Seeds of Bliss


Fiction - Literary
353 Pages
Reviewed on 03/15/2024
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

The absorbing literary novel, Seeds of Bliss by J. Andrew Rice, follows the lives of key characters in a rural East Texas community. It explores their culture, beliefs, political attitudes, and the events that change their lives. Scott Mitchum is the main character and the mayor of Lyric, a small town in Texas. Scott is determined to find Amy, the daughter of his long-term friend, Mary Jo, who has been missing for a few days. Buddy, another senior in Amy’s high school, has also gone missing and Scott wants to solve the mystery. The plot covers Scott’s life, including his perspective on faith and how he applies it in everyday life. It also follows the lives of Mary Jo and other characters and explores how their lives intersect through the hardships they encounter and the friendships they build.

Rice deftly crafts a story that depicts East Texas culture and highlights other important aspects of the region. The novel is a rich offering as it explores politics, religion, community life, and more through the lives of its memorable characters. I found the conversations included about power and religion thought-provoking and was inspired by Scott’s resolve to serve his community. Rice skillfully intertwines the characters’ lives and the intriguing mystery in the novel. The romance included feels authentic and is well developed. Seeds of Bliss by J. Andrew Rice is an outstanding literary work that covers many important topics and beautifully portrays East Texas culture. It contains essential life lessons and compelling characters with relatable struggles.

K.C. Finn

Seeds of Bliss is a work of fiction in the literary, southern, interpersonal drama, and slice-of-life subgenres. It is best suited to adult readers owing to the presence of some explicit language and sexual situations. Penned by author J. Andrew Rice, this in-depth and emotive tale delves into the intricacies of life in the East Texas town of Lyric, portraying its triumphs, struggles, and the diverse individuals who call it home. At the center of the narrative is Scott Mitchum, a hometown man whose unwavering faith in God shapes his daily interactions and fuels his determination to navigate life's challenges. As the story unfolds, Scott's actions inspire and influence those around him, while also attracting the ire of others who oppose him. Against the backdrop of East Texas' rich environment, culture, humor, and occasional dangers, Rice weaves a compelling tale of resilience, community, and the pursuit of happiness.

Author J. Andrew Rice has crafted a novel packed with vivid descriptions and authentic portrayals of small-town life that captivated me from the very beginning, drawing me into the lives of its diverse cast of characters. Through Scott's emotive journey, readers can explore an authentic and closely narrated portrayal of the power of faith, resilience, and kindness in navigating life's challenges. The interplay between characters, filled with humor, drama, and occasional conflict, was perfectly balanced with dynamic dialogue and strong attitudes shaped by the surrounding world, reflecting the complexities of human relationships. Rice's storytelling prowess shines through in his ability to convey realistic people and display their personal growth journey in a compelling and thought-provoking narrative. Overall, Seeds of Bliss is a highly recommended read for fans of poignant dramas and accomplished, character-driven literary fiction.

Michelle Robertson

In Seeds of Bliss by J. Andrew Rice, Lyric, a town in East Texas, is not like most small towns we see today. The residents and leaders cherish the old-school values of community and faith. Scott Mitchum is one of those residents and leaders. Scott is the mayor of Lyric with his own occupation as an engineer. Seeds of Bliss describes how Scott, as the mayor, struggles and endures everyday life situations by counting on his faith in God to guide him. Many residents of Lyric follow their friend and mayor’s way of thinking, but some are led astray, and some have been overcome by societal pressures and have no belief system altogether. Some people in town wish to help their mayor and others wish to destroy him simply because they do not like his good-natured ways.

Seeds of Bliss by J. Andrew Rice is an incredibly well-written novel about small-town living in Lyric, East Texas. Many characters are introduced in this novel, each telling their own story; good, bad, or even sad. A reader will gain the perspective of a different and unique viewpoint as each chapter transitions from one character to the next. Seeds of Bliss has a type of good vs evil vibe going on within, but it is simplified to everyday life situations and the thoughts of ordinary people. I would recommend this book to anyone who simply enjoys reading. It is jam-packed with everything a reader could want: adventure, betrayal, mystery, murder, faith, love, friendship, and much more.