The first book in the Southern Charmed series by Danelle Ellison is titled THE SWEETHEART SHAM and it is a young adult romance novel. This novel is set in the south and has all the southern charm you desire from such a novel. Ellison has squeezed several important themes into this adorable read with the importance of acceptance and forgiving your loved ones being two of the main focuses. However, forgiveness is not given right away nor was it expected as the teens in THE SWEETHEART SHAM are treated like adults.

The characters in THE SWEETHEART SHAM are remarkable and unique with characteristics that standout. Will is afraid to come out to his family and friends. The way Ellison writes about this subject is creative and real, making it feel realistic and honest. The decision was Will's and he was not forced. Having the strength to decide to come out is something that Ellison writes with a loving touch making Will seem strong, not weak. Georgie is Will's best friend and biggest cheerleader. She supports him no matter what and this helps to keep them both grounded. While Georgie is a true southern belle, she does not let that define her. She is someone everyone looks up to and proved that even though she loves dresses she still will go swimming in her underwear, which does not make her any less of a lady.

THE SWEETHEART SHAM is set in the south making it the perfect background for such a profound read. Ellison's writing really captures what it is like to live in a small southern town where everybody knows everybody else's business. Where secrets are unheard of because gossip spreads like wild fire in a drought zone.

THE SWEETHEART SHAM is a profound and honest read that is sure to stay with you long after reading the last page.

Book Summary

In a small town like Culler, South Carolina, you guard your secrets like you guard your cobbler recipe: with your life. Georgia Ann Monroe knows a thing or two about secrets: she’s been guarding the truth that her best friend Will is gay for years now. But what happens when a little white lie to protect him gets her into a fake relationship...and then the boy of her dreams shows up?

Enter Beau Montgomery: Georgie’s first love, hotter than ever, and much too much of a southern gentleman to ever pursue someone else’s girl. There’s no way to come clean to Beau while still protecting Will. But bless their hearts, they live in Culler—where secrets always have a way of revealing themselves.

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains a hilarious “fakeship,”a scorching-hot impossible relationship, and a heartwarming best-friendship that will make you want to call your best friend right here, right now.