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Cavanaugh Island #4
Magnolia Drive
After a painful divorce and failed acting career, Francine Tanner packs her things and moves back to her hometown of Sanctuary Cove. There, she will join her mother in the family business as a hairstylist at the Beauty Box. Putting her LA dreams behind her, all Francine wants is to focus on rebuilding her life.
Keaton Grace is an independent film writer and director looking for a great place to open his own studio. After happening upon the small-town, he buys an abandoned building and surrounding lands to start his company. But he doesn't expect to bump into the beautiful Francine Tanner when he walks into the Beauty Box for a haircut and shave. Remembering her from a performance years ago in an off-Broadway show, he knows exactly what role she will play in his life.
Sparks fly between the two until Keaton reveals his plan-he wants Francine to star in his upcoming film. Tortured by her Hollywood past, she refuses to have anything to do with the film, even if it means letting go of their budding romance.
Keaton Grace is an independent film writer and director looking for a great place to open his own studio. After happening upon the small-town, he buys an abandoned building and surrounding lands to start his company. But he doesn't expect to bump into the beautiful Francine Tanner when he walks into the Beauty Box for a haircut and shave. Remembering her from a performance years ago in an off-Broadway show, he knows exactly what role she will play in his life.
Sparks fly between the two until Keaton reveals his plan-he wants Francine to star in his upcoming film. Tortured by her Hollywood past, she refuses to have anything to do with the film, even if it means letting go of their budding romance.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2014
116 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle Alers
220 books1,055 followersRochelle Alers was born in Manhattan, New York, USA, where she raised. She obtained degrees in Sociology and Psychology, before started to work. She is a member of the Iota Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and her interests include gourmet cooking and traveling. She has traveled to countries in North, Central and South America, and Europe. She is also in accomplished in knitting, crocheting and needlepoint.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 25, 2018
One of my new favs in the series. The development of the relationship between Francine and Keaton seemed very realistic. They’d both been hurt in the past. I liked how everyone was linked in some way and again all the back history about slaves from Cavanaugh Island.
I believe, this is one of the first books I’ve read that discussed the wives of slave owners having babies with the enslaved men. I guess many authors find that part about history too taboo. I’ve also been searching for books that discuss homosexuality during slavery between slaves and the slave masters. Of course I’m referring to the rape of the men and boys.
Great to see how the previous cast of characters are getting on. This series is fantastic and I’ve enjoyed the journey.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for review
I believe, this is one of the first books I’ve read that discussed the wives of slave owners having babies with the enslaved men. I guess many authors find that part about history too taboo. I’ve also been searching for books that discuss homosexuality during slavery between slaves and the slave masters. Of course I’m referring to the rape of the men and boys.
Great to see how the previous cast of characters are getting on. This series is fantastic and I’ve enjoyed the journey.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2017
I finished this book so I'd know what happened for the characters.
I think these books rush the romance though, but maybe I'm looking more for a story than a mushy romance.
I think these books rush the romance though, but maybe I'm looking more for a story than a mushy romance.
February 19, 2023
Three Cove beauties find love!
Francine secretly wanted love, marriage and a family however childhood bullying and a marriage to a duplicitous man who was counting her coins made her overly cautious when the man she had waited all her life for came into her life! By the same token Keaton was escaping the rat race of L A and the film industry seeking a slower pace. He was not looking for her nor she for he but when they got past the former cruelties, hurts, and guilt over things out of their control, they got down to the loving which led to agreeing to share their lives with each other!!! Now three of the most loving Cove women have captured the hearts of three amazing men who have also caught the hearts of these smart, beautiful, intelligent, kind and loving women! Another Cavanaugh Island love story with historical overtones and undertones that make this a real pleasure to read! Great job Rochelle another great job indeed!!!!
Francine secretly wanted love, marriage and a family however childhood bullying and a marriage to a duplicitous man who was counting her coins made her overly cautious when the man she had waited all her life for came into her life! By the same token Keaton was escaping the rat race of L A and the film industry seeking a slower pace. He was not looking for her nor she for he but when they got past the former cruelties, hurts, and guilt over things out of their control, they got down to the loving which led to agreeing to share their lives with each other!!! Now three of the most loving Cove women have captured the hearts of three amazing men who have also caught the hearts of these smart, beautiful, intelligent, kind and loving women! Another Cavanaugh Island love story with historical overtones and undertones that make this a real pleasure to read! Great job Rochelle another great job indeed!!!!
May 22, 2017
Had mixed feelings about this book. It was my least favorite of the series, not because it wasn't well written. I was expecting a "lighter, summer" romance. This book was more serious in tone. The main character was damaged from childhood bullying, a bad marriage and feelings of inadequacy. I enjoyed seeing her open up and let love in. I also liked seeing Morgan, my favorite character from the Sanctuary Cove series again.
February 1, 2021
Inspiring
I have enjoyed learning the history and culture of the Gullah. It is a rich background and experience as the Creole culture. Reading" Haven Creek", "Angels Landing " and " Sanctuary Cove" has given me a rich history lesson as we as reading an extraordinary author tell her stories. The romance stories interwoven with history is superb! The lessons about growing and learning to love is enlightening. On to the fifth of this series.
I have enjoyed learning the history and culture of the Gullah. It is a rich background and experience as the Creole culture. Reading" Haven Creek", "Angels Landing " and " Sanctuary Cove" has given me a rich history lesson as we as reading an extraordinary author tell her stories. The romance stories interwoven with history is superb! The lessons about growing and learning to love is enlightening. On to the fifth of this series.
May 14, 2022
LOVED IT ❤❤
Ms. Alers did it again. I enjoyed reading Keaton and Francine's story,this was definitely a good read for me,I would absolutely recommend reading this book to everyone who enjoys reading about getting a second chance at love then this is the book for you. The one thing I would have liked to see was their wedding just saying. Great job as usual Ms. Alers please keep these wonderful stories coming. Thank you. 🙏👍❤
Ms. Alers did it again. I enjoyed reading Keaton and Francine's story,this was definitely a good read for me,I would absolutely recommend reading this book to everyone who enjoys reading about getting a second chance at love then this is the book for you. The one thing I would have liked to see was their wedding just saying. Great job as usual Ms. Alers please keep these wonderful stories coming. Thank you. 🙏👍❤
November 21, 2020
Magnolia Drive, another great Roma ce
Loved the sharing of the Gullah community. The details reminded me of my Creole roots in New Orleans. Alers does fantastic job of making you feel a part of the storyline. I am so happy for Francine and Keaton sounds like a unique brand of a man. Looking forward to reading Cherry Lane next.
Loved the sharing of the Gullah community. The details reminded me of my Creole roots in New Orleans. Alers does fantastic job of making you feel a part of the storyline. I am so happy for Francine and Keaton sounds like a unique brand of a man. Looking forward to reading Cherry Lane next.
November 4, 2024
Francine and Keaton had a cute love story. She was a former actress he remembered seeing in a play. Keaton was a film maker who was relocating to Cavanaugh Island to start his own film company. At first he wanted her to star in his film. Then he wanted her to be his wife.
This was a good book. I enjoyed it a lot.
This was a good book. I enjoyed it a lot.
November 4, 2020
Another Good Tale
I enjoyed the fourth book in the series. It adds another family of Islanders to the growing personalities Cavanaugh Island. The characters are believable and seemingly familiar. The kind of folks you'd want as neighbors and friends.
I enjoyed the fourth book in the series. It adds another family of Islanders to the growing personalities Cavanaugh Island. The characters are believable and seemingly familiar. The kind of folks you'd want as neighbors and friends.
March 3, 2023
Great read
Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Francine and Keaton both had baggage to overcome from their past. Their attraction lead to a beautiful courtship and a sweet love story.
Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Francine and Keaton both had baggage to overcome from their past. Their attraction lead to a beautiful courtship and a sweet love story.
December 7, 2023
Francine "Red" Tanner got a man at home. I enjoyed this novel. Plot thickens, it was slow to start with a decisive ending. Can't wait to read the next selection. Great story line. I believe in the gift of visions as well an grateful to be a SC resident.
November 24, 2025
Not Enough Violence
Not the author’s fault, but I lost interest. I’ve read too many romance novels recently instead of one here and there between murder mysteries.
Nice story though
Not the author’s fault, but I lost interest. I’ve read too many romance novels recently instead of one here and there between murder mysteries.
Nice story though
May 27, 2019
Loved this book
January 5, 2021
love the entire series
November 7, 2021
Good love story. All actions were predictable.
January 2, 2017
I actually liked the story line etc. but the author used too many graphic sex scenes for my taste.
July 31, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ma...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jerjen
magnolia-drive-cacanaugh-island-rochelle-alersMagnolia Drive by Rochelle Alers is the story of Francine and Keaton. Francine is an actress and Keaton saw her perform in an off-Broadway play many years ago. He was infatuated with her then, and when he unexpectedly runs into her again, his feelings have not changed.
Francine Tanner has returned home after a failed marriage to live with her parents and grandmother. She is working at her mother’s beauty shop and spa. She is happy that she’s there and has vowed to never return to acting. She has built walls around her heart and has no plans to ever remarry. After she meets Keaton and begins to get to know him better, she wonders if this may be her second chance at love. But does she have the courage to forget about her past heartbreak and go after a relationship with Keaton?
Keaton Grace has moved to Cavanaugh Island to open his own movie studio. He cannot believe his luck when he realizes that Francine lives on the island. He attempts to get her to take a role in a movie that he has written specifically for Francine. When she declines the offer, he accepts her decision but he still wants Francine in his life. Can he break down the walls around her heart so that they can live happily ever after?
The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. I really enjoyed reading about Francine and her family and friends and how close their relationships were. They were people that I would like to get to know better and spend time with them. The secondary characters played an important part in the book, and they were likable and realistic too.
The writing style flows easily and this book is a very easy read. Rochelle Alers is a very descriptive writer and she made Cavanaugh Island come to life for me. I could feel the small town setting with all the quirkiness as though I was there. The Gullah culture was described well, along with the superstitions of the area. There is a lot of history concerning the area and the culture which I found very interesting. There is even a touch of paranormal due to the fact that Francine has visions into the future. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well developed romance. There is a very interesting plot to this book and it is much more than a romance. It’s a book about second chances and having the courage to go after what you want. I have not read any other books by Rochelle Alers but I look forward to reading the others in the Cavanaugh Island series.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jerjen
magnolia-drive-cacanaugh-island-rochelle-alersMagnolia Drive by Rochelle Alers is the story of Francine and Keaton. Francine is an actress and Keaton saw her perform in an off-Broadway play many years ago. He was infatuated with her then, and when he unexpectedly runs into her again, his feelings have not changed.
Francine Tanner has returned home after a failed marriage to live with her parents and grandmother. She is working at her mother’s beauty shop and spa. She is happy that she’s there and has vowed to never return to acting. She has built walls around her heart and has no plans to ever remarry. After she meets Keaton and begins to get to know him better, she wonders if this may be her second chance at love. But does she have the courage to forget about her past heartbreak and go after a relationship with Keaton?
Keaton Grace has moved to Cavanaugh Island to open his own movie studio. He cannot believe his luck when he realizes that Francine lives on the island. He attempts to get her to take a role in a movie that he has written specifically for Francine. When she declines the offer, he accepts her decision but he still wants Francine in his life. Can he break down the walls around her heart so that they can live happily ever after?
The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. I really enjoyed reading about Francine and her family and friends and how close their relationships were. They were people that I would like to get to know better and spend time with them. The secondary characters played an important part in the book, and they were likable and realistic too.
The writing style flows easily and this book is a very easy read. Rochelle Alers is a very descriptive writer and she made Cavanaugh Island come to life for me. I could feel the small town setting with all the quirkiness as though I was there. The Gullah culture was described well, along with the superstitions of the area. There is a lot of history concerning the area and the culture which I found very interesting. There is even a touch of paranormal due to the fact that Francine has visions into the future. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well developed romance. There is a very interesting plot to this book and it is much more than a romance. It’s a book about second chances and having the courage to go after what you want. I have not read any other books by Rochelle Alers but I look forward to reading the others in the Cavanaugh Island series.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
July 27, 2014
I am glad I chose this book to read. I have found another good author. I don't know how I missed her before. She set her story in the true South. Everyone in this book is real and the reader falls right in with them. Francine is working in her mother's day spa salon after giving up acting off Broadway. She was burned by an ex husband. Keaton saw her in a play and lost his heart. Surprise when they meet in Sanctuary Cove. He is an Indie movie maker. He wants her to work for him but she says she will not act anymore. There are family issues and friend's issues. I would recommend this book to anyone. I couldn't put it down. Now it's your turn to pass this story along. I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.
January 27, 2015
Awesome
I love this series. I had read all of the previous books in the series,but I kept passing this one by. Loved It. Francine/Red to her friends had been used by her ex-husband Widen. She was done,she left New York moved back home to the Low Country helping her mother run the Beauty Box. One day a man came in for a haircut and a shave someone that knew her,but she didn't know him. Keaton Grace moved to the Low Country for a slower pace and run into the woman he could not forget. Awesome love story. Hopefully there will be a story about David and Devon I will be waiting for my next visit to the Low Country.
I love this series. I had read all of the previous books in the series,but I kept passing this one by. Loved It. Francine/Red to her friends had been used by her ex-husband Widen. She was done,she left New York moved back home to the Low Country helping her mother run the Beauty Box. One day a man came in for a haircut and a shave someone that knew her,but she didn't know him. Keaton Grace moved to the Low Country for a slower pace and run into the woman he could not forget. Awesome love story. Hopefully there will be a story about David and Devon I will be waiting for my next visit to the Low Country.
February 21, 2015
I enjoyed this novel and the intensifying love story between Fran & Keaton. They overcame their past hurts from failed relationships and took a chance on love. I really enjoyed a glimpse into the Gullah culture and the happenings of the other couples in Sanctuary Cove, Havens Creek and Angels Landing. I'm really looking forward to Devon and David's story next month. Really enjoying the stories from Cavanaugh Island but I have noticed that the author makes reference to the same styles of dress in each novel as well as some of the descriptions are repetitive but I really have enjoyed the novels so far.
July 2, 2016
Francine was turned hard towards men. While in NY to work she made a hit off Broadway play. She meet Aiden with who she fell in love with, married, and divorced in a very short time frame. He married her and turned around and deceived her. After 8 yrs Francine didn't realize what unconditional love was. Until she meet Keaton, he saw her numerous times on the off Broadway play Sisters. Never thought he would see her again and when he walked into the salon/spa on Cavanaugh Island he was so pleasantly surprised.
October 3, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It was well thought out and the details of the story really made it come alive. It will let you relive Francine's past as well showing you her future. It's funny, sad, and enjoyable throughout. Thank you for making this book available on goodreads and for picking me to review it.
November 19, 2014
I love these Lowcountry romance novels. Rochelle researches the area and make you want to visit the locations. Francine had to realize that every man wasn't there to take advantage of her. There are still some good men around. Keaton Grace proves himself to be one of those good men. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the Cavanaugh series.
March 17, 2015
I'm really enjoying the Cavanaugh Island novels, great reads - romance and history. Magnolia Drive is the story of Francine Tanner (Red) and Keaton Grace. Unknown to Francine, Keaton has had a crush on her ever since he saw her perform in a play. The attraction between them is powerful and takes place in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
June 25, 2015
Another great one from Rochelle Alers. I am truly enjoying this series. All the characters on Cavanaugh Island are likable and relatable. I can't wait to start the next book in the series. I am dying to see what happens next to the residences of Cavanaugh Island. This is a must summer read. You do not have to read this series in order, but it helps.
April 5, 2016
A Goodreads winner - I'm so happy I won this book b/c I've never read anything by this author. I will definitely be looking for her other books.
Great storyline, loved the characters very much.
Thank you
Great storyline, loved the characters very much.
Thank you
December 1, 2014
Amazing as always!
I love when a book grabs you from the beginning! So glad Keaton didn't give up on Francine. And her friend was honest with her and push her to make right decision.
I love when a book grabs you from the beginning! So glad Keaton didn't give up on Francine. And her friend was honest with her and push her to make right decision.
January 5, 2015
Magnolia Drive
I always get a kick out of reading A Cavanaugh Island Novel! They always make you want more! Rochelle Alers is top notch. I would definitely recommend this book to read! It was awesome.
I always get a kick out of reading A Cavanaugh Island Novel! They always make you want more! Rochelle Alers is top notch. I would definitely recommend this book to read! It was awesome.
October 10, 2024
Had this one for a while
Love this series, and Rochelle Alers is an author. I read 98% of all her books
Love this series, and Rochelle Alers is an author. I read 98% of all her books
August 18, 2014
Francine and Keaton's story was very good. I really enjoyed the storyline and thought the book was very well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews