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The Sweet Magnolias #3
Feels Like Family
Helen Decatur spent a lifetime setting goalsgetting through college and law school, opening her own practice, becoming financially secure and establishing herself as one of the most highly respected matrimonial attorneys in the state of South Carolina. Achieving those goals was a breeze compared to the one she's faced with now.
The most drivenand cynicalof the Sweet Magnolias, Helen is forty-two, single and suddenly ready for the family she's put on the back burner for all these years. Unfortunately, having a child at her age comes with lots of complications, not the least of which is the absence of a serious relationship in her life.
But Helen's not the type of woman to wait around for fate to step in. Taking charge of her own destiny puts her at odds with her two best friends, sets sparks flying with a man who doesn't want a family, and leads her straight into the most unexpected complication of all love.
Audio CD
First published March 27, 2007
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About the author
Sherryl Woods
555 books4,522 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 622 reviews
August 21, 2019
First published in 2007 and the third book in the Sweet Magnolias series, this was one of those contemporary romances where the protagonists don't enjoy each other's company at first but soon the sparks are flying. But Helen is a successful lawyer with a fondness for designer shoes and Erik is a widowed chef with a whole lot of hurt. Are they prepared for a lifetime of love? I didn't expect a lot from this story and so I just gave myself over to the drama that ends with a happily ever after ending.
Review published 20/08/19
Review published 20/08/19
December 4, 2020
I hated this book! I started it and I was really interested in the story and getting to know Helen's character better. I started to like her and to empathize in her struggle to figure out what she wanted. But then she went and got herself pregnant on purpose without letting the guy in on her plan. Who the F does that?! What's worse is that this ridiculous book has a happily ever after. Sorry but NOPE. Would only happen in a crazy woman's wildest dreams. If someone betrayed my trust in this way, I could never fathom a happily ever after with them. So basically, what I'm saying is... this book is ridiculous. Sherryl Woods has made a mockery of the romance genre. Helen is stupid. The end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2020
This book was harder to get through. It almost seemed like the characters we loved, except for Maddie, were retconned and given new personality traits. Between Dana Sue being nosy, Helen seeming mean and Erik and Helen’s relationship turning antagonistic instead of friendly, it was like whiplash. Add in the fact that there was major consent issues with Helen having sex with Erik to get pregnant without telling him, I give it a big yikes. Of course, there were some moments that had me smiling and feeling like I had during the first two books, but overall, it’s a yikes from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2020
The Sweet Magnolias are fun books but y’all...these women are exasperating! They frustrate the heck out of me! Helen has been my favorite of the three women but I was very disappointed with her choices in this book. I would think a 42 year old intelligent woman who is an attorney would know better than to trick a man into getting her pregnant.
I love the friendship between Helen, Maddie, and Dana Sue. It reminds me of the bond I have with some of my childhood friends.
I love the friendship between Helen, Maddie, and Dana Sue. It reminds me of the bond I have with some of my childhood friends.
June 12, 2020
I can’t get over her tricking him to get pregnant, with his history of losing a wife and child. You could argue that she didn’t know, but that made it even worse. He said he didn’t want kids, so respect his choice. Of course, in this town, men go above and beyond for the women, no matter how rude, manipulative, whiny, indecisive, overbearing and selfish they all are. It’s all just so 🙄😒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2020
What an absolute dumpster fire of a book. Some low key racism with unnecessary reference to the “legal“ immigration status of a Mexican-American character’s agricultural sector parents. Also, bullying the main character into marriage because she became pregnant, and portraying it as romantic, is incredibly offensive. I get that this series is geared towards more “traditional” sensibilities, and the first two books in the series were fine. This one? Absolute garbage.
October 11, 2020
I have been reading these books because I watched the Netflix series and really enjoyed it I like the main characters in these stories and I really enjoy reading the books. They are a quick, entertaining read and so far have a happy ending. I will continue to read the series and hope to enjoy all the books.
October 1, 2020
I liked the first two books in this series, but this one was a complete train wreck.
You’d think a 42 year old lawyer would be above tricking a man, who doesn’t want kids, into getting her pregnant “on accident.” Then bullying him into marriage? He 100% did not want any part of that.
But the author plays it off as romantic! And of course there’s a happy ending. In your DREAMS.
You’d think a 42 year old lawyer would be above tricking a man, who doesn’t want kids, into getting her pregnant “on accident.” Then bullying him into marriage? He 100% did not want any part of that.
But the author plays it off as romantic! And of course there’s a happy ending. In your DREAMS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2018
She lies to get pregnant. He told her he didn't want kids. How is this an okay thing? I couldn't finish book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2020
This is book #3 in the Sweet Magnolias series, Helen's story. I really enjoyed book one, Maddie's story, and book two, Dana Sue's story. Helen is my favorite character in the books and also the Netflix series, and was the one I was looking forward to reading most. However, this book really fell short of what I was hoping for Helen.
There were many parts of the storyline I found disappointing. The way things were brought about in her life and the way she handled them certainly didn't let on that Helen is supposed to be one smart woman who knows what she wants and how to get it! Helen was just all over the place here. Not much was delivered in a satisfying way in my opinion. I feel like the story was not thought through carefully, taking into consideration who the author already constructed Helen to be in the previous books in this series. Helen seems to be a new creature here and I was left totally unfulfilled.
Thankfully, the Netflix series seems to be doing a better job with Helen's character so far and hopefully during the next season I'll find some redemption there. I really hope Helen's TV character gets all the fullness her life deserves!
There were many parts of the storyline I found disappointing. The way things were brought about in her life and the way she handled them certainly didn't let on that Helen is supposed to be one smart woman who knows what she wants and how to get it! Helen was just all over the place here. Not much was delivered in a satisfying way in my opinion. I feel like the story was not thought through carefully, taking into consideration who the author already constructed Helen to be in the previous books in this series. Helen seems to be a new creature here and I was left totally unfulfilled.
Thankfully, the Netflix series seems to be doing a better job with Helen's character so far and hopefully during the next season I'll find some redemption there. I really hope Helen's TV character gets all the fullness her life deserves!
June 18, 2020
did not like this at all. Helen has always been one of my favorite persons in the sweet magnolia books. This one made her a self absorbed calculating witch. cant imagine why the author would do this. adding this book to my donation pile certainly do Not want to read it again.
dnf
February 16, 2021I’m sorry, but the racism in this book got to me. I’m the daughter of a spanish speaking immigrants, and have plenty of cousins. Not one of us speaks with an accent, and my first language wasn’t even English. Then the character dismisses the outright racism of another character. I liked the first two books in this series, but I just can’t get past the main character brushing off racism. I’m sorry to say that I’m probably done with serenity for good. Check out Jenny Holiday or Annie Rains if you’d like something with this feel. I’m sorry, Mrs. Woods, but this ain’t it.
June 25, 2021
This series keeps growing on me. I’m excited that this series is on Netflix and that there are numerous other books in it to keep me busy. I enjoyed the story and the characters, as always. While the love story was unconventional, the chemistry sizzled and the story was well-paced.
September 2, 2020
Great, exciting, romantic.... loved it!
September 29, 2024
I'm continuing this series with extreme skepticism because after the second book, I doubt it can make a redemption.
With those (low) expectations, luckily I wasn't too disappointed when this book wasn't really...my cup of tea. I don't know. There's just so much drama with no real pay off to make it worth it.
I'm also finding issues with content that is problematic in each novel and I'm not actively trying to seek these things out. However, with that being said, this novel was not as problematic as the second one.
There's a lot of cozy series out there that include drama but are still a joy and pleasant experience to read. I would recommend checking out those series over this series every time.
Now I just need someone to convince me to cut my losses, enjoy the Netflix adaptation, and give up on reading the rest of this series.
With those (low) expectations, luckily I wasn't too disappointed when this book wasn't really...my cup of tea. I don't know. There's just so much drama with no real pay off to make it worth it.
I'm also finding issues with content that is problematic in each novel and I'm not actively trying to seek these things out. However, with that being said, this novel was not as problematic as the second one.
There's a lot of cozy series out there that include drama but are still a joy and pleasant experience to read. I would recommend checking out those series over this series every time.
Now I just need someone to convince me to cut my losses, enjoy the Netflix adaptation, and give up on reading the rest of this series.
August 12, 2022
For a woman who prided herself on being cool and competent, who relied on her wits to win a case, Helen Decatur walked away from the Serenity courthouse with a strong desire to pummel some sense and decency into a few of South Carolina's good old boys.
Helen Decatur has been a successful lawyer and business owner, but the one thing she would most like to be is a mother. Now, at forty-two, it seems that dream will never become a reality. But Helen didn't get where she is by taking no for an answer, so she decides to take fate into her own hands. There is one thing that she didn't take into account though...love.
I should have known better, but I joined the Netflix book club to broaden my horizons and read things that I wouldn't normally read, so I gave this a try. I was skeptical to begin with and Goodreads reviews made me even more skeptical, so I decided to watch a few episodes of the first season of the show to get a feel for the characters and see if it was something I could handle. Surprisingly, I liked what I saw so decided to give this book a try. And I should have trusted my gut and run in the other direction as it turns out. I'm not tagging spoilers because there are some sensitive topics that are handled poorly in the book and I think potential readers need to know about them.
*****Major unmarked spoilers ahead, proceed with caution********
Contemporary romance and I don't get along that well, especially those books with beach scenes and kitschy main streets on the cover. Usually I find the books a little too good to be true and way too sappy. Well, I would gladly trade all of those things for what this turned out to be, which is essentially sexual assault masquerading as romance. I don't say that lightly. I know that explicit consent isn't always a part of romance stories on page, screen, or in real life. But this story went beyond all of that. I think I could have been a bit forgiving if this had been a historical romance, but being set in the 21st century this was unacceptable. Here are some examples:
- The first time we see Helen and Erik together they are in an argument, which Erik responds to by forcefully kissing a non-consenting Helen to "shut her up."
- Helen begins a sexual relationship with Erik for the sole purpose of getting pregnant by him, even though he has made very clear that he does not want children. She doesn't want him to be involved with the baby at all, so she figures this is ok. She lies to him about being on birth control. When she finds out she's pregnant, she attempts to ghost him (I say attempts because in all her wisdom, she decided the best guy to pick to be her baby daddy/sperm donor was one who lives in the same small town as she does). (Also, this whole storyline is a slap in the face to anyone who has to rely on assisted reproduction technologies or adoption to make a family. Helen doesn't want to use a donor for artificial insemination because that is too impersonal. She also is very against adoption because she wants to experience pregnancy. Yes, much better to potentially ruin someone else's life so you can have your ideal experience, that is a great start to your child's life.)
- When Erik finds out she's pregnant (thankfully one of her friends convinced Helen to tell him), he demands that they get married. Helen makes very clear that she does not consent to this marriage, but goes along with it because of her guilt over the pregnancy (she did do wrong, but that's not a reason to marry someone). While she continues to fight it, Erik enlists the help of Helen's "friends" to essentially force her down the aisle (apparently if you get a woman to a bridal boutique and put her in a fancy gown she will agree to anything, because women just want shiny things).
But this is a romance book, so in the end they get their happily-ever-after and its all fine because they were meant to be together the whole time and just needed to figure that out. This story does a disservice to women and to men, and I'm really concerned that this is sold as romance.
The rest of the book was ok. There were some lightly shoe-horned in social justice issues (but don't worry all the Hispanics in the story are legal immigrants, Ms. Woods really wants to make sure you know that). There's another romance in the book which is much better in my opinion and deserving of the name. There's a bit of a thriller element which sort of forces things to a head between Erik and Helen, but it is all taken care of neatly (with the bad guy dying by suicide -- which is handled with an "oh well").
I don't know that I would recommend this book to anyone. I don't know if I will continue with the show either if this storyline is a large part of Season Two. I know there are others on Goodreads who seemed to really enjoy the book, so your mileage may vary, but it definitely wasn't for me.
2022 Read Harder Challenge: Read a romance where at least one of the protagonists is over 40
CW: deceased wife, eating disorder, guns, kidnapping/abduction, medical procedures, mental illness, non-consent, racist language, religious shaming, sexual assault (description on page), sexual content (several detailed scenes) stalking, suicide, swearing (mild), violence (a character is beaten badly, another is shot)
Helen Decatur has been a successful lawyer and business owner, but the one thing she would most like to be is a mother. Now, at forty-two, it seems that dream will never become a reality. But Helen didn't get where she is by taking no for an answer, so she decides to take fate into her own hands. There is one thing that she didn't take into account though...love.
I should have known better, but I joined the Netflix book club to broaden my horizons and read things that I wouldn't normally read, so I gave this a try. I was skeptical to begin with and Goodreads reviews made me even more skeptical, so I decided to watch a few episodes of the first season of the show to get a feel for the characters and see if it was something I could handle. Surprisingly, I liked what I saw so decided to give this book a try. And I should have trusted my gut and run in the other direction as it turns out. I'm not tagging spoilers because there are some sensitive topics that are handled poorly in the book and I think potential readers need to know about them.
*****Major unmarked spoilers ahead, proceed with caution********
Contemporary romance and I don't get along that well, especially those books with beach scenes and kitschy main streets on the cover. Usually I find the books a little too good to be true and way too sappy. Well, I would gladly trade all of those things for what this turned out to be, which is essentially sexual assault masquerading as romance. I don't say that lightly. I know that explicit consent isn't always a part of romance stories on page, screen, or in real life. But this story went beyond all of that. I think I could have been a bit forgiving if this had been a historical romance, but being set in the 21st century this was unacceptable. Here are some examples:
- The first time we see Helen and Erik together they are in an argument, which Erik responds to by forcefully kissing a non-consenting Helen to "shut her up."
- Helen begins a sexual relationship with Erik for the sole purpose of getting pregnant by him, even though he has made very clear that he does not want children. She doesn't want him to be involved with the baby at all, so she figures this is ok. She lies to him about being on birth control. When she finds out she's pregnant, she attempts to ghost him (I say attempts because in all her wisdom, she decided the best guy to pick to be her baby daddy/sperm donor was one who lives in the same small town as she does). (Also, this whole storyline is a slap in the face to anyone who has to rely on assisted reproduction technologies or adoption to make a family. Helen doesn't want to use a donor for artificial insemination because that is too impersonal. She also is very against adoption because she wants to experience pregnancy. Yes, much better to potentially ruin someone else's life so you can have your ideal experience, that is a great start to your child's life.)
- When Erik finds out she's pregnant (thankfully one of her friends convinced Helen to tell him), he demands that they get married. Helen makes very clear that she does not consent to this marriage, but goes along with it because of her guilt over the pregnancy (she did do wrong, but that's not a reason to marry someone). While she continues to fight it, Erik enlists the help of Helen's "friends" to essentially force her down the aisle (apparently if you get a woman to a bridal boutique and put her in a fancy gown she will agree to anything, because women just want shiny things).
But this is a romance book, so in the end they get their happily-ever-after and its all fine because they were meant to be together the whole time and just needed to figure that out. This story does a disservice to women and to men, and I'm really concerned that this is sold as romance.
The rest of the book was ok. There were some lightly shoe-horned in social justice issues (but don't worry all the Hispanics in the story are legal immigrants, Ms. Woods really wants to make sure you know that). There's another romance in the book which is much better in my opinion and deserving of the name. There's a bit of a thriller element which sort of forces things to a head between Erik and Helen, but it is all taken care of neatly (with the bad guy dying by suicide -- which is handled with an "oh well").
I don't know that I would recommend this book to anyone. I don't know if I will continue with the show either if this storyline is a large part of Season Two. I know there are others on Goodreads who seemed to really enjoy the book, so your mileage may vary, but it definitely wasn't for me.
2022 Read Harder Challenge: Read a romance where at least one of the protagonists is over 40
CW: deceased wife, eating disorder, guns, kidnapping/abduction, medical procedures, mental illness, non-consent, racist language, religious shaming, sexual assault (description on page), sexual content (several detailed scenes) stalking, suicide, swearing (mild), violence (a character is beaten badly, another is shot)
July 24, 2022
5⭐
Šią istorijos dalį perbėgau taip greitai, kad tik paėmusi kitą dalį suvokiau, jog ši buvo lengva, smagi, su humoro prieskoniu, jautri, dėl moters pasirinkimų ir galimybių, įtempta, dėl susiklosčiusių aplinkybių, bet kaip ir kitos dalys sladi ir skani ❤️ ši turbūt buvo labiausiai nuspėjama, nes nuo pirmų puslapių jau įtariau, kaip istorija pakryps ir kokios detalės taps ketinės.
Šią istorijos dalį perbėgau taip greitai, kad tik paėmusi kitą dalį suvokiau, jog ši buvo lengva, smagi, su humoro prieskoniu, jautri, dėl moters pasirinkimų ir galimybių, įtempta, dėl susiklosčiusių aplinkybių, bet kaip ir kitos dalys sladi ir skani ❤️ ši turbūt buvo labiausiai nuspėjama, nes nuo pirmų puslapių jau įtariau, kaip istorija pakryps ir kokios detalės taps ketinės.
June 24, 2020
Starts out strong but the questionable decisions Helen makes for her storyline are so out of character for what we’ve learned about her so far that it ruined this one for me. They could have gotten to the same ending in a much better/ less manipulative way.
March 12, 2021
This is the third book in the Sweet Magnolia’s series and focuses on Helen, the lawyer who is one of the Sweet Magnolias. These books are great, relaxing reads about relationships between women who are best friends as well as their relationships with the men and children in their lives. I enjoy the close relationship the people in this town share and the author does a great job with making the characters relatable. 4.5/5 stars.
June 30, 2020
J’ai un soucis avec cette série.
J’apprécie le style, le fait qu’on parle enfin de romance adulte, l’amitié entre les filles... toutefois les sujets choisis sont personnellement assez compliqués à apprécier. En plus, même si je peux comprendre le choix/ les raisons de l’auteure, j’ai du mal à accepter les actes de l’héroïne.
J’apprécie le style, le fait qu’on parle enfin de romance adulte, l’amitié entre les filles... toutefois les sujets choisis sont personnellement assez compliqués à apprécier. En plus, même si je peux comprendre le choix/ les raisons de l’auteure, j’ai du mal à accepter les actes de l’héroïne.
July 14, 2020
I was looking forward to this one because Helen seemed like such a strong character. Instead she becomes a bit underhanded with trying to have a child. But of course since this is a romance novel, all turns out well.
The author at least tried to throw in drama over a divorce hearing.
If this book is reprinted please think about taking out the comment when Helen asks "is she a slave?"
I'm also a bit taken aback by the women insisting Elliot show his abs, etc. Again, I guess I have to think of the genre which is not normally my type, but comments like these should be rethought today.
The author at least tried to throw in drama over a divorce hearing.
If this book is reprinted please think about taking out the comment when Helen asks "is she a slave?"
I'm also a bit taken aback by the women insisting Elliot show his abs, etc. Again, I guess I have to think of the genre which is not normally my type, but comments like these should be rethought today.
August 2, 2020
Warning: Triggers.
I will never be okay with entrapment On any sexes part. I don’t care if it’s trying to be cute, it is literally considered rape in today’s world to lie and say you’re on birth control when you are not. It is DISGUSTING she uses him for a baby.
And then to have him literally force her into marriage (at first. I get she comes around but COME ON!!)
This book is entire band of red flags.
I will never be okay with entrapment On any sexes part. I don’t care if it’s trying to be cute, it is literally considered rape in today’s world to lie and say you’re on birth control when you are not. It is DISGUSTING she uses him for a baby.
And then to have him literally force her into marriage (at first. I get she comes around but COME ON!!)
This book is entire band of red flags.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2012
Note: I seldom give 5 stars on Goodreads because I am comparing these books to the best I ever read. At other sites, rate just to how much I recommend a book. This is a 5 star recommendation.
March 29, 2022
This story was really sweet, and I enjoyed it. I love getting to know the characters in this series.
January 20, 2024
So good!!
- I had no idea how much I’d come to love Helen, but seeing such a badass, strong woman reveal her soft side stole my heart. She was a wonderful character and I’m so so happy she got her happy ever after too.
- I didn’t like Erik at first, then I thought I’d just tolerate him, but he really won me over. He was a great match for Helen’s stubbornness.
- I love the gentle and steady pacing. I had no idea where exactly the plot was going, but each time I was happy with the tropes. Even though there was a raving madman waving a gun about, the book was warm and cozy.
- I loved reading about Karen in the first quarter. Unfortunately, I didn’t really get into her and Elliot’s romance, and Elliot felt one-dimensional so my enjoyment of her scenes sputtered out.
- Maddie’s character was super endearing here.
I didn’t want this book to finish! (Which says a lot since I couldn’t wait to wrap up with the first two.) I don’t care if it was released over 15 years ago. I highly recommend! 5 stars ⭐️
- I had no idea how much I’d come to love Helen, but seeing such a badass, strong woman reveal her soft side stole my heart. She was a wonderful character and I’m so so happy she got her happy ever after too.
- I didn’t like Erik at first, then I thought I’d just tolerate him, but he really won me over. He was a great match for Helen’s stubbornness.
- I love the gentle and steady pacing. I had no idea where exactly the plot was going, but each time I was happy with the tropes. Even though there was a raving madman waving a gun about, the book was warm and cozy.
- I loved reading about Karen in the first quarter. Unfortunately, I didn’t really get into her and Elliot’s romance, and Elliot felt one-dimensional so my enjoyment of her scenes sputtered out.
- Maddie’s character was super endearing here.
I didn’t want this book to finish! (Which says a lot since I couldn’t wait to wrap up with the first two.) I don’t care if it was released over 15 years ago. I highly recommend! 5 stars ⭐️
February 18, 2022
3,7 estrelas
Esse livro conta a história de Helen e eu gostei mais do que o anterior. Achei uma história leve fofa e que não aborda tantos temas delicados.
Gostei da relação de Helen e Erik, assim como ver a amizade entre essas três amigas que deram início a esse livro .
Esse livro conta a história de Helen e eu gostei mais do que o anterior. Achei uma história leve fofa e que não aborda tantos temas delicados.
Gostei da relação de Helen e Erik, assim como ver a amizade entre essas três amigas que deram início a esse livro .
March 9, 2022
I’ve enjoyed this series, but this book is ..problematic.
August 3, 2020
Weakest of the series so far. For a book published in the 21st century, it has some ridiculously outdated ideas. Unless things are different in other countries (I'm in Canada), parents don't need to be married in order for a baby to have the father's surname; it's whatever is put on the birth certificate.
Also, at a critical time the male protagonist abandons the female protag. If that happened to MY friend I wouldn't just berate him as Maddie and Dana Sue do. I'd tell him straight to his face that maybe I was wrong for pushing the couple together.
They keep talking about this trio of women being in their 40's, but they make choices as though they were at least half that age. None of my friends would trick a man into impregnating them. I wanted to smack Helen most of the time for acting like a petulant child.
And how is it that after YEARS of health emergencies, these women still don't change their bad habits?
Ugh. So unbelievable.
Also, at a critical time the male protagonist abandons the female protag. If that happened to MY friend I wouldn't just berate him as Maddie and Dana Sue do. I'd tell him straight to his face that maybe I was wrong for pushing the couple together.
They keep talking about this trio of women being in their 40's, but they make choices as though they were at least half that age. None of my friends would trick a man into impregnating them. I wanted to smack Helen most of the time for acting like a petulant child.
And how is it that after YEARS of health emergencies, these women still don't change their bad habits?
Ugh. So unbelievable.
July 27, 2020
2.5. This book continued to have timing issues. Is it morning, afternoon, or evening? The context was all over the place. How can a structured successful lawyer constantly be late or skipping appointments? Keeping a 3yo up until 10pm for dinner just does not work. Then we get to the completely implausible storyline. Maybe an 18yo would think it is a good idea to intentionally try to get pregnant, but not someone like Helen. It just doesn’t make sense.
I think I’m going to skip the rest of the books in this series. It seems pretty depressing that to find true happiness every character has to be cheated on or have some other major life struggle.
I think I’m going to skip the rest of the books in this series. It seems pretty depressing that to find true happiness every character has to be cheated on or have some other major life struggle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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