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Sweethaven Circle #2
A Sweethaven Homecoming
The Sweethaven Circle is back -- and so is a friend they thought they'd never see again!
The women of Sweethaven are enjoying an Indian summer when their old friend -- the missing member of their scrapbook circle -- arrives back home. Meghan Rhodes has moved on with her life, leaving Sweethaven and its painful memories in the past. But when her ex files for custody of their twins, she takes the first flight back to the beach town full of haunting memories. Meghan wants to make things right with her ex-husband, her children, and the friends she'd convinced herself she no longer needed. But is she too late? Meghan works with friends Jane, Lila, Adele, and Campbell to begin a new scrapbook for memories yet to be made. Picking up where A Sweethaven Summer left off, A Sweethaven Homecoming explores the strong bonds of friendship, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of unconditional love.
The women of Sweethaven are enjoying an Indian summer when their old friend -- the missing member of their scrapbook circle -- arrives back home. Meghan Rhodes has moved on with her life, leaving Sweethaven and its painful memories in the past. But when her ex files for custody of their twins, she takes the first flight back to the beach town full of haunting memories. Meghan wants to make things right with her ex-husband, her children, and the friends she'd convinced herself she no longer needed. But is she too late? Meghan works with friends Jane, Lila, Adele, and Campbell to begin a new scrapbook for memories yet to be made. Picking up where A Sweethaven Summer left off, A Sweethaven Homecoming explores the strong bonds of friendship, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of unconditional love.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2017
313 people are currently reading
1157 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Walsh
37 books5,465 followersCourtney Walsh is a novelist, theatre director, and playwright. She writes low spice romance and women's fiction while juggling the performing arts studio and youth theatre she owns and runs with her husband. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists. She is also a Carol award winner and Christy award finalist.
A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.
Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.
Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
July 6, 2017
Meghan, the prodigal daughter has returned to Sweethaven. She has achieved stardom and fame as a country singer but feels empty inside. Mistakes from her past have left her feeling she doesn't deserve happiness and so she pushes people away. Nick, her ex-husband has filled for full custody of their adorable four year old twins in a ploy to get Meghan to return to Sweethaven. She does, but is still allowing the past to control her actions. Who a person is inside is not always the person who the world sees. That's why it's great to have family and best friends who love you just as you are. People who will forgive you and encourage you to be your best. The Sweethaven Circle are back together to scrapbook and welcome Meghan back into the fold.
April 16, 2017
Wonderful
This book is the 2nd in this series. It was all about Gods forgiveness and grace. His love for us. How it is not earned but freely given. I can't wait to read Book 3!
This book is the 2nd in this series. It was all about Gods forgiveness and grace. His love for us. How it is not earned but freely given. I can't wait to read Book 3!
Read
December 18, 2024It was sweet….a little Hallmark feeling but I liked it
August 8, 2025
I did not like this one as much as the first. It was very confusing and the stories were jumping all over the place. It didn’t feel like a cohesive narrative to me. I did enjoy seeing familiar characters though.
May 5, 2013
Title: A Sweethaven Homecoming
Author: Courtney Walsh
Pages: 324
Year: 2012
Publisher: Guideposts
This story follows four women as they find themselves going back home to Sweethaven for the summer. Each has a different hurdle to overcome, someone they must forgive and someone they must love.
“After Campbell’s mother died and she found an old scrapbook full of memories about a place called Sweethaven, she had hopped in the car and headed to Sweethaven on a hunt to find her father. What she found was a family of old friends who’d loved her mother her whole life.”
Suzanne’s scrapbook pages revealed a beautiful history. Campbell keeps them displayed in the art gallery in the heart of the town. The story of the friendship unfolds and a new story develops.
Meghan is one of the nation’s largest country music stars. When she finds out her ex-husband is filing for full custody of her four year old twins, she goes back home to Sweethaven to fight.
Lila has plans to divorce her husband. After agreeing to go home to Sweethaven for the summer, she has an unexpected change of events.
Jane is a pastor’s wife. While they are in Sweethaven for the summer she has a past filled with tragedy that she must overcome and, with God’s grace, learn to forgive.
The story of love, forgiveness, overcoming your past and living for God is intricately weaved through the lives of these ladies as well as the men they love. Each person has an impact on another. There is a history that they must deal with and move on from. Only God, through lots of prayer, can heal it all.
What a beautiful story! I loved the setting, the love stories and the characters. Each person comes to life and I found myself wanting to yell at them for bad decisions and cheer them one for the good decisions. And the romance between husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, and ex’s was beautiful. This was an enjoyable book with a strong reminder to pray constantly.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://TMWoodsBooks.com/blog . Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBook, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/TMWoodsBooks .
Author: Courtney Walsh
Pages: 324
Year: 2012
Publisher: Guideposts
This story follows four women as they find themselves going back home to Sweethaven for the summer. Each has a different hurdle to overcome, someone they must forgive and someone they must love.
