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Southern Charmed
Lila Mae Guidry is a Southern girl through and through. As a fourth-generation Latter-day Saint in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she’s proud of her heritage as both a Southerner and a Saint—and she doesn’t take kindly to people who disparage either. Ten years ago, Max Archer was just that kind of jerk. As the mission president’s son, Max spent his entire three years mocking the South . . . and teenage Lila. After Max’s family moved away, Lila forgot about her sworn enemy. Almost. When a new job brings a grown-up Max back to Baton Rouge, Lila is less than thrilled with his reappearance, especially since everyone seems intent on throwing her together with this old adversary. Yet fight as she may, Lila soon realizes resistance is futile—their connection is undeniable. Max embodies everything she wants in a man—except perhaps the most important thing—her life is rooted in the city she loves, but his dreams are bigger than Baton Rouge. With such mismatched visions of the future, Max and Lila are faced with a life-altering jeopardize their aspirations or risk losing love.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2016
27 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
April 8, 2018
Melanie Jacobson writes delightful contemporary romances set in the LDS (Mormon) culture, with liberal doses of wit and humor and insight. This book, for a change of pace, is set in New Orleans. It's certainly not a hotbed of Mormon culture, but Lila Mae Guidry is a born and raised Louisianan and loves her home there with all her heart. She's also a dedicated and talented high school history teacher in a New Orleans public high school.
Lila has never forgotten Max Archer, who spent three years in her neighborhood when they were young teenagers ten years ago - a cute boy but a jerk, who never ceased to complain about living in Louisiana. Now Max has shown up again, a rising corporate star. He claims he's changed and is trying to get Lila to give him a chance. But Lila isn't sure she can forgive him for some of the rude and thoughtless things he did as a teen, and more importantly, it's clear that Max doesn't mean to stay in New Orleans, and Lila never wants to leave.
Southern Charmed is a pleasant romantic comedy type of novel, the kind I like to curl up with once in a while as a palate cleanser. The main characters here are both very likable, Practically Perfect in Every Way; the story is about whether they'll be able to figure out a way to make their competing life goals compatible. What sets this novel apart is the New Orleans setting and Lila's work with a particular student of hers, a 17 year old African American girl who has the talent to rise above her hard life and home problems.
Melanie Jacobson's rom com novels aren't preachy at all, but they are immersed in LDS culture and will likely confuse readers who aren't familiar with that culture (for example, the 3 years Max spent in New Orleans as a teen were because his dad was the mission president in the area, and Lila is the Relief Society president in her LDS singles ward). Anyway this is a heartwarming story and I've found a new book boyfriend to add to my collection. :)
Lila has never forgotten Max Archer, who spent three years in her neighborhood when they were young teenagers ten years ago - a cute boy but a jerk, who never ceased to complain about living in Louisiana. Now Max has shown up again, a rising corporate star. He claims he's changed and is trying to get Lila to give him a chance. But Lila isn't sure she can forgive him for some of the rude and thoughtless things he did as a teen, and more importantly, it's clear that Max doesn't mean to stay in New Orleans, and Lila never wants to leave.
Southern Charmed is a pleasant romantic comedy type of novel, the kind I like to curl up with once in a while as a palate cleanser. The main characters here are both very likable, Practically Perfect in Every Way; the story is about whether they'll be able to figure out a way to make their competing life goals compatible. What sets this novel apart is the New Orleans setting and Lila's work with a particular student of hers, a 17 year old African American girl who has the talent to rise above her hard life and home problems.
Melanie Jacobson's rom com novels aren't preachy at all, but they are immersed in LDS culture and will likely confuse readers who aren't familiar with that culture (for example, the 3 years Max spent in New Orleans as a teen were because his dad was the mission president in the area, and Lila is the Relief Society president in her LDS singles ward). Anyway this is a heartwarming story and I've found a new book boyfriend to add to my collection. :)
September 14, 2016
What a fun book with a great sense of setting! Baton Rouge is a huge element in this book and it totally made me want to visit Louisiana and try all the food that the main characters were swooning over ;) Lila Mae is one of those women who is beautiful and independent with an inner strength... and everyone wonders why she isn't married yet. I loved that even though she struggles with difficult feelings when it seems all the young women around her are planning weddings or having babies, she is determined to trust God and be happy with the life she has. The subplot of Lila helping a bright student trapped in poverty reach above her circumstances was inspiring and showed how compassionate and thoughtful Lila is.
Max is a charming leading man, but because the story is told in first person from Lila's perspective and she initially harbors a grudge against him for being a punk as a teen, it was harder for me to move past that, even though Lila seems to pretty quickly. They begin with friendship but since the chemistry is sizzling between them from the start, the romance naturally grows in spite of Lila's misgivings about his temporary stay in Baton Rouge. I love how they relate to each other, it's very real and they don't hide their flaws from each other. It was refreshing to see them face and work through their differences. The other subplot of Lila's sweet grieving mother touched my heart and even brought a few tears at the end.
(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
Max is a charming leading man, but because the story is told in first person from Lila's perspective and she initially harbors a grudge against him for being a punk as a teen, it was harder for me to move past that, even though Lila seems to pretty quickly. They begin with friendship but since the chemistry is sizzling between them from the start, the romance naturally grows in spite of Lila's misgivings about his temporary stay in Baton Rouge. I love how they relate to each other, it's very real and they don't hide their flaws from each other. It was refreshing to see them face and work through their differences. The other subplot of Lila's sweet grieving mother touched my heart and even brought a few tears at the end.
(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
August 16, 2016
I've been wanting to set a story in Baton Rouge, where I grew up, forever. This is that story. It means even more to me now as I post this between scrolling through news reports about the flooding today in that city. These are vibrant, good people who will have each other's backs. They'll rise stronger because they always do.
September 19, 2016
Teenagers do stupid stuff. In my opinion it's a fact. Max Archer was an arrogant young man who made a very bad impression on Lila Guidry. He was condescending of her beloved Baton Rouge.
Ten years later he comes back, this time he is employed in Baton Rouge and he wants a do-over. He wants a chance to make a new impression. Will Lila let him? Will she hold a grudge forever? Or will she give him the second chance? One thing in his favor is the obvious chemistry they have.
I really like romance books that give characters a chance to redeem themselves. Max has a lot of redeeming to do. At the same time I think that Lila needed a little humble pie see that other people are allowed their own opinion and it doesn't mean that they are nonredeemable.
This is a cute romance that is set in the Southern United States. Both of the characters are wonderful with a bright future ahead of them. They obstacle is whether or not that future includes the other. It is full of Southern culture, love, and some kissing.
One part of the book brought tears to my eyes. It has nothing to do with the romance, but the worth of individuals. Lila teaches high school history. She makes an impact on one student. Her example and love show this young woman that she is of infinite worth and value. I loved the romance, but I loved the positive relationship between student and teacher more.
This is a clean romance that has features the LDS religion and culture.
Ten years later he comes back, this time he is employed in Baton Rouge and he wants a do-over. He wants a chance to make a new impression. Will Lila let him? Will she hold a grudge forever? Or will she give him the second chance? One thing in his favor is the obvious chemistry they have.
I really like romance books that give characters a chance to redeem themselves. Max has a lot of redeeming to do. At the same time I think that Lila needed a little humble pie see that other people are allowed their own opinion and it doesn't mean that they are nonredeemable.
This is a cute romance that is set in the Southern United States. Both of the characters are wonderful with a bright future ahead of them. They obstacle is whether or not that future includes the other. It is full of Southern culture, love, and some kissing.
One part of the book brought tears to my eyes. It has nothing to do with the romance, but the worth of individuals. Lila teaches high school history. She makes an impact on one student. Her example and love show this young woman that she is of infinite worth and value. I loved the romance, but I loved the positive relationship between student and teacher more.
This is a clean romance that has features the LDS religion and culture.
September 15, 2016
There's something about that South that gives me the warm fuzzies. I've never lived there, but I love the way the people are so true to their roots, are so polite, and have a way of making everyone feel like warm honey. This book exemplifies the Southern hospitality and really brings Baton Rouge's way of life to life.
Lila is all grown up and teaching school. She wants to be married, but her prospects are slim. When Max comes back to town, she's expecting the same "punk" from her teenage years, but discovers that sometimes people grow up. He's everything she wants--on paper--but he didn't grow up in the South and isn't rooted to it like she is. And that's where priorities come in: what is most important?
