“Sweet Magnolias” Season 5 premiered June 11 on Netflix. The series follows Southern besties Maddie (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), Dana Sue (Brooke Elliott) and Helen (Heather Headley), their families and their relationship issues.

The series is based on the book series by Sherryl Woods. Season 5 follows the story of the book “Home in Carolina.” 

Fans of Woods know she writes compelling stories that translate perfectly to the screen. “Chesapeake Shores,” which aired on Hallmark from 2016 to 2022, was also adapted from her novels. 

If stories on female friendship, chosen family, small town life, second chance romances and healing have you in a chokehold, here are other adaptations that will scratch that itch, divided by theme.

Themes: Female friendship, trauma, chosen family

‘Firefly Lane’ on Netflix

“Firefly Lane” is based on Kristin Hannah’s 2008 novel of the same name. It stars Kathryn Heigl and Sarah Chalke as lifelong best friends Tully and Kate. The women are opposites in every way, and their friendship is tested by betrayal and tragedy. The series ran for two seasons and debuted at the top of Nielsen’s streaming charts, with viewers watching 1.31 billion minutes of it during one reported week.

Themes: Romance, small town, quirky characters, past trauma

‘Virgin River’ on Netflix

Based on the romance novels by Robyn Carr, “Virgin River,” the hit series, which premiered in 2019, follows nurse practitioner Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), who moves to the small northern California town of Virgin River for a fresh start. Martin Henderson co-stars as Jack Sheridan, a Marine and bar owner—and as of the Season 6 finale—Mel’s husband. The most recent season premiered March 12 on Netflix.

Themes: Female friendship, found family, healing

‘The Secret Life of Bees’

Based on Sue Monk Kidd’s 2001 bestselling novel, “The Secret Life of Bees” follows Lily (Dakota Fanning), a teenager who leaves home in search of answers about her mother. Along the way, she finds an unexpected support system in three sisters, played by Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Sophie Okonedo, who help her heal from loss and discover where she belongs. The 2008 film also stars Jennifer Hudson, Paul Bettany and Hilarie Burton.

Themes: Mothers and daughters, heartbreak, healing, second chances

‘Regretting You’ on Prime Video

Based on Colleen Hoover’s 2019 novel, “Regretting You” centers on a mother and daughter, played by Allison Williams and Mckenna Grace, whose lives are changed forever by tragedy. Filled with family drama, romance and emotional twists, the story explores grief, forgiveness and the complicated bonds that hold families together. The film, which premiered on Oct 24, 2025, also stars Dave Franco.

Themes: Southern charm, lifelong friendship, community 

‘Fried Green Tomatoes’

Based on Fannie Flagg’s 1987 novel “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe,” the 1991 film “Fried Green Tomatoes” follows Evelyn (Kathy Bates), an unhappy housewife who befriends an elderly woman, Ninny (Jessica Tandy), whose stories about friends Idgie (Mary Stuart Masterson) and Ruth (Mary-Louise Parker) change her outlook on life. Like “Sweet Magnolias,” it takes place in a small Southern town and focuses on the idea that friends can help you through life’s toughest moments.

About the writer

S. Lynn Bonanno loves stories about friendship, small towns, found family and second chances. Some of her favorite comfort reads include Sarah Addison Allen’s “Garden Spells,” Heather Webber’s “Midnight at the Blackbird Café,” Beth Hoffman’s “Saving CeeCee Honeycutt” and Sangu Mandanna’s “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.” She also believes everyone should watch “Hart of Dixie,” even though it isn’t based on a book.