Yahoo Lifestyle PSA: You Should Read the 'Sweet Magnolias' Books Before Season 4
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Ever since Sweet Magnolias first premiered on Netflix in 2020, viewers were invested in the lives of Maddie Townsend (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), Dana Sue Sullivan (Brooke Elliott) and Helen Decatur (Heather Headley). What's more, they fell in love with the small town of Serenity and the eclectic group of residents who interact with the three best friends on a daily basis. And with season 4 airing on February 6, fans get to return to Serenity and watch the characters enter a new chapter in their lives.
But here's the thing:Serenity doesn't start or end with Maddie, Helen and Dana Sue. While the Netflix show loves to focus on the trio's friendship, there are plenty more stories occurring in this Southern town. In fact, Sweet Magnolias is actually based on the novels in author Sherryl Woods's popular book series of the same name. With eleven titles in the series, there's plenty of Serenity to go around... and new love stories to dive into in between seasons of the show.
So, grab a margarita if you like, and work your way down this list to read all of the Sweet Magnolias books in order.
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'Stealing Home'
Here's where it all begins: The first book in the series lays the groundwork for what's ahead in Serenity. Following her sudden divorce, Maddie restarts her life and finally pursues her business dreams with Dana Sue and Helen.
'A Slice of Heaven'
Now, experience Serenity from Dana Sue's perspective. After making her mark as a restaurant owner, she is thrown a major curve ball. Her daughter, Annie, develops an eating disorder, which forces Dana Sue to come to terms with the life she's building.
'Feels Like Family'
And then there were three. The third book in the series gives an in-depth look at everything — and everyone — that has led Helen to where she is today. Although she's fiercely independent and driven, Helen questions her life choices — especially since she doesn't have the family or relationship she always thought she would.
'Welcome to Serenity'
Here's where things get interesting for Sweet Magnolias fans: Here, we're introduced to Jeanette Brioche, who helped the other three women with The Corner Spa. But while working toward her future, she's forced to examine her past when a good-looking town manager comes along.
'Home in Carolina'
When Dana Sue's daughter Annie returns home to Serenity, she's reminded of the life she could've had with Ty, her first love. And while Ty admits his past mistakes with Annie, it's up to him to fight for her and the family he wants so desperately.
'Sweet Tea at Sunrise'
Enter the newest generation of Sweet Magnolias: Sarah Price, along with her two best friends, comes to Serenity for a fresh start. Not too long after her arrival, she must decide whether or not she'll let her failed relationships change her outlook on love, or if she's ready to dive into a new relationship with Travis McDonald.
'Honeysuckle Summer'
Like Sarah, Raylene Hammond relies on her Sweet Magnolias to help her put her heartbreak behind her. Even though they try to protect her heart, Raylene's budding romance with the town's sheriff deputy makes her question if she's really ready to move on — or if she's better off on her own.
'Midnight Promises'
At first, Elliott and Karen had a storybook romance. As they start pursuing their own dreams and learn about a friend's infidelity, the couple wonders if their relationship is strong enough to survive the ups and downs of life.
'Catching Fireflies'
When word gets around that there's a bully threatening a young boy's life, teacher Laura Reed and pediatrician J.C. Fullerton team up to to help make Serenity a safer place for all teenagers. Along the way, of course, sparks fly between the two singles.
'Where Azaleas Bloom'
Lynn Morrow's ex-husband is continuing to test her patience, but she can't get distracted from the task at hand: taking care of her son and daughter. Despite being occupied by her own reality, widower Mitch Franklin re-enters the picture in hopes to win her over.
'Swan Point'
Adelia Hernandez's divorce ignited a fire within her: Soon after she made the move to Serenity, she landed a job at the town's hottest boutique and figured out life as a single mom. Just as she's starting to own her newfound independence, she meets troublemaker-turned-heartthrob Gabe Franklin, who is determined to bring love back into her life.
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