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The Sweet Magnolias #4
Welcome to Serenity: A Novel
"Sherryl Woods writes emotionally satisfying novels about family, friendship and home. Truly feel-great reads!" —#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber
The Sweet Magnolias legacy continues for a new generation of women in Welcome to Serenity . Now a Netflix original series!
When Jeanette Brioche helped launch The Corner Spa in Serenity, South Carolina, she found a whole lot more than professional satisfaction. She discovered the deep and loyal friendships that had been missing from her life. But even the Sweet Magnolias can’t mend the terrible rift between Jeanette and her family.
Pushed into working on the town’s much-loved annual Christmas festival, Jeanette teams up with the new town manager, Tom McDonald, who may be the only person in Serenity who’s less enthused about family and the holidays than she is.
But with decorations going up in the town square and a bit of romance in the air, Jeanette and Tom take a fresh look at the past and a hopeful look into the future. Together they discover that this may be the season of miracles after all…
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
The Sweet Magnolias legacy continues for a new generation of women in Welcome to Serenity . Now a Netflix original series!
When Jeanette Brioche helped launch The Corner Spa in Serenity, South Carolina, she found a whole lot more than professional satisfaction. She discovered the deep and loyal friendships that had been missing from her life. But even the Sweet Magnolias can’t mend the terrible rift between Jeanette and her family.
Pushed into working on the town’s much-loved annual Christmas festival, Jeanette teams up with the new town manager, Tom McDonald, who may be the only person in Serenity who’s less enthused about family and the holidays than she is.
But with decorations going up in the town square and a bit of romance in the air, Jeanette and Tom take a fresh look at the past and a hopeful look into the future. Together they discover that this may be the season of miracles after all…
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
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 8, 2008
1784 people are currently reading
8892 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
555 books4,523 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 463 reviews
March 23, 2015
okay okay okay,,...I am torn with this one. I enjoyed the book and travelling to the town Serenity. What I didnt like was the Tom/Jeanette relationship. The new guy in town runs into this woman and wham he is taken with her. Ok....sometimes that happens yes. But what I dont get is she tells him off, tells him no and doesnt give him any leeway to believe there is a chance from what I was reading and yet, he persues her still. Yes, there are those that believe anything worth fighting for is worth taking an ego hit once and a while, but to have SOMETHING between two people in their 30;s there has to have been some sort of conversation between them!!!! one minute they are barely in each others company, the next they are looking for houses for him, then she buys it and then "when he only had a finite amt of time to convince Jeanette that they had something special". how on earth do we at thirty have something special without having deep conversations with a person????? LOL seriously. This is my second book by this author - the other as well had parenting issues that didnt sit right with me. so, I rate the relationships 1.5 -2 in this one and the story itself was more enjoyable about a 3.
December 2, 2021
This book is from a series that has been made into a Netflix series which I enjoyed very much. The book series to me seems like each book focuses on a different person in the small town of Serenity and I'm not sure about the tv series yet since the main characters introduced in the first book seem to be following on in the other stories. Not sure yet because it hasn't aired yet. These are easy to read light and happy stories I recommend if you are in the need for something like this, this is a very good series.
September 10, 2020
I’m not sure I’ll make it through all 11 books. The author seems to have no concept of consent, and apparently men pushing women into relationships is supposed to be romantic. She also gets halfway into a story about interesting characters, then seems to realize she only has 100 pages or so to tie everything up neatly, and the rest of the plot line is rushed and unrealistic. There’s always a happy ending, though, which is nice in times like these.
January 17, 2009
Welcome to Serenity is the most recent book in Sherryl Woods' Sweet Magnolias series. This is the most heartwarming, delightful book I've read in ages. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and embraced its characters in the first chapter.
Before I'd read even half the book, I'd already purchased four more of Sherryl Woods' books, including Stealing Home and Feels Like Family, two more of the Sweet Magnolias series.
The Sweet Magnolias are a group of four very close friends who live in the town of Serenity and are founding partners in The Corner Spa. They are the kind of friends we all want and need.
Jeanette Brioche meets Tom McDonald when both are assigned to work on the town's annual Christmas festival. Jeanette and Tom are both reluctant to work on the committee, but Christmas spirit grows as they become better acquainted. Old hurts are healed and new bonds forged among friends and family members and the residents of Serenity.
There is just enough back story in Welcome to Serenity to define relationships and whet the reader's appetite to read more about the folks in Serenity. This is not a pulp novel, nor a bodice ripper. There are no car chases, nor action adventure scenes; just a wonderful story about very likable people. It's a feel good read from first to last page.
