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Manna Tree
A night of celebration ends in tragedy, shocking Cole Patterson to his core. Cole's brother breaks his promise not to drink and drive, causing a fatal accident. Cole greets the victims' family, shouldering his brother's guilt since he was no longer there to do it himself. Yet when he sees Margot Reed, something other than grief and guilt fills his soul.
If Margot never sees the inside of a hospital emergency room again, it will be too soon. Barely registering the haggard, yet expensively tailored man trying to give his condolences, she nearly collapses under the weight of her sorrow at losing her family in one fell swoop. But Cole is there to support her that night, and he doesn't seem inclined to ever stop. Margot can't bring herself to mind.
Brought together by mutual sadness, Cole and Margot forge a friendship where the possibility of love and loss loom on the horizon.
If Margot never sees the inside of a hospital emergency room again, it will be too soon. Barely registering the haggard, yet expensively tailored man trying to give his condolences, she nearly collapses under the weight of her sorrow at losing her family in one fell swoop. But Cole is there to support her that night, and he doesn't seem inclined to ever stop. Margot can't bring herself to mind.
Brought together by mutual sadness, Cole and Margot forge a friendship where the possibility of love and loss loom on the horizon.
354 pages, ebook
First published November 15, 2016
45 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Savannah J. Frierson
32 books297 followersSavannah J. Frierson is a USA TODAY best-selling and award-winning author penning diverse romance and mainstream fiction full of genuine characters, authentic stories, and passionate feeling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 16, 2016
I hate comparing books to one another, but if you loved Being Plumville by Savannah J. Frierson, you will absolutely love Manna Tree by Savannah J. Frierson. While these stories couldn’t be any more different from one another, the devastating events that lead to the swoon-worthy, sappy romance is the connecting factor. If you are a true romance fanatic like me, you want to read this book.
Cole and Margot are two strangers brought together, unexpectedly, by a tragic car accident that claims the lives of both of their brothers. Margot’s suffering, though, is much more intense and devastating because she feels a sense of abandonment all over again because everyone that she’s loved or held dear has left her in some way. Cole initially offers comfort to Margot out of this sense of obligation because of who was at fault, but then his obligation morphs into something deeper and sweeter.
Yes, the story is fast-paced in that Cole and Margot develop feelings for one another rather quickly, but it’s not without its challenges. Cole and Margot are polar opposites in more ways than one and not everyone is feeling their relationship, which although for a better part of the story isn’t clearly defined is still very real. Reading how these two try to figure it all out while contending with all the other drama surrounding them is worth it. Loved it!
I am a Patreon supporter of author Savannah J. Frierson and received a copy of this book as part of my pledge. This review was written of my own volition.
Cole and Margot are two strangers brought together, unexpectedly, by a tragic car accident that claims the lives of both of their brothers. Margot’s suffering, though, is much more intense and devastating because she feels a sense of abandonment all over again because everyone that she’s loved or held dear has left her in some way. Cole initially offers comfort to Margot out of this sense of obligation because of who was at fault, but then his obligation morphs into something deeper and sweeter.
Yes, the story is fast-paced in that Cole and Margot develop feelings for one another rather quickly, but it’s not without its challenges. Cole and Margot are polar opposites in more ways than one and not everyone is feeling their relationship, which although for a better part of the story isn’t clearly defined is still very real. Reading how these two try to figure it all out while contending with all the other drama surrounding them is worth it. Loved it!
I am a Patreon supporter of author Savannah J. Frierson and received a copy of this book as part of my pledge. This review was written of my own volition.
November 23, 2016
More like a 3.5 for me.
As much as I wanted to 'love it' I just simply can not. if I was rating Cole alone, I think he would get more of a 4-4.5 from me. I felt his love and devotion to Margot all throughout their relationship. I didn't get that from Margot though. I didn't 'feel' a connection between them. I actually felt the love more between Margot and deceased husband Marcus more. There was more depth to that relationship than I got from Margot and Coles relationship.
I didn't get that 'chemistry' feel for Cole and Margot. I mean there were some really good awww moments in their story but overall, this one just was not my cup of tea I guess.
I also did not like her parents. Horrible people.
I did like the over-all premise though
As much as I wanted to 'love it' I just simply can not. if I was rating Cole alone, I think he would get more of a 4-4.5 from me. I felt his love and devotion to Margot all throughout their relationship. I didn't get that from Margot though. I didn't 'feel' a connection between them. I actually felt the love more between Margot and deceased husband Marcus more. There was more depth to that relationship than I got from Margot and Coles relationship.
I didn't get that 'chemistry' feel for Cole and Margot. I mean there were some really good awww moments in their story but overall, this one just was not my cup of tea I guess.
I also did not like her parents. Horrible people.
I did like the over-all premise though
December 27, 2016
Not bad, I did like the story.I like how the romance evolved between Margot and Cole. How a tragedy brought them together, how they both had to to deal with lost, blame and family ,then to come together and find love was really sweet and so romantic. I will say that there some very slow parts for me. I am not one who has to have sex,sex sex in her book, I loved that they took there time and developed a real relationship ,that was awesome and I loved that about Margot and Cole, I just thought some of the dialogue and back story was a bit much, could have been handled in a few less pages. Still a good read and the back story and dialogue did not take away form the story, I love Ms Frierson's work, this one just to me little longer to read.
February 17, 2020
A beautiful couple.
I really enjoyed this story. It starts off with a tragedy nobody hopes to suffer and ends with a love everybody dreams of. Such a sweet, smooth connection between these two, right from the start. A friendship that would have never come to be, turns into something neither ever saw coming. I loved the pace of this story, and although it wasn't as steamy as I like, that took nothing away from my enjoyment. This is definitely on my reread list.
I really enjoyed this story. It starts off with a tragedy nobody hopes to suffer and ends with a love everybody dreams of. Such a sweet, smooth connection between these two, right from the start. A friendship that would have never come to be, turns into something neither ever saw coming. I loved the pace of this story, and although it wasn't as steamy as I like, that took nothing away from my enjoyment. This is definitely on my reread list.
December 8, 2016
2 1/2 Stars - The premise, H and H (Cole and Margo), along with the supporting characters are strong but it's hard to stay in the story when your constantly being pulled out by awkward sentences and transitions, story inconsistencies and a lack of editing. There were story elements missing, Margo settling the guys estates and what if anything Margo and Cole had in common, what happened with the book, etc. etc.
Not a bad story just needs work.
Not a bad story just needs work.
November 21, 2016
I enjoyed this book , especially because the couple took the time to know each other . Cole and Margot learned each others had real friendship , and when the y made love for the first time it was a celebration not just a sexual act .
December 1, 2019
Full review coming soon (or eventually). For now, this was definitely a five-star read for me.
December 6, 2016
Two strangers (Cole & Margot) bonded in tragedy meet on the worst day of their lives. The man that comforts her is the brother of the dead man responsible for the drunk driving accident that has taken the life of her brother and his husband. We learn that Margot is no stranger to tragedy since she lost her husband unexpectedly four years prior. Cole becomes her rock solid support especially since she is carrying the baby (via IVF) of her brother's husband.
As days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months--Cole and Margot rely on each other for comfort and support as they grow closer. Their friendship eventually evolves into a slow burn courtship. Cole's love heals Margot who is broken by the deaths of her loved ones and the death of her relationship with her parents. Her parents are cruel, cold unforgiving people which is evident when Margot calls them about the death of their only son. Her parents have no redeeming qualities whatsoever, they are certifiably wicked people.
Margot isn't the only one with parent issues. Cole's father has always treated him as second best, always comparing and finding him lacking in one capacity or another. Jacob, on the other hand was the golden child, which left Cole with an absentee father, but a doting mother. Father and son struggle to find common ground to repair their relationship, but they do make the effort.
“I’m going to love you with everything I have for each day I’m given,” Cole promised, and it was one he knew he could keep.
There wasn't a shade of a doubt that Cole loved Margot, he showed it through words and actions. There were times I felt Cole was too awed by Margot's love and I wasn't totally convinced of her love for him. I loved Cole and his mother is an absolute gem ... as is Margot's friend Gail. I would have loved a clear explanation on why Jacob was an alcoholic--from the outside looking in, he had everything.
This is my first read by the author, but definitely not my last. I liked this book, but I didn't love it as much as I was anticipating.
As days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months--Cole and Margot rely on each other for comfort and support as they grow closer. Their friendship eventually evolves into a slow burn courtship. Cole's love heals Margot who is broken by the deaths of her loved ones and the death of her relationship with her parents. Her parents are cruel, cold unforgiving people which is evident when Margot calls them about the death of their only son. Her parents have no redeeming qualities whatsoever, they are certifiably wicked people.
Margot isn't the only one with parent issues. Cole's father has always treated him as second best, always comparing and finding him lacking in one capacity or another. Jacob, on the other hand was the golden child, which left Cole with an absentee father, but a doting mother. Father and son struggle to find common ground to repair their relationship, but they do make the effort.
“I’m going to love you with everything I have for each day I’m given,” Cole promised, and it was one he knew he could keep.
There wasn't a shade of a doubt that Cole loved Margot, he showed it through words and actions. There were times I felt Cole was too awed by Margot's love and I wasn't totally convinced of her love for him. I loved Cole and his mother is an absolute gem ... as is Margot's friend Gail. I would have loved a clear explanation on why Jacob was an alcoholic--from the outside looking in, he had everything.
This is my first read by the author, but definitely not my last. I liked this book, but I didn't love it as much as I was anticipating.
June 22, 2018
This is an IR love story of an older woman and younger man brought together by a tragedy, which develops and grows to the HEA. It is a well written delightful read, which takes you on a journey of love between lovers, family and friends - loss, the destruction caused by pride, forgiveness including self-forgiveness and building back of what was lost. My only issue was the lack of background given to the reader in order to understand the reason Margot's family disowned her. The information was definitely needed in order for the reader to really understand her background and the importance of her/their forgiveness. Overall, I am happy to recommend this book
December 9, 2017
This books story line was so different and unexpected. To find an unbelievable love like Cole's and Margot's while dealing with a devastating tragedy that affects both families and additional family drama is amazing.
I do not want to give any part of the story away because I feel that it truly would be better if it is read first had then given the details through a review. The author Savannah J Frierson is a great author, I have read several of her books and I am never disappointed. This book was worth the purchase and it is the type of book that one would read again and I plan on it.
I do not want to give any part of the story away because I feel that it truly would be better if it is read first had then given the details through a review. The author Savannah J Frierson is a great author, I have read several of her books and I am never disappointed. This book was worth the purchase and it is the type of book that one would read again and I plan on it.
September 1, 2018
Awesome book!!
Margot and Cole has an wonderful connection from the moment they met in the hospital. Margot has lost so much but you saw her strength to keep going. I think that what Cole saw in her....her resilient to overcome.
I didn't care for the parents in this book but I'm glad how they came together at the end. They were finally there for one another.
I would recommend this book to whoever love to read the power to overcome your grief of lost everyone you thought loved you and still find more people to love.
Margot and Cole has an wonderful connection from the moment they met in the hospital. Margot has lost so much but you saw her strength to keep going. I think that what Cole saw in her....her resilient to overcome.
I didn't care for the parents in this book but I'm glad how they came together at the end. They were finally there for one another.
I would recommend this book to whoever love to read the power to overcome your grief of lost everyone you thought loved you and still find more people to love.
April 14, 2018
I love this book so much! Every time I’m in a book slump I reach for it!
The characters, their grief and their reaching out to support each other and their eventual love was so beautifully written I basically burst into rainbows at the end.
If you love/ live for romance novels, gosh, this is one you don’t want to pass over.
Definitely Recommended Reading!
Tags : May/December, Friends to lovers, Grief & Death
The characters, their grief and their reaching out to support each other and their eventual love was so beautifully written I basically burst into rainbows at the end.
If you love/ live for romance novels, gosh, this is one you don’t want to pass over.
Definitely Recommended Reading!
Tags : May/December, Friends to lovers, Grief & Death
April 10, 2021
Bittersweet
This was an AMAZING book by a “new to me” author. Cole and Margot meet under the worse imaginable circumstances. Even when grappling with pain and loss, Cole is drawn to this strong woman and his true goodness shines through. They become supportive friends and this leads to true love.
This was an AMAZING book by a “new to me” author. Cole and Margot meet under the worse imaginable circumstances. Even when grappling with pain and loss, Cole is drawn to this strong woman and his true goodness shines through. They become supportive friends and this leads to true love.
June 1, 2021
Soft hearts only venture here with tissues. This is a beautiful story. An ode to the human spirit of kindness, compassion and love. It made me think if we lived in a world full of kindness and forgiveness more stories would read as such. More comfort would be given and more lives positively changed.
Great read!
Great read!
December 3, 2016
Great story
There was a lot going on in this story; but still seemed to be very simple and sweet. A very unique and touching love affair that was amazing to read. If only I could find my own "Cole".
There was a lot going on in this story; but still seemed to be very simple and sweet. A very unique and touching love affair that was amazing to read. If only I could find my own "Cole".
April 18, 2019
Needed better editing but a good story.
January 25, 2022
3.5 Stars
July 26, 2022
4 stars
This was such a sweet sweet sweet story. This hero sure knows how to love. These two were perfect together and took a horrible circumstance and made something beautiful out of it.
This was such a sweet sweet sweet story. This hero sure knows how to love. These two were perfect together and took a horrible circumstance and made something beautiful out of it.
February 17, 2017
I really enjoy Savannah's writing. I'm all for tropey goodness and this was it. Love blossoming from a series of tragic events, a pregnancy, older woman/younger man. A truly enjoyable read.
January 1, 2017
Good book
Enjoyed the book. I only have one issue...... Black women at age 37 are not wrinkled!!! LOL.... I am 45 and have NO WRINKLES!
Enjoyed the book. I only have one issue...... Black women at age 37 are not wrinkled!!! LOL.... I am 45 and have NO WRINKLES!
February 7, 2017
This book was just okay for a few reasons: First, even though Cole Patterson's brother Jacob was DWI and killed Margot's brother and his partner she forgave him and his family without question. In real life, and for an interesting book, this should be a vehicle for tension and plot development. Not here.
The second reason this book could have been better is that Margot was the surrogate for her deceased brother and his partner but nothing was done to develop that potential storyline. No fighting over the child with any surviving family, no issue when Cole wants to be a father to the child. Nope, no drama at all.
Third, other than the description of Margot as African American race was seldom discussed and the only time the complexities of interracial relationships was mentioned was Cole noticing some unfriendly stares on ocassion when he and Margot were in public. This lack of discussion of race took place even though Cole's father was running for public office (Attorney General, the state's chief law enforcement authority) at the time. Cole's brother, Jacob, killing two people merited one lame press conference where the press was described as being sensitive to the Patterson family's grief over the loss of their beloved Jacob. Really!?
The final reason was that every loose end was neatly tied up and everyone was happy without too much, if any, work to get there. This made the book slow and a bit dull. Cole and Margot get their HEA but I have to say it was anticlimactic.
The second reason this book could have been better is that Margot was the surrogate for her deceased brother and his partner but nothing was done to develop that potential storyline. No fighting over the child with any surviving family, no issue when Cole wants to be a father to the child. Nope, no drama at all.
Third, other than the description of Margot as African American race was seldom discussed and the only time the complexities of interracial relationships was mentioned was Cole noticing some unfriendly stares on ocassion when he and Margot were in public. This lack of discussion of race took place even though Cole's father was running for public office (Attorney General, the state's chief law enforcement authority) at the time. Cole's brother, Jacob, killing two people merited one lame press conference where the press was described as being sensitive to the Patterson family's grief over the loss of their beloved Jacob. Really!?
The final reason was that every loose end was neatly tied up and everyone was happy without too much, if any, work to get there. This made the book slow and a bit dull. Cole and Margot get their HEA but I have to say it was anticlimactic.
February 18, 2017
I was moved by their love. I was fascinated by this pull Cole had for Margot. First, as a way to make amends somehow for Jacobs tragic actions that left Margot alone in life but then it quickly morphed into a need he had to help her through this. I loved this story.
November 20, 2016
Frailty
The quality of the story and the beauty in the poignant way Savannah chose to express grief,death,horror,despair and traumatic events that would make many people curl up and pray for death....especially Margot and Cole...who just lost their beloved brothers and brother-in-law...Cole is such a beautifully written character...flawlessly perfect...immediately taken at the first look by Margot...didn't cared about any of the circumstances when it came to age or race...he simply wanted to be her rock...not that she was helpless with grief and pregnant...but because he saw a kindred spirit...and I tend to believe Marcus had something to do with that..he sent the perfect man to love her unconditionally while his spirit watched over her...Margot is strong and forgiving..a beautiful soul in and out...despite everything...I think she needed to see it through Cole's eyes.
The quality of the story and the beauty in the poignant way Savannah chose to express grief,death,horror,despair and traumatic events that would make many people curl up and pray for death....especially Margot and Cole...who just lost their beloved brothers and brother-in-law...Cole is such a beautifully written character...flawlessly perfect...immediately taken at the first look by Margot...didn't cared about any of the circumstances when it came to age or race...he simply wanted to be her rock...not that she was helpless with grief and pregnant...but because he saw a kindred spirit...and I tend to believe Marcus had something to do with that..he sent the perfect man to love her unconditionally while his spirit watched over her...Margot is strong and forgiving..a beautiful soul in and out...despite everything...I think she needed to see it through Cole's eyes.
November 27, 2016
Mary Balogh-level emotions
I cry at the end of almost every Mary Balogh romance. Manna Tree hit me in the guts and the feelings the same way. Cole and Margot are two people in the throes of deep grief and i really loved how this story allowed them that. This was an organic love story that burned slow. I loved that. The characters, the lack of needless drama, no deus ex machina shenanigans, no insta anything. Just a really solid, old fashioned romance where two people fall in love. Excellent.
I cry at the end of almost every Mary Balogh romance. Manna Tree hit me in the guts and the feelings the same way. Cole and Margot are two people in the throes of deep grief and i really loved how this story allowed them that. This was an organic love story that burned slow. I loved that. The characters, the lack of needless drama, no deus ex machina shenanigans, no insta anything. Just a really solid, old fashioned romance where two people fall in love. Excellent.
December 5, 2016
An Amazing Story
This was such a good read, that when I got to 73% percent of the book I brought another book by this author. This author spins a story so richly told that it envokes so many emotions from you...several times I felt the tears falling from such an engaging story. Cole and Margot characters are so well developed that you feel and root for them with every chapter. Hands down this book is one of my top three for 2016!!!
This was such a good read, that when I got to 73% percent of the book I brought another book by this author. This author spins a story so richly told that it envokes so many emotions from you...several times I felt the tears falling from such an engaging story. Cole and Margot characters are so well developed that you feel and root for them with every chapter. Hands down this book is one of my top three for 2016!!!
February 15, 2017
I liked this book, but took me a bit longer to finish I had to stop and start. It was one of those stories that moved slow but was overall a good read. I didn't get the same pull from this as Being Plumville like other reviewers here did. Very different for me.
December 19, 2016
Over the last couple of months I have read all Frierson novels available on my kindle, and this was the last novel. While some of the books have been interesting, this one fell flat for me. Death, mourning, acceptance, and love are the central themes of the novel. All adding up to a typical underwhelming happily ever after.
January 8, 2017
This was a great way to start my new year reading. I really enjoyed the story of Margot and Cole. These were two unsuspecting people brought together by tragedy and found a everlasting love. A must read. This is the first Ebook by this author. I will read any future titles that she pend.
January 22, 2017
Refreshing!
After reading a lot of books lately that seemed to be rushed, this author did a very good job of developing the characters and the storyline. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
After reading a lot of books lately that seemed to be rushed, this author did a very good job of developing the characters and the storyline. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
November 19, 2016
Linda Christiani
I am always amazed at how this author tells a story you can actually feel the emotions and become attached to the main characters and just love the love great job!
I am always amazed at how this author tells a story you can actually feel the emotions and become attached to the main characters and just love the love great job!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews