Sweet Home Alabama

Paige Winship Dooly, Pamela Griffin, Lisa Harris, Pamela Kaye Tracy
Barbour Publishing (2006)
ISBN 1597893544
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (10/06)

It is refreshing to find a love story that is pure, innocent, entertaining and so romantic.  “Sweet Home Alabama” is a pleasure to read.  The stories are interwoven not only by the love poem but also by the characters.  When a high school teacher assigns her students to write a love poem, she has no idea what she has set in motion.

“Head Over Heels” by Paige Winship Dooly - Jason is irritated when he finds a love poem written by Nicole.  He doesn’t know it’s for her daughter, Shannon’s high school assignment.  Jason thinks it real and that Nicole is proclaiming her undying love for him.  He knows that if he’d found it years ago before Nicole broke his heart by leaving town.  Each in love with the other, think their love is unrequited.  When Nicole volunteers to help out at Jason’s diner, he hires her.  The two soon know their love for each other never ended

“The Princess and the Mechanic” by Pamela Griffin - Ellie’s niece, Poppy, has been assigned to write a love poem.  When Zak finds it he assumes Ellie has written the poem about him.  While Ellie didn’t write the poem but she is attracted to Zac.  When Zac asks Ellie out he expected to be turned down. Ellie’s family was affluent and he was just a mechanic.   It doesn’t take long for Ellie to know she loves him deeply.  Despite interference from Ellie’s parents and friends, true love wins.  If it hadn’t been for the love poem Zac would never have asked Ellie out.

“Matchmaker, Matchmaker” by Lisa Harris - Sam and Garret have been friends for years.  Yet she’s sure he’d never look at her in a romantic way.  Sam’s teenage sister, Mandy, sees the look on Garret and Sam’s face and recognizes that they love each other.   When Sam spots a red envelope lying on the counter where Garret had been sitting, she can’t help but open it.  Inside she finds a love poem.  It seems Shannon, Poppy, and Mandy are plotting to unite the couple.  When Mandy tells Garret that she thinks Sam has eloped with Marvin, Sam rushes to stop her, trusting the Lord, for his strength. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

“Ready or Not” by Pamela Kaye Tracy - Callie and her son return home to Alabama.  She’s a widow with a young son to raise.  Darryl is a principal at the Christian school and he needs a secretary.  He knows Callie is over-qualified and beautiful.  Darryl gives Callie the job and admires her efficiency.  Each day her respect for Darryl increases.   When Darryl finds a red envelope with a love poem on Callie’s desk he believes she is smitten with him. He doesn’t realize it is a school assignment.  Darryl has been a widower for several years and he’s tired of sitting alone.  When he is invited to Zak and Ellie’s wedding, he knows who he wants sitting next to him. 

A red envelope containing a love poem, the characters and town are the connecting thread for these four stories.  The writing is well done; the characters are strong and interesting.  It is refreshing to find a love story that is pure, innocent, entertaining and so romantic.  “Sweet Home Alabama” is a pleasure to read.  I highly recommend this book to those enjoying a good love story.   

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