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The Sweet Magnolias #8
Midnight Promises
"New York Times" and "USA TODAY" bestselling author Sherryl Woods draws you into the emotional journey of a marriage worth saving When Elliott Cruz first courted struggling single mom Karen Ames, it was a romance worthy of any Sweet Magnolia fantasy. The sexy personal trainer made it his mission to restore Karen's strength-physical and emotional-and to charm her children.
Now, a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear them apart. Elliott's desire to finance the business opportunity of a lifetime with their hard-earned "baby money" stirs Karen's deep-rooted financial insecurities. It's the discovery that their brother-in-law is cheating on Elliott's sister-and thinks it's justified-that puts their irreconcilable differences into perspective. Will their own loving fidelity be a bond so strong they can triumph against all odds?
Now, a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear them apart. Elliott's desire to finance the business opportunity of a lifetime with their hard-earned "baby money" stirs Karen's deep-rooted financial insecurities. It's the discovery that their brother-in-law is cheating on Elliott's sister-and thinks it's justified-that puts their irreconcilable differences into perspective. Will their own loving fidelity be a bond so strong they can triumph against all odds?
497 pages, Hardcover
First published June 26, 2012
982 people are currently reading
7504 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 295 reviews
January 10, 2013
Is it a bad sign when you want to slap one of the main characters for most of the book? That is how I felt with Karen. I do think that she had justification for some of her worries, but she beat them to death!! It was the same issue over and over with her and Elliot getting into a fight. I understood Elliot's reasoning for not telling her about the gym, part of me agreed with him, part of me agreed with Karen. But once things came out Karen needed to decide if she was behind Elliot or not. She would say that she was, then 5 minutes later be mad about the same issue.
I even sort of understood some of their arguments about not talking things through. But they had very different schedules and what Karen would often blow up about seemed silly to me. I can see why Elliot would forget to tell her, as they were often passing ships in the dark.
I quickly grew tired of the drama with the main couple and became more invested in some of the other story lines. I hated what seemed to be happening with Frances, hated how it made her feel and her denial, but loved how she came to peace with it and her actions afterwards. The Senior Sweet Magnolia's margarita night had me laughing as well as their Vegas trip.
I also got very vested in what was happening to Elliot's sister, Adella. I didn't really like her at first, she was a raging bitch, but then after learning what she was dealing with I got why. I like where she was by the end of the book and hope that Helen takes care of her!
I even sort of understood some of their arguments about not talking things through. But they had very different schedules and what Karen would often blow up about seemed silly to me. I can see why Elliot would forget to tell her, as they were often passing ships in the dark.
I quickly grew tired of the drama with the main couple and became more invested in some of the other story lines. I hated what seemed to be happening with Frances, hated how it made her feel and her denial, but loved how she came to peace with it and her actions afterwards. The Senior Sweet Magnolia's margarita night had me laughing as well as their Vegas trip.
I also got very vested in what was happening to Elliot's sister, Adella. I didn't really like her at first, she was a raging bitch, but then after learning what she was dealing with I got why. I like where she was by the end of the book and hope that Helen takes care of her!
July 26, 2012
I have to start by saying I LOVE Sherryl Woods and especially the Sweet Magnolia series. I have befriended Maddie, Dana Sue and Helen and the associated "hangers on" to all of these characters. Well, all except for Karen in Midnight Promises.
I didn't especially like Karen in the past, but as a secondary character, it didn't lower my enjoyment of the book. In Midnight Promises, from start to finish Karen came off to me as whiney and a "negative ninny." I understand about her past affecting her future, however, sometimes you just have to get over yourself and move on. I really don't think she EVER got this theory. Elliott was a wonderful husband to her, I do not believe he came off as "Macho" like she kept referring to the males in his family in the book (definitely NOT like Ernesto) and he was symathetic to her neurosis' and needs. WHY did she not want Elliott to adopt her kids? Why was she upset when Elliott enrolled Mack in football? Why is she so freaking neurotic about Frances???
I gave this book 2 stars becuase I loved the Frances, Flo and Liz characters, and the premise of opening an all male gym was intriguing. And I liked that I got to revisit some of my past faves in Travis and Sarah and even Carter and Roxanne (is that her name?) And I really look forward to hearing more about Adelia and her story.
I won't stop reading the Sweet Magnolias series, unless we hear too much from Karen in the future.
I didn't especially like Karen in the past, but as a secondary character, it didn't lower my enjoyment of the book. In Midnight Promises, from start to finish Karen came off to me as whiney and a "negative ninny." I understand about her past affecting her future, however, sometimes you just have to get over yourself and move on. I really don't think she EVER got this theory. Elliott was a wonderful husband to her, I do not believe he came off as "Macho" like she kept referring to the males in his family in the book (definitely NOT like Ernesto) and he was symathetic to her neurosis' and needs. WHY did she not want Elliott to adopt her kids? Why was she upset when Elliott enrolled Mack in football? Why is she so freaking neurotic about Frances???