The characters in this book are religious (LDS/Mormons), and while I didn't feel it was preachy at all, some readers who aren't familiar with the faith may be lost at some of the events and terminology. It's refreshing to read a story with these types of characters in such a culturally rich setting. I love Lila, her matchmaking mother, and Max. I especially loved the little side angle of Lila's teaching. She sounds amazing, especially with the way she is able to handle and reach out to her students at this rough high school. I love romantic connections and the chemistry is full of tension so thick, you could almost cut it with a knife. This is a darling story and one that I really enjoyed.
Content: mild romance; moderate religious elements. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Lila is all grown up and teaching school. She wants to be married, but her prospects are slim. When Max comes back to town, she's expecting the same "punk" from her teenage years, but discovers that sometimes people grow up. He's everything she wants--on paper--but he didn't grow up in the South and isn't rooted to it like she is. And that's where priorities come in: what is most important?
The characters in this book are religious (LDS/Mormons), and while I didn't feel it was preachy at all, some readers who aren't familiar with the faith may be lost at some of the events and terminology. It's refreshing to read a story with these types of characters in such a culturally rich setting. I love Lila, her matchmaking mother, and Max. I especially loved the little side angle of Lila's teaching. She sounds amazing, especially with the way she is able to handle and reach out to her students at this rough high school. I love romantic connections and the chemistry is full of tension so thick, you could almost cut it with a knife. This is a darling story and one that I really enjoyed.
Content: mild romance; moderate religious elements. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
January 29, 2017
Enjoyable clean romance set in Louisiana.
Content: Clean
Content: Clean
September 28, 2016
I tend to enjoy Melanie Jacobson's stories and I'm glad to see that hasn't changed. Lila Mae and Max are charming from the start and I was engaged even though Lila's motivations are entirely negative (which usually gripes me and slows down stories). I really liked how they worked together and reworked their past to build an interesting present. It doesn't hurt, of course, that I have a soft spot for a Southern romance and Jacobson infuses this story with Southern charm (as you'd expect from the title).
The last quarter lagged a bit, because of those negative motivations. You could see them running headlong into their intractably-opposed life goals (Max to get ahead in his corporate career, Lila to stay and build the community she loves). There really was no good solution, though Jacobson pulls out the only real reasonable compromise possible . This and some awkward flashbacks and other minor pacing issue kept this at a solid four stars without edging higher.
So yeah, a solid story with likeable characters and an awesome setting. I wish it was better geared for general audiences (see LDS below) as Jacobson's talent deserves wider distribution.
A note about LDS: This book is deeply LDS. It's not even that the jargon or background will be jarring as it is that the motivations and approach to problem-solving is deeply informed by Mormon belief and practice. I appreciated that, actually, because it absolutely fit this story. But it will be hard for non-believers to approach as a result.
The last quarter lagged a bit, because of those negative motivations. You could see them running headlong into their intractably-opposed life goals (Max to get ahead in his corporate career, Lila to stay and build the community she loves). There really was no good solution, though Jacobson pulls out the only real reasonable compromise possible . This and some awkward flashbacks and other minor pacing issue kept this at a solid four stars without edging higher.
So yeah, a solid story with likeable characters and an awesome setting. I wish it was better geared for general audiences (see LDS below) as Jacobson's talent deserves wider distribution.
A note about LDS: This book is deeply LDS. It's not even that the jargon or background will be jarring as it is that the motivations and approach to problem-solving is deeply informed by Mormon belief and practice. I appreciated that, actually, because it absolutely fit this story. But it will be hard for non-believers to approach as a result.
May 20, 2017
This author is an auto-buy for me, and this book did not disappoint. Loved it! Highly recommend!
December 19, 2018
I’m living the humor and witty banter MJ writes into these cute contemporary romances. The stories have been predictable, so the enjoyment is character driven. Short, fluffy, and entertaining. The angst here wasn’t drawn out.
These books are Christian, but a bit too religion specific. I say that because she includes LDS/Mormon church jargon without much explanation. This silly and limits her audience.
These books are Christian, but a bit too religion specific. I say that because she includes LDS/Mormon church jargon without much explanation. This silly and limits her audience.
September 3, 2016
Romance, clean, Christian, Latter-day Saint setting, but really something anyone could read.
This came at a perfect moment my way. Reading Lila Mae and Max's story was such a beautiful read for me! MJ books often are funny, and humorous. This was a little bit more serious. I loved her picture of Louisiana. It made me want to go there and experience it for myself. Lila Mae's passion for teaching, for her students, for her family, for the people in her circle, made her a beautiful, heartfelt character. Max's jump into work ethic, whole-hearted enthusiasm, joy at being with Lila Mae while trying to figure out their 'journey' from acquaintances with a past, to friends and more than friends with a future was a beautiful read. Both of their passions for life, their obvious chemistry and attraction to each other, their family loyalty, their love for life, food, kindnesses, their devotion to service (at church), made for a beautiful, heartfelt, wonderful journey. There was such a magic, almost a bit of pixie-dust in this novel. I rarely give 5's. Obviously this is a feel-good story, but it was so well-crafted. I loved the optimism they had to change the world, one person at a time and bring hope to people around them, along with staying true to who they were. This was a magical, lovely read, with all the promise of something wonderful to come!
Plus the Etta James song and Elvis.... Perfectly magical heartfelt, heart-tugging moments. Their compromise at the end, although they both came to it different ways was really lovely. MJ is a master writer. She brings sympathy, charm, characters we care about, hope, faith, magic and wit to her writing. I will always be a fan and gobble up anything she has written. This deserves to be read by a wide audience. HEA at it's finest and with dose of wonderful southern charm!
This came at a perfect moment my way. Reading Lila Mae and Max's story was such a beautiful read for me! MJ books often are funny, and humorous. This was a little bit more serious. I loved her picture of Louisiana. It made me want to go there and experience it for myself. Lila Mae's passion for teaching, for her students, for her family, for the people in her circle, made her a beautiful, heartfelt character. Max's jump into work ethic, whole-hearted enthusiasm, joy at being with Lila Mae while trying to figure out their 'journey' from acquaintances with a past, to friends and more than friends with a future was a beautiful read. Both of their passions for life, their obvious chemistry and attraction to each other, their family loyalty, their love for life, food, kindnesses, their devotion to service (at church), made for a beautiful, heartfelt, wonderful journey. There was such a magic, almost a bit of pixie-dust in this novel. I rarely give 5's. Obviously this is a feel-good story, but it was so well-crafted. I loved the optimism they had to change the world, one person at a time and bring hope to people around them, along with staying true to who they were. This was a magical, lovely read, with all the promise of something wonderful to come!
Plus the Etta James song and Elvis.... Perfectly magical heartfelt, heart-tugging moments. Their compromise at the end, although they both came to it different ways was really lovely. MJ is a master writer. She brings sympathy, charm, characters we care about, hope, faith, magic and wit to her writing. I will always be a fan and gobble up anything she has written. This deserves to be read by a wide audience. HEA at it's finest and with dose of wonderful southern charm!
September 16, 2016
As always, Melanie has written another novel that is not only cute and sweet, but humorous as well. I always know without a shadow of a doubt when I pick up one of Melanie’s books that it will have a fun romance story, as well as leave me grinning from ear to ear and of course laughing!!! I love how Melanie ties in real-life situations in all her stories, bringing to life her characters and the environment around them. Southern Charmed is a fantastic story, taking place in Melanie’s home town, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; with the help of her matchmaking mother and a member of the bishopric, Lila Mae Guidry keeps getting into situations with Max Archer and is even put on a committee with him to put together a multi-stake conference for young adults ages eighteen to thirty. This story is an absolute delight and readers will not want to put it down. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy LDS romance.
Genre: LDS, romance
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: September 1, 2016
Number of pages: 232
Content Rating: G
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications.
Genre: LDS, romance
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: September 1, 2016
Number of pages: 232
Content Rating: G
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications.
September 16, 2016
Can you hear my heart right now? It's breathing out a very contented . That's because it's happy and full of all kinds of romantic notions. Seriously. It might be on overload.
This is contemporary romance at it's best for me. Witty dialogue, playful banter, characters who are flawed but so endearing and a vibrant setting full of food descriptions that will make your mouth water. What more could you want?!?!
I love when I get butterflies in my stomach while reading a book. This one gave me some butterflies and to quote the book, "My heart did a Cajun jitterbug."
I probably can't tell you anything better than that. I loved this book!
Content: Clean, LDS fiction (some religious elements specific to the LDS religion)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is contemporary romance at it's best for me. Witty dialogue, playful banter, characters who are flawed but so endearing and a vibrant setting full of food descriptions that will make your mouth water. What more could you want?!?!
