On Magnolia Lane by Denise Hunter
Published by Thomas Nelson on November 6, 2018
Genres: Christian, Clean & Wholesome, Genres & Styles, Literature & Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Pages: 320
Format: ARC, eBook
Goodreads
Falling in love with Daisy was easy for Jack. But finding the courage to tell her becomes problematic when his secret feelings lead to even bigger complications.
After two years of counseling sessions with Daisy Pendleton, Pastor Jack McReady has earned a permanent spot in her life as a spiritual leader—and nothing more. Jack would never risk losing her trust by exposing the depths of his heart, but he’s hopelessly in love with her.
Daisy loves her southern small-town life and her job at her family-run flower shop, but she doesn’t have the thing she longs for most: someone to share it with. Her recent foray into online dating has been a disaster—until she meets TJ.
Jack could kill his friend Noah for using his initials and some indistinct photos to set up a profile on the dating app Daisy is using. But when he’s finally afforded the opportunity to show her a different side of himself, he’s sucked into the plan before he has time for second thoughts.
Online, Daisy shares some of her greatest fears with TJ, but in person, Jack and Daisy are spending more time together. When a devastating family secret surfaces, Daisy knows that only her trusted friend and counselor can bring her comfort. Jack wants nothing more than to be both men for Daisy, but revealing his secret will prove to be the ultimate test of Daisy’s grace.
In November of 2017, I read the first book of the Blue Ridge series, Blue Ridge Sunrise, by Denise Hunter (review HERE). I didn’t have an opportunity to read the second book, Honeysuckle Dreams, but when I saw the subject book of today’s post, On Magnolia Lane, which is the third book in the series, I jumped at the opportunity to read it through my book blogging relationship with NetGalley, and was approved.
I will first say that On Magnolia Lane can easily be read as a stand alone novel if you have not read the previous books to this series. I think if you have read the other two books, you get a little hint of the characters in this book, but not enough to be a deal breaker.
On Magnolia Lane is the story of Jack and Daisy. Jack is a preacher who loves serving God and does not have a higher opinion of himself than he should. Jack has crush on the very cheerful owner of a local flower shop, Daisy, but he doesn’t have the courage to be up front and ask her out. Instead, Jack finds Daisy on a dating app and pretends to be someone other than who he is so Daisy doesn’t see him as a pastor on a pedestal. We all know that deception isn’t a good way to start things, and Daisy isn’t happy when she learns what has happened.
Jack’s dilemma certainly creates a perfect way to show the need for grace and forgiveness, not only for ourselves but for others. The author also provides readers with other important issues such as learning disabilities and how childhood problems can carry over a negative influence into adulthood.
Hunter writes about believable characters with real flaws and real feelings so readers will have no trouble buying into the romance and the story overall. It’s a quick read I recommend if you like good clean contemporary romance.
Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 30 books, including “The Convenient Groom” and “A December Bride” which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on the The 700 club and won awards such as The Holt Medallion Award, The Carol Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories. Her readers enjoy the experience of falling in love vicariously through her characters and can expect a happily-ever-after sigh as they close the pages of her books.
In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are currently enjoying an empty nest.
Connect with Denise on social media ~~
WEBSITE // FACEBOOK // TWITTER
I was provided with a complimentary electronic advanced reader copy through Net Galley in exchange for my post. I was not required to post a positive review. Thank you!
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