Serenity seems like the kind of cozy, small town community in which anyone would love to live. I encourage readers to grab a copy of Welcome to Serenity and the other three books in the series and join me in spending the winter making friends with the Sweet Magnolias.
My grade: A
Before I'd read even half the book, I'd already purchased four more of Sherryl Woods' books, including Stealing Home and Feels Like Family, two more of the Sweet Magnolias series.
The Sweet Magnolias are a group of four very close friends who live in the town of Serenity and are founding partners in The Corner Spa. They are the kind of friends we all want and need.
Jeanette Brioche meets Tom McDonald when both are assigned to work on the town's annual Christmas festival. Jeanette and Tom are both reluctant to work on the committee, but Christmas spirit grows as they become better acquainted. Old hurts are healed and new bonds forged among friends and family members and the residents of Serenity.
There is just enough back story in Welcome to Serenity to define relationships and whet the reader's appetite to read more about the folks in Serenity. This is not a pulp novel, nor a bodice ripper. There are no car chases, nor action adventure scenes; just a wonderful story about very likable people. It's a feel good read from first to last page.
Serenity seems like the kind of cozy, small town community in which anyone would love to live. I encourage readers to grab a copy of Welcome to Serenity and the other three books in the series and join me in spending the winter making friends with the Sweet Magnolias.
My grade: A
August 17, 2022
2022 || 67 📖
4 ⭐
Romantiška ir jausminga Žanetės istorija - ketvirtoji "Puikiųjų magnolijų" serijos knyga 💚
Žanetė sėkmingai darbuojasi "Kryžkelės SPA klube". Čia ji rado ne tik mylimą darbą, bet ir labai geras drauges. Vieną dieną ji gauna užduotį - padėti suorganizuoti miestelio šventę. Tačiau šventės ir visa, kas su tuo susiję, Žanetei tik primena, kokia praraja skiria ją nuo šeimos. Bet pasirodo, jog Tomui, naujajam miesto valdytojui, šventės teikia ne ką daugiau džiaugsmo... Tai juos suvienija ir priverčia dar kartą naujai pažvelgti į praeitį.
Dar viena graži ir šilta "Puikiųjų magnolijų" serijos dalis perskaityta! Kiek žinau, iš viso yra net vienuolika knygų. Kol kas lietuviškai išleistos tik penkios iš jų, bet labai tikiuosi, sulauksim ir likusių 🤞🏼 Aš tai tikrai skaityčiau visas 🤭 Lygiai taip pat, kaip ir kiyis dalys, ši istorija - vos kelių prisėdimų skaitinys. Nors pabaigą ir galima nuspėti, pasakojimas tikrai įtraukia ir puslapiai tirpsta. Taigi, karštoms vasaros dienoms, kai tiesiog neįmanoma nieko kito veikti, tiks idealiai. Šioje dalyje knygos autorė atkreipia dėmesį į atleidimą, jo svarbą, bei tai, kaip svarbu atleisti, kad galėtum sukurti tvirtus ir prasmingus santykius, kuriuose pavyktų atrasti tarpusavio sutarimą. Jau laukiu, ką atneš paskutinė į lietuvių kalbą išversta šios serijos knyga.
Rekomenduoju, ieškantiems lengvo, bet tuo pačiu ir labai jaukaus bei jausmingo kūrinio. Šis romanas - puikus pasirinkimas! ✨️
"Dana Sju teisi: atsargumas gal ir leidžia gyventi saugiai, bet tai nėra gyvenimas."
"Ir priminė man, ką nuolat kartodavo motina: už tai, ką verta turėti, verta ir kovoti."
4 ⭐
Romantiška ir jausminga Žanetės istorija - ketvirtoji "Puikiųjų magnolijų" serijos knyga 💚
Žanetė sėkmingai darbuojasi "Kryžkelės SPA klube". Čia ji rado ne tik mylimą darbą, bet ir labai geras drauges. Vieną dieną ji gauna užduotį - padėti suorganizuoti miestelio šventę. Tačiau šventės ir visa, kas su tuo susiję, Žanetei tik primena, kokia praraja skiria ją nuo šeimos. Bet pasirodo, jog Tomui, naujajam miesto valdytojui, šventės teikia ne ką daugiau džiaugsmo... Tai juos suvienija ir priverčia dar kartą naujai pažvelgti į praeitį.
Dar viena graži ir šilta "Puikiųjų magnolijų" serijos dalis perskaityta! Kiek žinau, iš viso yra net vienuolika knygų. Kol kas lietuviškai išleistos tik penkios iš jų, bet labai tikiuosi, sulauksim ir likusių 🤞🏼 Aš tai tikrai skaityčiau visas 🤭 Lygiai taip pat, kaip ir kiyis dalys, ši istorija - vos kelių prisėdimų skaitinys. Nors pabaigą ir galima nuspėti, pasakojimas tikrai įtraukia ir puslapiai tirpsta. Taigi, karštoms vasaros dienoms, kai tiesiog neįmanoma nieko kito veikti, tiks idealiai. Šioje dalyje knygos autorė atkreipia dėmesį į atleidimą, jo svarbą, bei tai, kaip svarbu atleisti, kad galėtum sukurti tvirtus ir prasmingus santykius, kuriuose pavyktų atrasti tarpusavio sutarimą. Jau laukiu, ką atneš paskutinė į lietuvių kalbą išversta šios serijos knyga.
Rekomenduoju, ieškantiems lengvo, bet tuo pačiu ir labai jaukaus bei jausmingo kūrinio. Šis romanas - puikus pasirinkimas! ✨️
"Dana Sju teisi: atsargumas gal ir leidžia gyventi saugiai, bet tai nėra gyvenimas."
"Ir priminė man, ką nuolat kartodavo motina: už tai, ką verta turėti, verta ir kovoti."
July 3, 2022
I almost gave up on the Sweet Magnolias series after the last one, but this 4th book in the series got back to the saccharine-but-still-believable stories I enjoyed. Jeanette is the spa manager in Serenity, and finds herself very attracted to the new town manager, Tom. (How come everyone in Serenity is always immediately attracted to one person and it's just a matter of time before they end up together?) However, she's learned to keep her guard up, so the conflict here is whether Tom can break it down. Serving on my own city council, it was fun to see what Tom's life is like as a town manager, and I also really enjoyed the side plot between town flirt Mary Vaughn and her ex-husband. These books are starting to feel a little same-old same-old for me, but they're light enough to be the distraction I need from real life, so... I'll keep reading.
December 14, 2025
I was so uncomfortable with Tom’s pursuit of Jeanette after she repeatedly told him no that i quit the book. I assume they get together in the end. And that would make me even more uncomfortable. Especially the part where Ronnie suggests Tom ignore Jeanette for a week to make her want him more. This book is filled with passive manipulation and i just couldn’t read any more of this series. I’m out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2020
A book with a Christmas theme. I love holiday stories, and this town and the people drew me in.
September 2, 2020
Great series, a little drama, alot of romance!
October 8, 2024
This was a gift from a neighbor. Shortly after opening to the first few pages, I just knew this was going to be delightful..
You can feel you know these ladies - and their spouses - when introduction is made. That's also the time you want to be a part of this circle of friends..which in these times is difficult to do..that's also when I realized I've missed something!
Even tho I've not read the 3 volumes before this one (which I will be doing) I found that I rather liked this story. Sheryl makes you want to be a part of the Sweet Magnolias..--P/
You can feel you know these ladies - and their spouses - when introduction is made. That's also the time you want to be a part of this circle of friends..which in these times is difficult to do..that's also when I realized I've missed something!
Even tho I've not read the 3 volumes before this one (which I will be doing) I found that I rather liked this story. Sheryl makes you want to be a part of the Sweet Magnolias..--P/
October 25, 2022
5⭐
Tai ketvirtoji šios istorijos dalis, apie dar vieną Sereničio merginą Žanetę. Ji nebuvo vietinė ir nepriklausė Puikiųjų Magnolijų merginų kompanijoje, bet buvo į ją priimta, ir čia jos laukė meilė. Serenitis tapo tarsi porų suvedimo miesteliu, kur visi po ilgų blaškymųsi, po nuoskaudų ir nusivylimų randa savo laimę. Jausmų audros, pasitikėjimo išbandymas, savitarpio supratimas. Ta riba, kai turi ne tik pats augti ir siekti svajonių , bet leisti ir savo antrajai pusei tai daryti ir rasti bendrą sutarimą.
Tai ketvirtoji šios istorijos dalis, apie dar vieną Sereničio merginą Žanetę. Ji nebuvo vietinė ir nepriklausė Puikiųjų Magnolijų merginų kompanijoje, bet buvo į ją priimta, ir čia jos laukė meilė. Serenitis tapo tarsi porų suvedimo miesteliu, kur visi po ilgų blaškymųsi, po nuoskaudų ir nusivylimų randa savo laimę. Jausmų audros, pasitikėjimo išbandymas, savitarpio supratimas. Ta riba, kai turi ne tik pats augti ir siekti svajonių , bet leisti ir savo antrajai pusei tai daryti ir rasti bendrą sutarimą.
October 29, 2020
Currently reading this series of books after watching the Netflix series.. I’m confused as in stealing home Maddies husband was called William Henry, so why in this book is he mentioned and named as Richard?!
January 3, 2023
He really doesn't know how to take no for an answer and it disgusts me
November 7, 2024
Didn’t love the spice in this book. If she could write the sweet magnolias series w/o the spice, these would be 4-5 stars for me. I enjoy the town and characters and the way Sheryl woods writes their stories a lot aside from that. But I also just didn’t love these two characters or was as interested in them as some others. In fact I was more intrigued by the side love story going on in this one of Mary Vaughn & her ex, and was kinda disappointed we didn’t get to see more of them, and also that she just mentioned in passing how they ended up instead of us being able to actually see it play out. That was a bit disappointing to me.
I have the next one in the series about Ty & Annie, and I will be reading that one because I love those characters and want to know how their story will turn out, but after that because of the spice that I have to skip over, I don’t think I will be continuing to read anymore from this series. Others can skip spice just fine, it drives me crazy to skip any part of a book, and I would much rather support books that can tell a good story without putting it in there anyway.
I have the next one in the series about Ty & Annie, and I will be reading that one because I love those characters and want to know how their story will turn out, but after that because of the spice that I have to skip over, I don’t think I will be continuing to read anymore from this series. Others can skip spice just fine, it drives me crazy to skip any part of a book, and I would much rather support books that can tell a good story without putting it in there anyway.
Read
July 27, 2020The dialogue in the Sweet Magnolias series is always a bit lacking and unrealistic, but the quaint setting and fun characters made up for it in the first three books. Not so in this one. Tom’s pursuit of Jeannette is aggressive and nothing short of harassment. Jeannette repeatedly tells Tom she is uninterested in dating him and not attracted to him, but rather than respectfully baking off, he aims to prove her wrong by forcing kisses on her and borderline stalking her throughout the book. This kind of behavior is not charming, cute, or flattering in the real world, and I hate to see it represented as such here. It’s dangerous.
June 27, 2010
Couldn't get into this one. Characters and action all a bit too forced for me. The ending was even more of a disappointment. I was sorry I plodded through the story to get to that.
May 22, 2021
Come la serie di Virgin River, scritta da Robyn Carr e pubblicata dalla Harper Collins, Il colore delle magnolie mi sta piacendo sempre più: Serendipity sta diventando una cittadina ormai famigliare, l’amicizia fra le tre magnolie Helen, Dana e Maddie è confortevole e man mano i personaggi secondari si conquistano uno spazio per scoprirsi al lettore, rendendo ulteriormente interessanti le vicissitudini del luogo in cui è ambientata la storia.
La protagonista di questo libro è Janette la responsabile del centro estetico che si trova presso l’Oasi del benessere, di proprietà delle tre magnolie. La sua indole è quella di pessimista di natura, costantemente ansiosa ed evita di festeggiare il Natale come la peste. Ha trovato una tranquillità nell’essere single dopo aver collezionato una serie di disastrose relazioni.
Tom amministratore municipale di Serendipity, pensa che programmare il Natale a settembre sia esagerato e sprecare soldi per addobbare la cittadina con addobbi natalizi, sia un inutile spreco di soldi. Futuro erede della sua potente famiglia, segue le direttive del padre per prenderne le redini, non è abituato ai rifiuti, sopratutto quelli femminili e glki piace avere le situazioni sotto controllo.
Il causale incontro fuori dal centro benessere, attirerà l’attenzione di Tom verso Janette, nonostante lei si sia comportata con modi sgarbati.
Quando si troveranno coinvolti nel comitato dell’organizzazione del Natale per Serendipity, dimostreranno che le calde atmosfere e la magia del Natale non li toccherà quanto gli altri. I battibecchi e le posizioni valicheranno il confine che divide l’odio dall’amore e a quel punto cè chi cercherà di proteggere il proprio cuore e chi invece crederà che sia solo una storia e niente più. Fra di loro si crea un’alchimia sognante e per i lettori più romantici è un piacere leggere del loro crescente rapporto, scontato ma non banale.
Riconfermo che la scrittura di Sherryl Woods è piacevole da leggere e la sua scorrevolezza permette di non rendersi conto dello sfogliare delle pagine. Gli ambienti vengono esaltati dall’atmosfera natalizia che, in questo libro, è davvero un punto essenziale per rendere ancora più romantica la storia d’amore che racconta. I personaggi mi sono piaciuti tutti e siccome questo è il secondo libri che leggo, alcuni ormai li ho riconosciuti senza nessuna fatica.
Potrebbe far storcere il naso il leggere un libro ambientato a Natale nel mese di maggio ma, per chi come me ama il Natale, è una coccola che non può mancare. Concludo aggiungendo un ultimo pensiero: il valore dell’amicizia è esposto in maniera sincera, unica e credibile, valorizzando appieno la forza delle donne e il potere del legame che le unisce. Solo per questo motivo questa serie andrebbe letta, anche per l’amore ovviamente, ma non è così scontato trovare libri del genere rosa in cui questo valore viene così ben scritto.
La protagonista di questo libro è Janette la responsabile del centro estetico che si trova presso l’Oasi del benessere, di proprietà delle tre magnolie. La sua indole è quella di pessimista di natura, costantemente ansiosa ed evita di festeggiare il Natale come la peste. Ha trovato una tranquillità nell’essere single dopo aver collezionato una serie di disastrose relazioni.
Tom amministratore municipale di Serendipity, pensa che programmare il Natale a settembre sia esagerato e sprecare soldi per addobbare la cittadina con addobbi natalizi, sia un inutile spreco di soldi. Futuro erede della sua potente famiglia, segue le direttive del padre per prenderne le redini, non è abituato ai rifiuti, sopratutto quelli femminili e glki piace avere le situazioni sotto controllo.
Il causale incontro fuori dal centro benessere, attirerà l’attenzione di Tom verso Janette, nonostante lei si sia comportata con modi sgarbati.
Quando si troveranno coinvolti nel comitato dell’organizzazione del Natale per Serendipity, dimostreranno che le calde atmosfere e la magia del Natale non li toccherà quanto gli altri. I battibecchi e le posizioni valicheranno il confine che divide l’odio dall’amore e a quel punto cè chi cercherà di proteggere il proprio cuore e chi invece crederà che sia solo una storia e niente più. Fra di loro si crea un’alchimia sognante e per i lettori più romantici è un piacere leggere del loro crescente rapporto, scontato ma non banale.
Riconfermo che la scrittura di Sherryl Woods è piacevole da leggere e la sua scorrevolezza permette di non rendersi conto dello sfogliare delle pagine. Gli ambienti vengono esaltati dall’atmosfera natalizia che, in questo libro, è davvero un punto essenziale per rendere ancora più romantica la storia d’amore che racconta. I personaggi mi sono piaciuti tutti e siccome questo è il secondo libri che leggo, alcuni ormai li ho riconosciuti senza nessuna fatica.
Potrebbe far storcere il naso il leggere un libro ambientato a Natale nel mese di maggio ma, per chi come me ama il Natale, è una coccola che non può mancare. Concludo aggiungendo un ultimo pensiero: il valore dell’amicizia è esposto in maniera sincera, unica e credibile, valorizzando appieno la forza delle donne e il potere del legame che le unisce. Solo per questo motivo questa serie andrebbe letta, anche per l’amore ovviamente, ma non è così scontato trovare libri del genere rosa in cui questo valore viene così ben scritto.
June 13, 2025
Welcome To Serenity by Sherryl Woods (2008)
Sweet Magnolias #4
[aka Alexandra Kirk and Suzanne Sherrill]
395-page Paperback story pages 9-380
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Christmas
Featuring: Praise, Series Bibliography, Letter From Author, One Year Later, Fictional Small-Town - Serenity, South Carolina; Day Spa Gym, Restaurant, Life-Long Friendships, Spa Gym, Christmas Festival, Christmas Plans, Grinch Trope, September, Matchmaking, Not Looking For A Relationship Trope, Teens, Children, Charleston, South Carolina; Multiple POVs, Gossip, Scandals, Mothers, New To Town, Committee, Margaritas, Sugar, Incredulously,
Sex - Moderate Details, Drama, Food, To Be Continued, Preview of Isn't It Rich?
Rating as a movie: R/NC-17 for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "White Christmas" by LeAnn Rimes, "Silent Night" by Reba McEntire, "Here Comes Santa Claus" by Gene Autry
Books and Authors mentioned: The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌸💆♀️🍹🎄
My thoughts: 📖 Page 23 of 395 Chapter Two - I should have known it would be Magnolia's inductee Jeanette's turn. I wasn't expecting two Grinches. The ages of the little ones are off but I'm going to ignore it.
