Review: Dogwood Hill by Sherryl Woods

Title: Dogwood Hill by Sherryl Woods
Chesapeake Shores Series Book Twelve
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Summary:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods tests the strength of the beloved O’Briens and proves that love and family can always triumph! 

When former pro football quarterback Aidan Mitchell comes to Chesapeake Shores to take a high school coaching job, he’s embraced by the town—especially the O’Briens. But Aidan has a secret that could alter all their lives.

For wounded Liz March, who’s trying for a fresh start after a devastating betrayal, taking a chance on Aidan may be more than she can handle. Her heart, however, refuses to listen to her head. But just when forever seems within reach, Aidan’s secret threatens to change everything.

Does this tempting stranger who’s made her feel alive have the power to convince her to look beyond the past and reach for the future?

The Review:

Dogwood Hill by Sherryl Woods is the newest installment in the delightful Chesapeake Shores series which features the extensive O’Brien clan. Like the other books in the series, it is another heartfelt and endearing novel of love and healing for newcomers Aidan Mitchell and Liz March. Once again, the O’Brien family is on hand to offer friendship and support to both Aidan and Liz as they embark on a new relationship.

Needing a fresh start after her husband’s death, Liz moved to Chesapeake Shores and opened a pet supply business. While she is good friends with several of the O’Brien women, she has not really opened up to them about her past. Liz is content with her new life but she has serious trust issues that she must overcome before she can completely heal the wounds left from her late husband’s betrayal.

When an injury ends his NFL career, Aidan is considering accepting a job as the new coach for the Chesapeake Shores high school football team. Although he is seriously contemplating the coaching position, it is only part of the reason he is in town. However, Aidan has a few uncertainties about how he wants to approach what turns out to be an unexpectedly complicated situation, so he decides to keep this information to himself as he ponders his next move.

With their paths frequently crossing, Aidan and Liz strike up an easygoing friendship. They genuinely like one another and while they try to deny it, it is easy for everyone around them to see they are attracted to each other. The O’Brien’s try their hand at a little matchmaking but Liz is determined to protect herself from further heartache while Aidan still cannot divulge his secret.

Dogwood Hill is a warm and inviting addition to Sherryl Woods’ marvelous Chesapeake Shores series. It is a sweet, emotional and engaging romance with an appealing cast of likable characters. The plot is well written and believable. A wonderfully heartwarming novel that old and new fans of the series are going to love.