Novella - Among the Fair Magnolias

Among the Fair Magnolias
Four Southern Love Stories
By: Tamera Alexander, Shelley Gray, Dorothy Love, Elizabeth Musser

This historical romance novella collection has equal parts warmth, sweetness, shocking history and creative writing. Each novella is very different but adds a new perspective on what life might have been like in the post-civil war South. Freedmen, although no longer slaves, still don't enjoy as much privilege as whites and face radical discrimination. Some families are still wealthy while others lost everything in the war, and now their economical differences divide them. 

It is important to note that these stories follow characters from the authors' earlier works, although read just fine as standalone novellas as well. They are thorough, detailed and satisfying novellas that will please readers!

Find it on Amazon: Among the Fair Magnolias

In Good Company (By: Jen Turano)

In Good Company

By: Jen Turano

Storyline
After growing up in an orphanage, Millie Longfellow strives to be the best nanny she can be. But unfortunately, she has been fired from every position she has held. Everett Mulberry is guardian to three children and has no idea what he has gotten himself into. The three little angels (ahem) have driven away every nanny the agency has sent his way! Fed up with both Everett and Millie, the employment agency gives them each one last chance, working together. 

Millie sets out to prove herself as the sought after nanny she claims to be, and though Everett has his doubts, he is desperate. As they reside in Newport for the summer, Everett tries to maintain upstanding status among the elite upper class as he courts Caroline - a woman who expects more from their relationship by the summers end. But the more Everett and Millie interact, the more their respect for each other grows - and the more Everett's eyes are opened to what is expected from his place in society. Will he be brave enough to break the mold, or will he succumb to the pressures of the elite and their expectations?

Depth

This novel is a mix of romance, mystery and some humorous banter to keep it lighthearted. Jen Turano does a great job keeping the readers interest and it would be hard not to fall in love with the characters. Millie is fun, loving and prone to finding herself in comical situations. The three children she is in charge of will grab your hearts and you'll long to find out what truly happened to their parents. Everett is on a path of self-discovery and not an easy one at times. We liked how author Jen didn't change him overnight, but took him searching down a realistic path of what he truly longs for. The story flows well and the journey is sweet and thoroughly enjoyable.

Faith

Faith is evident in the story, but not a huge part of character development. Faith plays the biggest role in the lives of Millie and one of her charges, Elizabeth. Both question why their parents were taken from them as children, and we enjoy great dialogue around it. Small prayers are consistent throughout, and there is a strong theme of family and belonging.

Squeal Factor

The relationship between Millie and Everett blossoms nicely and they have several cute scenes together. Their interactions maintain good boundaries while Everett is courting Caroline, but we could not wait to see what would happen if Everett could just wake up and see what is right in front of him! You'll definitely long to see these two together, but what must take place in order for that to develop? Enjoy experiencing their journey together!

Overall

Jen Turano has yet again written a very entertaining novel. We look forward to the third book in the series and have great expectations that she will deliver once again as she has with this one!

Find it on Amazon: In Good Company

Note: We were given this book in exchange for our honest review 

The Wonder of You (By: Susan May Warren)

The Wonder of You
By: Susan May Warren

The fifth book in this outstanding series is finally here - and oh boy, is it a good one! Not only did we fall deeper in love with the Christiansen family, this read made our Golden List as well. Only one book left to go and it's expected next Spring.

Storyline

Amelia, the youngest of the Christiansen siblings, has always been protected by her well-meaning sisters and brothers. But what she really longs to do is leave Deep Haven, follow her adventurous spirit all over the world, and prove to her family that she is brave and strong. But when her life in Prague goes sour, she scurries home with her tail between her legs, thinking that maybe she isn't as cut out for an adventurous, exciting life as she thought. Should she ignore her instincts and just settle down in Deep Haven for good? 

Roark St. John, European heir and playboy, has a much deeper past and spirit than anyone realizes - and when he follows Amelia to Deep Haven, he discovers the family and community he has always yearned for. Problem is, Amelia can't seem to decide what she wants - and if she doesn't choose him, he won't be able to stay in Deep Haven to watch her build her life with another man.

