How to Read All of Sherryl Woods's 'Sweet Magnolias' Books in Order

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.