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When the Magnolia Blooms
Fiona O’Flaherty’s quiet California life is turned upside down when a killer cop starts stalking her. With the help of the Four Amigos—a group of retired law enforcement officers—she changes her identity and flees to a farm in rural Virginia. Much to her surprise her new roommate is a charming ghost who died in 1865. Even more amazing is the fact that Danann Farm is a mystical Irish village that was transported to America in the early part of the nineteenth century. As a nurse she’s used to multi-tasking, but now she’s falling in love with a handsome spirit while also managing the restoration of a historic home. Not to forget that a serial killer is determined to kill her. What next? How about a pint-sized seer with special powers, a group of geriatric aunties managing the rumor mill, and an extended family ready, willing and able to protect the new mistress of the Magnolia House. Fiona’s having quite an adventure, but like most magical tales this story will have a happy, if somewhat quirky ending.
- GenresRomance
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2019
92 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Ann DeFee
29 books24 followersAs a "feel good" author Ann DeFee infuses humor into her romantic comedy, mystery, magic realism (where the surreal becomes reality), humor/satire and action/adventure stories. A multi-award winner, Ann has written twelve novels for Harlequin and an additional three for Bellastoria Press. She has won, or was a finalist in ten national and international book award contests. Believe in the Magic leads the way with a Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal, a Chanticleer Somerset Fiction Award winner and is now a Grand Prize Finalist in the Eric Hoffer Book Award.
As a business woman, Ann is a managing-partner of Bellastoria Press LLP, an independent hybrid publishing company that specializes in shepherding authors through the book publishing process.
On a personal note, Ann loves living in her stories (both writing and reading) and research. She lives in Williamsburg, VA, the epicenter of American history, a perfect place to be actively involved in a national organization that focuses on history, patriotism and genealogy.
Her guilty pleasure is that she’s addicted to hot chocolate (regardless of the season) and she loves all things that glitter.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 27, 2019
Spoilers
This review has spoilers.
The story started off great. Fiona comes home from events that happened in book 1, and finds devastation in her apartment. The Lyft driver was a funny kid. Loved Mike and Gail, and the Four Amigos, as well as Fiona's family. The bad guy was truly villainous. The point of view moved between characters frequently, which is fine, but it got disjointed toward the end. The plot was engaging, entertaining, but not gripping. The romance was a little hard to swallow, because the book made it clear that ghosts move on into heaven or hell, so what are they doing falling in love? When Rhys moves on to heaven, I thought with their magic there would be some way to revive him or perhaps she would die to join him, but that's not the case. Some dude shows up who looks like him, happens to like the same TV shows Rhys did, and feels like he's known her forever. Because the magnolia tree is blooming, she accepts that he's Rhys. Except that he's not, and we don't get any more of the romance or story. That's the end. I've read stories with quirky endings, even one where the hero dies, but this one didn't work, even with all the magic that's in the book.
Stand alone HEA, with hints of a previous book and of further books to come.
Contains sex scenes (kind of), swear words, and violence ( breaking and entering, murder, threats, attempted murder, and violent death).
This review has spoilers.
The story started off great. Fiona comes home from events that happened in book 1, and finds devastation in her apartment. The Lyft driver was a funny kid. Loved Mike and Gail, and the Four Amigos, as well as Fiona's family. The bad guy was truly villainous. The point of view moved between characters frequently, which is fine, but it got disjointed toward the end. The plot was engaging, entertaining, but not gripping. The romance was a little hard to swallow, because the book made it clear that ghosts move on into heaven or hell, so what are they doing falling in love? When Rhys moves on to heaven, I thought with their magic there would be some way to revive him or perhaps she would die to join him, but that's not the case. Some dude shows up who looks like him, happens to like the same TV shows Rhys did, and feels like he's known her forever. Because the magnolia tree is blooming, she accepts that he's Rhys. Except that he's not, and we don't get any more of the romance or story. That's the end. I've read stories with quirky endings, even one where the hero dies, but this one didn't work, even with all the magic that's in the book.
Stand alone HEA, with hints of a previous book and of further books to come.
Contains sex scenes (kind of), swear words, and violence ( breaking and entering, murder, threats, attempted murder, and violent death).