Author Susan is a master at giving just the right amount of plot line to keep us hooked all the way through! While this storyline may seem predictable, she gives the journey many twists, turns and personal touches to immerse the reader completely in the book.
Also worth noting that sister Grace (from book three) and her husband Max have an incredible storyline here too!

Depth

Roark has suffered great personal tragedy and has been running ever since. Amelia, too, is much deeper than any of her siblings realize. Both wrestle with whether to stay and settle down, or pursue adventure all over the world - but what if the answer can be both?
 
But the real depth in this story comes from Max and Grace's issues. In book three, we discovered Max had a serious health problem to reconcile before tying the knot. But now married, and facing the deep yearning for a family, Max and Grace must reconcile their reality with their dreams once again.

Faith

Just as in the rest of this series, God's plan for everyone's lives plays a central role here. All the main characters must wrestle to discover how to follow the Lord, and they must rely on His wisdom to guide them each day. A central theme is obedience to the Lord's call on your life - in this case, giving up wealth and family in exchange for the wonder of knowing Christ and all of His riches. One additional thing we love about this series is the patriarch and matriarch, John and Ingrid Christiansen, and their perspective and wisdom they offer to their children. They aren't perfect, but they are excellent examples of Godly parents leading their family.

Squeal Factor

Between Max and Grace, and Roark and Amelia, the reader is treated to many tender moments and sweet whisperings between the lovebirds! The love written about in this book is heartfelt, deep and sincere. We love swoon worthy scenes!

Overall

What a tremendous book! An intriguing storyline, layers to uncover, sweet romance, and a God who guides, helps and loves His people all make for a very real, honest and engaging read. Don't miss this gem!! We now wait with eager anticipation for book six, due next Spring, where we can finally have a conclusion to Owen's story (that's going to be a whopper, isn't it?).

Find it on Amazon: The Wonder of You


Note: We were given this book in exchange for our honest review 

Bridge of Faith (By: Catherine West)

Bridge of Faith
By: Catherine West

Storyline

Julia Connelly has lived the last 12 years in a constant state of fear, misery and pain in her abusive marriage. Now free to live back home in Vermont with her two children, she seeks to find healing and peace, and hopes they can move on with their lives. What she doesn't expect is to run in to the man she eloped with at age 18, only to have him leave her a few months later. Can her heart handle any more pain? Will she let herself dream, trust and find peace again? 

Reid Wallace has come home to Vermont hoping to find peace of his own after a tragic circumstance in the Middle East left two of his coworkers dead on his watch. Running away from his pain, he is blindsided when he has an unexpected run in with Julia - but is he more caught off guard by seeing her, or her son who bears a striking resemblance to himself? Dealing with the past was not part of his plan in coming home. Should he run again, or does he believe God truly offers second chances?

Depth

This story is anything but lighthearted. Catherine West hits the ground running in the first chapter and keeps a good pace up until the end. She courageously writes about touchy subjects such as divorce, abuse, PTSD, alcoholism and more. However, she does so in a sensitive way and keeps the reader from being dragged down, offering glimpses of hope throughout. This book will tug on your heart strings and you may shed a few tears in the process but you will not regret it. This story is filled with hope and second chances for one who doesn't feel worthy and one who is too scared to dream of having one. The characters must hold on to hope! Each deals with their own baggage, guilt and pain. Can they come together and hope for a new beginning?

Faith

When dealing with pasts filled with regret, pain, secrets and more it is critical to have God be an integral part of the healing process. Both Julia and Reid must come back to the Lord and ultimately turn to Him for the hope they must cling to. Sometimes there is a point where one realizes they cannot fix the pain and they must turn to the One who can. This is a beautiful story of hope, forgiveness and second chances.

Squeal Factor

The relational aspect between Julia and Reid is delicate and complex to say the least. The author does not hide anything from us and we get to experience much of their emotions. Their relationship is hard, emotional, and heated but also tender and sweet. Julia and Reid have spent 12 years apart and have a lot of baggage to work through. Yet, they have a love that still penetrates both of their hearts. They are both still greatly attracted to the other and don't quite know what to do about that. The love and passion that once existed is still there, even if it may be a little buried. Once hearts thaw and forgiveness takes place, what might the future hold?

Overall

This book is solid and rates high in all areas. Buckle up for a gripping ride that won't end until the last page. And be prepared for it to stay with you once you get off! The author did an amazing job pulling you in and capturing your full attention. Well done Catherine West. We have nothing but high praises for this book!

Find it on Amazon: Bridge of Faith

A Worthy Pursuit (By: Karen Witemeyer)

A Worthy Pursuit
By: Karen Witemeyer

Storyline

Charlotte Atherton is on a mission! She has three children in her care, one in particular that she is determined to keep safe. Before Lily's mom passed away, she entrusted the little girl into Charlotte's guardianship. Lily's grandfather, however, wants her for his own selfish reasons and Charlotte must flee town to get away from him and start a life on their own. She feels they are safe until one day a bounty hunter comes looking for Lily - on his own mission to rescue the little girl from her supposed kidnapper and get her back to her grandfather. 

Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas and always gets the job done! When a wealthy man pays him to bring his granddaughter back, he happily accepts the challenge. But to his surprise, Lily does not appear to have been kidnapped at all - in fact, she seems to be right where she belongs. Can Charlotte, her assumed guardian, be telling the truth? Will he take a chance on her and switch roles from retriever to protector? And will he stay around long enough to change his pursuit to winning Charlotte's heart?

Depth

Charlotte and Stone both have wounds from the past. Charlotte has sadly been hurt by men and, because of it, has a hard time trusting or allowing herself to depend on others. She has settled on being alone, without a man by her side, and will give her all to these children in her care. Stone, having been orphaned when he was younger is very independent and keeps to himself. The lovely teacher has now caught his attention and he longs to open her heart and do what he can to protect her. Will they stay on the path they both have come to know, or will they open their hearts to more joy and love than either of them expected in this life?

Faith

The author did a great job weaving faith into this story. We loved how both characters prayed throughout the book, asking the Lord for guidance, help and strength. Both had to grow in their faith and trust in the Lord, especially Charlotte, who must overcome past fears and pain. She learns to not only trust Stone, but the Lord for the path he has chosen for her. It was an enjoyable faith journey to read through!

Squeal Factor

A teacher and a bounty hunter - what's not to like? Stone and Charlotte have a relationship that builds throughout the story. As the two move past simple attraction to one another there are quite a few scenes that are cute and sigh worthy! You'll enjoy seeing the path the author takes them on and you'll be content with the conclusion.

Overall

This book is a great summer read. Fans of historical, western romances are sure to enjoy this one. Relax and prepare for a fun, lighthearted story that will whisk you away for awhile!

Find it on Amazon: A Worthy Pursuit

Note: We were given this book in exchange for our honest review 

Married Till Monday (By: Denise Hunter)

Married 'til Monday
By: Denise Hunter

Married 'til Monday is the final book in the Chapel Springs series by Denise Hunter - a series we have devoured and loved. This book was a wonderful conclusion to the McKinley family sagas and introduces us to some new characters and settings for Denise's upcoming Summer Harbor series.

Storyline

Ryan McKinley - brother to Madison, Jade and PJ, the heroines of the first three Chapel Springs books - is still in love with his ex-wife, Abby, and regrets letting her go three years ago. Problem is, she won't give him the time of day. He has bought her dream house, but it is empty without her there to share it with him. When he finds out that Abby's parents still believe them to be married and have invited them up to Maine for the weekend, he decides to accept the invitation and forces himself along on Abby's road trip. 

As they travel together in a cramped car for hours on end, they begin to address the baggage they left packed all those years ago. Is reconciliation even possible, or is it too late? Denise Hunter is a polished, seasoned author and the reader is almost guaranteed an engaging, interesting story will lift up off the pages. No exception here!

Depth

Tackling a failed marriage is no easy feat, either in real life or in good fiction. Marriages often fail because of the little, everyday things that build and build until they explode. Author Denise is incredibly realistic with her characters hashing through their issues. Grief, loss, anger, jealousy, child abuse and self-worth are confronted and dealt with in this story, as Ryan and Abby boldly - albeit reluctantly - face the problems that brought them down in the first place and still haunt them three years later.

Faith

When her marriage failed, Abby also walked away from God, believing herself unworthy of His love. As she and Ryan visit her hometown, her deeper beliefs about God are brought to the surface, largely as a result of her tricky relationship with her parents. But God is faithful to never let go of His children, and He uses her pain to draw her to Himself and shower her with the love of a Father. Faith plays a major part in all the characters' development.

Squeal Factor

As Ryan and Abby rediscover their love for one another, they aren't immune to the physical attraction that drew them together in the first place in college. Although their squeal factor runs high, this time they do it God's way and their love is beautiful to read!

Overall

This book was a great, solid read. Literally every page was interesting and we kept turning them at every chance we got! Married 'til Monday was raw, real, messy and loving - just like marriage in real life. Kudos to author Denise for telling it like it is and not giving easy, pretty resolutions. In fact, some of the issues in this book are not resolved - again, just like real life. But we were satisfied with the book and inspired to press on in the hard things in our own lives. What could be better to take from a book?
 
Find it on Amazon: Married 'til Monday

Please note: We were given this book in exchange for our honest review. 

The Hesitant Heiress (By: Dawn Crandall)

The Hesitant Heiress
By: Dawn Crandall

The Hesitant Heiress is the first book in the Everstone Chronicles. What a breath of fresh air! Set in the gilded age in Boston, it was a new adventure for us as it is our first book by Dawn Crandall and it certainly will not be our last! Written from the first person point of view, the author kept us turning the pages long into the night. 
 
Storyline

Amaryllis has led a lonely life for the last 11 years since her mother's death. She has been in and out of schools and now, after a slanderous letter of false accounts, she is kicked out of the Boston Conservatory. Her dreams of opening her own music academy back home in Washington State are now nearly hopeless. But surprising news of an inheritance handed down by her estranged grandmother can be hers if she marries within one year. The problem is Amaryllis has no desire to get married at all - and is definitely not interested in the elite social class of Boston she now sit among! She moves in with her Aunt Claudine who is determined to find her a husband. Let the fun begin! 

Nathan Everstone is considered by many to be the most charming, eligible bachelor in Boston. Right away, Amaryllis wants nothing to do with him. Additionally, he happens to be the son of the man Amaryllis believes is behind most of her misfortune in life. Of course Nathan is intrigued by her, since she pays him no attention, unlike all the other single ladies in town. We are taken on a journey of discovering past secrets and mysteries, fun moments and lovable characters.

Depth

Amaryllis has never understood much of what happened after her mother's death 11 years ago. A great deal of the depth in this story is brought through the front-row seat to watching the answers play out. The reader has a first person account on all of Amaryllis' dreams, fears and thoughts but we are kept guessing on those of the other characters (which actually captivated our attention and had us thirsting to dig deeper as we read on). There is mystery, a little suspense and lots of fun trying to fit all of the pieces together.

Faith

Faith was woven beautifully into the storyline, a little at first and then it continued to blossom. Amaryllis' struggles are real and we find it refreshing to see characters grow and rely on the Lord to overcome these issues. Themes of trust, forgiveness, love and simply letting go and believing God has a plan and a purpose in all that happens in life all add to the beauty of the story. 

Squeal Factor

This book is filled with romantic tension and feelings. At one point, the reader may want to scream and knock some sense into Amaryllis, because after all, who in their right mind would hold Nathan at arms-length? You'll love the interactions, heated arguments, and smoldering looks, but you'll also find your heart racing as these two finally start to give in to their attraction to one another. 

Overall

We enjoyed this story and appreciated the differences that it brought from our usual reads. Be sure to pick this book up and you won't be disappointed. We can hardly wait to read the following two books in the series.

Find it on Amazon: The Hesitant Heiress