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The Magnolia Sisters #1
The Magnolia Sisters
An inheritance brought her to Magnolia, but love just might keep her there…
Avery Keller arrives in Magnolia, North Carolina, with one aim: collect her inheritance and quickly put the quirky town in her rearview mirror. But the father who didn’t acknowledge her when he was alive has left Avery a mess to sort through—along with two half sisters she’s never met and a gorgeous single dad living next door. Soon her plan to keep this colorful, close-knit community at a distance gets complicated….
Grayson Atwell has rescued plenty of people in his firefighting career. His work and his little girl, Violet, are his entire world and there’s no time for anything—or anyone—else. But the vulnerability beneath Avery’s prickly facade brings out a fiercely protective side of him. Despite her protests, Gray can see that Avery’s falling under Magnolia’s spell—just like he’s falling for her. Now the only question is: How can he convince her to give them both a chance at forever?
Avery Keller arrives in Magnolia, North Carolina, with one aim: collect her inheritance and quickly put the quirky town in her rearview mirror. But the father who didn’t acknowledge her when he was alive has left Avery a mess to sort through—along with two half sisters she’s never met and a gorgeous single dad living next door. Soon her plan to keep this colorful, close-knit community at a distance gets complicated….
Grayson Atwell has rescued plenty of people in his firefighting career. His work and his little girl, Violet, are his entire world and there’s no time for anything—or anyone—else. But the vulnerability beneath Avery’s prickly facade brings out a fiercely protective side of him. Despite her protests, Gray can see that Avery’s falling under Magnolia’s spell—just like he’s falling for her. Now the only question is: How can he convince her to give them both a chance at forever?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2020
400 people are currently reading
3189 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Major
278 books837 followersUSA Today and Top 5 Amazon Bestselling author Michelle Major writes swoon-worthy stories full of heart, heat, and guaranteed happily-ever-afters. When she’s not dreaming up romance, you’ll find her hiking the trails (or avoiding housework) in her home state of Colorado.
Connect with her at www.michellemajor.com or come say hi on Instagram and Facebook.
Connect with her at www.michellemajor.com or come say hi on Instagram and Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
September 20, 2024
After finding she has an inheritance from Niall Reed, the father she never knew, Avery Kelley’s aim is to hit the North Carolina town of Magnolia, claim her inheritance and just as quickly leave. In Magnolia she finds two half sisters in Carrie and Meredith. But then she also meets single dad Grayson Atwell, a local firefighter and his young daughter Violet. Violet is Gray’s whole world. After Stacey, his ex wife, he doesn’t do relationships with women. But then he meets the sassy Avery. However, Avery is still recovering from being deceived by a former love and blamed for things she was not responsible as he had been lying to her all along. She is in no hurry to risk her heart again. Yet she is attracted to Gray. But she is not staying in Magnolia, where she feels she does not belong. Will Gray and the close knit community be able to change her mind?
The story is a romance but also about family and community. The three sisters start from a place of dislike but end up bonding together in interesting ways which is unexpected by all of them.
This is the first book in a series about the Magnolia sisters. I enjoyed it and it is interesting to watch relationships develop between the sisters but also between Avery and Violet, not to mention Avery and the canine Spot. Especially when Avery is not a fan of children or dogs.
So, yes chick lit and a little predictable but even so I thoroughly enjoyed it and am sure a lot of other people will too.
The story is a romance but also about family and community. The three sisters start from a place of dislike but end up bonding together in interesting ways which is unexpected by all of them.
This is the first book in a series about the Magnolia sisters. I enjoyed it and it is interesting to watch relationships develop between the sisters but also between Avery and Violet, not to mention Avery and the canine Spot. Especially when Avery is not a fan of children or dogs.
So, yes chick lit and a little predictable but even so I thoroughly enjoyed it and am sure a lot of other people will too.
March 25, 2020
Winsome, warm, and sweet!
The Magnolia Sisters is a compelling, optimistic tale that takes us to the small town of Magnolia, North Carolina and into the life of the focused, unsettled Avery Keller as she meanders through all sorts of highs and lows from unexpectedly receiving and having to settle an inheritance from a father she never knew existed, recovering from a disastrous relationship that shattered her self esteem, discovering she has two half-sisters, and navigating a blossoming new romance with the local hunky, divorced firefighter Grayson Atwell.
The prose is light and smooth. The characters are hesitant, determined, and complex. And the plot is a hopeful tale full of life, love, drama, family, friendship, community, self-discovery, forgiveness, acceptance, moving on, and finding happiness.
Overall, The Magnolia Sisters is another quaint, uplifting, entertaining tale by Major that’s an encouraging start for this new Magnolia series with its well-developed characters and refreshing storyline.
Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Magnolia Sisters is a compelling, optimistic tale that takes us to the small town of Magnolia, North Carolina and into the life of the focused, unsettled Avery Keller as she meanders through all sorts of highs and lows from unexpectedly receiving and having to settle an inheritance from a father she never knew existed, recovering from a disastrous relationship that shattered her self esteem, discovering she has two half-sisters, and navigating a blossoming new romance with the local hunky, divorced firefighter Grayson Atwell.
The prose is light and smooth. The characters are hesitant, determined, and complex. And the plot is a hopeful tale full of life, love, drama, family, friendship, community, self-discovery, forgiveness, acceptance, moving on, and finding happiness.
Overall, The Magnolia Sisters is another quaint, uplifting, entertaining tale by Major that’s an encouraging start for this new Magnolia series with its well-developed characters and refreshing storyline.
Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2020
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I laughed. I cried. There are some pretty good moments in this story. Some that will pull at your heart strings. These characters were pretty great. I loved how different they all were. To be honest, I wasn’t too sure about Avery. She wasn’t making a good case for herself in the beginning but as I read more, I understood her a little more. Violet is a hoot! I started the book and didn’t put it down. I needed to know what would happen next. I was invested! I envisioned this small town and found myself wanting to visit.
This is a new to me author and I hope there’s more coming! That ending though…I plan on reading other books by this author as I did enjoy her writing immensely. I give this 5 stars!
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
This is a new to me author and I hope there’s more coming! That ending though…I plan on reading other books by this author as I did enjoy her writing immensely. I give this 5 stars!
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
June 16, 2020
This book was just ok for me. I'm not a huge fan of small towns, but I thought there would be more beach storyline since there is a beach on the cover. This book is about three sisters who all have the same dad but didn't know they each existed. After their dad died, they all were brought together in order to take care of his possessions, and come to find out he is a hoarder and was terrible with his money.
The rest of the book is spent with the sisters fixing their relationship (it was rocky in the beginning), and with one of the sisters starting a romance with a single dad. The romance was pretty insta lovey, and I just feel like the story didn't have enough depth for me. I also don't like sister stories much.
This might be a good book if you are used to reading small town dramas/romances, but I don't think this type of storyline is for me.
The rest of the book is spent with the sisters fixing their relationship (it was rocky in the beginning), and with one of the sisters starting a romance with a single dad. The romance was pretty insta lovey, and I just feel like the story didn't have enough depth for me. I also don't like sister stories much.
This might be a good book if you are used to reading small town dramas/romances, but I don't think this type of storyline is for me.
April 22, 2020
A heartwarming southern tale that follows three newly acquainted sisters as they navigate the loss of their father. Michelle did an amazing job painting the perfect small southern town of Magnolia to the point that I want to visit! Our main character Avery has just discovered that her father (who she has never met) has passed away and left her something in his will. She has to travel from California to Magnolia, North Carolina to stake her claim. When she arrives she finds out she has two sisters there waiting for her.
I really enjoyed this book, the town and the characters. I found myself getting lost in these pages so many times and was so sad to see the book end. (Although I'm hoping Michelle Major continues the story)
I really enjoyed this book, the town and the characters. I found myself getting lost in these pages so many times and was so sad to see the book end. (Although I'm hoping Michelle Major continues the story)
April 10, 2020
4.5 stars
I love finding a new to me author who can tug on my heartstrings but not leave me a complete emotional wreck. The Magnolia Sisters are three half sisters who had no idea they had the same father until he dies and leaves them a mess to clean up. I loved the contrast of these three women who all come from very different walks of life, the way they begin to bond despite their verbal sparring, and the support they give one another when things get rough. This is the first book in the series and it centers on Avery who as it turns out is the oldest of the sisters and who has no ties to Magnolia, North Carolina until she is notified of her father’s death and her inheritance.
Avery Keller’s life was turned upside down when the man she thought she loved turned out to be a lying, married jerk, she lost her job since they both worked at the same place, and then she is notified that the man she only knew as her sperm donor has died and she must travel to Magnolia, North Carolina to collect her inheritance which she intends to do and get right back out of town and on with her life. Little does she know the town is going to suck her right in, she’s actually going to like her new sisters, and then there is Gray Atwell the man she turns her sharp tongue on the minute she hits town and who happens to own the carriage house she is borrowing from one of her sisters and whose daughter doesn’t like her even though she does good braids. Her life has become something she doesn’t recognize and she’s not so sure that’s not a good thing.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sparring between Avery and Gray throughout this book and the slow burn to their romance. Add in Violet, Gray’s daughter, and their unusual relationship and it just upped the funny factor. This was a complex book with many layers, but we never lost sight of the growing romance between the two main characters or the fact that Avery was becoming entrenched into this small town.
While I am a lover of romance books, the ones that will prompt me to read again explore all kinds of relationships throughout its pages and The Magnolia Sisters gave me that in spades. I loved this well written and unique story and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
I love finding a new to me author who can tug on my heartstrings but not leave me a complete emotional wreck. The Magnolia Sisters are three half sisters who had no idea they had the same father until he dies and leaves them a mess to clean up. I loved the contrast of these three women who all come from very different walks of life, the way they begin to bond despite their verbal sparring, and the support they give one another when things get rough. This is the first book in the series and it centers on Avery who as it turns out is the oldest of the sisters and who has no ties to Magnolia, North Carolina until she is notified of her father’s death and her inheritance.
Avery Keller’s life was turned upside down when the man she thought she loved turned out to be a lying, married jerk, she lost her job since they both worked at the same place, and then she is notified that the man she only knew as her sperm donor has died and she must travel to Magnolia, North Carolina to collect her inheritance which she intends to do and get right back out of town and on with her life. Little does she know the town is going to suck her right in, she’s actually going to like her new sisters, and then there is Gray Atwell the man she turns her sharp tongue on the minute she hits town and who happens to own the carriage house she is borrowing from one of her sisters and whose daughter doesn’t like her even though she does good braids. Her life has become something she doesn’t recognize and she’s not so sure that’s not a good thing.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sparring between Avery and Gray throughout this book and the slow burn to their romance. Add in Violet, Gray’s daughter, and their unusual relationship and it just upped the funny factor. This was a complex book with many layers, but we never lost sight of the growing romance between the two main characters or the fact that Avery was becoming entrenched into this small town.
While I am a lover of romance books, the ones that will prompt me to read again explore all kinds of relationships throughout its pages and The Magnolia Sisters gave me that in spades. I loved this well written and unique story and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
January 21, 2023
A light and fun romance.
June 19, 2025
4.5 stars
April 16, 2020
A heartwarming small town romance with a prickly heroine, her newly discovered half-sisters, a firefighter single dad, and his sassy young daughter. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with The Magnolia Sisters and it was exactly the sort of charming romance I needed right now.
When Avery Keller arrives in Magnolia, North Carolina, the plan was to quickly the inheritance left by a father she never met and then start a new life after things had imploded for her in San Francisco. Instead, she finds a complicated mess left by her narcissist father, an attractive single dad, a charming small town, and two half-sisters with whom she begins to form an unlikely bond. Avery is also very prickly, throwing up walls to protect herself and claiming that she doesn't like kids even as an outspoken kindergartener begins to worm her way into her heart. This was sweet and cozy, with just the right amount of drama. Definitely would recommend. I received an advance copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
When Avery Keller arrives in Magnolia, North Carolina, the plan was to quickly the inheritance left by a father she never met and then start a new life after things had imploded for her in San Francisco. Instead, she finds a complicated mess left by her narcissist father, an attractive single dad, a charming small town, and two half-sisters with whom she begins to form an unlikely bond. Avery is also very prickly, throwing up walls to protect herself and claiming that she doesn't like kids even as an outspoken kindergartener begins to worm her way into her heart. This was sweet and cozy, with just the right amount of drama. Definitely would recommend. I received an advance copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
June 25, 2025
Oh my goodness!! I have a new favorite author! I enjoyed this via Audible, and as soon as I started the story, I couldn't stop listening. I was sucked in during chapter 1 and finished it within 24 hours. The story is engaging, funny, steamy, emotional, and action-packed. And Violet, Gray's adorable daughter, steals every scene. I highly recommend this book! I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
December 28, 2020
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: http://www.romancingthereaders.com/20...
I don't often pick a book or series by the cover of a book but I'm going to let you in on a little secret. I did with this series. The funny part was it wasn't The Magnolia Sisters that caught my eye. It was The Merriest Magnolia that did it for me.
I was going to just read that one and skip the two novella's and the first book in the series but decided that wouldn't do. Instead, I read them really quickly so I could read The Merriest Magnolia. I hoped that I'd like it because it would be a bummer and I'd be down one-holiday book.
Happily, for me, I loved them all.
But for now, I'm only reviewing The Magnolia Sisters. The idea of this series isn't anything new but that didn't stop me from enjoying it. I think that had to do a lot with how it was written and the characters themselves.
I really enjoyed all three sisters. I thought what they were going through sucked for them. I found each of their backstories to be sad in its own way and I haven't even read two of their stories yet. For me, that makes a good author. I've been given enough that I have an idea of what's going to come but yet don't know everything yet.
Avery is a had nut. She did something she wasn't proud of and it kinda hiding out while learning about her new father. I have to admit that what she did wasn't on her and she shouldn't have been the one to pay the price but that's how life is. I'm glad she had her sisters with her.
