Tulsa has always loved her grandma Ruby. The two of them have run the canoe business that operates on the Sweet Oaks. Now things are becoming difficult for the two of them. The business is going under and a neighbor is trying to buy out their company.

Tulsa will do anything she can to keep the business going. Not just for her, but for Ruby. While these two are doing their best, it's like moving one step forward and two backwards. One of the biggest steps forward is finding out that Tulsa has a half brother Guy. Guy is also there trying to help them keep their business going.

Ruby would like nothing better than to have Tulsa find the love of her life. Tulsa has always felt that she doesn't need a man. Ruby decides that she is going to start a book club. Hopefully after reading some romance books, Tulsa would get the idea. While it is not working so well for Tulsa, the rest of the group is making some very different decisions in their own lives.

Jan Stites's READING THE SWEET OAK shows the true meaning of family. While this story is about a grandma and granddaughter, you could change the relationship around to any two family members. I was very impressed on how close these two characters are. The story also revolves around several other characters. All of them have to make some big decision that will change their lives.

READING THE SWEET OAK also has some powerful meaning behind it. Just how many people would give up their future to help out a beloved family member?