Among the Fair Magnolias
In the most turbulent decade of our nation’s history, four Southern women—destinies forged by birth, hearts steeled by war—face near impossible choices on their journeys in life . . . and in love.
To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home. So when new owner, Aidan Bedford, a Boston attorney and former Union soldier, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, Savannah jumps at the opportunity. But the clock is ticking. Can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed? And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front. This time, one of the heart.
Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home. So when new owner, Aidan Bedford, a Boston attorney and former Union soldier, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, Savannah jumps at the opportunity. But the clock is ticking. Can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed? And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front. This time, one of the heart.
An Outlaw’s Heart by Shelley Gray
When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he’s determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother’s homestead, he discovers she’s very ill, and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.
When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he’s determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother’s homestead, he discovers she’s very ill, and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.
A Heart So True by Dorothy Love
Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.
Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.
Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser
Emily has a secret: She’s in love with one of the freedmen on her family’s plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.
Emily has a secret: She’s in love with one of the freedmen on her family’s plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.
MY REVIEW-I am a fan of several of the authors included in this book. My best-loved would probably be Tamera Alexander, just because I enjoy her other books and the time period she normally writes about is a favorite of mine. And I think her story, To Mend a Dream, was excellent. It is very hard to pen a full enough story when you only have so much space. Getting the characters fleshed out and with enough depth is quite difficult with the couple hundred pages they have. But Mrs Alexander pulls it off quite well and I thoroughly enjoyed her story. The hero and heroine totally captivated me and I really wanted to hear more about them.
My next favorite would be A Heart So True by Dorothy Love. Abigail drew me to her in a way I don't often feel. Though at times I felt like slapping her father, I loved how she was strong and true to her beliefs. The history and aura Dorothy pens makes you feel like you are in South Carolina. My only wish? Would be that Abigail and Wade were together more. It doesn't give much time between them and the ending felt a bit rushed. But I know that is part of the weakness with a novella.
Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser was up next. This one I had mixed feelings on. Some of the story didn't flow and the characters almost make you feel confused. The heroine is Emily and she is in love with a freedman, which in that time period was a big no-no! Thomas is an old family friend who fought in the war and came back a changed man, but he still loves Emily and wants to marry her. My main problem with this book was how the two main characters are portrayed. Emily is irksome and she actually throws herself at this freed slave, who does the right thing and tells her to back off. And Thomas is painted as a KKK member. I just had a very hard time with them. I loved the history and seeing how things were back then but this was not a favorite.
And last but not least in any way is An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray. This author is a favorite of mine for her other Amish stories but this one surprised me. Russell at first I had some trouble with. He is obviously an outlaw, he killed his step-father and hurt those around him. When he comes back home he doesn't really seemed changed. But that all is swapped when his sweetheart, Nora, steps into view. I loved how he changed at that point. Protective and totally different. My only wish with this one again is that they had more time. Felt a bit rushed but overall very good.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS!
Four best-selling novelists bring tales of four Southern women who face near impossible choices on their journeys in life and in love during the most turbulent decade of our nation’s history in Among the Fair Magnolias. Don't miss this collection of stories from Tamera Alexander, Shelley Gray, Dorothy Love, and Elizabeth Musser.
Join the authors in celebrating the release of Among the Fair Magnolias by entering to win their Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to their August 13th author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/13. The winner will be announced at the Among the Fair Magnolias Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tamera, Dorothy, Shelley, and Elizabeth, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 13th!
**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**
1 comment:
It seems that Tamara Alexander's story seems to be a favorite. Since I haven't read To Win Her Favor, yet, I wonder if I would have a different perspective. I look forward to reading all of them.
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