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South Carolina Sunsets #8
Beneath The Willow Tree
Two women, one beachfront home, and a bitter past
In this 8th book in the South Carolina Sunsets women's fiction series, readers are introduced to two women who have inherited a beachfront home in Seagrove. These two women were raised by the same foster mother but despised each other.
The twist is that the foster mother's will states that the two women must work together and use the home for a good cause to inherit it. They must then decide whether to keep the home and live there together or sell it and split the proceeds.
As they embark on this journey, the women are forced to confront their painful past and work towards healing their relationship. The novel explores themes of forgiveness, family, and the power of working together towards a common goal.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Seagrove, Beneath The Willow Tree is a heartwarming story of two women who learn to overcome their differences and find common ground in the face of a shared challenge.
In this 8th book in the South Carolina Sunsets women's fiction series, readers are introduced to two women who have inherited a beachfront home in Seagrove. These two women were raised by the same foster mother but despised each other.
The twist is that the foster mother's will states that the two women must work together and use the home for a good cause to inherit it. They must then decide whether to keep the home and live there together or sell it and split the proceeds.
As they embark on this journey, the women are forced to confront their painful past and work towards healing their relationship. The novel explores themes of forgiveness, family, and the power of working together towards a common goal.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Seagrove, Beneath The Willow Tree is a heartwarming story of two women who learn to overcome their differences and find common ground in the face of a shared challenge.
220 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2021
2394 people are currently reading
1434 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Hanna
94 books2,736 followersHey there! Before I tell you all about myself, can I invite you to join my private Rachel's Readers Facebook group? That's where my readers hang out, discuss my books, participate in giveaways and learn about new releases.
You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rache...
So who am I? My name is Rachel Hanna, and I am a wife, mother of three incredible kids (maybe I am a BIT biased?), two lovable doggies and one cat that lives outside and thinks he owns the world. Okay, I also have a gecko now too. Don't judge me.
I started writing as a young child, and I went into the field of Journalism for many years as an adult. Now, as a romantic fiction writer, I get to live out my own daydreams every single day and share them with readers around the world!
I'm a Southern chick living near Atlanta, so I say "yes, ma'm" and "ya'll", but I wouldn't have it any other way. :)
You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rache...
So who am I? My name is Rachel Hanna, and I am a wife, mother of three incredible kids (maybe I am a BIT biased?), two lovable doggies and one cat that lives outside and thinks he owns the world. Okay, I also have a gecko now too. Don't judge me.
I started writing as a young child, and I went into the field of Journalism for many years as an adult. Now, as a romantic fiction writer, I get to live out my own daydreams every single day and share them with readers around the world!
I'm a Southern chick living near Atlanta, so I say "yes, ma'm" and "ya'll", but I wouldn't have it any other way. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
October 2, 2024
This one was so touching, and I love it when a hard person is with a good-hearted person and the hard person turns soft. This was a great story with a few new characters that I fell in love with. Hanna very quickly has become a favorite must read author for me.
June 11, 2024
I love the ever-growing community of Seagrove!! In this book, three new characters are introduced, and I’m excited to read what happens next! These books are so easy to devour, and the character development is great!
May 3, 2024
I enjoy these books the same way I enjoy eating an entire bag of Doritos in one sitting - it’s fun, but it’s probably not good for me, and I’m definitely going to be sick at some point. I honestly don’t understand how these books are so short and end in the weirdest places. Important events are elided over, and yet we will have 10 pages about everyone eating dinner together at the inn. But still, I do want to know what the characters are up to and how everything shakes out in the end.
September 28, 2021
This is another most delightful visit to the community of Seagrove. What takes us there on this trip are two former foster kids who lived in Seagrove with their Foster Mom, Elaine Benson. Presently Abigail lives in Nashville and Celeste in Texas, however, they come to Seagrove under very unusual circumstances. Elaine Benson had died and left Abigail and Celeste her huge, big, beautiful house with a huge willow tree in front. The caveat is they must live in the house together for three months and do something in the house that is good.
Abigail is easy-going, pleasant, and loved Elaine and although she was eventually adopted, had wanted Elaine to adopt her. Celeste, was the opposite of Abigail and could be described as a wild, angry child who finally aged out of the foster program, never being adopted. As an adult, she is still angry and difficult to get along with. Neither of them necessarily wants to be in the same house with one another and they sure don’t want to live together for three months. Because of the potential financial gain, however, they decide to do it. At the end of the three-month period, they will be judged on what their good thing is by three of Elaine’s friends, including Dixie, who owns the bookstore with Julie and SuAnn, the bakery owner.
While Abigail and Celeste are trying to think of something good, they can use the house for, Janine, a well-loved resident of Seagrove, who has a yoga studio is planning her wedding to William, Dixie’s son. Being in her 40s and getting married for the first time, she really wants it to be a special, memorable day but is struggling with what that looks like. Her sister, Julie, is helping her as much as Janine will allow her to.
As the story progresses and Abigail and Celeste become more involved in the community and make some new friends, and they are getting along better, they are still struggling with what good thing they can do.
This is a charming, delightful story that I hope touches your heart as it did mine.
Abigail is easy-going, pleasant, and loved Elaine and although she was eventually adopted, had wanted Elaine to adopt her. Celeste, was the opposite of Abigail and could be described as a wild, angry child who finally aged out of the foster program, never being adopted. As an adult, she is still angry and difficult to get along with. Neither of them necessarily wants to be in the same house with one another and they sure don’t want to live together for three months. Because of the potential financial gain, however, they decide to do it. At the end of the three-month period, they will be judged on what their good thing is by three of Elaine’s friends, including Dixie, who owns the bookstore with Julie and SuAnn, the bakery owner.
While Abigail and Celeste are trying to think of something good, they can use the house for, Janine, a well-loved resident of Seagrove, who has a yoga studio is planning her wedding to William, Dixie’s son. Being in her 40s and getting married for the first time, she really wants it to be a special, memorable day but is struggling with what that looks like. Her sister, Julie, is helping her as much as Janine will allow her to.
As the story progresses and Abigail and Celeste become more involved in the community and make some new friends, and they are getting along better, they are still struggling with what good thing they can do.
This is a charming, delightful story that I hope touches your heart as it did mine.
October 3, 2021
Beneath the Willow Tree by Rachel Hanna is book 8 in the South Carolina Sunsets series. While I have enjoyed all the books in the series, I will say this story is my favorite. Once again we return to Seagrove SC, a small coastal town with some of the most wonderful characters you would ever want to meet.
Two young women, who both were raised in the foster care system must return to Seagrove to claim their inheritance. They shared the same foster mom for a couple of years before one was adopted and the other moved to a group home where she was never adopted. Their stories will touch your heart.
These two couldn’t be more different than night and day, so when they discover how they will get their inheritance that’s where a very entertaining and thoughtful story begins. This is a great a book and I highly recommend it. I do suggest reading the previous books so you get all the characters backgrounds, even though this does works well as a standalone. My only complaint is the story was too short! I can’t wait to find out more about these women in the next book.
Two young women, who both were raised in the foster care system must return to Seagrove to claim their inheritance. They shared the same foster mom for a couple of years before one was adopted and the other moved to a group home where she was never adopted. Their stories will touch your heart.
These two couldn’t be more different than night and day, so when they discover how they will get their inheritance that’s where a very entertaining and thoughtful story begins. This is a great a book and I highly recommend it. I do suggest reading the previous books so you get all the characters backgrounds, even though this does works well as a standalone. My only complaint is the story was too short! I can’t wait to find out more about these women in the next book.
October 27, 2022
This is my favorite in the series aside from the first book. As a foster parent and former child welfare social worker, I really appreciate the way the author incorporates the complex dynamics of adults raised in foster care. I like that the author included a character who aged out of foster care in addition to one who was adopted. This is important representation that I'd love too see in more books.
June 26, 2024
All these books are what I call easy read stories. This one had a different dynamic and I liked the whole story and premise. I look forward to seeing these characters stories fill out in the future.
September 18, 2021
“Beneath the Willow Tree” is Book 8 in the South Carolina Sunsets Series. It is a wonderful story of two women that grew up in the Foster Care System. Abigail Clayton and Celeste Greenway were not friends growing up in the Foster home of Mama Elaine.(Elaine Benson). Both women were told of Mama Elaine’s death and were summoned to her Will Reading. The story evolves around their inheritance in the town of Seagrove and the friends and residents of the area. Tears, emotions, acceptance, and finding their mission for their future is an amazing adventure for everyone, including Elaine’s three best friends. There are many reconnections with the characters from previous books plus a wedding and engagement. Great book with great sensitivity and knowledge of the Foster Care System. Definitely, a must read book!
May 25, 2024
I completed books seven and eight of Rachel Hanna’s South Carolina Sunset collection this week and I’m looking forward to wrapping this series up. The sugary sweetness throughout the pages is becoming just a little too much, and is very predictable.
If you get the chance to move to Seagrove, S.C., I suggest you do it. Nothing goes wrong there, problems get worked out in no time, and everyone ends each day feeling happy and blessed.
There was another engagement and wedding in these two books, and I predict that the unwed mother we met in Beneath The Willow Tree will be putting her baby up for adoption for the 40 year old newlyweds to adopt and raise. Because that’s what would happen in Seagrove. Right?
If you get the chance to move to Seagrove, S.C., I suggest you do it. Nothing goes wrong there, problems get worked out in no time, and everyone ends each day feeling happy and blessed.
There was another engagement and wedding in these two books, and I predict that the unwed mother we met in Beneath The Willow Tree will be putting her baby up for adoption for the 40 year old newlyweds to adopt and raise. Because that’s what would happen in Seagrove. Right?
July 17, 2022
In my opinion, BOOK 8 is the best of Hanna's South Carolina Sunsets Series to-date and I FINISHED BOOK 1 - BEACH HOUSE, back on June 26TH.
At the start of this book you find Abigail (Abby) & Celeste each receiving notice from an Attorney, asking them to appear in Seagrove to hear the reading of Elaine's LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT. They had both lived with Elaine, for a short while when they were teenagers, as they both were parentless & Elaine fostered many children. Abby & Celeste hadn't seen each other again, in all the years, since they had had to leave Elaine's care when they turned 18. Abby had stayed in touch with Elaine over these years; but, Celeste had left Elaine's care & never looked back.
Upon arriving in Seagrove they meet after all these years & meet again at the READING of Elaine's LAST WILL & TESTAMENT & find the two of them will inherit her house & all her proceeds, if they can live together for three months & do something significant to contribute to society.
The story will leave you breathless, as you turn each page of this book. The ensuing relationship between the two is quite stormy. A must read, to see if they do they or do not, succeed in overcoming their animosity towards each other, to start a new life Beneath The Willow Tree in Seagrove; the small community of this SERIES!
At the start of this book you find Abigail (Abby) & Celeste each receiving notice from an Attorney, asking them to appear in Seagrove to hear the reading of Elaine's LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT. They had both lived with Elaine, for a short while when they were teenagers, as they both were parentless & Elaine fostered many children. Abby & Celeste hadn't seen each other again, in all the years, since they had had to leave Elaine's care when they turned 18. Abby had stayed in touch with Elaine over these years; but, Celeste had left Elaine's care & never looked back.
Upon arriving in Seagrove they meet after all these years & meet again at the READING of Elaine's LAST WILL & TESTAMENT & find the two of them will inherit her house & all her proceeds, if they can live together for three months & do something significant to contribute to society.
The story will leave you breathless, as you turn each page of this book. The ensuing relationship between the two is quite stormy. A must read, to see if they do they or do not, succeed in overcoming their animosity towards each other, to start a new life Beneath The Willow Tree in Seagrove; the small community of this SERIES!
July 17, 2024
The first half of this book I was thoroughly enjoying the new characters and storylines. Then some bloopers started. Janine can’t figure out what she wants for her wedding. Large or small? That happened to another character, Meg that repetition made me roll my eyes a little. Then Emma talks Janine through a first word response drill to determine her actual desires. Janine seems amazed at the process!! Seriously? Janine took William through that same scenario to determine what job he wanted, fishing guide, come on!! The author needs to develop new dilemmas along with new responses don’t repeat old ones! Dawson has an old school mate come for a visit. He tells Julie, that his friend, Ben moved away in 9th grade due to his father changing jobs. Then when Ben arrives Julie asks him if his parents still live in sea grove!! Ah Dawson told her they moved when Ben was in 9th grade!!! We readers remember them! Yet after all those bloopers that yes annoyed me I have to admit I loved the story!! It was more in keeping with the first few books of this series! Which is why I gave it 4 stars!!
October 10, 2021
I loved this eighth installment of the South Carolina Sunsets’ series. Former foster kids, Abigail and Celeste, inherit the large home of a former foster parent who has passed away. The one stipulation in the will is that the two of them must live together for three months in the house and use it for the good of the community in order to keep the house or sell it. They did not like each other then and things are not any better now. Abigail is a lovely soul who is kind and loves helping people. Celeste is the exact opposite and has zero people skills and she thinks that’s just fine. They turn to a foster agency to see if there’s a way to help out older kids that society is leaving behind. Throw in a few cute men and this book will have you laughing out loud and smiling at the things that transpire. Well done!
November 19, 2021
Good……but
I like the idea of checking back on characters after the first revel. See what’s happened since book 3. Surprise, surprise we’re at book 8 and headed for 9!
Well I’m glad Julie got her man ( Dawson) and appears happy. What ever happened to the ex and his new woman whom turned out to not be that caring . Remember the accident he was in and she didn’t want to be his nursemaid? Their baby has to be older than Vivi as she was not Yet born. So I guess I missed a lot but one complaint. These books are shorter and shorter in page count and always leads to another book. I hate the wait for the next book as I lose track as books are several months wait and it on to next story. If you’re going to make a saga’s at least have next instillation weeks away rather than 6 months away.
I like the idea of checking back on characters after the first revel. See what’s happened since book 3. Surprise, surprise we’re at book 8 and headed for 9!
Well I’m glad Julie got her man ( Dawson) and appears happy. What ever happened to the ex and his new woman whom turned out to not be that caring . Remember the accident he was in and she didn’t want to be his nursemaid? Their baby has to be older than Vivi as she was not Yet born. So I guess I missed a lot but one complaint. These books are shorter and shorter in page count and always leads to another book. I hate the wait for the next book as I lose track as books are several months wait and it on to next story. If you’re going to make a saga’s at least have next instillation weeks away rather than 6 months away.
October 27, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
“Beneath the Willow Tree” was an intriguing story with an atmospheric setting that drew me in. The plot had a nice blend of emotion and drama, and I enjoyed the descriptive writing that brought the scenes to life. However, the pacing felt a bit uneven; while some parts kept me engaged, others seemed to drag, making it harder to stay fully immersed. The characters had depth, but I felt there were moments when their development could have been explored more thoroughly. Still, it’s part of a series I love, and overall, it’s a solid read with some memorable elements. I’d recommend it to those who enjoy slower-burn stories with rich settings.
“Beneath the Willow Tree” was an intriguing story with an atmospheric setting that drew me in. The plot had a nice blend of emotion and drama, and I enjoyed the descriptive writing that brought the scenes to life. However, the pacing felt a bit uneven; while some parts kept me engaged, others seemed to drag, making it harder to stay fully immersed. The characters had depth, but I felt there were moments when their development could have been explored more thoroughly. Still, it’s part of a series I love, and overall, it’s a solid read with some memorable elements. I’d recommend it to those who enjoy slower-burn stories with rich settings.
September 28, 2021
Absolutely loved!! I felt like I was right there living with the characters. Time seems to escape us and we don't keep in touch with people that were once important to us. When a surprise inheritance gives you choices, it allows you to reevaluate your life. Growing up in the foster system is never easy but it affects each person in vastly different ways. Sometimes you learn your memories are skewed.
I don't want to give away the story because it is definitely worth the read. I truly was disappointed when I finished this book, I wanted to know more. I was totally engrossed in their lives.
I don't want to give away the story because it is definitely worth the read. I truly was disappointed when I finished this book, I wanted to know more. I was totally engrossed in their lives.
November 6, 2022
Emotional porn… that’s what these books trade in.
I don’t mean that as a negative … I quite appreciate all the stories of relationships and the vast cast of characters (wondering when this will be as a show) without all the gratuitous sex. Leaving that to be implied by the reader is refreshing - in my opinion.
But when trying to figure out the appeal, I decided it was porn for my emotions… especially when it comes to romance! I mean who doesn’t want the fairy tale love story.
And they are super short and super easy to read… a treat for my brain & heart!
I don’t mean that as a negative … I quite appreciate all the stories of relationships and the vast cast of characters (wondering when this will be as a show) without all the gratuitous sex. Leaving that to be implied by the reader is refreshing - in my opinion.
But when trying to figure out the appeal, I decided it was porn for my emotions… especially when it comes to romance! I mean who doesn’t want the fairy tale love story.
And they are super short and super easy to read… a treat for my brain & heart!
April 8, 2023
This story is about 2 foster "sister" who were in the same home while growing up. Each one took separate paths. When their foster mom passes away, she leaves them with a house with strings attached. "You must live in the house together for 3 months. Work together for something good. After 3 months, you will explain what you've done to 3 of my best friends who will decide if you really gave it your best shot..." The story goes on with love interests and various situations and challenges. I found this to be a fast reading book which I enjoyed very much.
September 5, 2025
This is a heartwarming story of two women who had to overcome their differences in order to work and
Live together in a house that was left to them by a foster mother. They never got along as children and
Then they left the foster system for a life they had to create. The setting is Seagrove, S.C.. a lovely,
Quiet town where people get along and help each other. The story is fast paced with twists, charm,
Love, and strong characters and a satisfying conclusion to the first book in the series. This is a short
Book but recommended.
Live together in a house that was left to them by a foster mother. They never got along as children and
Then they left the foster system for a life they had to create. The setting is Seagrove, S.C.. a lovely,
Quiet town where people get along and help each other. The story is fast paced with twists, charm,
Love, and strong characters and a satisfying conclusion to the first book in the series. This is a short
Book but recommended.
May 26, 2024
This one was by far the best in the series so far. The main characters of the previous novels truly took a backseat for this one, and that was refreshing. They were all still involved in the story, but to a much lesser degree. I don’t want to give away any details, but this was a really good storyline and the country’s foster care system should really take note of the stuff presented in this book.
June 5, 2024
This book gave us another layer to characters in the series.
Elaine Benson was a foster parent to many children. This book gives us two of them when they learn they inherited her home. Abigail and Celeste have to live together in the home and then do something useful with it. This may be difficult considering they did not get along very well when they were in the home with Elaine.
I really liked the way they handled coming together to make this happen.
Elaine Benson was a foster parent to many children. This book gives us two of them when they learn they inherited her home. Abigail and Celeste have to live together in the home and then do something useful with it. This may be difficult considering they did not get along very well when they were in the home with Elaine.
I really liked the way they handled coming together to make this happen.
July 31, 2024
This was a good “beach read.” It was predictable, quick, and easy to follow. This is the 8th book I have read on the series, but there were several new characters added and less of a focus on the characters from the other books. I didn’t have to think much, but isn’t that the point of a perfect book to read while watching one’s grandchildren playing in the sand and hoping they are not washed away by the waves into the Atlantic? :).
April 17, 2025
4.5⭐️ This book is part of the South Carolina Sunsets series. It's about two foster kids who took different paths in life. You'll feel sadness and joy for both of them as they take you through what happened to shape them into the women they are. They despised each other growing up, but each inherited half of their former foster mom's estate and must work together and use it for something good. This is a cozy, quick read and I highly recommend.
October 24, 2021
Good book
I have enjoyed this series, but I feel like it might be time to end. This book was good, but I didn't feel the attachment that I have in the previous books. The characters were interesting and I can see where the author may go with this storyline, but I just wasn't as engaged in it as I was the other books. I will continue to read the series.
I have enjoyed this series, but I feel like it might be time to end. This book was good, but I didn't feel the attachment that I have in the previous books. The characters were interesting and I can see where the author may go with this storyline, but I just wasn't as engaged in it as I was the other books. I will continue to read the series.
October 26, 2021
Another great book by Rachel Hanna. I love going back and visiting with old friends while making new ones. Rachel never lets me down. I love the whole idea of helping aging kids in the foster system. She took the idea and handled it with such grace. I’m so glad to have the opportunity to read her books. They truly make you feel good. I’m ready for the next book already!
April 9, 2022
The best series of books I've read in such a short time in years.
There was nothing I disliked about the series except that I read it too fast, I wanted to go on and on. I have already recommended this to my friends and family. I especially love that it wasn't full of sex, just good heart felt people living life.
There was nothing I disliked about the series except that I read it too fast, I wanted to go on and on. I have already recommended this to my friends and family. I especially love that it wasn't full of sex, just good heart felt people living life.
June 12, 2022
Elaine Benson has died and left her house to two of her former foster children. Abigail and Colette are forced to live together for three months and undertake a meaningful project in order to inherit Elaine's valuable house. As time passes, they grow closer and learn to work together. Janine plans her wedding and there is an engagement. A fun little read.
September 5, 2023
When an elderly woman dies, she leaves her home to two women who had been in foster care with her years before, with the stipulation that they live there together for three months and use the home for a good cause that will benefit the community. Problem is, they didn't get along when they were kids, and that doesn't seem to have changed after all these years.
October 8, 2023
Honestly if i was not so far into this series I would have given up by now. We are now intruducing so many more characters and the story line is still staying relatively around the same time. I feel like in 8 books we should have had some time progress but honestly it has not been very many months..if maybe a year.
October 12, 2023
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was nice to introduce Celeste and Abagail into the story and enjoyed getting to know them. They will be an added layer of friends in Seagrove. However, I didn’t appreciate having to introduce a man-interest into Celeste’s life. I foresee another wedding ahead. Kind of weary of the-guy-meets-girl, fall-in-love, get-married and live happily ever after scenario
January 2, 2024
a wonderful series
A great little town on the sea shore…8 books in and still loving the growth of the community, the people in it…and all the stories are very interesting and believable. Great job. Just bought book 9 of the series and I can’t wait to start it. Keep up the great writing. Your stories come to life.
A great little town on the sea shore…8 books in and still loving the growth of the community, the people in it…and all the stories are very interesting and believable. Great job. Just bought book 9 of the series and I can’t wait to start it. Keep up the great writing. Your stories come to life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews