Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Magnolia Market by Judie Christie (Review)

Magnolia Market
by Judie Christie
Trumpet and Vine series, Book 2
Christian Fiction / Contemporary
Available September 2014
Zondervan
342 pages



About the Book
The self-help books lied: fresh starts aren’t nearly as glamorous as they appear. And love isn’t any easier the second time around.

Avery Broussard was savoring her long-dormant optimism. It was the first anniversary of her husband’s death, and she was finally going to buy the dress boutique from her former mother-in-law. After a year of saving, the deal was nearly done. Avery was about to get her life back.

But every deal in Samford, Louisiana, can change at the whim of a Broussard.

After being unceremoniously ejected from the very boutique she planned to buy—the boutique she herself had rescued from ruin—she becomes a woman without a future . . . suddenly at war with her late husband’s family.

When carpenter T. J. Aillet begins working for the Broussards doing manual labor, he overhears enough to know that Avery is being victimized. Soon enough, T. J. is lassoed into the squabble by his family connections, his good heart . . . and the undeniable attraction he feels toward Avery.

But the Aillets are no strangers to Samford society—and T. J. knows what happens when you cross the Broussards. Could these two misfits ever make a start together? Or will the pressures of Samford society pull them apart before they even get a chance to try?

My Thoughts
I'm a fan of anything southern (being from the South and all!) and Magnolia Market is a great southern read. While it doesn't highlight the best the south has to offer (initially, at least), it does give readers a glimpse into what "old southern money" is all about.

I liked Avery right away and found myself constantly frustrated by the things that kept happening to her. It was all just so unfair! But, alas, life is not fair ... and neither is Avery's. However, for every bad thing that is done TO her, a new friend comes along and helps her—even if it's in a totally unexpected way. I thought it was a great lesson in accepting help graciously and knowing we weren't intended to go through life on our own.

The other characters in town were a great addition to the book and helped round out the story. From eccentric and grumpy to rich and snooty to kind and generous and everything in between, we get a little bit of everything.

The middle of the book seemed to lag a bit for me, but otherwise, I truly enjoyed this book! I'm excited to read more of the Trumpet & Vine series! [4 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author
Judy Christie writes fiction with a Louisiana flavor. She is the author of the Green series of novels including Gone to Green. A fan of primitive antiques and porch swings, she blogs from her green kitchen couch at www.judychristie.com. She and her husband live in northern Louisiana.

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