Helpful Score: 3
A nice, relaxing read... does deal with themes of infidelity, custody battles, and anorexia (if you're sensitive to those issues.) The book feels like a visit to see old friends... it could probably stand alone, but you'll get more from it if you've read the others in the Sweet Magnolias series, as it refers to back stories often. I liked that this book & the next 2 will focus on some of the town's younger characters.
I did find myself getting a bit frustrated with Annie's hard-headedness and unforgiveness towards the end, but then the ending was definitely rushed- it just kind of "drops you off" in the middle of nowhere with a quick "I forgive you" to the hero, then a "wait for the next book". (Good thing I've already got the next two!) The book does do a nice job of making you want to read the next two in the series... which are centered around Annie's two childhood friends... the "next generation of Sweet Magnolias".
I did find myself getting a bit frustrated with Annie's hard-headedness and unforgiveness towards the end, but then the ending was definitely rushed- it just kind of "drops you off" in the middle of nowhere with a quick "I forgive you" to the hero, then a "wait for the next book". (Good thing I've already got the next two!) The book does do a nice job of making you want to read the next two in the series... which are centered around Annie's two childhood friends... the "next generation of Sweet Magnolias".
Helpful Score: 1
I am so glad Sherryl decided to continue the series... AWESOME read!!! It has been awhile since I finished book 4 but I remembered in no time the characters, etc.
Helpful Score: 1
Sherryl Woods has brought back her great Sweet Magnolia characters in this first book of the next genertion of friends. A great story about Anne & Ty, two of the characters that I wanted to read more about after the first 4 books. A wonderful summer read!!
Helpful Score: 1
This is only my second full length book by Woods and I was surprised how much this story mirrored "A Slice of Heaven" (where Annie and Ty's relationship began as teenagers). I'm hoping that Woods isn't the type of author who just recycles characters and plotlines.
In comparison to "A Slice of Heaven" this one dealt with infidentality a little better. It didn't have as much melodramatic reactions and was more about communication and discussing fears. The end came too quickly though, kind of slapped on. I would have liked if Woods spent a little more time how Annie and Ty were going to make this work, especially with Ty going back to baseball and groupie temptations. But I guess it might get addressed in Sarah's book.
What I liked consistently about Wood's characters is that they are not perfect. They have the same thoughts, fears, insecurities that make them human although it might not make them popular.
After reading two of Woods books I have to wonder if any of the men in her town of Serenity is faithful or do they have to cheat at least once just to appreciate what they have. And is the message that women are supposed to be forgiving. She does tend to throw a bit in there about God and Christianity which bugs me a bit but she doesn't harp on it.
Overall it was a quick read. I have developed some reservations about this author but I will have to read a few more of her books to see if she is worthwhile as a whole.
In comparison to "A Slice of Heaven" this one dealt with infidentality a little better. It didn't have as much melodramatic reactions and was more about communication and discussing fears. The end came too quickly though, kind of slapped on. I would have liked if Woods spent a little more time how Annie and Ty were going to make this work, especially with Ty going back to baseball and groupie temptations. But I guess it might get addressed in Sarah's book.
What I liked consistently about Wood's characters is that they are not perfect. They have the same thoughts, fears, insecurities that make them human although it might not make them popular.
After reading two of Woods books I have to wonder if any of the men in her town of Serenity is faithful or do they have to cheat at least once just to appreciate what they have. And is the message that women are supposed to be forgiving. She does tend to throw a bit in there about God and Christianity which bugs me a bit but she doesn't harp on it.
Overall it was a quick read. I have developed some reservations about this author but I will have to read a few more of her books to see if she is worthwhile as a whole.
