Magnolia Storms

Coastal Hearts #1

by Janet W. Ferguson

Maggie Marovich couldn’t save her father or her home from Hurricane Katrina, but she’s dedicated her life to meteorology so she can warn others when the monster storms approach. Except…she works three hours inland and rarely risks returning to her childhood hometown of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Both her single-parent sister and the ship pilot Maggie once loved refused to leave the Coast, despite Maggie’s requests. Now a hurricane’s headed toward Mississippi, and Maggie’s sister is seriously injured, leaving Maggie little choice but to head south—into the storm.

The water and tides flow through Josh Bergeron’s veins, and he can’t imagine giving up piloting—even for the love of his life, the infuriating Magnolia Marovich. He tried to move on without her, marrying and having a child. But after his wife abandons him and his little boy, his career choice is threatened by the weight of his parental responsibilities. Moving next door to Maggie’s sister and sharing their child care seems like the perfect set-up. Until Maggie blows back into town.

Being forced to lean on Josh for help washes up the wreckage in Maggie’s faith. Where was God during the destruction of Katrina? Why do some prayers seem to go unanswered? Between the hurricane looming in the Gulf and another gale raging in her heart, can Maggie overcome her past and find the trust to truly live?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Christian, Contemporary Romance

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2017

About the author

Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist and the winner of the 2020 FHL Readers Choice Award. An avid reader and former librarian, she turned her love of story into writing contemporary faith-filled novels with realistic characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after.

Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.

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She loves to hear from readers! You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads, or subscribe to her newsletter on https://www.janetfergusonauthor.com/ for exclusive book news and giveaways.
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She also contributes at Inspy Romance once a month. Check out the authors and prizes!

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt]

Not only is the romantic chemistry in Magnolia Storms off the charts, but the characters are all so endearing and the message of learning to trust God with the ‘even ifs’ is organically and tenderly woven throughout the story.

Josh and his little boy J.D. are just adorable together. Ok, J.D. is adorable no matter who he’s with, but their father-son bond is sweet and precious and everything you want a father-son relationship to be. Aunt Ruth is a hoot, and Ferguson has done a great job of capturing the personality of a fifth-grade girl in Dahlia. And then we come to Maggie, who is much more like me than I care to admit. I so identified with how she is really held captive by her fear, remembering my own battle with anxiety and that need to control all possible outcomes to feel safe.

I would be remiss if I neglected to mention the KISSES in Magnolia Storms. Wow.Za. That first (again) kiss is a doozy. It left Josh dazed and me searching for my fan! Not all the electricity in this novel is from the lightning – a great deal of it sizzles in the air between Maggie and Josh on a regular basis. Whew. Might want to read this one from the safety of your closest swooning injury-preventive location.

Bottom Line: Magnolia Storms may just be Janet Ferguson’s best novel to date, and J.D. is certainly one of the cutest kids ever to grace the pages of a novel. You will sympathize with Maggie as she weathers the storms that life brings her way, and as she remembers the importance of faith, forgiveness, and family. Cammie, Aunt Ruth, J.D., Dahlia, and Josh will also sail straight into your heart. Just the right blend of sweetness and sizzle, the romance will make you smile and swoon. The message of trusting God in the midst of pain and fear has perhaps never been more timely. Fans of the author’s Southern Hearts novels will love this new series as well!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Beth]

Though it took me a while to warm up to main character Maggie, I ended up enjoying this sweet story of second-chance love. My favorite characters are the adorable JD and the resilient Aunt Ruth.

Through this story, the author also provides a moving tribute to all those impacted by Hurricane Katrina, as well as the concept of learning to move past life’s bitterest disappointments and continue living.

Looking forward to continuing the Coastal Hearts series!

[Iola]

Magnolia Marovich is a meteorologist who lost her father, a river bar pilot, in Hurricane Katrina. Now another hurricane is bearing down on the Mississippi and Alabama coasts, and she receives a phone call that calls her home—her sister is in hospital, and Maggie is needed to take care of Cammie’s daughter, and their elderly aunt.

Josh Bergeron has followed in the footsteps of his teenage idol, Mr Marovich, and become a ship’s pilot—a decision that cost him his relationship with Maggie. But now they are brought back together when she returns to her childhood home in Ocean Springs … next door to where he lives with his son.

I loved Magnolia Storms. I think I read it all in one sitting (or I would have if my family hadn’t tried to talk to me). Magnolia was an excellent character—an intelligent and competent professional woman, but not perfect. A long way from perfect. But someone I could like and relate to and want to spend time with.

