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Tea and Destiny / Light the Stars
Does she have anything left to give?
Ann Davies was always giving away her heart—to her therapy patients, and to the dolphins she used to help them. For any stray kid that needed a home, she opened her arms in welcome. She never hesitated to give herself to anyone who asked. Until Hank Riley. The big contractor demanded everything—her body, her heart, her life.
Part of her wanted to give it all to him. She craved being desired, being cared for—after all, what had she ever done for herself? But another part feared everything he stood for—losing control, throwing away logic, living for the moment, surrendering. If she allowed herself to do that, what would be left when he walked away?
Ann Davies was always giving away her heart—to her therapy patients, and to the dolphins she used to help them. For any stray kid that needed a home, she opened her arms in welcome. She never hesitated to give herself to anyone who asked. Until Hank Riley. The big contractor demanded everything—her body, her heart, her life.
Part of her wanted to give it all to him. She craved being desired, being cared for—after all, what had she ever done for herself? But another part feared everything he stood for—losing control, throwing away logic, living for the moment, surrendering. If she allowed herself to do that, what would be left when he walked away?
512 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1990
328 people are currently reading
730 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
555 books4,525 followersWith two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 27, 2020
Sinceramente el peor libro de esta autora que leído los personajes no tienen profundidad las interacciones entre ellos son totalmente planas, una desilusión
September 21, 2019
A mi parecer, es una historia para pasar el rato y poco más. No profundiza demasiado en nada y en algunas situaciones pasa bastante de puntillas.
Creo que es lo primero que leo de esta autora y, no sé por qué, me esperaba más.
Mi puntuación un 5.
Creo que es lo primero que leo de esta autora y, no sé por qué, me esperaba más.
Mi puntuación un 5.
February 8, 2017
Destinada a ti
Excelente y interesante de principio a fin.dos personas que no tienen nada en común se conocen y se enamoran.tendrán que superar frustraciones personales adaptarse el uno al otro a sus vidas actuales para poder estar juntos .la recomiendo.
Excelente y interesante de principio a fin.dos personas que no tienen nada en común se conocen y se enamoran.tendrán que superar frustraciones personales adaptarse el uno al otro a sus vidas actuales para poder estar juntos .la recomiendo.
August 23, 2015
book
November 25, 2025
I Had Cancer and Won is one of those rare books that doesn’t just tell a story it reaches into you and stays there. From the very first chapter, you feel the author’s honesty, fear, resilience, and unwavering determination to fight for her life.
What truly moved me most is how transparent she is about the emotional and physical storms of cancer. There’s no sugarcoating, no perfection just raw truth, expressed with a strength that makes you stop and breathe.
This book is not only about illness, but about identity, hope, faith, and rediscovering the will to keep moving even when your body says “no.” The way she captures those dark moments and then rises out of them is deeply inspiring.
Her journey reminds you that victory isn’t always loud sometimes it’s quiet, messy, and unbelievably brave.
For anyone who has battled cancer, supported a loved one through it, or simply needs a reminder that impossible things are survivable, this book will touch your heart.
A courageous, uplifting, and transformative read. I closed the last page feeling grateful and stronger.
January 29, 2019
Hank and Ann’s Live Tryst Plus Four! 3*****
Hank, who met Ann a dolphin therapist/ psychologist at Liz’s wedding, is now renting a room from her for six months until his construction job concludes. Hank, accustomed to being a neat and single lady’s man, is now amidst four stick, messy foster kids in a multicolored, mismatched house, where junk food is prohibited. Hank and Ann, while fighting their blossoming chemistry, Hank realizes that Ann is his soulmate and finally convinced her to marry him.
Despite Hank’s quick acceptance of his ‘fatherhood’ role, we were never told where Jason went to when he was not on the job, nor of how Ann handled the problem. A good plot/ story line with a very subdued sex scene, in a HEA novel.
Hank, who met Ann a dolphin therapist/ psychologist at Liz’s wedding, is now renting a room from her for six months until his construction job concludes. Hank, accustomed to being a neat and single lady’s man, is now amidst four stick, messy foster kids in a multicolored, mismatched house, where junk food is prohibited. Hank and Ann, while fighting their blossoming chemistry, Hank realizes that Ann is his soulmate and finally convinced her to marry him.
Despite Hank’s quick acceptance of his ‘fatherhood’ role, we were never told where Jason went to when he was not on the job, nor of how Ann handled the problem. A good plot/ story line with a very subdued sex scene, in a HEA novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2024
The first book was okay. I liked Ann as a character and her love for the children. Hank was just a stubborn man but he grew on me. Their story was a little rough around the edges but relatable. The ending was great! Just what I was hoping for!
The second book was a whirlwind and although the story of Wade and Caroline was cute I found it weird considering the situation of their parents. I was hoping they would come back in the end and say that they decided they weren't going to get married. Oh well, it was still a heartfelt and good book otherwise.
The second book was a whirlwind and although the story of Wade and Caroline was cute I found it weird considering the situation of their parents. I was hoping they would come back in the end and say that they decided they weren't going to get married. Oh well, it was still a heartfelt and good book otherwise.
October 8, 2018
Hank Riley comes to stay at Ann Davis's house while he's working in the FL Keys. He's a builder of some sort, she's a Psychologist. She has 6 foster kids. They fall in love and end up getting married and adopting the kids, plus she is pregnant at the end of the story.
Light the Stars: Caroline Montgomery is a life coach to Marjorie Dalton, grandmother to Natalie, Tanner, and Cody, mother to Wade (kids widower father, rancher), Jake (the doctor), and Seth (ranch hand/rancher). When Caroline finds out her scammer father has run off with Marjorie she shows up at the ranch and stays to help with the kids. She and Wade eventually fall in love.
Light the Stars: Caroline Montgomery is a life coach to Marjorie Dalton, grandmother to Natalie, Tanner, and Cody, mother to Wade (kids widower father, rancher), Jake (the doctor), and Seth (ranch hand/rancher). When Caroline finds out her scammer father has run off with Marjorie she shows up at the ranch and stays to help with the kids. She and Wade eventually fall in love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2020
I liked this book except for the sex scenes the author put in. I have read and enjoyed Sherryl Woods' books for years. I loved Hank the hero and Ann the heroine. Both had kind hearts. Of course, the children added to their story too. It's a fun read.
June 23, 2017
Ttrrrrrtfgff
Drdjku n uuhgb poij ry jt4uny jdtbjy
Kj vgyo cdsejm,ht hft yuiij ubu7
Jy ubu8 ijb kjjhb lhh ihn ķhyv
Drdjku n uuhgb poij ry jt4uny jdtbjy
Kj vgyo cdsejm,ht hft yuiij ubu7
Jy ubu8 ijb kjjhb lhh ihn ķhyv
June 27, 2019
Instant family. Instant romance. Awww.
April 13, 2020
Both stories were very good reads.
January 5, 2022
Both excellent stories. Hard to put down!
February 18, 2023
Light predictable romance
August 11, 2025
It wasn’t my kind of story. Normally I love Sherryl her stories, but this was a slow one and for me a weird one. I get the storyline, but it wasn’t for me.
September 6, 2025
DNF...thoroughly unlikeable sickeningly sweet character's... made me want to vomit...
February 27, 2017
Sherryl Woods has long been a favorite of mine! I truly enjoy her writing and this book did not disappoint! I have not read the other book where these characters make their first appearances, but that didn't seem to matter! This book was fine in it's own!
Great storyline! Great characters! Great writing as always!
Great storyline! Great characters! Great writing as always!
January 23, 2012
We met Ann Davies briefly in Miss Liz's Passion, another book I reviewed by Sherryl Woods. This time we get to really know her and how she became the mom to a group of kids who really needed her.
I like the main character, Ann, because she is quirky and unique. She lives by her own rules...that is until someone else, in the form of Hank Riley challenges her in every sense of the word.
Hank, on the other hand, is a guy who never thought he could make a commitment to a woman. Now he is getting involved in her life but also the kids' lives.
I especially liked the way the challenges of being a mom and pseudo-dad played into the relationship with Ann and Hank. It was obvious from the get-go that Hank was going to play an important role in the lives of some of the Ann's children, especially the older ones since he seemed to make a connection with them.
I found a few comedic moments and a few predictable moments in the book, but overall I felt the story was believable. Although I wish Sherryl would have taken a few extra pages to develop the stories of the children in the story, I found that I stayed interested nonetheless. I guess I really wanted to find out if Ann and her quirkiness was going to mess with Hank, who in my eyes, was the quintessential man's man. The good news is that from the moment of their initial sparring over groceries to the very end, I knew those two were in for it!
I like the main character, Ann, because she is quirky and unique. She lives by her own rules...that is until someone else, in the form of Hank Riley challenges her in every sense of the word.
Hank, on the other hand, is a guy who never thought he could make a commitment to a woman. Now he is getting involved in her life but also the kids' lives.
I especially liked the way the challenges of being a mom and pseudo-dad played into the relationship with Ann and Hank. It was obvious from the get-go that Hank was going to play an important role in the lives of some of the Ann's children, especially the older ones since he seemed to make a connection with them.
I found a few comedic moments and a few predictable moments in the book, but overall I felt the story was believable. Although I wish Sherryl would have taken a few extra pages to develop the stories of the children in the story, I found that I stayed interested nonetheless. I guess I really wanted to find out if Ann and her quirkiness was going to mess with Hank, who in my eyes, was the quintessential man's man. The good news is that from the moment of their initial sparring over groceries to the very end, I knew those two were in for it!
March 23, 2013
Of the two books contained in this duology I liked this one the best. I'll get into my issues with the second one (few they are) but first I want to talk about this one. Ann is the woman who takes in strays of all kinds. Her house is filled with kids who adopted or fostered because she can't help but fall in love with all of them. She's completely unconventional and likes to live life to the beat of her own drum.
This causes some problems with the hero, Hank. Hank is one of those beer and TV kinds of guys. He's addicted to sugar and stuff that is bad for him but he can't help himself. Of course he ends up staying with Ann, at the recommendation of a friend, because he's in town for a construction job. Once in the house he finds himself falling for Ann and the kids.
This story has one of those cases of insta-love with the hero but also it involves a bit of "You are interesting and I want to sex you up so let's get married." I'm not usually a fan of that idea when someone just changes their entire outlook on life overnight. People may argue and say Hank didn't do that but it felt that way to me. Hank became the pursuer and man was he pushy! He just decided they were perfect for each other and refused to take 'no' for an answer.
While I had issues with the insta-love thing I still liked this one better than the second.
3/5 Stars
~Read as part of an anthology
This causes some problems with the hero, Hank. Hank is one of those beer and TV kinds of guys. He's addicted to sugar and stuff that is bad for him but he can't help himself. Of course he ends up staying with Ann, at the recommendation of a friend, because he's in town for a construction job. Once in the house he finds himself falling for Ann and the kids.
This story has one of those cases of insta-love with the hero but also it involves a bit of "You are interesting and I want to sex you up so let's get married." I'm not usually a fan of that idea when someone just changes their entire outlook on life overnight. People may argue and say Hank didn't do that but it felt that way to me. Hank became the pursuer and man was he pushy! He just decided they were perfect for each other and refused to take 'no' for an answer.
While I had issues with the insta-love thing I still liked this one better than the second.
3/5 Stars
~Read as part of an anthology
November 12, 2011
Sherryl Woods = classic. That is all you can say about every one of her books.
Sure you can argue that it is always the same ole story. Man and woman meet, they go around and around love, there is a big explosion and you think they will NEVER get together and then everything is roses.
But with Sherryl, the ride is so much fun. She always finds a way to make it so enjoyable, you have to pick up and read EVERY single one of her books. Always her characters are a joy to read and get to know. Each have a distinct personality.
In this one, the foster children add a special something to the book. I really enjoyed it from that perspective especially. Sherryl just really knows what readers love to read.
I found myself having read this book in one setting, in a couple of hours as a matter of fact! Enjoy, a lazy afternoon read!
Sure you can argue that it is always the same ole story. Man and woman meet, they go around and around love, there is a big explosion and you think they will NEVER get together and then everything is roses.
But with Sherryl, the ride is so much fun. She always finds a way to make it so enjoyable, you have to pick up and read EVERY single one of her books. Always her characters are a joy to read and get to know. Each have a distinct personality.
In this one, the foster children add a special something to the book. I really enjoyed it from that perspective especially. Sherryl just really knows what readers love to read.
I found myself having read this book in one setting, in a couple of hours as a matter of fact! Enjoy, a lazy afternoon read!
October 17, 2011
Tea and Destiny is a cute story about a women who takes in "strays" and has been talked into taking in a man who needs a place to stay while he's doing some contracting work in the area. The storyline is cute and the action moves along nicely. It's interesting to see how a romance developes when it includes a group of children "collected" by the woman.
Light the Stars is a bonus book nicely written about a cowboy and his family which gets shaken up when grandma runs off to get married. In this story the cowboy uses the help of the woman who's father has run off with the grandmother. Throw children into the mix and once again there's a nice developing romance which actually starts off on the wrong foot.
Light the Stars is a bonus book nicely written about a cowboy and his family which gets shaken up when grandma runs off to get married. In this story the cowboy uses the help of the woman who's father has run off with the grandmother. Throw children into the mix and once again there's a nice developing romance which actually starts off on the wrong foot.
January 24, 2022
another great story from Sheryl Woods. Ann Davis is a therapist and a foster mother. Her life is chaotic and she always have room for one more. Hank Riley needs a place to stay while finishing a contract on a building in Ann's home town. A mutual friend knew Ann had room and Hank would be better there then having to move around, due to tourist season. Neither was looking for anything from the other, in fact they tended to rub each other the wrong way. That is til they didn't. Can the two find love and can the kids help out
March 25, 2013
I liked the premise of the story but at some point Annie just really started getting on my nerves. She was too stubborn & unbelievably clueless considering the fact that she was a psychologist. She only analyzed situations when it was convenient and at other times acted completely irrationally like a child. At one point I was just hoping that Hank would just leave because she practically made him beg. Their relationship just didn't make sense to me.
January 12, 2012
This was a good combination of stories. I emnoyed them both. The foster children in the first novel were heart touching and I enjoyed the way everyone grew to love each other. The second had great children too but I didn't like their dad, the romantic interest much. He seemed very hard to reach, and not incrediblely loveable either.
December 12, 2011
I really enjoyed this book.. I almost wish it was true and that that many kids were being helped by 2 wonderful individuals. Maybe if more people read this book, they would be inspired to help out as well
Read
December 5, 2014There is an art to the trashy romance novel and this book doesn't have it. However, I saw it at a tea shop on a shelf of tea-themed books, and I figured I had to read it. Next up, Scones & Sensibility.
January 16, 2019
A story of love and family
This is a story of two people who are Leary of love and forever. With a wild group of foster children providing interesting stories the learn to become a real family. Every character in the book is fully developed which makes the story even better.
This is a story of two people who are Leary of love and forever. With a wild group of foster children providing interesting stories the learn to become a real family. Every character in the book is fully developed which makes the story even better.
September 7, 2011
Sherryl Woods is such a great author. Fun and touching romance. Included in this edition is a bonus book by Raeanne Thayne, which is also very good.
October 4, 2011
Both very quintessential romances that appeal to the imagination and hope of how we wish it could be.
December 5, 2011
Due to some unfortunate events, I had an hour to kill before an appointment and this is the book I selected off the grocery store shelves. The book did fine to fill that time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews