Sherryl Woods, Waking Up in Charleston

Waking Up in Charleston

Sherryl Woods

Mira, May 2006, $6.99

ISBN: 0778323366

Known throughout the South Carolina Low Country as being benevolent, William "Big Max" cut off his beloved only child Amanda when she eloped with loser Danny O'Leary. Several years later, Danny is dead, and Amanda raises three youngsters while trying to pay off her late husband's massive debt; she and Big Max remain estranged.

Preacher Caleb Webb arranged for a house to be built for Amanda and her children, with supplies contributed from a friend's construction company, labor mostly volunteered by his congregation, and property secretly given by Max (see FLIRTING WITH DISASTER). Caleb loves Amanda, while her children think of him as their father. However, he knows that he deceived her by hiding his close relationship with her dad, and as she learns more of what he concealed, the angrier she gets. Caleb sacrifices his dreams to marry Amanda in order to reconcile the ailing Big Max, an Alzheimer's victim, and Amanda before it is too late for her children to know their grandfather.

This terrific relationship drama stars likable protagonists who allow pride to bias their decisions before learning that is no replacement for the love of family. Amanda is a courageous individual struggling with her feelings for the Preacher who has made life better for her and her children; the kids love him as if he is their father. Max wants so badly to ask his daughter to forgive him, but is unable to swallow the devastation of her possibly rejecting him as he feels he deserves, so he works in secret. Caleb is pulled in two directions as he wants to shout to everyone he loves Amanda, though that is obvious to all, but also wants to reconcile father and daughter. Sherryl Woods provides a deep character driven tale.