1792, Natchez Trace, MS Bitter since his eldest brother abandoned their family in Ireland, Quinn O’Shea travels to Natchez, Mississippi, ready to shuck the weight of his duty and set off on an adventure of his own. It’s time Connor, as head of the family, took responsibility for their younger siblings. While aboard ship, a run-in with three Irish sisters lands Quinn in the role of reluctant savior. Though it may delay his plans, he cannot abandon the Young sisters, especially the tenacious yet kind Kiera.
Upon arriving in the colonies, Kiera Young prepares to meet her intended and begin her new life. But she soon discovers the marriage her brother-in-law arranged was never meant to be, and a far more sinister deal was negotiated for her and her sisters.
Quinn offers to escort his charges safely to Breeze Hill Plantation and his brother’s care, fully intending to seek his freedom elsewhere. But the longer he remains, the greater his feelings toward Kiera grow and the more he comes to realize true freedom might be found in sacrifice.
CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn't afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn't mind raking. Raking hay doesn't take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that's the kind of life every girl should dream of. www.pamhillman.com
Can we just pause a moment and enjoy this cover?! I mean, beautiful cover, Mississippi author (my state), 18th century, the Natchez trace… all of these lured me to this book, and I was not disappointed.
Irish immigrant Kiera is in charge of her two younger sisters, flighty and heedless Amelia and tomboy Megan, bringing them to the husband in American that her brother-in-law has set up for her to marry. Meanwhile, another Irish immigrant, Quinn O’Shea, is surrogate father to his two younger brothers, coming to America to join his oldest brother then make his dreams of adventure and freedom come true. Except nothing goes as planned for either of them.
Kiera’s husband-to-be is actually a vile, wicked man who wants Kiera and her sisters not for family but for disgusting profit. I was on pins and needles when tables turned and Kiera and her sisters were led inside a brothel. I won’t spoil too much of the story for you, but they didn’t stay there long. This type of thing threaded through the entire story, though. How much detail was included I honestly can’t tell, because I’d rather skim if I thought the content was iffy rather than read it and give a solid report (which is probably why I enjoyed this book as much as I did; because I skimmed several parts and enjoyed the rest). It seemed, though, that the bulk of the content here was in crude comments and not in actual actions. This does put it as an adult novel, though, for my recommendations… I’d say conservative readers 25 and older, but you may be the judge there.
Besides the above material, the romance was sweet and clean. There did seem to be a lot of kisses and “fiery touches” for the two not to realize they were in love with each other or necessarily want to commit to each other. But compared to several books I’ve read recently, their relationship seemed chaste without the emphasis on daydreams and passionate desires. Because there was so much other stuff going on in the plot, the romance, while there, didn’t seem to be the consuming goal of the novel.
There were quite a few Scriptures quoted (mainly from the Psalms) and Sunday meetings regularly mentioned. The main characters seemed to get their strength from God and prayed for wisdom and direction. I really appreciated that. It fit into the story well and didn’t seem to be put in “just so it can be a Christian novel” nor was it too shallow.
Now, for what really stands out to me: the adventure and action. Because of the beginning, when Kiera and her sisters are rescued from the brothel, there is an evil villain who keeps the girls from settling in with complete peace of mind—for lawfully they are still indentured to Le Blume. It definitely made for a tense storyline. Added to that, there were other characters introduced whose lives entwined with the main characters and I enjoyed how the tension naturally built because of those characters. There were a lot more than just the two main character’s point of view displayed, but it seemed natural and needed for the storyline. So, the writer in me really appreciated how this novel was written.
This is book two in a series, but it read just fine as a stand-alone. I will mention, though, that if you don’t like spoilers, read book one first. They do link together and I can see where it would have been much more effective to have read this as a series.
*I received this book from Tyndale Publisher and happily provided my honest review*
I was excited to return to the dangerous Natchez Trace and haven of Breeze Hill. This book can be read on its own, but I loved the first book The Promise of Breeze Hill, so I recommend reading it as well. Quinn has a lot of the same qualities as his older brother Connor- hard working, dedicated to his brothers, and protective of those who need help. His resentment over being left behind and carrying the burden of raising his younger brothers creates a rift in his relationship Connor which they work to overcome throughout the story. Kiera is strong and willing to sacrifice with a marriage of convenience to ensure a good future for her sisters, but the dangerous situation she finds herself in brings out Quinn's protective nature. I liked how with each kindness he (however reluctantly) does for her, she softens toward him and their friendship grows as they begin to rely on each other for support. Various complications and dangers arise one after the other which gave the story a steady pace, and we see the point of view of the villain pursuing Kiera and her sisters, bringing heightened tension. A well-rounded addition to the series and I am looking forward to more, hopefully from another of the O'Shea brothers.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Psssssttttt....Connor, I'll always love you best but your brother, Quinn...he's the kind of reluctant hero I can dust off my fainting couch for. Irish. Brooding. Gallant in spite of himself. Disgruntled verging on contented if he'd just stop seething long enough! The inner turmoil flies off the page and clobbers an unsuspecting reader right between the eyes! What's not to love, right?
Well, Kiera isn't a fan at the start. Not from their first little dust off on the ship heading to America and not once they land and part ways but...doesn't Quinn go and transform into a hero on her? A grumpy one who doesn't hide the fact that he has his sights set on leaving asap. Blissful sigh. I do so love a struggling romance where both parties valiantly try not to fall for the other. And Quinn and Kiera give it a good try...but fail miserably in the end which -- yay -- results in a sublime happily ever after!
But not too soon because there's a villain afoot...in fact I whooshed out a startled gasp just after the 100 page mark when I suddenly realized that..well...not sure if I was slow on the uptake...but bam -- I made a text to text connection (that's school library talk for finding a tie between two books.) You don't need to have read The Promise of Breezehill to grasp the nefarious goings on but if you have...well, you'll appreciate them all the more. Cue the scary organ music and start turning pages faster!
And the really fun thing about this story is that we have ample opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with Connor and Isabella. And even though Connor is a bit of grouch in this book, he still set my heart aflutter. Pair that with the palpitations Quinn was giving me and you can imagine the state I was in by the time I reached the end. Rapturously discombobulated about sums it up!
4.5 stars. These covers are gorgeous, and books are just as beautifully written! The hero/heroine chesmistry is spot on, and the drama/danger is always well played out!
While I enjoyed the first novel in the Natchez Trace Series, The Road to Magnolia Glen was even stronger.
Kiera believes she is sailing with her two younger sisters from Ireland to be wed in America. She soon learns that it's not a marriage but working in a brothel that is in store for her. Enter Quinn who travels from Ireland on the same ship with his two younger brothers and helps save Kiera and her sisters. And that happens in the first few pages. There is a lot of heart and action in this novel.
Readers of The Promise of Breeze Hill will enjoy revisiting the plantation. But those who haven’t won’t be left out. Author Pam Hillman balances details of the previous book while weaving an entirely new and unique story for Quinn and Keira with precision (though I do suggest you start with the first book because Connor and Isabella’s story is totally worth the read).
There is a bitter seed planted in Quinn O’Shea’s heart. He’s the one who stayed to care for his two younger brothers while the other two sowed their wild oats. Now his plan is to deposit the boys with Connor in Mississippi and, once he’s certain they’re settled, explore the world.
Kiera Young has no say in her journey to America. Her brother-in-law arranged a marriage for her and sent her and her two little sisters across the ocean. Now, Kiera simply wants to be useful, find a home, and protect her sisters from the sinister plot she is unwittingly embroiled in. But is Breeze Hill the place that will offer that?
In addition to the brisk-paced action scenes that had me turning pages as fast as I could, Hillman weaves a picture of daily life on a plantation that is in a rebuilding stage in the 18th century. There are challenges, dangers (both from man and from nature), and more work than bodies to do it. There is also fierce determination. Friendships are formed, walls are broken down, and people discover skills and courage they didn’t realize they had in them.
And I have to mention those O’Shea accents! Those tough but kind-hearted Irish brothers and their Irish brogue can make a girl swoon! The Road to Magnolia Glen is engaging with a storyline that hooked me in from the get-go and slowly reeled me into the heart-pumping, adrenaline-inducing ending. Now, my only question is, how long do I have to wait from more of the O’Shea clan?
Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Road to Magnolia Glen is the second book in this series. I haven't read the first book, so I wasn't sure if that would impact my enjoyment of this book....I don't think it did. I was able to easily follow along and keep track of the characters.
The characters were fine. I liked how protective Quinn was and would probably say he was my favorite character.
All in all, The Road to Magnolia Glen was a good read and one I think historical romance fans will enjoy.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
The Road to Magnolia Glen has been one of my most anticipated reads for 2018 since I read Pam Hillman's first Natchez Trace novel, The Promise of Breeze Hill, last year. I've been waiting to meet another of the O'Shea brothers and curious to see who his love interest would be.
Quinn O'Shea turns out to be quite a bit like his older brother, Connor, though at the start he would resent that being said. Determined to take care of their youngest brother, to make his way in the world, and to avoid entanglements with any troublesome young ladies, Quinn is unable to stop himself from giving assistance when Kiera Young and her sisters meet with trouble.
Kiera Young is also determined. Determined to take care of her younger sisters by accepting the marriage she believes was arranged for her. But when a villainous character makes his reappearance as her supposed fiancé, she finds herself in need of rescue as she prepares to sacrifice herself to ensure the safety of her sisters.
This is a wonderful return to the dangerous Natchez Trace of the late 18th century and Breeze Hill Plantation. Though not quite as immersive than the first, this is a story brimming with history, adventure, danger, faith and romance. Definitely a novel to read (and anticipate reading the next) for those who enjoy well crafted Historical Romance that sweeps you into another time and place. Highly recommended.
This review refers to a free finished copy I received courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
A delightful book about hard won love, of pure evil, of fear for one's future, of self sacrifice and forgiveness.
Terrific characters (except Amelia. I'm sorry, but I just never learned to like that self-serving girl).
Kiera began a bit uppity, but her first experience straight off the boat from Ireland, having learned she was sold to a despicable man so she and her sisters would "work" at his disgusting brothel, set her attitude and heart in a different direction. All she wanted was safety for herself and her two younger sisters. And that help came in the form of Quinn and Connor O'Shea, estranged brothers. Quinn, with a few other men rescued her from the truly evil Pierre Le Bonne. Conner was a brother who had come to America years before and now operated a farm that Quinn took Kiera and her sisters to for refuge.
But stealing them away to Connor's plantation doesn't necessarily mean safety. The young ladies' papers say they belong to Le Bonne, and he won't give up easily.
I rooted for Kiera as she worked her tail off at the plantation earning money for these kind people who took her in. I also rooted for Quinn as he kept watch over her as he knew she was not out of danger. I enjoyed watching their tentative friendship blossom. But edge-of-my-seat chapters kept me up tonight until I finished it. Well done!!
Very good Christian fiction book for young adults and older.
I simply adore the O'Shea brothers! Quinn has begrudgingly stepped up to fill the role of caretaker/guardian for the two youngest O'Sheas. While he tends to blow a lot of steam over his older brothers' past choices, Quinn's loyalty runs deep. This middle born O'Shea brother has a protector's heart!
Kiera Young has been sent to the Colonies with her two younger sisters in tow for the purpose of an arranged marriage. Kiera conducts herself with dignity and class as an independent Irish lass should! Fueled by her ingenuity and pluck, Kiera grabs life by the reins and tenaciously holds on for the ride.
I enjoyed every aspect of this story from the cultural diversity and period lifestyle to the foundational role of hope, faith, and forgiveness. This book has earned its place among my all-time favorites and I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
The Road to Magnolia Glen is a addition to the Natches Trace series. The second installment involves Quinn O’Shea and his brothers coming to Mississippi from Ireland. During his travel, he encounters the three Young sisters who are, also, coming from Ireland. I was not sure what to think of Quinn at first but I quickly grew to love him. Especially, when he and Keira Young become friends. I enjoyed The Promise of Breeze Hill but I enjoyed this one much more. A wonderful inspirational. I give this book 5 stars. I highly recommend reading the Natchez Trace series in order. I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Exciting, on the edge of your seat finish from the second in Pam Hillman's 'Natchez Trace' series. I have to be honest. I struggled a bit with the first book, but I imagine there's lots of ground work to be laid with a series opener. By now we are familiar with the people of the Breeze Hill plantation, the lay of the land - the seafaring city of Natchez and the dangerous road called the Trace. Connors brothers were sent for towards the end of book 1, and this story begins with their arrival in Natchez. 3 more O'Shea brothers, and the 3 Young sisters, all arriving from Ireland on the same boat and they share a family connection sure to cause trouble for Connor. They are barely into their arrival at the docks when Kiera realizes that, thanks to her sister & brother in law selling them off to the evil Pierre La Bonne, her future is not what she had in mind. Pretty much the kingpin of Natchez under the hill, you will remember Pierre from the first book. Quinn just wants to find Connor and leave his younger brothers in his care, in order to finally chase his dreams - but his honor won't let him abandon the 3 sisters, who find themselves at the mercy of the brothel owner Pierre.
I really enjoyed the way the new additions to Breeze Hill embellish and add to the plantation. Both Kiera & Quinn find a place for their skill set. If you are a fan of Julie Bischoff you will love this story. It reminded me very much of the dynamic between the brothers in Sons of Blackbird Mountain. This is very much a story of the hard work it took to make a life in the early days of the colonies, working the land - taking care of each other, and especially the vast differences between honest & honorable people, and the dark and dangerous kind. The supporting characters created a depth to the plot, fantastic!
Beautiful cover, and rich descriptions of Magnolia Glen, and the surrounding areas, made this book a very visual read. I hadn't thought I would read another Pam Hillman about the Trace, but I'm very glad that I did.
Thanks to Netgalley & Tyndale for the eARC. This is my honest review.
I have enjoyed Pam's other books, and this one was no exception. It starts out with the story of the younger brother of the main character of the previous novel and carries on with the previous characters, so it is one that you will want to read in order.
I loved the history of immigration, even the dark details that surrounded it, and the tale of forgiveness and mercy. My heart was pounding at times, throughout the story, wondering how things would turn out, and in the end, I was completely satisfied with the story.
This book was amazing! It had me hooked from the very first page to the last!
While this book continues the story of Irish O'Shea's family's journey to setting up new lives in America, it is easily read as a standalone story that will have you seeking out the first book, The Promise of Breeze Hill, as well as other books by this very talented author!
Hillman recreates 1792 in Natchez Trace, MS with vivid descriptions of the town and the plantation home of Breeze Hill, authentic language and fascinating characters! She weaves in mystery and challenges as Quinn O'Shea and Kiera Young each face their journeys with strength, realistic flaws and a beautiful friendship that blossoms into much more.
Readers of historical fiction, romance and mystery-alike will enjoy this fast-paced novel. It's always great to find a book that you cannot put down and that keeps you reading late into the night...this was one of those books and I plan to read it again and again. The story was so detailed and enjoyable and I thank the author for developing such a wonderful story that left me feeling inspired and definitely eager for more!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. The opinions in this review are my own.
Wonderful book--one of my favorites released this year!
From the details of plantation life all the way to the major plotline of human trafficking, this story was riveting. I so enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching them fall in love as they faced the challenges of survival, keeping their siblings out of trouble, and searching for a place to truly belong. I have also added this book to a Goodreads List of Christian Novels Containing Sigh-worthy Kisses! Such a sweet romance. I love how protective the hero is of his lady, even when he denies his attraction for her and knows their goals in life are far different. The game-changer characters blew me away, and I loved how volatile things became when these characters were on the page. Seeing Connor and Julia again brought back sweet reader-memories of their love story, while following their current relationships as they navigate the demands of plantation life. Pam Hillman has produced another Southern classic! Can't wait until the third book in the series!
The Road to Magnolia Glen by Pam Hillman is book two in the Natchez Trace series.
This second book about The Natchez Trace furthers the story of Conner and Isabella from The Promise of Breeze Hill. The heroine, Kiera, is a fiesty Irish lass. The hero, Quinn, is a responsible, determined, hardworking young man who has yet to realize his dream.
I so loved the setting of this book in the Natchez Trace of 1792. I had fun picturing the docks of the early town and the Plantations of Breeze Hill, Braxton Hall and the estate owned by the Wainwrights. The Young sisters: Kiera, Amelia and Megan and the O’Shea brothers: Quinn, Rory and Patrick meet onboard ship on their journey to the Colonies. Quinn is taking his brothers to meet their eldest brother, Conner, at Breeze Hill. The Young sisters have come because their brother-in-law has secured a husband for Kiera in Natchez. Little did they know that Pierre LaBonne, her so called intended, is a scheming liar and holds papers saying he owns them.
Can Quinn and Conner keep Kiera and her sisters from the nefarious clutches of the vile LaBonne? By helping the girls, are they endangering themselves and their loved ones? The characters were so engaging from the O’Shea brothers, to the Young sisters, to baby Jon Wainwright, and the evil LaBonne and his lackeys were villainy at its best.
If you enjoyed the first book in this series, then you will want to read this installment to see what is going on at Breeze Hill. The excitement level is just as great and the story keeps getting better!
* I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher Tyndale House, Inc. on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Well, I do love me some Irish hero action and this book had it in plenty. I very much enjoyed the first book in this series and this book just added to the story. This time we are introduced to Conner’s younger brothers who are now finally able to join him in America. All accept one, Caleb, who I am hoping we will get to see his story next.
Quinn, Rory, and eight year old Patrick are on their way to Breeze Hill and on their ship are three sisters who are also going to America. Kiera and her two younger sisters have been sent out by her half-sister and brother-in-law in what Kiera thought was a marriage arrangement. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to her or her sisters, her brother-in-law basically sold them to a ruthless man for his brothel.
Now what should good men do? Definitely not leave these young ladies to their fate and what a horrible fate it would be. I must say I was thoroughly immersed in this story by then and I was only a few chapters in. This book is over 400 pages but I flew through it and around all the twists, turns, and shocking storylines that took place.
The author did an excellent job bringing her characters front and center in this story of new beginnings. It was great to see Conner reunited with three of his brothers and to see him and Isabella as a family. The main theme that I picked up on was how Quinn viewed his brothers’ lives (Conner and Caleb), with jealousy and resentment. Especially since he was raising his two younger brothers and felt trapped in his circumstances. I completely understand that feeling. However, we know the hard time Conner had from the previous book and Caleb’s story is still a mystery.
Keep writing about those Irish boys Pam Hillman and I will keep reading.
Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
In this second installment of the Natchez Trace series, we meet younger brother Quinn O’Shea as he heads to America from Ireland. Just as his older brother Conner was ready to indenture himself in the first book, Quinn is ready to shuck the chains of responsibility to see the world in the second. Feelings between the two are fiery and Quinn blames Connor for many things. Throw in a pretty lass he meets on board in the form of Kiera Young along with her younger sisters, and you’ll really see Irish tempers fly! She quickly changes her tune once she learns of the sinister plot her brother-in-law had for her all along when she embarks on land. This certainly has all the makings of a story the reader will not quickly abandon with a much anticipated happily-ever-after ending! It made me stay up way too late devouring each page faster than the last to finish in a mere twenty-four hours. Definitely anticipating the next one since there’s three more O’Shea brothers we need to get to know.
P.S. It was one of my favorite endings to date. Just goes to show you the lengths a man in love will go for his forever lass. Blissful sigh!
*I received a complimentary advanced reader copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. *
The Road to Magnolia Glen will keep your attention! Quinn O'Shea and his two young brothers arrive in Natchez on the same ship as Kiera Young. Kiera arrives from Ireland expecting to be wed to a man she has never met only to find she and her younger sisters have been sold to a brothel owner! Quinn is an excellent male character who can't let this happen especially not to the youngest sister! Kiera's concern for her sisters will touch your heart. You will learn much about life in Louisiana in the late 1700s! I recommend The Road to Magnolia Glen to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I won an e-book from Goodreads. This is my honest opinion.
"The truth of what her brother-in-law had done was shocking."
Arriving in Natchez,Mississippi with her two younger sisters, Kiera Young immediately learns that her hopes for the future were nothing more than a heinous farce. Coming to her rescue is none other than the handsome Irishman with whom she had made a casual acquaintance aboard ship. Is " a man who's willing to risk his life for you worth giving your life to?".
Escaping under the cover of darkness, Quinn O'Shea delivers the terrified young ladies to the doorstep of Breeze Hill Plantation; fully prepared to leave his own two brothers and the three women in his brother's care, while he travels on to find his own destiny. Will what he discovers change his mind? Can Quinn give faith and family another chance, for "the road to Magnolia Glen" will be a treacherous one.
This book is a sequel to "The Promise of Breeze Hill", and I liked the first one very much. "The Road to Magnolia Glen" has not quite delivered it for me. Everything was pretty calm and uneventful, mostly focusing on Quinn wanting to leave and see the world. It was pretty funny that such a good lad would be kissing a girl several times and at the same time finding a notion of marrying her shocking. Also I did not understand why he would have to become an indentured servant to his brother to get out of it by marrying Kiera. That one completely went above my head. I missed more details of every day life of the place. It felt not as well researched as it could have been.
The Road to Magnolia Glen is the second book in the series by Pam Hillman. It was a very enjoyable and easy read. This story had likeable characters, suspense and romance. This book focused on the second brother, Quinn. He was a hard working swoon worthy hero. We are also introduced to two other brothers as well. I can't wait for the next installment.
I was thrilled to travel back to the Natchez Trace in this second novel from Pam Hillman. With vivid details and engaging characters, I was transported into this exciting story of betrayal and learning to trust God when things seem their darkest.
This spellbinding story is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. I was kept up late into the night, turning pages eager to find out what would transpire in the lives of these charming characters. I give this story 4.5 stars and would encourage you to pick up a copy to enjoy!
(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.)
The Road to Magnolia Glen is a well written inspirational romance. I loved the plot, the well developed characters and the setting. Ms. Hillman is a new author to me and I look forward to reading more of her books. Fans of historical romance will enjoy this book.
The Road to Magnolia Glen is an engaging, historical read with wonderful characters, compelling action, and a sweet romance.
This book starts out with a bang and easily kept me turning pages until the pacing steadied out. Once it does, the friendship and the romance that blossoms between the two main characters was so endearing and sweet. Quinn O’Shea is protective, hardworking, and compassionate. Although his head keeps reminding him about his desire to see the world after shouldering a responsibility, it’s clear that his heart is with Kierra Young and his family by his willingness to sacrifice, protect and support those he loves. Kierra Young is relatable and kind as a paternal figure to her sisters; she is also earnest to prove herself and provide for her family. The consistent kindness and support they showed one another kept me engaged and warmed my heart. I loved the sweet romance between these two!
Unfortunately, my enthusiasm over this book started to waver towards the end, specifically due to the Amelia storyline. For all the pain, havoc, and worry that stemmed from this storyline, it kind of ended on a “oh, well” note that was both frustrating and unsatisfying. I also found it hard to believe that the antagonist in this novel, who also appeared in the previous book in the series, never faced any consequences over his nefarious actions. I understand that this book can be read as a standalone, but I assumed that when the heroes matched his identity with his prior actions, circumstances would change. Instead, it wasn’t really acknowledged and never held any weight. However, both of these criticisms only slightly deterred my overall love of this book.
All in all, The Road to Magnolia Glen is a fantastic and enjoyable read! Definitely my favorite book of the entire series!
This is another enjoyable story by Pam Hillman. She takes us back to Natchez Trace and Breeze Hill. This time we get to know Connor O’Shea’s younger brother, Quinn. Maybe not quite as fiery as his brother but pretty close. I thoroughly enjoyed Kiera Young in the story and felt bad for her plight.
I’m not sure this story is as intense as the first book, but we do see several of our “friends” from book one. There was a secondary story that wove nicely into the main story giving it more depth. The story brought many emotions for me, including sadness for one of the secondary characters. The author gives us characters that we can easily relate with and I saw myself more than once.
The author did receive criticism in the first book regarding Connor’s language and specifically the times he took the Lord’s name in vain. The author definitely took that criticism to heart and I do not believe you will find any offensive language in this story.
Although this is a book two, the author does a great job of giving enough background that you wouldn’t feel lost if you’ve not read the first book.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I adored this book!! When I found this series by Mississippi author Pam Hillman, I was ecstatic! An author from my home state who’d written a SERIES of historical novels about Mississippi—I was over the moon! And she did not disappoint. This second installment was maybe even better than the first (or perhaps I enjoyed it even more because Quinn O’Shea reminded me of my own love). A wonderfully vivid story with plenty of history, beautiful Mississippi scenery, and a sweet love story to boot! I highly recommend this book and series.
Pam Hillman has weaved together an intriguing story of hope and mystery. It's a fast-paced novel about longing for both freedom and belonging, with plenty of action in the fight for it. Each character faced unexpected hurdles upon their arrival at Natchez. Quinn was expecting to hand off his younger brothers to their eldest brother Connor so that he'd be able to have his own adventures. Kiera was expecting her journey to lead her to a respectable man and his hand in marriage. Neither one of them got what they expected, but God was certainly with them.
I love that this story really had two main characters. This wasn't your typical "prince rides in on a white horse to save the day" type of a romance. Both Quinn and Kiera had their mountains that they were facing, and the author did an amazing job of developing each of them as they matured both personally and relationally (and not only with each other). It gave the story a whole different level of depth and really made it come to life even more.
This is definitely one of those stories I would recommend starting earlier in the day. It certainly wasn't one that was easy to put down. It's no easy feat for an author to create a story with just enough action and suspense for it to be believable without going over the top. It's also not easy to create a believable romance without being to sappy or cheesy. Pam Hillman was able to successfully achieve the perfect level of action, suspense, and romance to keep readers engrossed and captivated until the very last page.
I absolutely loved this story! My only regret is that I didn't look enough into reading the first book first because I was told they were stand-alones in a series. While I was easily able to read this story as it was, I was also wishing I could know more about the eldest O'Shea brother Connor and his bride Isabella. Now that I've finished the book, I looked and saw that their story is what book #1 is about. So allow me to personally recommend starting at the beginning!
This was my first time reading a book by Pam Hillman but I'm sure it won't be my last! As of right now I don't see another book set to release in the series, but the O'Shea brothers do have another brother who ran off and was talked about a few times throughout the book, so I'm curious of another will come out to follow him. I know right now I'm currently left wanting to go farther with the characters, so my hope is definitely that there will be more to come. This is a series I highly recommend.
*I received a complimentary copy through JustRead Publicity tours and the author. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
The Road to Magnolia Glen – Pam Hillman (4-4.5 Stars)
The Road to Magnolia Glen continues Ms. Hillman’s Natchez Trace series. Set in the late eighteenth century, this novel builds on the cast of characters first introduced in The Promise of Breeze Hill. Quinn O’Shea travels to meet his brother, Connor, in Mississippi, bringing along his two younger brothers from Ireland. During the ocean journey, he encounters Kiera Young and her younger sisters. When the families land in Mississippi, the Young sisters quickly discover that their original destination was merely a cover-up for their brother-in-law’s arrangement for them to serve out a cruel indentureship. Fortunately, Quinn saves them and removes them to Breeze Hill Plantation and the safety of Connor O’Shea’s extended family. While at Breeze Hill, the Young girls discover unknown opportunities for self-reliance and a future they did not expect. However, Quinn’s freedom from his family responsibilities may be threatened by his tendency to protect Kiera at every turn.
The Road to Magnolia Glen builds on Ms. Hillman’s cast of characters and fascinating settings first introduced in The Promise of Breeze Hill. This intriguing plot takes Christian fiction to new places and time periods, while feeling surprisingly familiar and approachable to readers.
Overall, I quite enjoyed reading The Road to Magnolia Glen. This novel greatly benefits from the context and setting of the series’ first book, as readers will feel quite comfortable in this otherwise unfamiliar setting and historical period. I also thought that the characters and plotline were more thoroughly developed, showcasing significant growth in Ms. Hillman’s writing. Quinn and Kiera serve as strong main characters that are capable of carrying the story, while presenting a natural structure for the introduction and continuation of other characters’ storylines, too. I am looking forward to seeing where Ms. Hillman takes her readers next, as this series is ripe for continuation and further development.
Special thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of The Road to Magnolia Glen! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.