February 13, 2021
Charmed Meets The Walton’s
The only reason I gave this three stars is because Darr’s writing tells more than it shows. Everything is described for you...everything. That’s a shame because this is really a kick ass story.
On the run from a serial killer, the protagonist, Fi, returns to the family home in Virginia, and ends up at a Civil War era mansion where she meets our hero, Rhys. Who happens to be a ghost. Which really doesn’t faze Fi’s family, or the folks living on the farms surrounding the mansion; they all seem to have supernatural traits (healers, folks who can read your soul if they touch you, seers, etc.). Oh, and they’re all related to Fi somehow. Turns out Fi’s coming to the mansion was vaguely foretold by a great-aunt, and she’s instrumental in putting Rhys’ soul at rest.
Like I said, Darr’s writing is more of the tell rather than show style, which I’m not a fan of. The plot and the characters more than make up for it though. This is the second book of a series (not sure if it’s a trilogy or not), so some characters don’t seem to be as developed as they should, but I’m guessing their development and arcs were taken care of in the first book. As a Civil War history and farm living buff I could not get enough of this plot. Someone needs to make a movie out of this series. Stat. And I’m not just saying that because a reoccurring character shares my last name, either.
The only reason I gave this three stars is because Darr’s writing tells more than it shows. Everything is described for you...everything. That’s a shame because this is really a kick ass story.
On the run from a serial killer, the protagonist, Fi, returns to the family home in Virginia, and ends up at a Civil War era mansion where she meets our hero, Rhys. Who happens to be a ghost. Which really doesn’t faze Fi’s family, or the folks living on the farms surrounding the mansion; they all seem to have supernatural traits (healers, folks who can read your soul if they touch you, seers, etc.). Oh, and they’re all related to Fi somehow. Turns out Fi’s coming to the mansion was vaguely foretold by a great-aunt, and she’s instrumental in putting Rhys’ soul at rest.
Like I said, Darr’s writing is more of the tell rather than show style, which I’m not a fan of. The plot and the characters more than make up for it though. This is the second book of a series (not sure if it’s a trilogy or not), so some characters don’t seem to be as developed as they should, but I’m guessing their development and arcs were taken care of in the first book. As a Civil War history and farm living buff I could not get enough of this plot. Someone needs to make a movie out of this series. Stat. And I’m not just saying that because a reoccurring character shares my last name, either.
February 14, 2020
Just back from Virginia for her Daddy's funeral, Fiona finds her apartment in shambles. A man she went out on three dates with has turned out to be a stalker and a bit of a psychopath. She seeks help from an ex-law enforcement friend and ends up back in Virginia living in a safe house surrounded by her family way off the grid. Fiona's family is gifted and they use their gifts to heal and to speak to the dead. Speaking to the dead is handy due to the fact that the Magnolia House has a resident ghost, named Rhys, from the days of the Civil War.
I enjoyed the basic storyline of this book. A girl in trouble being hunted by a killer with a big family that will do anything to keep her safe. I liked the southern aspect with a touch of magic wrapped up in it. The pacing was quick and all the scenes were short and sweet. I liked the characters, but you did not stay with them long enough to get attached to them. The romance was a bit quick as well. I would have liked it better if there was more focus on relationship building versus all the focus on remodeling the house. The first ending was surprising and the second ending was sweet and funny.
I enjoyed the basic storyline of this book. A girl in trouble being hunted by a killer with a big family that will do anything to keep her safe. I liked the southern aspect with a touch of magic wrapped up in it. The pacing was quick and all the scenes were short and sweet. I liked the characters, but you did not stay with them long enough to get attached to them. The romance was a bit quick as well. I would have liked it better if there was more focus on relationship building versus all the focus on remodeling the house. The first ending was surprising and the second ending was sweet and funny.
January 22, 2020
Fun book. More paranormal fantasy than women's fiction. A few characters are believable for awhile, As the story moves along,there is a lot of paranormal and a lot of odd characters. I don't think anyone family could have so many people around them get murdered or deal with the FBI so much. I don't believe the intent was to make them all believable anyway. A little off balance and loose in a few areas where it doesn't flow well but soon is back on track.Most of the story is predictable to anyone who reads a lot,overall it is a good fun read.
I received this book as a complimentary copy for an unbiased review.The opinions expressed are my own.
Thanks to the author,publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
I received this book as a complimentary copy for an unbiased review.The opinions expressed are my own.
Thanks to the author,publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
June 24, 2021
What a great story.
It starts out with Fiona going home after burying her father, only to find her place vandalized by a very determined and slimy police officer/serial killer.
She is blessed to have friends that do everything they can to keep her safe, and a crazy family bent on keeping her that way.
The love story that develops is quite interesting, and who doesnt enjoy a little magic?
The ending was really good. Would love to read more about this family, but cant find any more of the Irish Enchantment books.
It starts out with Fiona going home after burying her father, only to find her place vandalized by a very determined and slimy police officer/serial killer.
She is blessed to have friends that do everything they can to keep her safe, and a crazy family bent on keeping her that way.
The love story that develops is quite interesting, and who doesnt enjoy a little magic?
The ending was really good. Would love to read more about this family, but cant find any more of the Irish Enchantment books.
May 16, 2019
Promises kept
Loved this story. Rhys is charming and unable to travel to Glory land until he replaces his anger with love. Fi and all of her close and distant relatives form a network and bond that has been missing and misunderstood all of her sisters lives until meeting with like minded folk. Derrick is evil but love and Fred overcome it. Charlie, thanks for coming when the magnolia blooms.
Loved this story. Rhys is charming and unable to travel to Glory land until he replaces his anger with love. Fi and all of her close and distant relatives form a network and bond that has been missing and misunderstood all of her sisters lives until meeting with like minded folk. Derrick is evil but love and Fred overcome it. Charlie, thanks for coming when the magnolia blooms.
March 12, 2021
Follows from Book 1, Fiona O'Flaherty has been stalked by a serial killer. When the book opens she finds that her home has been trashed. She seeks shelter with a friend in California and ends up in Virginia. There she discoverers her "gift ", falls in love, restores her mother's antebellum mansion and unites the different branches of her family. I found the story interesting but the last several chapters were somewhat difficult to follow. A HEA romance with adventure, and psychic skills.
June 13, 2019
Protective Family & Ghosts
“When the Magnolia Blooms” is a wonderfully delightful story of an Irish family that has a few magical gifts. Add in a serial killer after one of their own and all the clan and the “Amigos” jump into protection mode. A thoroughly enjoyable read with protective family and a few protective ghosts thrown in to keep Fiona safe.
“When the Magnolia Blooms” is a wonderfully delightful story of an Irish family that has a few magical gifts. Add in a serial killer after one of their own and all the clan and the “Amigos” jump into protection mode. A thoroughly enjoyable read with protective family and a few protective ghosts thrown in to keep Fiona safe.
October 29, 2019
A nurse comes home from mourning the loss of her father to find she has a stalker. Throw in retired law enforcement, family and community as Fiona tries to stay ahead of her stalker. And at her "safe" house she finds a ghost and more family with special gifts. The twists and turns are many and then there is Rhys, the ghost from the Civil War era and former owner of the house.
November 5, 2019
Family, Love, Mystery, and Magic
I love this family and their mystical relatives. Fi, Spring and Mauve have a sisterly bond that sees them through whatever lies ahead. The characters are funny, enchanting and so easy to like. The love story, the history, the stalker, it all adds up to a really good read. I read it in one day!
I love this family and their mystical relatives. Fi, Spring and Mauve have a sisterly bond that sees them through whatever lies ahead. The characters are funny, enchanting and so easy to like. The love story, the history, the stalker, it all adds up to a really good read. I read it in one day!
April 1, 2020
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a very easy read.
Unfortunately it did not known whether it wanted to be a thriller, romance or fantasy.
Some of the characters were very good whilst others felt like they were just thrown in for the sake of it.
It ended up being a little bit of everything which really let it down.
This is a very easy read.
Unfortunately it did not known whether it wanted to be a thriller, romance or fantasy.
Some of the characters were very good whilst others felt like they were just thrown in for the sake of it.
It ended up being a little bit of everything which really let it down.
November 18, 2019
Take The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, a home set amidst a community of mystical relatives, and add to that a serial killer and, voilà, you have the story of Rhys and Fiona in When The Magnolia Blooms. Cute read but did not much care for the ending.
February 3, 2021
Past meets present
Book 2 in the series. The beginning is so important even though it is told over and over again through out the book. The story weave is interesting and Pricilla is a very interesting character I foresee in books to come.
Book 2 in the series. The beginning is so important even though it is told over and over again through out the book. The story weave is interesting and Pricilla is a very interesting character I foresee in books to come.
November 18, 2019
Enchanting
The story of Fi and Rhys kept me reading well into the night! I couldn't put it down! A love story with humor and suspense in just the right places.
The story of Fi and Rhys kept me reading well into the night! I couldn't put it down! A love story with humor and suspense in just the right places.
January 2, 2020
Wow
Got this book free.and though .I would give it a try.boy,I'm glad I did.loved it.I laughed and cried.all though it.keep up the excellent work.
Got this book free.and though .I would give it a try.boy,I'm glad I did.loved it.I laughed and cried.all though it.keep up the excellent work.
August 28, 2018
Reviewed for Readers Favorite.
Once a civil war solider and plantation owner, Rhys had his whole life ahead of him, until an accident on the way home took his life and left him a ghost, only visible to the talented in his own home. Centuries later, Fiona is in need of a place to hide out from a crazed stalker, and Magnolia House seems to be the prefect spot. Fiona comes from a long line of Irish people with some talent to the supernatural, either healing or seeing auras, and although she welcomes the talent in her sisters, she has never acknowledged any talent in herself. Her time at Magnolia House will challenge her beliefs in herself and set her on a new path in life that just might be more rewarding and happy, that is if she can stay alive. A couple causal dates and one kiss was enough for Fiona to know that she didn't want anything to do with police officer Derrick Morris, unfortunately he wasn't ready to give up on Fi and had begun stalking her. When she returns from her father funeral to find her home vandalized, she turns to the only person she can think of, Mike, a retired cop, and her family. Together they make a plan and get Fi to safety, they hope. When The Magnolia Blooms is the story of love lost and found, of purpose found and of living a fulfilling life. Author Annaliese Darr has created a compelling world and story that has the reader engaged and wanting more.
When Then Magnolia Blooms is the story of family, or traditions and history passed down. It has the elements of some supernatural talents, yet the way they are woven into the story they are believable and feel right. It is the story of leaning on your family in a time of need, and this is a strong family that is amazing and everyone dreams of having in their corner. The relationship with the ghost Rhys and Fi is strong, but it is more about them both learning to forgive and love again. Author Annaliese Darr has created a world in this remote southern corner of the world that feels passed over by time, but at the same time comforting and safe. For the most part the book is relatively clean, so I can recommend it to teens and adult readers alike. At the same time, the family dynamics in the story have me wanting to read the stories of Fiona's sisters, Maeve and Spring.
Once a civil war solider and plantation owner, Rhys had his whole life ahead of him, until an accident on the way home took his life and left him a ghost, only visible to the talented in his own home. Centuries later, Fiona is in need of a place to hide out from a crazed stalker, and Magnolia House seems to be the prefect spot. Fiona comes from a long line of Irish people with some talent to the supernatural, either healing or seeing auras, and although she welcomes the talent in her sisters, she has never acknowledged any talent in herself. Her time at Magnolia House will challenge her beliefs in herself and set her on a new path in life that just might be more rewarding and happy, that is if she can stay alive. A couple causal dates and one kiss was enough for Fiona to know that she didn't want anything to do with police officer Derrick Morris, unfortunately he wasn't ready to give up on Fi and had begun stalking her. When she returns from her father funeral to find her home vandalized, she turns to the only person she can think of, Mike, a retired cop, and her family. Together they make a plan and get Fi to safety, they hope. When The Magnolia Blooms is the story of love lost and found, of purpose found and of living a fulfilling life. Author Annaliese Darr has created a compelling world and story that has the reader engaged and wanting more.
When Then Magnolia Blooms is the story of family, or traditions and history passed down. It has the elements of some supernatural talents, yet the way they are woven into the story they are believable and feel right. It is the story of leaning on your family in a time of need, and this is a strong family that is amazing and everyone dreams of having in their corner. The relationship with the ghost Rhys and Fi is strong, but it is more about them both learning to forgive and love again. Author Annaliese Darr has created a world in this remote southern corner of the world that feels passed over by time, but at the same time comforting and safe. For the most part the book is relatively clean, so I can recommend it to teens and adult readers alike. At the same time, the family dynamics in the story have me wanting to read the stories of Fiona's sisters, Maeve and Spring.
December 2, 2019
It is a great book to read
May 2, 2019
I love this series. The first book was incredible and, of course, left me wanting more. Not only do I enjoy the paranormal aspects of this books, but I grew up in a small Southern town and so much of the book/series reminds me of growing up. The author truly has the Southern vibe down perfectly. I also enjoy how spiritual the book/series is. The daughters certainly had their fair share of religion growing up and it makes for a wonderful story. Now, we can't forget the thriller aspect of the book. The author does such a great job keeping you on your toes and making you worry more and more about where the stalker is and whether he'll find her. The climax is expertly done.
The true heart of the story though is Fiona and her relationship with a Civil War ghost. While Fiona has never been one with powers (that special feature belongs to her sister), she begins to see the ghost and has quite a few interesting dreams about him. The chemistry between the two is wonderful.
There are so many delights in this book. The author speaks of a quirky ending and it's one you'll certainly remember. If you love a book that makes you sigh with delight when the book ends, you'll love When the Magnolia Blooms.
The true heart of the story though is Fiona and her relationship with a Civil War ghost. While Fiona has never been one with powers (that special feature belongs to her sister), she begins to see the ghost and has quite a few interesting dreams about him. The chemistry between the two is wonderful.
There are so many delights in this book. The author speaks of a quirky ending and it's one you'll certainly remember. If you love a book that makes you sigh with delight when the book ends, you'll love When the Magnolia Blooms.
October 30, 2019
Oh my I don’t think I have come across a book like this one and I have to admit that I am so glad that I did. Fiona is being hunted by a serial killer that was once a cop that she had dated just a few times. He evidently doesn’t like rejection and when she has her friends the Amigo’s helping her to stay safe it only drivers the killer into a further rage. Derrick is determined to find her and make her pay. Even more so as it is discovered that there are bodies of missing women being found that had been associated with him one way or another.
Fiona has something that Derrick never planed on; a very large extended family crazy family. Crazy as in a good way to speak. The Magnolia House, and a very attractive ghost. This story kept me glued to it waiting to find out what is going to happen next. From suspense, laughable characters, even some that were a little strange; this story will kept me fascinated, and love and strong family circle with a touch of fantasy. Were they going to catch a killer, and how were they going the help Rhys get to Glory Land especially after Fiona begins to fall in love with him.
Fiona has something that Derrick never planed on; a very large extended family crazy family. Crazy as in a good way to speak. The Magnolia House, and a very attractive ghost. This story kept me glued to it waiting to find out what is going to happen next. From suspense, laughable characters, even some that were a little strange; this story will kept me fascinated, and love and strong family circle with a touch of fantasy. Were they going to catch a killer, and how were they going the help Rhys get to Glory Land especially after Fiona begins to fall in love with him.
May 16, 2019
An exciting and entertaining adventure, with lots of surprises, secrets, danger, drama, murder, and an evil stalker! The characters are especially entertaining and unpredictable, the friends are awesome, the four amigos are heroes, the family is unusual, and the ghost is hot! No Matt how hard she tries to hide, he still finds her. He is an evil genius, who murders and harms everyone he comes in contact with. Who can save her a ghost? How is this possible? This book has a little of everything, a true evil villain, heroes, wacky and unpredictable family, true friends, a ghost, magic, and true love! Wish I could give it ten stars, really loved it!
May 26, 2019
Loved this book. It has excitement, adventure, drama, suspense, surprises, hot and so much more. Her life get turned inside out and upside down and then into a surprise thing. It is an amazing read. It had so much more than I expected in it. I hated to see it end. But I will definitely read it again. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
November 1, 2019
Such a fun read!
I truly enjoyed When the Magnolia Blooms and it’s nutty family of characters. I’d love to have seen more of the love story between Fiona and Rhys. I’ll be going back and reading the first and last of this trilogy.
I truly enjoyed When the Magnolia Blooms and it’s nutty family of characters. I’d love to have seen more of the love story between Fiona and Rhys. I’ll be going back and reading the first and last of this trilogy.
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