I gave this book 2 stars becuase I loved the Frances, Flo and Liz characters, and the premise of opening an all male gym was intriguing. And I liked that I got to revisit some of my past faves in Travis and Sarah and even Carter and Roxanne (is that her name?) And I really look forward to hearing more about Adelia and her story.
I won't stop reading the Sweet Magnolias series, unless we hear too much from Karen in the future.
July 19, 2012
The main character, Karen, was completely unlikable. She whined throughout the entire book. I kept hoping Eliott would leave her. He couldn't do anything right and she was constantly upset with him. She wasn't a very good friend. When one of the other characters shared some news with her and said that she was looking forward to sharing it with everyone, Karen blabbed it anyway. I have enjoyed all the other Sweet Magnolia books but this one was a chore to read.
September 24, 2024
2.75 ⭐// Pierwsza połowa książki była straszna - głównie przez Karen, która jest okropna, jęczy, jojczy, zachowuje się, jakby cały świat był przeciwko niej, a zwłaszcza własny mąż (nie ma podstaw). Zamiast rozmów są fochy i oskarżenia. Ciężko się tego słuchało i Karen to bez wątpienia najgorsza z dotychczasowych głównych bohaterek, która kompletnie nie pasuje do obrazu Słodkiej Magnolii, jaki został wykreowany od początku. Druga połowa weszła lepiej, ale chyba tylko dlatego, że mniej skupiamy się na tej parze, a bardziej na bohaterach wcześniejszych i drugoplanowych - trio starszych pań to zdecydowanie najjaśniejszy punkt całej historii i dużo chętniej posłuchałabym o ich przygodach. Bez wątpienia jest to najsłabszy tom w serii i mój najmniej ulubiony.
April 21, 2022
This book was just as good as the others in the series, however I would like to point out something that really bothers me.. there was a “background” character in this story, who is basically only mentioned briefly, doesn’t come into the story much at all, and has nothing to do with the outcome of the story… but for goodness sake, at least remember her name!! She was Tess a few books ago, and now she’s Tina! But other than that, I do love these books.
April 12, 2013
I'm usually a fan of Sherryl's books, but this one did not work for me at all. Elliot and his family were interesting characters, but I thought Karen was a self-centered spineless twit. I got so sick of her using her first marriage as the reason for not having any faith or trust in Elliot. If I had to use one word to describe this book, it would be "boring". Hope the next one is better.
September 28, 2012
My Review:
I probably never would have picked up this book on my own because I haven't read the other 7 books in this series and this particular book is about a couple who are already married. That would have been a mistake because this was a completely enjoyable book to read. Even though I haven't read any of the other books in the series, I never felt lost. This is a completely stand-alone novel and is great by itself. More than a romance novel (although there is definitely romance to it) this is a book about a small town and what it takes to make relationships (all types) work.
Elliott and Karen have been married for two years. (I need to look back and see if their's was one of the earlier books. I have a feeling it is because it doesn't sound like their courtship was an easy one.) They've been married long enough that they are having to make truly hard life decisions and are not sure how to handle the different ways that they each approach them. Elliott's immediate response is as a take charge alpha-type and protect Karen from everything (i.e. not tell her) until he has it all figured out and settles as to how things are going to work. But Karen's first marriage was filled with secrets and lies and she can't handle that from Elliott...even when what he has to say is going to send her into a panic.
Karen has a phobia about money. Her first husband left her with a pile of debt that she knew nothing about until after the divorce. And now Elliott wants to invest in a new gym in town with a group of other men, also putting up capital. As a physical trainer, the gym would be Elliott's baby and it's most definitely his dream, but it's going to require all their savings, plus going into some major debt. I really liked them as a couple. They are most definitely having troubles communicating, but there's no doubt...ever...that they completely adore each other and want their marriage to work. They're just dealing with real pressures of learning how to become a true partner to another person.
In the midst of all that is this great community/town called Serenity. There are a core group of women called the Sweet Magnolias who get together for girls nights and drink margaritas (my kinds of women). It's most of their men who are building the new gym in town. I really liked the variety of characters and that's before we get to the Senior Magnolias who were simply a hoot. There are a LOT of side characters in this, but amazingly, I really never got lost in who was who and the main way that they all related within the town. It was definitely just a great book for those of you who enjoy the small-town romances.
I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I probably never would have picked up this book on my own because I haven't read the other 7 books in this series and this particular book is about a couple who are already married. That would have been a mistake because this was a completely enjoyable book to read. Even though I haven't read any of the other books in the series, I never felt lost. This is a completely stand-alone novel and is great by itself. More than a romance novel (although there is definitely romance to it) this is a book about a small town and what it takes to make relationships (all types) work.
Elliott and Karen have been married for two years. (I need to look back and see if their's was one of the earlier books. I have a feeling it is because it doesn't sound like their courtship was an easy one.) They've been married long enough that they are having to make truly hard life decisions and are not sure how to handle the different ways that they each approach them. Elliott's immediate response is as a take charge alpha-type and protect Karen from everything (i.e. not tell her) until he has it all figured out and settles as to how things are going to work. But Karen's first marriage was filled with secrets and lies and she can't handle that from Elliott...even when what he has to say is going to send her into a panic.
Karen has a phobia about money. Her first husband left her with a pile of debt that she knew nothing about until after the divorce. And now Elliott wants to invest in a new gym in town with a group of other men, also putting up capital. As a physical trainer, the gym would be Elliott's baby and it's most definitely his dream, but it's going to require all their savings, plus going into some major debt. I really liked them as a couple. They are most definitely having troubles communicating, but there's no doubt...ever...that they completely adore each other and want their marriage to work. They're just dealing with real pressures of learning how to become a true partner to another person.
In the midst of all that is this great community/town called Serenity. There are a core group of women called the Sweet Magnolias who get together for girls nights and drink margaritas (my kinds of women). It's most of their men who are building the new gym in town. I really liked the variety of characters and that's before we get to the Senior Magnolias who were simply a hoot. There are a LOT of side characters in this, but amazingly, I really never got lost in who was who and the main way that they all related within the town. It was definitely just a great book for those of you who enjoy the small-town romances.
I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
April 10, 2019
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
======================
UPDATE: Reread March, 2019
======================
It is best to follow the series in order, since we already know the background of the heroine in the previous books.
Our heroine is always comparing our hero with her ex who was a bastard.
She annoyed me deeply.
She is afraid of going through financial difficulties again and leaving her children helpless again.
We have the parallel story of the hero's sister whose husband is a scumbag cheater.
The hero is very cool and feels insecure because of indecision and fear of the heroine.
Both need more communication and understanding.
It was an okay reading.
======================
UPDATE: Reread March, 2019
======================
It is best to follow the series in order, since we already know the background of the heroine in the previous books.
Our heroine is always comparing our hero with her ex who was a bastard.
She annoyed me deeply.
She is afraid of going through financial difficulties again and leaving her children helpless again.
We have the parallel story of the hero's sister whose husband is a scumbag cheater.
The hero is very cool and feels insecure because of indecision and fear of the heroine.
Both need more communication and understanding.
It was an okay reading.
He made the decisions, then told her about them later. Or, as in this case, didn’t bother informing her at all.
Each time he did something like this, it hurt her, chipping away at her faith that their marriage was as solid as she’d once believed it to be, that he was a man who’d never betray her as her first husband had.
And truthfully, he had no idea why he’d kept these plans for opening a gym from her.
“And you didn’t consider that poor brainless me might have any thoughts about that?”
Adelia had gotten her wish. Ernesto hadn’t been home for four days now. Ever since he’d stormed out Saturday with her words warning him not to come back ringing in his ears, he’d stayed away.
Their marriage had been disintegrating long before he’d gotten involved with this latest woman. She was, in fact, the fourth, maybe even the fifth, in a string of mistresses he’d made no real attempt to hide from Adelia.
“You want to take all of our savings and get a second mortgage on the house? Not a chance, Elliott. I mean it. That’s our home. I won’t let you put it at risk.”
Maria Cruz had disapproved openly of Karen’s divorce.
He looked taken aback by her strong words. “You’ve always known about the other women. I assumed you understood that was the price for living in that big house and having all your needs met.”
November 29, 2023
Dar viena Puikiųjų Magnolijų dalis. Kartais jau sunku pagauti, kurios kartos veikėjai jau dalyvauja istorijoje, bet visai lengvai skaitosi, tik turbūt kaip ir daugumai, atrodo kartojasi tas pats braižas visų istorijų. Ta pati linija, tie patys konfliktai. Man gal kiek kliuvo, kad Karenos kažkoks kvailas užsispyrimas, o Elioto nuolatiniai pasiteisinimai nuolat vis kartojosi vėl ir vėl, kol aiškinosi kur problemos poroje. Turbūt šioje dalyje įdomesnė man buvo Francė ir Senjorių Magnolijų nuotykiai.
Romantiška, poros istorija, paliečiant praeities įvykius, nuoskaudas, šeimos vertybes ir skirtingus auklėjimus, ką atsinešame kiekvienas kurdami savo šeimą, ir kaip svarbubrasti tą aukso viduriuką, kad abu jaustųsi gerai ir laimingi.
Romantiška, poros istorija, paliečiant praeities įvykius, nuoskaudas, šeimos vertybes ir skirtingus auklėjimus, ką atsinešame kiekvienas kurdami savo šeimą, ir kaip svarbubrasti tą aukso viduriuką, kad abu jaustųsi gerai ir laimingi.
May 31, 2020
I love her books and the series but this one the main character was repetitive and too whiny in the book.
December 29, 2020
I made a goal to finish this series but this book took me forever. I didn’t like Karen in this book. I kept putting the book down to go clean. Not a good sign.
April 15, 2021
I've been wondering how these books kept going even though it seemed like every person we met story had been told. It was nice to revisit a character and get a little more in depth.
During some parts, I was pretty upset how the "Latino" characters were portrayed, but I think it's partially because some things hit a nerve.
I'm so glad we're getting to the point where women can leave cheating good for nothing men instead of "bearing a burden" or whatever else they say to convince themselves.
During some parts, I was pretty upset how the "Latino" characters were portrayed, but I think it's partially because some things hit a nerve.
I'm so glad we're getting to the point where women can leave cheating good for nothing men instead of "bearing a burden" or whatever else they say to convince themselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2025
I actually really disliked this book. The whole time I couldn’t wait to just have it finished. Not many things frustrate me more than poor communication and that was literally the only plot line for this entire book up until the last chapter. Also couldn’t stand the two main characters? Like any moment without Karen or Elliot was my favorite part of the book. They SUCKED. This book is doo doo.
April 22, 2021
This series and all the generations throughout are beautiful. I love the Senior Magnolias
May 24, 2022
Great addition with some familiar friends.
December 4, 2022
I found the protagonist character very annoying. The side stories from the other characters were much better. Hopefully the next storyline has a less-annoying protagonist.
April 27, 2024
3.5 stars. Frances’s story is what really made this book for me. Karen’s constant insecurities got redundant after a while and annoying.
October 1, 2024
Worst one yet
June 21, 2012
Can this couple's love for one another overcome an overbearing family and well-meaning friends, along with fears created by a previous marriage? Two darling children hope their dreams for this family will come true.Karen (Ames) Cruz discovers that her husband is keeping secrets. As a newlywed who has experienced divorce and near financial ruin in her previous marriage, any inkling of secretive behavior can set off emotional alarms for Karen. This is especially true when she learns that her husband intends to invest in a gym and his share of the start-up money will come from their baby fund that they had painstakingly saved together.
Not only has he planned this new venture without her knowledge, but all their friends have been part of the planning too. Karen knows that Elliott is trying to protect her from her financial fears but keeping her in the dark has made this just one more anxiety to add to the pile. Was it a mistake for her to marry again?
Elliott Cruz enjoys his job as a personal trainer at The Corner Spa. Since this business focuses on women's fitness, he is extremely enthusiastic about a joint venture to create a gym for men. There will be several of them in this venture together so the financial outlay per person won't be as high, but the potential for the future financial stability for his family is great. Starting off married life with two children from Karen's previous marriage is a joy, but it also adds to the day-to-day stressors and financial obligations. Elliott is determined to provide for his family and hopefully become the legal father to Karen's two children who he loves as his own. Now he just has to convince his wife how much he loves her.
I enjoyed Karen and Elliott's story as well as getting to know the rest of the "sweet magnolias," a fun-loving group of women friends who bring southern charm to life in this engaging story. The "senior magnolias" are quite funny and add a different spin to the ongoing issues facing those in a small town. Elliott's very vocal large Italian Catholic family brings some hard issues to light when it's not just Elliott and Karen wondering about their marriage. MIDNIGHT PROMISES is a tightly woven passage through life which reminds us how our coping mechanisms can affect those around us.
MIDNIGHT PROMISES is book eight in Sherryl Woods' SWEET MAGNOLIAS series, but it's also the first in a trilogy releasing this summer, so it's written in such a way that anyone can start here without confusion. That's what I did and I became quickly immersed in the town without any prior knowledge of the characters. I read a lot of series out of order and it's rare to find one so tightly written in consideration of a new reader. Very well done, considering the volume of characters we get to know in this novel.
MIDNIGHT PROMISES is an unusual romance that takes a deep look at blended families, divorce and recovery from life's hard knocks, which sometimes make us shy away from our own happiness. What makes this story so unusual is that the leading couple is already married and struggling to hold on to the love that brought them together. It's also about female empowerment in the course of finding one's self again through friendships, illness, fitness and an overall self-discovery. This novel portrays a very powerful message for anyone struggling to realize their own potential, and will resonate strongly with those who have already successfully made the journey. MIDNIGHT PROMISES celebrates longevity in life and relationships, while realizing what's truly important whether it's love, friendship or reconnecting with family.
I'm looking forward to reading book nine, the second in this SWEET MAGNOLIAS trilogy, CATCHING FIREFLIES, coming in August 2012!
4 Blue Ribbon Review Courtesy of Romance Junkies.
May 31, 2017
Midnight Promises by Sherryl Woods is the eighth book in the Sweet Magnolias series. Even though I have not read this series in order, it has not mattered since each one of these books are a standalone novel.
This book opens with a prologue of the wedding of Karen Ames and Elliott Cruz in Serenity, South Carolina. Karen’s first marriage was a disaster. Her husband Ray built up a lot of debt and then walked out on she and their two children Daisy and Mack. They divorced with Ray giving up his parental rights. After struggling to climb out from under this debt and almost losing her children, Karen emerges with some serious emotional scars.
The book moves to a few years later. Karen works as a chef in Sullivan’s which is owned by Dana Sue Sullivan, one of the Sweet Magnolias. Elliott works at the Spa owned by the Sweet Magnolias as a personal trainer. The opportunity presents itself to Elliott to become a partner in owning a gym for the men in Serenity. Elliott is in the investigation stage of the process but has not discussed it with Karen yet. She finds out about the venture by chance from the sous chef at the restaurant. This stirs up her issues with money and being shut out of decisions made for her family.
Karen’s mother is an alcoholic and she has no relationship with her. She is befriended by Frances, who helps her tremendously while she is working to get back on her feet. Frances becomes Daisy and Mack’s grandmother figure. Elliott’s mother is a strict catholic and does not believe in divorce and doesn’t accept Karen right away, which causes Karen anxiety. It took a long time for Elliott’s mother and sisters to finally accept her.
Adelia is Elliott’s older sister who is having marital problems herself. Ernesto, her husband has had a string of affairs and sees nothing wrong with treating his wife without respect. It takes a while but Adelia finally stand up to her husband giving him an ultimatum of stopping his behavior or she will leave. She gets a job working for Raylene another of the Sweet Magnolias and begins to regain her self respect. Karen and she finally become friends.
Elliott’s been wanting to adopt Daisy and Mack since Ray is completely out of the picture but Karen is dragging her feet about it which has Elliott feeling like an outsider. After both children tell Karen they want Elliot to adopt them, she finally sees that her children need the security that Elliott will be there for them no matter what.
Helen, another of the Sweet Magnolias, is Karen’s attorney and she provides much needed input about Karen’s reluctance to accept that Elliott is in it for the long haul which finally shows Karen that she can indeed trust that he will always do what it takes to keep she and the kids happy.
I really liked how Ms. Woods brought all of the characters together through the business venture of the new gym. She also touched on racial bias, Alzheimer's, anxiety, and infidelity in the lives of the characters. By exploring the reactions to those issues and the strategies they all used to deal with them.
This book opens with a prologue of the wedding of Karen Ames and Elliott Cruz in Serenity, South Carolina. Karen’s first marriage was a disaster. Her husband Ray built up a lot of debt and then walked out on she and their two children Daisy and Mack. They divorced with Ray giving up his parental rights. After struggling to climb out from under this debt and almost losing her children, Karen emerges with some serious emotional scars.
The book moves to a few years later. Karen works as a chef in Sullivan’s which is owned by Dana Sue Sullivan, one of the Sweet Magnolias. Elliott works at the Spa owned by the Sweet Magnolias as a personal trainer. The opportunity presents itself to Elliott to become a partner in owning a gym for the men in Serenity. Elliott is in the investigation stage of the process but has not discussed it with Karen yet. She finds out about the venture by chance from the sous chef at the restaurant. This stirs up her issues with money and being shut out of decisions made for her family.
Karen’s mother is an alcoholic and she has no relationship with her. She is befriended by Frances, who helps her tremendously while she is working to get back on her feet. Frances becomes Daisy and Mack’s grandmother figure. Elliott’s mother is a strict catholic and does not believe in divorce and doesn’t accept Karen right away, which causes Karen anxiety. It took a long time for Elliott’s mother and sisters to finally accept her.
Adelia is Elliott’s older sister who is having marital problems herself. Ernesto, her husband has had a string of affairs and sees nothing wrong with treating his wife without respect. It takes a while but Adelia finally stand up to her husband giving him an ultimatum of stopping his behavior or she will leave. She gets a job working for Raylene another of the Sweet Magnolias and begins to regain her self respect. Karen and she finally become friends.
Elliott’s been wanting to adopt Daisy and Mack since Ray is completely out of the picture but Karen is dragging her feet about it which has Elliott feeling like an outsider. After both children tell Karen they want Elliot to adopt them, she finally sees that her children need the security that Elliott will be there for them no matter what.
Helen, another of the Sweet Magnolias, is Karen’s attorney and she provides much needed input about Karen’s reluctance to accept that Elliott is in it for the long haul which finally shows Karen that she can indeed trust that he will always do what it takes to keep she and the kids happy.
I really liked how Ms. Woods brought all of the characters together through the business venture of the new gym. She also touched on racial bias, Alzheimer's, anxiety, and infidelity in the lives of the characters. By exploring the reactions to those issues and the strategies they all used to deal with them.
October 8, 2023
Dar viena puiki serijos knyga. Taip smagu sutikti pažįstamus veikėjus ir susipažinti su viena pora/šeima iš arčiau. Šį kartą neriama į santuokoje kylančius sunkumus, nesutarimus, nesusipratimus. Galimybė į kitus, o kartu ir į save, pažvelgti atidžiau, supratingiau. Nekantrauju sužinoti, ką atneš tęsinys.
September 23, 2012
Midnight Promises by Sherryl Woods is the eighth book in The Sweet Magnolias series. I haven't read any of the first seven books in this series. However after I finished this book I knew this would be a series I'd like to read. Mainly because
1. Woods writes in a way that you could pick up any book in the series and not feel lost. I love it when authors do this. I can't tell you how many series I've read out of order, and not every series is like this.
2. Woods deals with real issues. Elliot and Karen are newly married and trying to build a life together. The issues they deal with seem very realistic and common to a lot of people. This really helped me connect with the characters.
3. The friendships that the women have. They have each other's back! They root for each other's success. Give (sometimes) unwanted advice. They are there for each other in good times and bad. Think Steel Magnolias or the Divine Sisters of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.
4. Margarita night. This book made me want to host my own margarita night.
5. Relationships. Woods deals with all sorts of relationships in this book: mothers, daughters, sisters, brothers, cousins, friends, husbands, wives. Relationships can be complicated, and Woods really brings to the forefront the ups and downs life can bring us.
Overall this is an enjoyable book. I'm definitely going to continue with this series, as well as go back and read the first seven books. I've enjoyed getting 'to know' several of the characters. I look forward to learning more about their stories.
1. Woods writes in a way that you could pick up any book in the series and not feel lost. I love it when authors do this. I can't tell you how many series I've read out of order, and not every series is like this.
2. Woods deals with real issues. Elliot and Karen are newly married and trying to build a life together. The issues they deal with seem very realistic and common to a lot of people. This really helped me connect with the characters.
3. The friendships that the women have. They have each other's back! They root for each other's success. Give (sometimes) unwanted advice. They are there for each other in good times and bad. Think Steel Magnolias or the Divine Sisters of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.
4. Margarita night. This book made me want to host my own margarita night.
5. Relationships. Woods deals with all sorts of relationships in this book: mothers, daughters, sisters, brothers, cousins, friends, husbands, wives. Relationships can be complicated, and Woods really brings to the forefront the ups and downs life can bring us.
Overall this is an enjoyable book. I'm definitely going to continue with this series, as well as go back and read the first seven books. I've enjoyed getting 'to know' several of the characters. I look forward to learning more about their stories.
June 13, 2019
I disliked Karen from the very beginning and never changed my mind. She was a whiney, judgmental, neurotic bitch. When one of her friends suggested therapy I yelled HELL YES GO TO THERAPY!
Every thought, action, and judgement she had was based on a previous bad marriage. Her husband was constantly trying to please her, protect her, and he would apologize to her even when she was wrong. She thought her husband was a “macho” Latina like his father — No! He constantly tried to please her, help her, look after her kids, and deal with being compared to her first deadbeat husband. She claimed to love him and trust him but questioned every decision he made. Personally, I saw no love in her interactions with Elliott. She didn’t want him to make decisions about her kids or adopt them but had no issue with him supporting them, feeding them, taking the daughter to a dance, getting them ready for bed when she was at work, and ferrying them around. She also talked about wanting a baby with Elliott which seemed like the last thing this marriage needed.
I liked Elliot even though he seemed spineless at times. I really liked the many other characters that appeared from other books in the series. 2 stars for the supporting cast but no stars for Karen.
I usually read books like this quickly but I could only handle this one in small doses.
Every thought, action, and judgement she had was based on a previous bad marriage. Her husband was constantly trying to please her, protect her, and he would apologize to her even when she was wrong. She thought her husband was a “macho” Latina like his father — No! He constantly tried to please her, help her, look after her kids, and deal with being compared to her first deadbeat husband. She claimed to love him and trust him but questioned every decision he made. Personally, I saw no love in her interactions with Elliott. She didn’t want him to make decisions about her kids or adopt them but had no issue with him supporting them, feeding them, taking the daughter to a dance, getting them ready for bed when she was at work, and ferrying them around. She also talked about wanting a baby with Elliott which seemed like the last thing this marriage needed.
I liked Elliot even though he seemed spineless at times. I really liked the many other characters that appeared from other books in the series. 2 stars for the supporting cast but no stars for Karen.
I usually read books like this quickly but I could only handle this one in small doses.
May 1, 2012
I love this Sweet Magnolia series. I forget how much till the next book comes along and then I can't put it down till I have finished it and then i am sad that I am done.
This is the story of Karen and Elliot and how no matter how much you love each other you must work at marriage.
Karen came into this marriage with 2 children and although their 'real dad' is not in the picture Karen is afraid to let Elliot adopt them. Then there is Elliott and the other 'men' who want to open a men's gym and Elliott being the man keeps things from Karen.
But the best part is catching up with everyone from the last 7 books. Although I think Sherryl did us an injustice by not doing a mini book about the Vegas trip and just kind of throwing it in at the end.
Very excited to hear we have more books coming.
This is the story of Karen and Elliot and how no matter how much you love each other you must work at marriage.
Karen came into this marriage with 2 children and although their 'real dad' is not in the picture Karen is afraid to let Elliot adopt them. Then there is Elliott and the other 'men' who want to open a men's gym and Elliott being the man keeps things from Karen.
But the best part is catching up with everyone from the last 7 books. Although I think Sherryl did us an injustice by not doing a mini book about the Vegas trip and just kind of throwing it in at the end.
Very excited to hear we have more books coming.
July 14, 2014
I liked this story very much. Even if Karen was a bit of worry-art I could relate with her, as her ex-husband left her with 2 children and a lot of debts and she had bad times.
Elliott had to understand he had to share his decision with her wife because his decision impacted both of them and their children but most because he had to understand Karen's need to be included in family decision.
There was a point about Elliott's family being Catholic and so against divorce. It's a loaded issue. I think that both husband and wife have to work hard trying to be together, mostly if there are children included, but sometimes a divorce is a good solution for a bad family environment.
Good story!
Elliott had to understand he had to share his decision with her wife because his decision impacted both of them and their children but most because he had to understand Karen's need to be included in family decision.
There was a point about Elliott's family being Catholic and so against divorce. It's a loaded issue. I think that both husband and wife have to work hard trying to be together, mostly if there are children included, but sometimes a divorce is a good solution for a bad family environment.
Good story!
July 20, 2021
It’s taken me 8 books to fully put into words what I find annoying about these books.
Over and over and over there is this build up to some huge climactic argument or fight or debate and then when it finally comes to head, someone just says, “Let’s all be nice and not fight” and that’s it, problem solved, everything is over!
I enjoy the characters for the most part, the stories are cute and easy to read, but that one thing, plus the fact that each book follows the exact same basic formula just with different details means I just can’t rate them higher than a 3.
The entire series is a throwaway beach read with very little mental stimulation.
But do I still enjoy it? Yes. I am 8 books in, after all.
Over and over and over there is this build up to some huge climactic argument or fight or debate and then when it finally comes to head, someone just says, “Let’s all be nice and not fight” and that’s it, problem solved, everything is over!
I enjoy the characters for the most part, the stories are cute and easy to read, but that one thing, plus the fact that each book follows the exact same basic formula just with different details means I just can’t rate them higher than a 3.
The entire series is a throwaway beach read with very little mental stimulation.
But do I still enjoy it? Yes. I am 8 books in, after all.
July 11, 2012
Looking forward to reading this next book in The Sweet Magnolia series.It has been a long time since I have been with them...This book was really good just couldn't find the time to sit and read it. The sweet magnolias are back for another adventure and so are the senior magnolias who are so funny...Karen and Elliott have a lot of ups and downs. Some due to the way Elliott was brought up and some by the way Karen's ex husband had treated her. Elliott's sister has a lot of troubles of her own and I am glad of the outcome of all of their lives...Frances has a wake up call and finally starts living her life. Thanks Sherryl Woods for another amazing book!
July 27, 2018
I rarely post a comment but this book drove me crazy. Karen did nothing but ridicule and berate her husband and yet he was the one who was constantly apologizing to her. Not my favorite book.
Also, the adopting of the kids. It was so ridiculous that she did not want this man, who clearly loved her children, to adopt them. Even her children wanted Elliott to be their Dad. I think Karen was self centered. Phooey!!! It certainly tested my patience!!! Glad I am done with this one. Usually I love her books but this was just okay.
Also, the adopting of the kids. It was so ridiculous that she did not want this man, who clearly loved her children, to adopt them. Even her children wanted Elliott to be their Dad. I think Karen was self centered. Phooey!!! It certainly tested my patience!!! Glad I am done with this one. Usually I love her books but this was just okay.
June 6, 2014
Just meh
Just meh
This was my least favorite in this series. It drug on and on. I was more interested in Adelia and her woes than Karen and Elliot.
Just meh
This was my least favorite in this series. It drug on and on. I was more interested in Adelia and her woes than Karen and Elliot.
June 22, 2017
Good story about trust, communication, and belief in each other. Elliott and Karen have been married for a couple years. Their courtship had been difficult, as Elliott had had to overcome Karen's fears and wariness. Their marriage has been going well, as they settle into life as a blended family. Elliott adores Karen's two children and Karen herself. His goal in life is to make sure they never want for anything. When he is given the opportunity to be part of a new gym for men, he jumps at the chance - but doesn't tell Karen about it. To say that she isn't happy about it would be a vast understatement. Karen's first marriage ended when her husband walked out, leaving Karen with a mountain of debt she had known nothing about. Now her two biggest hot buttons are secrecy and money. When she finds out about Elliott's plans from someone other than Elliott, she is furious and terrified. Confronting Elliott doesn't really calm all her fears.
I liked both Karen and Elliott, but each of them had their issues that contributed to the stress between them. Karen's biggest issue is her fear of financial difficulty. Having barely survived the results of her first marriage, she is determined never to fear for the ability to pay the bills again. I understood her point, but her obsession with it got to be very annoying after a while. Especially since Elliott is nothing like her first husband. Elliott is a kind, loving and protective man. He is also a product of his upbringing in a traditional Hispanic family, where the man was the head of the household and made the decisions. Though he wants to believe that he is better than his father had been, there are some things that he just doesn't realize he does. Keeping the gym plans secret was one of those things. He didn't want to worry Karen about it until he had all the information ready to show her because he knew what her reaction would be.
