Midnight Promises. Sherryl Woods
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New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Sherryl Woods draws you into the emotional journey of a marriage worth saving
When Elliott Cruz first courted struggling single mom Karen Ames, it was a romance worthy of any Sweet Magnolia fantasy. The sexy personal trainer made it his mission to restore Karen’s strength—physical and emotional—and to charm her children.
Now, a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear them apart. Elliott’s desire to finance the business opportunity of a lifetime with their hard-earned “baby money” stirs Karen’s deep-rooted financial insecurities. It’s the discovery that their brother-in-law is cheating on Elliott’s sister—and thinks it’s justified—that puts their irreconcilable differences into perspective. Will their own loving fidelity be a bond so strong they can triumph against all odds?
Praise for the novels of Sherryl Woods
“Sherryl Woods writes emotionally satisfying novels about family, friendship and home. Truly feel-great reads!”
—#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber
“Woods…is noted for appealing, character-driven stories that are often infused with the flavor and fragrance of the South.”
—Library Journal
“Woods always thrills with her wonderful characters,
witty dialogue and warm and loving family interactions.”
—RT Book Reviews on An O’Brien Family Christmas
“Once again, Woods, with such authenticity,
weaves a tale of true love and the challenges
that can knock up against that love.”
—RT Book Reviews on Beach Lane
“Infused with the warmth and magic of the season, Woods’s fourth addition to her popular, small-town series once again unites the unruly, outspoken, endearing O’Brien clan in a touching, triumphant tale of forgiveness and love reclaimed.”
—Library Journal on A Chesapeake Shores Christmas
“A whimsical, sweet scenario…
the digressions have their own charm, and
Woods never fails to come back to the romantic point.”
—Publishers Weekly on Sweet Tea at Sunrise
“Woods’ readers will eagerly anticipate
her trademark small-town setting, loyal friendships and honorable mentors as they meet new characters and reconnect with familiar ones in this heartwarming tale.”
—Booklist on Home in Carolina
“Woods is a master heartstring puller, and her
endearingly flawed characters deal with their plethora of problems in a predictable but satisfying manner.”
—Publishers Weekly on Seaview Inn
Midnight Promises
Sherryl Woods
Dear Friends,
From the moment I first wrote about struggling single mom Karen Ames in Feels Like Family, a book in the original Sweet Magnolias trilogy, readers wanted to know much, much more about her and her romance with sexy, caring personal trainer Elliott Cruz. Since they were on their way to the altar by the end of that book, I thought the story was over.
Recently, though, it seemed to me that romance and conflict don’t always end when marriage vows are spoken. And when Elliott’s dreams for their family collide with Karen’s past struggles, well, there’s a whole new story to be told. You’ll find that story right here in Midnight Promises as this couple faces the same questions that so many married couples face. Maybe the answers and compromises they find will be solutions for some of you, too.
You’ll also get to spend some time with what I like to think of as the “Senior Magnolias”—three vibrant, lively older women who create their share of laughter and poignant moments during this book and the two yet to come this summer.
I hope you’ll enjoy being back in the world of the Sweet Magnolias. As always, I’d love to know what you think. You can email me at [email protected] or become a fan on Facebook and join in the conversation there.
All best,
Sherryl
Contents
Prologue
The bride wore a cocktail-length, off-the-shoulder gown in shimmering off-white satin and an antique lace mantilla—a family heirloom—reluctantly provided by her soon-to-be mother-in-law.
At the front of the small Roman Catholic church in Serenity stood the man who’d changed Karen Ames’s mind about