Swan Point Sherryl Woods

Swan Point
Sherryl Woods
Published: Harlequin MIRA
Date: 29th July 2014
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 368
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Determined to build a new life for her family after her divorce, Adelia Hernandez has bought a home in the historic Swan Point neighborhood of Serenity. Promoted to manager of Main Street's most fashionable boutique, she feels revitalized and ready for a fresh start as a single mom. But barely into this new independent phase, she crosses paths with the sexiest man to hit Serenity in years.

Gabe Franklin, back in town to make amends for past mistakes, has no intention of settling down, but Adelia's proving irresistible. Cheered on by their friends, "the Sweet Magnolias," Gabe is bringing long-absent passion and laughter into Adelia's life. To his surprise—and hers—sometimes a rolling stone is just what it takes to build the rock-solid foundation of a family.

Swan Point is # 11 in Sherryl Woods Sweet Magnolias series.  It is set in the vicinity of Serenity, where a band of strong, caring women live and work - the Sweet Magnolias.  Each of these women have had their own challenges and come through on the other side.  They are willing to extend a hand of friendship and support to others in a time of need.  

I really enjoyed this book, I liked Adelia, a woman who was facing the challenge of bringing up her four children, after her husband has been unfaithful to her.  She's had to face the disapproval of family members who think marriage should last, whatever the circumstance.  Her children are pretty normal, and I liked the part Tomas and Serena played in the book.  I am never adverse to having children play the role of a cute or a strong character in my reading.

Gabe has returned to the area after some time away, he grew up in this neighborhood and has been the victim of scorn and derision, because of his mother, who had numerous lovers.  There is no easier way to wound a boy, that to taunt him about his mother.  Gabe earns a name as a troublemaker, yet his motive was to stand up for his mother.  At first he finds it a struggle to accept the gossip side of the town.  Go somewhere, do something, kiss someone and the message spreads like wildfire!

Adelia and Gabe begin to develop a good relationship, and Gabe wins the hearts of Adelia's three girls and Tomas.  He brings back 'family' for them, being a father to them in a way their own father never has.  However is this going anywhere?  Adelia's family are on the watch, the Sweet Magnolias are putting in their penny's worth, and Adelia's divorced husband begins to wield his own ways of putting a spanner in the works.  Gabe too is used to spending only a certain time in a place before moving on.  Does he want the responsibility of a ready made family?

This is the kind of small town series that I really enjoy, there is friendship, family, loyalty, support in times of challenges and the fun of everyone working towards the best outcome.