What do you think?
Rate this book
Love In Magnolia
It’s no surprise that
Riley Wilson
became a police lieutenant in Magnolia Springs. It’s where she grew up. She loves her job, home, and family, and she takes protecting the residents of Magnolia very seriously as her father and grandfather did before her.
A call about a disturbance at the derelict Baker house on the outskirts of town has Riley on high alert. There she meets Amelia Baker , a University of Texas graduate with a failed business, a recent ex-fiancé, and an intrusive, obsessively dominating mother. There’s something about Amelia, she’s captivating and charismatic, and Riley is quickly drawn to her energy.
A friendly welcome turns into Riley’s proposal to help clear out the inherited Baker house. There, they uncover a secret, and the love story surrounding Amelia’s grandmother soon becomes the catalyst for their future relationship, sending Riley and Amelia on a road trip to uncover the truth.
Amelia is looking for purpose, and a place to call home. Riley is battling with her inability to love and feel like she is deserving of love. They take time to explore Magnolia and find comfort in spending late nights on Riley’s porch. Just as they start to break down barriers and allow their feelings for one another to deepen, Amelia’s mother comes crashing into town with a vengeance––she is desperate for her daughter to return to Houston.
Can Amelia resist her mother’s persuasion? Can Riley lower her guard, shed her reputation as a lone wolf, and realise what’s right in front of her?
A call about a disturbance at the derelict Baker house on the outskirts of town has Riley on high alert. There she meets Amelia Baker , a University of Texas graduate with a failed business, a recent ex-fiancé, and an intrusive, obsessively dominating mother. There’s something about Amelia, she’s captivating and charismatic, and Riley is quickly drawn to her energy.
A friendly welcome turns into Riley’s proposal to help clear out the inherited Baker house. There, they uncover a secret, and the love story surrounding Amelia’s grandmother soon becomes the catalyst for their future relationship, sending Riley and Amelia on a road trip to uncover the truth.
Amelia is looking for purpose, and a place to call home. Riley is battling with her inability to love and feel like she is deserving of love. They take time to explore Magnolia and find comfort in spending late nights on Riley’s porch. Just as they start to break down barriers and allow their feelings for one another to deepen, Amelia’s mother comes crashing into town with a vengeance––she is desperate for her daughter to return to Houston.
Can Amelia resist her mother’s persuasion? Can Riley lower her guard, shed her reputation as a lone wolf, and realise what’s right in front of her?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2025
126 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Spencer-Skillen
10 books196 followersNicole Spencer-Skillen
📍 From Lancashire, currently sipping matcha in South Yorkshire.
📚 Writer of sapphic romance, dreamer of big dreams.
Hi, I’m Nicole — a 32-year-old writer, quote collector, basketball fanatic, and proud wife of 7 years. Originally from Lancashire, I now live in South Yorkshire with my incredible wife and our three chaos-loving dogs.
For the last decade, I’ve been crafting quotes, short stories, and LGBT novels — mostly for fun, always from the heart. When I’m not glued to my laptop with a cup of matcha in hand, you’ll probably find me hopping on a plane, watching / playing basketball, or dreaming up my next big story idea from the comfort of my sofa . . . or coffee shop.
Sapphic romance is more than a genre for me — it’s a mission. Growing up, I didn’t see myself in the pages I read. The world was full of heterosexual love stories (some of which I adored), but none quite hit home. So now, I write the stories I wish I’d had: honest, modern, relatable tales where queer women can finally see themselves as the main character.
My goal? To create an escape, a spark, or even just a little moment of connection for anyone who picks up one of my books — especially for the LGBT+ community who deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and swooningly in love.
A few fun facts:
🗽 If I could live anywhere, it’d be New York City — because why not dream big?
📖 Favourite book: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (yes, I own a first edition, and yes, I cried)
🏀 Ride-or-die Lakers fan
✍️ Favourite quote? Easy: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” (Thanks, Wayne Gretzky — and Michael Scott, kind of.)
Let’s connect — you can find me on Instagram @nss_writings. Come for the sapphic feels, stay for the travel pics and dog content.
📍 From Lancashire, currently sipping matcha in South Yorkshire.
📚 Writer of sapphic romance, dreamer of big dreams.
Hi, I’m Nicole — a 32-year-old writer, quote collector, basketball fanatic, and proud wife of 7 years. Originally from Lancashire, I now live in South Yorkshire with my incredible wife and our three chaos-loving dogs.
For the last decade, I’ve been crafting quotes, short stories, and LGBT novels — mostly for fun, always from the heart. When I’m not glued to my laptop with a cup of matcha in hand, you’ll probably find me hopping on a plane, watching / playing basketball, or dreaming up my next big story idea from the comfort of my sofa . . . or coffee shop.
Sapphic romance is more than a genre for me — it’s a mission. Growing up, I didn’t see myself in the pages I read. The world was full of heterosexual love stories (some of which I adored), but none quite hit home. So now, I write the stories I wish I’d had: honest, modern, relatable tales where queer women can finally see themselves as the main character.
My goal? To create an escape, a spark, or even just a little moment of connection for anyone who picks up one of my books — especially for the LGBT+ community who deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and swooningly in love.
A few fun facts:
🗽 If I could live anywhere, it’d be New York City — because why not dream big?
📖 Favourite book: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (yes, I own a first edition, and yes, I cried)
🏀 Ride-or-die Lakers fan
✍️ Favourite quote? Easy: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” (Thanks, Wayne Gretzky — and Michael Scott, kind of.)
Let’s connect — you can find me on Instagram @nss_writings. Come for the sapphic feels, stay for the travel pics and dog content.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 12, 2025
This book has many good things: it's a small-town romance with an element of mystery involving Amelia's grandmother and her complicated family dynamic. They slowly grow close, and it's the first time I've read a book where characters find letters and read them all at once; it's refreshing and realistic because, in most books, they read a letter a day to keep us on our toes, which is so frustrating. Most of the book, except for one chapter, is written from Riley's point of view. This helps make it more immersive and adds a dose of mystery from Amelia's perspective. Although I didn't really feel them falling deeply in love, the progression of their relationship was well-written, between Amelia's mysterious doubts and Riley questioning her ability to be in a relationship. Overall, this book is quite classic, it has a good pace, is easy to read, and I really enjoyed it.
May 13, 2025
3 Stars
I prefer the author’s If We Meet Again series tbh. For me. My opinion only. Love in Magnolia had a lot of delayed exposition that I found myself becoming impatient to get to the point of the topic/story. There was a lot of “I’m so so in lust/love by her beauty” all throughout the story which made it a bit sickeningly sweet.
The secondary story in the novel was pretty bittersweet though. I think I was invested more on them than the perpetual heart eyes the main character was giving her love interest.
I prefer the author’s If We Meet Again series tbh. For me. My opinion only. Love in Magnolia had a lot of delayed exposition that I found myself becoming impatient to get to the point of the topic/story. There was a lot of “I’m so so in lust/love by her beauty” all throughout the story which made it a bit sickeningly sweet.
The secondary story in the novel was pretty bittersweet though. I think I was invested more on them than the perpetual heart eyes the main character was giving her love interest.
April 30, 2025
I feel like there was a lot of telling instead of showing in this book
April 3, 2025
Huge thank you to the author for an advanced copy! I absolutely loved this book and am obsessed with Amelia and Riley!! Magnolia Springs is a picturesque small town where everyone knows everyone. The small town charm, friendliness of its residents, and the slow lifestyle makes me want to pack up and move. The pining between Amelia and Riley had me smiling and kicking my feet. The characters both have so much depth and are really captivating. This book had so many twists and turns but was still so cohesive. I read this book in 2 days and was utterly obsessed!
May 4, 2025
A deep and meaningful story laced into a modern and relatable romance. Honestly the raw and heart breaking elements of this book really took me aback but in the very best way. I was fully invested in the characters and their lives, and some of wisdom of this book will genuinely stay with me in my real life.
A truly beautiful story 🖤
A truly beautiful story 🖤
May 16, 2025
The way I finished this in one day, because I just couldn't put it down.
I love a woman in uniform so this suited me perfectly!
Such a cute small town love story.
I love a woman in uniform so this suited me perfectly!
Such a cute small town love story.
May 21, 2025
It was short and cute, but per my highlights and notes this needed an editor bad
August 1, 2025
This book was so weirdly written. I understand that the author is British. But… the book is set in Alabama. And the VERY English language of it all really took me out of it. There is not a single person from small town Alabama who would say they were doing “maths” or that they had to use “rubber bags” instead of trash bags. Just to name a few. I got to the point where I couldn’t tell if this was actually an AI generated novel. I skimmed to the end and wouldn’t even consider this as a book that I actually read completely.
June 19, 2025
Great Story !!!
It was a different approach. The writer is very gifted. Read it in one sitting. Could not put it down.
It was a different approach. The writer is very gifted. Read it in one sitting. Could not put it down.
May 27, 2025
A Love Story That Spanned Decades Helps A Lost Soul💕
Nicole Spencer-Skillen has such a way with words. Her stories have such love and humor that makes this writer pretty special. This story takes you on an adventure. Amelia Baker is in Magnolia Springs. She recently acquired her Grandmother’s home and intends to fix it up. Lieutenant Riley Wilson has lived in Magnolia Springs all her life. Being an officer has been a family tradition and has earned the respect of all the residents of this town. But when Riley crosses with Amelia things happen. But everything is not exactly as it seems. This is a wonderful example of a love no one saw coming.
Nicole Spencer-Skillen has such a way with words. Her stories have such love and humor that makes this writer pretty special. This story takes you on an adventure. Amelia Baker is in Magnolia Springs. She recently acquired her Grandmother’s home and intends to fix it up. Lieutenant Riley Wilson has lived in Magnolia Springs all her life. Being an officer has been a family tradition and has earned the respect of all the residents of this town. But when Riley crosses with Amelia things happen. But everything is not exactly as it seems. This is a wonderful example of a love no one saw coming.
May 19, 2025
little things
This was a very nice story. There was definitely more than one moment filled with emotions. The love story was engaging.
There are a few things, little things, that I had a hard time wrapping my fingers around.
The first one was the fact that Caroline was Amelia's maternal grandmother. Therefore, the three women would not hold the same last name. Pamela would've taken her husband's name , at least in the time, and so would have Amelia. Little things.
The other thing is in a town of only 800 residents there seem to be an awful lot of cafés, antique stores, and other such things. For 800 people there also seemed to be an abundance of police officers, and crime that just wouldn't happen in a small town. Little things.
It's the little things that took the story down a notch, in my humble opinion.
This was a very nice story. There was definitely more than one moment filled with emotions. The love story was engaging.
There are a few things, little things, that I had a hard time wrapping my fingers around.
The first one was the fact that Caroline was Amelia's maternal grandmother. Therefore, the three women would not hold the same last name. Pamela would've taken her husband's name , at least in the time, and so would have Amelia. Little things.
The other thing is in a town of only 800 residents there seem to be an awful lot of cafés, antique stores, and other such things. For 800 people there also seemed to be an abundance of police officers, and crime that just wouldn't happen in a small town. Little things.
It's the little things that took the story down a notch, in my humble opinion.
August 18, 2025
“How do you spend your whole life loving someone you can’t be with? How do you wake up on a morning and know your day can never be completely fulfilling? How do you spend every single day for fifty years wishing you could be lying in someone else’s arms? It’s heartbreaking.”
August 1, 2025
It's not fulfilling.
The author's narrative approach is to tell us about what happened instead of showing. It doesn't happen in the moment, but rather reflects on it. We have a look into the book from the perspective of Riley's thoughts. Amelia gets only one chapter, so we can see her perspective and hesitation to open up, and everything else is left for Riley to tell us.
Also, one thing about this book is that somehow the description of characters doesn't add up with the things they do. Riley can tell us Amelia is "emotional" when in reality she is immature. It's like the main character sees her love interest through rose-colored glasses when in reality her actions tell a different story.
It's not a bad book. I feel like writing is the thing that made it feel off, but in total, the story is interesting and intriguing. We have a kind of double story with the uncovered letters of Amelia's grandmother's love affair, if I could say that. So overall, it's simple and classy, but I don't have many feelings about it.
The author's narrative approach is to tell us about what happened instead of showing. It doesn't happen in the moment, but rather reflects on it. We have a look into the book from the perspective of Riley's thoughts. Amelia gets only one chapter, so we can see her perspective and hesitation to open up, and everything else is left for Riley to tell us.
Also, one thing about this book is that somehow the description of characters doesn't add up with the things they do. Riley can tell us Amelia is "emotional" when in reality she is immature. It's like the main character sees her love interest through rose-colored glasses when in reality her actions tell a different story.
It's not a bad book. I feel like writing is the thing that made it feel off, but in total, the story is interesting and intriguing. We have a kind of double story with the uncovered letters of Amelia's grandmother's love affair, if I could say that. So overall, it's simple and classy, but I don't have many feelings about it.
August 5, 2025
Meh, simplón. No he podido terminar de conectar.
El trope de conquistar a una hetera tampoco me gusta. No le pongo menos nota pk me ha gustado la trama de la abuela y las cartas.
El trope de conquistar a una hetera tampoco me gusta. No le pongo menos nota pk me ha gustado la trama de la abuela y las cartas.
June 1, 2025
3 stars. I really wanted to like this book. It was by a new to me author, and I liked the blurb. But I knew within the first few pages the author was not from the US, which is fine. But if you’re writing in first person, the context of your character needs to be taken into account as it will throw most American readers out of the story to hit words unused in the US, especially since the Southern dialect itself isn’t really represented in the dialogue.
I like Riley. She seems genuine and is nicely characterized by her interactions with the people around her and internal thoughts, but we really don’t get much of Amelia beyond she’s attractive with curly hair. Most of her characterization comes from her interactions with her grandmother’s story, and that really shortchanges the character. We don’t actually see her until the perspective switch, and that perspective switch is completely out of left field. Nothing in the previous chapters really prepares us for the interaction between The whole ending from the perspective change forward feels incredibly rushed.
Overall, I feel like this had real potential. The story within a story is well developed and well done, and I enjoy it as a driver of the plot. But once that is completed, the execution falls off to the point that I really didn’t enjoy the rest. Perspective needs to remain consistent throughout. Either back and forth between chapters or half and half. It feels rushed and unplanned, like it was the only way to bridge the story together, which in some ways, is true. But there were other ways to incorporate those bits and pieces into a cohesive whole. I liked the town. I liked the side characters. I liked Riley. But this feels unsatisfying, and that is disappointing after the first half.
I like Riley. She seems genuine and is nicely characterized by her interactions with the people around her and internal thoughts, but we really don’t get much of Amelia beyond she’s attractive with curly hair. Most of her characterization comes from her interactions with her grandmother’s story, and that really shortchanges the character. We don’t actually see her until the perspective switch, and that perspective switch is completely out of left field. Nothing in the previous chapters really prepares us for the interaction between The whole ending from the perspective change forward feels incredibly rushed.
Overall, I feel like this had real potential. The story within a story is well developed and well done, and I enjoy it as a driver of the plot. But once that is completed, the execution falls off to the point that I really didn’t enjoy the rest. Perspective needs to remain consistent throughout. Either back and forth between chapters or half and half. It feels rushed and unplanned, like it was the only way to bridge the story together, which in some ways, is true. But there were other ways to incorporate those bits and pieces into a cohesive whole. I liked the town. I liked the side characters. I liked Riley. But this feels unsatisfying, and that is disappointing after the first half.
July 21, 2025
I really liked this book! I enjoyed the chemistry between the leads, and that it was a slower burn. The story itself was really cute and more unique to other romance books in this genre. Just an overall good story with fleshed out characters!
Read
June 29, 2025DNF
Was very confused that it was set in the US south but the language was distinctly British. Not a slow burn….just slow.
Was very confused that it was set in the US south but the language was distinctly British. Not a slow burn….just slow.
June 3, 2025
Despite the writing feeling a bit clunky at times, I enjoyed this story a lot. Riley is a saint, and Amelia is great. The ending came a bit abruptly for me; I would have loved some more development. I still really loved the story. Caroline and Frances's relationship really warmed and hurt my heart at the same time.
June 24, 2025
What a story.
I really enjoyed the story.
It had a little bit of everything in it. The supportive family for Ripley, and the overbearing judgmental one for Amelia. A unrequited love story that lasted decades, and heartbreak along with it. Also the happily ever after for our MC's even with all the doubts and other factors that tried to disrupt and derail their route to love.
I really enjoyed the story.
It had a little bit of everything in it. The supportive family for Ripley, and the overbearing judgmental one for Amelia. A unrequited love story that lasted decades, and heartbreak along with it. Also the happily ever after for our MC's even with all the doubts and other factors that tried to disrupt and derail their route to love.
June 19, 2025
Super cute story!
November 18, 2025
why are all American small town romances in the south? New England has small towns. where are the quaint, folksy Rhode Island romances?
it's a cute book. I enjoy when a romance pairing bond through something not explicitly romantic, as Riley and Amelia discover a secret stash of letters in Amelia's grandmother's old home and seek to decode them. and the mystery of Caroline Baker's life is the best part of the novel. and Riley and Amelia are real cute as they earn their toaster oven
the story is spiceless, which, I'm not going to say romance novels need spice but I do enjoy it. and it's primarily told from Riley's point of view, leaving a couple of landmines from Amelia's past to remain secret until the third act. and the third act break up was mercifully brief, but one of those splits where it's just a bit too inexplicable. a combination of everything coming together in exactly the wrong way, and the characters being just unreasonable enough to be a little silly. like yes, be upset, but going "I'm storming out now don't follow me and don't you dare try to offer a reasonable explanation" was a bit much
I feel like there are political complexities in the main character being a gay cop in Alabama in the year of our lord 2025 that the author for whatever reason didn't want to address. and actually that was probably a good call
it's a cute book. I enjoy when a romance pairing bond through something not explicitly romantic, as Riley and Amelia discover a secret stash of letters in Amelia's grandmother's old home and seek to decode them. and the mystery of Caroline Baker's life is the best part of the novel. and Riley and Amelia are real cute as they earn their toaster oven
the story is spiceless, which, I'm not going to say romance novels need spice but I do enjoy it. and it's primarily told from Riley's point of view, leaving a couple of landmines from Amelia's past to remain secret until the third act. and the third act break up was mercifully brief, but one of those splits where it's just a bit too inexplicable. a combination of everything coming together in exactly the wrong way, and the characters being just unreasonable enough to be a little silly. like yes, be upset, but going "I'm storming out now don't follow me and don't you dare try to offer a reasonable explanation" was a bit much
I feel like there are political complexities in the main character being a gay cop in Alabama in the year of our lord 2025 that the author for whatever reason didn't want to address. and actually that was probably a good call
September 10, 2025
Small town romance
Love in Magnolia wasn’t fully what I was expecting, I feel like a lot of tropes are thrown together and that the book wasn’t long enough to give attention to one solid trope. The beginning was a bit slow for me where I felt like maybe there was too much world building that didn’t overly matter later on in the book. If you like spice in your books this unfortunately doesn’t have any but the implied act mentioned twice.
I love Riley, who doesn’t love a woman in uniform? She is everything someone would want in a partner, attentive, nurturing, adventurous and family oriented.
Amelia I liked, but it felt like she was much younger than originally portrayed. Women discovering they’re not straight isn’t overly appealing to me.
I love the initial idea of the book but it’s not one of my favourites unfortunately.
Love in Magnolia wasn’t fully what I was expecting, I feel like a lot of tropes are thrown together and that the book wasn’t long enough to give attention to one solid trope. The beginning was a bit slow for me where I felt like maybe there was too much world building that didn’t overly matter later on in the book. If you like spice in your books this unfortunately doesn’t have any but the implied act mentioned twice.
I love Riley, who doesn’t love a woman in uniform? She is everything someone would want in a partner, attentive, nurturing, adventurous and family oriented.
Amelia I liked, but it felt like she was much younger than originally portrayed. Women discovering they’re not straight isn’t overly appealing to me.
I love the initial idea of the book but it’s not one of my favourites unfortunately.
April 24, 2025
Riley, small town cop meets Anelia Baker while investigating what she thinks are vandals. Nope, Amelia has inherited....
Riley's Mom and sister bugging her to settle down is hilarious. Also, everyone is okay with her being gay.
Amelia explains she's wantsvto do some renovations then sell, but is clearly out of her depth. Riley volunteers to help, and as they do this they find a cache of love letters between Amelia's grandmother and a mysterious Frances. Who, when they find a photograph, is a woman.
Riley and Amelia start to tentatively date... when Amelia's Mom arrives, bringing Amelia's ex along. Awkward.
Despite everything they get together...
3 out of 5. Decent, but there's chunks of dialog I couldn't tell who was saying what.
Riley's Mom and sister bugging her to settle down is hilarious. Also, everyone is okay with her being gay.
Amelia explains she's wantsvto do some renovations then sell, but is clearly out of her depth. Riley volunteers to help, and as they do this they find a cache of love letters between Amelia's grandmother and a mysterious Frances. Who, when they find a photograph, is a woman.
Riley and Amelia start to tentatively date... when Amelia's Mom arrives, bringing Amelia's ex along. Awkward.
Despite everything they get together...
3 out of 5. Decent, but there's chunks of dialog I couldn't tell who was saying what.
May 5, 2025
I picked up Love in Magnolia on a whim, not knowing what to expect, and I’m so glad I did. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the warmth and emotional depth of the story.
What really stood out to me was how grounded the romance felt. It wasn’t all sweeping gestures or clichés — it was about connection, vulnerability, and rebuilding trust after heartbreak. Nicole’s writing is both lyrical and honest, and she balances slow-burn tension with emotional intimacy so well that I found myself rooting for the characters in a way I hadn’t expected.
There were moments that made me laugh, moments that made me tear up, and moments where I just had to pause to appreciate how deeply human the storytelling was. I think this is Nicole’s best book yet!
What really stood out to me was how grounded the romance felt. It wasn’t all sweeping gestures or clichés — it was about connection, vulnerability, and rebuilding trust after heartbreak. Nicole’s writing is both lyrical and honest, and she balances slow-burn tension with emotional intimacy so well that I found myself rooting for the characters in a way I hadn’t expected.
There were moments that made me laugh, moments that made me tear up, and moments where I just had to pause to appreciate how deeply human the storytelling was. I think this is Nicole’s best book yet!
May 15, 2025
I don’t normally write reviews, or use my goodreads very often—something I could definitely improve on, however, I have followed this author on socials for a number of years now and I love the way she continues to write relatable characters. They’re not too cringey, they’re not full of unrealistic expectations, they’re not dramatic, they’re just real. I see parts of myself in most characters she writes and I love that. Keep up the great work ☺️
May 12, 2025
The best sapphic book I’ve read so far this year! I loved it 😍
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews