I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Five stars for Susan Schild’s latest story, SWEET SOUTHERN HEARTS, the final installment in her Willow Hill Series. This is an utterly charming read, and so enjoyable because of the detailed, abundant descriptions that draw the reader right along into the scenes. I felt like I was right there with Linny as she visited friends and family and there is a cozy, friendliness in Schild’s writing that is inclusive and real.

The story picks up with Linny and Jack who are on their honeymoon, when they are interrupted by a call from his ex-wife, Vera, who in her, “little-girl voice and perfect white-blond loveliness,” reminds Linny of a “sweet pink confection,” and is anything but. And from there, a myriad of entertaining events unfold, involving not only the ex-wife Vera, but Linny’s mother, and passel of friends, Linny’s sister Kate, as well as Linny’s best friends, Mary Catherine, and Chanel. As a reader, you feel like you’re part of it all, as Schild weaves colorful prose, and creates characters who are all people you “know.” Schild also establishes a rich sense of place, leaving readers with the impression of a true to life view of the fictitious world she’s created.

The story is full of action and at times, I felt as overwhelmed as Linny as she pitched in like a champ, helping sort out problems for her sister, for her stepson Neal, for her husband Jack, and just about everyone – which is what we do for families and friends.
Schild’s wonderful talent for capturing the emotional pulls and tugs that come with a life filled with new, yet age old challenges will draw many a chuckle out of you because of Linny’s witty and often times hilarious internal dialogue, but there is an undertone of seriousness here too, as Linny comes to terms with not only the implications of choices made by those around her, but especially towards the end when a little surprise is left from her ex-husband, good old Buck.

I recommend this story, and the series overall – if you haven’t read the books yet – to all readers who love Jan Karon, or Mary Kay Andrews.
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Sweet Southern hearts is the third book in the Willow Hill series, and it can also be read as a stand-alone. At first I find the book to be very boring. It is all character introduction for the first five chapters. There are at least fifteen names mentioned within the first chapter (14 pages) alone, and there are four more chapters of introduction. To the other readers who have read the first two books in the series might have found it refreshing, but to a reader that is starting from this book is a little overwhelming learning all these names all at once in the beginning. Also, the author did not have to give a name to everyone, like the characters with no further development in this book.

After all the introduction and recap, the book becomes a page turner. It starts off with Linny travelling to Tennessee with her mother and her friends in a RV. After she gets home, life changing events are happening one after one. I like how the situations are handled. This book makes me appreciate my friends and family even more. At last, I have to say the cutest thing about this book is the southern charm.

3.5 out of 5 stars
Received a free copy from BookSparks Winter Reading Challenge in exchange for an honest review. ( )

If you are looking for an enjoyable series to read—one that touches your heart and that you can get lost in—then check out the Willow Hill Novels by Susan Schild. Sweet Southern Hearts is the 3rd book about Linny, her family, and her friends. I loved reading all three. In this book Linny and her husband Jack, the town’s veterinarian, are trying to settle into their new marriage when trouble comes knocking and threatens to wipe out their fragile beginning. Linny is self employed and has her hands full as a 1st time step-mom to Jack’s 12 year old son, and she is also dealing with Jack’s spoiled princess of an ex-wife. Linny’s mom is another source of concern when she and her two feisty girl friends decide to explore the USA in a big RV, something none of them has done before. Around the corner, are more adventures, challenges, and decisions to be experienced than Linny can cope with, but she’s learning how to handle everything life throws at her.
There are lots of things in this series that people can relate to; I know I did as it brought back memories of my own childhood in a combined family. I laughed, cried, and rejoiced with Linny as she searched for balance by letting some things go and holding on to what’s important. I recommend this series to all families, newlyweds, widows, and anyone embarking on a new chapter in their life. I’m giving 5 stars to Sweet Southern Hearts because it’s just plain fun to read. ( )

This delightful book is the third book in the Willow Hill series about Linny and her search for happiness. After being widowed twice, Linny is hoping that her third marriage to Jack will be her happily ever after despite all of the obstacles in their way. Jack has a teenage boy who runs hot and cold with Linny, an ex wife who feels the need to talk to him daily, a new consulting company just starting up, a mother who is getting ready to go on a big trip with her friends and a sister with a new baby. With all of this going on, how is she ever going to find time to spend with her new husband?

As the book begins, Linny and Jack are on their honeymoon on a white water rafting trip. Linny is a people pleaser and even though she would like to be anywhere else, she takes the rafting trip to make Jack happy. They have to cut their honeymoon short because Jack's son is upset and needs them home. So begins the story of Jack and Linny's first year of marriage. The main problem that Linny needs to overcome is whether she can learn to speak her mind and put herself and her marriage first. Will she find her happily ever after with Jack?

This is a great series of books and I have enjoyed getting to know the characters - a lot of them are like people that I know. My favorite characters in this book are Linny's mom and her friends and I laughed out loud about some of their experiences on their cross country camping trip. This is a fun series and I highly recommend it.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ( )

Obstacles, road blocks, family & friends all should be in the past since the wedding has taken place and now it’s time for their honeymoon. Linny and Jack have finally got their happily ever after or at least it was supposed to be that way. The wedding was behind them it was honeymoon time. That was until a phone call. After the phone call things for the honeymooning couple takes on a character of fun, excitement, and entertainment. Through it all you had to feel with and for Linny. She was the champ of this one. She stood by everyone that needed her for something or another.

This was one sweet southern American romance with the fact that family really did exists. Susan Schild put her spin a happily ever after for a woman that has had her share of upset, heartbreak, life changing events. With the help and support of the very family and friends that were there for their dating, proposal, wedding planning, and the wedding gives the final installment rich character, enchanting scenes, and a bit of extra southern flavor. Family and friends are an American Southern staple. This read gives you that and more. ( )