Last summer, three very different girls-; wild Murphy, perfect Leeda, and shy Birdie-; etched their initials on a Magnolia tree at Darlington Peach Orchard to symbolize that they're friendship will last forever. But can it survive the less-than-peachy year ahead? <P> Murphy, more in love with Rex than ever, is torn between her big-city dreams and following her heart . . . all the way across the railroad tracks and into Rex's arms. <P> Leeda, nominated to be Bridgewater's Pecan Queen, basks in the rose-scented glow of her Ice Queen mother's sudden affection-; until her sister, the princess, returns. <P> Birdie, happy for the first time, wants nothing more than to make time stand still. Too bad everything is changing, whether she likes it or not. <P> The sweet trio of Georgia girls that made "Peaches" a national bestseller returns in this delicious and satisfying sequel. This year, Murphy, Leeda, and Birdie discover that bitter endings can lead to sweet new beginnings . . . and that the orchard that brought them together will always be a part of them-; even if they leave it behind.