Among the Fair Magnolias

Among The Fair Magnolias

This book has 4 novellas by 4 very eloquent ladies. I had already read two of them and was glad I signed up to read and review this book for Litfuse. These four stories are all set in the turbulent times with a lot of changes happening all around. The love stories also mirror the tension, anxiety, conflicts and the reluctant acceptance of the changes.

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander

Tamera has mentioned that Savannah had stayed in her thoughts after the novel To Win Her Favor and I agree! While reading it I wanted to read Savannah’s love story. Does she get her home back? Does she find what she is looking for? Who does she finally fall in love with? To Mend A Dream answers all these and some more. I found the story so engaging; in fact this is my favorite among all the four stories. The sad yet strong Savannah trying to keep her family together is so endearing. She works hard and fast, trying to keep a roof over her siblings and looking for the box left for her by her father.

Aidan is conflicted and his longing for peace, his association with the war leave him unsettled and that he is second guessing his proposal to Ms. Priscilla who turns out to be quite a task master. The poems that he remembers about Nashville bring a tear to the eye. Oh! Sweet Jesus, let me live to taste that again…..for the Peach Cobbler. The beauty of the place, the rolling greens and peace and quiet add to the charm of the book. Character with layers, plot with a questions that kept me turning the pages, I was glued to the book.

The scene when Savannah finally finds what she is looking for and finds much more than she thought possible is just the sweetest ever! Her coy, “I’m afraid we southerners don’t speak so openly of such matters……” was so sweet. A perfect ending to Savannah’s journey as she finally comes home.

An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray

This story was fast, crisp and I enjoyed Russell as he was a man with hope, love and faith in his heart even though he had lost so much. He had been in the woods and a lesser man might embrace the dark side but not Russell. I think the best decision he made was to come back and see his mother that he found his long lost love made the return so special. Nora, the sweet, helpful young girl who had sent him away regretted her action for seven years and she got a chance to fix things. That she had a beau – Braedon only made it easy for her to realize the real thing.

An Outlaw's Heart is a story that celebrates ‘second chances’ and of course true love finds a way!

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love

Abigail is a woman who knows her mind and I feel it were women like her who help women come out and make progress alongside men. Dr Wade Bennet is the one who has her heart and she wants to work with him, help him. Her parents make no secret of their liking for Charles and she bows down to their demands.
That she agreed to her parents even though it broke her heart told of the sacrifices we make for those whom we love. Turbulent times and quickly changing political changes add to the confusion. Yet in the end even her father realized that knowingly one cannot thrust one’s own child into abuse.

Even I wanted to smack Charles along with Wade!! A simple, sweet and succulent love story.

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser

This story about Emily had so much suspense that I was wondering about the truth right till the end!

Emily thought she was in love with Leroy, a freedman from her own plantation and she was being courted by her childhood friend Thomas McGinnis. That he seems forceful yet loving, calm yet haunted by memories makes him and intriguing character. Even Emily had trouble understanding him.

When the troubled times head over to Emily’s farm and things come to a head I realized the true actions of Thomas and Leroy. Love Beyond Limits was a book that brought strong passions to fore and highlighted the times when life was so easily lost. The Ku Klux Klan was indeed a dreaded plague that wreaked havoc in so many lives. The manner in which Thomas was entangled with them and the lengths he went to save his love was so heartwarming.

I always enjoy stories where the heroine is not a typical damsel in distress but tries to tackle the odds on her own. She is willing to take help but is not waiting for it. The women in the stories were just as strong, determined and proactive like the women of today.

A true representation of the Magnolias and so very apt. A must read for lovers for romance which scales impossible odds!

(I received a copy of the book from Litfuse for an honest review.)

This is the first inspirational compilation I've read that's historical. I knew I would love Tamera Alexander's story because I have loved all of her books. The other three authors I wasn't sure about, but I didn't need to worry. The characterization, plot, and writing were all really good for the most part, especially considering that these are all fairly short novellas, all under 100 pages in length. Here's what I thought about each...

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love, 88 pages I've read one other book by this author that was slow in parts to me, but this novella was a great pace. I immediately liked the heroine, Abigail. I wasn't sure how the romance would play out - if the guy she didn't want to like she would end up liking or if the guy she did like would be the one. It was interesting seeing how the romance played out. I loved the setting and there was plenty of tension and some sweet romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander, 91 pages I loved this story. It definitely was my favorite. I loved the way it started off and the short, but important, roles of the Savannah's siblings. I loved the conflicting emotions of both main characters and how, as a reader, I got to feel their emotions and read what they were thinking. There were some interesting questions brought up. I also loved the chemistry between Savannah and Aidan. The ending was a little rushed, but so sweet.

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser, 82 pages This story was so heartbreaking! I didn't know how to feel about Thomas and also about Emily's reactions. The whole ordeal was just depressing. It always makes me so mad to read about the Ku Klux Klan and the violence against African Americans and whites that supported them after the war. I appreciated that the author was honest in the telling. I also liked that there was a nice twist to this one and how that one things changed everything. A great story!

An Outlaw’s Heart by Shelley Gray, 82 pages This story fell a little short for me. I didn't feel the depth in the characters as the other stories and I felt like the dialogue and situation was a little forced. I also didn't know the other characters who appeared to have cameos from prior books because I haven't read those. Otherwise, it was a sweet story with some fun twists.

Overall the compilation was enjoyable. One story was disappointing to me, but the other three were really great. If you enjoy these authors' other books, or enjoy reading historical Christian romance then I'd recommend this compilation. There were some yummy recipes and some good discussion questions in the back that would be perfect to use for a book club as well.

Content: Clean Source: I would like to thank Thomas Nelson through Litfuse and NetGalley for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.

I was so impressed with the quality of each of these novellas. The four authors packed in so much history and romance into each of these charming stories! Spanning in time from 1860 to 1878, each tale is unique in it's flavor and each feature a cast of characters that are memorable.

Perhaps my favorite tale out of the four is Shelley Gray's. It could be because it is set in Texas during the Post Civil-War era and features a handsome cowboy, or it could be because Shelley is a special favorite author of mine - it's just a good, Western-flavored story that has a satisfying ending.

Each of the stories in this collection are well written and will be a delight for readers to delve into. I highly recommend "Among The Fair Magnolias."

"Among the Fair Magnolias" is an excellent novella collection that is set in the time period of the Civil War, which is a time period I enjoy reading about. Each of the four main characters are seeking to find their right place in life, in general and with their hearts, as family expectations and societal expectations play a role in determining life's direction; however their hearts do as well. I loved how the collection began with Abigail's story and the family setting up their summer home and hosting a get together as it was a perfect read for this time of the year. There are secrets, and romance throughout which will keep you turning the pages.

Four Southern women are at a turning point in history . . . and in their own hearts.

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander

The Civil War cost Savannah Darby everything—her family and her home. When Aidan Bedford, an attorney from Boston, buys the Darby estate, he hires Savannah to redecorate. Can she find a mysterious treasure before her job is finished?

MY REVIEW of To Mend a Dream: As if the Civil War weren't trial enough to endure, Savannah and her younger brother and sister have lost their father and brother in the bitter war, now their home has been sold and she has to help Aidan Bedford's spoiled rich fiance redecorate it. Can she remain professional and complete the job? She needs the extra income from this job to care for her siblings. Aidan notices her beauty as well as her fine character as soon as they meet....will sparks fly or will God actually mend the dream of her heart? I rate this sweet novella 5 stars. I enjoyed the length, the characters and the storyline. I love this story set in the period following the Civil War.

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 that she is 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.

MY REVIEW of An Outlaw's Heart: I really felt the turmoil that Russell was feeling as he returned to Fort Worth after seven years of exile. Seven years of hell where he was a member of an outlaw gang. How would he ever reconcile things with his mother and Nora? When he discovers that Nora has never married, he feels the love being rekindled. Readers will love reading to see what happens with Nora and Russell in this 5-star romantic novella.

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.

MY REVIEW of A Heart So True: Abigail has been in love for some time with the young doctor in town but her father has arranged for her to marry for money to ensure her secure position in society. Her heart is torn into pieces but readers will enjoy reading as she makes decisions that are very difficult and heart-wrenching. I love the setting and reading of the wonderful parties, dances, and social events of life long ago in the South. I rate this novella 5 stars and again, this is a quick read. This book will carry readers away to another time and place. I could do without the corsets personally as I'm sure the women of that time period could also, but the dresses seem so magnificient that I could imagine I was attending the dances with Abigail.

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.

MY REVIEW of Love Beyond Limits: Emily, the rich daughter of the plantation owner, finds herself in love with one of her father's freedmen. It is an impossible love and she has her dear old friend who still adores her and longs to marry her. The KKK becomes involved in the area as they try to intimidate the freedmen and plantation owner's NOT to vote in the upcoming election. This one felt a little farfetched to me as I wonder how often that really happened in post-Civil War times. But I did appreciate the surprising ending in this 5-star novella.

I received a kindle version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

The first thing that attracted me to “Among the Fair Magnolias” was its gorgeous cover that hinted at the possible delights inside. Secondly, the fact that several of the novellas were written by favorite authors was indication that I would most likely have a few enjoyable hours while reading it. I was not disappointed.

As a true Southerner, I always relish reading stories about my part of the nation. In these four novellas, I had the pleasure of visiting four distinct locations within the South. Each tale took place shortly after the Civil War and each one highlighted the difficulties as the defeated Southerners attempted to rebuild their lives. Each story is as unique as its location and each features a matchless romance that endures despite challenging circumstances. I enjoyed each of the stories although I will admit that I did have my favorites. As a Tennessean, I definitely leaned toward the one with that setting.

For those who enjoy historical Southern romance, “Among the Fair Magnolias” would be an excellent choice. Each individual story would be perfect for an evening’s leisure time or for a weekend afternoon.

I always worry when I read a novel that contains more than one story, that the story will not be developed enough or will feel too rushed. This was definitely not the case in Among the Fair Magnolias. Each of the four stories brings its own unique writing skills (that also complement each other) and story. At the root of each story is a difficult decision each main character has to make – accepting the past and present in order to find love, forgiveness and hope. It is a novel that explores love and forgiveness in many different forms, that will not leave you disappointed (but maybe craving for some more!).

by Andrea Renee Cox

Among the Fair Magnolias takes you into the deep South. Each story brought out a unique voice by talented writers. Unfortunately not all of them were to my taste this time around. One of the stories seemed overly pushy on the political side of things; I'm not into politics, so having it thrust at me was quite jolting. Another of the stories included a predictable love triangle where one guy is a big jerk and the other is a broken man finding his way again; this storyline is overused in today's entertainment (books, movies, and TV shows), in my opinion.

This book surely has its fans. I recommend it for anyone who loves historical fiction. The authors are ones I've been wanting to read, and I look forward to trying more of their books in the future. It's obvious to me they each have their specialty and incredible talent. And I also thought it neat they each included a recipe to accompany their story. Very cool add-in.

My thoughts:
I LOVED this compilation of four novellas. Two of my favorite authors were included and I LOVE anything historical fiction normally. Plus, did I mention the Civil War is like my all time favorite period of history? These all take place shortly after the war ended. These stories are not interrelated though the one does connect with a series I’m enjoying!
Tamera Alexander introduces us to her character Savannah Darby in another of her books and I of course fell in love with her there and wanted to learn more and read more about her. This did just that! I have several other people from that book series that I’m waiting to hear more detailed stories of! For the story synopsis’ please look above. I’m just sharing that this was my favorite short story for the simple fact it shared more about a beloved character of mine.
The other author that I adore who wrote one of these novellas is Shelley Gray! I love her Amish fiction stories and was delighted to read her more wild west type piece. This was a great story that was fast moving and kept me reading. You’re going to love it!
These four books are not related to each other in their characters but they are in their time period. If you love historical fiction and the antebellum time period you’re going to adore these!!

I really enjoyed this book from a great set of authors. I have read books from each of them separately and enjoyed catching up with some old characters in this compilation. You do not have to have read the other books to enjoy this great set of books. It is something that you could enjoy all at once, or in parts since there are four great stories.