Tag Archives: MIchelle Major

Love at First Bark by Michelle Major – a Review

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Love at First Bark by Michelle Major – a Review

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Description:
Sometimes love happens in the most re-bark-able way.

Cassie Raebourn’s love life has gone to the dogs—literally. A childhood trauma inspired her career as a veterinarian where she indulges her special fondness for dogs. Then, Aiden Riley unexpectedly walks into her clinic and steals her heart. The reckless rodeo star was at the center of the trauma all those years ago. Cassie knows Aiden feels the attraction too. Can they bury the past and find the courage to let each other in?

 

 

Review:

Love at First Bark by Michelle Major is the 12th book in her Crimson, Colorado series.   I have not read the earlier books of this series, not really knowing about it.  I have become a fan of Michelle Major having loved her Carolina Girls, Magnolia Sisters series. 

We meet Cassie Raebourn and Aiden Riley at the start, when they were young teenagers; in a heartbreaking scene where Aiden’s dog was brought to the veterinarian clinic in hope to save his dog, who was brutally beaten by Aiden’s abusive father.  Cassie worked part time to help at the clinic.  The dog died, and Aiden left Crimson, with his mother and sister, getting away from the terrible father/husband.

Twenty years later, Cassie also returns to Crimson to be near her mother, and fills in at the same veterinarian clinic where she volunteered as a youngster. Cassie has always been an animal lover, is hoping to become a partner at the clinic; with one vet she was close to and the other vet, very unlikeable.  Residents who come to the clinic love Cassie, with her sunny personality and wonderful care and compassion of the animals. Cassie is surprised to see Aiden again, after all the years, as he arrives at the clinic with his nephew, George, who is carrying an injured puppy.

Aiden came back to his home town to help out his sister and nephew, as his sister Lila recently lost her husband.  He is surprised when he sees Cassie, who is now a veterinarian, come out to look at the dog, Spud. He was happy to see her again, but because of his terrible past, Aiden comes across as difficult, telling his nephew that they will not take care of the dog. Other then his sister and nephew, Aiden has closed any feelings for anyone.  He doesn’t plan on staying long, especially remembering all those bad memories. Cassie having witnessed the horrible time years ago, understands how Aiden has shut himself down, with the exception of his sister and nephew.  

It is Cassie’s mother and Lila (Aiden’s sister) who work toward pushing Aiden to open himself up, as well as Cassie to try to get Aiden to allow for Spud to be adopted.  Cassie is wonderful vet, so caring, and a few times, she gets Aiden to help injured animals, and eventually he will adopt another dog, who lost his leg in an accident.  Though at the start, Aiden and Cassie do feel some sparks, but both are not in the best situation in their lives.  In a short time, we can see a romance forming between them, but Cassie who finds herself eventually falling for Aiden, recognizes the difficulty of getting Aiden to open his heart. Will Cassie succeed in winning Aiden over and staying in Crimson?

Cassie is also dealing with Dr. Smith, who is mean, heartless and not a caring vet, and he is determined to fire her, since everyone likes her.  His constant demeaning attitude against Cassie was terrible. Aiden will come forward a few times to defend Cassie. Lila, to her happiness, receives an offer to sell the land, as she could not handle it.

Love at First Bark was a wonderful story, revolving around family, animals and love. It was nice to see Cassie and Aiden slowly finding love along the way.  I loved all the dogs, especially Spud and Rosie, who were so great to watch. The epilogue at the end was great.   I really enjoyed the book, which is no surprise, as I enjoy Michelle Major’s books.  If you like a slow burn romance, great secondary characters and wonderful dogs, you should read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Front Porch Club by Michelle Major – a Review

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The Front Porch Club by Michelle Major – a Review

 

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Description:
They have nothing in common—except a need to start over…

The drawback to having a picture-perfect life is that there’s nowhere to go but down—and Annalise Haverford is falling fast. Once, she was the self-proclaimed queen bee of Magnolia, North Carolina. Now her husband has been arrested for fraud, and she’s become an outcast in the shallow circles she used to rule. There’s only one affordable rental in town, and it’s owned by the woman Annalise got fired from a lucrative job.

Much as single mother Shauna Myer would like to refuse Annalise, who treated her like dirt on the bottom of her red-soled shoe, she needs that rent money. But when Shauna’s first love arrives in town, unraveling secrets she’d hoped to keep, Annalise becomes her unlikely defender. Meghan Banks, an elementary school art teacher whose quiet existence suddenly descends into chaos, is thrown an unexpected lifeline by Annalise, too.

As spring ripens into a sultry summer, the three spur each other on to share their fears and dreams, face new challenges, and seize second chances. Because no matter how turbulent life may be, it’s much easier to navigate those choppy waters when you’re buoyed by true friendship…­ 

 

Review:

The Front Porch Club by Michelle Major is the 5th book in her wonderful Carolina Girls series. I have become a big fan of Michelle Major, having enjoyed her Magnolia Sisters, and now her Carolina Girls series. The Front Porch Club continues to take place in Magnolia, North Carolina; continuing the trend with a wonderful sweet story, with three fantastic ladies who formed a marvelous friendship. The three ladies were very different and unlikely to be friends, but over time their bond grew very strong. Let us meet our wonderful three ladies.

Annalise Haverford, spent years at the top of Magnolia’s society, but when her husband landed in jail due to fraud, with many people losing their money, Annalise is now an outcast in the circles she was a large part of.  She is divorced with two children, and is financially in bad shape.  She rents an affordable apartment from a woman who she treated badly.  Annalise manages to get a job as a housekeeper, and she begins to see how badly she treated those in lower class. 

Shauna Myer is a single mother of 5-year-old twins, who have never met their father. Shauna, who owns the building, agrees to rent to Annalise, whom she did not like, but she needed the rent payments.  Being a sweet person, she goes out of her way to treat Annalise nicely, introducing her two sons to Annalise’s daughter and son. Shauna also begins to see Annalise trying to change the way she was, and in a short time, the start of a friendship begins.

Meghan Banks, is other new tenant, who is an elementary school art teacher, having recently been told that she will lose her job at the end of the school year, due to budget cuts.  At first Meghan, steers clear of the other two ladies, but in a short time, she will join Annalise and Shauna in helping each other pick up the pieces of their lives. 

Annalise comes up with an idea to do a Fundraiser, to not only help get more funds for Meghan to keep her job, but also add more funds to the school.  I really loved the friendship that the trio built over time, overcoming many issues along the way, but always there for each other; as the bond of sisterhood formed.  I enjoyed seeing the ladies find their possible love interest.   Annalise, while working as a housekeeper finds her love in Jack, who manages the farm, owned by a famous singer, who now lives there.  Shauna is shocked that Flynn who abandoned her more than 5 years ago, returns and realizes her two sons are his; he is determined to win her back. Meghan finds herself falling hard for the singer, Walker, but with his career on hold, is their any hope for her to win him over?

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming romantic story with all three unlikely friends that slowly become a sisterhood, with each of them helping each other to find second chances and upcoming challenges.   I enjoyed returning to Magnolia and meeting a new group of friends, and secondary characters.   The Front Porch Club was written so very well by Michelle Major, with three great friends, hot men, and so many wonderful secondary characters.  The Front Porch Club was a very entertaining read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Wish List by Michelle Major – a Review

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The Wish List by Michelle Major – a Review

 

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Description:
This Christmas the Carlyle sisters will rediscover the gift of family

For some families, a Christmas reunion is like a feel-good movie. For Beth Carlyle, it might be more of a disaster epic. Her ex-husband’s new girlfriend is already pregnant. Her self-absorbed, bestselling author mother recently suffered a stroke and has summoned Beth’s sisters, Freya and Trinity—neither of whom even seem to like Beth very much—back to Magnolia. Beth’s so lonely and stressed that she spills her guts to a stranger, wondering why the handsome newcomer affects her so deeply. Reality TV star Freya deliberately forged a career that would upset her mother, who’s always been as brilliant as the sun…and just as distant. Now a handsome literary agent is making Freya dream of a different life. As for Trinity, she just wants to start over after leaving an abusive relationship and make a future for her and her baby.

It’ll be a Christmas like no other in Magnolia. But the Carlyle sisters might find they have more in common than their shared past—and that the holidays are made for second chances.

 

 

Review:

The Wish List by Michelle Major is the 4th book in her wonderful The Carolina Girls series. This story takes place close to Christmas, and centers on the three Carlyle sisters ((Beth, Freya, Trinity), who are brought together in Magnolia when their mother has a stroke. 

Beth is the oldest sister, who has always watched over her younger sisters, when their famous mother (author) is constantly away on tours, leaving the girls to struggle.  Beth still lives in Magnolia, but her other sisters travel home to help. Beth is divorced, and a nurse at the hospital, with her ex also working there as a doctor; they do remain on friendly terms.  Privately Beth wants to step away from her burdens and leave Magnolia, once her mother is better. But when she meets Declan, will Beth allow herself to find love again, or will she leave Magnolia.

Freya is a reality tv star, who does come across early on as a bit sarcastic, especially when she meets her mother’s agent. She doesn’t trust the agent (Greer), even though they both feel their attraction to each other.  Will Freya, who seems to be getting closer to her sisters, open her cold untrusting heart.

Trinity, the youngest sister, is also pregnant, much to the surprise of her other sisters.  What they don’t know is she has run away from an abusive boyfriend.  Trinity is worried she won’t be able to handle having a child, but her sisters promise to be there for her.  Trinity meets the next-door neighbor, who just happened to be the police chief.   A friendship builds, but in time things will change to a possible romance. 

I did enjoy seeing the three sisters begin to bond, bringing the family together.  It was nice to see each of the sisters find love. I did like Beth with Declan, Freya finally with Greer, and Trinity with Ash.  I love seeing many of the characters from previous books, such as Mariella, Anji, Carrie, Avery, just to name a few. It was exciting when Trinity had her baby, and when the family stood together against the abusive boyfriend.

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming romantic story with all three Carlyle sisters playing major parts, as well as all finding love.  I enjoyed this return to Magnolia and the comfort of a family reunion; despite the many struggles along the way.  Michelle Major also created a wonderful group of secondary characters, as well as giving us a glimpse at the ladies we loved from the previous series. The Wish List was written so very well by Michelle Major, with three great sisters, hot men, and so many wonderful secondary characters.  The Wish List was a very entertaining read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Wedding Season by Michelle Major – a Review

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The Wedding Season by Michelle Major – a Review

 

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Description:
The last person she wants to see in Magnolia, North Carolina, could be exactly whom she’s been waiting for…

Mariella Jacob was one of the world’s premier bridal designers, but one viral PR disaster later, she’s trying to get her torpedoed career back on track in small-town Magnolia, North Carolina. With a secondhand store and a new business venture helping her friends turn the Wildflower Inn into a wedding venue, Mariella is finally putting at least one mistake behind her. Until that mistake—in the glowering, handsome form of Alex Ralsten—moves to Magnolia too.

Mariella ruined Alex’s wedding by announcing that his starlet bride-to-be was sleeping with Mariella’s fiancé. While he’s furious when they’re forced to work together, there’s no denying Mariella is hardworking, talented…and gorgeous. In fact, though Alex keeps reminding himself that they’re enemies, something deeper is growing…daring them to admit that a rocky past might lead to something unexpectedly wonderful.

 

 

Review:

Wedding Season by Michelle Major is the 3rd book in her wonderful The Carolina Girls series. I have become a big fan of Michelle Major, having enjoyed her Magnolia Sisters series, and the first two books of her Carolina Girls.  Wedding season continued this trend, as it was a wonderful story, with a terrific couple, and great secondary characters.

Mariella, our heroine in this book, is the third partner in the Wildflower Inn, as she helps design the dresses for upcoming weddings at the Inn; she also owns the Second Chance dress shop.  In the previous books, we learned how Mariella left her job as a big shot wedding dress designer, and moving to Magnolia to avoid meeting anyone, after her fiasco when she drunkenly ruined her career.  Now Mariella has made friends with her partners in the Inn (Emma and Anji) is happy being in Magnolia. But things will soon change.

Alex Ralsten, our hero, is the man who Mariella ruined at his wedding by exposing his cheating fiancee, and has opened a new business in Magnolia.  They both are cordial, but try to avoid each other, and slowly they become friends.  Alex hires a young assistant, Heather to help at work, who turns out to be Mariella’s daughter, whom she gave up at birth.  Heather is not nice to Mariella, but with help from Alex, she begins to learn more about her biological mother, and in time the two of them will open up their hearts.

Alex recognizes that Mariella is not only a hard worker, who is loyal to her friends, but also smart, not to mention beautiful; as he begins to see her more often, he enjoys spending time with her.  Mariella and Alex’s relationship begins to change, as they each have strong feelings for each other. At first, they try to avoid anything, until their sizzling chemistry becomes an affair that they keep a secret.   I did love Alex and Mariella together, and also loved how Heather became closer to Mariella.  It was great to see how close and loyal the ladies were to each other, going out of their way to help Mariella with her daughter, as well as with Alex.  I really loved seeing Emma and Cam, Anji and Gabe.

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming romantic story with both Mariella and Alex dealing with their past issues; as well as Mariella coming to terms with the daughter she never knew. Michelle Major also created a wonderful group of secondary characters, as well as giving us a glimpse at the ladies we loved from the previous series. Wedding Season was written so very well by Michelle Major, with a great couple, and so many wonderful characters, many of the townsfolks, and the cute animals. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Mistletoe Season by Michelle Major – a Review

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Mistletoe Season by Michelle Major – a Review

 

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Description:
Spend the holidays in Magnolia, North Carolina, where two lonely hearts find exactly what they need for Christmas.

Anji Guilardi needs a man for Christmas—at least, according to her mother. What she really needs is to grow her fledgling catering business. Partnering with Magnolia’s Wildflower Inn holds promise, but when her mother falls ill, Anji’s drawn back to the responsibility of the family restaurant. Balancing work and her eight-year-old son, she has no time for romance…until Anji runs into Gabriel Carlyle.

Temporarily helping at his grandmother’s flower shop, Gabriel doesn’t plan to stick around, especially after he bumps into Anji, one of his childhood bullies. Sure, she’s all grown up and gorgeous now, and when they find themselves under the mistletoe, their chemistry is undeniable. But it’ll take more than a Christmas miracle for Anji to break through the defenses of Gabriel’s well-guarded heart and find a love built to last.

 

 

Review:

Mistletoe Season by Michelle Major is the 2nd book in her The Carolina Girls series. I have become a big fan of Michelle Major, having enjoyed her Magnolia Sisters series, and the first book of her Carolina Sisters.  Mistletoe Season continued this trend, as it was a wonderful story, with a terrific couple, and great secondary characters.

Anji Guilardi, our heroine, loves working at the Wildflower Inn, but with her mother recovering from an illness, Anji is stuck helping at the family restaurant. She is working overtime, between both places, trying not to leave her new friends (Emma and Mariella) in a difficult position (Anji does all the cooking for the Inn); and also help out at the restaurant, not to mention taking care of her young son, Drew.  Anji’s mother makes things difficult for her, putting pressure on her handling the restaurant, even though her heart and new recipes are with the Inn.

Gabe Carlyle, our hero, is back in Magnolia to help out his grandmother run the flower shop.  Gabe knows his mother wants to sell the shop and house they live in, but since she is far away, he ignores her, and puts most of his time with his grandmother.  Years ago, when the was young, he had a crush on Anji, but things broke up.  Now when he meets her at his shop, and despite his coldness toward her, he can still feel the chemistry between them; especially when they are forced to kiss under the mistletoe, and the sparks sizzle.

Between Anji’s mom, she pressures her to find a husband, and her son, Drew, who has become close to Gabriel, a bond begins to form.  Anji asks Gabe for help to be her fake boyfriend, to get her mom off her back. Drew had become very close to Gabe, which brings him closer to Anji.  Their relationship turns into a full-blown real romance, after they are both asked to run the town Christmas festival, and spend lots of time together.  Gabe is also there for Anji, when he sees how much she loves working at the Inn, but is pressured by her mother to stay with the restaurant.

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story with both Anji and Gabe dealing with their issues (both mothers). Michelle Major also created a wonderful group of secondary characters, as well as giving us a glimpse at the ladies we loved from the previous series. Mistletoe Season was written so very well by Michelle Major, with a great couple, and so many wonderful characters, many of the townsfolks, and the cute animals. I suggest your start this series, and if you have not read The Magnolia Sisters, you should start that one too, then read Wildflower Season, before you move to Mistletoe Season.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Wildflower Season by Michelle Major – a Review

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Wildflower Season by Michelle Major – a Review

 

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Description:
She always followed the path of least resistance…until it leads her to a small town where she can follow her dreams.

When Emma Cantrell’s marriage imploded, she learned a fast and painful lesson about trusting her heart. Then, on a visit to Magnolia, North Carolina, to see her brother, an elegant, if dilapidated, mansion for sale presents the opportunity to start over. Risking everything on her dream of opening the Wildflower Inn, Emma buys the house…just as the storm of the century hits, severely damaging the structure. But a chance meeting with Holly, a bride-to-be in desperate need of a new venue, gives her hope…and the name of a contractor who’ll work fast and cheap, allowing Emma to repair the inn in time to host the wedding and save her investment.

A furniture builder who hasn’t picked up a tool in the five years since his wife died, Cameron Mitchell has no intention of agreeing to help this beautiful—and, he’d guess, entitled—woman insisting that he fix her inn. Until he learns that Emma was sent by Holly, the little sister of his late wife. Grudgingly, Cameron agrees to do the work, with one condition: that he be left completely alone. But the more time they spend together, the more Emma touches a part of his heart he was sure died long ago, forcing him to try making peace with his past.

 

 

Review:

Wildflower Season by Michelle Major is the first book in her new Carolina Girls series.  I loved Major’s last series, The Magnolia Sisters, and was thrilled to learn about this new series that will continue to take place in Magnolia, North Carolina.

We meet Emma Cantrell, who is Ryan’s sister (previous book hero); she has purchased the mansion that our previous Magnolia Sister’s deceased father owned. Emma has moved to Magnolia, to start a new life, away humiliating divorce and from her domineering wealthy mother, and plans to renovate the dilapidated mansion and make it into an Inn.  She has limited funds, since her mother has threatened to disown her, if she does not return to the family business. 

To help with the renovation, Emma meets Cameron Mitchell, a former contractor/carpenter, who is in seclusion and a loner, still grieving on the death of his wife 5 years ago.  Cameron, though a very good carpenter/builder, has no plans to help Emma, but when he learns his sister-in-law, Holly is getting married, and is desperate for help, he will agree to work with Emma. 

The Wildflower Inn is the name Emma gives her Inn, and slowly with working (saving expenses) with Cam, things start falling into place; and she decides she needs help to bring in others, to help make the inn successful and promote the wedding of the century.  We meet along the way, Angi, who loves to cooks, but is stagnant working for her mother in a pizza place;  Mariella, who is a former wedding dress designer, will agree to partner with Emma and Angi, to run the Inn. 

Slowly, Emma and Cameron begin to have feelings toward each other, and a slow burn romance begins; but Cameron blames himself for his wife’s death, even though it was not his fault, but he is determined not to hurt Emma.  They were great together, and Emma did wonders for Cameron’s confidence, as well as moving on from her own issues of the past.  Will Emma and Cameron find a way to stay together?

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story with both Emma and Cameron dealing with their past   issues. Michelle Major also created a wonderful group of secondary characters, as well as giving us a glimpse at the ladies we loved from the previous series. Wildflower Season was written so very well by Michelle Major, with a great couple, and so many wonderful characters, many of the townsfolks, and the cute animals. I suggest your start this series, and if you have not read The Magnolia Sisters, you should start that one too, though this new series reads very well on its own.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publicist

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The Last Carolina Sister by Michelle Major – a Review

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The Last Carolina Sister by Michelle Major – a Review

 

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Description:
In Magnolia, North Carolina, love might be waiting right next door…

Meredith Ventner knows a wounded creature when she sees one. Though her temporary new neighbor may be—on the surface at least—a successful, drop-dead gorgeous doctor, she recognizes the deep hurt Ryan Sorensen is carrying, and it’s catnip to her soul. But even though Meredith is the youngest, scrappiest and single-est of Magnolia’s most famous sisters, she’s committed to expanding the animal shelter on her newly inherited farm. She can’t waste her energy on a man who’s only passing through town.

Ryan is hoping that after a month of small-town living he’ll be healed enough to return to his busy ER. His injured leg isn’t half as painful as his guilt from the tragedy he’s trying to forget. Yet somehow, helping feisty, tenderhearted Meredith care for her menagerie is making him question his career-first priorities. Here in this quirky small town another future is coming into view, but can he change his life, and open his heart, to claim it?

The Magnolia Sisters
Book 1: The Magnolia Sisters
Book 2: The Merriest Magnolia
Book 3: The Last Carolina Sister

 

 

 

Review:

The Last Carolina Sister by Michelle Major is the 3rd book in her Magnolia Sisters series. Refresher: This series focuses on the town of Magnolia, North Carolina and three young women who discover that they are half-sisters (the same father). Carrie and Meredith lived all their lives in Magnolia, and Avery arrived after learning about her inheritance. After a short time, the three of them became friends, dealing with the betrayal of their father, with each willing to help each other

Meredith Ventner, our heroine in this final book of the series, finally gets her story.  Meredith, who is always hard on herself, runs an animal shelter, Furhaven Friends, and has a hard time asking people for help.  She has become very close to her two sisters, Avery and Carrie, and together they always find ways to help each other, as well as building up Magnolia to its original glory.  Meredith loves all of her rescued animals, as well as the three dogs she has. She knows she needs to fix up the shelter, especially the roof, and has applied for a grant that will allow her to expand.

Ryan Sorenson, our hero, just moved in next door to Meredith’s place, to recover from a leg injury. Ryan is an ER doctor, who was loaned the place by a friend, and spends his time drinking, feeling sorry for himself, and is shocked to hear someone knocking on the door during a rainy windy night.  He meets his next-door neighbor, Meredith who is desperate for help, since she knows he is a doctor, and a friend is injured at her place, and will not take ‘no’ for an answer.  Ryan reluctantly goes to check out this person, which turns out to be a mild injury.

Ryan checks out the shelter, and offers Meredith help, which she reluctantly accepts, and in a short time he finds himself falling for her.  Meredith also is attracted to Ryan, but knows he is leaving in a few weeks, and is determined to not get involved, as well as her lack of self-confidence.  Ryan enjoys spending time with the dogs, and especially Rachel, the goat who loves him. ?  He ends up spending all his friend time working at the shelter, and to help fix the roof and other things, before the people who decide on the grant come to visit.

Avery and Carrie also see the attraction between Ryan and Meredith, but she refuses to acknowledge any feelings she may have. I loved seeing the sisters together, how close they have become over these three books.  We also get to see Avery’s wedding. 

Both Ryan and Meredith have their own issues; with Ryan having problems with his family and the death of a friend (his injury was due to a gang attack at the hospital, where his friend was killed); Meredith’s issues are her inability to accept that people care about her, and is capable of love. I did love Ryan and Meredith together, as they started to act on their feelings, but Meredith was a pain at times not accepting what was real.  There was a point closer to the end that blew up whatever relationship they had, due to issues with the grant, and his family.  Will Ryan and Meredith find a way to a happy ever after?

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story with both Meredith and Ryan, but will they be able to get past their issues?  The bond between the sisters was great and they made a great team.  The Last Carolina Sister was written so very well by Michelle Major, with a great couple, and so many wonderful characters, including Avery, Carrie, Gray, Dylan and many of the townsfolks. I especially loved the animals, who were so cute and added a sweet element to this story. This is the final book in this series, but I just learned that Michelle Major is starting a new series, taking place in Magnolia, and cannot wait to start that series.   

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Merriest Magnolia by Michelle Major – a Review

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The Merriest Magnolia by Michelle Major – a Review

 

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Description:
Home for the holidays has always meant cozy small-town traditions…but this year all that may change…

Carrie Reed has always been known as her hometown Good Girl, yet she still loves Magnolia, North Carolina—after all, this is where her newly discovered sisters, Avery and Meredith, live. But Christmas is on its way and with it, her first love. Dylan Scott is back in town and planning on changing everything she’s ever loved about Magnolia with his real estate development project…but not without a fight.

Returning to Magnolia was never in Dylan’s plans—it holds too many reminders that he would never be good enough, and memories of the girl he left behind. But when a tragedy leaves him guardian of a grieving teenager, Dylan returns, ready to remake the town into something only money can buy, small-town traditions be damned. But with Carrie determined to stop him, he finds himself wondering if redeeming his teenage reputation is worth losing out on his second chance at love.

 

 

Review:

The Merriest Magnolia by Michelle Major is the 2nd book in her Magnolia Sisters series. This series focuses on the town of Magnolia, North Carolina and three young women who discover that they are half sisters (the same father). Carrie and Meredith lived all their lives in Magnolia, and Avery arrived after learning about her inheritance. After a short time, the three of them became friends, dealing with the betrayal of their father, with each willing to help each other.  I loved the first book in this series, and after completing The Merriest Magnolia, I am happy to say this was equally as good.  Avery (first book heroine) was a great heroine, but I have to say I loved Carrie, our heroine in this book.

Carrie, who stayed with her father, to help and has always put the town first, even when he made a mess of things.  She was determined to rebuild Magnolia, and with her sisters help, they worked together to bring the town back to its original glory.   But soon all will change, as her ex-boyfriend from high school moves back to Magnolia, with his nephew and has his own plans for the town. 

Dylan was Carrie’s love, until her father gave him a check to leave Carrie and Magnolia, leaving her broken hearted.  Dylan has not seen Carrie since then, and returns a successful and wealthy entrepreneur, with plans to tear down and rebuild the town to be luxury townhomes and resort for the wealthy.  Carrie isn’t happy to see Dylan, especially after she discovers that he has already bought some property to start making his changes.  They both have different ideas what is best for Magnolia, with Carrie, Avery and Meredith working to make the local businesses better; and Dylan to change it all.

Dylan and Carrie are forced to work together to help prepare the town’s Christmas festival, which develops into a temporary friendship, with each slowly rekindling their feelings from the past.  However, both are just as determined to prove their way works better.  Carrie begins to help Dylan with his 15-year-old nephew, who with the death of his cousin, is now his responsibility.  Carrie begins to resume her love of painting, and pushes Sam, who is a good artist, to work on his artwork.  This brings Sam out of his snarky attitude, and happier with Carrie, her sisters, family and townsfolk.  

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story with both Carrie and Dylan falling in love again, but will they be able to get past their different views of what is best for Magnolia?  I loved seeing Carrie, with Meredith and Avery, and how they had each other’s backs. The bond between the sisters was great. 

The Merriest Magnolia was written so very well by Michelle Major, with a great couple, and so many wonderful characters, including Avery, Meredith, Gray, and many of the townsfolks.  I look forward to the next book in this series, which I expect to be about Meredith.  Cannot wait, as I loved everyone in Magnolia. I suggest you start with series by reading the first book, The Magnolia Sisters.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

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