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The Sweet Magnolias #1-2
Sweet Magnolias Collection Volume 1: Stealing Home / Slice of Heaven
Return to the warm, cozy town of Serenity in this collection of classic stories from the Sweet Magnolias series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods.
Stealing Home
There’s been nothing calm about Maddie Townsend’s life since her marriage broke up. But if Maddie is already a tad on edge with everything on her plate, it’s nothing compared to the chaos that ensues when she discovers that her son’s baseball coach has feelings for her—and that the whole town disapproves.
A Slice of Heaven
When an eating disorder threatens the life of chef Dana Sue Sullivan’s teenage daughter, she has no choice but to bring Annie’s cheating dad back to Serenity, South Carolina. She tells herself and her friends it’s all about Annie, but Ronnie’s return is a sweet recipe for a new beginning.
Feels Like Family
Helen Decatur is forty-two, single and suddenly ready for the family she’s put on the back burner for all these years. Taking charge of her own destiny puts her at odds with her two best friends and sets sparks flying with a man who doesn’t want a family, but it also leads her straight into the most unexpected complication of all…love.
Stealing Home
There’s been nothing calm about Maddie Townsend’s life since her marriage broke up. But if Maddie is already a tad on edge with everything on her plate, it’s nothing compared to the chaos that ensues when she discovers that her son’s baseball coach has feelings for her—and that the whole town disapproves.
A Slice of Heaven
When an eating disorder threatens the life of chef Dana Sue Sullivan’s teenage daughter, she has no choice but to bring Annie’s cheating dad back to Serenity, South Carolina. She tells herself and her friends it’s all about Annie, but Ronnie’s return is a sweet recipe for a new beginning.
Feels Like Family
Helen Decatur is forty-two, single and suddenly ready for the family she’s put on the back burner for all these years. Taking charge of her own destiny puts her at odds with her two best friends and sets sparks flying with a man who doesn’t want a family, but it also leads her straight into the most unexpected complication of all…love.
789 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2017
1271 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
555 books4,525 followersWith two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 6, 2020
Excellent
After watching Sweet Magnolias on Netflix I was looking forward to reading the books. The series vs the book is quite different but I enjoyed the book as much as the series. Great read.
After watching Sweet Magnolias on Netflix I was looking forward to reading the books. The series vs the book is quite different but I enjoyed the book as much as the series. Great read.
July 12, 2020
After watching the Netflix series I was keen to begin reading the books. I am hooked and loving them so far. It will be a great way to continue on with the characters while we wait season 2 of the series.
June 23, 2020
A tad too cheesy and predictable
First book is better than second. Predictable and characters are not all that developed. In this case Netflix series is way more developed than the book
First book is better than second. Predictable and characters are not all that developed. In this case Netflix series is way more developed than the book
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February 1, 2017Miniseries: A Sweet Magnolias Novel
April 29, 2022
I started reading the books after finishing the second season on Netflix. My 18 yr old and I love the show even if it got a bit extra cheesy in season 2.
Book 1 is all about Maddie and is similar yet different from what happened in the show. I am not the kind of person that insists on things go by the book, I actually think the Netflix show improves on some aspects. The books are not as PG as the show is. They’re actually quite steamy. I enjoyed book one much more than book two.
Book 2 is about Dana Sue and was not my favorite. I think that’s just the character of Dana Sue though. She is my least favorite of the three in the book and the show. In the book we still have the struggle of will they or won’t they get back together but they also have so much more family drama with Annie being anorexic.
The show gives us much more depth and story than the books but I still thoroughly enjoy the stories and love seeing how the books differ from the show. I can’t wait to read about Helen in Book 3!
Book 1 is all about Maddie and is similar yet different from what happened in the show. I am not the kind of person that insists on things go by the book, I actually think the Netflix show improves on some aspects. The books are not as PG as the show is. They’re actually quite steamy. I enjoyed book one much more than book two.
Book 2 is about Dana Sue and was not my favorite. I think that’s just the character of Dana Sue though. She is my least favorite of the three in the book and the show. In the book we still have the struggle of will they or won’t they get back together but they also have so much more family drama with Annie being anorexic.
The show gives us much more depth and story than the books but I still thoroughly enjoy the stories and love seeing how the books differ from the show. I can’t wait to read about Helen in Book 3!
August 3, 2020
Book 1 had a lot of similarities to season 1 of the show. The things that were different were actually handled better in the show in my opinion. More realistic that Ty and his mom have the chats about her relationship with Cal than Ty and Cal having it for example. There are characters in the series that aren't in the books but that's ok. I think it is too add to character development. Can't rush things in a series like your can in a book. I like that Erik has a thing for Helen in the series over having a thing for Dana Sue in the book. It means his character can go deeper in the series and i really like him.
Book 2....Having battled anorexia myself, there were parts of this that we pretty unbelievable and not handled well. But I've found most media portrayals of eating disorders don't do any justice to the actual issues. In this book it was a plot device and in that respect it worked well to draw parallels between characters.
Book 2....Having battled anorexia myself, there were parts of this that we pretty unbelievable and not handled well. But I've found most media portrayals of eating disorders don't do any justice to the actual issues. In this book it was a plot device and in that respect it worked well to draw parallels between characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2020
I read this because I loved the first season of the Netflix series (and eagerly anticipate the second!) Unfortunately for me, the books are just so-so. I'd give a higher rating to the first book, Stealing Home, mainly because I was excited to get back into the world of Serenity. The second book, Slice of Heaven, was a bore for me. The title seems inappropriate given the majority of the book's plot. I'm finding the whole "here's a man I'm attracted to but I shouldn't pursue, but he's so tempting" trope to be a little one-note, and after reading excerpts of other Sherryl Woods books it seems to be a prevailing theme. I understand the concept of romantic tension, but it falls flat here. I don't know if I'll continue the series. Helen may be a more interesting character to follow, so perhaps I'll give the third book a try when I'm looking for something light and easy.
August 3, 2020
Enjoyed the Book as Much as the TV Show
I watched the first season of Sweet Magnolias on Netflix and really enjoyed it, but a second season isn't forthcoming yet, so I decided to get the books. I've read Stealing Home as well. There are some major deviations from the books, but I think both the show and the books are great. Ms. Woods is an engrossing storyteller, and a prolific one. I especially liked the mother/daughter tie-in with eating disorders in this story. Very real. It almost could have been a YA novel, but the mature themes kept it from being too juvenile. I look forward to continuing on with the Sweet Magnolias books. Anxious to follow Helen's story next!
I watched the first season of Sweet Magnolias on Netflix and really enjoyed it, but a second season isn't forthcoming yet, so I decided to get the books. I've read Stealing Home as well. There are some major deviations from the books, but I think both the show and the books are great. Ms. Woods is an engrossing storyteller, and a prolific one. I especially liked the mother/daughter tie-in with eating disorders in this story. Very real. It almost could have been a YA novel, but the mature themes kept it from being too juvenile. I look forward to continuing on with the Sweet Magnolias books. Anxious to follow Helen's story next!
July 19, 2020
I loved this series! I like that this is a box set. I was able to immediately move on to book 2 once I finished book 1. I loved book 1(Stealing Home). I watched the series Sweet Magnus on Netflix and loved it I had to read the series. Books 1 and 2 are both represented in the series. Of course there are things that happened in the show that didn't happen in books 1 or 2 and vice versa. I love the characters most of all! I love their bond and relationship and seeing it come to life in the pages of these books are amazing!!
February 16, 2023
A small town at it’s best
I love the people, long-time friends, their families, children and support for each other and their neighbors. This collection with lots of back-stories and modern problems is first rate. What I enjoyed most, though was the way they were ready to do anything to give each other the push needed when a problem felt easier to avoid than it would be to deal with.
I love the people, long-time friends, their families, children and support for each other and their neighbors. This collection with lots of back-stories and modern problems is first rate. What I enjoyed most, though was the way they were ready to do anything to give each other the push needed when a problem felt easier to avoid than it would be to deal with.
December 1, 2021
After watching season one of the series I knew I wanted to check out the books. I enjoyed both books. The first one was similar but slightly different then the TV show, which is typical. The second book was a faster read as it had more "new" content for me. Lots of family drama and feel good moments sprinkled throughout.
September 21, 2023
What would it be like to live in a small town? The book aswers that question. The story was sweet and predictable, but I enjoyed the books for that reason. I just found a series on the television with that title. Hope the series is as good as the book and doesn't stray too far from the book. I enjoyed this so much that I only read it while at the gym.
June 22, 2020
Amazing writting.
Scored a 5, great writing and editing. The 12 book series flows together so well. Loved the stories of all the Magnolias. Thanks loved the series, recommend buy all together and save money. I'm sure you wont regret.
Scored a 5, great writing and editing. The 12 book series flows together so well. Loved the stories of all the Magnolias. Thanks loved the series, recommend buy all together and save money. I'm sure you wont regret.
June 27, 2020
I’ve not seen the Netflix series yet, however did enjoy this book, it was just an easy read, quite predictable but nicely written, a bit of a feel good book. I will definitely read another from the series. Not boring however not gripping either.
August 12, 2020
Romance is my favorite genre, but I was sadly disappointed by these. They’re extremely cheesy and predictable. Most romance novels can fall into those categories, but these are an extreme. I almost didn’t even read the second book. If that’s what you’re into, these are perfect for you!
August 22, 2020
I have no idea how this book is so well reviewed. I can’t even explain how often I rolled my eyes. Small town or not, the premise that anyone cares if two adults date each other is ludicrous. The whole idea was just silly.
February 10, 2021
Sweet reading
Quite the picture of a quaint southern town and characters you definitely want to know . I am about to start book three.
Stephanie L.
Quite the picture of a quaint southern town and characters you definitely want to know . I am about to start book three.
Stephanie L.
April 19, 2021
I had watched the first season of Sweet Magnolias while I was dealing with the reaction to my second vaccine - watched the whole thing in practically an entire sitting! So of course, I had to read the book! There are 10 more, and I will be reading them as well -
June 26, 2020
Better than the series
I loved the series but the books are a hundred fold better. You won’t be disappointed in the time you spend on these books
I loved the series but the books are a hundred fold better. You won’t be disappointed in the time you spend on these books
July 13, 2020
Amazing books!
A must read! This thrilling, exciting, romantic book is for everyone. I can’t wait to read the rest of them. Highly recommended as well as the show on Netflix!
A must read! This thrilling, exciting, romantic book is for everyone. I can’t wait to read the rest of them. Highly recommended as well as the show on Netflix!
July 16, 2020
Not her best work but the books are better than the series on Netflix.
August 11, 2020
Can't wait to start the next book
I loved the first 2 and excited to start the next one.
It was so hard to stop reading because I just had to know what was going to happen next!
I loved the first 2 and excited to start the next one.
It was so hard to stop reading because I just had to know what was going to happen next!
October 14, 2020
Different from the series on Netflix, but enjoyable read.
January 5, 2021
So boring and predictable!
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March 28, 2021Good series. The first book much better than the show on Netflix. Great read for 40 or 50 somethings!
April 8, 2022
Great series to end my day by reading about this cozy group.
June 22, 2022
Worth the read. Only similar in character and setting to the series so far.
June 15, 2023
Two books reviewed individually.
July 21, 2024
Love, love, love this series.
July 15, 2017
Enjoyed books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews