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Sweet Magnolia: A Novel
From the author of fiction favorite Sunday Brunch comes an inspirational novel about two bitterly divided sisters struggling to forgive each other and renew their faith in God.
Everything is not always sweet on Magnolia Lane, where the Ledoux clan had always gathered under the watchful eye of the family matriarch, Hannah. Years later, Hannah’s granddaughter Summer, a soon-to-be bride, has planned a weekend event that prompts a major family reunion. But once relatives come together to celebrate Summer’ s wedding, generational secrets that have spanned decades slowly come to the surface.
Blowing in belatedly and stoking long-standing resentments is Summer’s older sister, Misa, an international model. Unbeknownst to them, the sisters share something besides a they have inherited the depression that had darkened the life of their mother, Elizabeth. While Summer relies on God to keep her from the abyss, Misa submerges herself in drinks and men. But neither can avoid what happens when, after a particularly vitriolic argument, one of the sisters flees in anger into the darkness of a rain-swept night.
The aftermath leads the sisters to uncover the truth about their family and themselves, testing their spiritual reserves. And along the way, God’s spirit continues to send them messages about the beauty of faith and love.
Spiritual, dramatic, and a memorable tribute to our beloved New Orleans, Jarrett’s second novel is a confident step forward in an already bright career.
Everything is not always sweet on Magnolia Lane, where the Ledoux clan had always gathered under the watchful eye of the family matriarch, Hannah. Years later, Hannah’s granddaughter Summer, a soon-to-be bride, has planned a weekend event that prompts a major family reunion. But once relatives come together to celebrate Summer’ s wedding, generational secrets that have spanned decades slowly come to the surface.
Blowing in belatedly and stoking long-standing resentments is Summer’s older sister, Misa, an international model. Unbeknownst to them, the sisters share something besides a they have inherited the depression that had darkened the life of their mother, Elizabeth. While Summer relies on God to keep her from the abyss, Misa submerges herself in drinks and men. But neither can avoid what happens when, after a particularly vitriolic argument, one of the sisters flees in anger into the darkness of a rain-swept night.
The aftermath leads the sisters to uncover the truth about their family and themselves, testing their spiritual reserves. And along the way, God’s spirit continues to send them messages about the beauty of faith and love.
Spiritual, dramatic, and a memorable tribute to our beloved New Orleans, Jarrett’s second novel is a confident step forward in an already bright career.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2006
12 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Norma L. Jarrett
12 books25 followersNorma L. Jarrett is the author of the novels Sunday Brunch (Best Girlfriend Book – Upscale Magazine/Rawsistaz Literary Group), Sweet Magnolia (An Essence magazine national book club selection) and The Sunday Brunch Diaries (Essence Bestseller) all published under Doubleday/Harlem Moon. Her work has gained attention in Ebony, Essence, Gospel Today, Jewel, Publisher’s Weekly, Rolling Out, Southern Living, Upscale, and USA Today. Norma has been a featured guest on ABC 13’s Crossroads, Outlook Houston, the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, and other media outlets. Among other honors, Ms. Jarrett has received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for her literary work. She travels the country as a sought after panelist and speaker for events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Faith & Fiction Retreat, Harlem Book Fair, Miami Book Fair, and other venues. Ms. Jarrett is a graduate of North Carolina A & T State University and Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Norma is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Junior Service League and a founding member of The Anointed Authors on Tour. She is married and resides in Houston, Texas, where she attends Lakewood Church.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 12, 2010
I decided to check out the audio book version of this Novel.
Bor-ring! :-\ I tuned in on my way to the Office this morning. I'm sure I'll be DONE, once the first CD is over.
If you've read one "family curse"/family secrets story, you've read them all. I was hoping that this would be as good of a book (with LESS "drag on")as 'Sunday Brunch' -- considering that 'Sunday Brunch Diaries' was SUCH an extreme bore.
Oh well.
Bor-ring! :-\ I tuned in on my way to the Office this morning. I'm sure I'll be DONE, once the first CD is over.
If you've read one "family curse"/family secrets story, you've read them all. I was hoping that this would be as good of a book (with LESS "drag on")as 'Sunday Brunch' -- considering that 'Sunday Brunch Diaries' was SUCH an extreme bore.
Oh well.
November 15, 2007
I turned it back into the library before I even finished it. I'm very picky about the way characters are introduced in a novel (too many at once is a huge turnoff), and this book just didn't do it for me. The dialogue is also very colloquial, which I found difficult to follow. A less tired reader (i.e., someone without small kids) may enjoy it more.
February 18, 2016
I really like Norma Jarrett's books. This one was a lot more spiritual than Sunday Brunch. I thought that the big secret was going to be a lot different than what it turned out to be. The LeDoux's had issues. Mental illness/depression is serious.
September 18, 2008
This was a good read about a group of friends. Moves pretty well too. I recommend it.
May 22, 2012
Great story about family issues and how they can be resolved before it's too late. Very real and inspiring.
September 3, 2012
couldn't get into it and stopped trying
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews