Magnolia Market

July 28, 2014
“There’s been a change in plans”: those six words throw Avery Broussard’s future into disarray. She’d intended to buy the clothing boutique she manages from her mother-in-law, but instead the deal is canceled, her electricity is turned off, her bank accounts are closed, and he car is taken away. Her in-laws want her out of Samford, Louisiana, and out of their lives, as if her marriage to their late son had never happened. But Avery is determined to make a fresh start, with help from her new friend Kathleen Manning, the dashing T.J. Aillet, and a broken-down store, Magnolia Market, in need of a face-lift and an entrepreneur’s touch. As Avery come to terms with her past, she begins to see a different future for the market and for herself. Christie (Gone to Green) has done a fine job with this delightful tale that entices readers with the aroma of biscuits, romance, and new starts. Agent: Janet Grant, Books & Such Literary Management.

September 1, 2014

A year after her husband's death, Avery's former in-laws try to force her out of Samford, LA, by closing her bank accounts, cutting off her utilities, and firing her from the boutique that she had planned to buy. Avery finds herself not only unemployed but also with no place to live and nearly penniless. Things begin to turn around when she decides to help an elderly shopkeeper and his wife whose run-down store is struggling financially. As Avery learns that "all things work together for good," she finds forgiveness, happiness, and love. This second book in the series (after Sweet Olive) can be read as a stand-alone, although new readers may find the relationships among the characters somewhat confusing at times. In addition, parts of the story are implausible (e.g., how does Avery have the money to upgrade the store without access to her bank accounts?). There are also a few loose ends that will hopefully be tied up in later entries. VERDICT Christie's Southern romance features a strong, likable protagonist and is a fun, light read that will be enjoyed by fans of Sherryl Woods's "Chesapeake Shores" series and Debbie Macomber's novels.--Margaret Bentley, Shiawassee Dist. Lib., Owosso, MI

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