When Wren Frazier heads south to honor her grandmother’s final wish, she finds five unexpected challenges, one grumpy (but handsome) neighbor, and maybe—herself.
Although an artist, Wren packed away her brushes and paints and sought a practical career as an interior designer in Chicago. She’s always put herself last, happy to please everyone around her. But with a team of dedicated co-workers and a small town of quirky characters supporting her, she’s forced to give herself a little attention. As her artistic heart starts to awaken, Wren finds herself rediscovering the joy of creation and living authentically.
But while she’s exploring the enchanting Georgia Low Country, creating beautiful paintings, and taking a chance on love, she uncovers a secret that shakes the foundation of her newfound happiness. With the revelation threatening to ruin the delicate balance Wren has only begun to realize, will she give up her fairytale and return to her reality?
Book 1 in the Magnolia Bluff series. Love is always blooming at Magnolia Bluff!
Fans of sassy, witty, heartfelt Southern romance (a la T.I. Lowe, Pepper Basham, and Rebekah Millet), I’ve got a new author for you to add to your auto-buy lists! Leslie Kirby DeVooght infuses Stealing Magnolias with a love for the endearing quirks, delicious flavors, and sweet-tea-bless-your-heart drawls of the South. Paired with her layered and vibrant characters – who quickly felt like the dearest of friends to me – and a touching faith thread that feels neither trite nor forced… and fried okra (because you can’t ever go wrong with that as a side dish)… this novel warmed my whole heart and kept me smiling AND swooning from beginning to end.
Wren’s first person narrative immediately sets the tone for the story and clued me in that I was in for a delightful read. This talented interior designer feels like the oddball in a family that’s focused on their missions of service (quite literally FROM a mission). She’s spent years denying her own dreams and desires in favor of what they (especially her singularly-minded mom and sister) would consider worthy pursuits. The only person who’s ever encouraged Wren’s true talents, who really sees her, is her grandmother, and even in her last wishes this wise soul was determined to help Wren fly. I really LOVED the challenges that Wren has to complete, per Gramma’s instructions, and getting a front row seat as she worked her way through them was so heartwarming and swoony and just lots of fun. (And oh bless it I wanted to purse whomp her mom and sister with a tote filled with books written by Wren’s fave romance author. All hardcovers. You’ll have to read this for yourself to see why AND if they eventually redeem themselves but I did – somewhat reluctantly – put down the tote at one point … so do with that what you will.)
You may have picked up on my use of the word ‘swoony’ in that last paragraph, and that’s because there is a very yummy romance in Stealing Magnolias. Ahhhhhh I’m still fanning but not necessarily just because the kisses were full of sparks and fireworks (though there ARE plenty of those). Not even just because the hero is dashing and dreamy (though he is that, for sure). And not even just because the grand gestures and romantic dates are on par with those in some of my favorite books and movies (though that’s true, too). I loved it for all of those reasons but no, the main reason I’m even yet weak-kneed over Wren’s love story is because they help each other see the exquisite beauty in who God uniquely created them to be. The author writes this aspect of the story so tenderly, and it touched a place deep inside the heart of this recovering people-pleaser. (That person being me. Who still needs the reminder too sometimes.)
Bottom Line: If Stealing Magnolias is Leslie Kirby DeVooght’s debut novel, then I will be first in line for every book she writes from here on out. Her writing voice is pitch perfect, the characters were impossible not to love, and I was hooked from the first page. It’s equal parts hilarious and emotional, and there were a couple of scenes (particularly toward the end) where I was grinning and giggling and crying, all at the same time. Not only did it entertain me immensely, make me swoon, and cause a craving for fried okra (I’ve never developed a taste for cheese straws but fried okra is something special), it also challenged me to examine my own heart and pointed me to Jesus. And isn’t that what all the best fiction should do?
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
I love reading books from debut authors who write a book that touches all of my feelings and my soul, too. The story of Wren, a young woman who has lost her grandmother and is floundering with choices about her future, is inspiring and thought-provoking as well as realistic and compelling. The setting of Haslemere was perfect for the story as this small town and all of its people filled the book with authenticity about the south and its friendliness and talent for making newcomers feel at home. I especially loved that this book offered a kind of story within a story. There is Wren’s story of self-discovery and there is also Nathaniel’s story of learning to trust as well as how to truly love. There is a sub-plot too with Wren’s assistant Zoe and the contractor Brad that led to more than a few chuckles from me, especially the text messages between Wren and Zoe. This is a wonderfully written romance with a southern flair and a foundation of faith that was charming and an integral part of the story. I loved the entire book and look forward to future books from this talented storyteller who puts heart and hope into her work. Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I had never read anything by this author previously but am now a fan! Stealing Magnolias is a sweet Southern romance. The main character, Wren, is a pleaser. She does what is expected of her, never allowing herself to dream her own dreams.
But when her beloved grandmother passes away and leaves instructions for a series of challenges that Wren must complete in order to receive her inheritance, Wren is pushed out of the nest and forced to spread her wings and fly.
I very much enjoyed Stealing Magnolias and look forward to the next book in the series!
