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The Sweet Magnolias #7
Honeysuckle Summer
The Sweet Magnolias is now a Netflix Original Series!
From #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Sherryl Woods
The sweet scent of honeysuckle makes a perfect Carolina summer.
After Raylene Hammond found the courage to leave her abusive husband, the Sweet Magnolias took her in—providing her with the safety she needed to heal. But now, a year later, the trauma she endured has left her unable to leave the house. When a terrible accident nearly occurs, due in part to her condition, she decides it’s time to seek help.
With her friends’ support and encouragement, Raylene starts her journey to recovery. Along the way, she meets sheriff’s deputy Carter Rollins, who understands why she feels trapped inside and wants to see her succeed. He’s even taken to bringing the outside world to her when she doesn’t feel ready to confront it.
As Raylene and Carter’s relationship begins to bloom, she must decide if she’s ready to start anew or if they’ll never have more than this one sweet summer.
A Sweet Magnolias Novel
Book 1: Stealing Home
Book 2: A Slice of Heaven
Book 3: Feels Like Family
Book 4: Welcome to Serenity
Book 5: Home in Carolina
Book 6: Sweet Tea at Sunrise
Book 7: Honeysuckle Summer
Book 8: Midnight Promises
Book 9: Catching Fireflies
Book 10: Where Azaleas Bloom
Book 11: Swan Point
Bonus: The Sweet Magnolias Cookbook
From #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Sherryl Woods
The sweet scent of honeysuckle makes a perfect Carolina summer.
After Raylene Hammond found the courage to leave her abusive husband, the Sweet Magnolias took her in—providing her with the safety she needed to heal. But now, a year later, the trauma she endured has left her unable to leave the house. When a terrible accident nearly occurs, due in part to her condition, she decides it’s time to seek help.
With her friends’ support and encouragement, Raylene starts her journey to recovery. Along the way, she meets sheriff’s deputy Carter Rollins, who understands why she feels trapped inside and wants to see her succeed. He’s even taken to bringing the outside world to her when she doesn’t feel ready to confront it.
As Raylene and Carter’s relationship begins to bloom, she must decide if she’s ready to start anew or if they’ll never have more than this one sweet summer.
A Sweet Magnolias Novel
Book 1: Stealing Home
Book 2: A Slice of Heaven
Book 3: Feels Like Family
Book 4: Welcome to Serenity
Book 5: Home in Carolina
Book 6: Sweet Tea at Sunrise
Book 7: Honeysuckle Summer
Book 8: Midnight Promises
Book 9: Catching Fireflies
Book 10: Where Azaleas Bloom
Book 11: Swan Point
Bonus: The Sweet Magnolias Cookbook
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 25, 2010
1258 people are currently reading
9791 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
555 books4,524 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 318 reviews
January 25, 2024
Love flat out doesn't come without risks and complications, but it's worth it. Because when it works, there's nothing more amazing.
Book 7 in the Sweet Magnolias series was a bit more serious. Raylene, an agoraphobic catches the eye of Carter, the new sheriff's deputy. I felt the author rushed the romance a little bit amidst an ex husband getting out of jail and a teenage sister battling eating disorders. It made it hard to buy into the relationship she was trying to sell. If I am being 100%honest, I enjoyed the Rory Sue and Walter sub story much more.
Goodreads review published 20/08/19
Book 7 in the Sweet Magnolias series was a bit more serious. Raylene, an agoraphobic catches the eye of Carter, the new sheriff's deputy. I felt the author rushed the romance a little bit amidst an ex husband getting out of jail and a teenage sister battling eating disorders. It made it hard to buy into the relationship she was trying to sell. If I am being 100%honest, I enjoyed the Rory Sue and Walter sub story much more.
Goodreads review published 20/08/19
October 4, 2023
Šioji knyga vėl stebino giliomis užkabinamomis temomis - tiek psichikos sutrikimais, kaip pastebėti, kaip paskatinti kreiptis pagalbos, kokie iššūkiai kyla dirbant su specialistu, tiek santykių formavimasis šalia viso to, kaip baimės, nepasitikėjimas savimi, neužtikrintumas dėl ateities gali viską sugriauti. Prarijau greitai.
September 13, 2024
Zaskoczyłam samą siebie, bo trochę już w głowie skreśliłam tą serię i jakoś nie mogłam się polubić z nowym pokoleniem Magnolii po tragicznej książce dotyczącej Annie. W zamyśle miałam ją sobie spokojnie dziubać, a ja nawet nie wiem, kiedy przesłuchałam całość i naprawdę się wciągnęłam. Jest coś w takich małomiasteczkowych społecznościach, bo zawsze chętnie do nich wracam, czy to w książkach, czy serialach i choć nie bardzo wiem, o czym jeszcze autorka może pisać, to już cieszę się na kolejny tom.
Wiadomo, że nie koniecznie zgadzam się ze wszystkim, co autorka przedstawia i tutaj czasami kłuło mnie w oczy podejście głównej bohaterki (serio, chłop ma ręce), ale ich relacja była urocza i fajnie było obserwować, jak się na siebie otwierają <3.
Wiadomo, że nie koniecznie zgadzam się ze wszystkim, co autorka przedstawia i tutaj czasami kłuło mnie w oczy podejście głównej bohaterki (serio, chłop ma ręce), ale ich relacja była urocza i fajnie było obserwować, jak się na siebie otwierają <3.
April 21, 2020
Muy bonita historia, y pensar que muchas mujeres pueden pasar por lo mismo que la protagonista y ni se tratan para seguir adelante...
Me encantó la persistencia de Carter y la hermosa amistad que tienen las chicas, que mas bien es una familia de lazos, no de sangre.
Me encantó la persistencia de Carter y la hermosa amistad que tienen las chicas, que mas bien es una familia de lazos, no de sangre.
April 18, 2022
I love this fun series and all the characters. It’s enjoyable about reading the next generation of Sweet Magnolias. We still get to see the old friends too! I loved Raylene’s story and all the new characters, too.
May 29, 2010
This was the best book out of the last 3. I enjoyed seeing Raylene conquer her fears and must admit that Walter and Rory Sue have been my favorite characters even if they were minor characters they made me laugh.
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December 23, 2014"Woods’ is an amazing writer and I love all of her work but the Sweet Magnolias just seems to have a little extra something. ... The emotions on this one were unbelievable. It had a touch of everything. I couldn’t put it down." From a review posted by an eHarlequin.com member, read more Here.
March 28, 2021
A garden is a healing place.
April 16, 2022
Simple and sweet, and I really enjoyed it.
February 19, 2024
Just obsessed with this series.
April 20, 2022
Ah yup there we are back to the wonderful story telling from the first 2 books! This definitley rates in my top 3 of the series. Such a sweet slow burn to the romance and the author covered intense subjects gently without the graphic in your face violence that seems so common in TV and books now.
August 18, 2012
I never knew much about agoraphobia until I read this title. I enjoy Sherryl Woods' Sweet Magnolias series about the couples and friendships in a gossipy but welcoming small Southern town.
Raylene Hammond's fear of leaving the house is understandable - her ex-husband Paul (the "dream doctor" she thought would take her to a life of wealth and privilege) turns out to be both physically and psychologically abusive. Paul is put in jail after a rant in which he causes Raylene to miscarry their baby. The terrified woman returns home to her best friend Sarah, who welcomes her into the safety of her home.
When Sarah's five year old son strikes out through the neighborhood in pursuit of the ice cream truck, Raylene finds herself unable to even leave the porch. Carter Rollins, the new deputy in town who brings Tommy safely home, judges her to be a self-absorbed snob and wishes he could nail her for child neglect. A lecture from Sarah's fiancee Travis straightens Carter out about the situation and he visits Raylene to apologize. While visiting, Carter finds Raylene an attractive, bright and funny woman and he determines to help her overcome her agoraphobia.
Carter has difficulties of his own. His parents were killed in a car accident, leaving him to raise his fourteen year old and sixteen year old sisters. Carrie, the older girl, is developing anorexia due to issues about losing her parents and moving to a new town. Annie, another friend from town, has battled anorexia herself and does her best to help Carrie through this issue.
The story climaxes with Paul Hammond being released from jail and finding his way to Raylene...despite all the precautions Carter and the other folks in town have put in place to protect her. Since Carter is across the county on another call, Raylene must face down Paul herself...and also protect Mandy, Carter's younger sister who happens to be helping in the garden that day. Raylene's courage in standing up to Paul (and literally knocking him flat in the process!) helps her to realize that she is able to fend for herself and that having friends in small town Serenity is of much more value than social climbing in Charleston. The story ends with a wedding, a Bermuda honeymoon (yes, Raylene finally made it out of her house!) and with Carrie beginning to make friends and overcome her anorexia. Both Carrie and Mandy are thrilled to have a new "big sister" who "really gets how it is to be a teenage girl!"
This was one of my favorite Serenity books. In addition to having a police character ( always a plus in my view), the plot deals with issues that many people struggle with today. I'm currently reading "Catching Fireflies"....this sequel of a THIRD generation of "Sweet Magnolias" focuses on cyber-bullying, doctoring photos online, and other cruel pranks that girls (who are FAR WORSE bullies than boys) misuse in today's social networking culture.
Sherryl Woods always delivers a winning book!
Raylene Hammond's fear of leaving the house is understandable - her ex-husband Paul (the "dream doctor" she thought would take her to a life of wealth and privilege) turns out to be both physically and psychologically abusive. Paul is put in jail after a rant in which he causes Raylene to miscarry their baby. The terrified woman returns home to her best friend Sarah, who welcomes her into the safety of her home.
When Sarah's five year old son strikes out through the neighborhood in pursuit of the ice cream truck, Raylene finds herself unable to even leave the porch. Carter Rollins, the new deputy in town who brings Tommy safely home, judges her to be a self-absorbed snob and wishes he could nail her for child neglect. A lecture from Sarah's fiancee Travis straightens Carter out about the situation and he visits Raylene to apologize. While visiting, Carter finds Raylene an attractive, bright and funny woman and he determines to help her overcome her agoraphobia.
Carter has difficulties of his own. His parents were killed in a car accident, leaving him to raise his fourteen year old and sixteen year old sisters. Carrie, the older girl, is developing anorexia due to issues about losing her parents and moving to a new town. Annie, another friend from town, has battled anorexia herself and does her best to help Carrie through this issue.
The story climaxes with Paul Hammond being released from jail and finding his way to Raylene...despite all the precautions Carter and the other folks in town have put in place to protect her. Since Carter is across the county on another call, Raylene must face down Paul herself...and also protect Mandy, Carter's younger sister who happens to be helping in the garden that day. Raylene's courage in standing up to Paul (and literally knocking him flat in the process!) helps her to realize that she is able to fend for herself and that having friends in small town Serenity is of much more value than social climbing in Charleston. The story ends with a wedding, a Bermuda honeymoon (yes, Raylene finally made it out of her house!) and with Carrie beginning to make friends and overcome her anorexia. Both Carrie and Mandy are thrilled to have a new "big sister" who "really gets how it is to be a teenage girl!"
This was one of my favorite Serenity books. In addition to having a police character ( always a plus in my view), the plot deals with issues that many people struggle with today. I'm currently reading "Catching Fireflies"....this sequel of a THIRD generation of "Sweet Magnolias" focuses on cyber-bullying, doctoring photos online, and other cruel pranks that girls (who are FAR WORSE bullies than boys) misuse in today's social networking culture.
Sherryl Woods always delivers a winning book!
October 2, 2017
I thought this was the least horrible of the Annie/Sarah/Raylene trilogy but my recommendation stands that you should skip books 5-7 in this series as they are not up to par as the rest. Annie remains the most annoying character ever written but you see very little of her in this one so it helps.
Carter & Raylene's story was cute but not at all realistic. Also you had this huge build up for her ex-husband's release from prison and then it was over in 5 minutes with almost no confrontation or closure. It was pretty disappointing. Walter and Rory Sue's story was more interesting although all we got was some superficial snipets; and of course the Sweet Magnolias being extremely judgemental to Rory Sue even though they barely know her.
The absolute worst part of books 5-7 for me was that I had purchased the audiobooks - performed by Mary Robinette Kowal. She is by far one of the worst readers I have ever listened to. She has no range at all - can't handle a variety of women's voices, is pitiful with men's characters and is absolutely pathetic with her attempt at a southern accent. Most characters sounded nasal or mentally challenged instead of having an accent - the worst was Rory Sue; she ended up sounding like a stupid valley girl when she was a college educated, shrewd, southern belle. Brilliance Audio should make sure Ms Kowal is never hired again.
Carter & Raylene's story was cute but not at all realistic. Also you had this huge build up for her ex-husband's release from prison and then it was over in 5 minutes with almost no confrontation or closure. It was pretty disappointing. Walter and Rory Sue's story was more interesting although all we got was some superficial snipets; and of course the Sweet Magnolias being extremely judgemental to Rory Sue even though they barely know her.
The absolute worst part of books 5-7 for me was that I had purchased the audiobooks - performed by Mary Robinette Kowal. She is by far one of the worst readers I have ever listened to. She has no range at all - can't handle a variety of women's voices, is pitiful with men's characters and is absolutely pathetic with her attempt at a southern accent. Most characters sounded nasal or mentally challenged instead of having an accent - the worst was Rory Sue; she ended up sounding like a stupid valley girl when she was a college educated, shrewd, southern belle. Brilliance Audio should make sure Ms Kowal is never hired again.
March 2, 2014
3.25/5; 3 stars; B
I am not familiar with this author and I must say I will read more of her books even though this one did not bowl me over. This book was well written and well paced but its several books into a series so I wasnt as attached to the characters as I would have been if I had read other books in the series. Honeysuckle summer was a sweet love story slightly overshadowed by small town drama and strong plot lines about teenaged eating disorders and recovery from domestic abuse.
I liked this book and i wish i could give it four stars but the audio format was not the best way to read this book. Honestly, i think the narrator did the best she could but there really should have been two narrators. There were so many voices, both male and female, all with southern accents, that i think the narrator was overwhelmed. Some of the women started sounding like "valley girls" and some of the men, especially Carter, sounded a bit like Gomer Pile. If you are too young to know who Gomer Pile is just think "big, dumb, galoot".
I know now why this author has so many fans, and I will definitely look for other books by her.
I am not familiar with this author and I must say I will read more of her books even though this one did not bowl me over. This book was well written and well paced but its several books into a series so I wasnt as attached to the characters as I would have been if I had read other books in the series. Honeysuckle summer was a sweet love story slightly overshadowed by small town drama and strong plot lines about teenaged eating disorders and recovery from domestic abuse.
I liked this book and i wish i could give it four stars but the audio format was not the best way to read this book. Honestly, i think the narrator did the best she could but there really should have been two narrators. There were so many voices, both male and female, all with southern accents, that i think the narrator was overwhelmed. Some of the women started sounding like "valley girls" and some of the men, especially Carter, sounded a bit like Gomer Pile. If you are too young to know who Gomer Pile is just think "big, dumb, galoot".
I know now why this author has so many fans, and I will definitely look for other books by her.
March 9, 2021
Raylene got a bit annoying towards the end, going on about how Carter needs to be with his sister's instead of her. Just silly. They live in the same small town, not different countries
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2021
Honeysuckle Summer is the 7th book in The Sweet Magnolia series told from the perspective of Raylene, who left her verbally and physically abusive husband. Traumatized from abuse and fearing the release of her now ex-husband from jail, Raylene begins to struggle with agoraphobia and panic disorder. Her love interest, Carter, had two younger teenage sisters he is left to raise after their parents died in a car wreck. The older sister, Carrie, struggles with anorexia, and Carter struggles to take on a tough love role. I applaud Woods for tackling tough topics in her books.
September 5, 2024
What a sweet story!
In this book, we meet Raylene. Raylene lives with her friend, Sarah and her 2 small children. She is recovering from an abusive marriage and doesn’t leave the home. One day, 1 of the kids gets out and she meets the local sheriff’s deputy, Carter. Carter has 2 sisters that he is the guardian for and they’re his whole world. Carter takes an interest in Raylene and that brings a whole slew of problems for her.
In this book, the author handles the subjects of domestic violence, agoraphobia, and anorexia very well but there are times where it’s hard to read but the characters keep pushing through and caring for one another.
In this book, we meet Raylene. Raylene lives with her friend, Sarah and her 2 small children. She is recovering from an abusive marriage and doesn’t leave the home. One day, 1 of the kids gets out and she meets the local sheriff’s deputy, Carter. Carter has 2 sisters that he is the guardian for and they’re his whole world. Carter takes an interest in Raylene and that brings a whole slew of problems for her.
In this book, the author handles the subjects of domestic violence, agoraphobia, and anorexia very well but there are times where it’s hard to read but the characters keep pushing through and caring for one another.
February 1, 2023
It was entertaining. About an argaphobic woman who hasn't (& can't) leave her friend's house because of her abusive ex-husband who is in jail & wants revenge. And a relationship that develops between her and a local law enforcement officer. It's also about a group of women friends who support each other through anything & everything.
August 26, 2023
So the more I read these the more disappointed that I get that the Magnolia tribe is expanding. I wasnt a fan of the Roary Sue love interest Side plot it was just lacking. But ill continue to read since im invested now lmao
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October 25, 2018Miniseries: A Sweet Magnolias Novel
May 27, 2017
Verano de madreselva
Muy interesante y buena.trata temas muy importantes en la sociedad.la importancia del apoyo de la familia y amigos.la autora no dio ningún detalle en las relaciones de ellos como pareja lo que me sorprendio.e leído otros libros y da algún detalle ,lo que me desilusionado un poco.a pesar de eso muy buena.
Muy interesante y buena.trata temas muy importantes en la sociedad.la importancia del apoyo de la familia y amigos.la autora no dio ningún detalle en las relaciones de ellos como pareja lo que me sorprendio.e leído otros libros y da algún detalle ,lo que me desilusionado un poco.a pesar de eso muy buena.
May 28, 2021
een fijn boek om te lezen, met een uitkomst die al heel lang vastlag. maar dat is typisch voor dit boek natuurlijk, het is de weg ernaartoe die telt :)
June 18, 2021
Raylene comes home to her friends the Sweet Magnolia, devastated and abused by her husband. She is traumatized by domestic abuse. Afraid to leave the house, or step outside her life has become easier just to stay inside her home and have friends come to her. Until she meets Carter, who is caring for his teen sister, and also has to much responsibility as the town sheriff. Together, they find each other and a way to overcome all odds.
November 28, 2012
I have been so so with most of this series and have even wondered why I keep reading, but I am so glad that I did as this one is the best one so far!
I really like Raylene, love how blunt she is, how self aware she is about her issues, just not ready to face them. I hated how she was forced to with the disappearance of Tommy. She so wanted to find him, but was scared spit-less to do more than sound the alarm for help.
I didn't really like Carter at the beginning, hated how judgmental he was towards Raylene without knowing the story behind her. I was glad that Travis ripped him a new one. I will admit that Carter was able to win me over pretty quickly after that. His visits to Raylene at home and how he treated her like a normal person was great.
I loved how the two different generations of Sweet Magnolias would gather for margarita night to hash things out. This book, more so than the others, seemed to find them meeting more and more. Yes, they often gathered for Raylene, but it was great to see them spring into action for one of Carter's sisters. I loved the way that the Sweet Magnolia men once again jumped into action to help Raylene when her biggest fear came calling again. I hated that she had to deal with that after getting free before.
I was so surprised by the friendship that had built between Raylene and Walter. It seems an odd pairing, but they are brutally honest with each other and there for one another.
The ending put a smile on my face, it was a great place to leave all of them.
I really like Raylene, love how blunt she is, how self aware she is about her issues, just not ready to face them. I hated how she was forced to with the disappearance of Tommy. She so wanted to find him, but was scared spit-less to do more than sound the alarm for help.
I didn't really like Carter at the beginning, hated how judgmental he was towards Raylene without knowing the story behind her. I was glad that Travis ripped him a new one. I will admit that Carter was able to win me over pretty quickly after that. His visits to Raylene at home and how he treated her like a normal person was great.
I loved how the two different generations of Sweet Magnolias would gather for margarita night to hash things out. This book, more so than the others, seemed to find them meeting more and more. Yes, they often gathered for Raylene, but it was great to see them spring into action for one of Carter's sisters. I loved the way that the Sweet Magnolia men once again jumped into action to help Raylene when her biggest fear came calling again. I hated that she had to deal with that after getting free before.
I was so surprised by the friendship that had built between Raylene and Walter. It seems an odd pairing, but they are brutally honest with each other and there for one another.
The ending put a smile on my face, it was a great place to leave all of them.
July 11, 2010
Sherryl Woods is never afraid to tackle the really tough issues we face and she always does it with well-researched but sensitively presented narrative and dialog. In A Slice of Heaven, the second book in the Sweet Magnolias series, she addressed the issue of divorced parents dealing with their teen daughter's anorexia. Well, that daughter is all grown up now, married to the boy who really helped her through that difficult time (see Annie and Ty's story in Home in Carolina) and our attention is now focused on her friend Raylene.
Raylene hid in her husband's Charleston home to hide the bruises. Now divorced, she still hasn't overcome her fears and suffers from agoraphobia and anxiety attacks whenever she leaves the house. Now how is a girl supposed to meet Mr. Right when she's hiding at home?
As always, Woods' narrative makes the problem very real to us, then introduces a compassionate man who makes her feel safe and desirable.
Honeysuckle Summer is such a wonderful conclusion to The Sweet Magnolias series and if you've read one, you'll definitely want to be sure and read them all.
Raylene hid in her husband's Charleston home to hide the bruises. Now divorced, she still hasn't overcome her fears and suffers from agoraphobia and anxiety attacks whenever she leaves the house. Now how is a girl supposed to meet Mr. Right when she's hiding at home?
As always, Woods' narrative makes the problem very real to us, then introduces a compassionate man who makes her feel safe and desirable.
Honeysuckle Summer is such a wonderful conclusion to The Sweet Magnolias series and if you've read one, you'll definitely want to be sure and read them all.
September 18, 2010
I really liked the book. Of course I had read some of the other books written by Sheryl Woods about the Sweet Magnolias so it was like reading more about old friends. For some reason the book kept reminding me of another that had an ex husband that the main character was terrified of but the main chracter didn't have agoraphobia.....
The story was very interesting and fun any way. There were some important points made there about dealing with agoraphobia, and another character was struggling with an eating disorder.
Here is the information from the back of the book:
Her devastating marriage behind her, Raylene Hammond is truly thankful for her best friends, the Sweet Magnolias. They’ve taken her in, shielding her from the world. Then she meets sheriff’s deputy Carter Rollins, and suddenly Raylene’s haven no longer feels quite so safe.
Carter understands why Raylene is trapped inside. He’s even taken to bringing the outside world to her. But with two kid sisters to raise, just how much time can he devote to this woman who’s stolen his heart?
Raylene knows Carter is a man worth loving, but she may never be strong enough to accept what he’s offering. How long can she ask him to wait? Maybe they’ll never have more than this one sweet summer
The story was very interesting and fun any way. There were some important points made there about dealing with agoraphobia, and another character was struggling with an eating disorder.
Here is the information from the back of the book:
Her devastating marriage behind her, Raylene Hammond is truly thankful for her best friends, the Sweet Magnolias. They’ve taken her in, shielding her from the world. Then she meets sheriff’s deputy Carter Rollins, and suddenly Raylene’s haven no longer feels quite so safe.
Carter understands why Raylene is trapped inside. He’s even taken to bringing the outside world to her. But with two kid sisters to raise, just how much time can he devote to this woman who’s stolen his heart?
Raylene knows Carter is a man worth loving, but she may never be strong enough to accept what he’s offering. How long can she ask him to wait? Maybe they’ll never have more than this one sweet summer
April 24, 2021
Sherryl Woods' Honeysuckle Summer is a lot more than a typical sweet romance, there's a lot of suspense, with Rayleen's ex-husband out of jail (for beating his wife) and bent on revenge. As part of the Sweet Magnolias series, it's predictable that friends pull together all the time, but sometimes they do it in surprising ways, as in Rayleen's befriending others outside the group. (Magnolias are welcoming, but not usually to those who've hurt a friend. I appreciate that people can change and be forgiven in this series.) I love that there's a great policeman, Carter, who apologizes when he misjudged a situation, and honest city government. I love the way different departments worked together to protect Rayleen, without anyone saying "not my job." I don't know much about agoraphobia or anorexia, but the topics are handled with sensitivity and a lot of love and care. I recommend this book!
#agoraphobia #anorexia #batteredwomen #forgiveness
#agoraphobia #anorexia #batteredwomen #forgiveness
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