"Fascinating and heartbreaking novel that's a near-perfect read."

Sugar Beth Carey left Parrish, Mississippi, 15 years ago without a backward glance. As the reigning queen in high school, she made enemies, but none who hated her more than Winnie Davis. Lord knows Sugar Beth had been on a self- destructive path. A road brought on by her relationship with a mean-spirited father who loathed her, yet adored his illegitimate daughter, Winnie. Now, Sugar Beth returns in desperation and in need of her inheritance, knowing all- to-well her enemies will want retribution.

The citizens of Parrish are looking forward to settling the score with this tarnished Southern Belle. In their midst is the transplanted Englishman, Colin Byrne, who Sugar Beth tried to ruin. Now rich and famous, he plans a revenge scenario designed to bring Sugar Beth to her knees before her enemies. Once instigated, the plan takes on a life of its own, not allowing Colin to halt it as he sees the woman Sugar Beth has become.

What a heroine Ms. Phillips has created with this modern- day Scarlet O'Hara. Sugar Beth is as tough as nails while she retains the fragile Southern lady persona. This is easily Ms. Phillips' best novel. Readers not only get a wonderful love story, they encounter a group of Southern ladies who know how to sharpen their claws. Watching their maneuvers is fascinating and heartbreaking. A near-perfect read!

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted February 1, 2004

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Summary

The girl everybody loves to hate has returned to the town she'd sworn to leave behind forever. As the rich, spoiled princess of Parrish, Mississippi, Sugar Beth Carey had broken hearts, ruined friendships, and destroyed reputations. But fifteen years have passed, and life has taught Sugar Beth its toughest lessons. Now she's come home—broke, desperate, and too proud to show it.

The people of Parrish don't believe in forgive and forget. When the Seawillows, Sugar Beth's former girlfriends, get the chance to turn the tables on her, they don't hesitate. And Winnie Davis, Sugar Beth's most bitter enemy, intends to humiliate her in the worst possible way.

Then there's Colin Byrne. . . . Fifteen years earlier, Sugar Beth had tried to ruin his career. Now he's rich, powerful, and the owner of her old home. Even worse, this modern-day dark prince is planning exactly the sort of revenge best designed to bring a beautiful princess to her knees.

But none of them have reckoned on the unexpected strength of a woman who's learned survival the hard way.

While Sugar Beth's battered heart struggles to overcome old mistakes, Colin must choose between payback and love. Does the baddest girl in town deserve a second chance, or are some things beyond forgiving?