Book Review: Among the Fair Magnolias

About the book:
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.

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.

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.

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 Thoughts:  I thoroughly enjoyed all 4 novellas in this collection, but my favourite one was probably To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander.

My favourite quote from the book occurs when Savannah asks Aidan why he considers the cottage on the property a haven and he says that it is "a haven from everything in the world that is not this". And Savannah replies "But if everything in the world were such as this, where would the longing for heaven be?"

I found this book in particular to be filled with nuggets of wisdom and humility, without being pretentious or fake.

I enjoy works of historical fiction and these 4 novellas did not disappoint!

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

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Book Review: A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears

About the Book:  Abandoned by his mail-order bride, Silas Jonesey has fought an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true and his estranged wife has contacted him with her whereabouts.

Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but upon realizing she'd been deceived about her intended groom, she's now settled into life as a schoolteacher. When the mother of a student passes away, Kate assumes she'll take on care of nine-year-old Anthony-until two men suddenly show up in town, claiming to be the boy's father.

Silas can see Anthony loves Kate, so he enlists her help in reaching out to the boy and attempting to prove his paternity to the court. When a common interest in Anthony leads to an interest in each other and Silas and Kate begin to think they can overcome their rocky start, neither is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony's wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?

My Thoughts:  I've always enjoyed reading books about the pioneer days and the times of the mail order bride.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I did feel like it dragged on a little long and that a slightly more condensed version of the story would have been more effective.  The book dealt well with a few heavy issues such as addictions, lack of trust, fear of abandonment, and running from your problems.  One thing I really appreciated was how the author draws you into the lives of the characters and makes you invested in each one of them.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.