Acceptance:

. Mr. Blakeslee, as well as Will, accept the fact that Mattie Lou has passed away and are determined to move on in life.

. Mr. Blakeslee accepts Miss Love’s flaws, such as her insecurities and broken past, and brings a lonely broken soul into a family.

. Miss Love, although it hurts her greatly, accepts the challenges that will come along with marrying Mr. Blakeslee for she is desperate to feel loved and appreciated.

. Will accepts Lightfoot, although she is from the forbidden Mill Town, and looks past her dirt poor status.

. Miss Love accepts the child in which she bears, despite the death of Mr. Blakeslee, and plans to stay with the family in Cold Sassy.

Rejection:

. The town, as well as Mr. Blakeslee’s family, mourn and dwell on the death of Mrs. Mattie Lou, rejecting the fact that she has moved out of their lives for forever.

. Miss Love is rejected from Cold Sassy for she married the much older Mr. Blakeslee shortly after he was widowed.

. The town rejects anyone who dares to challenge the domineering Presbyterian society.

. Lightfoot is rejected from Cold Sassy, for she is of a poor status and is a “cotton head” due to the fact she has to work in a mill to have income for her family.

. Miss Love has been rejected from love her entire life, starting from her tragic rape story as a child to the hatred from the people and Cold Sassy, emotionally Miss Love is broken.