A review by anitalouise
Invitation to the Blues by Roan Parrish

4.0

I read what I believe is Ms. Parrish's first book, In the Middle of Somewhere, and was struck by her solid writing. What also stuck out for me were her secondary characters. Though I have them, I didn't read the other books in the Middle of Somewhere series but picked up this book and was so pleased to see old friends. Ginger appeared in that first book and she made such an impression on me. Ginger gets her HEA in the first book in the Small Change series but as it's an MF, I will skip it. Ginger and Christopher appear in this book and I have to say that I love Ginger! We also get to see Rex and Daniel from the Middle of Somewhere to quite the bonus with this book. Faron and Jude, at least according to others, appeared in that first book (Jude is Christopher's brother) and this book focuses on their love. Oh but it is hard won. Jude suffers from crippling anxiety and depression. The book opens as he returns to Philly after a traumatic incident that left Jude hospitalized. He left behind a career as a pianist for an orchestra. Such a well written love story but there are painful parts. Jude struggles so. He feels his illness renders him unlikeable and too much of a burden to others. Faron works in Ginger's tattoo shop and his quiet grace and strength helps Jude cope. Ms. Parrish admirably captures someone in the throes of a depression with all the side effects of the illness and medications. She doesn't sugarcoat the issues. I particularly loved that Jude found his way back through his music as Faron regains his love of painting. Kudos to the author for her deft handling of issues related to race. Well done!