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Magnolia Beach #1
Runaway Bride
Rose Collier refused to let them see her crumble as she sprinted across the lobby, the big white dress billowing out of the convertible as she fled. In a daze, she left the city behind, only stopping for necessities, until she found herself staring at the ocean, inhaling deep lungfuls of clean salty sea air. The vintage car sputtered and died as she coasted into Magnolia Beach.
Alex Parrish had it all. Money, women, model looks, and fast cars. Until the accident. Then his uncle stole his trust fund. Now he's broke, ugly, and ill-tempered, not to mention he doesn’t have a single employable skill.
Certain she’s in no danger of falling for another entitled rich guy, Rose takes a position cleaning for the town hermit. She needs time to heal, to figure out what comes next. Alex doesn’t know who he is without his money and his looks, but going by the new housekeeper’s reaction, he’ll never set foot in public again. He’s fired every other housekeeper in three towns so he’s stuck with the beguiling Rose.
Sparks fly. As Alex spends more and more time with Rose, he falls head over heels in love for the first time in his miserable life. Too bad she’s made it clear there could never be anything between them other than friendship.
Alex Parrish had it all. Money, women, model looks, and fast cars. Until the accident. Then his uncle stole his trust fund. Now he's broke, ugly, and ill-tempered, not to mention he doesn’t have a single employable skill.
Certain she’s in no danger of falling for another entitled rich guy, Rose takes a position cleaning for the town hermit. She needs time to heal, to figure out what comes next. Alex doesn’t know who he is without his money and his looks, but going by the new housekeeper’s reaction, he’ll never set foot in public again. He’s fired every other housekeeper in three towns so he’s stuck with the beguiling Rose.
Sparks fly. As Alex spends more and more time with Rose, he falls head over heels in love for the first time in his miserable life. Too bad she’s made it clear there could never be anything between them other than friendship.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2019
286 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 14, 2020
Ahhhhh I only have one complaint about this book and that is that it was TOO SHORT!! I wanted more of Magnolia Beach and it’s fabulous cast of characters! What a delightful morsel of reading that I couldn’t quite gobble up fast enough! Thanks to the author for this copy:)
November 20, 2019
3.5 stars.
A sweet, enjoyable, quick read.
Rose’s matter-of-fact attitude and practical sense is ideal to heal the recluse, wounded hero.
A sweet, enjoyable, quick read.
Rose’s matter-of-fact attitude and practical sense is ideal to heal the recluse, wounded hero.
December 29, 2020
Enjoyable storyline to sit back, relax and pass an afternoon away. Both Rose and Alex have suffered loss, humiliation and pain. But sometimes losses suffered are a blessing in disguise. It won’t be easy but the journey Rose and Alex must travel can prove to be the best thing that ever happened to them…. IF they allow it.
👁OBSERVATIONS AND WISHES:👁
… Loved how the author didn’t need to fill the pages with bedroom antics to make the book longer. She gets the point across without frivolous bedroom scenes.
… I wanted more. We got to see Alex deal with his past but not so much Rose. Loved seeing Alex tell Allisen to get lost. Also loved how he and Chase worked out the ‘elephant in the room’.
… I do wish I could have seen Rose’s ex fiancé and ex best friend get their own comeuppance. Really wanted both of them to reap what they sowed, wanted them to come face to face with their betrayal and see them have true remorse. I wanted both of them to SEE that Rose has it all now…. everything they desired but gave up, Rose has it in abundance. Too bad, we saw none of that, not even a hint.
… Did Rose’s ex ever truly care for her? What is his backstory? How could he be so callous? Why would he go ahead with the wedding, knowing he was betraying her? When was he going to tell her about the baby?????
... Same for Kim, the ex-best friend. Why all the happy Facebook pics of her and Jude (the ex fiancé)? Please, please, please authors, don’t allow people like that to thrive with their wrongdoing. Let them SEE what they did, what they caused and how their actions impacted their future.
👁OBSERVATIONS AND WISHES:👁
… Loved how the author didn’t need to fill the pages with bedroom antics to make the book longer. She gets the point across without frivolous bedroom scenes.
