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Sandy Cove #3
Into Magnolia
Amber Gamble sat on the floor beside her bed. I hate them. All of them, she thought to herself.
As Michelle Baron ascends the steps of Magnolia Middle School, her life is about to change forever. The dream of becoming a teacher leads her on an unexpected journey that will challenge her professionally and personally. Although 180 students file through her classroom daily, one demands her attention more than the others. Living in her third foster home in a year, Amber’s bitterness and rebellion spark a challenge within Michelle to somehow make a difference in this troubled girl’s life.
Meanwhile, Michelle’s daughter develops a series of unexplainable bruises. A stunning visit to the pediatrician reveals frightening possibilities. While Michelle tries to hold her fears at bay, Amber approaches her with a daunting crisis of her own.
Into Magnolia reveals the internal struggles and triumphs of a dedicated teacher, and the power of love to transform lives.
As Michelle Baron ascends the steps of Magnolia Middle School, her life is about to change forever. The dream of becoming a teacher leads her on an unexpected journey that will challenge her professionally and personally. Although 180 students file through her classroom daily, one demands her attention more than the others. Living in her third foster home in a year, Amber’s bitterness and rebellion spark a challenge within Michelle to somehow make a difference in this troubled girl’s life.
Meanwhile, Michelle’s daughter develops a series of unexplainable bruises. A stunning visit to the pediatrician reveals frightening possibilities. While Michelle tries to hold her fears at bay, Amber approaches her with a daunting crisis of her own.
Into Magnolia reveals the internal struggles and triumphs of a dedicated teacher, and the power of love to transform lives.
336 pages, ebook
First published March 4, 2013
1044 people are currently reading
802 people want to read
About the author
Rosemary Hines
21 books135 followersRosemary Hines writes contemporary, suspenseful fiction from a Christian worldview. Her characters and their struggles and triumphs reflect life in our 21st century culture in America. Boldly tackling tough subjects such as suicide, abortion, and the ever-increasing efforts of secular society to silence the faith of many, she is known for her sensitive approach and strong messages of hope and redemption. Rosemary taught writing at a secondary level for fifteen years. Her books have been reviewed and recommended at Christian conferences across the United States. Active in her church as a Sunday school teacher and a women's Bible study leader, she and her husband have also served as missionaries in Ukraine, delivering humanitarian relief to orphanages and hospitals. They reside in Southern California where they enjoy spending time with their grown children and grandchildren.
For more information about Rosemary and her books, visit:
http://www.newswire.net/newsroom/pr/7...
www.rosemaryhines.com
https://www.facebook.com/RosemaryHine...
For more information about Rosemary and her books, visit:
http://www.newswire.net/newsroom/pr/7...
www.rosemaryhines.com
https://www.facebook.com/RosemaryHine...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
June 12, 2013
Even though this is the third book in the Sandy Cove Series by Rosemary Hines, it could easily be read and enjoyed by itself. Not only does it follow the series beautifully, It tells the inside story of the challenges and benefits of teaching, and being a wife and mother. She's trying to do it all and to do it well. I loved her mentors advise. Remember you are teaching children not curriculum. And we read about Amber who is in her 3rd foster home within a year and all the problems she is having. She has a caring social worker and now a wonderful caring teacher. But that doesn't keep her out of trouble. You won't regret reading this book. It is eye opening and very entertaining.
February 20, 2018
Very compelling story concerning the choices we make, the consequences afterwards and finding out who your real friends are. Everyone has baggage but for adolescents it’s difficult to make the right decision. Michelle Baron is preparing for her fist year as a teacher in middle school. She’s the kind of teacher most kids will flock to for help. Amber is one of her students that’s in the foster care program but has no one to love her and prevent her from making the wrong decision. Now she’s 12 and pregnant with no parental assistance but through the grace of God, he comforts her and assist her in making the right choice.
June 28, 2023
Interesting plot about how a dedicated teacher made a difference in the life of one of her students.
Part of a series but not necessary to read preceding books. Christian contemporary.
Part of a series but not necessary to read preceding books. Christian contemporary.
July 12, 2016
I thought this book was an awesome addition to the Sandy Cove Series :) Michelle, Steve, and Madison go through some fiery trials, and new characters are introduce into the Sandy Cover world. It was interesting to see how the characters have changed over the years, and especially some things that haven't changed. I wished there would have been more about the 2D characters like Ben, Kelly, and Kristin.
June 28, 2023
Book 3 of the Sandy Cove series revolves around Michelle starting her first year at Magnolia Middle School. She is faced with a challenging 14-year-old that causes Michelle to reach out and make one of the biggest decisions she has ever had to make. Bring your Kleenex at the end.
June 1, 2017
I received this book from Kindle for free. It seemed interesting to me and I thought I would enjoy reading it. I did like the story, although it seemed very simplistic to me, almost like it was written for young adults, and maybe it was.
I know this is a fiction story, but I was having a difficult time believing that "real life" would be played out as the story was. This may just be that I don't live in this town that the book was written in. I am pretty certain that social workers in my city do not devote as much time to their foster children charges as this story showed. It would be a nice place to live though.
I know this is a fiction story, but I was having a difficult time believing that "real life" would be played out as the story was. This may just be that I don't live in this town that the book was written in. I am pretty certain that social workers in my city do not devote as much time to their foster children charges as this story showed. It would be a nice place to live though.
October 20, 2016
Being a teacher myself, I thought this was a realistic portrait of some of the issues teachers today face. It took a few chapters to get really involved in the book, but then it progressed well. I liked all of the character portrayals, especially Amanda, the troubled student. Her story made the book interesting and moved the plot along. It's an easy reading book about current issues with teens and families.
September 24, 2018
I have enjoyed all three books in this series this far. I love how Hines really takes time to develop the character and make the reader care about the reader. There were moments in the book when I truly empathized with Amber and cried with her and for her. It take a special skill to make readers cry with characters and Hines truly does that.
My biggest issue with all these books is that Hines makes God seem like genie. You pray and ask Him for what you want and Bam instantly it happens. As a Christian that prays daily that's just not how prayers work. The fact that in every book all things are given to people as soon as they pray for it is unrealistic. Yes there are many prayers that God answers for people, but for EVERYTHING to be rosy and perfect just isn't for me. I would love to see Michelle pray and things not work and see if it makes her waiver in her faith or grown stronger. Its easy to be faithful to God when everything is perfect, but the true test will be when Michelle doesn't get what she wants. I think if people new in their faith reads these books they might turn away from God the moment that things in their life don't go as perfectly as Michelle.
I am excited to finish the series. Very enjoyable books with one thing that doesn't work for me. Kudos Rosemary Hines keep writing characters that we can learn to love.
My biggest issue with all these books is that Hines makes God seem like genie. You pray and ask Him for what you want and Bam instantly it happens. As a Christian that prays daily that's just not how prayers work. The fact that in every book all things are given to people as soon as they pray for it is unrealistic. Yes there are many prayers that God answers for people, but for EVERYTHING to be rosy and perfect just isn't for me. I would love to see Michelle pray and things not work and see if it makes her waiver in her faith or grown stronger. Its easy to be faithful to God when everything is perfect, but the true test will be when Michelle doesn't get what she wants. I think if people new in their faith reads these books they might turn away from God the moment that things in their life don't go as perfectly as Michelle.
I am excited to finish the series. Very enjoyable books with one thing that doesn't work for me. Kudos Rosemary Hines keep writing characters that we can learn to love.
February 7, 2018
A beautiful story of heartache and redemption, from a fantastic perspective of the junior High School teacher (Michelle Baron) who goes through it all.
The story is set in Magnolia Middle School, Mrs Baron is the new teacher and her first day sets the standard for the year. Little does she know how much of an impact she will make with some of the students there, particularly a troubled girl (Amber) in foster care who just wants to be safe, loved and have her family back. Instead, she faces hard and fast realities which could tear her apart and smash any chances to be where she hopes to be. At the other end of the scale, little does Mrs Baron know how much of an impact Amber will have on her life too, and her future.
The story is woven together extremely well.. 'Hines' is a gritty, well informed writer who writes from the heart and she's not afraid to throw a few punches, despite her Christian standpoint. She tells it like it is with gusto and yet, sensitivity. A thoroughly enjoyable read, which sends a message of hope in the face of despair and peace in the face of trouble.
The story is set in Magnolia Middle School, Mrs Baron is the new teacher and her first day sets the standard for the year. Little does she know how much of an impact she will make with some of the students there, particularly a troubled girl (Amber) in foster care who just wants to be safe, loved and have her family back. Instead, she faces hard and fast realities which could tear her apart and smash any chances to be where she hopes to be. At the other end of the scale, little does Mrs Baron know how much of an impact Amber will have on her life too, and her future.
The story is woven together extremely well.. 'Hines' is a gritty, well informed writer who writes from the heart and she's not afraid to throw a few punches, despite her Christian standpoint. She tells it like it is with gusto and yet, sensitivity. A thoroughly enjoyable read, which sends a message of hope in the face of despair and peace in the face of trouble.
May 11, 2021
Whew!
As Michelle & Steve face a possible life-threatening diagnosis with Maddie, little did they know the problem teen at school would wind up offering them a blessing out of the blue. Michelle spends time with Amber & begins to see improvement in her attitude and grades...then Amber discovers she is pregnant @ 14. Boyfriend dumps her after she refuses an abortion, and even though she wants the baby to live she has no idea how that will change her life. Having worked in adoption, I watched this scenario play out--heartbreaking for the adoptive parents when the birth mother changes her mind, heartbreaking for the birth mother when she signs those papers to relinquish. Amber makes the brave decision to place, but going into premature labor throws everything into limbo. Good book. I wanted to know how premature he was & how much he weighed. I also wanted to know how Stacy kept her house while she was off the deep end in treatment & her kids in foster care. And whether Michelle will raise the baby or put him in day care to further her career.
As Michelle & Steve face a possible life-threatening diagnosis with Maddie, little did they know the problem teen at school would wind up offering them a blessing out of the blue. Michelle spends time with Amber & begins to see improvement in her attitude and grades...then Amber discovers she is pregnant @ 14. Boyfriend dumps her after she refuses an abortion, and even though she wants the baby to live she has no idea how that will change her life. Having worked in adoption, I watched this scenario play out--heartbreaking for the adoptive parents when the birth mother changes her mind, heartbreaking for the birth mother when she signs those papers to relinquish. Amber makes the brave decision to place, but going into premature labor throws everything into limbo. Good book. I wanted to know how premature he was & how much he weighed. I also wanted to know how Stacy kept her house while she was off the deep end in treatment & her kids in foster care. And whether Michelle will raise the baby or put him in day care to further her career.
February 24, 2018
Oh my...The fact that I was almost 1/4 into the book before I realized "Oh I have read this before" proves that I should be here more often and be faithful about recording what I read.
Yes, this is a pleasant and inspiration Christian read. I do enjoy the Sandy Cove Series and can recommend the series to my friends here on Goodreads.
You follow the characters throughout the series and they do seem like family.
I can relate to Michelle and the time that she spends preparing for her classes the first year of her teaching and how it affects her relationship with her husband and her daughter Maddie. The fact that she becomes involved in trying to help a needy student, adds to the time that she spends preparing for school and worrying about her responsibilities to her own immediate family. Fortunately , she has a supportive husband and in the end because of her faith and her prayers, Michelle finds a solution to a difficult problem.
Yes, this is a pleasant and inspiration Christian read. I do enjoy the Sandy Cove Series and can recommend the series to my friends here on Goodreads.
You follow the characters throughout the series and they do seem like family.
I can relate to Michelle and the time that she spends preparing for her classes the first year of her teaching and how it affects her relationship with her husband and her daughter Maddie. The fact that she becomes involved in trying to help a needy student, adds to the time that she spends preparing for school and worrying about her responsibilities to her own immediate family. Fortunately , she has a supportive husband and in the end because of her faith and her prayers, Michelle finds a solution to a difficult problem.
January 20, 2019
This was a very good and well written book and my first trip to Sandy Cove.
We have Amber, a 14 year old girl that is in the 8th grade, in her third foster care home, a mother in the hospital with problems of her own, a missing in action father, and a boyfriend. Which one do you think she turns to? She ends up in trouble and her boyfriend is through with her. So …. he no longer is in the picture.
Then we have a foster mother that wants to help, but has her hands full with two other children, a social worker that cares, but then, that is more or less her job, or so Amber thinks, and then we have this amazing teacher Michelle, that reaches out to help her in every way she knows how. This teacher even helps her find God.
This is a great book with a wonderful storyline. I loved the book and how it ended
This will not be my first trip to Sandy Cove. I look forward to visiting there again.
Rosemary Hines seems to be a really good author. Thank you for the wonderful book.
We have Amber, a 14 year old girl that is in the 8th grade, in her third foster care home, a mother in the hospital with problems of her own, a missing in action father, and a boyfriend. Which one do you think she turns to? She ends up in trouble and her boyfriend is through with her. So …. he no longer is in the picture.
Then we have a foster mother that wants to help, but has her hands full with two other children, a social worker that cares, but then, that is more or less her job, or so Amber thinks, and then we have this amazing teacher Michelle, that reaches out to help her in every way she knows how. This teacher even helps her find God.
This is a great book with a wonderful storyline. I loved the book and how it ended
This will not be my first trip to Sandy Cove. I look forward to visiting there again.
Rosemary Hines seems to be a really good author. Thank you for the wonderful book.
January 23, 2019
Beautiful story
I LOVED this story! The issues were handled sensitively. It also kept me guessing! Not predictable by any stretch of the imagination! I gave it 4 stars, because I felt Ms. Hines should have brought the name of Jesus in to the story. I believe this book is considered Christian fiction, and as Christians we believe in God's Word. God's Word tells us in John 14, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me.". That's Jesus talking. All our prayers go through Him. He's the one who made the way for us. In the book, the pastor and his wife do a great job of counseling Amber to look to God. But I was disappointed that they did not lead her to consider Jesus, and ask Him for forgiveness and grace. My comments may be ignored, but I felt God nudging me to say this. It is still a great story, worthy of anyone's time to read it.
I LOVED this story! The issues were handled sensitively. It also kept me guessing! Not predictable by any stretch of the imagination! I gave it 4 stars, because I felt Ms. Hines should have brought the name of Jesus in to the story. I believe this book is considered Christian fiction, and as Christians we believe in God's Word. God's Word tells us in John 14, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me.". That's Jesus talking. All our prayers go through Him. He's the one who made the way for us. In the book, the pastor and his wife do a great job of counseling Amber to look to God. But I was disappointed that they did not lead her to consider Jesus, and ask Him for forgiveness and grace. My comments may be ignored, but I felt God nudging me to say this. It is still a great story, worthy of anyone's time to read it.
February 27, 2020
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this story. It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
Less POV characters (there were occasional chapters from minor characters) would have helped. Some issues were skipped over too quickly and at times the story was simplistic.
I appreciated a story about a teacher who cared about her students. There are many teachers like this and many overwhelmed by the sheer number of traumatised kids in their classes.
My favourite chapter was when Steve led his wife to a rounded version of what scripture says - there is no guarantee that everything will turn out but God will be with us wherever he takes us.
Keep writing.
I enjoyed this story. It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
Less POV characters (there were occasional chapters from minor characters) would have helped. Some issues were skipped over too quickly and at times the story was simplistic.
I appreciated a story about a teacher who cared about her students. There are many teachers like this and many overwhelmed by the sheer number of traumatised kids in their classes.
My favourite chapter was when Steve led his wife to a rounded version of what scripture says - there is no guarantee that everything will turn out but God will be with us wherever he takes us.
Keep writing.
May 3, 2020
Another inspiring story
I loved reading the continued journey of Michelle and Steve as they continue to grow in their relationship with God, each other and as Maddie’s Parents. As a now retired elementary school teacher I could relate to Michelle’s experiences as a teacher. I loved teaching and knew it was God’s plan for me. My husband always supporting me as well. I had my share of helping many troubled students and showing God’s love to them. I look forward to reading book 4.
I loved reading the continued journey of Michelle and Steve as they continue to grow in their relationship with God, each other and as Maddie’s Parents. As a now retired elementary school teacher I could relate to Michelle’s experiences as a teacher. I loved teaching and knew it was God’s plan for me. My husband always supporting me as well. I had my share of helping many troubled students and showing God’s love to them. I look forward to reading book 4.
April 2, 2024
Real people with real problems with an amazing outcome!
I loved the teacher as she struggled with control of the rowdy kids in her class! I appreciated the student with complex problems and watched her changing. I wish more social workers had the time to help their client like this one did. Faith gave them courage, was not judgemental or preachy, but was helpful! A really great book!
I loved the teacher as she struggled with control of the rowdy kids in her class! I appreciated the student with complex problems and watched her changing. I wish more social workers had the time to help their client like this one did. Faith gave them courage, was not judgemental or preachy, but was helpful! A really great book!
September 26, 2025
Love And Choices
In a hurting world it is lovely to see what can happen if we reach out to someone in Godly love who feels lost and alone. Life is full of choices but sometimes a person needs to have guidance. When bad choices are so easy to find good ones are often hidden from view. Thats where we can make a difference. We can change the world one hurting person at a time. I am so glad I have found this series.
In a hurting world it is lovely to see what can happen if we reach out to someone in Godly love who feels lost and alone. Life is full of choices but sometimes a person needs to have guidance. When bad choices are so easy to find good ones are often hidden from view. Thats where we can make a difference. We can change the world one hurting person at a time. I am so glad I have found this series.
February 9, 2019
Character depth
The characters are well developed and written with genuine depth. Watching their faith journeys was encouraging. The plot was realistic and well handled.