I absolutely loved this book!! Steel Magnolias is one of my all time favorite movies and when I saw quotes from the movie in the book, I was sold!!’ The author does an excellent job grabbing your attention and making you feel like you’re part of the story. I did not want to put the book down! Wren is an interior designer who, along with her good friend and coworker Zoe, get the opportunity to work on an exciting new project! When their clients need them to travel to the site in Savannah, Georgia, both of them are determined to knock this design out of the park! Will Wren let what she feels are her obligations keep her from the love she unexpectedly finds or will she take her late grandmother’s advice and “Fly, Wren, fly?”
Stealing Magnolias is a sweet romance with great insight into how we are shaped by others' expectations. While the main characters are great, the story would not be complete without the grandmother, who was my favorite character.
Eeeeeppp!!!! I’ve just discovered a new favourite author and this is her debut novel!!!!! I am beyond excited and full on ecstatic because I loved every second of my listening experience. Yes, another audio book for me! Narrator Julie Rogers is the perfect voice for Wren and the way she captures a certain gentleman’s swoony drawl is divine! Happy sigh. I devoured this audiobook and am tempted to start it all over again. Definitely a book I will re-read (re-listen) in the future.
And colour me surprised because there’s actually a love triangle involved in this rom/com with a whole lot of heart! That I loved every second of this story despite the dreaded LT is a testament to the author’s storytelling prowess. It helps that it’s clear practically from the start just who Wren’s happily ever is going to be with…if she doesn’t mess things up! So, low level angst on that score, just enough to make a sensitive reader squirm.
Love the Georgia setting! This story is infused with Southern charm despite the questionable introduction to our brooding reclusive hero. He’s harbouring a pretty big secret and has reasons for being cautious but Wren’s pretty impossible to resist so…prepare for slow burn friends to more until the fireworks explode off the page!
I enjoyed Wren’s interior design occupation and all the Designing Women references were fun too. But I was especially drawn to her long buried artist side that gets resurrected during her time in Georgia. And that’s thanks to her Grandma’s quirky inheritance game.
Loved, loved, loved those challenges and the way they helped Wren find herself again after spending years trying to be the person everyone else expected her to be. Her family is a little…over the top and opinionated and I wanted to throttle her mother more than once! Wren’s work trip to Georgia is also a freedom journey of sorts, as she finally come to peace with who she is and how she can still serve God with her unique talents, even if that looks different from her family’s traditional ways.
What a stellar debut novel! A captivating romance brimming with emotion, humour and faith.tfirst in a series
Sweet southern comfort read for the win! This book swept me away into a world that mixed elements of two of my very favorites – the movie Steel Magnolias and TV show, Designing Women. So much charm within the setting and its characters. Enough mystery and intrigue to keep you turning the pages and a sweet romance that will melt your heart.
Wren Frazier is an interior designer working in Chicago, but Southern living is what sets her heart on fire. When her grandmother passes away, she’s informed that to gain her inheritance, she must first complete a handful of different challenges that her grandmother herself orchestrated. Each handwritten letter from her grandma will practically bring tears to your eyes – each challenge a chance for Wren to reflect and recalculate her life. These challenges send Wren off to Georgia where she encounters so many unexpected moments. I really don’t want to spoil anything, but let me tell you, I do mean QUITE unexpected and incredibly entertaining.
You have all the elements that make up a fantastic read in this book – small town charm with endearing characters that are full of wisdom and spunk. Some grumpy, some pushy, some that are harder to love than others, but an overwhelming focus on faith and forming a future that satisfies our soul and honors God.
There is a little shakeup towards the end of this book that I absolutely didn’t see coming, but I loved it and made the story even more compelling. You can tell that Leslie poured her whole heart into this debut novel, and it was a home run for me!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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Debut novel? I can hardly believe it. Stealing Magnolias is a fabulous first offering from Leslie Kirby DeVooght. I’m afraid this review is going to be gushing, because I loved everything about this book. Main character Wren Frazier is a people-pleaser with serious doubts that her interests and gifts are anything but frivolous. I loved that the grandmother who knew her and loved her so well, challenges her to fly. A talented artist and interior designer, Wren finds herself in her dream location — a small southern town complete with welcoming, and to be honest, a bit quirky residents, that just so happens to be the home of the man of her dreams. What else could Wren want or need? Well, grandma knows best, and DeVooght has crafted a lovely story full of heart. You get sweet and sassy with this book, the perfect combination for a contemporary romance. Plus there’s a strong faith thread that challenged the characters, and this reader) to examine just what God intends for their lives. Along the way there’s fun references to all things southern, which pleased this southern gal’s heart. Among the fun quotes, the sips of sweet tea, and all the cheese straws and fried okra consumed, the reader gets a story that is framed in faith and grace. Did I say I loved it?! 😉
I can’t recommend Stealing Magnolias enough and am looking forward to more adventures in love and laughter in Magnolia Bluff.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
This is the first book in this series and what a great start it is. I enjoyed this author's creative details that made the story pop. The characters are written with a lot of heart and soul. I also enjoyed this author's ability to pull me in to Wren's story from the start. This is a story about Wren and her Grandmother's honor challenge. She is always putting herself last but will she find herself and maybe even love during this challenge? I really enjoyed Wren's character and how supportive the other characters were of her. She is a strong character that you can relate too. She also will take you on an emotional ride and one you won't soon forget. I enjoyed watching the growth of this story throughout which made it easy and entertaining to read. I found this book to be fast paced, engaging and hard to put down. I really enjoyed reading Wren's story. I highly recommend this must read book.
A charming southern romance filled with heart, surprises, and lots of sweet tea.
I absolutely loved Stealing Magnolias! I thought I had the plot figured out in the beginning, but by Chapter 4, Leslie took me in a completely new—and delightfully unexpected—direction. The story is fresh and fun, with a unique plot that kept me turning pages late into the night.
The setting in the Georgia Low Country is beautifully drawn, and the characters—especially the swoon-worthy leading men—were both realistic and unforgettable. But what really stood out to me was how Leslie wove her faith into the story in such a meaningful, authentic way. It was impactful without ever feeling preachy.
If you enjoy books that make you laugh, romance that makes you swoon, and characters who grow in ways that will stay with you long after the final page, don’t miss this book!
I loved this book and didn’t want to put it down, you know when you’re really engrossed in a good book you start reading it faster because you want to know what is going to happen in the story but at the same time you want to slow down because you don’t want for the book to end? This is this kind of book. The characters are delightful and very well developed, you can feel the connection between Wren and Nathaniel and feel like shouting to them so they can realized it and know that they are meant to be together. The story has many well researched details, from the colors of Wren’s designs to the description of the places she visits and to the small details in the murals she paints, this is a book that will make your mind’s eye see the beauty of Georgia’s Low Country. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and learn about Zoe’s story.
Enjoyed this story very much! I read well into the evening because I couldn't put Wrens story down. I can relate to Wren since I try and please people too but here lately I've stopped doing that. Some people just don't want to be helped. I feel like that I've made friends with these characters. This story will make you think about it long after it's over. It's a story that will steal your heart from the beginning and you'll find yourself feeling like a part of their community. I didn't want to leave. I hated to say goodbye 5 start for a job well done! I highly recommend! My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Now and again a book comes along that makes you lie in bed and refuse to get up until you have read the very last page. Pour yourself a cup of sweet tea and get ready to be transported to Georgia. Wren’s grandmother died and gave her challenges that she must complete before she gets her inheritance. She travels to Magnolia Bluff and is transported to a life she never knew she could have. I thought the story was going one way and then, bam it took a twist! I loved every second! Good thing there is another book coming out because I can’t wait to “go” back to Magnolia Bluff. Many thanks to the author, for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInASmallTown
When Wren Fraiser's beloved grandma passes away, she is stunned to discover she’s been left with an unexpected challenge: five tasks to complete before anyone in the family can receive a much-needed inheritance.
As Wren tackles her grandmother’s final wishes, she’s also juggling a big design opportunity set in Georgia. That’s where she meets the charming dream guy and the grumpy next-door neighbor who opposes her project.
I loved the small town setting, the favorite author, and the sweet romance. With humor, heart, and a few surprises along the way, Stealing Magnolias is a delightful southern story about family, legacy, and the unexpected ways love can bloom. I look forward to Leslie Devooght's next novel!
Stealing Magnolias: Love is always in bloom at Magnolia Bluff by Leslie Kirby DeVooght is a delightful book by a debut author. The southern charm of this novel really shined through. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. Her words flowed well, especially considering this is a debut novel. The plot of the novel will have you reading long into the night. My favorite part of this book is its theme and how beautifully it is woven into the story. So much to love about this book! I sincerely hope to read more from this author. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
Do you ever feel like there is more to life than what you have now? Do you let other people's expectations of you or their desires for your life decide the paths you take?
Does the fear of getting hurt cause you to shrink back?
Join Wren as she wrestles with these very things and learns to listen to what God has to say instead of those around her, she just might find that it works out better that way.
You will love this sweet but real southern romance that will touch you in places deep down in your soul.
Leslie DeVooght has laid on the southern charm in this South Georgia Coastal setting. She has included the contrast between big city life and the quaint small town. Wren, the main character, navigates the dilemmas of prioritizing family, work, and romance in her busy life in this sweet tea tale. The reader will imagine themselves swinging on the front porch as Wren weaves her experiences and thoughts into the perfect story. I recommend Stealing Magnolias as your next read.
A story filled with love, hope, remembering and honoring the past, and a promise for the future. This one captured me with the memorable characters, southern charm, and heartfelt emotions. I look forward to reading more from this author. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
I loved this book. The world building, the characters all of it. The romance was great. I highly recommend. I received a copy for my opinion these thoughts are mine alone.
I absolutely loved Stealing Magnolias! The Southern charm and sweet moments pulled me in and kept me turning the pages. It was beautifully written. Such a cute read!
Having grown up in Georgia, I really enjoyed this southern romance. I loved the fun challenges Wren's grandmother set up for her to enjoy. A sweet story full of heart.
Dripping with southern charm, Stealing Magnolias is a fun romance with a good message about finding and using your gifts for God, and not trying to mold yourself to others' expectations.