I enjoyed how they learned to be sisters. Only two grew up in the same town but didn't' really care for each other. Avery doesn't even know at first that she's slowly falling for the town and the people who live there. You'll enjoy reading about how her life is changing for the better. She's really a good person who cares about others and always felt like something was missing in her life.
I also really liked Grayson too. I loved his daughter and how sweet he is with her. He's a great father. His ex-wife is horrible. Many times throughout the book I wanted to hit her. Some people shouldn't be parents.
It seems like these two are perfect for each other and they are. I got mad at Grayson when he fell for his ex's trap but glad he figured it out. This is a wonderful story, one that made me want more. I quickly read the novellas after it. I'm so glad I did. It's a very good series and I want more.
Follow me on:
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I don't often pick a book or series by the cover of a book but I'm going to let you in on a little secret. I did with this series. The funny part was it wasn't The Magnolia Sisters that caught my eye. It was The Merriest Magnolia that did it for me.
I was going to just read that one and skip the two novella's and the first book in the series but decided that wouldn't do. Instead, I read them really quickly so I could read The Merriest Magnolia. I hoped that I'd like it because it would be a bummer and I'd be down one-holiday book.
Happily, for me, I loved them all.
But for now, I'm only reviewing The Magnolia Sisters. The idea of this series isn't anything new but that didn't stop me from enjoying it. I think that had to do a lot with how it was written and the characters themselves.
I really enjoyed all three sisters. I thought what they were going through sucked for them. I found each of their backstories to be sad in its own way and I haven't even read two of their stories yet. For me, that makes a good author. I've been given enough that I have an idea of what's going to come but yet don't know everything yet.
Avery is a had nut. She did something she wasn't proud of and it kinda hiding out while learning about her new father. I have to admit that what she did wasn't on her and she shouldn't have been the one to pay the price but that's how life is. I'm glad she had her sisters with her.
I enjoyed how they learned to be sisters. Only two grew up in the same town but didn't' really care for each other. Avery doesn't even know at first that she's slowly falling for the town and the people who live there. You'll enjoy reading about how her life is changing for the better. She's really a good person who cares about others and always felt like something was missing in her life.
I also really liked Grayson too. I loved his daughter and how sweet he is with her. He's a great father. His ex-wife is horrible. Many times throughout the book I wanted to hit her. Some people shouldn't be parents.
It seems like these two are perfect for each other and they are. I got mad at Grayson when he fell for his ex's trap but glad he figured it out. This is a wonderful story, one that made me want more. I quickly read the novellas after it. I'm so glad I did. It's a very good series and I want more.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
March 10, 2020
I received this free book from the publisher for honest review.
5 stars ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐
This is the first time reading from this author.
I really could say that this was great one. I love everything about this book. The words was just like yes give me more. I love the cover even more. My emotions was everywhere in a good way! Like OMG!
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel did just that to me.
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for the next book.
5 stars ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐
This is the first time reading from this author.
I really could say that this was great one. I love everything about this book. The words was just like yes give me more. I love the cover even more. My emotions was everywhere in a good way! Like OMG!
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel did just that to me.
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for the next book.
April 29, 2020
RATING: 4 STARS
2020; HQN/HarperCollins
The Magnolia Sisters has a pretty fun cover, and the novel turned out to be great read as well. The plot of this novel reminded me of Mariah Stewart's Hudson Sisters series - about three sisters coming together after their father's death. In this book, the three sisters are all from different mothers. I am guessing this will be a series as The Magnolia Sisters was Avery's story. Avery was raised by her overachieving but standoffish mom, and thought her father was just a one night stand. As her personal and professional life is crumbling, she finds out her father has died and she is requested at the will reading. She travels to Magnolia, North Carolina to get her inheritance and leave. She discovers she has two half sisters, and now owns a Gallery that is doing well, and has inherited debts. (Her sisters were given a ranch and the family home. None of them want what they have but must work together). As she moves into her sister's place, while they figure out what to do, she starts to fall for the single dad and firefighter, Grayson and his daughter. My favourite kind of romance novels are those that have more than just a love story. I loved the relationships between the sisters and even just the people in the town. I am a huge fan of small town romances, and this novel has all the things I enjoy in a good escape.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2020; HQN/HarperCollins
The Magnolia Sisters has a pretty fun cover, and the novel turned out to be great read as well. The plot of this novel reminded me of Mariah Stewart's Hudson Sisters series - about three sisters coming together after their father's death. In this book, the three sisters are all from different mothers. I am guessing this will be a series as The Magnolia Sisters was Avery's story. Avery was raised by her overachieving but standoffish mom, and thought her father was just a one night stand. As her personal and professional life is crumbling, she finds out her father has died and she is requested at the will reading. She travels to Magnolia, North Carolina to get her inheritance and leave. She discovers she has two half sisters, and now owns a Gallery that is doing well, and has inherited debts. (Her sisters were given a ranch and the family home. None of them want what they have but must work together). As she moves into her sister's place, while they figure out what to do, she starts to fall for the single dad and firefighter, Grayson and his daughter. My favourite kind of romance novels are those that have more than just a love story. I loved the relationships between the sisters and even just the people in the town. I am a huge fan of small town romances, and this novel has all the things I enjoy in a good escape.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
March 17, 2020
The Magnolia Sisters is a small-town romance filled with family secrets. This is my first time reading Michelle Major and I want to read more. Such a great read that had me hooked from the first chapter.