I didn't realize I was reading the third in a series. Because I found the characters so engaging, I now want to read the other books.
The characters are well developed and written with genuine depth. Watching their faith journeys was encouraging. The plot was realistic and well handled.
I didn't realize I was reading the third in a series. Because I found the characters so engaging, I now want to read the other books.
April 25, 2019
Love this series
I had read this book more than a year ago but after reading “Out of a Dream” read it a second time with much more meaning. Looking forward to “Around the Bend” as my next read. As a former teacher, it is good to read the reality of day to day life in that profession.
I had read this book more than a year ago but after reading “Out of a Dream” read it a second time with much more meaning. Looking forward to “Around the Bend” as my next read. As a former teacher, it is good to read the reality of day to day life in that profession.
January 8, 2020
Sometimes people make mistakes and they must deal with the consequences. This story is about a young girl who finds herself in a tough situation. It would be wonderful if everyone had such a group of Christians to rally and support them. Unfortunately, life is not so rosy as this book portends. All the same it is an easy, enjoyable read. 4⭐️s.
February 14, 2021
I really had hoped to like this book. However, it seemed really too far fetched. It is something to be a great teacher and to care about the students. But what happened in the book was unfortunately just something that wouldn’t be allowed these days. And this definitely should not be categorized as a mystery.
August 7, 2022
Pleasant surprise!
I did not know what to expect from this book. I got it quite a while before reading it and not remember the story synopsis. I have to say it was a great choice. This is book 3 but does stand well on its own as I have not read the preceding 2. I am wanting to now, though!
I did not know what to expect from this book. I got it quite a while before reading it and not remember the story synopsis. I have to say it was a great choice. This is book 3 but does stand well on its own as I have not read the preceding 2. I am wanting to now, though!
February 28, 2024
heartwarming story
This is a heartwarming story depicting how God brings everything full circle and always fulfills his promises to his children! He’s a good good father who takes what the world intends for evil and uses it for good. If I had one critique it would be better editing because there were some mistakes and typos.
This is a heartwarming story depicting how God brings everything full circle and always fulfills his promises to his children! He’s a good good father who takes what the world intends for evil and uses it for good. If I had one critique it would be better editing because there were some mistakes and typos.
August 13, 2017
Live characters...
True-to-life events and God-size solutions to every day issues. Rosemary has done it again! God speaks to my heart through the words of the. Kara gets as if they were right here in the room with me. Enjoy!
True-to-life events and God-size solutions to every day issues. Rosemary has done it again! God speaks to my heart through the words of the. Kara gets as if they were right here in the room with me. Enjoy!
January 7, 2018
I last bed this book it is a compelling story about a school teacher and her like ve for her students. I shows how things can change in a students life if someone takes the time to help and be there for them
April 24, 2018
Heartfelt read
This was one of the hardest books I’ve read in a long time. Michelle’s journey as a working mother and wife seems to have come to a fulfilling end. Many blessings within!
This was one of the hardest books I’ve read in a long time. Michelle’s journey as a working mother and wife seems to have come to a fulfilling end. Many blessings within!
October 7, 2018
Easy read.
I have not read the first two books but was able to become involved with the characters in the book. As a former office manager for an adoption agency, it was easy for me to relate to Amber and Mishelle.
I have not read the first two books but was able to become involved with the characters in the book. As a former office manager for an adoption agency, it was easy for me to relate to Amber and Mishelle.
January 20, 2019
Great
This book was a thoughtfully written book. I found it to be inspired with good messages for a variety of situations. Amber weighed the pros and cons of abortion and adoption. Probably more than the average 14 year old would. Her solution was wise as well as predictable.
This book was a thoughtfully written book. I found it to be inspired with good messages for a variety of situations. Amber weighed the pros and cons of abortion and adoption. Probably more than the average 14 year old would. Her solution was wise as well as predictable.
April 3, 2019
A wonderful read
I liked the realism in the characters in the novel. None of the characters were perfect. The story seemed possible versus the typical fairy tales where things are more black and white.
I liked the realism in the characters in the novel. None of the characters were perfect. The story seemed possible versus the typical fairy tales where things are more black and white.
March 21, 2020
Perfect book for teachers
This book is incredible, I am enjoying this series so much. The writing is
Very good I am a Rosemary Hines fan for life. I cried near the end of this wonderful story.
This book is incredible, I am enjoying this series so much. The writing is
Very good I am a Rosemary Hines fan for life. I cried near the end of this wonderful story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews