According to a passage in WILLOW BROOK ROAD, the latest Sherryl Woods masterpiece residing in Chesapeake Shores, there are 379 O'Briens. The O'Briens are at the core of this amazing series that has longevity unsurpassed by any series I can think of. Over the years, I have watched the family created by Sherryl Woods's heart-warming imagery blossom and grow. The O'Briens have weathered many challenges always strengthened by their shared bond of love and respect.

WILLOW BROOK ROAD's opening sentence starts with a reference to Mick O'Brien, the patriarch of this family that has won a place in so many fans hearts. As soon as I read Mick's name, a smile appeared on my face and reeled me in for the next chapter of a family that actually feels so real.

WILLOW BROOK ROAD is about second chances - perhaps fate - with a hearty dose of love, trust and faith thrown in for good measure. The core characters of this captivating story face major life-changing events. Sherryl Woods presents these events in her usual matter-of-fact way. The facts are out there for all to see. Now the big question is just what role is Chesapeake Shores going to play. Needless to say the O'Brien family will ultimately circle around their friends and family. But in the end each individual will have to visualize their own path and future.

Carrie Winters returned home with her proverbial tail between her legs. Her spirit, courage and ego had taken a big hit when the man she saw her future with...well, he had other ideas. Carrie had arranged her life around him. Now she was coming home empty handed. Her career plans had hit a break. She was filling time, albeit doing something she loved taking care of children -- her large family's herd of children to be sure. In fact, Carrie's house was superbly filled with everything these kids would enjoy while in her care. But the O'Brien's worried about how fulfilling this babysitting actually was for their beloved Carrie.

Sam was a relative newcomer to the area. He was a tech wiz and found himself loving his work at the local newspaper bringing the paper on line. The town really impressed Sam which was actually surprising. Sam had experienced major wanderlust throughout most of his life. He enjoyed the travel but his traveling days were coming to a quick hard brake.

Sam's sister and her husband died suddenly and left their six-year-old son Bobby in Sam's care. Talk about a drastic change in plans. Now Sam finds himself taking care of a child, living in a new community, tackling a new job and, on top of it all, attracting the attention of the founding family. Well, not the entire family, but the one member that would certainly have something to say about his parenting skills. What a way to break the ice.

WILLOW BROOK ROAD also entertains with stories about the rest of the O'Brien clan. Sherryl Woods crafted a lovely, endearing and, at times, emotional story that intertwines several family members. So although Sam, Carrie and Bobby are the leads, you will find the supporting cast and their stories just as attention getting and worthy of your time. I'm sure there are plenty of people who have yet to come on board to the Chesapeake Shores series, but there is always room for more with this family-based table filled with warm, loving chatter. Welcome once again to Chesapeake Shores -- the O'Brien's welcome all in WILLOW BROOK ROAD.