I love when I get butterflies in my stomach while reading a book. This one gave me some butterflies and to quote the book, "My heart did a Cajun jitterbug."
I probably can't tell you anything better than that. I loved this book!
Content: Clean, LDS fiction (some religious elements specific to the LDS religion)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 14, 2016
I really enjoy Melanie Jacobson's lighthearted romances, but after what happened in Louisiana the past few weeks, this book became much more than just entertainment. Southern Charmed highlights the culture and landmarks of a beautiful state and when you see the devastation the floods have wrought on it, well, my heart just aches. I love that the author donated a portion of her proceeds from this book to help not only her own family members, but everyone affected by this tragedy.
Our heroine, Lila Mae, loves everything about Louisiana. She was born and raised there, and now lives at home with her widowed mother and teaches at the high school. Her mother gently reminds her quite often of how she should be out there looking for Mr. Right. Lila Mae wants to find him, too, but her only option at the moment seems to be Max Archer, a "Yankee" who once hated everything about Louisiana and humiliated her at a church dance while they were teenagers. She doesn't even count him as an eligible guy until they get put on a conference planning committee together. As they search out venues and ideas for the conference, they get to know each other and put away the prejudices they'd had from when they were teens. But Lila knows they can never go anywhere because she's not leaving Louisiana and Max won't stay. This sweet love story will have you turning pages to see if they can work it out and get their happily-ever-after.
I really liked both Max and Lila Mae. They both have passionate feelings for their work and family, they both have regrets that they try to make up for, and they both fight the answers that are right in front of them. I thought they both had a lot of depth to them and were easy to relate to. The dialogue was easy and fun and the romance was the kind to give the reader butterflies. (The perfection was only marred by a few typos, including a misspelling of the country of Colombia. That poor country never gets spelled right! LOL) But, the setting was done incredibly well and the venue search gives us a glimpse of several areas of Louisiana that made me wish I'd visited there. You'll definitely walk away with a feeling of being "southern-charmed."
Originally reviewed on my blog http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
Our heroine, Lila Mae, loves everything about Louisiana. She was born and raised there, and now lives at home with her widowed mother and teaches at the high school. Her mother gently reminds her quite often of how she should be out there looking for Mr. Right. Lila Mae wants to find him, too, but her only option at the moment seems to be Max Archer, a "Yankee" who once hated everything about Louisiana and humiliated her at a church dance while they were teenagers. She doesn't even count him as an eligible guy until they get put on a conference planning committee together. As they search out venues and ideas for the conference, they get to know each other and put away the prejudices they'd had from when they were teens. But Lila knows they can never go anywhere because she's not leaving Louisiana and Max won't stay. This sweet love story will have you turning pages to see if they can work it out and get their happily-ever-after.
I really liked both Max and Lila Mae. They both have passionate feelings for their work and family, they both have regrets that they try to make up for, and they both fight the answers that are right in front of them. I thought they both had a lot of depth to them and were easy to relate to. The dialogue was easy and fun and the romance was the kind to give the reader butterflies. (The perfection was only marred by a few typos, including a misspelling of the country of Colombia. That poor country never gets spelled right! LOL) But, the setting was done incredibly well and the venue search gives us a glimpse of several areas of Louisiana that made me wish I'd visited there. You'll definitely walk away with a feeling of being "southern-charmed."
Originally reviewed on my blog http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
February 10, 2017
I think both need to compromise and give a little. I didn't understand why they couldn't have discussed different possibilities or options instead of both saying that they won't change. I'm sorry but if they loved each other they would talk it through and make it work. And one shouldn't have to do all the giving either. As much as you love your hometown, you might have to go where your spouse's job/school is and maybe come back after a while. Anyway... other than being annoyed with that, I liked it.
September 16, 2016
I loved Max, and I loved Lila as a school teacher - I just didn't always love them together. I've lived in a lot of different places and I've moved even when I didn't want to so it was hard for me to understand where Lila was coming from most of the book.
Overall, a fun read!
Content: Clean
Source: Amazon.com (I paid $16.99 for the e-book; I believe it's a fundraiser for Baton Rouge)
Overall, a fun read!
Content: Clean
Source: Amazon.com (I paid $16.99 for the e-book; I believe it's a fundraiser for Baton Rouge)
April 14, 2017
This would have been 5 stars, except the main character kind of made me mad. She just seemed so unwilling to give an inch, and she was completely unable to think outside the box at all. But the plot is good, the romance is great, and the hero is top-notch.
July 18, 2017
Melanie is a solid writer and I really enjoyed this story. The best parts? Southern women, Louisiana-style Southern. I loved the place and how much Lila loves Baton Rouge. Max is great. He's so clever to find a way to date Lila while making sure it's not a date at all. The sub-plot about one of Lila's students is interesting and adds depth to the story.
October 1, 2016
Once I started reading this book, I didn't stop until I was finished. It was such a fun read! Lila Mae has lived in Louisiana her entire life and has no plans to leave. She's a high school history teacher who is dedicated to her students and she feels the need to live close to her mother. Max lived in Louisiana for a few years when he was a teenager and made it clear that he wanted out of there. Well, Max is back and the sparks fly between them, but is he ready to settle down or is he is just passing through?
I loved Max and Lila's story! They worked well together and balanced each other out. Their relationship and romance was fun to read and I laughed quite a bit. There were obstacles for them to overcome which made things more interesting.
There were some great side characters in this book as well, like Lila's mother and Kiana, one of Lila's students. It was fun to read an LDS romance set in Louisiana and it was definitely full of southern charm. This is a great book for anyone that enjoys clean, contemporary romance!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
I loved Max and Lila's story! They worked well together and balanced each other out. Their relationship and romance was fun to read and I laughed quite a bit. There were obstacles for them to overcome which made things more interesting.
There were some great side characters in this book as well, like Lila's mother and Kiana, one of Lila's students. It was fun to read an LDS romance set in Louisiana and it was definitely full of southern charm. This is a great book for anyone that enjoys clean, contemporary romance!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
August 3, 2023
I have often talked about loving books that are "brain candy." Now imagine if you will...cotton candy...definitely candy, but so big and pretty looking, yet so light that is just melts away when you eat it. You love it and you really aren't sure why. This book is "brain COTTON candy!"
Things I liked...
1) Extremely clever dialogue...between characters and even when the main narrator is talking to herself (HIGHLY recommend listening to the audiobook...the reader is great, and I don't know if you would get the same effect reading it...) I chuckled, giggled, and laughed a lot, and teared up a few times.
2) The main character is a teacher...so yeah. But she is a great teacher in a difficult school and she puts her all into helping each individual student... my goal...every day.
3) Lila and Max take their time "falling" for each other. I get so weary of the "I hate you today, I love you tomorrow, Let's get married next week" plot lines that are so pervasive in today's literature. Lila and Max are two mid-20's professional people who know what they want out of life. When they find they have feelings for each other, they have to take a hard look at their goals and priorities and decide if moving forward with their relationship is even worth the risk. They don't always see on the same page. They annoy each other at times. They feel love for one another deeply...slowly...It is real...it is hard...just like love in real life.
4) Normally, I don't love overtly LDS literature, but this one surprisingly didn't bother me. It was just a part of the setting. It fit. That being said, if you don't understand terms like relief society, family home evening, YSA ward, sacrament meeting, and missionary, this may not be the book for you...or maybe it is! It is funny and heart-warming...read it, and maybe you will want to ask me some questions after! ;D
5) The southern formalities and manners (Miss Hattie, yes ma'am and yes sirs) as well as the beautiful descriptions of why Lila loves where she lives.
6) The emotions of ALL of the characters always felt real to me. (yes...I read very emotionally...I admit it)
7) Great ending (Bry...rainbows and unicorns...just for you!)
Things I didn't like...
Um...it ended? Haha
Go into this one knowing it is cotton candy...not a big, nutritious meal...and you won't be disappointed. I kind of want to listen to it again...but I know how it ends now!
Things I liked...
1) Extremely clever dialogue...between characters and even when the main narrator is talking to herself (HIGHLY recommend listening to the audiobook...the reader is great, and I don't know if you would get the same effect reading it...) I chuckled, giggled, and laughed a lot, and teared up a few times.
2) The main character is a teacher...so yeah. But she is a great teacher in a difficult school and she puts her all into helping each individual student... my goal...every day.
3) Lila and Max take their time "falling" for each other. I get so weary of the "I hate you today, I love you tomorrow, Let's get married next week" plot lines that are so pervasive in today's literature. Lila and Max are two mid-20's professional people who know what they want out of life. When they find they have feelings for each other, they have to take a hard look at their goals and priorities and decide if moving forward with their relationship is even worth the risk. They don't always see on the same page. They annoy each other at times. They feel love for one another deeply...slowly...It is real...it is hard...just like love in real life.
4) Normally, I don't love overtly LDS literature, but this one surprisingly didn't bother me. It was just a part of the setting. It fit. That being said, if you don't understand terms like relief society, family home evening, YSA ward, sacrament meeting, and missionary, this may not be the book for you...or maybe it is! It is funny and heart-warming...read it, and maybe you will want to ask me some questions after! ;D
5) The southern formalities and manners (Miss Hattie, yes ma'am and yes sirs) as well as the beautiful descriptions of why Lila loves where she lives.
6) The emotions of ALL of the characters always felt real to me. (yes...I read very emotionally...I admit it)
7) Great ending (Bry...rainbows and unicorns...just for you!)
Things I didn't like...
Um...it ended? Haha
Go into this one knowing it is cotton candy...not a big, nutritious meal...and you won't be disappointed. I kind of want to listen to it again...but I know how it ends now!
December 9, 2016
"It's me, not you." This is how I feel toward this book. I would rate this 2.5 stars. The premise of the book, "girl won't leave her home town, boy wants to leave" just wasn't a good conflict for me. I did not enjoy reading about it. I felt like it was a flimsy excuse. I felt that she was being immature and disregarding her need to turn to God to know what she should do instead of blindly putting other things first. Yes, I know she did ask God the first time but she should have kept doing it. I did think the book had many good bits. Some of the dialog between the main characters was fun and I did think, for the most part, Max was a great guy. However, this just did not catch on with me. I was often impatient with Leila. I was disappointed at the ending. I did not think it was a good resolution to the conflict. I did finish the story and it was okay but I just can't recommend this story. "It's me, not you."
September 16, 2016
I was charmed by this story about Lila and Max. Two people who share a misunderstood past and are now reconnecting ten years later. I thought Max was the epitome of a great catch! Good looks, intelligent and full of patience for all that is Lila. He was much more patient than I would have been! Underneath the fun in this story is an underlying tale of learning to deal with loss and grief. I felt like Hattie was an integral part of the story and her story was an important one aside from Lila and Max's story. Learning to move on, learning to love again, learning to forgive; Southern Charmed isn't just a fluff and stuff romance. It has layers and pieces to it that come together to make it one great book you will not soon forget.
I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 21, 2016
I absolutely loved this book! It was exactly what I needed this week! The southern flair was SO FUN-- I adored the relationship between Lila Mae and Max, but what really captured my heart was the side story of Kiana--BRILLIANT WRITING! Snatch up a copy of this book for a fantastic read!
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March 21, 2017Very fun. Review posting on 9/15.
May 7, 2019
Audio Book. Sweet, Cute, and in Louisiana!
November 19, 2024
I like Melanie Jacobson. Her characters are funny and likable. I thought it was fun to read a book about members of my church. Loved Lila Mae’s side story with the student she mentored. Wish she would have been open to moving if I’m being realistic, but the ending was pretty happily-ever-after satisfying.
August 6, 2022
Super cute clean church romance. Loved the Louisiana culture brought in.
March 20, 2018
This was one of the funnest fluff romances I’ve read in a long time. I loved the characters, setting, and storyline. I laughed and cried. And I really want to visit Louisiana now!
October 7, 2016
Wow! What a fantastic book.
October 26, 2016
The book Southern Charmed is a book about a women, and her life as she is going through it. In the beginning, we learn about her past, her past living in a little town. She was very religious, and still is. She has made many friends, and also some people she doesn't particulary like. This was a boy, and his name is Max Archer. This was your typical jock, football playing, all around jerk as she would put it. As Max comes back to town when they are older, and he is a changed person, everyone is trying to set them up. As the story goes on, it talks about their journey going through the changes, and them trying to figure out what they are going to do, as Max begins to fall in love with her. She needs to make a decision now, forget about the past and go with her heart, or stay with her thick southern roots, like she always dreamed.
I really liked reading this book, because I personally thought it was very interesting the way it tied everything together. I also liked it because I was able to relate this book to some people I know, and it was fun to read what happens. I loved the way it was written, because of the wording, and the way that it was able to relate something that could most defiantly happen in our life into a book.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to read books that could happen to any one of us. I also would recommend this book to anyone that likes to read about religion, and this being a LDS book, I personally found this book very good.
My favorite part of the book was right when he (Max) comes back into the story. I love love hearing about her opinion and everyone trying to make them work. I really liked when we get the info about him trying to go out with her, and her trying to make it not a date. She continuous to make excuses about why they are doing something, and he just wants to go on a date. It is so fun to hear about how she sees the situation, and how he wants it to go.
In the end, I would like to say 3 things. 1, this book is totally worth reading, and isn't really lame like it may seem! 2, Don't judge this book by one or 2 reviews, make sure you can have your own opinion about it. 3, Try reading this book, because it is totally worth it in my opinion.
I really liked reading this book, because I personally thought it was very interesting the way it tied everything together. I also liked it because I was able to relate this book to some people I know, and it was fun to read what happens. I loved the way it was written, because of the wording, and the way that it was able to relate something that could most defiantly happen in our life into a book.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to read books that could happen to any one of us. I also would recommend this book to anyone that likes to read about religion, and this being a LDS book, I personally found this book very good.
My favorite part of the book was right when he (Max) comes back into the story. I love love hearing about her opinion and everyone trying to make them work. I really liked when we get the info about him trying to go out with her, and her trying to make it not a date. She continuous to make excuses about why they are doing something, and he just wants to go on a date. It is so fun to hear about how she sees the situation, and how he wants it to go.
In the end, I would like to say 3 things. 1, this book is totally worth reading, and isn't really lame like it may seem! 2, Don't judge this book by one or 2 reviews, make sure you can have your own opinion about it. 3, Try reading this book, because it is totally worth it in my opinion.
September 12, 2016
Melanie Jacobson has such a way with writing contemporary romance. I love the way that she writes her book. I have each and every one of the books she has written and I wouldn't part with them for anything. There aren't many other authors that I could say the same thing about. And this book is just as amazing as any of the other ones!
I LOVE Lila in this book. I love her strength. I love that even though she was raised as a "Southern Belle," she is spending her career teaching high school in an area that is known for it's poverty. And she is an amazing teacher, I love the way that she takes these kids under her wings to give them wings to fly and make their lives better. I especially love the way that she is with Kiana, just thinking about the things that she did for her brings a tear to my eye. So sweet!
I love that this whole story is from Lila's perspective. That means that for some of the parts, even the reader gets a surprise. When you see the story from multiple perspectives, sometimes you lose that sense of surprise. I really loved the way this one was written. Everything, even down to the way it ended was a surprise. I had no idea just what was going to happen for Lila.
Max...what about Max. Max is amazing! I loved that you really don't know his true motives for having to returned to Baton Rouge, a city he had hated as a teenager, until way late in the plot. I love the way he was a gentleman in everything he did, and how he realized his mistakes throughout the whole book and was continually trying to fix them and make himself better.
The whole plot of this one was great. I loved every bit of it, and especially the ending! This is a cute, clean, fun romance that I didn't want to put down, even when it ended. I still kind of want to know just what happened in both Lila and Max's lives. That's the mark of a great book to me, the way that it sucks you in, even after the story is over!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVE Lila in this book. I love her strength. I love that even though she was raised as a "Southern Belle," she is spending her career teaching high school in an area that is known for it's poverty. And she is an amazing teacher, I love the way that she takes these kids under her wings to give them wings to fly and make their lives better. I especially love the way that she is with Kiana, just thinking about the things that she did for her brings a tear to my eye. So sweet!
I love that this whole story is from Lila's perspective. That means that for some of the parts, even the reader gets a surprise. When you see the story from multiple perspectives, sometimes you lose that sense of surprise. I really loved the way this one was written. Everything, even down to the way it ended was a surprise. I had no idea just what was going to happen for Lila.
Max...what about Max. Max is amazing! I loved that you really don't know his true motives for having to returned to Baton Rouge, a city he had hated as a teenager, until way late in the plot. I love the way he was a gentleman in everything he did, and how he realized his mistakes throughout the whole book and was continually trying to fix them and make himself better.
The whole plot of this one was great. I loved every bit of it, and especially the ending! This is a cute, clean, fun romance that I didn't want to put down, even when it ended. I still kind of want to know just what happened in both Lila and Max's lives. That's the mark of a great book to me, the way that it sucks you in, even after the story is over!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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