Swan Point

The Sweet Magnolias #11

by Sherryl Woods

#1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods draws readers back into the world of strong friendships and heartfelt emotions in Serenity, South Carolina

Determined to build a new life for her family after her divorce, Adelia Hernandez has bought a home in the historic Swan Point neighborhood of Serenity. Promoted to manager of Main Street's most fashionable boutique, she feels revitalized and ready for a fresh start as a single mom. But barely into this new independent phase, she crosses paths with the sexiest man to hit Serenity in years.

Gabe Franklin, back in town to make amends for past mistakes, has no intention of settling down, but Adelia's proving irresistible. Cheered on by their friends, "the Sweet Magnolias," Gabe is bringing long-absent passion and laughter into Adelia's life. To his surprise—and hers—sometimes a rolling stone is just what it takes to build the rock-solid foundation of a family.

"Woods' readers will eagerly anticipate her trademark small-town setting, loyal friendships, and honorable mentors as they meet new characters and reconnect with familiar ones in this heartwarming tale." —Booklist on Home in Carolina

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Adult

360 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2014

About the author

With 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.

Reviews

[Tina Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. But I haven't not liked one of Sherryl's books. It dealt with a controversial topic with sensitivity. It had a great romantic couple that you found yourself pulling for. I do hope their story continues in another book. Have more of Sherryl's books to read and look forward to every single one!

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only problem with this series is I want more. i feel like I keep getting my best friends taken away from me everytime I finish one.

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too predictable!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swan Point is a Sweet Magnolia novel by Sheryl Woods. It is set in Serenity, South Carolina. Adelia Hernandez bought a home in the Swan Point neighborhood. It is an older home and needs a lot of fixing up.
Adelia Hernandez moves herself and her four children into the home in Swan Point. She knows it needs some fixing up and she may need to get into her savings to get all of it finished. However, she feels this home is where she and her four children can make a new start after her divorce from her cheating husband. The children are subdued after the divorce and she hopes this move will help them start anew. The three little ones don’t know all the details of the divorce so it is hard for them to understand. The eldest daughter, Selena, knows all about her father’s cheating as he introduced her to his mistress one day. She is quite angry at everyone. She does understand why her Mom left but not why her Mom didn’t leave him earlier. Luckily, school is still in session and Adelia has a good job at a boutique in town, Chic, and has her mother for backup babysitting.
Greg Franklin has returned to Serenity. He left years ago under the title of “troublemaker” and after his Mom died. His Mom was the town slut and he heard about it a lot through gossip. His answer was to avenge her by fighting. Luckily his anger didn’t get him into very serious trouble before he left. Now he has returned after much counseling to make up for his youthful mistakes. He works in construction with his cousin Mitch. He plans to stay for a while and then leave.
Serenity is known for its accurate gossip which can hurt people but it is intended to assuage curiosity and maybe help others. To Greg, it is distasteful and he has already been the victim of the gossip. Gossip and speculation about Greg and Adelia becoming a couple started when they both ate at Rosalind’s and neither could keep from looking at the other. They did not meet until the next morning.
While neither is looking for a relationship, one starts between these two while Greg is working remodeling Adelia’s house. Both fight the attraction for a short while but then give into it. Adelia knows Greg plans to leave Serenity so nothing can come of this attraction but heartache.
This gossip about Adelia and Greg gets back to her ex-husband who tries to make trouble for Adelia which will in turn hurt Greg. He also attacks his cousin Mitch’s reputation but doesn’t get very far there.
Will this romance go far? What does Adelia’s Catholic family have to say about it? What does her ex-husband do? Will Selena come around? What does Adelia’s sister Carolina have to do with everything?
Like many of Sheryl Woods’ novels, this one is quite exciting to read. You can hardly put it down for any reason. The book runs you through all types of emotion.

[brenda janowiecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love all the characters in this story (except a few ex husbands of course). Adelia is a newly single mom with four kids 13 and under. When she decides she is done with her cheating husband, she finds she is on her own because even her family disagrees with her divorce. Have had his own checkered past and while he is working as a contractor for his cousin’s business, he meets Adelia and finds himself caring for her and her kids. I loved this story.

[Jo Ann Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. There are a lot of life choices and second chances in this story. Although this book is fiction, it describes life realities in detail.

[Pam Chaffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great little romance by Sherryl Woods, in her Sweet Magnolias series. I like to read one or two quick, lighthearted romances occasionally, to offset all medical, psychological and crime thrillers I normally read. Not to mention the sad, serious, poignant books, as well.
I like this series, because it's romantic, without being explicit, and the endings are always happy! 😊

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent romance that will keep you turning pages!

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
This was only the 3rd Novel ive read by Sherryl and 2nd ive read in The Sweet Magnolias Series but i have to say this one is my favorite by her so far.

The Characters were fun and interesting to read about. Adelia, Gabe and Serena were my favorites.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Serenity, North Carolina while reading especially when the scenery was described.

Overall a Phenomenal Book 11 in The Sweet Magnolias Series!! Can't wait to read more in this series in the future!!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Swan Point is another warm and inviting novel in Sherryl Woods' incredibly heartwarming Sweet Magnolias series. In this latest visit to Serenity, newly divorced Adelia Hernandez is beginning a new life with her four children while Gabe Franklin is trying to make peace with his turbulent past. They are caught off guard by their mutual attraction, but with plenty of encouragement from interfering but well-meaning friends and family, they tentatively begin dating. While this couple has plenty of external obstacles to overcome, it is their internal struggles that threaten to derail their burgeoning romance.

Moving into a new house is just the first step Adelia makes in regaining her independence. After years of criticism from her ex-husband, her flagging self-esteem gets a boost with a well deserved promotion to manager of the clothing boutique where she works. Her biggest concern is the emotional well-being of her children and she is focused on helping them adjust to their new life.

Gabe has a lot of misgivings about his temporary return to Serenity but he is pleasantly surprised by the how well received he is by most of the townspeople. Growing up with an promiscuous mother with an alcohol addiction, his childhood was marred by rumors of her numerous affairs and his countless fights to defend her honor. Older, wiser and more mature, Gabe gains a new perspective on his past and while it would be easy to slip back into old habits, he now considers the consequences before acting on his impulses.

The romance between Adelia and Gabe is sweet and slow-growing. Both are hesitant to enter into a serious relationship but when Gabe begins renovations on Adelia's house, their attraction becomes impossible to ignore. They begin dating, but the close scrutiny of family and friends adds tension to their already shaky romance. Adelia's family is dismayed that she is dating and her slimy ex-husband becomes a force to be reckoned with as well. But, in the end, it is Gabe's unresolved issues that are the real threat to their relationship.

Swan Point is another captivating novel in The Sweet Magnolias series. This lovely romance unfolds at a leisurely pace but it is always quite engrossing. The cast of characters is beautifully developed with realistic flaws that are easy to relate to. The town of Serenity is quite charming and while the townspeople sometimes overstep their boundaries, they genuinely care about one another. Another superbly written love story from Sherryl Woods that I highly recommend.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swan Point (Sweet Magnolias Book #11) by Sherryl Woods is the last in series except for the Sweet Magnolias Cookbook which I never read. It is set in Serenity, South Carolina as were the previous books.

Adelia Hernandez is newly divorced from her husband Ernesto who has had a series of affairs throughout their marriage. He has gotten so brazen that he introduces his teenage daughter, Selina to his most recent mistress. Adelia’s mother Mrs. Cruz is against divorce and she herself put up with that type of behavior from her husband, so Adelia has been reluctant to leave. Finally, when Selina confronts her mother over the disrespect her father has shown Adelia she is moved to leave Ernesto. She realizes she doesn’t want her daughters to grow up thinking that it is right to be treated that way by their husbands or her son to grow up learning to treat his wife that way.

Adelia works for Raylene Rollins another member of the Sweet Magnolias in her Boutique. The Boutique is next door to the Sweet Shop owned by Lynn Franklin, a Sweet Magnolia and Mitch Franklin’s wife. Helen, one of the original Sweet Magnolias represents Adelia in her divorce. Not wanting anything more from Ernesto than support for the kids, she moves from her home and buys an old home in the old part of town Swan Point.


Gabe Franklin grew up in Serenity with an alcoholic mother who went through a string of men looking for someone to care about them. He would hear the gossip about his mother and his attempts to defend her only resulted in him fighting. He was labeled a troublemaker. Even members of his extended family did nothing to help them. Gabe works for his cousin Mitch Franklin who has a construction company in town. Adelia contracts Mitch’s company to do the repairs on the old home she bought. Gabe is assigned to do the work. Gabe begins to spend more and more time with Adelia and her four kids. He helps them with homework, teaches Tomas how to use tools and eventually falls in love with Adelia. Because of his past, he is reluctant to make a commitment to them. He feels he doesn’t deserve to be happy.

Ernesto attempts to take the kids away from Adelia after hearing that Gabe has been spending time with them. He loses in court and the kids remain safely with their mom.

This book touches on love, betrayal, domestic abuse, interfering families and raising children. I thought it was delightfully written and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Swan Point
By
Sherryl Woods


Key characters...

Key characters for me were Gabe and Adelia...Adelia is recently divorced and has four children. Gabe has a rep for being the town's bad boy. There are tons of other less important characters...friends, family, children and one really annoying cheating irritating ex-husband...Ernesto.

Settings...

Most of this story takes place in this sweet little town...I loved the way the hangout places were the bakery and the pizza shop.

Simply put...what's going down...

Adelia is starting her life anew with her four children. Typically...she meets and falls for Gabe almost immediately. She has to deal with her four children who are a tiny bit fragile from the divorce...her very religious mother...her protective brother...and her ex-husband who keeps threatening to take the children away from her even though he doesn't really want them. Gabe is a good guy with a bad reputation from years ago but he is changing and evolving.

What I thought about this book...

This book was a light read...had lots of fun bits...and kept my interest most of the time. However...after reading it I thought that the idea of Adelia and Gabe and their quick romance was too obvious but that's what usually happens in this kind of book. The best parts were where when Ernesto was riled up and that was often.

Why you might want to read it, too...

If you like a light romance...this book is a good one to read!

I actually want to give it 31/2 stars!!!

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Booklist review:

Woods proposes the notion that there’s nothing more self-centered than two people dating in a small town in her latest Sweet Magnolias cozy romance. When recent divorcee Adelia Hernandez starts going out with former town bad-boy Gabe Franklin, whose mother had been the town slut, the Sweet Magnolia group of gossipy women makes them the topic of conversation and a couple to watch. Adelia has her hands full, however, with four children, a disapproving mother and sister, a supportive brother with a new wife and baby on the way, and an abusive, resentful former husband. Keeping all the outside groups from sabotaging their burgeoning romance is nearly more than Adelia and Gabe can handle as they steal kisses wherever and whenever they can. Even fans of Woods’ chaste romances may be disappointed by this uneventful and colorless courtship which takes place while Adelia’s younger sister becomes a textbook battered wife.

[Janeiowa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novel, and I could barely put it down to eat or sleep. I've been reading a lot lately, but this one stands out.

The characters are very well-developed and the storyline flows.
The issues the characters face are very "real-life" ones.  Ms Woods has included a diverse population for Serenity, SC, and that has added a dimension to both the characters and the storyline, as the reader sees actions of the characters based on both past history and family/cultural traditions.

There are none of the formatting and editing problems I've encountered in other novels recently.  This one has been polished by the author, and it shows.

 The "Sweet Magnolias" is a terrific series, and this addition to that series is outstanding, I think. 

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swan Point is the 11th and final book of The Sweet Magnolias series told from the perspective of Adelia Cruz, a newly single mother who divorced her emotionally abusivo husband. Adelia gains back her independence by financially providing for herself and her 4 children and also by purchasing a fixer upper as a new home for her and her children. She hires new-to-town contractor Gabe Franklin to help her with her home renovations. Gabe has a history of being noncommittal when it comes to romance, but he finds himself having different feelings when it comes to Adelia. He also becomes a role model for her four children, in contrast to their father who doesn’t make time for his kids.

[Harlequin Books]

"Woods’ latest will encourage readers to pack their bags and move to Serenity ASAP. Swan Point’s small-town charm is welcoming and will envelop readers like a warm hug. Gabe and Adelia are so lively and animated, one almost expects them to jump from the pages. New characters are introduced and, luckily, we get to reunite with a few of our favorites from the past, too. This author never disappoints — and friends at your book club will agree" (RT Book Reviews). 4 1/2 stars

Sweet Magnolia, book 11

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Sheryl Woods book and I really did enjoy it. The interactions between the characters was lively and believable The conflict was understandable. The only thing that I did not like was Carolina’s story was left up in the air. I’m sure it will be dealt with in a future book but still....

Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I checked out a copy of this book from my local library using the Overdrive App. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The reason I love Sherryl Woods Sweet Magnolias is all about the friendships, especially the women's friendships. This is no exception. The male characters are usually sexy, male model, good looking and the women are working on getting stronger. I would like to have a male character who doesn't have washboard abs and stunning good looks but I get the escapism. I really liked Adelia's oldest daughter she definitely is going to grow up to be a strong woman. I loved how Gabe interacted with the rest of Adelia's kids. Solid romance.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh, the last book in the series. I'll be sad to see these characters go, but I think they were wrapped up quite nicely (even though yes I could see these going on for a WHILE). I really liked the starring couple in this book. They're definitely one of my favorites. I owe it to this series for helping me reach my goodreads goal even earlier. Xoxoxo

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story - family, wonderful strong women, outstanding men (some scoundrels), challenges and issues explored.
Great.

[Myra Marquis Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story about second chances and forgiveness. It also touches on infidelity, divorce, gossip, family values, religious bias regarding marriages, and overcoming rumors and childhood mistakes.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a sweet romance, full of angst and second guessing by nice people who just don't want to hurt anyone. A little bit of drama, but not much, just a sweet easy read.

[Stephanie Cueva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so good this was Gabe and Adelia story very good

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was an enjoyable read. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone book. I hadn’t read the other books and wasn’t lost.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this was predictable like the other books in the series, I still cried a little at the end. I really love these characters.

[Joann M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series and feel it ended at a good place. I am looking forward to more Netflix seasons and how the storylines match or diverge from the book series.

[Amy Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally finished the series (11 books!). Some were better than others but, overall, loved the series. It is an easy read with a lot of small town charm and romance.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Done with this series. The last books were up and down on if they were good or not.

[Nicole Wendel-Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was extremely long of a book, but I wish it had wrapped up all of the characters stories