Tag Archives: Southern fiction

#BookReview: Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse

25 Mar

Almost Home is a tender tale that transports readers to Blackberry Springs, Alabama, amid World War II. The time period and setting are vividly portrayed, as is the community that surrounds Dolly Chandler’s family home. The cast of characters is delightfully engaging, and I was moved by their individual stories and struggles. Their heartache and healing bring emotional depth to this sweet, southern story, and its lyrical writing makes it a pleasure to read. I thoroughly enjoyed Almost Home and look forward to reading more from Valerie Fraser Luesse.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

With America’s entrance into the Second World War, the town of Blackberry Springs, Alabama, has exploded virtually overnight. Workers from all over are coming south for jobs in Uncle Sam’s munitions plants–and they’re bringing their pasts with them, right into Dolly Chandler’s grand but fading family home turned boardinghouse.

An estranged young couple from the Midwest, unemployed professors from Chicago, a widower from Mississippi, a shattered young veteran struggling to heal from the war–they’re all hoping Dolly’s house will help them find their way back to the lives they left behind. But the house has a past of its own.

When tragedy strikes, Dolly’s only hope will be the circle of friends under her roof and their ability to discover the truth about what happened to a young bride who lived there a century before.

Learn more about the book and the author.  

#BookReview: The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton

21 Jul

Lauren K. Denton’s debut novel embodies everything I enjoy about Southern fiction! From the charming setting of Sweet Bay, Alabama, to the quirky characters that inhabit The Hideaway, this story enchanted me from beginning to end. I loved the intertwining of past and present that led to an unexpected journey of self-discovery. A heartfelt tale of family and friendship, The Hideaway is sure to be one of my favorite summer reads!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

After her last remaining family member dies, Sara Jenkins goes home to The Hideaway, her grandmother Mags’s ramshackle B&B in Sweet Bay, Alabama. She intends to quickly tie up loose ends then return to her busy life and thriving antique shop in New Orleans. Instead, she learns Mags has willed her The Hideaway and charged her with renovating it—no small task considering Mags’s best friends, a motley crew of senior citizens, still live there.

Rather than hurrying back to New Orleans, Sara stays in Sweet Bay and begins the biggest house-rehabbing project of her career. Amid Sheetrock dust, old memories, and a charming contractor, she discovers that slipping back into life at The Hideaway is easier than she expected.

Then she discovers a box Mags left in the attic with clues to a life Sara never imagined for her grandmother. With help from Mags’s friends, Sara begins to piece together the mysterious life of bravery, passion, and choices that changed Mags’s destiny in both marvelous and devastating ways.

When an opportunistic land developer threatens to seize The Hideaway, Sara is forced to make a choice—stay in Sweet Bay and fight for the house and the people she’s grown to love or leave again and return to her successful but solitary life in New Orleans.

Learn more about the book and the author.  

Review: Among The Fair Magnolias | Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway

28 Jul

Among The Fair Magnolias

Among the Fair Magnolias by Tamera Alexander, Shelley Gray, Dorothy Love, and Elizabeth Musser

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Igkc7H

“During the most turbulent decade of our nation’s history, four Southern women – their destinies forged by birth and heritage – face nearly impossible choices on their journey 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:

Among the Fair Magnolias is a lovely novella collection! The authors deftly convey the history and essence of the South, and each of their stories boasts wonderful characterization and vivid imagery.

I can easily name To Mend a Dream as my favorite story in this collection. Tamera Alexander is a fantastic storyteller, and Savannah Darby’s story has been begging to be told! This was my first time to read Dorothy Love and Elizabeth Musser, and I enjoyed their writing voices very much. Shelley Gray always delights readers with her stories and An Outlaw’s Heart is no exception. I enjoyed the drama and romance of each of these stories and recommend this collection for fans of historical romance and Southern fiction!

Speaking of Southern fiction, it just wouldn’t be complete without the mention of good ‘ole Southern cooking! In addition to the novellas, each of these talented authors has shared a delectable Southern recipe. The mouth-watering fare includes:

Molly’s Southern Spoon Bread from A Heart So True
Savannah’s Truly Southern Peach Cobbler from To Mend a Dream
Mrs. Derracott’s Lemon-Filled Coconut Cake from Love Beyond Limits
Texas Sheet Cake from An Outlaw’s Heart

Among the Fair Magnolias is a lovely collection that sweeps the reader into the history and romance of the South!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an unbiased review.  I appreciate the opportunity to read these stories and share my thoughts.  

Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/fairmagnolias

 

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!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6
  • One copy of Among the Fair Magnolias

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!

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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!

 

Authors

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of numerous books including A Lasting Impression and The Inheritance. She is a two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award. A native of west Tennessee. website, Twitter, Facebook

Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. website, Twitter, Facebook

Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), The Protector, recently made the New York Times best seller list. website, Twitter, Facebook

Elizabeth Musser, a native of Atlanta, Georgia now living in France, is a novelist who writes what she calls ‘entertainment with a soul.’ For over 25 years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in mission work with International Teams. website, Twitter, Facebook