Honeysuckle Summer

Honeysuckle Summer
Sherryl Woods

Her devastating marriage behind her, Raylene Hammond is truly thankful for her best friends, the Sweet Magnolias. They've taken her in, shielding her from the world. Then she meets sheriff's deputy Carter Rollins, and suddenly Raylene's haven no longer feels quite so safe.Carter understands why Raylene is trapped inside. He's even taken to bringing the outside world to her. But with two kid sisters to raise, just how much time can he devote to this woman who's stolen his heart?Raylene knows Carter is a man worth loving, but she may never be strong enough to accept what he's offering. How long can she ask him to wait? Maybe they'll never have more than this one sweet summer.

Praise for the novels of New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author SHERRYL WOODS (#ulink_a8b4c9b3-756a-5d2e-ac11-7b4eb5dd31dc)

“Sherryl Woods writes emotionally satisfying novels about family, friendship and home. Truly feel-great reads!”

—#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

“Deeply emotional, the third Chesapeake Shores book is quite absorbing. The characters have real chemistry—as well as a way with one-liners.”

—RT Book Reviews on Harbor Lights

“Sparks fly in a lively tale that is overflowing with family conflict and warmth and the possibility of rekindled love.”

—Library Journal on Flowers on Main

“Launching the Chesapeake Shores series, Woods creates an engrossing…family drama.”

—Publishers Weekly on The Inn at Eagle Point

“A lively, upbeat story that sparkles with holiday fun and tugs at the heartstrings.”

—Library Journal on Welcome to Serenity

“Compulsively readable…a universal tale of friendship’s redemptive power.”

—Publishers Weekly on Mending Fences

“Redolent with Southern small-town atmosphere, this emotionally rich story deals with some serious issues and delivers on a number of levels.”

—Library Journal on A Slice of Heaven

“Sweetly satisfying, clever characters and snappy, realistic dialogue…a delightful read.”

—Publishers Weekly on About That Man

Honeysuckle Summer

Sherryl Woods

www.mirabooks.co.uk (http://www.mirabooks.co.uk)

Dear Friends (#u09e8b818-9fd9-541b-9190-eba33779cfbe),

Setting out to write a book with an agoraphobic heroine was probably pure insanity. And yet those of you who have been keeping up with the Sweet Magnolias know that nothing is impossible when it comes to these incomparable women. Raylene Hammond simply had to have her own story.

For a victim of domestic violence, any future can be filled with uncertainty and fear, but for Raylene the fear is so overwhelming that she’s retreated to the home she shares with her friend Sarah and simply hasn’t left. Add in the threat that her ex-husband could once again come after her when he’s released from prison, and there’s a very real chance that she will never conquer those fears.

It would take an amazing man to walk into such a situation and put his heart on the line. Carter Rollins is such a man. Though they get off to a terrible beginning, he quickly becomes Raylene’s staunchest supporter. He’s kind, patient and, most of all, determined. He offers her hope for a brighter future than she’d imagined possible.

I hope you’ll enjoy this final story about the Sweet Magnolias. I wish each of you loyal and lasting friendships to get you through the tough times and to fill your lives with laughter…and maybe the occasional margarita!

All best,

Contents

Cover (#ubeb3a959-ccd2-5d2f-a340-3690a4d5babc)

Praise (#ud1986dc5-20a8-5d5f-a2c2-f775e653e66e)

Title Page (#u7115722c-60f3-5914-862a-e12eb3f5f36e)

Letter to Reader (#u700ee2a6-ae99-55da-b6e7-223f594be5ec)

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17