The story follows Avery as she arrives in Magnolia, North Carolina. She has received an inheritance and gets more than she ever bargained for. She didn't have the greatest relationship with her father so she was surprised to find out that she had two other sisters.
Avery is shocked so she wants to get out of Magnolia as fast as she can. Those plans didn't go her way and are staying in town for a while. Her life gets even more interesting when she meets her new neighbor, Grayson.
Grayson is a single dad and firefighter. His daughter Violet is his everything. He doesn't have time for women and dating. But Avery is hard to resist.
Avery and Grayson have a fun and flirty relationship but will it be enough to make her stay?
I give The Magnolia Sisters 5 stars. It's a captivating romance with so much heart. I loved the characters, story, and even the drama.
The story follows Avery as she arrives in Magnolia, North Carolina. She has received an inheritance and gets more than she ever bargained for. She didn't have the greatest relationship with her father so she was surprised to find out that she had two other sisters.
Avery is shocked so she wants to get out of Magnolia as fast as she can. Those plans didn't go her way and are staying in town for a while. Her life gets even more interesting when she meets her new neighbor, Grayson.
Grayson is a single dad and firefighter. His daughter Violet is his everything. He doesn't have time for women and dating. But Avery is hard to resist.
Avery and Grayson have a fun and flirty relationship but will it be enough to make her stay?
I give The Magnolia Sisters 5 stars. It's a captivating romance with so much heart. I loved the characters, story, and even the drama.
February 25, 2020
LOVED this small town romance set in Magnolia, North Carolina! I'm a big fan of Major's books and I had the good fortune to read an advanced copy of the story. Avery arrives in Magnolia with a chip on her shoulder and a dent in her heart from recent events in her life. She hopes to settle her inheritance from a father she never knew quickly, but that hope is crushed when she meets her half-sisters and realizes the tangled mess their father left. Grayson has challenges of his own to deal with, including an unreliable ex-wife who constantly disappoints his adorable daughter. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Avery and Grayson grow and fall in love over the course of the story and felt so many heart tugs! With emotional depth, clever dialogue, and an entertaining cast of characters in a small town setting, I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next book in the series!
April 3, 2020
Nice, light romance about finding family and love in an idealized South. Good book to take my mind off scary Covid 19 daily news. Thanks to HQN for sending me a free copy I won in a Goodreads giveaway.
September 13, 2021
Adorable kid and precious dog + hot firefighter single dad = perfect
May 19, 2020
2.5/5
Avery Keller has come to Magnolia, North Carolina for the reading of her father's will. She never knew him. After his recent death, she found out she has two sisters, only one of whom actually knew their dad. Their father has split his properties and left portions of his estate to each daughter. Avery initially wants to sell her portion, take the money, and go back to San Francisco. The slow pace of life and the nosy neighbors in Magnolia are off-putting to her. As she gets to know her sisters and the town (and Gray Atwell) a little more, she becomes more reluctant to sell and leave.
I chose to read this book because of the Southeastern North Carolina setting, which is home to me, and because of the beach scene on the cover. A Southern beach read is really hard for me to resist. But I struggled a bit with the story in the first half before finally making a connection with it in the second half.
Things I liked: the North Carolina setting, the small town with the nosy/sometimes overbearing neighbors, Gray Atwell and his young daughter Violet, Avery's sisters
Things I didn't really like: This book was set in what appears to be a beach town, but there isn't really any beach to the story. Also, the real Magnolia, NC isn't on the beach-it's actually pretty close to where I live, further inland. I had a hard time warming up to Avery because of her attitude throughout parts of the story. She and her sisters didn't warm up to one another very quickly, so their relationship was contentious for a little while (thankfully, this changed).
Sidenote: This book mentions Scarlett O'Hara and Gone With The Wind in comparison to Magnolia and its residents, which felt incongruous considering that this area of North Carolina is much more nuanced than the South that Scarlett knew.
I think my expectations were a little high for this one considering that I've just finished another excellent newly-published book with three sisters who found one another as adults. There are some similarities with that book that made it nearly impossible for me not to compare them. I liked the bond that the sisters eventually form but it takes a while to get there, so the time that they liked and trusted one another is quite short in this installment. Hopefully Avery, Cassie, and Meredith will start off on a better foot in the next installment. It took me until about halfway through the story to really want to pick it up. For the second half, I was invested in the way things would turn out.
Of note, there is a single dad in the story. The romance progressed quickly and ended well. The end of the book is the set-up for the next installment featuring one of Avery's sisters.
Thank you to Harlequin publishing for sending me a free digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my thoughts in the form of a review!
Avery Keller has come to Magnolia, North Carolina for the reading of her father's will. She never knew him. After his recent death, she found out she has two sisters, only one of whom actually knew their dad. Their father has split his properties and left portions of his estate to each daughter. Avery initially wants to sell her portion, take the money, and go back to San Francisco. The slow pace of life and the nosy neighbors in Magnolia are off-putting to her. As she gets to know her sisters and the town (and Gray Atwell) a little more, she becomes more reluctant to sell and leave.
I chose to read this book because of the Southeastern North Carolina setting, which is home to me, and because of the beach scene on the cover. A Southern beach read is really hard for me to resist. But I struggled a bit with the story in the first half before finally making a connection with it in the second half.
Things I liked: the North Carolina setting, the small town with the nosy/sometimes overbearing neighbors, Gray Atwell and his young daughter Violet, Avery's sisters
Things I didn't really like: This book was set in what appears to be a beach town, but there isn't really any beach to the story. Also, the real Magnolia, NC isn't on the beach-it's actually pretty close to where I live, further inland. I had a hard time warming up to Avery because of her attitude throughout parts of the story. She and her sisters didn't warm up to one another very quickly, so their relationship was contentious for a little while (thankfully, this changed).
Sidenote: This book mentions Scarlett O'Hara and Gone With The Wind in comparison to Magnolia and its residents, which felt incongruous considering that this area of North Carolina is much more nuanced than the South that Scarlett knew.
I think my expectations were a little high for this one considering that I've just finished another excellent newly-published book with three sisters who found one another as adults. There are some similarities with that book that made it nearly impossible for me not to compare them. I liked the bond that the sisters eventually form but it takes a while to get there, so the time that they liked and trusted one another is quite short in this installment. Hopefully Avery, Cassie, and Meredith will start off on a better foot in the next installment. It took me until about halfway through the story to really want to pick it up. For the second half, I was invested in the way things would turn out.
Of note, there is a single dad in the story. The romance progressed quickly and ended well. The end of the book is the set-up for the next installment featuring one of Avery's sisters.
Thank you to Harlequin publishing for sending me a free digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my thoughts in the form of a review!
May 14, 2020
THE MAGNOLIA SISTERS is a great women's fiction novel about family and love. Avery arrives in Magnolia, North Carolina, after she learned who her father was upon his death. She heads into town to collect her inheritance and restart her life. She has fled San Francisco after a bad relationship led to reevaluating her life and priorities. What Avery quickly learns is that this inheritance is not so easy to get rid of, and she'll need to work with her two half-sisters (who also did not know they were related) to move through it.
As she learns more about this small town, Avery also finds her dislike turning into something more for single, divorced father, Gray, whose five-year-old daughter Violet is his everything. She is reluctant to start anything new, but she can't fight her attraction to the guy who seems too great- at least for now.
I really loved the focus on sisterhood- even when you didn't know until about 30 that you had sisters. The women are all close in age, and it was lovely to watch them bond. The secondary stories of Avery's romance with Gray, coming to terms with her past, and her bonding with Violet (and a rescue dog) were beautiful additions that made this book full of life and love.
Perfect for a summer/beach read, THE MAGNOLIA SISTERS is an engrossing and enjoyable read that begs to be finished in only one sitting. Highly recommend for people who love reading about sisterhood with a dash of romance.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
As she learns more about this small town, Avery also finds her dislike turning into something more for single, divorced father, Gray, whose five-year-old daughter Violet is his everything. She is reluctant to start anything new, but she can't fight her attraction to the guy who seems too great- at least for now.
I really loved the focus on sisterhood- even when you didn't know until about 30 that you had sisters. The women are all close in age, and it was lovely to watch them bond. The secondary stories of Avery's romance with Gray, coming to terms with her past, and her bonding with Violet (and a rescue dog) were beautiful additions that made this book full of life and love.
Perfect for a summer/beach read, THE MAGNOLIA SISTERS is an engrossing and enjoyable read that begs to be finished in only one sitting. Highly recommend for people who love reading about sisterhood with a dash of romance.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 18, 2020
This was my first book by author Michelle Major, but it won't be my last!! I loved everything about this book!!The plot was fun, the characters made you love them and hate them at the same time, the small town vibe was perfect and the writing style just flowed.
I admit I didn't really like Avery much in the beginning, but by the middle, I was a fan. Her snarky comments, her IDGAF attitude and her complete disregard for social norms was refreshing and fun. It helped that Carrie and Meredith balanced her out and then when she fostered Spot, I knew we could be friends IRL.
Violet and Grey were not people that Avery was looking for, but they became her people. They helped her to figure out what she wanted in life, what she was looking for. The small town vibe was spot on with all of the neighbors being in each others lives and business and I wanted to take a trip to meet them, especially Mayor Mal.
The plot was a bit predictable, but it was fun and left the reader wanting more! I can't wait to see what happens with Carrie and Mer-Bear in the next books! The author did a great job of leaving the reader with a satisfying concrete ending, but at the same time grabbing their attention and making them NEED the next book in the series.
An amazing new author to add to my favorites list!
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
I admit I didn't really like Avery much in the beginning, but by the middle, I was a fan. Her snarky comments, her IDGAF attitude and her complete disregard for social norms was refreshing and fun. It helped that Carrie and Meredith balanced her out and then when she fostered Spot, I knew we could be friends IRL.
Violet and Grey were not people that Avery was looking for, but they became her people. They helped her to figure out what she wanted in life, what she was looking for. The small town vibe was spot on with all of the neighbors being in each others lives and business and I wanted to take a trip to meet them, especially Mayor Mal.
The plot was a bit predictable, but it was fun and left the reader wanting more! I can't wait to see what happens with Carrie and Mer-Bear in the next books! The author did a great job of leaving the reader with a satisfying concrete ending, but at the same time grabbing their attention and making them NEED the next book in the series.
An amazing new author to add to my favorites list!
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
April 7, 2020
The Magnolia Sisters is a delightful, optimistic tale set in the small town of Magnolia, North Carolina. We meet Avery Keller, the main character of this story who is dealing with a broken life. She is dealing with the fallout of a disastrous relationship, the loss of her job and the discovery that she has to settle the estate of a father she didn't even know existed. Moving to Magnolia, she discovers that she also has two half-sisters. Throw in a romance with the local, divorced, handsome firefighter, who is also a single dad and Avery's life is about to be turned upside down.
I enjoyed meeting the characters in this story. Avery and her sisters all have very distinct personalities who tiptoe around each other as they become acquainted. They all inherit something different from their father and want to protect the estate for different reasons. As they get to know each other, they realize that they really do like each other and begin to forge a tentative relationship. Violet, Grayson's daughter is adorable. She is spunky, sassy and very realistic. She evoked a lot of feelings in me as she traversed her life with divorced parents. Then there was Gray. He was an awesome father, that loved his daughter with all his heart. He had not had it easy once his marriage broke up, but he is figuring it out. I was not sure about Avery in the beginning of this book. She seemed ready to give up everything without a fight, but as she begins to develop feelings for Gray, Violet and her sisters, Magnolia looked more and more like home to her. The writing was enjoyable with a great pacing. The story is a hopeful tale full of love, drama, family, friendship, community, self-discovery, new beginnings taking a chance to find happiness. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. The setup for Carrie's story was well done in the epilogue and definitely had me anticipating another visit to Magnolia. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I enjoyed meeting the characters in this story. Avery and her sisters all have very distinct personalities who tiptoe around each other as they become acquainted. They all inherit something different from their father and want to protect the estate for different reasons. As they get to know each other, they realize that they really do like each other and begin to forge a tentative relationship. Violet, Grayson's daughter is adorable. She is spunky, sassy and very realistic. She evoked a lot of feelings in me as she traversed her life with divorced parents. Then there was Gray. He was an awesome father, that loved his daughter with all his heart. He had not had it easy once his marriage broke up, but he is figuring it out. I was not sure about Avery in the beginning of this book. She seemed ready to give up everything without a fight, but as she begins to develop feelings for Gray, Violet and her sisters, Magnolia looked more and more like home to her. The writing was enjoyable with a great pacing. The story is a hopeful tale full of love, drama, family, friendship, community, self-discovery, new beginnings taking a chance to find happiness. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. The setup for Carrie's story was well done in the epilogue and definitely had me anticipating another visit to Magnolia. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
February 4, 2020
Avery's life has just fallen apart when she learns that the father she always had known as only a one night stand of her mother's not only knew about her, but left her something in his will. And in addition to that, she also has two sisters: one acknowledged and another like her. So, she travels to the small town of Magnolia, North Carolina to sort everything out. She aims to be in and out as quickly as possible, but what about those new sisters? Not to mention the hot firefighter living next door?
Major writes excellent characters that you want to know more about. Each of the three sisters have distinctly different personalities and are fun to read about.
While I did enjoy the writing, the story felt a little flat to me. The constant over reactions of the sisters was annoying. Avery's original trauma was also over blown and not believable. She also went from salty and interesting to mushy and boring fairly quickly. Overall, I enjoyed reading this okay, but definitely didn't love it.
Major writes excellent characters that you want to know more about. Each of the three sisters have distinctly different personalities and are fun to read about.
While I did enjoy the writing, the story felt a little flat to me. The constant over reactions of the sisters was annoying. Avery's original trauma was also over blown and not believable. She also went from salty and interesting to mushy and boring fairly quickly. Overall, I enjoyed reading this okay, but definitely didn't love it.
November 30, 2020
The Magnolia Sisters is book one and follows Avery as she heads to Magnolia, NC after her father dies. She doesn’t plan on staying long, just enough time to collect her inheritance because she never knew her father, so this isn’t an emotional experience for her. But she finds out she has two half sisters and the terms of her fathers will are complicated so she has to stay longer than she wants. Her love interest is Grayson, the single dad who lives next door. This was cute, a solid start to the series and it introduced the main and secondary characters in a fun and charming way. Grayson’s daughter, Violet stole the show for me, she’s a precocious five year old who speaks her mind freely and she cracked me up. The love story was sweet and funny and they had good chemistry.
October 6, 2021
2.5 estrellas que redondeo a tres porque al final me ha sorprendido (en el buen sentido de la palabra).
Cuando me quedaba apenas un 20% para terminar el libro iba a ponerle solo una estrella y media, así que ese final ha cambiado bastante mi opinión. Tampoco iba a seguir con la saga pero he decidido que voy a probar con el segundo libro. A ver qué tal.
Aún mejorando bastante, sigo pensando que las conexiones de todos los personajes (tanto la pareja protagonista como la relación entre las hermanas) son bastante forzadas. Vamos, que la escritora se precipita y parecen salir de la nada. El resto de los problemas que tenía con este libro, se han solucionado de manera satisfactoria al final. Claro está, para mí.
Cuando me quedaba apenas un 20% para terminar el libro iba a ponerle solo una estrella y media, así que ese final ha cambiado bastante mi opinión. Tampoco iba a seguir con la saga pero he decidido que voy a probar con el segundo libro. A ver qué tal.
Aún mejorando bastante, sigo pensando que las conexiones de todos los personajes (tanto la pareja protagonista como la relación entre las hermanas) son bastante forzadas. Vamos, que la escritora se precipita y parecen salir de la nada. El resto de los problemas que tenía con este libro, se han solucionado de manera satisfactoria al final. Claro está, para mí.
April 24, 2020
Thank you to Harlequin for the book to read and review. Such a cute little read. We meet Avery as she is going to her long lost father's will reading when she finds out she has not 1 but 2 half sisters. Along the way she meets single dad firefighter Grayson with his adorable daughter Violet. Avery and Grayson have great chemistry then add in the sassy little Violet and you have a cute and funny with some romance thrown in. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
July 15, 2020
I did read the prequel, A Magnolia Reunion, before starting this one, so I had an idea of what to expect from the setting of Magnolia, North Carolina. The plot line intrigued me on a personal level – Avery learning of her father’s death and that she has two half sisters and an inheritance waiting for her – shortly after her life turns into a downward spiral. Upon arriving in Magnolia, she manages to bump heads with not only her half sisters and other town members, but also single dad Grayson and his feisty young daughter. While The Magnolia Sisters could get a little predictable in some areas, I thought it was a cute read that moved at a smooth pace, with a charming small town setting and the potential for more sisters to tell their personal stories. I would definitely picking up the next books in the series for a sweet read!
I received a review copy
I received a review copy
April 25, 2020
A fun, small-town, romance with a heartwarming HEA. I'm so happy that Avery ended up loving Magnolia, and that her sisters were by her side. I love the relationship she had with Violet and the way she was real whenever she talked to her. I'm definitely looking forward to more of this series!!!
March 31, 2020
The Magnolia Sisters is a small-town romance with a ton of heart and characters you'd love to meet! Avery intends to collect her inheritance and go, but complications with the entire situation make that impossible as do her feelings for her new sisters, the handsome guy next door, and the quirky town itself. Grayson already has his hands full with his daughter and ex-wife but he can't resist the sensitivity Avery tries so hard to hide. The author has created a world I can't wait to revisit when the other sisters' stories come. If you enjoy heartwarming stories, believable characters, witty dialogue alongside a steamy romance, you'll love this story!
April 29, 2020
really enjoyed this.
April 30, 2020
Quick easy read. Predictable but fun
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