“After Campbell’s mother died and she found an old scrapbook full of memories about a place called Sweethaven, she had hopped in the car and headed to Sweethaven on a hunt to find her father. What she found was a family of old friends who’d loved her mother her whole life.”
Suzanne’s scrapbook pages revealed a beautiful history. Campbell keeps them displayed in the art gallery in the heart of the town. The story of the friendship unfolds and a new story develops.
Meghan is one of the nation’s largest country music stars. When she finds out her ex-husband is filing for full custody of her four year old twins, she goes back home to Sweethaven to fight.
Lila has plans to divorce her husband. After agreeing to go home to Sweethaven for the summer, she has an unexpected change of events.
Jane is a pastor’s wife. While they are in Sweethaven for the summer she has a past filled with tragedy that she must overcome and, with God’s grace, learn to forgive.
The story of love, forgiveness, overcoming your past and living for God is intricately weaved through the lives of these ladies as well as the men they love. Each person has an impact on another. There is a history that they must deal with and move on from. Only God, through lots of prayer, can heal it all.
What a beautiful story! I loved the setting, the love stories and the characters. Each person comes to life and I found myself wanting to yell at them for bad decisions and cheer them one for the good decisions. And the romance between husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, and ex’s was beautiful. This was an enjoyable book with a strong reminder to pray constantly.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://TMWoodsBooks.com/blog . Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBook, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/TMWoodsBooks .
August 5, 2012
In the second “Sweethaven” novel, we’ve again picked up with these beloved new characters from “A Sweethaven Summer”.
What I love so much about this novel (and it’s prequel) is while the story lines focuses primarily on one main character (in this case, Megan) there is much to be loved and deepened in the lives of the other members of “The Circle.” Each of these women bring something to the story that not only impacts their lives, but the lives of their friends and their community. It’s a tightly knit story fashioned upon past mistakes and the need for forgiveness. Both to accept and give.
Megan is a difficult character to like, I won’t lie. But her longing to do the right thing by her children, while misguided, is the force to keep me reading when I did become frustrated with her poor decisions.
There is so much depth to this story! I see no reason to believe why there can’t be another Sweethaven novel because the characters all have their own story to tell. I would love to know more about Lila’s story and fall more in love with Campbell and Luke’s romance. I hope they both play a more prominent role in the coming novel.
From dialogue to writing style. Characters to setting. To the passion behind the writing voice for these four women, is a story that makes me eager to return to Sweethaven again and again.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.
What I love so much about this novel (and it’s prequel) is while the story lines focuses primarily on one main character (in this case, Megan) there is much to be loved and deepened in the lives of the other members of “The Circle.” Each of these women bring something to the story that not only impacts their lives, but the lives of their friends and their community. It’s a tightly knit story fashioned upon past mistakes and the need for forgiveness. Both to accept and give.
Megan is a difficult character to like, I won’t lie. But her longing to do the right thing by her children, while misguided, is the force to keep me reading when I did become frustrated with her poor decisions.
There is so much depth to this story! I see no reason to believe why there can’t be another Sweethaven novel because the characters all have their own story to tell. I would love to know more about Lila’s story and fall more in love with Campbell and Luke’s romance. I hope they both play a more prominent role in the coming novel.
From dialogue to writing style. Characters to setting. To the passion behind the writing voice for these four women, is a story that makes me eager to return to Sweethaven again and again.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.
June 10, 2014
I absolutely loved this book! I love that I can enjoy a beautifully written and original story, and also learn important truths about God!
I tried my best when reading to soak in as much as I could from this story. I love the way she writes and shows us different perspectives. I feel like I know the characters personally.
I can't put into words how much I liked it. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
I tried my best when reading to soak in as much as I could from this story. I love the way she writes and shows us different perspectives. I feel like I know the characters personally.
I can't put into words how much I liked it. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
August 19, 2018
I loved how this book completed book one of the series, almost. The main theme is forgiveness and many people had a lot to forgive. I’m looking forward to book three for closure on a couple more situations. I’m loving the people of Sweethaven!
October 1, 2019
This is my favorite of this series.
September 19, 2023
More like 3.5 ⭐️ it was cute and I enjoyed it. Nothing spectacular
August 28, 2012
I enjoyed this book, but I felt the author sort of dragged it out in places. Maybe people are just that slow in actually making decisions, but I wanted it to move on a bit quicker! That being said, it talked and taught a lot about what it means to really forgive others and yourself, and how to move on from old pains or mistakes. The one line I will keep with me is the one, "How can you move forward when you are always looking back?" Great thing to remember. We all have baggage as do all the main characters in the novel, but through their struggles with themselves and each other, they must be able to move forward. The past is not an option. I'm anxious for the third one ...A Sweethaven Christmas!
May 18, 2017
Emotional rollercoaster - in the best way!
This book was so emotionally poignant! I love how real issues were discussed and the characters weren't perfect, but that they were able to work through their issues in very realistic ways! I found myself highlighting a few of the pages because the way they described life was so accurate! Although this was pretty clean, the characters were married and so some of the themes were more mature - cheating, drinking, and drug use. I feel the author handled this very well and did not include any unnecessary or explicit details! Looking forward to book 3!
This book was so emotionally poignant! I love how real issues were discussed and the characters weren't perfect, but that they were able to work through their issues in very realistic ways! I found myself highlighting a few of the pages because the way they described life was so accurate! Although this was pretty clean, the characters were married and so some of the themes were more mature - cheating, drinking, and drug use. I feel the author handled this very well and did not include any unnecessary or explicit details! Looking forward to book 3!
October 21, 2012
Really didn't love this book as much as the first in the series. The first one was a quick, easy and fun read. This one was super religious and very long when it didn't need to be. I liked the actual story, but would have enjoyed the book as a whole a lot more had it not been so religion focused.
October 16, 2019
After how much I had ended up enjoying the first book in the Sweethaven Circle, I really couldn't wait to go ahead and dive into this one. The characters had come to feel like old friends by the close of the first story, and I was thankful that this one picked up right where the first book left off. Campbell, Lila, Adele, and Jane are all preparing to spend their summer in Sweethaven, but an unexpected complication arrives when prodigal daughter Meghan finally decides to return home. Where Meghan goes, chaos seems to follow, and with each woman already dealing with her own internal struggles, this summer may be more than any of them were prepared for.
I ended up not having a favorite character in the first book, as I honestly loved each woman's individual story, and enjoyed reading more about them. In this book I'll be honest and say that Meghan was a harder character to root for, as her destructive behavior rubbed me the wrong way, and she succeeds in hurting the people around her who care about her the most. However, I also felt that her story was raw and realistic, and truly showcased the depths that our Heavenly Father can pull us back out of when we feel like we've honestly hit rock bottom. Meghan did finally manage to win me over, and I was happy with how Courtney Walsh chose to end her story in A Sweethaven Homecoming.
However, probably my favorite part of this beautiful series is that even though each book has a basic main character, the reader still gets to enjoy chapters from the various other points of view as well. In A Sweethaven Homecoming each woman who was introduced in the first book has a continuing story as they work through the various struggles that have come to light. Campbell has arrived in Sweethaven in the summer, and she's looking forward to spending more time with the women who've come to feel like family, and also looking forward to continuing her relationship with Luke. She soon discovers that the summer is not going how she'd been hoping for, and she's left trying to sort through her mixed up feelings because of it. Jane is still struggling with the death of her son that occurred in Sweethaven, and the fact that she's never truly forgiven her best friend Meghan for her part in it. Adele is struggling with the fact that she pushed her beloved daughter away, and in the process ended up alienating herself from her precious grandchildren as well. When she learns troubling news about her grand babies, she struggles to do the right thing when doing so might mean her losing them for good. And finally, Lila is struggling to come to terms with her husband's betrayal, and where her life should go from here. She can't deny that she still has feelings for Tom, but would forgiving him for his mistakes truly be something she could live with doing?
With a beautiful setting, heartfelt struggles, and a dialogue and writing style that had me hooked right from the opening sentence, A Sweethaven Homecoming was everything I was hoping for in a sequel. These stories have much more depth to them than one might initially expect, and I appreciate how raw, realistic and heartfelt the author has made each woman's story appear to the reader.
I can't wait to continue on with A Sweethaven Christmas, and I've definitely discovered a new favorite series.
Final Rating: 5/5
I can't recommend this amazing series enough, and I'm thankful that I finally got around to reading them this year.
I ended up not having a favorite character in the first book, as I honestly loved each woman's individual story, and enjoyed reading more about them. In this book I'll be honest and say that Meghan was a harder character to root for, as her destructive behavior rubbed me the wrong way, and she succeeds in hurting the people around her who care about her the most. However, I also felt that her story was raw and realistic, and truly showcased the depths that our Heavenly Father can pull us back out of when we feel like we've honestly hit rock bottom. Meghan did finally manage to win me over, and I was happy with how Courtney Walsh chose to end her story in A Sweethaven Homecoming.
However, probably my favorite part of this beautiful series is that even though each book has a basic main character, the reader still gets to enjoy chapters from the various other points of view as well. In A Sweethaven Homecoming each woman who was introduced in the first book has a continuing story as they work through the various struggles that have come to light. Campbell has arrived in Sweethaven in the summer, and she's looking forward to spending more time with the women who've come to feel like family, and also looking forward to continuing her relationship with Luke. She soon discovers that the summer is not going how she'd been hoping for, and she's left trying to sort through her mixed up feelings because of it. Jane is still struggling with the death of her son that occurred in Sweethaven, and the fact that she's never truly forgiven her best friend Meghan for her part in it. Adele is struggling with the fact that she pushed her beloved daughter away, and in the process ended up alienating herself from her precious grandchildren as well. When she learns troubling news about her grand babies, she struggles to do the right thing when doing so might mean her losing them for good. And finally, Lila is struggling to come to terms with her husband's betrayal, and where her life should go from here. She can't deny that she still has feelings for Tom, but would forgiving him for his mistakes truly be something she could live with doing?
With a beautiful setting, heartfelt struggles, and a dialogue and writing style that had me hooked right from the opening sentence, A Sweethaven Homecoming was everything I was hoping for in a sequel. These stories have much more depth to them than one might initially expect, and I appreciate how raw, realistic and heartfelt the author has made each woman's story appear to the reader.
I can't wait to continue on with A Sweethaven Christmas, and I've definitely discovered a new favorite series.
Final Rating: 5/5
I can't recommend this amazing series enough, and I'm thankful that I finally got around to reading them this year.
July 29, 2021
Courtney Walsh continues the stories of the Sweethaven Circle in A Sweethaven Homecoming. And to my delight, she pays special attention to Lila's and Meghan's stories! I'm not one for spoilers, but I love their character and story development.
If I could sum up one major theme in A Sweethaven Homecoming, it would be forgiveness. I think there's a fine line when it comes to the art of writing.
Let me explain. Some authors struggle with the authenticity of their characters' lives. Too much of the plot feels forced to "make things happen".
Multi-talented Walsh, with her skills in theatre and writing understands the emotionality of people. In other words, her writing does not feel forced. While every character in A Sweethaven Homecoming deals with their need to forgive someone, the plot flows well together, making it altogether enjoyable.
Honestly, I had to put the book down a few times because I felt embarrassed for the characters. That's how real Walsh writes! The villains felt extra villainous, making my blood boil. Each of the members in the ensemble of characters makes mistakes. Just because they are Christian doesn't mean Walsh doesn't write about their humanity and their need for Jesus.
Walsh writes about real life hardship, including the death of a loved one, unforgiveness, unfaithfulness, alcoholism and mental health. We're all human. We can probably relate to at least one storyline and one character in the Sweethaven Circle.
Walsh even writes in a women's Bible study group focused on dealing with unforgiveness. What a great mission to bring to our own church families!
Is A Sweethaven Homecoming as strong a read as A Sweethaven Summer? I'll admit: I'm a sucker for first impressions. It's hard to surpass book one of this series.
That being said, A Sweethaven Homecoming brings together the circle again in an authentic tale about forgiveness. A secondary theme is not giving up on the things that are most important to us.
Because Walsh writes to authentically, I feel like the Sweethaven Circle character and I are dear friends. I look forward to reading more stories based in Sweethaven.
Note: A Sweethaven Homecoming is book 2 of the Sweethaven Circle Series. Someone who has not read book one will not understand everything about the storyline. Therefore, this is not a standalone book.
If I could sum up one major theme in A Sweethaven Homecoming, it would be forgiveness. I think there's a fine line when it comes to the art of writing.
Let me explain. Some authors struggle with the authenticity of their characters' lives. Too much of the plot feels forced to "make things happen".
Multi-talented Walsh, with her skills in theatre and writing understands the emotionality of people. In other words, her writing does not feel forced. While every character in A Sweethaven Homecoming deals with their need to forgive someone, the plot flows well together, making it altogether enjoyable.
Honestly, I had to put the book down a few times because I felt embarrassed for the characters. That's how real Walsh writes! The villains felt extra villainous, making my blood boil. Each of the members in the ensemble of characters makes mistakes. Just because they are Christian doesn't mean Walsh doesn't write about their humanity and their need for Jesus.
Walsh writes about real life hardship, including the death of a loved one, unforgiveness, unfaithfulness, alcoholism and mental health. We're all human. We can probably relate to at least one storyline and one character in the Sweethaven Circle.
Walsh even writes in a women's Bible study group focused on dealing with unforgiveness. What a great mission to bring to our own church families!
Is A Sweethaven Homecoming as strong a read as A Sweethaven Summer? I'll admit: I'm a sucker for first impressions. It's hard to surpass book one of this series.
That being said, A Sweethaven Homecoming brings together the circle again in an authentic tale about forgiveness. A secondary theme is not giving up on the things that are most important to us.
Because Walsh writes to authentically, I feel like the Sweethaven Circle character and I are dear friends. I look forward to reading more stories based in Sweethaven.
Note: A Sweethaven Homecoming is book 2 of the Sweethaven Circle Series. Someone who has not read book one will not understand everything about the storyline. Therefore, this is not a standalone book.
September 7, 2019
A Sweethaven Homecoming is by Courtney Walsh. This is the second in the three-book series. The series is a sweet one that explores friendship and family. They are easy to read and very interesting. You are not quite sure what twists Courtney will throw into the book.
Meghan Rhodes had been a very successful singer; but lately, her image was getting smeared and her popularity was taking a hit. She had always known she wasn’t as good as everyone else so this didn’t surprise her. What did surprise her was that her ex-husband would seem to be behind it all. Photos he knew about had been circulated and she was devastated by them. They were a mistake from the past. Then, he was filing for full custody of their twins even though he already had them and she hadn’t seen them for a long time. Why when she was finally getting herself on track again? She knew it was time to go back to Sweethaven to find out.
Lily was devastated at her childlessness. She and Tom had been trying but she kept miscarrying. Then she found out that Tom had a daughter with Suzanne, one of her best friends. She and Tom were growing apart and she didn’t know what to do about it or even if she wanted to do anything about it. If she listened to her Mother, it was inevitable because Lily was never good enough for anything. Mother was always criticizing her and letting her know she was a disappointment. Daddy was always ignoring her.
Jane and her husband Graham and the girls were going back to Sweethaven. Could Jane ever accept the death of her son, Alec by drowning? Was Meghan really to blame? Can Jane ever live up to her own expectations of what a preacher’s wife should be?
What would this summer bring to the Circle of friends?
Meghan Rhodes had been a very successful singer; but lately, her image was getting smeared and her popularity was taking a hit. She had always known she wasn’t as good as everyone else so this didn’t surprise her. What did surprise her was that her ex-husband would seem to be behind it all. Photos he knew about had been circulated and she was devastated by them. They were a mistake from the past. Then, he was filing for full custody of their twins even though he already had them and she hadn’t seen them for a long time. Why when she was finally getting herself on track again? She knew it was time to go back to Sweethaven to find out.
Lily was devastated at her childlessness. She and Tom had been trying but she kept miscarrying. Then she found out that Tom had a daughter with Suzanne, one of her best friends. She and Tom were growing apart and she didn’t know what to do about it or even if she wanted to do anything about it. If she listened to her Mother, it was inevitable because Lily was never good enough for anything. Mother was always criticizing her and letting her know she was a disappointment. Daddy was always ignoring her.
Jane and her husband Graham and the girls were going back to Sweethaven. Could Jane ever accept the death of her son, Alec by drowning? Was Meghan really to blame? Can Jane ever live up to her own expectations of what a preacher’s wife should be?
What would this summer bring to the Circle of friends?
January 25, 2024
And I thought the first book was soap opera-y! This one really just leaned into it, though, so even though it was super over the top, I liked Meghan and Nick’s story—their relationship, their growth, their trust in each other, etc. Again, I wish a little more time had been dedicated to really fleshing them out as characters, with more than just hints of their individual and combined backstories, but it was definitely an improvement in characterization from the first book. I also liked the Jane/Meghan storyline and the theme of forgiveness and love. The drama between Campbell and Luke felt like filler; it didn’t enhance the plot or Campbell’s story at all, other than that it encouraged her to spend some time with her grandpa, which could have been achieved without the artificial tension. I mean, if it had been given more time and more of an impact, it could have actually made an interesting subplot. But it was barely touched on and then resolved so quickly that it might as well not have been included. I also still struggled with the Lila and Tom dynamic. I just couldn’t quite wrap my head around it, but because of Lila this time. Tom was making an active effort to both respect her wishes and court her, but she’d have her head turned by Patton and think things like “no one has made me feel so special in a long time” while ALSO thinking about how much she loved her husband. It didn’t compute, and it made the eventual reunification fall a little flat to me.
April 23, 2023
What I read: A Sweethaven Homecoming by Courtney Walsh
Why I picked it up: I’m working my way through this series, finishing book #1 a couple of days ago.
How I read it: On audio at 1.75x speed while landscaping, a lot.
What it’s about: The Circle is back together for the summer with Campbell standing in for her mom and Adele standing in for her daughter, until Megan shows up. No one’s seen her in a while, but now she needs to do something because her ex is trying to take on full custody of her children (who don’t even know her anymore). But her singing career has always been her escape from reality, the reality that her friend’s child died on her watch. This summer is about forgiveness for Megan, Jane, Lila, Adele, and the new journaling group at the local church.
What I liked: I appreciate how this series is focused on the entire group of friends with inserts of each of their stories in each book – rather than everything being resolved with one person in one book before we get insights into the next friend in the next book.
What I disliked: I need a Luke and Campbell resolution – there’s another book, so I’m sure it’ll be in there.
Genre: Chaste love story, small town, friendship.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and definitely – but you need to read this series in order or you will be very lost.
Why I picked it up: I’m working my way through this series, finishing book #1 a couple of days ago.
How I read it: On audio at 1.75x speed while landscaping, a lot.
What it’s about: The Circle is back together for the summer with Campbell standing in for her mom and Adele standing in for her daughter, until Megan shows up. No one’s seen her in a while, but now she needs to do something because her ex is trying to take on full custody of her children (who don’t even know her anymore). But her singing career has always been her escape from reality, the reality that her friend’s child died on her watch. This summer is about forgiveness for Megan, Jane, Lila, Adele, and the new journaling group at the local church.
What I liked: I appreciate how this series is focused on the entire group of friends with inserts of each of their stories in each book – rather than everything being resolved with one person in one book before we get insights into the next friend in the next book.
What I disliked: I need a Luke and Campbell resolution – there’s another book, so I’m sure it’ll be in there.
Genre: Chaste love story, small town, friendship.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and definitely – but you need to read this series in order or you will be very lost.
October 11, 2022
I am one of those readers who has to read a series in order, but I do know there are series where the books are connected but written in such a way you can read them like stand alones. This is not one of those series. Yes, you could read just this book, but you will miss so much if you don't read book 1 first.
It was great returning to Sweethaven and meeting up with my friends there. There are a number of homecomings in this book.. literal and figurative... and each one is significant and stirs various emotions.
This book looks at how are past shapes us. And how we have to intentionally accept that and work to bring about change in our life. It is also about forgiveness.. several different scenarios where forgiveness is needed and / or desired.
And there are some sweet surprises along the way.
Visiting Sweethaven does my heart good. I have 1 more book in the series and I am looking forward to and dreading reading it! I am excited to visit here again but I hate to see this series end.
It was great returning to Sweethaven and meeting up with my friends there. There are a number of homecomings in this book.. literal and figurative... and each one is significant and stirs various emotions.
This book looks at how are past shapes us. And how we have to intentionally accept that and work to bring about change in our life. It is also about forgiveness.. several different scenarios where forgiveness is needed and / or desired.
And there are some sweet surprises along the way.
Visiting Sweethaven does my heart good. I have 1 more book in the series and I am looking forward to and dreading reading it! I am excited to visit here again but I hate to see this series end.
March 8, 2024
A Sweethaven Homecoming is book two in the Sweethaven Circle by Courtney Walsh. This is a series that needs to be read in order.
A Sweethaven Homecoming is more about Meghan than the other characters. Her story is hard, she has made a lot of mistakes, and she doubts herself. Trying to release an album while going through a messy divorce and realizing your kids don't even know you is hard.
A Sweethaven Homecoming is told from multiple points of view, just as the first story is. We get brief snippets of the past, interspersed with the present. This story is a continuation of the group of friends and what is going on in their lives now. I liked Luke in the first story for Campbell, but he is a jerk most of this book, and when he acts like nothing is off, he makes it worse. When he finally tells Campbell what is going on, in my opinion, it is too little too late. It didn't even make sense why he was keeping it from her. You'll have to read the story to see if Campbell continues to see him.
I love the way Courtney Walsh writes real, messy characters. It doesn't always make for the easiest read, but it does make for an in-depth, emotional story. A Sweethaven Homecoming is a story about redemption, forgiveness, and coming home.
A Sweethaven Homecoming is more about Meghan than the other characters. Her story is hard, she has made a lot of mistakes, and she doubts herself. Trying to release an album while going through a messy divorce and realizing your kids don't even know you is hard.
A Sweethaven Homecoming is told from multiple points of view, just as the first story is. We get brief snippets of the past, interspersed with the present. This story is a continuation of the group of friends and what is going on in their lives now. I liked Luke in the first story for Campbell, but he is a jerk most of this book, and when he acts like nothing is off, he makes it worse. When he finally tells Campbell what is going on, in my opinion, it is too little too late. It didn't even make sense why he was keeping it from her. You'll have to read the story to see if Campbell continues to see him.
I love the way Courtney Walsh writes real, messy characters. It doesn't always make for the easiest read, but it does make for an in-depth, emotional story. A Sweethaven Homecoming is a story about redemption, forgiveness, and coming home.
June 15, 2024
Listened to the audiobook over the course of the past couple weeks. I did not know this was book 2 of a series and I wish I had. I went in absolutely blind. I figured things out as I went, but I felt dropped into a new land with the presumption that I knew who these women are and why I was learning about them. That’s my own fault.
This is a story of several women and their return to their hometown, Sweethaven Michigan.
One is a music star returning to find the husband and children she forced away. Another is looking for healing after learning of her husband’s infidelity. The third is the singer’s mother looking for healing. The fourth is a grieving mother whose child drowned while under the watch of a friend. The fifth is the daughter of one of their friends who has finally discovered who her birth father is and wants to discover what Sweethaven and the history there holds for her.
Woven with themes of forgiveness, hope, betrayal, mental illness, and redemption, you will cheer for these women and their discovery of their own strength as they lean on God and each other.
This is a story of several women and their return to their hometown, Sweethaven Michigan.
One is a music star returning to find the husband and children she forced away. Another is looking for healing after learning of her husband’s infidelity. The third is the singer’s mother looking for healing. The fourth is a grieving mother whose child drowned while under the watch of a friend. The fifth is the daughter of one of their friends who has finally discovered who her birth father is and wants to discover what Sweethaven and the history there holds for her.
Woven with themes of forgiveness, hope, betrayal, mental illness, and redemption, you will cheer for these women and their discovery of their own strength as they lean on God and each other.
May 21, 2023
3.5 Stars
After really enjoying the first book, I was looking forward to getting to come back to Sweethaven...However, I didn't enjoy this nearly as much. The book is well written with an engaging plot, but I guess was the total opposite of my expectations. I was expecting another sweet, small town story. What I got was a book full of dysfunctional relationships trying to work out their problems. I don't have an issue reading those sorts of things, but when you go into a book expecting one thing and getting the opposite, I think it changes how you enjoy it. I also was really disappointed in how our romance from book 1 turned out... not saying anything more on that front.
One great thing was the faith. Every character is having a unique journey with God and I loved that.
That all being said, I would still recommend, but just know this one is heavy, hard hitting with a lot of relationship drama.
Content: clean, no explicit language. Divorce, alcoholism, potential affairs.
After really enjoying the first book, I was looking forward to getting to come back to Sweethaven...However, I didn't enjoy this nearly as much. The book is well written with an engaging plot, but I guess was the total opposite of my expectations. I was expecting another sweet, small town story. What I got was a book full of dysfunctional relationships trying to work out their problems. I don't have an issue reading those sorts of things, but when you go into a book expecting one thing and getting the opposite, I think it changes how you enjoy it. I also was really disappointed in how our romance from book 1 turned out... not saying anything more on that front.
One great thing was the faith. Every character is having a unique journey with God and I loved that.
That all being said, I would still recommend, but just know this one is heavy, hard hitting with a lot of relationship drama.
Content: clean, no explicit language. Divorce, alcoholism, potential affairs.
November 2, 2023
What an amazing book—as a matter of fact this entire Sweethaven series has left me completely gobsmacked! I really wouldn't recommend reading this as a standalone because the first book in the series acquaints the reader with each character, their backstories, and their relationships with one another. There is resolution at the conclusion of each novel, but just enough of a cliffhanger to lead the reader into the next book. Which was fine with me because I didn't want to say "goodbye" to these intriguing characters who have become MY friends as well!
A Sweethaven Homecoming is a poignant, heart-rending story about a circle of best friends...their hurtful mistakes, secrets, and unending love and loyalty through it all. Be sure to have plenty of tissues on hand as this book is more of a tearjerker than the previous one in my opinion. Am so looking forward to reading A Sweethaven Christmas just in time for—well, Christmas!
A Sweethaven Homecoming is a poignant, heart-rending story about a circle of best friends...their hurtful mistakes, secrets, and unending love and loyalty through it all. Be sure to have plenty of tissues on hand as this book is more of a tearjerker than the previous one in my opinion. Am so looking forward to reading A Sweethaven Christmas just in time for—well, Christmas!
December 20, 2023
The first book I picked up from Courtney Walsh was her Christmas Rom Coms. Those books were sweet and read like a Hallmark movie. So when I picked up the first book from this series I was expecting the same. But this series was more serious.
I read a Christian fiction series as a teenager called the Christy Miller series by Robin Jones Gunn. Oh how I loved those books. This series sorta remind me of the adult version of those books. Courtney Walsh's rom com books are fun to read, but I wouldn't say they are Christian fiction because there is nothing there about Jesus or the salvation. But this series, the Sweethaven Circle, does have main themes of redemption and forgiveness weaved in the story, and has stronger tones of Christian themes. But something I appreciate about Courtney Walsh is how she respects and fights for God's design of the marriage relationship in the stories she tells.
I read a Christian fiction series as a teenager called the Christy Miller series by Robin Jones Gunn. Oh how I loved those books. This series sorta remind me of the adult version of those books. Courtney Walsh's rom com books are fun to read, but I wouldn't say they are Christian fiction because there is nothing there about Jesus or the salvation. But this series, the Sweethaven Circle, does have main themes of redemption and forgiveness weaved in the story, and has stronger tones of Christian themes. But something I appreciate about Courtney Walsh is how she respects and fights for God's design of the marriage relationship in the stories she tells.
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Emotional and Familiar, But Slightly Repetitive
Sweethaven Homecoming continues the heartfelt journey of the women we met in Sweethaven Summer, diving deeper into their personal struggles, new beginnings, and the lingering shadows of their past. Courtney Walsh writes with warmth and sincerity, and it’s clear she has a deep affection for both her characters and the town of Sweethaven.
The emotional arcs are strong, particularly the themes of healing and identity. I enjoyed seeing the characters evolve and confront hard truths, and the romance elements were sweet and tender. However, some plotlines felt recycled from book one, and the pacing dragged in a few sections, making the middle feel a bit stretched out.
Still, fans of the first book will likely enjoy the continuity and deeper emotional payoff. It’s a comforting read full of grace, friendship, and small-town charm—just not quite as compelling as the first.
August 22, 2020
A Sweethaven Homecoming
So first of all I want to tell you at that Courtney Walsh knows how to write💙.....you all know my love for suspense and this book had me gripping it like no other 💙
This is Megan's story she distanced herself from people because she caused disaster to everything that she touched..... she divorced Nick and its been two years since she saw her kids but when she learns that Nick wants sole custody over the kids something within her sparks to life..... she's decided not to give up without a fight!
Watch the scenes unravel as Jane tries to forgive Meg and lets not forget Tom and Lila who've decided to seperate because Tom had an affair with Suzanne before his relationship with Lila.....
I loved it and hope you will too
I don't want to give out spoilers so I'll zip it 🤐
Happy Reading everyone 💙
So first of all I want to tell you at that Courtney Walsh knows how to write💙.....you all know my love for suspense and this book had me gripping it like no other 💙
This is Megan's story she distanced herself from people because she caused disaster to everything that she touched..... she divorced Nick and its been two years since she saw her kids but when she learns that Nick wants sole custody over the kids something within her sparks to life..... she's decided not to give up without a fight!
Watch the scenes unravel as Jane tries to forgive Meg and lets not forget Tom and Lila who've decided to seperate because Tom had an affair with Suzanne before his relationship with Lila.....
I loved it and hope you will too
I don't want to give out spoilers so I'll zip it 🤐
Happy Reading everyone 💙
November 18, 2019
Redemption
This is the second book in the series and I couldn’t put it down. I want to take a trip to Sweethaven and meet these beautiful ordinary people. They all have troubles in life just as we do and feel so lost sometimes but God can turn any situation around and bring goodness. That is what the story in this book is all about. Hard times, pain, struggles, running from something and then believing you can come Home. Forgiveness and Redemption fill the pages of this book. I can not express all of the emotions I experienced as I stayed up most of the night finishing it.
Thank you to the author Courtney Walsh for writing such a beautiful story.
I loved it!!
On to book three.....
This is the second book in the series and I couldn’t put it down. I want to take a trip to Sweethaven and meet these beautiful ordinary people. They all have troubles in life just as we do and feel so lost sometimes but God can turn any situation around and bring goodness. That is what the story in this book is all about. Hard times, pain, struggles, running from something and then believing you can come Home. Forgiveness and Redemption fill the pages of this book. I can not express all of the emotions I experienced as I stayed up most of the night finishing it.
Thank you to the author Courtney Walsh for writing such a beautiful story.
I loved it!!
On to book three.....
March 27, 2018
Even better than the first Sweethaven book!
Ever feel as if you just aren't good enough? Meghan's made so many mistakes in the past six years that she believes her family will be better off without her in their lives and feels betrayed by those she loves. She even doubts that God could love and forgive her, not understanding that He has a special love for the broken ones.
This story really touched my heart, more so than Sweethaven Summer. I can't wait to read the rest of the story in Sweethaven Christmas. These books are ones you'll want to read again and will tell all your friends about.
Ever feel as if you just aren't good enough? Meghan's made so many mistakes in the past six years that she believes her family will be better off without her in their lives and feels betrayed by those she loves. She even doubts that God could love and forgive her, not understanding that He has a special love for the broken ones.
This story really touched my heart, more so than Sweethaven Summer. I can't wait to read the rest of the story in Sweethaven Christmas. These books are ones you'll want to read again and will tell all your friends about.
November 23, 2024
Courtney Walsh strikes again! I love her, I loved this book and I love the town of Sweethaven! Point me in that direction and I will move there!
Meghan's journey was truly amazing and I was rooting for her the entire time! I loved seeing her reunite with her family, her friends and her love. It was amazing and such an amazing showing of God's forgiveness! Also, the drama and craziness of this story just hooked me in and kept me reading!
I also loved that we got to see Lila's story unfold, see more of Luke and Campbell's relationship and see Jane find peace as well.
All in all, I loved this book!
Meghan's journey was truly amazing and I was rooting for her the entire time! I loved seeing her reunite with her family, her friends and her love. It was amazing and such an amazing showing of God's forgiveness! Also, the drama and craziness of this story just hooked me in and kept me reading!
I also loved that we got to see Lila's story unfold, see more of Luke and Campbell's relationship and see Jane find peace as well.
All in all, I loved this book!
July 2, 2025
Audiobook - I rated this book a 1.5. I think I expected something different. If you are looking for a clean, religious, friendship, with forgiveness and scrapbooking as a large component of a story, then this is a story for you. I liked the characters Megan, Nick and their kids, but all the other characters annoyed me. I was actually doing eye rolls reading parts of the story. There was quite a bit of repetition. The southern accent the narrator used was poor. My opinion doesn’t agree with most of the other reviews. There could have been a whole book written about Megan. Sorry, I guess I didn’t care for the story.
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