Sugar’s Twice as Sweet

In this delightful kickoff to the Sugar, Georgia contemporary series, Adair invokes smalltown charm and all its perils. Josephina Harrington flees a failed engagement, her parents’ judgment, and the stresses of New York life. She takes refuge in Sugar, planning to rebuild both historic Fairchild House and her dreams of a successful life. Brett McGraw is lying low after a scandal, but his status as the town’s most eligible bachelor makes it hard for him to improve the poor reputation that caused all his troubles. Brett’s grandmother and her friends control the town and oppose the changes Josephina proposes at Fairchild House. This leaves Brett caught between family loyalties and the possibility of reunion with Josephina, his childhood sweetheart. Town-wide feuds and unrelenting expectations combine to create escalating drama. The sensual and satisfying conclusion feels solidly earned and leaves the door wide open for a strong continuing series. (Nov.)