Bless Her Heart

Title: BLESS HER HEART

Author: Debby Mayne

Publisher: Abingdon Press

August 2013

ISBN: 978-1426733598

Genre: Women’s fiction

As Priscilla Slater’s 15-year class reunion approaches, she decides to attend out of curiosity… and to flaunt her latest achievement—taking her business to a national level with the possibility of a TV show.

As if getting ready for the event and putting up with the pranks of her former classmates isn’t enough, Pricilla’s hometown visit is further complicated by her parents’ separation. With the once-solid sanctuary of her home broken at the foundation, there’s only one thing Priscilla’s parents can agree on: no matter what sort of accolades their daughter receives as a hair stylist, she’s not living up to her potential.

Eager to escape the painful reality of her childhood home, Priscilla bolts as soon as a call from New York brings good news: her offer to purchase one of the best salons in the country is likely to come through. But returning to New York means returning to Tim, Priscilla’s best friend and business pal who has been impatiently suggesting their relationship should be more than a friendship. Despite her recent achievements, will Priscilla learn that success doesn’t always result in popularity—or love?

BLESS HER HEART is the second book in Ms. Mayne’s Class Reunion series. Readers will want to read book one, Pretty is as Pretty Does, to get the background on these characters and to experience their ten-year reunion, but if you don’t enough background information is included so you won’t be totally lost.

I enjoyed reading BLESS HER HEART, but it was a bit surprising that most of these characters hadn’t outgrown their teenage angst by the time they reached their thirties. Most of them still hung on to their teenage attitudes, and while they *hated* Priscilla, they were quick to take advantage of her offer of free services at her up-scale salon.

Readers will identify and care for these characters. From Laura, being married to the town drunk and afraid to leave, to Celeste and Trudy trying to find their current identity, to Priscilla, desperate to succeed and win her parents approval, women will identify with one or more of these characters. Don’t miss BLESS HER HEART. I’m looking forward to book three, Tickled Pink, coming in 2014. $14.99. 336 pages. 5 stars.