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Secrets over Sweet Tea
Secrets can be funny things. We think they keep us safe, but more often than not, they spill out when we least expect and make a mess out of everything. It’s a truth Scarlett Jo Newberry knows all too well―a truth Grace Shepherd and Zach Craig are about to learn the hard way. As the lives of this boisterous pastor’s wife, polished news anchor, and beleaguered divorce attorney intersect in the tree-lined streets of Franklin, Tennessee, scandal threatens to topple their carefully constructed worlds. Grasping at survival, they embark on a journey of friendship and courage, desperate to find a way back to laughter, love, and life.
416 pages, Paperback
First published February 18, 2013
71 people are currently reading
1153 people want to read
About the author
Denise Hildreth Jones
22 books248 followersDenise Jones is a southern girl who loves Jesus, SEC football, family, friends, good food and cold Coca-Colas. She is the mom of one shih-tzu, the bonus mom to five kiddo's and the husband of one Mr. Jones. She spends her time leading Reclaiming Hearts Ministries in her home of Franklin, TN. And every now and then she writes a few books.
You can email her at:
denise@reclaiminghearts.com
You can email her at:
denise@reclaiminghearts.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
April 15, 2013
Everyone needs a friend like Scarlett Jo. Someone who makes you uncomfortable, yet comforted at the same time. Someone who has this uncanny knack of making you talk, when you just want to be quiet. Someone who loves you so big that you just can’t help but melt…bright clothes and all!
This book is SO amazingly funny! I could not put it down. I took it with me to the pool and read it while the kids were splashing. Then I read it while I made dinner, cleaned up after dinner and finished laundry. Finally, I finished it about 1 AM! It had me THAT riveted!
I’ve never seen an author weave such a serious set of stories in a humorous manner as Denise did this book. When I was done, I wanted to meet Scarlett Jo. (I know she’s imaginary….but she seems so real!)
I won’t give away the ending. Let’s just say that the story has many twists that I didn’t expect and some I did expect. All-in-all it is a great book and I 100% recommend it.
Note: This book does have adult themes including adultery. I wouldn’t recommend it for those under 16.
This book is SO amazingly funny! I could not put it down. I took it with me to the pool and read it while the kids were splashing. Then I read it while I made dinner, cleaned up after dinner and finished laundry. Finally, I finished it about 1 AM! It had me THAT riveted!
I’ve never seen an author weave such a serious set of stories in a humorous manner as Denise did this book. When I was done, I wanted to meet Scarlett Jo. (I know she’s imaginary….but she seems so real!)
I won’t give away the ending. Let’s just say that the story has many twists that I didn’t expect and some I did expect. All-in-all it is a great book and I 100% recommend it.
Note: This book does have adult themes including adultery. I wouldn’t recommend it for those under 16.
June 10, 2013
I had read the Savannah books by this same author and I enjoyed them, but Secrets Over Sweet Tea actually engaged me. It is a story of ordinary people in an ordinary community in Tennessee...and that is what made this book extraordinary for me. An inspirational book that deals with people's real life conflicts and problems, Secrets over Sweet Tea tells the story of Grace, Caroline and Scarlett Jo.
Let's deal with Scarlett Jo first. She is larger than life, over-the-top, and bless her heart, she is a preacher's wife, as unlikely as that seems. With Scarlett Jo, what you see is what you get and while you may not appreciate her, uhm, honesty at times, you have to love her for her heart as Grace and Caroline eventually find out. She is the mother of 5 sons (and can burp with the best of them), a devoted wife, an observant friend, and she has a reason for being so animatedly joyous. (Near the end, Scarlett Jo falters as she comes face to face with her own shadowed past and we learn that Scarlett Jo reclaimed her own heart just as she encourages Grace and Caroline to do.)
Grace is 35, married for 10 years to a professional hockey player and for years her marriage has been rocky to say the least. It takes courage for her to finally realize that her husband's personal struggles are not hers to fix, but she can reclaim her own heart and her own life if she finally lets go.
