Honeysuckle Summer is the first book I've ever read by Sherryl Woods. I was given 3 advance review uncorrected copies to review. I believe I'm reading them out of order, though I intended to read them in order. And there are other books besides these in the series.
I couldn't put this book down, once I began it. I'm already reading the second book, which I love as much as this one.
Who are the Sweet Magnolias?
The Sweet Magnolias are a group of women in Serenity, S. Carolina, who are close friends. The group began with the mothers and now the grown daughters are part of it. They have each other's backs. They bring the margaritas and the guacamole, the love and the tears and the friendship, and the sage advice. They meet either for companionship, to celebrate, or for solving problems. It would be grand to have a group of long term friends like this!
The story
This is Raylene Hammond's story. She has come back to Serenity, back into the fold of friendships that she had left behind when she moved to Charleston and married into a prominent family. Unfortunately, her physician husband was a brute. Her mother didn't support her in leaving him, even when she lost the baby she was carrying due to a beating, not her first. He is now in prison for it.
None of this takes place on the paper, but just in explanations.
She lives with her friend Sarah and Sarah's small children. She has found it progressively more difficult to leave the house, where she feels safe.
Then one day when the babysitter leaves on a quick errand, the little boy gets out of the yard. Raylene is physically incapable of finding him, but she has enough presence of mind to call for help.
Enter Carter Rollins, a sherriff's deputy, who finds the boy, and jumps to the wrong conclusions about Raylene.
But Serenity takes care of its own, and they have rallied around Raylene. Soon Carter realizes he was wrong.
This book is their love story and the story of healing agoraphobia. Additionally, Carter has the responsibility for his two sisters, since their parents died. One of his sisters is exhibiting signs of anorexia. This too is discussed in the book. The Sweet Magnolias have some first hand experience with this and know how serious it can be.
You can bet that her ex shows up after he has an early release, and she is able to hold her own.
I love the relationships with the men who have their women's backs. They all play a part in keeping Raylene safe. I especially liked the story of Walter, Sarah's ex, that is within this book. His own love story is compelling, and his growth as a man and a father.
My rating
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I simply loved the characters and the town. I don't want to leave it, hence reading other books. The characters seemed real to me -- they are warm and complex. I'd like to live there myself.
Don't let the subject matter be off-putting, but be aware that it is discussed. The ramifications are deep (her agoraphobia) and his sister's (anorexia, due to grief over her parents' deaths.) It is a satisfying read. You feel better for spending some time there. I intend to read all of Woods' books. Stay tuned!~ That will keep me busy, as she has written more than 100!
It is definitely a keeper.
It is also available for Kindle.
Have you read this book or any of her other books?
You can read my review of Sweet Tea at Sunrise here.
Karin
www.savvythinker.com
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