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The Sweet Magnolias #1
Un nouveau départ : A l'ombre des Magnolias, Tome 1
À l'ombre des magnolias Tome 1 Découvrez le début de la série adaptée par Netflix ! À Serenity, petite ville du Sud des États-Unis, on ne transige pas avec la morale et les ragots. Aussi, quand Maddie, mère de famille fraîchement divorcée, se montre en ville au bras d’un autre homme, plus jeune qu’elle de surcroît, c’est le scandale. Face à la réprobation générale, Maddie est bouleversée. Comment ses voisins, son entourage, ceux qui l’ont toujours aimée et respectée peuvent-ils ainsi se liguer contre son bonheur avec Cal Maddox ? Déjà blessée par un divorce difficile, faudra-t-il qu’elle reste seule pour demeurer une femme respectable et préserver ses trois enfants de l’opprobre ? Car, si elle se sent prête à sacrifier sa propre réputation pour vivre son grand amour avec Cal, l’idée de briser ses enfants lui déchire le cœur... A propos de l'auteur : D’origine américaine, Sherryl Woods a publié plus de cent romans pour les éditions Harlequin. Après avoir longtemps été en tête des listes des meilleures ventes du New York Times, sa célèbre série « Sweet Magnolias » a fait l’objet d’une adaptation par Netflix en mai 2020.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2007
8359 people are currently reading
25651 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
555 books4,510 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 2,045 reviews
May 15, 2013
I'm about 100 pages from the end of this book and I just can't continue reading it. I do not find it enjoyable when the women are so judgmental and catty. And it makes it that much worse when the author is a woman. So no one says anything about her husband leaving his wife and kids because he impregnated his nurse, who is 16 years his junior. But heaven forbid, should Maddie consider dating a man who is 10 years younger than her. It seems as though every woman in this town is bitter, judgmental and catty. And I don't find that entertaining. The sad fact is, I actually liked the 3 friends. I can't believe that the other women in this town seemed to spend so much time concentrating on what Maddie was or wasn't doing. And that the author thought this made an enjoyable book. Not to mention the possibility of Cal losing his job just for considering dating Maddie. It was as if every woman (other than Maddie's mother and her best friends) was either jealous of Maddie or wanted Cal for themselves. A bit too unbelievable. Epic fail.
June 13, 2020
i am an absolute sucker for reading books when they are going to be tv shows/movies. doesn't matter the genre, i want to read it so i can watch it. so i added this to my list even though i saw a few friends didn't love it. and oh man, i should have just gone straight to the netflix show.
oooooooooh boy i was not a fan of this.
jk, i'm not thumper.
warning, spoilers galore.
the stupid cheating POS husband leaves the heroine, maddie, for his nurse, 16 years younger than him. had an affair when he was married, now the nurse is very obviously pregnant, they're getting married, live together blah fucking blah.
the hero, the baseball coach of the teenager i wanted to slap 27 times, is 10 or so years younger than maddie? OH THE SHAME. oh, how dare she! they're having an 'affair' you guys! AN AFFAIR. EVEN THOUGH HER EX HUSBAND IS LIVING WITH HIS AFFAIR PARTNER AND THEY ARE EXPECTING A BABY. THAT MEANS ANY RELATIONSHIP MADDIE HAS IS NOT AN AFFAIR. An affair is a sexual relationship, romantic friendship, or passionate attachment between two people without the attached person's significant other knowing. When your POS husband is a POS and leaves, you can do whatever the fuck you want, yeah? yeah.
and the rest:
- women hating other women, goodness they were catty but they were all so jealous and wanted Cal to themselves dontchaknow
- the fat free everything/carbs are bad for you talk - was this written in the 90s
- the annoying bratty teenager good lord i wanted to push him in front of a bus
- the absolute bullshit of the principal trying to tell the hero and heroine that he could lose his job if they continued (a special board meeting? is this for real?)
- the absolute ridiculousness of getting the ex husband's POV are you fucking kidding me are you actually trying to make me feel sorry for this asshole
- the weird let's throw in an eating disorder but not take it seriously 'it's nothing that will be solved tonight so let's just ignore it', it's brought up again later but the whole thing was treated way too casually for me, bull in a china shop or ignore it completely, no in between.
- the 'i want to marry your mom because i love her but LOL nope didn't know her birthday was tomorrow'
- the 'boys get chores but girls are princesses lol so you can bake me cupcakes' yeah she's only 6 but great message you're sending there buddy-o....
- about getting divorced: 'sometimes these things happen and it's nobody's fault' UH NO, IT WAS THE EX HUSBAND DOUCHE CANOE'S FAULT, how bout you keep it in your pants while you're married? why is that SO DIFFICULT.
- the absolutely ridiculous scene where the ex husband tried to come back. everything about it was stupid. she basically told her ex she wouldn't take him back because she was in love with someone else. the fact that he cheated on you repeatedly and only came back when his pregnant girlfriend left isn't reason enough?
UGH.
a few times, the book called out the things that annoyed me - the double standards for example. but called them out and then basically shrugged and said oh well that's just how it is! no.
how the hell is this rated so highly, honestly.
2 stars because i actually did like a couple lines about their marriage ending, and because if it wasn't for the catty women and the double standards, i would have enjoyed this book for sure.
I'm still going to watch the show though.
oooooooooh boy i was not a fan of this.
jk, i'm not thumper.
warning, spoilers galore.
the stupid cheating POS husband leaves the heroine, maddie, for his nurse, 16 years younger than him. had an affair when he was married, now the nurse is very obviously pregnant, they're getting married, live together blah fucking blah.
the hero, the baseball coach of the teenager i wanted to slap 27 times, is 10 or so years younger than maddie? OH THE SHAME. oh, how dare she! they're having an 'affair' you guys! AN AFFAIR. EVEN THOUGH HER EX HUSBAND IS LIVING WITH HIS AFFAIR PARTNER AND THEY ARE EXPECTING A BABY. THAT MEANS ANY RELATIONSHIP MADDIE HAS IS NOT AN AFFAIR. An affair is a sexual relationship, romantic friendship, or passionate attachment between two people without the attached person's significant other knowing. When your POS husband is a POS and leaves, you can do whatever the fuck you want, yeah? yeah.
and the rest:
- women hating other women, goodness they were catty but they were all so jealous and wanted Cal to themselves dontchaknow
- the fat free everything/carbs are bad for you talk - was this written in the 90s
- the annoying bratty teenager good lord i wanted to push him in front of a bus
- the absolute bullshit of the principal trying to tell the hero and heroine that he could lose his job if they continued (a special board meeting? is this for real?)
- the absolute ridiculousness of getting the ex husband's POV are you fucking kidding me are you actually trying to make me feel sorry for this asshole
- the weird let's throw in an eating disorder but not take it seriously 'it's nothing that will be solved tonight so let's just ignore it', it's brought up again later but the whole thing was treated way too casually for me, bull in a china shop or ignore it completely, no in between.
- the 'i want to marry your mom because i love her but LOL nope didn't know her birthday was tomorrow'
- the 'boys get chores but girls are princesses lol so you can bake me cupcakes' yeah she's only 6 but great message you're sending there buddy-o....
- about getting divorced: 'sometimes these things happen and it's nobody's fault' UH NO, IT WAS THE EX HUSBAND DOUCHE CANOE'S FAULT, how bout you keep it in your pants while you're married? why is that SO DIFFICULT.
- the absolutely ridiculous scene where the ex husband tried to come back. everything about it was stupid. she basically told her ex she wouldn't take him back because she was in love with someone else. the fact that he cheated on you repeatedly and only came back when his pregnant girlfriend left isn't reason enough?
UGH.
a few times, the book called out the things that annoyed me - the double standards for example. but called them out and then basically shrugged and said oh well that's just how it is! no.
how the hell is this rated so highly, honestly.
2 stars because i actually did like a couple lines about their marriage ending, and because if it wasn't for the catty women and the double standards, i would have enjoyed this book for sure.
I'm still going to watch the show though.
January 12, 2021
A Gentle Subtle 4 stars
This was a lovely sweet read, one that lulled me into a relaxed state, perfect on a night I couldn’t sleep.
Maddie finds her world dramatically and unexpecting changing, after 20 years of marriage she finds out that her husband has been cheating on her with the nurse he works with, and that he has decided to leave her for the significantly younger pregnant mistress. This leaves Maddie to deal with the emotional turmoil of her 3 kids and town gossip. Luckily Maddie has some fab friends who are with her every step of the way, a cool mum who has her back, loyal kids, and a strength that means she will do more than simply survive.
I loved how Maddie’s boys were so loyal to her, and were not blind to their father’s failings, from personal experience as a child in such a situation I know how hard it can be on the mum/the parent with the kids. My heart also ached a little for the confusion and pain the kids felt, especially the youngest of the 3 - Maddie’s 6-year-old daughter, the author did quite well in depicting the emotional mess that can occur in such a situation.
The mistress/girlfriend/finance was so dense in this, I found myself cursing and blinking at her behaviour. Seriously she was so obtuse at times.
Former baseball player and school coach Cal (who also happens to be 10 years younger than Maddie, take that idiot ex-husband) was just what Maddie deserved. He’s loyal, hot, caring, honest, and recognises the fabulousness that Maddie is. Maddie has a fierceness that she puts to good use when the town starts to butt in and the claws come out as jealousy rears its ugly head.
The ex-husband in this was a cheating douchebag, but he was also blinkered and showed a lack of awareness/care when it came to what Maddie would want/desire. For example, Thank goodness she doesn’t even need to think about it before she says NO – much to my delight. I won’t lie I did smile with glee, thinking hah take that you idiot.
This is a slow burn small-town romance, where the heroine has a backbone of steel, is an awesome mum and once she decides not to put up with bullshit in the form of her ex and town gossip, she rocks at embracing her future and all it holds.
£1.74 on Amazon 10th April 2019
This was a lovely sweet read, one that lulled me into a relaxed state, perfect on a night I couldn’t sleep.
Maddie finds her world dramatically and unexpecting changing, after 20 years of marriage she finds out that her husband has been cheating on her with the nurse he works with, and that he has decided to leave her for the significantly younger pregnant mistress. This leaves Maddie to deal with the emotional turmoil of her 3 kids and town gossip. Luckily Maddie has some fab friends who are with her every step of the way, a cool mum who has her back, loyal kids, and a strength that means she will do more than simply survive.
I loved how Maddie’s boys were so loyal to her, and were not blind to their father’s failings, from personal experience as a child in such a situation I know how hard it can be on the mum/the parent with the kids. My heart also ached a little for the confusion and pain the kids felt, especially the youngest of the 3 - Maddie’s 6-year-old daughter, the author did quite well in depicting the emotional mess that can occur in such a situation.
The mistress/girlfriend/finance was so dense in this, I found myself cursing and blinking at her behaviour. Seriously she was so obtuse at times.
Former baseball player and school coach Cal (who also happens to be 10 years younger than Maddie, take that idiot ex-husband) was just what Maddie deserved. He’s loyal, hot, caring, honest, and recognises the fabulousness that Maddie is. Maddie has a fierceness that she puts to good use when the town starts to butt in and the claws come out as jealousy rears its ugly head.
The ex-husband in this was a cheating douchebag, but he was also blinkered and showed a lack of awareness/care when it came to what Maddie would want/desire. For example, Thank goodness she doesn’t even need to think about it before she says NO – much to my delight. I won’t lie I did smile with glee, thinking hah take that you idiot.
This is a slow burn small-town romance, where the heroine has a backbone of steel, is an awesome mum and once she decides not to put up with bullshit in the form of her ex and town gossip, she rocks at embracing her future and all it holds.
£1.74 on Amazon 10th April 2019
May 30, 2020
Why do I keep reading these stupid fucking books.
November 13, 2012
I was surprised by how much I liked this one, especially as it was very pg. I absolutely hated Bill, he is one of the biggest pieces of crap I have come across. The way the disregarded his family, didn't care what they thought, didn't have a clue that everything that was happening was his fault, yet still expected his soon to be ex wife to fix it all, to support him and his pregnant girlfriend. What an ass!
I felt sorry for Maddie, because she took the high road and tried to do the best for her kids, even if all she wanted to do was rail against everything. I loved how Maddie went about and created a new life for herself and her kids, that she was rediscovering herself. I loved that Helen and Dana Sue were there to support Maddie and even had more confidence in her that she had in herself.
The romance between Maddie and Cal was sweet. I loved how Cal involved the kids for all the important things and even when problems came up he treated them like mini adults and explained what he could to them.
The town drove me nuts. So many of the people were small minded and really needed to keep their noses out of everyone else's business.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
I felt sorry for Maddie, because she took the high road and tried to do the best for her kids, even if all she wanted to do was rail against everything. I loved how Maddie went about and created a new life for herself and her kids, that she was rediscovering herself. I loved that Helen and Dana Sue were there to support Maddie and even had more confidence in her that she had in herself.
The romance between Maddie and Cal was sweet. I loved how Cal involved the kids for all the important things and even when problems came up he treated them like mini adults and explained what he could to them.
The town drove me nuts. So many of the people were small minded and really needed to keep their noses out of everyone else's business.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
May 31, 2021
Cal Maddox - swoon worthy hero
Maddie Townsend - great heroine
Bill - ex cheater scumbag
Dana Sue and Helen Decatur - best friends
-----------
It's very complicated when a 20-year marriage ends because her husband got a younger woman and she is already pregnant by him.
Our heroine is discarded like yesterday's trash and the husband gets angry because the 3 children do not accept the new woman. Nothing more cliché than the doctor having an affair with one of his nurses and that she idolises him. He didn't think about family or children, only he was delighted with the new woman and with the hot sex between them.
Our heroine is devastated and the children get upset and disgusted with the cold attitude of their father.
With the support of the best friends and her mother slowly she will coming out of depression and coming back to life.
She needs to be strong because of the children and also for yourself. She helped her husband build his career and always helped him at all. Now she was alone and having to fend for herself while he started a new family with another woman.
In the midst of all problems she met a wonderful man and he helps her in the difficult moments and opens up new possibilities in her life.
I love it when the heroine does not accept the cheater back and begins a relationship with a guy much better and younger. He is former baseball player and the new coach at her kids ' school.
I enjoyed the story and vision about life in a city where everyone has an opinion on everything and also about the lives of others.
Each resident has an opinion and defend one side of the story. Prejudice and chauvinism also appears in the story.
Recommend!
.
Maddie Townsend - great heroine
Bill - ex cheater scumbag
Dana Sue and Helen Decatur - best friends
-----------
It's very complicated when a 20-year marriage ends because her husband got a younger woman and she is already pregnant by him.
Our heroine is discarded like yesterday's trash and the husband gets angry because the 3 children do not accept the new woman. Nothing more cliché than the doctor having an affair with one of his nurses and that she idolises him. He didn't think about family or children, only he was delighted with the new woman and with the hot sex between them.
Our heroine is devastated and the children get upset and disgusted with the cold attitude of their father.
With the support of the best friends and her mother slowly she will coming out of depression and coming back to life.
She needs to be strong because of the children and also for yourself. She helped her husband build his career and always helped him at all. Now she was alone and having to fend for herself while he started a new family with another woman.
In the midst of all problems she met a wonderful man and he helps her in the difficult moments and opens up new possibilities in her life.
I love it when the heroine does not accept the cheater back and begins a relationship with a guy much better and younger. He is former baseball player and the new coach at her kids ' school.
I enjoyed the story and vision about life in a city where everyone has an opinion on everything and also about the lives of others.
Each resident has an opinion and defend one side of the story. Prejudice and chauvinism also appears in the story.
Recommend!
.
August 14, 2023
The Netflix series Sweet Magnolias has garnered a lot of love and praise for its sweet and cute storyline. However, the book is horrible. It was almost like the author wanted to write a bad book, and it was written by a woman. Sherryl Woods writes women that are judgmental and two-faced.
One of the main issues raised is the double standard applied to the characters. While Maddie faces criticism for considering dating a man ten years younger than her, no one seems to bat an eye at her husband leaving his family for a younger woman. This inconsistency in the narrative is seen as a flaw, especially considering that the author is a woman herself.
Furthermore, the depiction of the women in the town as bitter, judgmental, and catty is seen as unenjoyable and unrealistic. It is disheartening to see the focus of the story being on the negative aspects of female relationships rather than uplifting and supportive friendships. The fact that the author thought this would make for an enjoyable book is seen as a disappointment.
Another point of contention is the potential consequences faced by Cal for considering dating Maddie. The idea that every woman in the town is either jealous of Maddie or wants Cal for themselves is seen as far-fetched and unbelievable. This aspect of the story adds to the overall dissatisfaction with the book.
In conclusion, while the Netflix series Sweet Magnolias has been well-received, the book it is based on has received criticism for its poor writing and portrayal of women. The double standards, judgmental characters, and unrealistic plotlines have left some readers feeling disappointed and unsatisfied.
One of the main issues raised is the double standard applied to the characters. While Maddie faces criticism for considering dating a man ten years younger than her, no one seems to bat an eye at her husband leaving his family for a younger woman. This inconsistency in the narrative is seen as a flaw, especially considering that the author is a woman herself.
Furthermore, the depiction of the women in the town as bitter, judgmental, and catty is seen as unenjoyable and unrealistic. It is disheartening to see the focus of the story being on the negative aspects of female relationships rather than uplifting and supportive friendships. The fact that the author thought this would make for an enjoyable book is seen as a disappointment.
Another point of contention is the potential consequences faced by Cal for considering dating Maddie. The idea that every woman in the town is either jealous of Maddie or wants Cal for themselves is seen as far-fetched and unbelievable. This aspect of the story adds to the overall dissatisfaction with the book.
In conclusion, while the Netflix series Sweet Magnolias has been well-received, the book it is based on has received criticism for its poor writing and portrayal of women. The double standards, judgmental characters, and unrealistic plotlines have left some readers feeling disappointed and unsatisfied.
May 25, 2020
This was a really good romance novel that I had wanted to read because this series by Sherryl Woods, The Sweet Magnolias, is a Netflix series right now and there are quite a few actors in the show who I really enjoy. So I decided to read the book and then start the series. This is not my usual read but it was an enjoyable light read with very good characters. I will read the rest of the series. LIke I said, characters you can grow to care about and I am happy for Sherryl Woods that these stories have been made into a series. It's very good.
May 29, 2020
Sadly, this book didn't work for me. This is women's fiction, first and foremost, and it's not a genre I generally like, so take my review with a grain of salt. I liked the h and her group of friends, and the drama felt real and genuine. But this is a group of friends that refer to themselves as "the sweet magnolias" with a straight face. The solutions to their problems all felt too easy and pat. I really felt for the h having to pick up the pieces after her husband cheats and leaves for the OW. But then we get his perspective and he's saying how the OW is really a good person and she didn't deserve all of this. I wasn't convinced. I couldn't like the small town where people overreact to an extreme degree. I live in a small town and I've never seen anything like what was described in this book. The romance felt rushed and the new spa business was implausible for such a sheltered, small town. The final nail in the coffin, came when I did some looking ahead at the future books and saw that the son in this book (who was so hurt and tormented by his father's betrayal) has his own book where he cheats on his girl with a long line of cleat chasers. Ugh. So disappointing.
June 30, 2021
I need Season 2 of this Netflix series so bad! It was nice to return to Serenity and hang out with Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen as they embark on their women spa project. Having now read the book, I am impressed with how faithful to the plot Netflix is being.
Goodreads review published 30/06/21
Goodreads review published 30/06/21
August 21, 2020
STEALING HOME is the first book in the Sweet Magnolias series by Sherryl Woods. I’ve only read one other book before by Sherryl Woods and I’m so happy I took a chance and read this heart warming story. STEALING HOME is going to make you want to run to the small town of Serenity South Carolina! The perfect words Sheryl Woods uses to describe the beautiful Carolina setting will have you feeling like you are right there sitting on the porch with your friends.
STEALING HOME is a wonderful story full of faith and redemption. Once you start reading, it will be very hard to stop. Maddie is a hot mess as her 20-year marriage ends because her husband has an affair with a younger woman and she is already pregnant by him. She is shocked, but she is doing her best to hold it together for her 3 children. When her oldest son’s baseball coach becomes her friend, the town busy bodies can’t hold back on the gossip! You gotta love small towns!
Sheryl Woods has quickly become one of my favorite authors. She made me feel so many different things while I was reading her heart tugging story. One minute I’m giggling and the next there is a huge lump in my throat. All of the characters are flawed in different ways, but you will find yourself cheering for them throughout STEALING HOME. I just wanted to reach in the pages and give them all hugs. I can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author.
STEALING HOME is a wonderful story full of faith and redemption. Once you start reading, it will be very hard to stop. Maddie is a hot mess as her 20-year marriage ends because her husband has an affair with a younger woman and she is already pregnant by him. She is shocked, but she is doing her best to hold it together for her 3 children. When her oldest son’s baseball coach becomes her friend, the town busy bodies can’t hold back on the gossip! You gotta love small towns!
Sheryl Woods has quickly become one of my favorite authors. She made me feel so many different things while I was reading her heart tugging story. One minute I’m giggling and the next there is a huge lump in my throat. All of the characters are flawed in different ways, but you will find yourself cheering for them throughout STEALING HOME. I just wanted to reach in the pages and give them all hugs. I can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author.
Want to read
May 23, 2020I just started watching the TV series on Netflix and right from the bat, I'm hooked!!!
I was happily surprised seeing it was based on a book series and I can't wait to get my hands on them (ordered book 1 just now) and read them as well, because the story elements are just everything I love to read about in contemporary romance.
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I was happily surprised seeing it was based on a book series and I can't wait to get my hands on them (ordered book 1 just now) and read them as well, because the story elements are just everything I love to read about in contemporary romance.
Follow me here:
my BLOG | my INSTAGRAM | my FACEBOOK | my TWITTER
October 19, 2023
Pirma: šiai knygai jau 16 metų, o ji iš tokių, kurios visgi sensta. Antra: kai ją parašė, autorei buvo 63-eji – ir tai oi kaip jaučiasi 🙂
Atgyvenusios ne temos, bet pateikimas: rašymo stilius sustabarėjęs ir senamadiškas (nenatūralus vertimas irgi labai kiša koją) – visiška priešingybė tam, prie ko esu pripratusi ir ką mėgstu 🙂 Jaučiausi, tarsi skaityčiau tétos parašytą knygą apie tétas 🤡
Atgyvenusios ne temos, bet pateikimas: rašymo stilius sustabarėjęs ir senamadiškas (nenatūralus vertimas irgi labai kiša koją) – visiška priešingybė tam, prie ko esu pripratusi ir ką mėgstu 🙂 Jaučiausi, tarsi skaityčiau tétos parašytą knygą apie tétas 🤡
July 2, 2020
I loved the TV series so I knew I had to try the books.
They are very similar yes and normally right about now I would be saying how much I liked the book more but I am going to do the opposite. I actually like the TV series better.
Don’t get me wrong the book is ok but I felt like it was a glossed over romance.
I liked the small town-ness of it all but I also felt like something was missing. If each book is a different character but also follows along with this group a friends then I just wish the book focused a little more on the romance part of each main character.
I am going to give book 2 a chance and see if they get better.
I enjoyed the narration even if she sounds a little older than the characters. That isn’t really a negative it’s just an observation.
They are very similar yes and normally right about now I would be saying how much I liked the book more but I am going to do the opposite. I actually like the TV series better.
Don’t get me wrong the book is ok but I felt like it was a glossed over romance.
I liked the small town-ness of it all but I also felt like something was missing. If each book is a different character but also follows along with this group a friends then I just wish the book focused a little more on the romance part of each main character.
I am going to give book 2 a chance and see if they get better.
I enjoyed the narration even if she sounds a little older than the characters. That isn’t really a negative it’s just an observation.
May 20, 2020
Felt very “meh” about the book, but I enjoyed the Netflix show!
August 11, 2021
Maddie Townsend’s world has been turned upside down. Her husband has just asked for a divorce after getting his much younger lover pregnant and now her kids are hurt, angry and acting out. When her son’s baseball coach steps in to help with his behavior issues, Maddie starts to feel things she hasn’t felt in 20 years. Maddie’s 2 best friends, Helen and Dana Sue, have also talked Maddie into opening a new spa in Serenity.
This book is a feel good book and a really good start to a series. Everything about this story it true to real life. The conversations between Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue are real conversations that best friends have. They are honest with each other and extremely supportive of each other. Every girl needs friends like this. Also, because of these two Maddie is able to move past Bill’s betrayal and move on for herself and her kids. She finally puts her foot down with him and I loved seeing her strength.
Serenity is a small southern town, which means everyone knows everyone and the gossip gets around quick. Maddie is a southern girl and knows that southern girl must act a certain way. Unfortunately the gossip that goes around about her and Coach Maddox causes a stir and makes her doubt everything. I’m a northern girl, so her doubt and self-conscience worries bothered me a bit. Thankfully Helen and Dana Sue think like me. There were many “hoorah” moments.
For those who have watched the NetFlix series first, you will not be disappointed. The TV show follows the book almost to a tee. There are some minor changes but they do not take away from the story. I am very much looking forward to continuing this series and see where these incredibly real characters go from here.
This book is a feel good book and a really good start to a series. Everything about this story it true to real life. The conversations between Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue are real conversations that best friends have. They are honest with each other and extremely supportive of each other. Every girl needs friends like this. Also, because of these two Maddie is able to move past Bill’s betrayal and move on for herself and her kids. She finally puts her foot down with him and I loved seeing her strength.
Serenity is a small southern town, which means everyone knows everyone and the gossip gets around quick. Maddie is a southern girl and knows that southern girl must act a certain way. Unfortunately the gossip that goes around about her and Coach Maddox causes a stir and makes her doubt everything. I’m a northern girl, so her doubt and self-conscience worries bothered me a bit. Thankfully Helen and Dana Sue think like me. There were many “hoorah” moments.
For those who have watched the NetFlix series first, you will not be disappointed. The TV show follows the book almost to a tee. There are some minor changes but they do not take away from the story. I am very much looking forward to continuing this series and see where these incredibly real characters go from here.
July 6, 2020
I watched the show on Netflix and enjoyed it enough that I thought I should read the books. Also if you thought the book might include a resolution to the cliffhanger the show ends on, it doesn’t.
I almost stopped reading several times and I should have. It was so not my kind book. It was so over the top and corny. I hated how catty the women are to each other (that part is in the show too and I really disliked it then too) and it’s honestly pretty boring.
It’s nothing like the show. I’m going to say something I never thought I would, but if you enjoyed the show do yourself a favor and skip the books.
I almost stopped reading several times and I should have. It was so not my kind book. It was so over the top and corny. I hated how catty the women are to each other (that part is in the show too and I really disliked it then too) and it’s honestly pretty boring.
It’s nothing like the show. I’m going to say something I never thought I would, but if you enjoyed the show do yourself a favor and skip the books.
November 16, 2023
Po Carter žiaurumo reikėjo kažko minkšto, pūkuoto ir gėlėto. Tiesiog pusiausvyrai atstatyti. Jau senokai planavau skaityti "Puikiųjų magnolijų" seriją ir štai tas laikas atėjo. Skaičiau su nedideliu lūkesčiu gyvenimiškos istorijos - ir tikrai tokią gavau.
Romano puslapiai nukelia į Sereničio miestelį - nors jis mažas, uchkokios aistros verda. Čia gyvena trys draugės - Medė, Helena ir Dana
Sju.Tačiau šį kartą įvykių centre Medė, trijų vaikų susilaukusi keturiasdešimtmetė. Ji išgyvena netikėtas skyrybas, o jų nepalengvina merginti ją pradėjęs ženkliai jaunesnis sūnaus treneris.
Skaitoma istorija turi būti gyvenimiška. Ir čia Medė - tai daugelio moterų prototipas - ji atranda save, permąsto savo gyvenimą po didelių gyvenimo pokyčių. Turbūt Medės pavyzdys turėtų padėti moterims nepalūžti, kai griūva gyvenimas. Bet vis tik visa istorija pagardinta saldžiais, saldžiais zefyriukais. Kai norisi meilės, šiek tiek dramos
ir... nuspėjamų įvykių. Tiesiog keksiukas sielai.
Rekomenduoju meilės romanų mėgėjoms. Arba tiesiog reikia čiupti, kai norisi tokio lengvumo su gyvenimišku prieskoniu. Lentynoje laukia dar keturios dalys - gal susigundysiu ir kitomis, kurių yra visas serialas, Puikių jų Magnolijų serija...
Romano puslapiai nukelia į Sereničio miestelį - nors jis mažas, uchkokios aistros verda. Čia gyvena trys draugės - Medė, Helena ir Dana
Sju.Tačiau šį kartą įvykių centre Medė, trijų vaikų susilaukusi keturiasdešimtmetė. Ji išgyvena netikėtas skyrybas, o jų nepalengvina merginti ją pradėjęs ženkliai jaunesnis sūnaus treneris.
Skaitoma istorija turi būti gyvenimiška. Ir čia Medė - tai daugelio moterų prototipas - ji atranda save, permąsto savo gyvenimą po didelių gyvenimo pokyčių. Turbūt Medės pavyzdys turėtų padėti moterims nepalūžti, kai griūva gyvenimas. Bet vis tik visa istorija pagardinta saldžiais, saldžiais zefyriukais. Kai norisi meilės, šiek tiek dramos
ir... nuspėjamų įvykių. Tiesiog keksiukas sielai.
Rekomenduoju meilės romanų mėgėjoms. Arba tiesiog reikia čiupti, kai norisi tokio lengvumo su gyvenimišku prieskoniu. Lentynoje laukia dar keturios dalys - gal susigundysiu ir kitomis, kurių yra visas serialas, Puikių jų Magnolijų serija...
March 27, 2021
Ci troviamo in una di quelle piccole cittadine americane conservatrici e Maddie è la classica protagonista di mezza età con la famiglia perfetta, almeno finché il marito non le confessa il tradimento e la molla per stare con la nuova ragazza più giovane, già incinta di lui. Si ritrova così a gestire con grande maturità d’animo la delusione,un cuore spezzato e gli effetti della richiesta di divorzio sui loro tre figli, in particolar modo su quello adolescente che non prende bene il cambiamento e passa una fase ribelle.Per fortuna ha due grandi amiche che sono pronte ad aiutarla in tutti i modi e la incentiveranno ad aprire insieme una nuova attività che potrebbe portare un po’ di gioia alle donne del paesino. Ma anche il gentile Cal, l’allenatore di baseball del figlio le sarà di grande supporto per superare questo momento difficile. Peccato che sia più giovane e che i compaesani non vedano di buon occhio questo nuovo legame.
Ho adorato la forza d’animo della protagonista e ho apprezzato tantissimo l’amicizia tra il gruppo; Cal è uno di quei personaggi maschili buoni per cui è impossibile non innamorarsi di lui, anche se devo dire che ho trovato un po’ troppo affrettati i sentimenti della coppia, sopratutto sul finale in cui si passa da 1 a 1000 in un secondo.
.
Si tratta comunque di una lettura super approvata, uno stile di scrittura molto scorrevole, perfetto se apprezzate una vena di leggerezza da commedia romantica, ma ricca di profondità di sentimenti, con una riflessione sui pregiudizi e sulla famiglia.
E ora non mi resta che maratonare le puntate!
.
February 26, 2022
Headlines:
The netflix series is better
Cal and Maddie are sweet
Less sisterhood than I expected.
I'm going to do a pros/cons review here, pitching the book versus the TV series. I know no-one asked for this, but that's what you're getting! Let me just say firstly, that I enjoy the TV series immensely, its easy and cheesy but I'm so drawn to the three women who feature.
The book
Maddie is at the helm and she's an amazing MC but Dana Sue and Helen are not that prominent and I love them hard. I'm hoping the series pans out to include them more. Bill was (shocker) a little more self aware in the book, sometimes contrite but still hella frustrating and annoying. Noreen was similar. I was pleased the dialogue didn't have the constant God-cheese.
I loved Cal and Maddie's build until it turned into a sprint and towards the end everything just developed too fast for me, especially that surprise at the end, which was a no-no. Family vibes were strong throughout the book and I do feel all soft-spotted over the kids in this book.
The TV series
In contrast, the TV series decided not to rush Maddie and Cal which was the best decision ever. Bill and Noreen are like splinters all over your body, riling the watcher every moment. I have to say the book found more balance for that aspect.
The sisterhood in the TV series is strong and for me, that's one of the greatest pulls. I love more detail on Helen and Dana-Sue. The biggest drawback of the TV series is the constant Christian platitudes, they make my teeth hurt.
Overall, this series is worth your time. Whether you want to read first or binge TV is your choice. At the moment the TV series is winning for me, but the book also compliments nicely.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
The netflix series is better
Cal and Maddie are sweet
Less sisterhood than I expected.
I'm going to do a pros/cons review here, pitching the book versus the TV series. I know no-one asked for this, but that's what you're getting! Let me just say firstly, that I enjoy the TV series immensely, its easy and cheesy but I'm so drawn to the three women who feature.
The book
Maddie is at the helm and she's an amazing MC but Dana Sue and Helen are not that prominent and I love them hard. I'm hoping the series pans out to include them more. Bill was (shocker) a little more self aware in the book, sometimes contrite but still hella frustrating and annoying. Noreen was similar. I was pleased the dialogue didn't have the constant God-cheese.
I loved Cal and Maddie's build until it turned into a sprint and towards the end everything just developed too fast for me, especially that surprise at the end, which was a no-no. Family vibes were strong throughout the book and I do feel all soft-spotted over the kids in this book.
The TV series
In contrast, the TV series decided not to rush Maddie and Cal which was the best decision ever. Bill and Noreen are like splinters all over your body, riling the watcher every moment. I have to say the book found more balance for that aspect.
The sisterhood in the TV series is strong and for me, that's one of the greatest pulls. I love more detail on Helen and Dana-Sue. The biggest drawback of the TV series is the constant Christian platitudes, they make my teeth hurt.
Overall, this series is worth your time. Whether you want to read first or binge TV is your choice. At the moment the TV series is winning for me, but the book also compliments nicely.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
May 24, 2020
Given the hype and the appearance of the filmed version on Netflix, I was happy to receive an ARC of this and book 2 from Netflix in return for an honest review.
This is very well written, but I’m afraid it’s just not my cup of tea. It’s sentimental and despite the unpleasant and judgemental gossips, a cosy representation of small town America and it left me cold.
I could not identify with the main characters or the settings. Maddie was an interesting If somewhat irritating character and I liked her determination in the end to ignore the gossips and marry Cal - 10 years younger, sports coach to her oldest son. The whole sports focus/school sports coach- and the influence of powerful parents struck me (a European) as strange.
The stories of Dana Sue ( and what is it with the 2 names? - so infantile) and the lawyer are clearly going to be covered in other books but the friendship was a very strong plot line. I prefer romances which put the 2 protagonists right at the front of the story. For me, this was too overcrowded and too bitty. I got bored!
I’m sure folk who enjoy this genre - will love this book and the Netflix series - but it’s not for me.
This is very well written, but I’m afraid it’s just not my cup of tea. It’s sentimental and despite the unpleasant and judgemental gossips, a cosy representation of small town America and it left me cold.
I could not identify with the main characters or the settings. Maddie was an interesting If somewhat irritating character and I liked her determination in the end to ignore the gossips and marry Cal - 10 years younger, sports coach to her oldest son. The whole sports focus/school sports coach- and the influence of powerful parents struck me (a European) as strange.
The stories of Dana Sue ( and what is it with the 2 names? - so infantile) and the lawyer are clearly going to be covered in other books but the friendship was a very strong plot line. I prefer romances which put the 2 protagonists right at the front of the story. For me, this was too overcrowded and too bitty. I got bored!
I’m sure folk who enjoy this genre - will love this book and the Netflix series - but it’s not for me.
July 23, 2020
Such a cute fun series and there is always something irresistible about a small town!
August 6, 2020
Tengo que decir que no he visto la serie en Netflix, así que no tengo la menor idea de si es fiel al libro o no, pero sí que he leído este libro cuando vi los avances de la serie y me enteré de que estaba basada en esta serie de libros de Sherryl Woods, pensé que, si Netflix había invertido para hacer una serie basada en estos libros, pues deberían de valer la pena.
Nunca había leído nada de esta autora, aunque la conocía y me gusta el género, honestamente no me habían llamado la atención.
Para ser muy pero que muy honesta es una historia bastante sencilla, con su buena dosis de drama, otro tanto de una buena amistad entre tres amigas y por supuesto el ingrediente principal es el romance.
Maddie es una mujer de cuarenta años a la que su vida un buen día se le viene abajo, todo lo que parecía tener desaparece el día que su marido la abandona por una mujer 16 años menor que él y que además está embarazada.
Aquí es donde viene el drama, pero más allá del drama de ella, es uno familiar, el desbalance emocional de los hijos junto con el propio le da a la historia el toque necesario para que no se trate únicamente de un libro romántico sin más.
Por supuesto una relación con un hombre más joven que ella, le da el toque preciso para la emoción y tengo que decir que en este libro está el tópico del príncipe azul, si bien no es millonario, si que es guapo, inteligente, buenazo y todo lo que se les pueda venir a la mente.
La cuestión es que es un libro ligero, un romance contemporáneo bien manejado, sin exageraciones en ningún sentido, me ha gustado, la verdad es que es fue entretenido leerlo.
Si alguna vez me decido a ver la serie, que no creo porque no me ha gustado el casting y prefiero quedarme con la imagen de los personajes que yo me he creado en la cabeza pues ya les contaré si respeta al libro o no.
Nunca había leído nada de esta autora, aunque la conocía y me gusta el género, honestamente no me habían llamado la atención.
Para ser muy pero que muy honesta es una historia bastante sencilla, con su buena dosis de drama, otro tanto de una buena amistad entre tres amigas y por supuesto el ingrediente principal es el romance.
Maddie es una mujer de cuarenta años a la que su vida un buen día se le viene abajo, todo lo que parecía tener desaparece el día que su marido la abandona por una mujer 16 años menor que él y que además está embarazada.
Aquí es donde viene el drama, pero más allá del drama de ella, es uno familiar, el desbalance emocional de los hijos junto con el propio le da a la historia el toque necesario para que no se trate únicamente de un libro romántico sin más.
Por supuesto una relación con un hombre más joven que ella, le da el toque preciso para la emoción y tengo que decir que en este libro está el tópico del príncipe azul, si bien no es millonario, si que es guapo, inteligente, buenazo y todo lo que se les pueda venir a la mente.
La cuestión es que es un libro ligero, un romance contemporáneo bien manejado, sin exageraciones en ningún sentido, me ha gustado, la verdad es que es fue entretenido leerlo.
Si alguna vez me decido a ver la serie, que no creo porque no me ha gustado el casting y prefiero quedarme con la imagen de los personajes que yo me he creado en la cabeza pues ya les contaré si respeta al libro o no.
August 2, 2021
Типично амвриканско клише, ма много сладникаво, до накъртване.
Тъкмо си помислих, че съм открила нова авторка, сред океана от Стил,Робъртс и т.н. , а то се оказа , че е точно от тяхната бойна бабешка група .Нищо лошо, просто ми дойдоха байгън.
Тъкмо си помислих, че съм открила нова авторка, сред океана от Стил,Робъртс и т.н. , а то се оказа , че е точно от тяхната бойна бабешка група .Нищо лошо, просто ми дойдоха байгън.
August 21, 2020
I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would. I listened to the audiobook in preparation for watching the Netflix show but I will definitely be carrying on with the series! Full review to come...
April 18, 2011
I will be the first to admit that romances aren’t my usual forte. I have always found them to be silly and repetitive, but for some reason, this book hit me just right, even though it all ends happily ever after with a dashing man riding into save the day. Does life really work out that way?
No, I did not spoil the ending, all books in this genre end the same way.
After the sudden breakup of her twentyish year marriage to her high school sweetheart and local pediatrician, Maddie Townsend find herself with no job skills and three children that need food on the table and a roof over their heads. Though no job prospects, she does have friends, and in a small town like Serenity, South Carolina, friends are what help you through this situation, even if it is their suggestion to open a spa and to date your son’s baseball coach that is ten years younger and a whole lot more interesting then he should be.
This is the first in the new Sweet Magnolia Series by Sherryl Woods, and though, as I said before, romance isn’t my usual, Ms Woods has developed funny character’s that find a way to get a job done even if there is a man to ride in and save the day. I guess that is what some look for in their reading, but for those of us who have never seen a white steed, that seems a bit far-fetched.
No, I did not spoil the ending, all books in this genre end the same way.
After the sudden breakup of her twentyish year marriage to her high school sweetheart and local pediatrician, Maddie Townsend find herself with no job skills and three children that need food on the table and a roof over their heads. Though no job prospects, she does have friends, and in a small town like Serenity, South Carolina, friends are what help you through this situation, even if it is their suggestion to open a spa and to date your son’s baseball coach that is ten years younger and a whole lot more interesting then he should be.
This is the first in the new Sweet Magnolia Series by Sherryl Woods, and though, as I said before, romance isn’t my usual, Ms Woods has developed funny character’s that find a way to get a job done even if there is a man to ride in and save the day. I guess that is what some look for in their reading, but for those of us who have never seen a white steed, that seems a bit far-fetched.
July 24, 2020
The fact that this has four stars is why I never trust Good Reads.
Oh my god. I could have watched paint dry and been more entertained. I don't know what this was supposed to be, I figured a kind of "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" with white people, but it was awful.
My favorite line ever was "With his baseball cap pulled low, and his sunglasses on, he was able to take a good long look at her tanned legs in a pair of khaki shorts, white sneakers and tennis socks, and the turquoise T-shirt that she'd tucked securely into the waistband of her shorts. It was no more revealing than anything she'd worn to a game before, but now he allowed himself to admire every line and curve of her excellent body."
I actually fell out laughing at this, and had to put the book down. Is this an Amish romance novel? Does Michelle Duggar have a secret nom de plume writing "erotica" that I have just stumbled upon?
When has a man ever been like "My god. Look at those white sneakers and white tennis socks! I am having some heckin' dirty thoughts looking at that t-shirt tucked securely in her shorts! Gosh dang it! She makes me want to hug her without leaving room for Jesus, and plant a big ol' smooch on her lips!"
The book did not get any better. The bit I read was a painful experience.
Oh my god. I could have watched paint dry and been more entertained. I don't know what this was supposed to be, I figured a kind of "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" with white people, but it was awful.
My favorite line ever was "With his baseball cap pulled low, and his sunglasses on, he was able to take a good long look at her tanned legs in a pair of khaki shorts, white sneakers and tennis socks, and the turquoise T-shirt that she'd tucked securely into the waistband of her shorts. It was no more revealing than anything she'd worn to a game before, but now he allowed himself to admire every line and curve of her excellent body."
I actually fell out laughing at this, and had to put the book down. Is this an Amish romance novel? Does Michelle Duggar have a secret nom de plume writing "erotica" that I have just stumbled upon?
When has a man ever been like "My god. Look at those white sneakers and white tennis socks! I am having some heckin' dirty thoughts looking at that t-shirt tucked securely in her shorts! Gosh dang it! She makes me want to hug her without leaving room for Jesus, and plant a big ol' smooch on her lips!"
The book did not get any better. The bit I read was a painful experience.
May 9, 2018
I absolutely loved this! The characters were great, except for Maddie's ex husband. He was so egotistical, self absorbed and mysonginistic. Small towns and the people in it who show their double standard ways. And Maddie growing into a self sufficient single mom trying to do right by her kids without bad mouthing her ex, as well as realizing that she lost herself in her marriage, and turning things around. This is my first book by Sheryl, but it won't be the last.
July 11, 2022
This book paints women (especially Southern women) as vindictive, jealous, catty, etc. while the heroine is the perfect Southern Belle. It was just so unbelievable. It was also very pro-diet culture and couldn’t go one chapter without commenting on a characters body (in a negative way) but then tries to counteract that by focusing on eating disorders as a (very weak) subplot. Made me sad that a female author would write a book that paints women in a poor light.
September 5, 2022
3.5 stars. This story is about Maddie and Cal. Maddie's doctor husband has just left her for his much younger nurse, Noreen, and they are having a baby. Maddie has 2 teen boys and a younger daughter. The kid we meet most in this book is Ty. He's a baseball prodigy and Cal is his high school baseball coach. The kids are all having a hard time with their dad not being around and processing the whole situation, so when Ty's baseball focus starts to slip, Cal reaches out to Maddie. They start a relationship that is first based around their concern for Ty but quickly turns to more. I thought this was a cute book and an intriguing start to the story but I felt like Cal wouldn't have spent nearly as much time with another struggling player if they weren't as good as Ty is. I felt like the only reason he cared was because he was so good, not just because he cares about his players. That made me kind of meh about him and then I felt like the chemistry between him and Maddie was more of a tell instead of show situation. Overall I would recommend this book just because I love a lot of the tropes (sports, single mom, older woman, etc.) and i'm interested in the rest of the series, but its nothing exceptional.
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