Review ~*~ Home in Carolina by Sherryl Woods

Mass Market Paperback: 375 pages
Publisher: Mira; Original edition (March 30, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778327566
ISBN-13: 978-0778327561

Home in Carolina is the first in a trilogy of the Second Generation of Sweet Magnolias. It is based on Annie Sullivan (daughter to Dana Sue and Ronnie Sullivan) and Ty Townsend (son to Maddie and Bill Townsend). Their characters were first introduced in Dana Sue's Sweet Magnolia novel A Slice of Heaven (Mira 2007). Ty, was the only one that could get through to Annie. She was suffering from anorexia and Ty was able to get her to eat and see herself in a better light.

Now, its years later. Annie is 23 and back in Serenity working at the Salon as Physical Therapist and Physical trainer. Ty, is back in Serenity as well because he has injured his shoulder and needs to heal so he can return to pitching for the Braves. Eventually, Annie, forgives Ty enough to help him as his PT. Ty has betrayed Annie in the worst way and has a child that is a constant reminder to Annie of the betrayal. The whole town is on Annie's side so Ty has a great deal of groveling to do. He has to be very creative because Annie is very stubborn.

All the great characters are back in Home in Carolina. Lots of problems ensue and once again they all gather together to help each other out. Ty is praying for a miracle to get Annie back. Annie is the only one he has ever loved and wants her back. But Annie has a lot to forgive. This was a sweet story of love and rekindling love that was destroyed by betrayal. I was a bit envious of the love that Ty and Annie shared. They had been friends since birth and high school and college sweethearts. That is a long time and a lot to give up.

I give this installment 5 out of 5 babies because it has everything that I love about romance novels- great characters, problems, tension and happy endings. I also liked getting introduced to Annie's friends Sarah and Raylene who are the subjects of the next two Sweet Magnolia novels in the trilogy. This novel could be read alone but is so much better if you read the first 4 novels (Stealing Home, A Slice of Heaven, Feels like Family and Welcome to Serentiy). The Sweet Magnolias along with their spouses and children are exactly what family and friends should be!