Josh (great hero name, by the way) was an equally strong character. He’s a boat pilot, and it was great (if scary) to see him in action in his work. He was also an excellent father—a testament to his relationship with Mr Marovich, because his own father was nothing like that.

The writing was excellent, and I especially liked the humour, and the way both Maggie and JD had a Christian faith that was central to the plot without being overwhelming or preachy. Okay, so maybe the end was a little cheesy, but this is a romance. It’s to be expected. There was also a lot of yummy-sounding Southern food like etouffee and beignets.

Recommended for fans of contemporary Christian romance, with an emphasis on the Christian. Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.

[Melissa (Always Behind)]

Overall this is a lovely, contemplative story that will cause readers to think about fear and how to surrender that fear to God. The characters are gorgeously portrayed and readers will feel invested in their ultimate outcomes.
See full review on my blog:
https://lifefullybooked.com/2017/10/1...

[Sarah Monzon]

Always happy when I get to read a Janet Ferguson novel. I remember exactly where I was when Katrina hit, as I'm sure a lot of people do, so I found visiting the aftermath to be appropriate and a setting I haven't read before. As always, fun characters and glimpses of spiritual journeys.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective)]

I remember Hurricane Katrina like it was yesterday. While I was not a victim of it, I certainly followed the news stories and prayed for all the families involved. I could just imagine the devastation all over again as I read Maggie’s story. I could understand her fears, her loss, and her need to stay far away. I can also understand her questioning God, as I’m certain I would have done the same. Her character was so easy to connect to, because deep down she is what a majority of us are probably thinking to ourselves.

Here’s the thing. Janet Ferguson is a gifted author. Not only does she tell a beautiful story about letting go and clinging to God, but she includes this beautiful love story involving a sweet young boy. Much like Maggie, I was taken by Josh’s son. And their relationship was really one of the highlights of the book. Sure, we all want some romance and suspense, but to see a man or woman cling to a child that is not their own is something special. I loved seeing Maggie’s maternal instincts kick in almost instantaneously, and I think that this sweet little boy was the key to her being able to grow and develop.

There is a lot of emotion in this book. In fact, I had to take a day or two to recover from reading it as I was simply entranced. I wasn’t ready to let go of the characters. In fact, if you’re ever in my town over the next few months, you may find me rereading it. Janet Ferguson continues to capture my undivided attention with this beautiful story. I hope this is the start of a new wonderful series! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Staci]

Magnolia "Maggie" Marovich was devastated at all the loss by her family during Hurricane Katrina. As a result, she chose a career in meteorology and to live well away from the Gulf of Mexico.

Her sister is involved in a tragic accident forcing Maggie to return to her hometown and her former boyfriend.

I loved J.D. and the proposal at the end.

[Fiction Aficionado]

As I read this book, I often had the words of that well-known hymn circling round in my head:

“Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?”

Maggie Marovich knows all about storms—both literal and figurative—but she’d rather avoid them altogether than rely on an anchor. Wouldn’t we all?! She’s faced the loss of both of her parents, and when her best friend and the love of her life refused to give up his dream of piloting ships—the very job that cost her father his life—she walked away, losing him, too. Now her sister Cammie faces the prospect that she might never walk again. Why has God abandoned her? Why does it feel like he ignores her prayers?

Josh Bergeron has often regretted not being there for Maggie after her father died. After all, he knows all too well what it feels like to be abandoned. But he’s never regretted becoming a ship pilot. Now he has the chance to be there for Maggie as she struggles to care for her sister’s ten-year-old daughter and their eight-five-year-old Aunt Ruth, keep her sister’s antique store running, AND prepare for the hurricane building off the coast. But watching Maggie with J.D. revives all the dreams he once had for them, and this time she’ll be breaking two hearts when she inevitably leaves again. Unless he can convince her to give them another chance...

It was all too easy to identify with Maggie. She’s loyal, compassionate, and resilient (some people might call it stubborn!), but she’s driven (or perhaps held back) by self-preservation, and nothing sends her into self-preservation mode like being around Josh Bergeron. The emotional and romantic tension crackled between these two every time they were on the same page. Josh’s adorable three-year-old son J.D. was a different story, though. He won Maggie’s heart from the get-go, meaning her wall of self-preservation was often going up and down around Josh like a malfunctioning portcullis!

Maggie has little choice but to accept Josh’s help, and as they work together she begins to learn what it means to have a Comforter and a Saviour who will be an anchor through life’s storms; to take one moment at a time, to count her blessings amidst the storm, and to see that God can work good in and through all situations.

An engaging and enjoyable read!

I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Nike Chillemi]

With Hurricane Dorian bearing down on the Bahamas as a Cat 5 this Labor Day weekend, I decided to finish reading this emotional novel of devastation, hope, and love.

The author skillfully achieves a sense of foreboding from the very beginning. Hero and Gulf Coast river bar pilot Josh Bergeron attempts to board a cargo ship in rough water and his foot slips off of the rung of the metal ladder. I am mostly a detective story reader and/or action-adventure. The most exciting parts of this novel for me were Josh’s scenes out on tumultuous seas.

Later in the story, we learn that heroine Maggie Marovich’s father, also a bar pilot and Josh’s mentor was swept away and lost during Hurricane Katrina. She left the Gulf Coast, never to return, but now her sister Cammie’s horrid accident and hospitalization forces Maggie back to their childhood home as another hurricane looms.

As a Christian reader, I appreciated the Bible verse that kept repeating: “Though he slay me, yet I will trust in Him.” Job 13:15

All of the characters were highly likeable and well developed in this emotional romance story. I’m not a romance reader and didn’t absolutely and totally fall into their lives. My favorite character was Aunt Ruth. I do recommend this novel to romance readers who enjoy a realistic, exciting clean read.

[Misty Beller]

Love the new book by this author! The storyline kept me guessing and the characters were so real. I especially loved little J.D. and how Maggie became his buddy. I definitely recommend this book!

[ReadingTheDots]

Maggie Marovich, Meteorologist, receives a frantic phone call from her niece, telling her that her sister has been in an accident. Though a serious storm, possibly of hurricane proportion, is about to strike, Maggie reluctantly heads for her home town to take charge of the situation. Her worst misgivings are confirmed when she encounters Josh Bergeron, the man she broke off her relationship with following the death of her father. And, now, she must deal with all of the feelings and complications that come rushing back.

I have to say I found this book a very slow starter. The more I read, however, the more interesting and intense I found the story, and it turned out to be a good read.

[Andrea]

Magnolia Marovich's life was going along just fine until Hurricane Katrina took her beloved father's life and her home away, cancer took her mother and life took the man she loved. Sounds like a depressing story right? But it is NOT!
This story is about Maggie facing yet another family crisis, trying to be in control. It is Maggie facing her fears, facing Josh, the man she loved, and facing the coast with a storm brewing offshore. This story is hope. It is learning you are not alone in the midst of the storm. It is forgiveness. It is letting go of the bad and remembering the good. It is a story of love.
Maggie, her niece Dahlia, Aunt Ruth, Josh, and J.D. attend church in the middle of the book. The sermon is a lesson that all of us need. I'm not going to quote it, you need to read it for yourself. Aunt Ruth spreads words of wisdom throughout the story too.
If you are looking for a romance too, this book does not disappoint. There is a scene or two, that will melt your heart. I've loved Janet Ferguson's books, this may be my favorite.

[Joy E. Rancatore]

When you have a 100-year hurricane in your past that took everything you loved away, trust and love don't come easy. Anger and loss may be the only emotions that can withstand those winds. For Magnolia Marovich, that's certainly the case. A series of unlikely events converge ahead of another storm brewing in the Gulf, and Maggie finds herself in the eye of her past again.

This book held special meaning for me as someone who lived in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, a few miles east of this book's setting. I enjoyed the author's writing and fell in love with each of the characters. She did an excellent job of capturing the surreal loss and confusion that was the Gulf Coast after August 29, 2005. It was a time none of us who lived it will ever forget.

[Christine Dillon]

The best book yet from Janet.
The romance wasn't the main thing (which means it gets a higher rating from me). Instead, the issues were front and centre. Is God to be trusted? What if he doesn't do things like we think he ought? Is he not in control or doesn't he care? The big questions we all need to face as we journey through a life which is so far from perfect.
I'm hoping that you write many more along this line.
Some fantastic descriptions and nautical allusions. And lovely warmth in talking about JD.

[Grace]

A very sweet novel about the pains of life and learning to trust again. If you are interested in the story of when hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast you will love the history of this book.

The end of the book features true stories from the experience of real people, being from the South I loved this.

[Randi Sampson]

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Not long ago, I had the chance to read book #3 in the Coastal Heart series (The Art of Rivers). I really enjoyed that story and that introduction to the author's beautiful style, so I was excited to go back and read the first in the series and see where it all started. I have to say, I enjoyed this one even more.

