Customer Reviews

The Town That Came A-Courtin'

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"The Town That Came A Courtin' " is one of the best novels I have ever read. I picked it up on a Tuesday afternoon and did not put it down until late Tuesday night when I finished it. It's a wonderful love story..the way love stories should be written! This book draws you in, doesn't let go, and leaves you begging for a sequel (hopefully sometime soon!). And what a role model Abby is for all us Southern belles (I see a lot of Ronda in Abby!). Like Abby, I too have a mother who wants nothing more for me than to be happily married..and I recognized a bit of my mother there! When I was reading this I felt like I was there in Bliss with her (and I would like to find a town like Bliss to live in)! We single Southern women all hope for this kind of love ourselves! I walked away from this book with a huge smile on my face and hope in my heart..and on a side note, I have read the book twice (so far)!

Ronda has a definite gift for storytelling, no doubt about it. Do not miss this book!

Abby Houston is a divorced, obituary writer from Dexter, Georgia who has turned into a bestselling author. She is the consummate Southern woman: charming, polite, quirky, sassy and tough like silk. In other words, she's what we Northern women admire, even though we'll deny it all the way into tomorrow.

Abby Houston's mother is actively looking for a husband for her daughter. But Abby's heart has been broken too many times so she's not looking for Mr. Right. She's not even looking for Mr. Good Enough.

Then one day Abby waltzes into the small town of Bliss, Mississippi to do a book signing, and her life is changed forever. Abby falls head over heels in love with the town and the people who reside there (except for one hard-nosed, opinionated spinster) - and they fall in love with her. And they love her so much it's going to be difficult for Abby to 'leave without a little love in her heart-and a lot of Bliss in her soul.'

At times The Town That Came A-Courtin' by Ronda Rich seems a bit slow and too wordy. In general, however, it is a playful, witty and captivating romp filled with love, relationships and charm enough to keep you smiling long after you've finished the book.

While searching for a book for my book club selection, I came across this book heralded by its readers as a wonderful but fun example of current southern literature. Our book club has focused on southern authors, so this seemed to be a natural. I suggested it as a December selection. Knowing that we would all be busy during the Christmas season, this would be excellent reading. WRONG!! What a waste of time!!! It was not funny; it was shallow, trite, predictable, and disapponting. We couldn't even discuss it. Probably suitable for a very young teenager.

The title and cover attracted me but the story hooked me from the first page. It's absolutely delightful. So much so that I couldn't put it down. I stayed up three hours past my normal bedtime because I was so caught up in the story of best-selling author Abby Houston who finds herself being courted by an entire town on behalf of their widowed mayor. It is a page-turner with suspense, romance and lots of laughs. It is downright charming as well as outright hilarious. If you like clean, entertaining fiction, this book is for you. If you're a romantic, this book will win your heart. If you're looking for something bright, entertaining and uplifting, do not miss this book.
When I finished it, I wanted to cry. I didn't want the book to end. Meanwhile, I plan to wait a couple of weeks, read it again and keeping hoping -- with fingers tightly crossed -- that Ronda Rich is working hard on a sequel to this absolutely adorable book.

I love this book. It made me laugh, cry, and cringe in anxiety. I am normally an avid non-fiction reader, but I developed a great liking to Ms. Rich's weekly "Dixie Diva" columns in our hometown newspaper so I decided to get "The Town That Came a Courtin'". I was thrilled. It was wonderful. Her gift of storytelling is unsurpassed. It is lyrical, entertaining, and captivating. Even though there is always a light hearted dose of humor around almost every corner with her writing, there is also meaningful and thoughtful messages to ponder as well. I enjoyed reading "The Town That Came a Courtin'" immensely. I honestly could not put the book down. I was mesmorized by the plot as well as the charm and refreshing innocence of the characters. Also, this is a beautiful, but clean love story that would touch any heart. Ms. Rich has a rare talent that literally draws you into the story and you feel as if you are actually there in Bliss, MS, in this charming small town, and you feel as if you know everyone one of the characters personally. It was enchanting. Buy this book if you want to feel good about love and life and hope. You will walk away with a smile on your face and a brighter outlook on life. This would be an awesome Hallmark movie. Take note Hollywood. Your next writing star has emerged in Ronda Rich. I believe this is only the beginning of the wonderful, storytelling brilliance of Ronda Rich. Thank you Ronda.

I got this book as an early Mother's Day gift. On Saturday morning, while having coffee, I decided to read a few pages. Well, the housework never got done because I gave myself the Mother's Day gift of not putting the book down until I had finished it. I couldn't put it down. I was completely drawn into the story of Bliss, Mississippi and the sweet folks there who fall in love with Abby Houston. This book is pure joy because it's delightful and funny. I laughed so hard in places -- Abby's mama is the best character I've read in years -- that my husband came into the room and said, "That book cannot be THAT funny." Well, it is. Treat yourself to this book and a visit with the folks in Bliss, Mississippi.
Hollywood, are you listening? This book MUST be a movie. It reminds me of Sweet Home, Alabama, one of my all-time favorite movies.
To borrow a phrase: Two thumbs up. WAY UP!!!

I am a fan of southern stories I guess because I can relate easily to the characters; they are either like me or someone that I know.

This book was a wonderful read. I laughed, I cried, it became a part of me. It was an even mixture of comedy and romance with a surprise twist thrown in.

I highly recommend this book.

At the risk of sounding like the other reviewers, I have to say that I couldn't put this book down. It's so true! I spent all afternoon and most of the evening reading this book until I reached the conclusion, although I kept telling myself that I would stop after I finished each chapter. But I couldn't. I had to know what happens with Abby Houston as she makes a quest through Bliss, Mississippi in an unknowing effort to find bliss.
Others have compared it to the Mitford series but I found it to be much more interesting than that because it has more of a plot development than any Mitford book I've read. Still, readers looking for family-friendly fiction will love this because -- like a Walt Disney movie -- any member of the family can read The Town That Came A-Courtin'. From ages 13 to 30 to 60 to 90, this book is certain to be enjoyed by all.
I would especially recommend it to reading clubs because it will provide a lively discussion and it won't be offensive to anyone.

In The Town That Came A-Courtin', the folks of Bliss, Mississippi set about match-making their adorable, widowed mayor with a best-selling author who is passing through town. From the first page, I was hooked. Written from the viewpoint of Abby Houston, the book is, in turns, funny, moving, suspenseful and completely satisfying. There is a plot twist that pops up and turns it into an on-the-edge-of-the-seat story.
I loved this book and wholeheartedly recommend it to those who enjoy books that leave you feeling good when they're over. It is a happy, sweet book.

What a wonderful book!!!! I couldn't put it down. Where is the sequel? Ms. Rich is a first-class storyteller. I was completely immersed in her words. Fascinating. Can't wait for your next book.