Monday, August 3, 2015

Among the Magnolias

GIVEAWAY

ALEXANDER, TAMERA
GRAY, SHELLEY
LOVE, DOROTHY
MUSSER, ELIZABETH
AMONG THE 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.

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 Review:

Four well-known authors join forces to create one exceptional novella collection.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love -- A woman caught between love and duty. Righteous indignation was front and center as I read this novella. Abigail's father is...well, I don't have words. A stark look at how women were treated as commodities.

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander -- Sqqqueallll!!!!! So thrilled to discover Savannah Darby's story in this collection. She captured my attention in To Win Her Favor and I was so hoping that the author would share more about this intriguing character. And voila -- here it is -- Savannah's very own story. A rags to riches tale that captured my heart.

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser -- A difficult look at post civil war plantation life in Georgia. A mini history lesson packed with emotional depth and fragile hope. Totally captivating.

An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray -- This novella has ties to A Texan's Honor and I was thrilled when I put the pieces together -- especially since I read the book three years ago! Talk about writing talent when plots and characters stick with an avid reader years later! A very special second chance love story that breathes hope for a future despite all odds.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Litfuse Publicity Group for supplying me with a review copy of this book.

 
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Among the Magnolias please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 9 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!
 
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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34 comments:

  1. I have been wanting this book! Dorothy Love is one of my favorite authors.
    Thanks, Kav!
    campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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    1. Well, this may be your chance to get it, Amy. Good luck!

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  2. Savannah Darby caught my attention too in To Win Her Favor. I'm glad she gets a happy ending! (Or so I assume . . . I can't imagine them being four Southern stories of doomed love)

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  3. I'm still only half way through this one, but so far: some great stories! And this COVER! Some smart people were right on the button when they put these authors together :)

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    1. I agree, Alyssa. And I love the dress on the cover. Such pretty details. Definitely great marketing strategy all around.

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  4. Ah, I love these authors. I have really been looking forward to reading this ! I saw a video about this book by the authors and it's at the top of my want to read list !
    Deanne Patterson
    Cnnamongirl at aol dot com

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    1. It's a great group of authors, for sure. Good luck, Deanne.

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  5. This is an exceptionally impressive list of authors so the book has to be good! Love to read it.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  6. I would love to read these - novellas are great right now. The summer season brings lots of work - garden is producing abundantly this year. So reading time is cut short. lol rrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. Glad your garden is doing well, Becky. And yes, a novella is just the thing when you're super busy. Good luck.

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  7. I'm familiar with Dorothy Love & Tamara Alexander but not the other two authors. Sounds like a great collection.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Shelley Gray is Shelley Shepard Gray. She uses Gray for her historical novels and Shepard Gray for her Amish. And I've only read one other by Elizabeth Musser so must check into her other books. Good luck, Patty.

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  8. I think the best books are novellas because you get to read different stories from different authors all in one book. kamundsen44atyahoodotcom. Kim

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    1. I love that too, Kim. Plus there's usually an author or two in the collection you're not as familiar with so it's a great introduction to new authors. Good luck.

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  9. Elizabeth and Tamera are two of my favorite authors. One nice thing about novella collections is being able to sample the work of authors that aren't as well known to me, such as Dorothy and Shelley. I think all the novellas in this collection sound very good.
    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. I agree, Pam -- sampling authors is one of my favourite things about novellas too. Good luck.

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  10. I've just won a copy of this over on a different blog just the other day, so no need to enter my name. I just wanted to say thank you for your review. I love your take on books so much, I had to come check this out! Thank you, Kav....looks like I am in for a real reading treat with these stories! Good luck everyone!

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by anyway, Trixi. Glad you'll get a chance to read this book.

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  11. I have books by all four of these authors and that is the reason I would love to win to read these novellas! Thank you for offering a print copy of Among the Fair Magnolias. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  12. A great book from some great authors, thank you for the chance to win a copy.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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  13. I have seen such great things written about this book. I can't wait to read it!
    lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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  14. Would love to win this book. Love the title too, and great authors. Please add my name. Thanks! Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  15. I have enjoyed every book I have read separately by the authors involved in Among the Fair Magnolias. This should be a great read.

    tlhcoupon (at) hotmail (dot) com

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    1. Then this will be a fun read for you, trosado. Good luck.

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  16. I've liked everything I've read so far by Elizabeth Musser!

    jnelson at skyhighway dot com

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  17. I have wanted this book & was thrilled to see your interview & giveaway. All the stories sound wonderful. I can't wait to read it! Thanks once again for another great review, Kav, & the chance to win this book! ~ Alison Boss nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. It's a talented combination for sure. Good luck, agboss.

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