Right away, I was drawn to the character of Maggie. As someone who struggles with anxiety and living in fear, I saw so much of myself in this character. Even her fear of storm is one that I could relate to all too well, as storms in general are one of my greatest phobias. To be honest, even talk of storms can sometimes get my nerves going so had I not received this as a 'blind read', it might not have been one that I would have picked up for myself for that reason... but it was one I so very much needed to read. Magnolia Storms offered a beautiful story about not living in fear of the storms- literal and figurative- but in trusting that God is there with us through them. That is a reminder that I need often, as the storms constantly come our way. Just like in this story, some of those storms are literal storms- such as hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. More often though, they are the storms of life--- when life just doesn't seem to go quite as planned. Though this is a work of fiction, it truly is a great reminder filled with scriptural references that I feel so many of us could benefit from reading. I know I did.

While I felt like the faith aspect of this book really was the major focus of this story, it's also a great romance too. I love a good second chance romance, and this one certainly was that. The chemistry between Josh and Maggie was absolutely fantastic, and oh-so-believable. I think knowing their history, it lent a sense of realness to the story that I enjoyed. The addition of Josh's son made their love story even more sweet, and truly had me rooting for things to work out between the two in the end.

I love how beautifully Janet W. Ferguson is able to take very real issues that so many of us deal with in our lives, and create a heartwarming, inspirational love story from that. It is what I loved in The Art of Rivers, and it is something that I saw again in Magnolia Storms. Overall, this was a great read and one that I very much enjoyed. I look forward to finishing up the series and reading more from this author in the future!

[Becky Smith]

This is the first book I have read by this author, although I have owned her other books but just haven’t read them yet. AND I was delighted!! What really stood out to me was how her WONDERFUL choice of words and comparisons made me feel like I was actually in Mississippi with the hurricane winds coming and seeing the devastation that it brought. I loved the humor in the book that made me laugh, like: “the idea seemed as smart as bathing a jellyfish.” But even more, this book is filled with hope. Hope in the midst of the storm or fog or pain. I loved this quote: “Let your hope be in the Lord. Let your faith come from knowing He loves you, no matter what kind of storm whirls around you.” I loved the story line and it was well-developed. I loved the characters, and hated for their stories to end. I would HIGHLY recommend this book. I purchased this book at a reader’s convention, and I wanted to leave my honest review and to encourage others to read this story that will touch their hearts!

[Jenn Sands]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had a strong faith message, but it was not in your face. I live in a country that does not experience hurricanes and tropical storms and I’d not really thought a lot about the traumatic affect it might have on some people. This was presented well in the book and gave me a different perspective on this. I will certainly be reading more books by this author.

[katharine g sumner]

A love story


A young woman has to relieve past hurts and face her memories, finding love again starting with a young 4 year old boy.

[Elaine Garrett]

Excellent book! The characters come alive as you’re reading. You can relate to the issues in this storyline.

[Connie]

Very well written by a christian author. A lot can be learned from this storyline. The storyline is based off the greatest depths of hurt and loss that any one person could feel after going through hurricane Katrina. Learning to trust in God again when you felt your prayers were not answered. It was a refreshing break from my usual murder mysteries. I would read more books by this author. This book will stick with me for awhile.

[Tammy Horvath]

Maggie allowed a tragedy to cause her to forget that God always has everything under His control. Seeing Maggie’s struggles reminds me that I need to remember God’s promises. Romans 8:28 says that God works all things for our good. Sometimes I forget that when I feel life is too much to bear. This inspirational story reminded me that God loves and cares for me more than I will ever know. I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see how Maggie’s story would end.

[Regina Merrick]

What a great, heart-rending and heart-warming story. Family tragedies and fear figures greatly in this wonderful novel. It made me a Janet Ferguson fan!

[Stacy]

A Kindle lending loan book I borrowed, since I've read other books by Janet Ferguson and thoroughly enjoyed them. This is set on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, post Katrina, about a woman who suffered loss during Hurricane Katrina, and moved away to Jackson, only to need to come home to help what was left of her family living on the coast. Oh, and her old boyfriend lives next door to her family now :) You can guess where it's going, but it's a good read, and I enjoy all the books from this author!

[Trisha]

see review at: www.joyofreadingweb.wordpress.com

I enjoyed the rich threads of faith seamlessly woven throughout this story, and the reminder that even when bad things happen (and they will happen dear ones) that God never leaves us, and He will bring us through the storm.

For Magnolia “Maggie” Marovich, hurricane Katrina was a life-altering event. Like so many who lived through the storm, it changed her life and that of her family. As I was reading the story, I kept wishing that Maggie would have come to the realization that God never left her. She teetered on the edge of that truth for what seemed to me a long time, wrestling with the truth she already knew.

The story was written with such vivid imaginary, that it didn’t take much to imagine myself there in the story with the characters. I enjoyed the tender, heart-warming moments between Josh’s sweet 3-year old son and Maggie, and yes, of course the reawakening of love between Josh & Maggie as well.

This is the first book I’ve read by Janet, and I look forward to reading more. I give this story 4-stars and would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading honest, heartfelt Christian fiction.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

[Dee Wolters]

Maggie grew up on the coast and had experienced storms her whole life. But when hurricane Katrina hit her town, it also hit her family. And hit it hard! Her father who worked as a ship pilot was lost at sea during the storm. At that point, Maggie decided that she would move inland and help others by becoming a meteorologist, so no other family would lose a loved one to a storm.

When she receives a phone call from her niece that her sister has been injured and is in the hospital, it takes all her strength to drive into the coming storm. All she really wants to do is gather her family and drive away from the coast, forever.

Josh has grown up quite a bit since Maggie last saw him. He is a successful ship pilot, single father and amateur construction worker. Maggie’s father had been a real father figure in his young life, and he was honored to be following in his footsteps now as a skilled pilot. But in the stress of this storm, Josh is not sure how to help Maggie.

This is a wonderful story of fear, forgiveness and longing. I enjoyed the characters and the way they dealt with the fear of death, failure and loss. The author showed how God’s love and forgiveness can conquer all fear.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, as a member of JustReads. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Cathy Cermele]

Magnolia Storms is the first book that I've read by this author and I keep wondering, why is that and how have I overlooked her past work? I found the writing and character development outstanding.
I loved Maggie and could imagine how she would feel with a hurricane headed toward Mississippi and her fear of what happened during Katrina. I clearly remember how horrified I was at the destruction and devastation for those that were effected.
The story is much more than fear of an approaching storm, it's a story of finding an inner strength that you didn't know have and one of learning to trust God. Maggie is a character that I could identify with because she's not perfect, she doesn't have all the answers to everything, but she tries her best to do whatever she can.
The other characters are just as endearing. I loved Josh and his little boy J.D. and think that Ms. Ferguson probably loved them as much as I did because she certainly made them perfect for each other.
Overall, this book has memorable characters and a pretty amazing storyline that moves at a perfect pace. I'm glad that I found a new to me author that will now be a must read author.

[Jane]

I have never experienced a hurricane so in that way I had a hard time relating to the characters of Magnolia Storm. However, I do not like storms of any kind, so in that way I understand Magnolia (Maggie) and her desire to make sure those she loves are safe. I am also like Maggie in that I am stubborn – there is a lot of stubbornness in the story and characters who learn to yield their will to the will of God and others, a lesson I’ve needed to learn.

Janet Ferguson does a great job with character and plot development. There is enough conflict to keep the plot moving forward. At times I questioned with some of the characters “how much can one family handle?” Yet, the story contains many reminders of Isaiah 43:2 – When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. Reminders that are good for all, no matter our current circumstances. Magnolia Storms is a story of repentance, forgiveness, and submitting to God’s will.

I would not hesitate to place Magnolia Storms in my K-12 Christian School library.

I want to thank JustRead Publicity Tours for the complimentary copy of Magnolia Storms. This is my honest review.

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish]

Full review on Faithfully Bookish

My reader heart absolutely breaks for Maggie Marovich. Hurricane Katrina's destruction claimed both her home and her father's life. Josh Bergeron is a dedicated hometown family man. His determination to continue piloting is secondary only to his dedication to fatherhood.

The history and chemistry between Maggie and Josh complicate their ability to make logical decisions but increase their likelihood of happily ever after! I'm delighted by this story, y'all! This is all-time favorites shelf material for sure! I look forward to rereading this story and can't wait to read what's next in the Coastal Hearts series.

I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Janice Sisemore]

Magnolia Storms

Maggie gets a call for a family emergency, she has to go home to help out. She finds out that Josh lives next door which his young son, he is from the past. Her sister is injured and Maggie needs to help with her aunts/sister's shop and her niece and Josh's son and visit her sister in the hospital when being being concerned about an impeding storm. I could feel the presence of the Lord in the book, the characters were so real that I caught myself wanting to talk about them. Love the everyday miracles. I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. So glad I had that opportunity.