Southernmost

by Sarah Sadler

Former Alabama beauty queen Kayla Carter is given an ultimatum by her wealthy ex-boyfriend Jackson Winslow - either move to his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina with their seven-year-old daughter or support herself on a waitress’s salary. She relocates only to discover Jackson’s life is suddenly in shambles, and he has become a broke, undependable and depressed alcoholic.

Kayla hesitantly establishes herself in Charleston’s bustling culinary scene and becomes involved in a delicious fling with a free-spirited and visceral photographer. While she navigates the turbulent waters of Jackson’s new emotional state and fights feelings for him that she’s suppressed for years, Kayla’s personal success is overshadowed by an unexpected complication.

With a secret from the past threatening the chance of restoring her family, Kayla forces herself to break Jackson’s heart - and her own - once and for all, or risk everything by facing the shameful truth that has kept them apart.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 6, 2016

About the author

Sarah Sadler is a cultural omnivore, southern girl, french kisser, lover of the Wild West, drinker of champagne and thrower of far fetched ideas. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and one young son. She rides horses, walks dogs and writes fiction.


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Reviews

[Heena Rathore Rathore-Pardeshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Before I begin this review, let me just say I rarely read books with this much content. I found the descriptions and mentions of sex disgusting and admittedly skimmed or skipped the scenes. The rating is not at all based on that, though - it’s my honest opinion of the book’s quality, not the content.

In many ways, this was a fantastic novel that fully deserved five stars, and at times I really enjoyed it. I liked the main character and most of the supporting characters a lot … Avery was especially sweet! She was a very real, very adorable little girl!

The plot was very interesting, and I definitely didn’t get either of the big twists at the end! There wasn’t a ton of foreshadowing, but still, when it happened, it made so much sense and fit in so well that, though it blew my mind and I was reeling with the wonderfulness of it all, I felt like totally should have gotten it. How do people think up these amazing, beautiful plots?

I was disappointed with the love triangle. {*Spoilers*} I guess there just is no way to satisfy everyone with those, and although I was rooting for Jackson all the way, I found Kayla’s fling with J.B. (what? That’s my nickname for him …) just plain silly. I don’t know how you feel about it, but she was acting pretty committed (and so was he) for it to just end like that. {*End of Spoilers*}

Also, I felt that the story wrapped up a little too quickly - and perhaps a little too conveniently. A couple things - such as the stories of Kayla’s best friend and her mother - didn’t really get wrapped up at all. Perhaps these things will be resolved in a sequel, though.

I must say, I loved everything southern in this book! I want to go live there. Of course, I’d always be a Yankee. ;)

Overall, this was a great book with just a few problems that most people probably wouldn’t mind. Go pick up a copy of Southernmost now if you love a beautiful setting, interesting characters, a fast and interesting plotline with phenomenal twists, and mouth-watering descriptions of food.

You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.

[Melissa Czech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Sarah has me blissfully wrapped up in the lives of Charleston's aristocrats & trailer trash! Sadler is a cultural anthropologist telling a social narrative in a microcosm of a world she's created. It's brilliant. I want to buy a one-way ticket to the Low Country & eat the food Kayla makes, buzz around town with Lil Ashby & find my place is this wonderful world! I'm already pining for another book. There are certain characters I need an update on... If you haven't read Southern Solstice, do it!

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Sarah brings the South alive! The descriptions of the environment and culture were incredible and the introduction of the food... lord help me! I was drooling. Sarah is spot on with her descriptions! Her characters are pretty great too. I wasn't a huge fan of Kayla from what was mentioned of her in the first book (Southern Solstice), but I did end up loving her and the transformation in this spin off book. She was a bit frustrating at times, but understandable given the situation I suppose. Even the secondary characters (Lil & Martha!!!) were perfection. I could have a whole novel on these two - I love them!! AND THAT LOVE TRIANGLE!! There's also a bit of drama too. This book is packed full of amazingness. I just might be Sarah's biggest fan because these two books sucked me and blew me away. I can't wait to see what she writes next...

More here --> https://youtu.be/eMZdmF2hWqk

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Sadler does it again with her sophomore fiction effort. Also set in Charleston with a familiar cast as well as new characters, Southernmost stands on its own from Southern Solstice. Engaging, moving and completely unexpected ending, this is the perfect beach book or rainy Saturday afternoon indulgence. You'll want to read it start to finish yet savor it. Can't wait to see what she writes next!

[Katyslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off I want to say thank you to Sarah for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, I really enjoyed it so I am so grateful to her! I want to give this book a solid 4 stars, but it would more accurately be about a 3.75 with the few things I wasn't a fan of, but on Goodreads I rounded it to a 4 because I believe it deserves it. This sophomore book by Sarah Sadler set in Charleston, South Carolina following main character Kayla, was such a comfy lazy day read that made me feel like I was sitting in the South along the water right with the characters. I enjoyed this book immensely and when I wasn't reading it I often found myself thinking of the characters and wanting to finish their story. I adored the foodie aspect of this book and I completely drooled over the delicious goodies being cooked up through out Kayla's journey. There were a few negative aspects such as small plot lines I didn't love, but overall I really enjoyed this light contemporary read and more than anything it made me want to move back South, oh how I am missing it!

Each character in this book had their own unique traits and really added to the well being of the story. A few of my favorites were Lil, Martha, and Avery. Lil and Martha were just so accurate as to what I would expect of older southern women and Avery was such an adorable little girl, I loved everything about her. Kayla, the main character, was hard to connect with as I thought she was a little back and forth with her decisions, but I did admire her work ethic as a single mom in a new place and trying to find her own way. The scenery was also well done, I can picture Isle of Palms and the Battery as if I were just there. For those who have never been to Charleston, it would be easy to visualize with the way Sarah grasped it and put it into words. I genuinely felt as though I was back there and it was such a nice escape. There was also a tiny bit of relatable drama between fellow co-workers that made me intrigued through out the book and also laugh because who hasn't had their fair share of issues with that one co-worker at some point in their working life?

As for the things I didn't quite love about the book; the story was a bit slow, although I did kind of like that it wasn't the standard whirlwind romance and it really just depicted the life of someone struggling and starting all over and making life work. However, speaking of romance, I can't say I felt attached to either love interest in the book and this goes back to Kayla being one of those characters that was just too back and forth at the drop of a hat. It seemed like her decisions or feelings didn't flow with the timing of the book or what had been told to us as a reader. Lastly, I didn't think the twist that came at the end about Kayla's secret was really necessary to the overall story and it seemed a bit rushed and thrown in. It ended up working out for the best though so there isn't really too much to complain about!

Overall I really liked this book and the escape back to the South it provided me. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for an easy and comfortable read and anyone who loves to cook, cause my gosh would I love to be in Kayla's kitchen. Thank you again so much Sarah for sending me a copy and for the wonderful story!

[Lynzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadler has once again delivered a simply irresistible southern tale with the second book in her Southern Solstice series. Absolutely engaging characters, a relatable heroine, and a delicious love triangle leave you wishing you were in soaring above a Charleston bay in an old floatplane.

I love Kayla. I felt like I understood her insecurities and emotions even more so than Larken from Southern Solstice. I cheered her on through her moments of self doubt, and celebrated the victories with her.

This is a total departure from the aristocratic lifestyle of the first book, yet the tone is still warm and the rhythm just beautiful. Sadler has once again painted vivid pictures with her words. The setting is especially beautiful to me, and Charleston almost becomes a character in the book itself. Really hoping she will at least give us one more in this series.

[Jordyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story written in beautiful prose against the backdrop of southern comfort cuisine. Haven’t enjoyed a read this much in a long time!

[Shelley Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn into this book and it's charm from page one, and was drawn deeper in with each page I read. I adore the cozy, descriptive setting; I loved the characters, and will miss them in my daily life. I was enthralled with the plot and moved by it's messages about relationship challenges, finding our own truth and the right path even when the way is murky. It deals with overcoming life's hurdles and our own mistakes and finding the courage to build something new. It was comforting, but also meaningful. I truly hope Ms. Sadler carries on with these characters and stories of the Lowcountry.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but not near as much as the first. The characters weren't as engaging and the storyline a little flat.

[Kellyn Roth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! Liked it okay, but the content ... eh. And never a fan of love triangles. They never fail to disappoint. Not recommended for readers under fifteen (I would say eighteen, but it feels hypocritical to exclude myself ... just don't read it if you like clean fiction. Trust me).

Full review to appear on The Reading Bud, which I'll be writing reviews for twice a month from now on. [Link come soon!]

~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews

[Leslie Ann (lalasbookishlife) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS (rounded up to a 4)

I started out really liking this one, but I had some major issues with the ending. There was just too many different storylines that took away from the main one and left the story not as powerful and engaging as it could have been. I hated the twist at the end and I don't understand what it added to the plot. A lot could have been taken out of this story so that the plot would have been more concentrated and I feel the story would have flowed better.

[Vickie Hedgepeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I am adding "southernmost" to my vocabulary.

I know I am late to the game in discovery Sarah Sadler's work, but it was worth the wait. Her writings are not something I want to rush through because I do not want to miss a detail and yet, I did not want to put it down. I was so drawn in to the story and the lives of the people living the story.

Sadler does a beautiful job of creating characters so authentic and so truly Southern. I can almost taste the sweet tea. In this spin off of "Summer Solstice," we actually get more of a "taste" of the south. It had my imagination engaged and my mouth watering. She is writing from EXPERIENCE and in that, I felt like I was experiencing these things as well. She really nailed it.

If you have never been to Charleston and the Low Country, Sadler makes you want to go. And having been, I feel like she has given me a behind the scenes look, or better yet, "a behind the gate and garden wall look" into the true South. It is a beautiful glimpse.

In true Southern fashion, everything about this book is beautiful. Not a detail missing...the cover is beautiful and feels beautiful. I loved that it also came with a bookmark that matches. It's the little things.

Once again, I NEED more.

[Jenn Belden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just reread Southernmost and realized that I hadn't left a review here when I first read it, so I am rectifying the situation now! I loved it just as much the second time as the first. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

As the follow up to her first book, Southern Solstice, many of the characters are familiar, but you needn't read the first to enjoy this one. This book is Kayla's story, and it's one of figuring out who you are, and one of acceptance - and she's a character who I grew to love in this story.

This book was a delight to read. Set once again in Charleston, the city is brought alive in her descriptions. With an engaging storyline (and a few more woven through), beautiful, flowing prose and wonderful characterizations, you will fall into the story. Kayla's character is relatable and you will root for her as she overcomes the challenges in front of her (even if you don't love the love triangle she finds herself in.) The books boasts amazing supporting characters, too.

The ending had a surprising twist, and there were a few loose endings for other characters which hopefully means there is a third book in the works!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real dilemma between Kayla and Jackson who met each other at Auburn and drifted six years later when Jackson went back to Charleston to try to win back his first love. He talked Kayla into moving to Charleston with their daughter Avery, all expenses paid. Enter Sea plane pilot and underwater photographer Brady. Since Kayla doesn’t have any interest in Jackson, there are no problems. Well, maybe. Kayla makes her way as a waitress and eventually as a chef in picturesque restaurants out on James Island and complications ensue. Socializing with Charleston’s upper crust and going out with her fellow waitresses and her neighbors, Kayla draws no social lines.

Terrific story, but where were the editors? I can’t give five stars when there are misplaced words in too many places.

[Mary C · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. I really enjoyed the continuation of this story from Southern Solstice and I'm sad to see this seems to be the last writing from Sarah Sadler for now. It was a tricky story line and you were never sure what the right decisions or answers were for the main character, but that was part of the plot that kept me reading. I do wish I can find a couple of the recipes she spoke of in the book! I really hope she writes more. And I'm from the south and never understood the term Southernmost until now!!

[Meaghan Vogt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and cute read from acclaimed author, Sarah Sadler!

A book delivering a charismatic story of one woman’s journey through life and love. Set in the charming city of Charleston, Kayla moves from Alabama to start over with her 7-year old daughter. Relocating near her ex, she finds his life in shambles and she hits a few bumps in her road map along the way too.

Hesitantly establishing herself in the beautiful city of Charleston, Kayla decides to take leaps for herself and starts to see the beauty of everything unraveling for itself.

[Moira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm struggling writing a review for this book. I loved that it takes place in Charleston, one of my favorite cities. It is very much a fairytale, young and gorgeous people who face some struggles but all is perfect in the end. It is a sweet summer read and creative, but not at all realistic.

Personally I like characters with more grit and more realistic circumstances.

If you are looking for an escape, this is it.

[Jen Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming Southern book about a woman trying to find herself after her life is upended. I liked Kayla and the other characters in this book. It was interesting to watch Kayla gain her strength. Kayla’s weakness was that she let herself be defined by the men who she loved. I wish she was a little bit stronger than that. Overall, she figured it out. I would
read more by this author. The book is part of a two book series, but it can be read as a stand alone book.

[Deborah Ernest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and hypnotic!

This author has an amazing ability to create beautifully flawed and completely lovable characters who capture the duality of who we are as humans. Her magical gift of drawing you into the story and her use of imagery make you feel like you have taken a vacation and met new friends. I would love to read more from the author!

[Judith Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not something I would normally read but a very nice surprise

I wanted to read something different and kindle suggested this in my email. Boy am I glad I took their advice. It was a very well written book and if you are looking for something different I think you will love this.

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southernmost my new favorite term

Compelling characters, beautiful scenery, really good storytelling. I could not put it down. Draws you in, spins you around, and leaves you saying no ....not yet...I don't want to this to end.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and this author! These characters and their stories are as warm and rich as a bowl of she crab soup from the Lowcountry. Love the setting, the characters, the story line… and hope there will be more to come. This is second in a series…be sure to read Southern Solstice first.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. This book definitely had its moments of intrigue and it certainly had potential but overall, it was bogged down with unrealistic scenarios, melodramatic twists, and characters that didn’t feel authentic at all. 2.5/3 stars.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing tale. Such a surprised ending.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOUCHING AND REAL

Set in an idealized world of high southern society, the characters speak to you. Emotion is real and touching for all

[patricia m mikosky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs a third book

Loved the book, but a third book to complete the series would benefit the reader and allow for a super conclusion to prove how much peoples life can change.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book quite some time ago and remember loving it. Wanted to note it on my Goodreads in case the author writes other books

[Deborah Bielins-gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gotta love the south

Love reading books that are based in the South, especially Charleston! A story about how a woman learned how to love her life.

[Karen Manuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book!!

[Donna J. Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay

I liked the novel but it’s one I could lay down for a day and then pick up again. A bit slow for me but if you like girly lit…this is a great book.