I liked seeing how Karen and Elliott worked to resolve their differences. It wasn't easy, and both had some hard lessons to learn. Karen's constant fear was caused by what she went through with her first husband, and she had to fully accept that Elliott was not going to do the same. Though her heart knew it, her head would frequently create doubts in her mind. She was also oblivious to the fact that her doubts hurt Elliott's pride. Though Elliott is well aware of Karen's phobias about debt and keeping secrets, he still has a hard time being fully open about his plans. He is confident about the prospects for success, but has difficulty finding a way to share that confidence with Karen. He is also suffering from what he sees as a lack of faith in him. Elliott also wants to adopt her children and doesn't understand why she is dragging her feet.
The problem with the gym was the catalyst for Karen and Elliott to realize that since their marriage their lives had gotten extremely busy and they had lost their ability to communicate openly and honestly with each other. Thanks to the interference of several friends, they started making a concerted effort to remedy that, and things started to improve. When Elliott's sister began having problems with her marriage, Elliott and Karen realized that though they may have their own issues, their love for each other was never in doubt. Something Adelia says to Elliott about their father also makes him aware of the mistakes he had been making in his own life, and opens his eyes to the changes he needs to make. Thanks to some prodding from her children, Karen also realizes that she has been letting the past influence her future, and that she's the only one who can change that. By the end of the book, their marriage has made it through the rough patch and emerged stronger because of it.
The problems Adelia is having with her marriage show the differences in outlook between Karen and the women of the Cruz family. Adelia has been raised to be a peacemaker and to go along with whatever her husband says. But his constant affairs have become unbearable for her, and when it also begins to affect their oldest daughter, Adelia realizes that she has had enough. I loved seeing her start to regain her self-respect and to stand up to her husband. I got very irritated with the way that even the women blamed Adelia for the breakdown of her marriage. It was great to see Adelia and Karen grow closer, as Adelia discovers that Karen is a better source of support than her own family. Even Elliott needed an occasionally smack upside the head when it came to his family.
I loved catching up with other residents of Serenity who have appeared in earlier books. The deep friendships showcase the support that is always there for those who need it. I loved seeing Frances, Flo and Liz, the "senior Magnolias" and what they were up to. I ached for Frances and her fears, and loved seeing how everyone rallied around her.
I liked both Karen and Elliott, but each of them had their issues that contributed to the stress between them. Karen's biggest issue is her fear of financial difficulty. Having barely survived the results of her first marriage, she is determined never to fear for the ability to pay the bills again. I understood her point, but her obsession with it got to be very annoying after a while. Especially since Elliott is nothing like her first husband. Elliott is a kind, loving and protective man. He is also a product of his upbringing in a traditional Hispanic family, where the man was the head of the household and made the decisions. Though he wants to believe that he is better than his father had been, there are some things that he just doesn't realize he does. Keeping the gym plans secret was one of those things. He didn't want to worry Karen about it until he had all the information ready to show her because he knew what her reaction would be.
I liked seeing how Karen and Elliott worked to resolve their differences. It wasn't easy, and both had some hard lessons to learn. Karen's constant fear was caused by what she went through with her first husband, and she had to fully accept that Elliott was not going to do the same. Though her heart knew it, her head would frequently create doubts in her mind. She was also oblivious to the fact that her doubts hurt Elliott's pride. Though Elliott is well aware of Karen's phobias about debt and keeping secrets, he still has a hard time being fully open about his plans. He is confident about the prospects for success, but has difficulty finding a way to share that confidence with Karen. He is also suffering from what he sees as a lack of faith in him. Elliott also wants to adopt her children and doesn't understand why she is dragging her feet.
The problem with the gym was the catalyst for Karen and Elliott to realize that since their marriage their lives had gotten extremely busy and they had lost their ability to communicate openly and honestly with each other. Thanks to the interference of several friends, they started making a concerted effort to remedy that, and things started to improve. When Elliott's sister began having problems with her marriage, Elliott and Karen realized that though they may have their own issues, their love for each other was never in doubt. Something Adelia says to Elliott about their father also makes him aware of the mistakes he had been making in his own life, and opens his eyes to the changes he needs to make. Thanks to some prodding from her children, Karen also realizes that she has been letting the past influence her future, and that she's the only one who can change that. By the end of the book, their marriage has made it through the rough patch and emerged stronger because of it.
The problems Adelia is having with her marriage show the differences in outlook between Karen and the women of the Cruz family. Adelia has been raised to be a peacemaker and to go along with whatever her husband says. But his constant affairs have become unbearable for her, and when it also begins to affect their oldest daughter, Adelia realizes that she has had enough. I loved seeing her start to regain her self-respect and to stand up to her husband. I got very irritated with the way that even the women blamed Adelia for the breakdown of her marriage. It was great to see Adelia and Karen grow closer, as Adelia discovers that Karen is a better source of support than her own family. Even Elliott needed an occasionally smack upside the head when it came to his family.
I loved catching up with other residents of Serenity who have appeared in earlier books. The deep friendships showcase the support that is always there for those who need it. I loved seeing Frances, Flo and Liz, the "senior Magnolias" and what they were up to. I ached for Frances and her fears, and loved seeing how everyone rallied around her.
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