… I wanted more. We got to see Alex deal with his past but not so much Rose. Loved seeing Alex tell Allisen to get lost. Also loved how he and Chase worked out the ‘elephant in the room’.
… I do wish I could have seen Rose’s ex fiancé and ex best friend get their own comeuppance. Really wanted both of them to reap what they sowed, wanted them to come face to face with their betrayal and see them have true remorse. I wanted both of them to SEE that Rose has it all now…. everything they desired but gave up, Rose has it in abundance. Too bad, we saw none of that, not even a hint.
… Did Rose’s ex ever truly care for her? What is his backstory? How could he be so callous? Why would he go ahead with the wedding, knowing he was betraying her? When was he going to tell her about the baby?????
... Same for Kim, the ex-best friend. Why all the happy Facebook pics of her and Jude (the ex fiancé)? Please, please, please authors, don’t allow people like that to thrive with their wrongdoing. Let them SEE what they did, what they caused and how their actions impacted their future.
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December 30, 2019dnf at 28%
The writing was clunky in places, and there were noticeable punctuation errors. The storyline was rather shallow and although Rose was believable, Alex’s story was just too pat somehow.
The writing was clunky in places, and there were noticeable punctuation errors. The storyline was rather shallow and although Rose was believable, Alex’s story was just too pat somehow.
January 14, 2021
What a surprise
I simply fell in love with the story and the characters. A sweet clean romance with a happily ever after ending. This story develops smoothly and I read it in a single sitting. I highly recommend to romance lovers.
I simply fell in love with the story and the characters. A sweet clean romance with a happily ever after ending. This story develops smoothly and I read it in a single sitting. I highly recommend to romance lovers.
January 3, 2021
AWESOME BOOK!!!! Loved it!! read it in one day straight through. The last couple of chapters are TOTALLY AWESOME--you'll have to read it to find out why. NO SKIPPING to the end. it'll ruin it for you.
June 13, 2023
A SOLID 2 STARS
I started to read "Second Chances", book #4 of the Magnolia Beach series, then said, "Self, why don't you start at the beginning so you can get the backstory of other characters?" Made sense. Well, let's just say after reading "Runaway Bride" I won't be returning to Magnolia Beach and here's why...
The #1 problem was the author TOLD US nearly the entire story, not much showing. And frequently, it was AFTER the fact. Dialogue, when there was any, did not move the story forward and was awkward. Many paragraphs were disjointed, lacking flow, and decreasing readability and cohesion.
Alex was a mega asshole prior to his accident, lacking direction and responsibility, which ultimately lead to his downfall. We're not supposed to like Alex in the beginning, but characters need to have growth and redeeming qualities that develop throughout. While the author told us there was, I sure didn't feel it or believe it.
Rose obviously didn't have a backbone prior to coming to Magnolia Beach, evident from how she gave up everything to be with her dick of a fiance. I did see some growth in her character, unlike Alex.
The plot and characters lacked FORWARD MOTION.
However, Magnolia Beach sounds like a wonderful place and there is potential for great things, I just know I'll be frustrated with the author's writing style if I continue reading.
My favorite part of the story was Dog (aka Butch) and his gang of misfit mutts.
If you don't mind a low energy, elementary writing style story, then this will work for you.
NOTE: Book clearly says her car is a BLUE convertible NOT RED like the cover.
I started to read "Second Chances", book #4 of the Magnolia Beach series, then said, "Self, why don't you start at the beginning so you can get the backstory of other characters?" Made sense. Well, let's just say after reading "Runaway Bride" I won't be returning to Magnolia Beach and here's why...
The #1 problem was the author TOLD US nearly the entire story, not much showing. And frequently, it was AFTER the fact. Dialogue, when there was any, did not move the story forward and was awkward. Many paragraphs were disjointed, lacking flow, and decreasing readability and cohesion.
Alex was a mega asshole prior to his accident, lacking direction and responsibility, which ultimately lead to his downfall. We're not supposed to like Alex in the beginning, but characters need to have growth and redeeming qualities that develop throughout. While the author told us there was, I sure didn't feel it or believe it.
Rose obviously didn't have a backbone prior to coming to Magnolia Beach, evident from how she gave up everything to be with her dick of a fiance. I did see some growth in her character, unlike Alex.
The plot and characters lacked FORWARD MOTION.
However, Magnolia Beach sounds like a wonderful place and there is potential for great things, I just know I'll be frustrated with the author's writing style if I continue reading.
My favorite part of the story was Dog (aka Butch) and his gang of misfit mutts.
If you don't mind a low energy, elementary writing style story, then this will work for you.
NOTE: Book clearly says her car is a BLUE convertible NOT RED like the cover.
April 21, 2020
Runaway Bride was an enjoyable, quick reading, Clean, Second Chances romance novel that was easily read in less than 3hrs. Runaway Bride is about 2 characters, Rose and Alex, who believed their lives were nearly perfect until suddenly they weren’t.
In the story, Rose and Alex discover they must both let go of their recent pain and buried memories, be willing to learn from their unfortunate experiences, and then step forward with hope, confidence and a willingness to trust again. Runaway Bride touches on misunderstandings, how quickly it festers without open communication, and follows Rose and Alex on their journey toward happiness. Readers who prefer/enjoy the drama/angst of working through misunderstandings and relationship based stories would most likely rate Runaway Bride higher than my 3*. This is book #1 in a series, but it can also be read as a standalone title with a HEA. SPOILER: There’s a sweet dog is this story.
I recommend Runaway Bride to readers who enjoy sweet contemporary romances, “quick reads” squeezed into a busy day, and especially those who appreciate a Clean romantic HEA. (Note - It is mentioned that Alex was living a promiscuous lifestyle at the beginning of the novel. No details are shared; it is simply stated as reference for the complete change that follows). No violence is portrayed, and no profanity is used.
In the story, Rose and Alex discover they must both let go of their recent pain and buried memories, be willing to learn from their unfortunate experiences, and then step forward with hope, confidence and a willingness to trust again. Runaway Bride touches on misunderstandings, how quickly it festers without open communication, and follows Rose and Alex on their journey toward happiness. Readers who prefer/enjoy the drama/angst of working through misunderstandings and relationship based stories would most likely rate Runaway Bride higher than my 3*. This is book #1 in a series, but it can also be read as a standalone title with a HEA. SPOILER: There’s a sweet dog is this story.
I recommend Runaway Bride to readers who enjoy sweet contemporary romances, “quick reads” squeezed into a busy day, and especially those who appreciate a Clean romantic HEA. (Note - It is mentioned that Alex was living a promiscuous lifestyle at the beginning of the novel. No details are shared; it is simply stated as reference for the complete change that follows). No violence is portrayed, and no profanity is used.
October 31, 2019
Inane
Once the drama at the start of the book is past, every significant scene between the protagonists or side characters happens off-page. Their first kiss!!! Any kiss, actually. A big fight with his brother, etc.. We get looooots of details about the minutia of their lives though, which is actually rather pleasant, but not when everything significant between people isn't shown, nor even thought about very deeply.
Their relationship isn't healthy, they seem to just accidentally start a physical relationship. Then they have a few incidences of him freezing her out without talking to her about what he thinks is going on, then they eventually resume their relationship without ever learning to communicate. The final scene is just stupid. The author does not know how to use commas or semicolons, and has plenty of verb tense errors. So many reasons to skip this.
Once the drama at the start of the book is past, every significant scene between the protagonists or side characters happens off-page. Their first kiss!!! Any kiss, actually. A big fight with his brother, etc.. We get looooots of details about the minutia of their lives though, which is actually rather pleasant, but not when everything significant between people isn't shown, nor even thought about very deeply.
Their relationship isn't healthy, they seem to just accidentally start a physical relationship. Then they have a few incidences of him freezing her out without talking to her about what he thinks is going on, then they eventually resume their relationship without ever learning to communicate. The final scene is just stupid. The author does not know how to use commas or semicolons, and has plenty of verb tense errors. So many reasons to skip this.
July 5, 2020
I picked up this book and couldn't put it down. "Runaway Bride (Magnolia Beach #1)" by Cynthia Snow is the authors book 1 in a 2 book series. It is also my first read by this author and I enjoyed it very much. Rose Collier finds out on her wedding day that her best friend is pregnant and the baby Daddy is none other than her groom. So she takes off in her new vintage convertible and finds herself in Magnolia Beach after her car died. Alex Parrish is the known weirdo hermit who lives in Magnolia Beach, but looks may be deceiving. He is hiding out after an incident leaves his body covered in scars. These two come together, and each of them need to learn to heal from their past. Love comes as an unexpected surprise for both of them.
May 19, 2024
When Rose discovers her groom and best friend are pregnant right before their wedding, she takes off until her truck breaks down in Magnolia Beach. Ethan rich and entitled, loses everything after saving a girl from a knife attack including his good-looks, followed by his trust account through a devious uncle. The only thing left is a seaside cottage through his deceased mother in Magnolia Beach. Needing a housekeeper, Rose now desperate, takes the position with this grumpy secluded bachelor. However, she becomes the only one he can trust, but can it lead to love? Sweet and clean, this is a good bedtime read.
May 20, 2021
Two people finding the wrong people to love make the world turn out right by leaving what was wrong and winding up on a beach in NC. One scarred physically and the other romantically but learning to trust and love again. What is interesting is they wind up with a dog that was used as bait and a step brother who shares emotional scars. Scars can be physical or emotional and the healing from either can occur if and only if we let go of the pain and allow the healing to start! A great lesson to be learned! I really enjoyed this book!
December 31, 2024
I always give one star just for writing a book because I could never. Immediately this book gave Beauty and the Beast and then literally mentioned it. This book is very elementary, lots of mundane details about random stuff, but not enough detail into the actual characters or their story together. Redundant writing at times with the same quotes being used (ie “Talk about ___.”) There were times I literally laughed out loud at some of the added fluff. This book has so much potential. Would be good for a middle schooler who likes romance books.
October 18, 2019
Beautiful
It's starts off as another bride finding her ex fiancee had been cheating I her wedding day, but then it gets so much better. Alex goes to help a woman and gets injured and has a few scars but finds out his uncle stole all his inheritance. But he has a house from his mom his uncle knew nothing about & he hides there. Rose gets hired on after running on her wedding day. But something clicks between them.
It's starts off as another bride finding her ex fiancee had been cheating I her wedding day, but then it gets so much better. Alex goes to help a woman and gets injured and has a few scars but finds out his uncle stole all his inheritance. But he has a house from his mom his uncle knew nothing about & he hides there. Rose gets hired on after running on her wedding day. But something clicks between them.
February 19, 2020
Runaway Bride
This was a good story. Rose found her brides maid throwing up in the bathroom. Come to find out, she was pregnant by Jude, the man she was to marry. Rose left in the carbJude gave to her. She packed her clothes and drove away. She arrived at a costAl town, Magnolia Beach. Her car died, she was crying, Hazel carried her inside her shop and made her sweet tea. There is much more to this story, surely you will read to find out what happens next.
This was a good story. Rose found her brides maid throwing up in the bathroom. Come to find out, she was pregnant by Jude, the man she was to marry. Rose left in the carbJude gave to her. She packed her clothes and drove away. She arrived at a costAl town, Magnolia Beach. Her car died, she was crying, Hazel carried her inside her shop and made her sweet tea. There is much more to this story, surely you will read to find out what happens next.
May 11, 2020
Runaway Bride
She was just about to be married when she finds out that her groom and her best friend are about to be parents. She ends up in another state with her car broke down. She ends up working for the local recluse. He had been in an accident and his uncle stole his trust fund. The scars on him have made him cover up and hide out. She ends up working for him. Can these two people find that they can love again? And is there enough trust between them?
She was just about to be married when she finds out that her groom and her best friend are about to be parents. She ends up in another state with her car broke down. She ends up working for the local recluse. He had been in an accident and his uncle stole his trust fund. The scars on him have made him cover up and hide out. She ends up working for him. Can these two people find that they can love again? And is there enough trust between them?
February 19, 2020
Nice read
It was a nice book. Something on a G rating only because of the implied sex.
I liked how Rose had fabric in her bags.
I also loved the doggy angle.
Alex was a rich man but shallow, the curve life threw him was tragic, but it made a real human out of him.
It was a nice read on a rainy day.
It was a nice book. Something on a G rating only because of the implied sex.
I liked how Rose had fabric in her bags.
I also loved the doggy angle.
Alex was a rich man but shallow, the curve life threw him was tragic, but it made a real human out of him.
It was a nice read on a rainy day.
January 30, 2021
I LOVED this book! The runaway bride finds herself with a car that broke down in a town where she knew no one! She needs to find employment but there’s not much available in this town. She ends up cleaning & cooking for a town hermit/loner. She ends up changing his life as she changes hers! This is a good story for anyone who wants to see how people can change!
April 27, 2024
How could they do this to her…………..
Finding out minutest before her wedding that the groom and her best friend were expecting a baby led to Rose getting in her car and driving away! With no destination in mind, she ends up in Magnolia Beach where she meets someone who also has been betrayed and is hiding from the world. Can these two overcome their heartaches and become friends?
Finding out minutest before her wedding that the groom and her best friend were expecting a baby led to Rose getting in her car and driving away! With no destination in mind, she ends up in Magnolia Beach where she meets someone who also has been betrayed and is hiding from the world. Can these two overcome their heartaches and become friends?
October 17, 2019
Sweet & Funny
This book is a sweet love story and well written.Alex & Rose are a great coupleWith the issues they are dealing with,they learn looks & money aren't everything.A great read.
This book is a sweet love story and well written.Alex & Rose are a great coupleWith the issues they are dealing with,they learn looks & money aren't everything.A great read.
February 7, 2020
I really liked the book. The characters were well written. The book made you feel emotionally. The area descriptions were well described. This was the first book, I have read by this author. I will read more.
February 9, 2020
What a incredibly cute story!
I loved this book, even the sad fact that he had been scared and lost all of his money! It's clean with nothing but kissing! The way he worked to bring the dog around to live them! Loved it!
I loved this book, even the sad fact that he had been scared and lost all of his money! It's clean with nothing but kissing! The way he worked to bring the dog around to live them! Loved it!
February 11, 2020
A great way to spend a day reading!!
This was a great story. Two lost souls finally finding their each other. Both had lost their direction - both down on their luck in a small southern beach town. Well written characters and a believable storyline makes this a winner!
This was a great story. Two lost souls finally finding their each other. Both had lost their direction - both down on their luck in a small southern beach town. Well written characters and a believable storyline makes this a winner!
February 12, 2020
No morality
Living together is accepted without a thought. The heroine went from living with a cheating fiance to living with another in a matter of weeks. The dogs were interestingly presented.
Living together is accepted without a thought. The heroine went from living with a cheating fiance to living with another in a matter of weeks. The dogs were interestingly presented.
February 19, 2020
Love always wins.
I rated this book 4.5 stars. It was a story of learning self worth through tragedy and pain. It was both insightful and funny. Watching two people come to terms with self worth and forgiveness threaded from first to last page.
I rated this book 4.5 stars. It was a story of learning self worth through tragedy and pain. It was both insightful and funny. Watching two people come to terms with self worth and forgiveness threaded from first to last page.
March 8, 2020
From Friends to Family
As two people begin to fall apart when their lives erupt, the end up at a beach house. From there a summer season changes their lives and helps them to heal and to become a family. Sweet love.
As two people begin to fall apart when their lives erupt, the end up at a beach house. From there a summer season changes their lives and helps them to heal and to become a family. Sweet love.
October 17, 2019
Gutsy bride.
Enjoyed this clean and fun read. We always see our flaws as more than what they really are. All around good read.
Enjoyed this clean and fun read. We always see our flaws as more than what they really are. All around good read.
October 18, 2019
4stars
Ann interesting story. Clean with a happy ending. The dogs added a surprise. Liked all the main characters. Good read.
Ann interesting story. Clean with a happy ending. The dogs added a surprise. Liked all the main characters. Good read.
November 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! Fast read.
February 9, 2020
Very good
Could not put it d own.
Will read a!lol of her book now Can wait to download them. Thank you
Could not put it d own.
Will read a!lol of her book now Can wait to download them. Thank you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews