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Magnolia Blossoms
Life isn't easy--especially when you're the reclusive daughter of a melodramatic attorney openly mocked for his commercials, and a free-spirited mother who gives art lessons in the nude. Their over the top personalities make it easy for the sheltered and introverted Magnolia Berrybush to swim in a sea of anonymity--until the day she finally snaps.
Desperate to break free from a clandestine world above her parents' garage, she devises a plan to make her mark--serial killing! Unfortunately, she discovers that her heart and stomach aren’t ready to handle the life of a cold-blooded murderer, so she’s forced to move on to plan B.
During her ill-fated attempt at achieving infamy, Magnolia meets Honey LeReaux, a hooker who is well past her prime. Ironically, Magnolia begins to blossom as she plunges head first into a seedy world, but she also realizes that smutty books and adult films have done little to prepare her for the real world.
Will Magnolia ever break free, or is she destined to live her life hiding in the shadows of her secret world?
Desperate to break free from a clandestine world above her parents' garage, she devises a plan to make her mark--serial killing! Unfortunately, she discovers that her heart and stomach aren’t ready to handle the life of a cold-blooded murderer, so she’s forced to move on to plan B.
During her ill-fated attempt at achieving infamy, Magnolia meets Honey LeReaux, a hooker who is well past her prime. Ironically, Magnolia begins to blossom as she plunges head first into a seedy world, but she also realizes that smutty books and adult films have done little to prepare her for the real world.
Will Magnolia ever break free, or is she destined to live her life hiding in the shadows of her secret world?
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2014
35 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 8, 2014
I don't get that much time to read these days, so when I do pick up a book I hope and pray that it is going to be a good one. I'd heard about this little gem from some book bloggers I know and it had been on my mind to pick up for a while. Now, I am kicking myself that I didn't do it sooner.
I seriously have never laughed so hard reading a book in my entire life! I had to stop reading because tears of laughter were filling my eyes making it impossible to see the screen. This book was just what I needed. I am just glad my husband wasn't home to hear me, I think he might've had me committed.
Everything about Magnolia is perfection. Her personality is so over the top it is believable. Her naïve nature is sincere, her fumbles through trying to break free of her former self a train wreck, and her inability to control the chaos of her life hilarious.
There aren't enough good things to say about this book. The ending delivers all of the warm fuzzies romance addicts love, the shenanigans will delight fans of comedy, and the drama.... well it was awesome!
So don't hesitate.... one click this bad boy and don't postpone the joy!!!!!
I seriously have never laughed so hard reading a book in my entire life! I had to stop reading because tears of laughter were filling my eyes making it impossible to see the screen. This book was just what I needed. I am just glad my husband wasn't home to hear me, I think he might've had me committed.
Everything about Magnolia is perfection. Her personality is so over the top it is believable. Her naïve nature is sincere, her fumbles through trying to break free of her former self a train wreck, and her inability to control the chaos of her life hilarious.
There aren't enough good things to say about this book. The ending delivers all of the warm fuzzies romance addicts love, the shenanigans will delight fans of comedy, and the drama.... well it was awesome!
So don't hesitate.... one click this bad boy and don't postpone the joy!!!!!
March 24, 2014
Magnolia Berrybush is seriously the cajun ugly betty with a huge twist. As you are reading, you quickly aware that this awkward 32 year old woman is seriously the epitome of invisible and in desperate need of help. Its pathetically sad but you can help but invested in watching the train wreck that is about to happen when Magnolia no longer wants to be invisible and tries to a journey of infamy. Yes this poor pathetic lost soul wants to be a serial killer and you just know... this can't end well. It truly had me laughing at unexpected moments to the point water came out nose. You were there when Magnolia is being taught the ways of a woman by the only source she can get it from, a hooker well past her prime, Honey La Reaux. Seriously hilarious... I couldn't put it down but it has the most tender moments and you get a full HEA with an extra ounce of HEA. A must read!!!
October 1, 2024
"Magnolia Blossoms" by Rhonda R. Dennis came as a recommendation from bestselling author L.B. Simmons on her Facebook page and since it was a mere $.99 (I so love it when books are on sale!), I went ahead and made the Amazon purchase using my never been used debit card. Go me! ^.^ This book is a steal at that price but it's only meant to be that way for a week and by the time I post this review, the week be almost done. Still, the new price ($4.99) will be well worth it because "Magnolia Blossoms" has to be one of the funniest and most original stories I've had the pleasure of reading in quite awhile. ♥
Thirty two-year-old Magnolia Picasso Berrybush (yes, that really is her name) could have probably given the lead character of Betty in the hit series Yo soy Betty, la fea (aka Ugly Betty and i ♥ Betty La Fea) a run for her money. She knows she doesn't have much going on physically. She has buck teeth, is stick thin, doesn't shave her armpits and legs, and dresses in turtleneck sweaters, ankle-length argyle skirts, and boots on an everyday basis. People often don't even notice her and she's realized that she may not achieve fame so she may as well go for the next best thing--infamy.
Of course, planning to become a serial killer isn't exactly the easiest thing to do, especially since Magnolia happens to have an aversion to blood. She comes up with a few other plans but poor Magnolia seems to be a walking disaster waiting to happen and her accidents are never simple trips or falls. Every single time she's had an accident, medic Jace Taylor just happens to be the one ready to patch her up or cart her off to the hospital. He's good looking and a nice guy but Magnolia believes she's way out of his league and makes do with fantasizing about him instead.
Things begin to change for our haphazard heroine when, after her very first accident, she undergoes facial reconstruction due to the injuries she received and she puts on a few needed pounds that end up in all the right places. She wants guys to notice her and she believes she can get some coaching from a prostitute and that's when she meets Honey LeReaux, who, as it turns out, decides to take Magnolia under her wing and helps her see the possibilities that are right before her, if only she would take the time to take care of herself and accentuate the positives.
This was a hilarious book that had me laughing out loud at times. The stuff Magnolia gets herself into are sometimes so incredulous that you can almost imagine everything going on in your head and it feels like you're watching a slapstick version of a romantic comedy. ^.^ Her transformation seems to have been signaled when Jace and the new people she comes across begin to call her "Maggie" or "Mags". She's like the proverbial ugly duckling that becomes a swan but her decades-long insecurities hinder her evolution at times. When the beauty on the outside finally matches the beauty on the inside, her journey remains one filled with self-discoveries that are often eye-opening and sometimes heartbreaking.
I loved that Magnolia Blossoms truly was, first and foremost, about Magnolia "Maggie" Berrybush. Yes, she falls in love and the love story was both sweet and poignant but the heart of the book is about her personal journey and how, like any flower, it takes time for it to grow and blossom, not wanting to be rushed, everything happening in its own time. I am seriously recommending that you read this wonderfully written book as soon as you can, especially while it's on sale over at Amazon. It goes on my Best Reads for 2014 AND my Favorite Reads for 2014 and it gets a much deserved five-plus stars. ♥♥♥
Thirty two-year-old Magnolia Picasso Berrybush (yes, that really is her name) could have probably given the lead character of Betty in the hit series Yo soy Betty, la fea (aka Ugly Betty and i ♥ Betty La Fea) a run for her money. She knows she doesn't have much going on physically. She has buck teeth, is stick thin, doesn't shave her armpits and legs, and dresses in turtleneck sweaters, ankle-length argyle skirts, and boots on an everyday basis. People often don't even notice her and she's realized that she may not achieve fame so she may as well go for the next best thing--infamy.
Of course, planning to become a serial killer isn't exactly the easiest thing to do, especially since Magnolia happens to have an aversion to blood. She comes up with a few other plans but poor Magnolia seems to be a walking disaster waiting to happen and her accidents are never simple trips or falls. Every single time she's had an accident, medic Jace Taylor just happens to be the one ready to patch her up or cart her off to the hospital. He's good looking and a nice guy but Magnolia believes she's way out of his league and makes do with fantasizing about him instead.
Things begin to change for our haphazard heroine when, after her very first accident, she undergoes facial reconstruction due to the injuries she received and she puts on a few needed pounds that end up in all the right places. She wants guys to notice her and she believes she can get some coaching from a prostitute and that's when she meets Honey LeReaux, who, as it turns out, decides to take Magnolia under her wing and helps her see the possibilities that are right before her, if only she would take the time to take care of herself and accentuate the positives.
This was a hilarious book that had me laughing out loud at times. The stuff Magnolia gets herself into are sometimes so incredulous that you can almost imagine everything going on in your head and it feels like you're watching a slapstick version of a romantic comedy. ^.^ Her transformation seems to have been signaled when Jace and the new people she comes across begin to call her "Maggie" or "Mags". She's like the proverbial ugly duckling that becomes a swan but her decades-long insecurities hinder her evolution at times. When the beauty on the outside finally matches the beauty on the inside, her journey remains one filled with self-discoveries that are often eye-opening and sometimes heartbreaking.
I loved that Magnolia Blossoms truly was, first and foremost, about Magnolia "Maggie" Berrybush. Yes, she falls in love and the love story was both sweet and poignant but the heart of the book is about her personal journey and how, like any flower, it takes time for it to grow and blossom, not wanting to be rushed, everything happening in its own time. I am seriously recommending that you read this wonderfully written book as soon as you can, especially while it's on sale over at Amazon. It goes on my Best Reads for 2014 AND my Favorite Reads for 2014 and it gets a much deserved five-plus stars. ♥♥♥
February 26, 2014
5 Never Been Kissed, Klutzy Stars
I can honestly say I have never, ever read a book quite like this one. It was refreshing and so laugh-snort funny. It is a definite read anytime, but it will help you get over an ugly cry book. You can go from ugly crying to embarrassing snorts.
I found myself cringing through my non stop laughter. Magnolia , the poor woman, is a disaster. Oddly enough, it was a delight to read about her misfortunes. Weird, right? It's the author's fault...she wrote it that way. I'm not mean, I promise. Lol. Magnolia goes about life in an odd way and its hard not to relate to her on a certain level. Not only is Magnolia a colorful character, the rest are as well. From her bizarre parents to the hooker, Honey, who becomes her best friend.
"Think! What did the women in the pornos do? Part of me wants to swat it around like a cat toy, but I'm pretty sure that's not right." - Magnolia
I am over the moon happy that I put this book at the top of my TBR list and want to thank my friend, Heather, for gifting it to me. Otherwise it wouldn't been lost in the shuffle. I am usually not one to reread books, but I will definitely reread this and I recommend it to all of my friends. So friends, if you are reading this, pick up Magnolia Blossoms and read it a.s.a.p.!!
"You need to thicken up that skin. You can't run and hide from the world; you need to own it. To make it your bit€h." - Honey
I can honestly say I have never, ever read a book quite like this one. It was refreshing and so laugh-snort funny. It is a definite read anytime, but it will help you get over an ugly cry book. You can go from ugly crying to embarrassing snorts.
I found myself cringing through my non stop laughter. Magnolia , the poor woman, is a disaster. Oddly enough, it was a delight to read about her misfortunes. Weird, right? It's the author's fault...she wrote it that way. I'm not mean, I promise. Lol. Magnolia goes about life in an odd way and its hard not to relate to her on a certain level. Not only is Magnolia a colorful character, the rest are as well. From her bizarre parents to the hooker, Honey, who becomes her best friend.
"Think! What did the women in the pornos do? Part of me wants to swat it around like a cat toy, but I'm pretty sure that's not right." - Magnolia
I am over the moon happy that I put this book at the top of my TBR list and want to thank my friend, Heather, for gifting it to me. Otherwise it wouldn't been lost in the shuffle. I am usually not one to reread books, but I will definitely reread this and I recommend it to all of my friends. So friends, if you are reading this, pick up Magnolia Blossoms and read it a.s.a.p.!!
"You need to thicken up that skin. You can't run and hide from the world; you need to own it. To make it your bit€h." - Honey
February 17, 2014
Loved this book!! Soo funny! Magnolia is so much fun to watch. Her inexperience along with being accident prone all the time make for so many awkward situations. It's great! And the fact that her knowledge of love and sex come from dirty books and porn is hilarious. And I loved all the characters. Honey and Jace especially...besides Magnolia. Great book! Couldn't put it down!
April 13, 2015
~3.5 stars~
Incredibly far fetched but funny
Ok. Nothing in this book felt realistic. The characters and plot were pretty ridiculous but here's the thing......I still liked it. It was funny in a quirky, cute sort of way. I'll read more of this writer's work for sure. It was worth its .99 price.
Incredibly far fetched but funny
Ok. Nothing in this book felt realistic. The characters and plot were pretty ridiculous but here's the thing......I still liked it. It was funny in a quirky, cute sort of way. I'll read more of this writer's work for sure. It was worth its .99 price.
March 20, 2014
this book was so amazing I hope it will be a series couldnt put it down. If u read you will love. Keep up the great work rhonda any book u have written is not a book i had trouble getting into loved them and they are all a re read again!!!
January 17, 2014
Magnolia Blossoms
5 hilarious stars- Miss Berrybush of Unfortunate Events
⭐️⭐️WARNING- Will bust out in a loud fit of laughter awaking husbands everywhere⭐️⭐️
Rhonda I have always loved and enjoyed your Green Bayou books they always come with so many surprises. This one however is off the charts. It brought a whole new meaning to busting a gut! I haven't laughed nor cried so hard throughout a book before. Just when I think this poor girl's train wreck of a life has come to a halt. Oh no, Magnolia goes and sets it in motion once again. Puts a whole new meaning on, "Ops I did it again!"
I feel empowered, like a lioness gearing up for a hunt. ~Magnolia
Magnolia Berrybush the 32 year old that takes calamity Jane to a whole new level. Showing that time and time again she finds herself in the nothing more than a clumsy mess. Devising a plan to become a serial killer and when that plan fails her. She realizes she is tired of being ignored, unnoticed, and overlooked in the life. So she embarks on some of the most outrageous, hair brain, and hilarious adventures. She finds real life is nothing like her smutty books and porn collection. Will this girl find her place in society, or live forever in the shadows?
I seriously and very highly recommend this book!! The male characters are like the hottest chiseled models walking down the catwalk taunting and teasing you. I had some serious hot flashes and drool worthy moments. Oh, Sunny, Honey & Big Daddy! You all were something else and beyond prefect for our girl Magnolia!! I loved all your banter with Nick and Magnolia. This book would have seriously not been the same without your presence. The ending was emotional and seriously perfect!! If you loved Diary of a Dieter by Marie Coulson or Tangled by Emma Chase then this book is for you!! You can't go wrong with this one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Honored to have received an ARC for an honest review⭐️⭐️⭐️
http://www.Bookwormbetties.com www.Facebook.com/Bookwormbetties
5 hilarious stars- Miss Berrybush of Unfortunate Events
⭐️⭐️WARNING- Will bust out in a loud fit of laughter awaking husbands everywhere⭐️⭐️
Rhonda I have always loved and enjoyed your Green Bayou books they always come with so many surprises. This one however is off the charts. It brought a whole new meaning to busting a gut! I haven't laughed nor cried so hard throughout a book before. Just when I think this poor girl's train wreck of a life has come to a halt. Oh no, Magnolia goes and sets it in motion once again. Puts a whole new meaning on, "Ops I did it again!"
I feel empowered, like a lioness gearing up for a hunt. ~Magnolia
Magnolia Berrybush the 32 year old that takes calamity Jane to a whole new level. Showing that time and time again she finds herself in the nothing more than a clumsy mess. Devising a plan to become a serial killer and when that plan fails her. She realizes she is tired of being ignored, unnoticed, and overlooked in the life. So she embarks on some of the most outrageous, hair brain, and hilarious adventures. She finds real life is nothing like her smutty books and porn collection. Will this girl find her place in society, or live forever in the shadows?
I seriously and very highly recommend this book!! The male characters are like the hottest chiseled models walking down the catwalk taunting and teasing you. I had some serious hot flashes and drool worthy moments. Oh, Sunny, Honey & Big Daddy! You all were something else and beyond prefect for our girl Magnolia!! I loved all your banter with Nick and Magnolia. This book would have seriously not been the same without your presence. The ending was emotional and seriously perfect!! If you loved Diary of a Dieter by Marie Coulson or Tangled by Emma Chase then this book is for you!! You can't go wrong with this one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Honored to have received an ARC for an honest review⭐️⭐️⭐️
http://www.Bookwormbetties.com www.Facebook.com/Bookwormbetties
January 21, 2014
Just a few pages into this book and I was laughing hysterically. Not just a haha laugh, but honest to goodness gut busting, pee your pants, people think you are crazy laughing. But that isn’t all this book has to offer. There is an underlying theme of redemption throughout this book. It’s a late coming of age story in which our heroine, Magnolia Berrybush at the age of 32 transforms from the shy, introverted, clumsy, ugly duckling to an amazing swan. Along the way, Maggie forms what should be an unlikely, and definitely unconventional friendship with a hooker named Honey LaReaux. Mayhem and hi-jinxs rule the day. It seems that where ever Magnolia goes, trouble follows.
Rhonda’s descriptions of the people and places, harken me back to the hot and humid days of my youth where the author and I grew up. I can vividly picture each of the characters in this book like I knew them at one time in my life. She has masterfully painted a colorful picture of the transformation of the dull and boring life in which Maggie was afraid of the world and herself, into the joie de vivre that Louisianans hold so dear. Along the way she weaves in characters that are endearing and entertaining. Rhonda Dennis, you are the Cajun Janet Evanovich!
The story doesn’t end there, Rhonda wraps it up so tightly and completely that in a way, I was a little disappointed, as I would have loved to have the story continue. But what an ending!! Be sure to empty your bladder, grab a box of tissues, clear the room of people who don’t want you laugh-reading to them, and get comfy because you won’t want to put this one down until the very end! 5 Stars!!
~Michele
www.dauntlessindies.blogspot.com ~ www.facebook.com/dauntlessindies
twitter @dauntlessindies
Rhonda’s descriptions of the people and places, harken me back to the hot and humid days of my youth where the author and I grew up. I can vividly picture each of the characters in this book like I knew them at one time in my life. She has masterfully painted a colorful picture of the transformation of the dull and boring life in which Maggie was afraid of the world and herself, into the joie de vivre that Louisianans hold so dear. Along the way she weaves in characters that are endearing and entertaining. Rhonda Dennis, you are the Cajun Janet Evanovich!
The story doesn’t end there, Rhonda wraps it up so tightly and completely that in a way, I was a little disappointed, as I would have loved to have the story continue. But what an ending!! Be sure to empty your bladder, grab a box of tissues, clear the room of people who don’t want you laugh-reading to them, and get comfy because you won’t want to put this one down until the very end! 5 Stars!!
~Michele
www.dauntlessindies.blogspot.com ~ www.facebook.com/dauntlessindies
twitter @dauntlessindies
June 3, 2015
Let me start by saying how incredibly honored I was to receive an advanced copy for an honest review. Rhonda has been on my top fav author list since the 1st words I've read of hers, but this book has put her over the edge. I loved it for so many reasons!
It starts with Magnolia Berrybush, who is an extremely awkward, clumsy, sheltered introvert. I've seen & heard awkward & sheltered but damn! This girl is a mess!! After a lot of really funny yet unfortunate mishaps, Maggie realizes that she's tired of this life & wants to be known in the world! So she does what any 32 yr old would do. She decides to be a serial killer!! Ha! After she realizes that's not her calling, Maggie goes on a mission to find her place in this big world!! She befriends a hooker, who becomes her 1st friend & teaches her very important & helpful life lessons! It was awesome watching her blossom from the scared, helpless, awkward shell of a girl to a strong, funny, confident, beautiful woman! Can Maggie survive the real world? Will failure drive her back into the world of a hermit? Will she find true love & ever experience the firsts that's she only dreams about?? Will Nick or Jace be that "one"?
This book is a must read! Very few books make me laugh out loud, but this one did a lot! There were so many funny, happy & OMG moments! But there were also some special, tender moments that made me go "awwwww"! Thank you my friend for once again delivering an amazing novel!!
It starts with Magnolia Berrybush, who is an extremely awkward, clumsy, sheltered introvert. I've seen & heard awkward & sheltered but damn! This girl is a mess!! After a lot of really funny yet unfortunate mishaps, Maggie realizes that she's tired of this life & wants to be known in the world! So she does what any 32 yr old would do. She decides to be a serial killer!! Ha! After she realizes that's not her calling, Maggie goes on a mission to find her place in this big world!! She befriends a hooker, who becomes her 1st friend & teaches her very important & helpful life lessons! It was awesome watching her blossom from the scared, helpless, awkward shell of a girl to a strong, funny, confident, beautiful woman! Can Maggie survive the real world? Will failure drive her back into the world of a hermit? Will she find true love & ever experience the firsts that's she only dreams about?? Will Nick or Jace be that "one"?
This book is a must read! Very few books make me laugh out loud, but this one did a lot! There were so many funny, happy & OMG moments! But there were also some special, tender moments that made me go "awwwww"! Thank you my friend for once again delivering an amazing novel!!
February 25, 2014
5 Never Been Kissed, Klutzy Stars
I can honestly say I have never, ever read a book quite like this one. It was refreshing and so laugh-snort funny. It is a definite read anytime, but it will help you get over an ugly cry book. You can go from ugly crying to embarrassing snorts.
I found myself cringing through my non stop laughter. Magnolia , the poor woman, is a disaster. Oddly enough, it was a delight to read about her misfortunes. Weird, right? It's the author's fault...she wrote it that way. I'm not mean, I promise. Lol. Magnolia goes about life in an odd way and its hard not to relate to her on a certain level. Not only is Magnolia a colorful character, the rest are as well. From her bizarre parents to the hooker, Honey, who becomes her best friend.
"Think! What did the women in the pornos do? Part of me wants to swat it around like a cat toy, but I'm pretty sure that's not right." - Magnolia
I am over the moon happy that I put this book at the top of my TBR list and want to thank my friend, Heather, for gifting it to me. Otherwise it wouldn't been lost in the shuffle. I am usually not one to reread books, but I will definitely reread this and I recommend it to all of my friends. So friends, if you are reading this, pick up Magnolia Blossoms and read it a.s.a.p.!!
"You need to thicken up that skin. You can't run and hide from the world; you need to own it. To make it your bit€h." - Honey
~ Review by Lisa
I can honestly say I have never, ever read a book quite like this one. It was refreshing and so laugh-snort funny. It is a definite read anytime, but it will help you get over an ugly cry book. You can go from ugly crying to embarrassing snorts.
I found myself cringing through my non stop laughter. Magnolia , the poor woman, is a disaster. Oddly enough, it was a delight to read about her misfortunes. Weird, right? It's the author's fault...she wrote it that way. I'm not mean, I promise. Lol. Magnolia goes about life in an odd way and its hard not to relate to her on a certain level. Not only is Magnolia a colorful character, the rest are as well. From her bizarre parents to the hooker, Honey, who becomes her best friend.
"Think! What did the women in the pornos do? Part of me wants to swat it around like a cat toy, but I'm pretty sure that's not right." - Magnolia
I am over the moon happy that I put this book at the top of my TBR list and want to thank my friend, Heather, for gifting it to me. Otherwise it wouldn't been lost in the shuffle. I am usually not one to reread books, but I will definitely reread this and I recommend it to all of my friends. So friends, if you are reading this, pick up Magnolia Blossoms and read it a.s.a.p.!!
"You need to thicken up that skin. You can't run and hide from the world; you need to own it. To make it your bit€h." - Honey
~ Review by Lisa
January 22, 2014
5 Hilarious and Heartwarming Stars!!!
Magnolia's story turned out to be so much more than I expected. It started out as the most hilarious book I've ever read, but turned out to have real heart. It evoked real emotion from me. Dennis excelled in creating larger-than-life characters as well as down to earth “real” people. Anyone that knows my reading taste knows character development is high on the list of things I want to see in a book. Dennis did not disappoint. There are layers of story that are deeper than just your run of the mill “ugly duckling turned into beautiful swan” tale. The symbolism throughout is something I appreciated about the book, too. People’s outsides don’t always match their insides and sometimes we only see what they want us to see. Dennis demonstrates this in more ways than one as she takes us on this rollercoaster ride. In the end, we’re rewarded with the concepts that sometimes good guys do finish first and the underdog can’t always be counted out. It’s been a while since a book has put that uncomfortable lump in my throat and a tear in my eye, so kudos to you, Rhonda Dennis. Thank you for writing this story filled with laughter (my kind of humor, by the way), pain, strength, triumph, love and hope. I'm sad to say goodbye to Magnolia and the gang, but feel completed satisfied with the airtight ending you gave us.
Magnolia's story turned out to be so much more than I expected. It started out as the most hilarious book I've ever read, but turned out to have real heart. It evoked real emotion from me. Dennis excelled in creating larger-than-life characters as well as down to earth “real” people. Anyone that knows my reading taste knows character development is high on the list of things I want to see in a book. Dennis did not disappoint. There are layers of story that are deeper than just your run of the mill “ugly duckling turned into beautiful swan” tale. The symbolism throughout is something I appreciated about the book, too. People’s outsides don’t always match their insides and sometimes we only see what they want us to see. Dennis demonstrates this in more ways than one as she takes us on this rollercoaster ride. In the end, we’re rewarded with the concepts that sometimes good guys do finish first and the underdog can’t always be counted out. It’s been a while since a book has put that uncomfortable lump in my throat and a tear in my eye, so kudos to you, Rhonda Dennis. Thank you for writing this story filled with laughter (my kind of humor, by the way), pain, strength, triumph, love and hope. I'm sad to say goodbye to Magnolia and the gang, but feel completed satisfied with the airtight ending you gave us.
January 11, 2015
Awesome story and super funny! Some parts were so funny that I could not stop laughing till I had tears rolling down my face. Magnolia is a great character but the poor woman has very bad luck and is very clumsy I must say. Of course all of the bad things that happen to her are the reason why I laughed as hard as I did. The story also has romance and some steamy parts as well. It's a great mix of funny and romantic.
The characters are believable and very likable, even the one that ends up being a villain you will like till he does what he does and then you will want to kick his butt like Jace did. I have to say that since the beginning I was in love with Jace and was conflicted when Nick ends up being a big part in Magnolias life (romantically). In the end we get what we all want, or at least I did. The story will keep you guessing what will happen next to poor Magnolia and will also keep you entertained the whole time.
The story has a HEA ending and a really good and romantic one too. It left me smiling.
Will recommend to all my book loving friends.
The characters are believable and very likable, even the one that ends up being a villain you will like till he does what he does and then you will want to kick his butt like Jace did. I have to say that since the beginning I was in love with Jace and was conflicted when Nick ends up being a big part in Magnolias life (romantically). In the end we get what we all want, or at least I did. The story will keep you guessing what will happen next to poor Magnolia and will also keep you entertained the whole time.
The story has a HEA ending and a really good and romantic one too. It left me smiling.
Will recommend to all my book loving friends.
January 28, 2014
LOVEEEEEEEE..
Ohhhhhh Emmmmmm Geeeeeee.
I absolutely loved this book.
Thank you Rhonda Dennis.
I laughed so hard by my self one time that if someone saw me, they probably thought I was a looney tune. Because the thing is, I couldn't stop.
HAHA
I loved the whole story, the characters, Mags, Honey, and Jace, OMG-Jace.
And Nick really was a D!$&.
I loved the way the Epilogue, went on for the following years. I wish all the books I read would do that. lol
One of my favorite lines were:
"They tell me they splinted it with a set of toothpicks." --- OMG- I about dies laughing with that one.
And after reading the book, he deserved it, lol.
This was the first book I have read of Rhonda Dennis, and it will surely NOT be the last. I think I read it before the others is because it is a stand alone.
But I guess it's time I get myself aquatinted with the others.
Again I give this book a 5 star. It is great. Loved it.EVERYTHING about it.
Ohhhhhh Emmmmmm Geeeeeee.
I absolutely loved this book.
Thank you Rhonda Dennis.
I laughed so hard by my self one time that if someone saw me, they probably thought I was a looney tune. Because the thing is, I couldn't stop.
HAHA
I loved the whole story, the characters, Mags, Honey, and Jace, OMG-Jace.
And Nick really was a D!$&.
I loved the way the Epilogue, went on for the following years. I wish all the books I read would do that. lol
One of my favorite lines were:
"They tell me they splinted it with a set of toothpicks." --- OMG- I about dies laughing with that one.
And after reading the book, he deserved it, lol.
This was the first book I have read of Rhonda Dennis, and it will surely NOT be the last. I think I read it before the others is because it is a stand alone.
But I guess it's time I get myself aquatinted with the others.
Again I give this book a 5 star. It is great. Loved it.EVERYTHING about it.
March 6, 2014
I have to start off by saying this is the first time I've read a romantic comedy. I have NEVER laughed so much from reading a book! There were a few parts I laughed so hard I started crying & a few parts that just made me cry from the overwhelming love & support for Jace as he said goodbye to his brother! Magnolia was such a klutz I don't know how she survived in the book. But thanks to Nick being the ruthless person he was Magnolia found her true love! I have to say Jace turned out to be the better choice! I will forever remember all the characters in this book. I have yet to read a book more than once but I would definitely read this one again! Rhonda you have done it again!
March 28, 2014
4.5 stars. If you are looking for something different, stuck in a rut or just need a good laugh, go buy this book. I cannot tell you how refreshing I found it. You cannot take yourself too seriously when reading it, just go with the flow and you will be busting at the seams. My husband kept asking me what the heck was so funny. I just kept telling him there was no way, even if I tried, I could describe what was going down in this book.
It will go down as one of my most memorable this year. No way will I not remember this book when I look at it even several years from now.
It will go down as one of my most memorable this year. No way will I not remember this book when I look at it even several years from now.
September 30, 2023
Wow! Dennis always seems to out do herself with every book she writes. there is never a dull moment. I felt like a bully for laughing so hard at Magnolia's awkwardness, and I instantly fell in love with Jace. The fact that Honey had no filter had me hooked. I'm awed by Dennis' talent, and look forward to reading whatever she writes next!
October 14, 2014
The situations Magnolia Berrybush can get into a priceless. I laughed out loud more than once at her naive and almost innocent outlook on life. This book is definitely one to read (and read again) if you're looking for laughs mixed in with a feel-good story about becoming who you're meant to be. 5 smiling from ear-to-ear stars. :)
January 18, 2014
I loved loved this book. This is laugh out loud funny! Great story and even better characters. I love Rhonda Dennis, Magnolia Blossoms has to be one of my favorite books. I would recommend this book to all my friends.
February 23, 2014
Another Fabulous #1 book by my favorite author and I recommend this book to everyone! If you are having a bad day pick up this book because you will forget that bad day and have a great big laugh and your day will be filled with giggles and non stop laughter!! Love it!
January 10, 2014
Oh My Gosh!! Magnolia, what can I say!! I laughed so much I was snorting! Loved this book! Not often a book can bring you to tears and hysterical laughter - this one delivers!!! Great read!
February 1, 2014
Omg!!!only on chapter 5..laughing my ass off...more update later..Okay, I love this story,it was so funny.Loved it!Again another great book!!!!awesome reading...5 stars for sure...
March 4, 2014
I loved it!
March 19, 2014
Enjoyed every page of this book! I wished it would never end!
March 20, 2014
Aside from the Green Bayou Novels, this has to be the single best read yet! I couldn't put it down. I laughed till I cried:) Rhonda Dennis is a very talented Author. Can't wait for your next one!!!
June 21, 2015
HE-LARRY-US klutz duckling finds her HEA 5 stars
Magnolia Berrybush is a KLUTZ with a capital K. She is the quiet girl in the room. She tries to blend into the background. She doesn't make waves. BUT one day she realizes that she doesn't want to blend in, she wants to be noticed. She's tired of being invisible. So what does she do to get the attention? She decides to become a serial killer!!! Yay!! Go killer. Umm the path to serial killing is chock full of incidences that may leave Maggie in need to desperate attention. Who's attention? Umm not telling but she gets the attention she wanted. It may not seem right when you're reading and clutching your tummy to stop the ache because I kid you now, it's effing funny. Yet Maggie definitely get attention. Her quest for visibility lands her in Maggie in heaps of misadventures. She has the tendency to leap before she has time to think twice and ends up entangling herself in situations that requires repeat encounters that does tend to put her on center stage.
While she endeavors to become a serial killer, she bumps into Jace who is a paramedic and then Honey who as you very well know is a prostitute. OMG the conversation Maggie has with everyone and her inner monologue had me giggling until tears were coursing down my face. And then the whole encounter on the street in the dead of night which leads her to Nick. I kept wondering how a person can keep literally falling into trouble. But she was falling, she was learning about life in leaps and bounds. What I especially loved about this book is how many of us out there do feel like we are invisible. We don't fall under society's definition or perception of beauty and hence we tend to hide. Maggie's story was beautiful, it does tend to highlight society's norm in a satirical way, but boy was it fun to read.
So if you wanna know about nude artists, bashed faces, witches riding pork legs, prostitutes having your back, learn about the world in general, broken body parts and sizzling hot men, you simply gotta 1-click this beauty. Cos I swear this one was a treat for my soul.
Magnolia Berrybush is a KLUTZ with a capital K. She is the quiet girl in the room. She tries to blend into the background. She doesn't make waves. BUT one day she realizes that she doesn't want to blend in, she wants to be noticed. She's tired of being invisible. So what does she do to get the attention? She decides to become a serial killer!!! Yay!! Go killer. Umm the path to serial killing is chock full of incidences that may leave Maggie in need to desperate attention. Who's attention? Umm not telling but she gets the attention she wanted. It may not seem right when you're reading and clutching your tummy to stop the ache because I kid you now, it's effing funny. Yet Maggie definitely get attention. Her quest for visibility lands her in Maggie in heaps of misadventures. She has the tendency to leap before she has time to think twice and ends up entangling herself in situations that requires repeat encounters that does tend to put her on center stage.
While she endeavors to become a serial killer, she bumps into Jace who is a paramedic and then Honey who as you very well know is a prostitute. OMG the conversation Maggie has with everyone and her inner monologue had me giggling until tears were coursing down my face. And then the whole encounter on the street in the dead of night which leads her to Nick. I kept wondering how a person can keep literally falling into trouble. But she was falling, she was learning about life in leaps and bounds. What I especially loved about this book is how many of us out there do feel like we are invisible. We don't fall under society's definition or perception of beauty and hence we tend to hide. Maggie's story was beautiful, it does tend to highlight society's norm in a satirical way, but boy was it fun to read.
So if you wanna know about nude artists, bashed faces, witches riding pork legs, prostitutes having your back, learn about the world in general, broken body parts and sizzling hot men, you simply gotta 1-click this beauty. Cos I swear this one was a treat for my soul.
January 14, 2015
Book Review:
I liked this book, but found Magnolia annoying me as much as I tried to like her. She was very focused on herself throughout the entire story. I would've thought that as she starts to venture outward, she would have become a little less helpless. I guess I wanted her to start taking charge of herself more than she did. Even by the end I didn't see her having much of a back bone. Instead of having layers, she just got hurt a lot and needed rescuing from page 1 to the end. Jace on the other hand, I felt he was a character who had some dimension. He needed a hero to rescue him as well, but he took a little figuring out. He had some flavor.
The whole set up was so interesting. A girl, choosing to shelter herself (due to her own fear of the world around her), learns about love, relationships and sex from porn movies. She decides she wants to step out of her shell and be somebody - a household name. However, she's so bland that the only way to accomplish this task is to become infamous. She realizes that she's not cut out for an infamous lifestyle, relationships aren't like porn movies and a hooker really can be your biggest asset and best friend.
I would recommend this book to others just for the crazy plot line. I really liked a lot of the other characters - Honey, Dan Juan - so funny. I read this for book club and to my surprise we had an amazing book club discussion on this book.
Favorite character: Honey
I liked this book, but found Magnolia annoying me as much as I tried to like her. She was very focused on herself throughout the entire story. I would've thought that as she starts to venture outward, she would have become a little less helpless. I guess I wanted her to start taking charge of herself more than she did. Even by the end I didn't see her having much of a back bone. Instead of having layers, she just got hurt a lot and needed rescuing from page 1 to the end. Jace on the other hand, I felt he was a character who had some dimension. He needed a hero to rescue him as well, but he took a little figuring out. He had some flavor.
The whole set up was so interesting. A girl, choosing to shelter herself (due to her own fear of the world around her), learns about love, relationships and sex from porn movies. She decides she wants to step out of her shell and be somebody - a household name. However, she's so bland that the only way to accomplish this task is to become infamous. She realizes that she's not cut out for an infamous lifestyle, relationships aren't like porn movies and a hooker really can be your biggest asset and best friend.
I would recommend this book to others just for the crazy plot line. I really liked a lot of the other characters - Honey, Dan Juan - so funny. I read this for book club and to my surprise we had an amazing book club discussion on this book.
Favorite character: Honey
January 11, 2014
"I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite." ~Buddy
What's better than laughing until your face literally aches and your husband waking from your bed-vibrating giggles? Sex, chocolate... Yeah, maybe, but what's even better than bumping uglies and chocolate...laughter and romance.
Magnolia Blossoms is, without a doubt, the funniest novel I have ever read! Hands down. It's clever, so very clever. The humor is knee-slapping, pee-your-pants hilarious. The story is extremely unique and well executed. Rhonda Dennis delivers her very best writing by far. The characters are bona fide perfection with a scoop of cuckoo. I adore Mags! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Honey and want one of my very own. And then there's Jace Taylor. Oh, Jace. Jace, Jace, Jace! I need more Jace! I can't forget about Big Daddy and the eccentric and naked, Sunny Barrybush.
Along with an abundance of hilarity, a hot medic and a sexy cop, the author incorporates a touching story that provokes great thought and inspiration.
One last thing..."penile fracture". Yes, you read it right.
Enjoy!
FIVE FREAKING HILARIOUS STARS!
----> http://amzn.to/K83VXo
What's better than laughing until your face literally aches and your husband waking from your bed-vibrating giggles? Sex, chocolate... Yeah, maybe, but what's even better than bumping uglies and chocolate...laughter and romance.
Magnolia Blossoms is, without a doubt, the funniest novel I have ever read! Hands down. It's clever, so very clever. The humor is knee-slapping, pee-your-pants hilarious. The story is extremely unique and well executed. Rhonda Dennis delivers her very best writing by far. The characters are bona fide perfection with a scoop of cuckoo. I adore Mags! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Honey and want one of my very own. And then there's Jace Taylor. Oh, Jace. Jace, Jace, Jace! I need more Jace! I can't forget about Big Daddy and the eccentric and naked, Sunny Barrybush.
Along with an abundance of hilarity, a hot medic and a sexy cop, the author incorporates a touching story that provokes great thought and inspiration.
One last thing..."penile fracture". Yes, you read it right.
Enjoy!
FIVE FREAKING HILARIOUS STARS!
----> http://amzn.to/K83VXo
April 28, 2015
4.5 Stars!!!
I literally laughed out loud reading this book!!! At first I was kind of worried about how this story was starting out and that our leading lady was ridiculously immature, but I stuck with it and I'm happy to say that I'm pleasantly surprised with how much I like this book!!! How things unfolded was a little over the top but that's what made it funny... Magnolia was a 30 something sheltered woman, still living at home with her parents, prone to accidents and wanted to be invisible... She lived her life the same way day in and day out convincing herself that she was happy... One day she decides that she's tired of being invisible and sets out to change who she is... As I said, there were plenty of parts where I was literally laughing out loud and I loved it!! I will say that the only thing that kind of bothered me was how things felt rushed towards the end... There was a great build up for Magnolia and a particular person, but how things progressed/changed for them wasn't executed as good as I was hoping... Super rushed...
I literally laughed out loud reading this book!!! At first I was kind of worried about how this story was starting out and that our leading lady was ridiculously immature, but I stuck with it and I'm happy to say that I'm pleasantly surprised with how much I like this book!!! How things unfolded was a little over the top but that's what made it funny... Magnolia was a 30 something sheltered woman, still living at home with her parents, prone to accidents and wanted to be invisible... She lived her life the same way day in and day out convincing herself that she was happy... One day she decides that she's tired of being invisible and sets out to change who she is... As I said, there were plenty of parts where I was literally laughing out loud and I loved it!! I will say that the only thing that kind of bothered me was how things felt rushed towards the end... There was a great build up for Magnolia and a particular person, but how things progressed/changed for them wasn't executed as good as I was hoping... Super rushed...
March 20, 2014
OMG!!!!! There are so many words to describe this book! AMAZING, AWESOME, FABULOUS, need I go on? Rhonda's books will have you laughing out loud, causing family NOT reading it, to question you, and causing family that IS reading it, to say " what part are you reading??? ". Then crying, because you think something, then to fall in love, then laugh some more! I can not get enough of this lady's books! I re read my books, and fall in love with each character over and over. When I see someone on tv, I think "oh my! That guy could be Big Daddy! Are he is my fantasy of Jace!!! Read this and then the green bayou series! You won't be sorry! After reading, you will understand why I say "WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!"
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