Caroline is "perfect"...perfectly dressed, perfectly made-up, perfectly perfect and she is controlling of her two daughters and her husband because that is the part of her life that she can control. Her need to control finally leads to the heart-breaking discovery that her husband has been cheating on her. She and her husband have to decide if they can each reclaim their own hearts in order to reclaim the marriage that once meant so much to both of them.
There. That's it. An inspirational fiction novel that recognizes that people stray from their faith and their own convictions, but they can work hard to put their lives back together in a way that works for them. It's a story of looking within when faced with problems and realizing that we can't fix others to suit our needs, but we can fix ourselves if we are willing to take the painful journey back into our past to confront our poor choices, patterns of behavior, and our reasoning behind them. I really liked this "real" story.
Let's deal with Scarlett Jo first. She is larger than life, over-the-top, and bless her heart, she is a preacher's wife, as unlikely as that seems. With Scarlett Jo, what you see is what you get and while you may not appreciate her, uhm, honesty at times, you have to love her for her heart as Grace and Caroline eventually find out. She is the mother of 5 sons (and can burp with the best of them), a devoted wife, an observant friend, and she has a reason for being so animatedly joyous. (Near the end, Scarlett Jo falters as she comes face to face with her own shadowed past and we learn that Scarlett Jo reclaimed her own heart just as she encourages Grace and Caroline to do.)
Grace is 35, married for 10 years to a professional hockey player and for years her marriage has been rocky to say the least. It takes courage for her to finally realize that her husband's personal struggles are not hers to fix, but she can reclaim her own heart and her own life if she finally lets go.
Caroline is "perfect"...perfectly dressed, perfectly made-up, perfectly perfect and she is controlling of her two daughters and her husband because that is the part of her life that she can control. Her need to control finally leads to the heart-breaking discovery that her husband has been cheating on her. She and her husband have to decide if they can each reclaim their own hearts in order to reclaim the marriage that once meant so much to both of them.
There. That's it. An inspirational fiction novel that recognizes that people stray from their faith and their own convictions, but they can work hard to put their lives back together in a way that works for them. It's a story of looking within when faced with problems and realizing that we can't fix others to suit our needs, but we can fix ourselves if we are willing to take the painful journey back into our past to confront our poor choices, patterns of behavior, and our reasoning behind them. I really liked this "real" story.
March 6, 2018
Reading Groups offer readers an opportunity to venture out of their “comfort zones” many times with delightful discoveries. This inspirational novel was not one of those books. The difficult problems presented (adultery, alcoholism, sexual assault, teenage pregnancy, etc) are certainly worth discussing but too easily resolved in this story with predictable sentimental conclusions. Two difficult problems were tackled by simply having the characters move out of town (and out of the story).
February 14, 2013
I want it to be summer. I want it to be warm once again. I want to sit on my front porch drinking ice tea and listen to the birds sing. I want to feel that amazing feeling of loving everyday life again.
I love that most of the time I can grab the joy of life. That those golden moments shine for me. Weather it be the warmth of the sun while I hang clothes on the line (yes I love the Texas sun!) or listening to the kids shout and laugh as they chase glow in the dark bubbles at night. I love to wear bright colors especially pink and have bright red hair. And more than anything I love to see that shine in Dear Hubby's eyes while he is telling a tall tale with the grill smoking in the background.
Denise Hildreth Jones knows all of this about me. She knows I am large and in charge. She understands I am still growing and seeking God in my life. And most of all she knows that all of this brassy bawdy lifestyle hides the venerable feelings I have inside. How do I know this? Because she put the very essence of who I am in her latest book Secrets over Sweet Tea. I bet if you read it you will find some of yourself in there. Are you trying to be perfect yet falling apart doing so? How about pleasing everyone but yourself? Do you cheat on yourself and lie to yourself that your really in charge? Or better yet are you the friend that pulls others up by their boot straps or better yet their taste buds? Are you the leader, follower, secret keeper or heart tender. Everyone of us are there with our secrets we keep and learn to let go. This is the quintessential southern ladies book too. From the slap your momma silly to the feed the soul with scones that we are taught. Humor and love brings it all together in a resounding clash of ice in the mason jar while sweet tea over flows the rim.
I love that most of the time I can grab the joy of life. That those golden moments shine for me. Weather it be the warmth of the sun while I hang clothes on the line (yes I love the Texas sun!) or listening to the kids shout and laugh as they chase glow in the dark bubbles at night. I love to wear bright colors especially pink and have bright red hair. And more than anything I love to see that shine in Dear Hubby's eyes while he is telling a tall tale with the grill smoking in the background.
Denise Hildreth Jones knows all of this about me. She knows I am large and in charge. She understands I am still growing and seeking God in my life. And most of all she knows that all of this brassy bawdy lifestyle hides the venerable feelings I have inside. How do I know this? Because she put the very essence of who I am in her latest book Secrets over Sweet Tea. I bet if you read it you will find some of yourself in there. Are you trying to be perfect yet falling apart doing so? How about pleasing everyone but yourself? Do you cheat on yourself and lie to yourself that your really in charge? Or better yet are you the friend that pulls others up by their boot straps or better yet their taste buds? Are you the leader, follower, secret keeper or heart tender. Everyone of us are there with our secrets we keep and learn to let go. This is the quintessential southern ladies book too. From the slap your momma silly to the feed the soul with scones that we are taught. Humor and love brings it all together in a resounding clash of ice in the mason jar while sweet tea over flows the rim.
February 28, 2013
Secrets can be funny things. We think they keep us safe, but more often than not, they spill out when we least expect and make a mess out of everything. It’s a truth Scarlett Jo Newberry knows all too well—a truth Grace Shepherd and Zach Craig are about to learn the hard way. As the lives of this boisterous pastor’s wife, polished news anchor, and beleaguered divorce attorney intersect in the tree-lined streets of Franklin, Tennessee, scandal threatens to topple their carefully constructed worlds. Grasping at survival, they embark on a journey of friendship and courage, desperate to find a way back to laughter, love, and life.
I was so excited to see this book up for review. I live in Tennessee where sweet tea is a part of life, and the characters from the blurb sounded great. Unfortunately, it did not live up to expectations. Scarlett Jo, the pastor's wife, is more of a caricature than a character. Now, I do not subscribe to the notion that a pastor's wife has to be perfect. Having been a pastor's wife I know full well that we are human beings with all our own faults and failures. However, she is just over the top loud, boisterous, crude and unsubmissive (more than once her pastor/husband tells her not to do something or to wait before she does it and she immediately goes and does is anyway). She bites back a cuss word at one point. Her husband "asked her to stop cussing since Jack was a baby, and she did okay most days." They even allow their younger boys to each say a cuss word at one point because they want to, saying that Jesus looks on the heart and that, basically, if there's no evil intent in the heart it's not sin. It is justified that even though we're clearly taught in the Bible not to take the Lord's name in vain, it's actually a worse sin to be mean to people. Are you kidding?!? There are no degrees to sin in God's eyes. Sin is sin!
I loved Grace's character. Her pain in her situation and the choices she has to make are so clear. You really root for things to turn out for her. Zach is unlikable in the beginning, but he really grows and develops leaving you rooting for him as well in the end. Unfortunately, in my opinion, they were not enough to save this book, though they did bump it up to two stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was so excited to see this book up for review. I live in Tennessee where sweet tea is a part of life, and the characters from the blurb sounded great. Unfortunately, it did not live up to expectations. Scarlett Jo, the pastor's wife, is more of a caricature than a character. Now, I do not subscribe to the notion that a pastor's wife has to be perfect. Having been a pastor's wife I know full well that we are human beings with all our own faults and failures. However, she is just over the top loud, boisterous, crude and unsubmissive (more than once her pastor/husband tells her not to do something or to wait before she does it and she immediately goes and does is anyway). She bites back a cuss word at one point. Her husband "asked her to stop cussing since Jack was a baby, and she did okay most days." They even allow their younger boys to each say a cuss word at one point because they want to, saying that Jesus looks on the heart and that, basically, if there's no evil intent in the heart it's not sin. It is justified that even though we're clearly taught in the Bible not to take the Lord's name in vain, it's actually a worse sin to be mean to people. Are you kidding?!? There are no degrees to sin in God's eyes. Sin is sin!
I loved Grace's character. Her pain in her situation and the choices she has to make are so clear. You really root for things to turn out for her. Zach is unlikable in the beginning, but he really grows and develops leaving you rooting for him as well in the end. Unfortunately, in my opinion, they were not enough to save this book, though they did bump it up to two stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 15, 2013
This books looks at the consequences of not being true to your heart. The characters are believable and watching them walk through the pain of failing marriages while grabbing onto grace makes for truth in the form of a very real and great read. My favorite book of hers. Please, please, please let there be a sequel
January 2, 2016
Every woman has secrets. This story is about women in a small town in Tennessee who find the strength to share their secrets and make great bonds. They love and support one another and learn to cope with humor and grace. 3 1/2 stars
May 12, 2013
I love this author! This is one of her best books. Loved it!
June 1, 2015
Sweet story set in Franklin - enjoyed it!
August 12, 2013
What a wonderful book! Who wouldn't love to live in a small Southern town and have Jackson as your local preacher and Scarlett Jo as the preacher's wife? I couldn't put this book down.
September 22, 2025
Audiobook.
This might be my first "Christian Fiction" read. It was alright. It was a bit confusing at first and would be a great book to have multiple voice actors. Despite the back and forth between characters I was able to follow along after initial introductions.
I live in the Midwest. I have not had a lot of personal interactions or deep friendships with women from the South. I have no idea if this book was an accurate portrayal of southern women and their friendships. This is a book of drama that is not my drama. It felt like a PG Christian version of an Elin Hildebrand book. There are lots of characters and those characters romantic lives intertwine with others. Her books almost always have cheating, drug/alcohol abuse, lots of sex and so much drama.
I still do not know what to think of Scarlett Jo. Was she a busy body that needs to mind her own business or the friend everyone needs? She had her own secrets she was hiding but was very forthcoming about trying to find out other people's and address them. Grace annoyed me. She reminded me a lot of my ultra Christian family members that stay in a relationship that they should leave. And I think there is difference between staying with someone because you are in a cycle of domestic abuse and staying with someone because it is the right thing to do and for the sanctity of marriage. Both are wrong in my opinion. We no longer live in an era where women (or men) need to stay in an unhealthy and unsafe relationship. So much easier said than done.
Zach's storyline quickly unraveled and my sympathies for him disintegrated quickly. I did not love how his storyline ended. And that is about all I can say without spoiling the plot.
This is the second book for a family book club and I liked it much better than the first book (Sarah's Key). It was a light enough read but it did not sell me on the genre. Depending on how long it takes everyone else to read the book, I might have to do a re-listen so it is fresh in my mind for discussion since I don't think it will live rent free for very long.
This might be my first "Christian Fiction" read. It was alright. It was a bit confusing at first and would be a great book to have multiple voice actors. Despite the back and forth between characters I was able to follow along after initial introductions.
I live in the Midwest. I have not had a lot of personal interactions or deep friendships with women from the South. I have no idea if this book was an accurate portrayal of southern women and their friendships. This is a book of drama that is not my drama. It felt like a PG Christian version of an Elin Hildebrand book. There are lots of characters and those characters romantic lives intertwine with others. Her books almost always have cheating, drug/alcohol abuse, lots of sex and so much drama.
I still do not know what to think of Scarlett Jo. Was she a busy body that needs to mind her own business or the friend everyone needs? She had her own secrets she was hiding but was very forthcoming about trying to find out other people's and address them. Grace annoyed me. She reminded me a lot of my ultra Christian family members that stay in a relationship that they should leave. And I think there is difference between staying with someone because you are in a cycle of domestic abuse and staying with someone because it is the right thing to do and for the sanctity of marriage. Both are wrong in my opinion. We no longer live in an era where women (or men) need to stay in an unhealthy and unsafe relationship. So much easier said than done.
Zach's storyline quickly unraveled and my sympathies for him disintegrated quickly. I did not love how his storyline ended. And that is about all I can say without spoiling the plot.
This is the second book for a family book club and I liked it much better than the first book (Sarah's Key). It was a light enough read but it did not sell me on the genre. Depending on how long it takes everyone else to read the book, I might have to do a re-listen so it is fresh in my mind for discussion since I don't think it will live rent free for very long.
September 29, 2018
I LOVED this book! It was so good, that I bought every fiction book Denise Hildreth Jones has written.
The characters are a hoot! Scarlett Jo Newberry is such a delight! She is truly bigger than life. I want a Scarlett Jo in my life to love me, challenge me, care about me, and to call me out if I need to "check myself before I wreck myself."
The dynamics of the characters keeps you wondering what will happen next. This is not a totally feel good book. There are lots of issues going on within the chapters, but the end result involves love and support from friends and neighbors and God's amazing grace!
I can't wait to bury myself in the next book by this amazing author! There were moments I was engaged in the story and then I would gasp out loud at what happens. She had me laughing and crying at the same time. I can't recommend it enough if you are interested in Christian fiction and love dynamic characters that are imperfect but continue to take one step forward and willing to be all God wants them to become.
The characters are a hoot! Scarlett Jo Newberry is such a delight! She is truly bigger than life. I want a Scarlett Jo in my life to love me, challenge me, care about me, and to call me out if I need to "check myself before I wreck myself."
The dynamics of the characters keeps you wondering what will happen next. This is not a totally feel good book. There are lots of issues going on within the chapters, but the end result involves love and support from friends and neighbors and God's amazing grace!
I can't wait to bury myself in the next book by this amazing author! There were moments I was engaged in the story and then I would gasp out loud at what happens. She had me laughing and crying at the same time. I can't recommend it enough if you are interested in Christian fiction and love dynamic characters that are imperfect but continue to take one step forward and willing to be all God wants them to become.
March 26, 2018
This was a book club read--but I missed hearing the discussion. I would have liked to see how others felt about the book. don't know if I missed the point or what but I felt it was a bit condescending to southern women. The southern women I know (granted, that's not many) aren't loud, crude, brash and speak so much in hick phrases (e.g. "Well, slap yor mama") I appreciated that we all have secrets we hide behind and it would be good to share and grow, but the way it was handled, for me, just didn't move me. I appreciate the variety of issues knowing we all struggle differently, but this just brought too much together. Probably won't read any more from this author if they are all like this one.
July 27, 2020
I purchased this book in Franklin, TN at an adorable local bookstore called "Landmark Booksellers." I usually try to find a local bookstore and purchase something by a local author when we travel, so that's how I ended up with this one. It's an overly sentimental, too sweet story of the lives of three couples and their struggles with life and marriage. As with a lot of religious fiction, it turns difficult dilemmas into simple, easily solved situations and tries to wrap the ending up with a bow. It's not one I'll think of as a favorite book by any means, but it was a good enough read for my bathtub book this month. I particularly enjoyed the brief appearance of the bookstore in the story. That was an unexpected touch.
October 5, 2023
Tonight I turned the last page of this book. It was was reminiscent some of a Mitford book. It’s genre definitely has a niche—faith based, written more for women, sweet characters, real life issues laced with friendship and faith.
A couple of parts where the characters said things about their problems that made me cringe. But, the overall context I know it was meant to be good. There was many conversations about not living in shame. And not doing your problem through shameful lens. I found that very empowering.
Overall, I like this book despite the few times of cringe. It was a fast read, full of sweetness and sap. Filled with real life issues handled by evolving characters. It was a nice respite after a couple of much more intense books.
A couple of parts where the characters said things about their problems that made me cringe. But, the overall context I know it was meant to be good. There was many conversations about not living in shame. And not doing your problem through shameful lens. I found that very empowering.
Overall, I like this book despite the few times of cringe. It was a fast read, full of sweetness and sap. Filled with real life issues handled by evolving characters. It was a nice respite after a couple of much more intense books.
January 16, 2021
I actually did an online Bible Study with this Author last March just as we began to shelter in place due to the pandemic. This book is the fictionalized application of the Bible Study we did on Reclaiming our shut down heart. I typically read more non-fiction than fiction but found myself drawn to these characters and their stories that it reminded me how much I used to enjoy getting caught up in a good book.
January 24, 2019
A refreshing change (no pun intended) from the so-called Christian fiction that speaks of church only, but their lives are not changed. The characters looked to God AND His word and found answers.
The problems of the characters were real, for today's people. Her descriptions let the reader see the people, irritating but endearing, as they struggled to do life.
The problems of the characters were real, for today's people. Her descriptions let the reader see the people, irritating but endearing, as they struggled to do life.
June 21, 2021
As the lives of a boisterous pastor's wife, polished news anchor, and beleaguered divorce attorney intersect in the tree-lined streets of Franklin, Tennessee, scandal threatens to topple their carefully constructed worlds. Grasping at survival, they embark on a journey of friendship and courage, desperate to find a way back to laughter, love, and life.
July 17, 2023
This book was worth the reading. Brokenness takes place in all of us and to see how it plays out for three separate couples was was good and bad for me personally. It stirred me emotionally for different reasons and when I got to the end I had tears in my eyes. God is in control and sometimes not seeing where the path you are on is heading can be scary. Trust is the key and letting go.
November 19, 2023
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Each character is so relatable. I believe this book came to me at a perfect time in my life. Not only am I on a Journey in reclaiming my life, but also surrounding myself with the most amazing friends.
I highly recommend this book and will be sharing it with so many others.
I highly recommend this book and will be sharing it with so many others.
June 8, 2025
What a great read! The characters are well written. I enjoyed getting to know Grace, Scarlett Jo, Zach, & Jackson. Secrets all over the place until they blew up & so did their lives. God is written & seen throughout the pages as they all grapple with what is truth & what is really in their hearts. Thank you Denise for sharing your own heart.
July 16, 2017
Good Book
I read this book because it was chosen by our Church Book club. I was pleasantly surprised how well this book was. I will be reading more books by Denise Hildreth Jones in the future.
I read this book because it was chosen by our Church Book club. I was pleasantly surprised how well this book was. I will be reading more books by Denise Hildreth Jones in the future.
January 24, 2018
This is a story of real people with real issues and they way they make it through. At times it is a little too hard to believe how far the characters have come but it is a book and we don’t have time for their whole healing journey. Take the time to enjoy this. Ok, you will be glad you did.
March 2, 2018
Secrets over Sweet Tea
I loved, loved, loved this book! Felt like Ms. Jones was writing my story. She spoke to my heart throughout this story. Can hardly wait to read more from this author. SO GOD!
I loved, loved, loved this book! Felt like Ms. Jones was writing my story. She spoke to my heart throughout this story. Can hardly wait to read more from this author. SO GOD!
June 14, 2019
A beautiful story about friendship and working through life's hardships to be your best self. ♥️
This story really opened my own heart and had me considering how I live my life and what changes I can and should be making to be a better person not only for those in my life, but for me as well.
This story really opened my own heart and had me considering how I live my life and what changes I can and should be making to be a better person not only for those in my life, but for me as well.
September 9, 2019
I loved this book so much, I have read it twice. This is a keeper for me. To have friends that help you to become your better self while still loving your worst self is a true gift.
I had my book club read this book and they all loved it as well.
I had my book club read this book and they all loved it as well.
November 15, 2019
Enjoyed the story but left hanging because author didn't close the issue with Grace and Tyler sufficiently. Did they reconcile? Did they continue life separately and divorced living happily ever after or did their wounds heal and they marry again?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2021
I loved that the author showed both the brokenness that can come in relationships as well as the sanctity of committing to your marriage. We all have a story, and God really does care deeply about our heart.
July 29, 2023
I actually really loved this book. The characters all had their own unique personalities. The author showed each character’s flaws and their heart. If is a book that reminds you that everyone is struggling and to be kind.
October 23, 2023
There was a lot I liked about the book. The characters were well fleshed out and relatable. It was an enjoyable read and that’s why I gave it three stars. However, I found the doctrine to be dangerously flawed and unbiblical. My advice is to read it as fiction, especially the theology.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews