Sweet Magnolias Series, Book 1: Stealing Home

Chris: I primarily bought this for my mom since she loves the Netflix series, but I figured I'd read it first. I'm not part of the suburban woman demographic Stealing Home is clearly intended for, but it's a lightheartedly charming read, if predictable, with or without having seen the show. Although maybe not at first, Helen and Dana Sue as secondary characters feel like real people. The teenage boys might feel a bit typical in their dialogue, but it's not bad. Probably my only real qualm is that issues become a bit repetitive/circular; at first it's Helen and Dana Sue being pests about the spa, and then it's the constant fretting over the societal pressures put on Maddie and Cal's relationship. They felt like cheap attempts to add drama, because there's no real sense that things won't resolve favorably for the protagonist.

Overall, it's just okay. It's good enough that I'm willing to proceed with it as a Christmas gift, but I'm not intrigued enough to want to continue the series, personally.

United States on Nov 24, 2023

Kat: I love the developing romance between the mom and her son's
baseball coach even though they are both fighting it because
she is getting divorced, trying to help her oldest son with his
anger issues and feelings towards his dad. among other things
(The dad is a piece of work and he doesn't seem to know what he
wants (or thinks he knows what he wants). The kids are having their
times with their parents' divorce too. Must read.

United States on Nov 23, 2023

catherine wood: I was invested in the sweet magnolias show on Netflix from the start, however initially I did not realise it was taken from a book let alone know there was 11 books already.

The book really made you think and picture Serenity perfectly. I have always loved Southern stories and being from the uk we don’t really have places with the small town feeling and Serenity is pictured in the book as a place I could live.

Definitely on to book 2. Sherryl Woods thank you for this story.

United Kingdom on Oct 18, 2023

kayla burris: The series on TV was fantastic and the book did not disappoint. There are differences but the story line is great
Can not wait to read the rest

United States on Sep 15, 2023

Anz: Like many I started reading after watching the first season on Netflix.

The books are fairly different from the show, less preachy in the dialogue but more so in deeds. If you are a fan of the series, no real reason not to read, but beware of differences.

As the first book in a series, it's solid and does a good job of establishing the characters and their environment. If you don't like gossipy small towns with overdrawn "baddies" and backwards opinions about "morals", steer clear.

If you like simple reading, strong friendships and good romance buckle up for the 11 books in the series.
It's probably best to read them in order as the characters weave in and out of each others stories. The bare bones of the plot is often similar but different issues are fleshed out in each book. All in all a great series.

United Kingdom on Aug 10, 2023

K: This book was a delightful easy read, akin to watching a hallmark movie.

United States on Aug 07, 2023

Amazon Customer: This is an awesome story line, this book was so good I read it in 1 day!!!!
A must read

United States on Jul 26, 2023

iman: I'm here after watching the series on Netflix! It's a great show and the books didn't disappoint either. It was a really light and heartwarming read.

Japan on Jun 28, 2023

Kindle Customer: Brilliant. As good as the Netflix series. Will be buying the second book.
Liked the whole story about the illicit affairs and Maddie moving on and finding a new love.

United Kingdom on Jun 04, 2023

Rani: 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...

United Kingdom on Apr 11, 2019