If you are looking for a book that makes you smile and laugh out loud look no further than Sherryl Wood's DOGWOOD HILL. It's another walk into the world of Chesapeake Bay and the O'Brien family. I've been a fan of Woods for a long time and can't believe how each book in her series manages to stay so fresh and new. It's always like a visit to an old friend or actually a town but other than the references which are always spot on you don't really have to read the preceding books to get hooked into the new one.

DOGWOOD HILL is as charming as the town it's based in. But Woods doesn't make it that easy for her characters to find their life answers. There is plenty of soul searching. The one common component, in all these stories typically centered on this town and the founding family is love. Family is the vital core. Love and friendships run a close second.

Liz March has found a gentle place to live when she came to Chesapeake Shores. It meant leaving her family behind, more important Liz was looking to escape memories of a bitter betrayal. The accidental death of her husband has left her with more guilt than grieving for the man who had been the love of her life. Chesapeake Shores is a small town with a dominant family, the O'Brien's, who seem to have a hand in everything -- including the lives of the townspeople. They don't hesitate to get involved with the love life of all their friends and Liz is just too tempting a target for their matchmaking.

Aidan Mitchell is also a newcomer to this town. Actually he just arrived to interview for the high school football coach position. His own professional football career ended by injury Aidan is ready to take this logical step. But Aidan has a little secret about why he chose to come to this small town when he would have been a candidate for a much larger more metropolitan outlet.

DOGWOOD HILL is about Liz and Aidan's search for what might be missing from their lives. Trust is an issue for each of them. Aidan has just discovered a hidden clue to the man who fathered him. He is keeping all this very close to the vest. He has not come to intrude or complicate that man's life. He is hungry for information about the very secret relationship his mother who he adored and this man who was so dear to her that she never pursued a marriage with any other person.

Liz and Aidan are immediately attracted to each other but neither one is really open for anything even remotely close to a relationship. Liz is gun shy. Aidan isn't sure how long he will be in Chesapeake. Not a match made in heaven for sure. But the O'Brien's have definitely plans for this couple.

Hard not to fall in love with the O'Brien's. They have starred in lots of Sherryl Wood's books and it was so nice to visit with them once again. In DOGWOOD HILL the story is branching out to include some really terrific new characters. We are also being introduced to some characters who are now getting older and becoming more outstanding. For all Woods' fans it's so nice to know she has visions for many more entertaining stories in this magical town.

DOGWOOD HILL is a welcome addition to one of my favorite series. If you love dogs and cats and children and friends this is the book for you. Prepare to be swept off your feet once again by Sherryl Woods in DOGWOOD HILL.