📖 215 Chapter Fifteen - I was wondering why there wasn't Christmas on the cover, I'm starting to think this isn't a Christmas book it just features a Christmas portion. I'm not saying these storylines are recycled but feel like I'm watching a remix of Dana and Helen's romances.
I'm beginning to see a pattern. This story was less of a Christmas book and more of a Contemporary Romance set during Christmas. Jeanette got on my nerves a bit with her selective hearing.
Recommend to others: This series is a bit repetitive but overall it's good.
Sweet Magnolias
1. Stealing Home (2007)
2. A Slice Of Heaven (2007)
3. Feels Like Family (2007)
4. Welcome To Serenity (2008)
5. Home in Carolina (2010)
6. Sweet Tea at Sunrise (2010)
7. Honeysuckle Summer (2010)
8. Midnight Promises (2012)
9. Catching Fireflies (2012)
The Sweet Magnolias Cookbook (2012)
10. Where Azaleas Bloom (2012)
11. Swan Point (2014)
Sweet Magnolias #4
[aka Alexandra Kirk and Suzanne Sherrill]
395-page Paperback story pages 9-380
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Christmas
Featuring: Praise, Series Bibliography, Letter From Author, One Year Later, Fictional Small-Town - Serenity, South Carolina; Day Spa Gym, Restaurant, Life-Long Friendships, Spa Gym, Christmas Festival, Christmas Plans, Grinch Trope, September, Matchmaking, Not Looking For A Relationship Trope, Teens, Children, Charleston, South Carolina; Multiple POVs, Gossip, Scandals, Mothers, New To Town, Committee, Margaritas, Sugar, Incredulously,
Sex - Moderate Details, Drama, Food, To Be Continued, Preview of Isn't It Rich?
Rating as a movie: R/NC-17 for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "White Christmas" by LeAnn Rimes, "Silent Night" by Reba McEntire, "Here Comes Santa Claus" by Gene Autry
Books and Authors mentioned: The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌸💆♀️🍹🎄
My thoughts: 📖 Page 23 of 395 Chapter Two - I should have known it would be Magnolia's inductee Jeanette's turn. I wasn't expecting two Grinches. The ages of the little ones are off but I'm going to ignore it.
📖 215 Chapter Fifteen - I was wondering why there wasn't Christmas on the cover, I'm starting to think this isn't a Christmas book it just features a Christmas portion. I'm not saying these storylines are recycled but feel like I'm watching a remix of Dana and Helen's romances.
I'm beginning to see a pattern. This story was less of a Christmas book and more of a Contemporary Romance set during Christmas. Jeanette got on my nerves a bit with her selective hearing.
Recommend to others: This series is a bit repetitive but overall it's good.
Sweet Magnolias
1. Stealing Home (2007)
2. A Slice Of Heaven (2007)
3. Feels Like Family (2007)
4. Welcome To Serenity (2008)
5. Home in Carolina (2010)
6. Sweet Tea at Sunrise (2010)
7. Honeysuckle Summer (2010)
8. Midnight Promises (2012)
9. Catching Fireflies (2012)
The Sweet Magnolias Cookbook (2012)
10. Where Azaleas Bloom (2012)
11. Swan Point (2014)
July 31, 2020
Słodkie Magnolie o postaci, która w sumie nie jest Magnolią? Ba! Nie wywodzi się z Serenity? Byłam dosyć sceptycznie nastawiona do tej książki, zwłaszcza, że J. jest postacią, która nie występowała w serialu i jej obecność przyjęłam z wielkim zdziwieniem. No ale sprawdźmy, jak wyszło!
Pomijając Maddie, która skradła moje serducho już w serialu i jest moją ulubioną Magnolią, Jeanette równie szybko zyskała moją miłość. W pierwszym tomie byłam pod wrażeniem jej postaci i tego, jak wielki wpływ miała na Spa za Rogiem, ale musiałam czekać aż trzy kolejne tomy, aby i ona dostała szansę na swoją historię. Szczerze? To chyba mój drugi ulubiony tom! Jest też trochę inny, bo nie skupia się całkowicie na jednej osobie, jak poprzednie, dzieje się tu trochę więcej, co jest zaskakujące, bo taka forma przypadła mi do gustu chyba o wiele bardziej.
Podczas czytania wkradł się poważny babol, który tak mnie zadziwił, że aż trzy raz zmieniałam strony, aby się upewnić! Były mąż Maddie nagle zmienił się z Billa w Richarda! Zazwyczaj nie zwracam uwagi na błędy w książkach, mam ogromny talent do ich ignorowania, ale to aż zabolało. Swoją drogą uświadomiłam sobie, że po pierwszym tomie jego obecność... No cóż, nie ma go po prostu, żadna z przyjaciółek go nie wspomina, nie pojawia się, a jakby nie patrzeć jest ojcem dzieci jednej z nich i był w miasteczku pediatrą. Czemu nagle kompletnie zniknął? Któż to wie, ale jak dla mnie takie istotne postacie nie powinny nagle całkowicie znikać z książek :O.
Zastanawia mnie też kwestia tych podwójnych imion! Dana Sue, Mary Vaughn, Jessica Lee (chyba), skąd to się bierze? To jakaś moda w Kaliforni albo w romansach? Bo ja tego totalnie nie czaję i nie sprawia to wrażenia super potrzebnego. Trochę jakby rodzice nie moli się zdecydować na to, jak właściwie nazwać swoje dziecko...
Ta część jest mi dodatkowo bliższa, gdyż Jeanette bardzo przypomina momentami mnie. Ja też się zastanawiam pięć razy, zanim coś zrobię i właściwie nigdy nie idę an żywioł. Plus nie znoszę świąt bożego narodzenia, choć z zupełnie innych powodów niż ona. Zawsze jednak byłam pod wrażeniem klimatu takich małych miasteczek i bardzo chętnie bym jakieś odwiedziła, żeby poczuć to na własnej skórze!
Po tych czterech tomach jestem mega ciekawa, jak potoczą się dalsze losy Magnolii i przede wszystkim, o czym są te książki! Jakie nowe postacie się pojawią? Może nowe miasta! Jejku. Ja jestem totalnie oczarowana, a co najśmieszniejsze zawsze powtarzam, że nie lubię takich książek, ale najwyraźniej jakaś romantyczna część mojej duszy bardzo ich potrzebuje.
Pomijając Maddie, która skradła moje serducho już w serialu i jest moją ulubioną Magnolią, Jeanette równie szybko zyskała moją miłość. W pierwszym tomie byłam pod wrażeniem jej postaci i tego, jak wielki wpływ miała na Spa za Rogiem, ale musiałam czekać aż trzy kolejne tomy, aby i ona dostała szansę na swoją historię. Szczerze? To chyba mój drugi ulubiony tom! Jest też trochę inny, bo nie skupia się całkowicie na jednej osobie, jak poprzednie, dzieje się tu trochę więcej, co jest zaskakujące, bo taka forma przypadła mi do gustu chyba o wiele bardziej.
Podczas czytania wkradł się poważny babol, który tak mnie zadziwił, że aż trzy raz zmieniałam strony, aby się upewnić! Były mąż Maddie nagle zmienił się z Billa w Richarda! Zazwyczaj nie zwracam uwagi na błędy w książkach, mam ogromny talent do ich ignorowania, ale to aż zabolało. Swoją drogą uświadomiłam sobie, że po pierwszym tomie jego obecność... No cóż, nie ma go po prostu, żadna z przyjaciółek go nie wspomina, nie pojawia się, a jakby nie patrzeć jest ojcem dzieci jednej z nich i był w miasteczku pediatrą. Czemu nagle kompletnie zniknął? Któż to wie, ale jak dla mnie takie istotne postacie nie powinny nagle całkowicie znikać z książek :O.
Zastanawia mnie też kwestia tych podwójnych imion! Dana Sue, Mary Vaughn, Jessica Lee (chyba), skąd to się bierze? To jakaś moda w Kaliforni albo w romansach? Bo ja tego totalnie nie czaję i nie sprawia to wrażenia super potrzebnego. Trochę jakby rodzice nie moli się zdecydować na to, jak właściwie nazwać swoje dziecko...
Ta część jest mi dodatkowo bliższa, gdyż Jeanette bardzo przypomina momentami mnie. Ja też się zastanawiam pięć razy, zanim coś zrobię i właściwie nigdy nie idę an żywioł. Plus nie znoszę świąt bożego narodzenia, choć z zupełnie innych powodów niż ona. Zawsze jednak byłam pod wrażeniem klimatu takich małych miasteczek i bardzo chętnie bym jakieś odwiedziła, żeby poczuć to na własnej skórze!
Po tych czterech tomach jestem mega ciekawa, jak potoczą się dalsze losy Magnolii i przede wszystkim, o czym są te książki! Jakie nowe postacie się pojawią? Może nowe miasta! Jejku. Ja jestem totalnie oczarowana, a co najśmieszniejsze zawsze powtarzam, że nie lubię takich książek, ale najwyraźniej jakaś romantyczna część mojej duszy bardzo ich potrzebuje.
March 26, 2019
Another good addition to the Sweet Magnolia series. I didn't enjoy it as much as some of the previous books but I do like how the author managed to keep all those characters present in the story. Sometimes when you read a series like this you get invested in the characters and its nice to know how their lives are progressing and if they get to keep there happy ever afters.
Serenity sounds like an amazing place to live and I would definitely be joining that Spa. This book focuses on the Spa manager Jeanette, a fairly new resident to the area, who takes a shine to the new Town Manager Tom McDonald. Having had a troubled start in life and disastrous relationships Jeanette is happy to stay single for the duration but there is something about Tom what reels her in.
These books have a certain Southern charm which translates through to its characters. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. I read the first three books in an audio format which I enjoyed more than reading it, I think again it is the warm Southern accents that come through. Luckily I have the next book on MP3.
Serenity sounds like an amazing place to live and I would definitely be joining that Spa. This book focuses on the Spa manager Jeanette, a fairly new resident to the area, who takes a shine to the new Town Manager Tom McDonald. Having had a troubled start in life and disastrous relationships Jeanette is happy to stay single for the duration but there is something about Tom what reels her in.
These books have a certain Southern charm which translates through to its characters. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. I read the first three books in an audio format which I enjoyed more than reading it, I think again it is the warm Southern accents that come through. Luckily I have the next book on MP3.
December 5, 2020
Another good book in the Sweet Magnolia series. It is very different from the television adaptation, but both are good in their own way. This book deals with friendships, family challenges and overcoming difficulties, just as all the books in the series do. It focuses mostly on Jeanette's character. It can be read as a stand-alone but is better with the knowledge of the other characters and background information if the books are read in order. Part of this one is set at Christmas, so it was perfect for a December read. 4.25/5 stars.
August 28, 2022
This fourth book in the Sweet Magnolias series was primarily about Jeanette, who helps manage The Corner Spa which is owned by Maddie, Helen and Dana Sue and introduces a new love interest for Jeanette. Tom McDonald has moved to Serenity to assume the position of City Manager and sparks fly at their first meeting. Both have issues from their past having to do with parents who are either unwilling to acknowledge them or too overbearing to let them lead their own lives. Things wrap up nicely by the end of the book.
October 15, 2024
This was a good, middle of the road read.
In all fairness, this book was far superior (and less problematic) than the last two books that I've read in this series. It was an enjoyable enough read but nothing really unexpected or that you wouldn't be able to predict.
I will see this series through to the end (I think) but with all the books out there in the world, this isn't really a series that I would recommend.
In all fairness, this book was far superior (and less problematic) than the last two books that I've read in this series. It was an enjoyable enough read but nothing really unexpected or that you wouldn't be able to predict.
I will see this series through to the end (I think) but with all the books out there in the world, this isn't really a series that I would recommend.
January 6, 2022
Sigh. Dropping back into a series after quite a long while and never feeling as if you've left is just the kind of comfort and feel good I'd expect in such a quaint city. With this being book four, some storylines continue, others are new and time has passed as if the time I've taken to return to Serenity, South Carolina is in real time.
June 19, 2020
4th book in series -I Love how each book shares details of past relationships that where in previous books.
It also starts sharing some details that lead in too the next keeps you wanting to read the next one.
It also starts sharing some details that lead in too the next keeps you wanting to read the next one.
February 16, 2024
I found myself reading this book between books. It was a tough read but I was committed to finishing it. I love the show Sweet Magnolias and their first two books of the series I really enjoyed. However, I had a difficult time getting through this one!!
March 23, 2025
A sweet, feel-good read with charming small-town vibes and strong friendships. The romance was heartwarming, and the characters were easy to love. Predictable but comforting—perfect for when you need something light and cozy.
February 5, 2021
Liking this cute small town
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2021
This was about to be my favorite book in the series!! Then there was a conflict that was brought up and resolved in like two sentences! It makes me sad ugghhggg
September 13, 2021
Sweet addition to the series. The characters are relatable and I am enjoying reading more installments. Every book, we get to revisit our old couples and learn more about these wonderful characters.
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