Title: A Slice of Heaven
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: The Sweet Magnolias #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 27th – 28th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: “Call him,” Maddie urged.

Return to the world of the Sweet Magnolias, where friends are closer than family, and fun and scandal are always part of the mix. Now a Netflix original series!

Ever since she discovered her ex-husband’s affair, Dana Sue Sullivan decided to put down new roots and create the best restaurant in Serenity, South Carolina. After years of hard labor, her dream has become a reality. Sullivan’s provides more than just Southern comfort food – it’s become a haven for the whole town – and Dana Sue knows better than anyone that relying on friendship can get you through the toughest times.

But when her teenage daughter, Annie, develops an eating disorder that lands her in hospital, Dana Sue’s perfect life comes crumbling down. On top of it all, her own health starts to deteriorate. Dana Sue knows she needs to change habits now to help them both get better – even if that means letting Ronnie Sullivan back into their lives.

And who knows, his return might end up being a recipe for a new beginning…

Oh. I just absolutely adore Dana Sue. Not only from the first Sweet Magnolias book, Stealing Home, but also from the TV show. There is this great feeling of strength and independence to her that I just fell completely in love with. Partnered with the fact that she’s a chef and I love food… it worked perfectly in my happy little brain. Then there’s Annie… she’s got such amazing spunk for a teenage character.

This novel deals with some very serious issues surrounding body image, women and food. Not only in Annie’s anorexia (which is hinted at at the end of Stealing Home). But also in the ways in which Dana Sue requires food for comfort. And the fact that she is at risk for diabetes. Both issues with food and body image, but both at different ends of the scale. Partner that with the usage of the gym and the deal which the Sweet Magnolias make… I loved how Woods was able to focus on such big issues that are frequently around in our daily lives.

One of the major themes I’m picking up so far in this series is the whole idea of cheating – first it’s Maddie’s husband and then it’s Dana Sue’s. In this story, cheating is eventually forgiven, or at least moved on from. I don’t think that it’s something that I could ever do. Yet, it shows this admirable love and commitment. And a great reminder that we all make mistakes in relationships, so there always needs to be some level of forgiveness…

Not only was this novel a great romance. One that I absolutely adored. It was also a great way to highlight some of the physical, and body image issues that many women face. As someone who is currently on her own health kick, it was nice to read about other women having the exact same issues. Definitely one of those books that I’m going to read again and again and again.

<- Stealing Home

Feels Like Family ->

Image source: Booktopia