4.5 stars – rounded
5
By glhince
4.5 stars – rounded
From the blurb, I was expecting a story that carried the feel of Steel Magnolias, with the southern overlay, a hair salon being the heartbeat where worries and gossip are shared equally, with a few quirky moments from characters to enhance the story. What I got, despite the abbreviated length of this book was so much more: depth and heart and soul-searching that introduce the town and people of Blessings, Georgia as viewed through the catalyst of a simple appointment at the hair salon.
Patty June is the preacher’s wife, and in the middle of a small personal crisis, coming face to face with her husband’s mistress at the Curl Up and Dye. It doesn’t go well (hilariously so) as Patty June decides enough is enough, and takes out her frustration with her husband’s infidelity on Bobette, his mistress. Ruby (the owner), Vesta and Velma (twin hairdressers) and Mabel, the manicurist have a front row seat to the goings-on, and are first in line for the recap after the fact.
Patty June doesn’t necessarily come off well in terms of town approval after her meltdown, but the shockwaves her explosion has caused for all the men in town is hilarious. With an offhanded remark about another man’s faithlessness, and plenty of characters who behave in slightly over the top ways that are actually quite normal for a small town story, the pages flip by.
You’ll want to savor this story, laugh often and dive right into the next. The prequel to The Curl Up & Dye, you’ll want to grab that just as I did to enjoy Sala’s writing and the town of Blessings.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
