with so many similar issues. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that Jake is strong enough that he just may be able to handle his problems. And help her handle hers.
There’s some trouble caused by old enemies that add a little extra drama and danger to the story, but it doesn’t overshadow the love story. Showing her skill, Sala does a great job of tying it all together and helping to bring closure to a few different things.
My favorite part is the slow build between Laurel and Jake. They get to know each other, find their footing, then move from acquaintances to friends and on to lovers. Both are carrying a lot of baggage but together they figure out a way to share their load. Giving readers a satisfying and realistic happy ending.
(Although this is part of a series, and we’ve seen some of these characters time and again, this can very easily stand on its own. Nothing of any importance comes from past stories and Sala does a great job keeping the characters fresh for returning readers but keeping new readers involved.)
Honest review given voluntarily after receipt of an ARC.
jaimejustreadsromance's review
5.0
This is the third book in the series but only the second one I've read but so far I'm in love with what I've read. I know that it won't be a lot of readers cup of tea because it is closed-door sex and small town setting but I think it's totally worth reading regardless.
This time around we meet Jake and Laurel. Jake is a recently discharged soldier battling an injury and PTSD, who is pretty closed off to the world. He moves in next door to Laurel, a widowed mother that was shunned by her in-laws and pitied by strangers. The two of them are thrust into an unlikely friendship through Laurel's daughter, who finds comfort and familiarity in Jake, that slowly burns into something more.
This story was mostly sweet, but touched on tough subject matters including survivors guilt, suicide, and PTSD which gave the story depth and stirred up all of the best emotions. If you like sweet, small-town romances with just a touch of angst then I think you'll enjoy this one as much as I did.
This time around we meet Jake and Laurel. Jake is a recently discharged soldier battling an injury and PTSD, who is pretty closed off to the world. He moves in next door to Laurel, a widowed mother that was shunned by her in-laws and pitied by strangers. The two of them are thrust into an unlikely friendship through Laurel's daughter, who finds comfort and familiarity in Jake, that slowly burns into something more.
This story was mostly sweet, but touched on tough subject matters including survivors guilt, suicide, and PTSD which gave the story depth and stirred up all of the best emotions. If you like sweet, small-town romances with just a touch of angst then I think you'll enjoy this one as much as I did.
hugbandit7's review
5.0
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.
kbranfield's review
4.0
With a dash of suspense, Saving Jake by Sharon Sala is a heartwarming novel of love and healing. This third installment in the Blessings, Georgia series can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the previous books as well.
Although it has been two years since her husband Adam took his own life, Laurel Payne recognizes a troubled war veteran when she meets Jacob "Jake" Lorde. Having her heart broken once was more than enough, so she plans to stay as far from her new neighbor as she can. However, her young daughter, Bonnie, is nursing a serious case of hero worship for Jake, so their paths cross on a fairly regular basis. After realizing she has unfairly projected her own issues onto Jake, Laurel is much more open to friendship but will she risk her heart once she begins to fall in love?
Laurel not only lost her husband, but she lost the support of his family in the aftermath of his suicide due to them blaming her for his death. Financially ruined and emotionally decimated after his death, she has managed to pick up the shattered pieces of her life. After meeting Jake, she empathizes with his struggles with PTSD but she vows to keep her distance from him. However, as she spends time with him, Laurel is quick to notice that while he might be haunted by the nightmares of war, he is not consumed by them like her late husband. Once she discovers how steadfast and strong Jake is despite the demons that plague him, Laurel is much more receptive to friendship and, perhaps, love.
Although his physical wounds are healed, Jake continues to be haunted by nightmares and PTSD from the things he experienced during combat. Letting the peace of his hometown settle over him, he slowly begins to reintegrate back into civilian life. Enjoying the quiet and solitude, he does not hesitate to lend a helping hand to Laurel when she needs assistance. Surprised by how much he enjoys both her and Bonnie's company, Jake is initially a little hesitant to pursue a friendship with his neighbors but he soon cherishes the time they spend together. He is open and honest about wanting to take their friendship to the next level but Jake is uncertain whether or not Laurel will agree to give him a chance given her history.
While the relationship between Jake and Laurel is refreshingly free from angst or unnecessary drama, there is outside conflict that directly affects both of them. A person from Jake's past is intent on revenge while Laurel is beset by vindictive in-laws. The chapters alternate back and forth between the main storyline with Jake and Laurel and the various characters involved in these secondary story arcs. It would have preferable for Ms. Sala to concentrate more on Jake and Laurel's developing relationship rather than the suspense elements. These minor story arcs do not add much to the overall plot although they do set the stage for a somewhat dramatic ending.
Saving Jake by Sharon Sala is an emotionally satisfying romance between two people who have been wounded by the effects of war. Through Laurel's experience with her first husband, readers get an insightful and informative view of the "silent" victims of war. Jake's struggles with PTSD and nightmares offers an all too realistic look into the devastating consequences of wartime even when a soldier is no longer in combat. The romance between Jake and Laurel is incredibly sweet yet poignant as they help one another heal from the tragic events from their respective pasts.
All in all, an uplifting love story that old and new fans of the Blessings, Georgia series are sure to enjoy.
Although it has been two years since her husband Adam took his own life, Laurel Payne recognizes a troubled war veteran when she meets Jacob "Jake" Lorde. Having her heart broken once was more than enough, so she plans to stay as far from her new neighbor as she can. However, her young daughter, Bonnie, is nursing a serious case of hero worship for Jake, so their paths cross on a fairly regular basis. After realizing she has unfairly projected her own issues onto Jake, Laurel is much more open to friendship but will she risk her heart once she begins to fall in love?
Laurel not only lost her husband, but she lost the support of his family in the aftermath of his suicide due to them blaming her for his death. Financially ruined and emotionally decimated after his death, she has managed to pick up the shattered pieces of her life. After meeting Jake, she empathizes with his struggles with PTSD but she vows to keep her distance from him. However, as she spends time with him, Laurel is quick to notice that while he might be haunted by the nightmares of war, he is not consumed by them like her late husband. Once she discovers how steadfast and strong Jake is despite the demons that plague him, Laurel is much more receptive to friendship and, perhaps, love.
Although his physical wounds are healed, Jake continues to be haunted by nightmares and PTSD from the things he experienced during combat. Letting the peace of his hometown settle over him, he slowly begins to reintegrate back into civilian life. Enjoying the quiet and solitude, he does not hesitate to lend a helping hand to Laurel when she needs assistance. Surprised by how much he enjoys both her and Bonnie's company, Jake is initially a little hesitant to pursue a friendship with his neighbors but he soon cherishes the time they spend together. He is open and honest about wanting to take their friendship to the next level but Jake is uncertain whether or not Laurel will agree to give him a chance given her history.
While the relationship between Jake and Laurel is refreshingly free from angst or unnecessary drama, there is outside conflict that directly affects both of them. A person from Jake's past is intent on revenge while Laurel is beset by vindictive in-laws. The chapters alternate back and forth between the main storyline with Jake and Laurel and the various characters involved in these secondary story arcs. It would have preferable for Ms. Sala to concentrate more on Jake and Laurel's developing relationship rather than the suspense elements. These minor story arcs do not add much to the overall plot although they do set the stage for a somewhat dramatic ending.
Saving Jake by Sharon Sala is an emotionally satisfying romance between two people who have been wounded by the effects of war. Through Laurel's experience with her first husband, readers get an insightful and informative view of the "silent" victims of war. Jake's struggles with PTSD and nightmares offers an all too realistic look into the devastating consequences of wartime even when a soldier is no longer in combat. The romance between Jake and Laurel is incredibly sweet yet poignant as they help one another heal from the tragic events from their respective pasts.
All in all, an uplifting love story that old and new fans of the Blessings, Georgia series are sure to enjoy.
sasha2599's review
5.0
4.5 Stars
Are you a Liane Moriarty fan? Her books are favorites of mine, and just a few pages in to Saving Jake, I felt a vibe so similar to Moriarty's that I couldn't wait to get further in! Sharon Sala has a gift- she weaves he stories of her likable characters together so effortlessly, just as Liane Moriarty does, and it's amazing. I also adore multiple POVs because without it, I'm always wondering what the other side to the story is, and was glad to see that in Saving Jake as well.
Don't let the fact that this is the third book in a series keep you from giving this a try- it's absolutely not necessary to the story. In fact, Saving Jake was my first Sharon Sala book so I was completely unfamiliar with her Blessings, Georgia world. No matter- you'll do just fine without reading the first two, although I will say I've added the other two books to my TBR.
Poor Laurel (and Jake!) has been through so much, it's heart-breaking. There was no mention of Laurel's daughter, Bonnie, in the blurb, but I was delighted when she made her appearance- I love to read about sweet children, and Bonnie was certainly that. There's a whole cast of small-town characters who add to the story, a story I just couldn't put down. You'll find wit, romance, a bit of suspense, yet a satisfying ending. I imagine your TBR have the other Blessings, Georgia books added to it once you are finished.
***ARC provided for honest review**
Are you a Liane Moriarty fan? Her books are favorites of mine, and just a few pages in to Saving Jake, I felt a vibe so similar to Moriarty's that I couldn't wait to get further in! Sharon Sala has a gift- she weaves he stories of her likable characters together so effortlessly, just as Liane Moriarty does, and it's amazing. I also adore multiple POVs because without it, I'm always wondering what the other side to the story is, and was glad to see that in Saving Jake as well.
Don't let the fact that this is the third book in a series keep you from giving this a try- it's absolutely not necessary to the story. In fact, Saving Jake was my first Sharon Sala book so I was completely unfamiliar with her Blessings, Georgia world. No matter- you'll do just fine without reading the first two, although I will say I've added the other two books to my TBR.
Poor Laurel (and Jake!) has been through so much, it's heart-breaking. There was no mention of Laurel's daughter, Bonnie, in the blurb, but I was delighted when she made her appearance- I love to read about sweet children, and Bonnie was certainly that. There's a whole cast of small-town characters who add to the story, a story I just couldn't put down. You'll find wit, romance, a bit of suspense, yet a satisfying ending. I imagine your TBR have the other Blessings, Georgia books added to it once you are finished.
***ARC provided for honest review**
tita_noir's review against another edition
3.0
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.
jaimereadsromance's review against another edition
5.0
This is the third book in the series but only the second one I've read but so far I'm in love with what I've read. I know that it won't be a lot of readers cup of tea because it is closed-door sex and small town setting but I think it's totally worth reading regardless.
This time around we meet Jake and Laurel. Jake is a recently discharged soldier battling an injury and PTSD, who is pretty closed off to the world. He moves in next door to Laurel, a widowed mother that was shunned by her in-laws and pitied by strangers. The two of them are thrust into an unlikely friendship through Laurel's daughter, who finds comfort and familiarity in Jake, that slowly burns into something more.
This story was mostly sweet, but touched on tough subject matters including survivors guilt, suicide, and PTSD which gave the story depth and stirred up all of the best emotions. If you like sweet, small-town romances with just a touch of angst then I think you'll enjoy this one as much as I did.
This time around we meet Jake and Laurel. Jake is a recently discharged soldier battling an injury and PTSD, who is pretty closed off to the world. He moves in next door to Laurel, a widowed mother that was shunned by her in-laws and pitied by strangers. The two of them are thrust into an unlikely friendship through Laurel's daughter, who finds comfort and familiarity in Jake, that slowly burns into something more.
This story was mostly sweet, but touched on tough subject matters including survivors guilt, suicide, and PTSD which gave the story depth and stirred up all of the best emotions. If you like sweet, small-town romances with just a touch of angst then I think you'll enjoy this one as much as I did.