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Sweet Canary Jane

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What’s the recipe for a dream come true? Bestselling magical realism author Jennifer Moorman welcomes you back to Mystic Water, an enchanting town where anything is possible. Pastry chef Jane Pruitt has a special gift—her dreams give her premonitions and recipes that can change a person’s life. Her Tiger’s Eye chocolate could give a man a few days of much-needed luck. Her Mighty Magnolia chocolate could give a woman the courage to finally book the vacation of a lifetime. But Jane hasn’t had a dream in six months, and she has a good idea why. Brokenhearted, she leaves city life and her hurricane of a boyfriend to follow a dream she’s had since opening a confectionery. With a business plan and a car full of boxes, Jane moves to Mystic Water to open her confectionery within a few weeks . . . only to end up homeless, jobless, and hopeless. Desperate, Jane and her sister, Claire, move in with a man who has spare rooms and an infectious smile Jane can’t help but notice. Will taking chances in life and in love bring back Jane’s dreams and lead her to the life she’s always desired? In Sweet Canary Jane , friendship, chocolate, and hope are stirred together to create a magical story about being true to yourself, knowing your worth, and opening up to the transforming power of love.

318 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2020

4 people are currently reading
121 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Moorman

27 books644 followers
Jennifer Moorman is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of five novels, including The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds, The Magic All Around, and the Mystic Water Series. Her creative works also include a collection of folklore retellings and Strawberry Shortcake children’s books. Praised by Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and others, The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds is described as “imbued with Moorman’s trademark touch of magic,” “a seamless blend of history and magical realism,” “an absolute treasure of a book,” and “absolutely mesmerizing.”

A double major graduate of Middle Tennessee State University from the Recording Industry and English programs, her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including People, Parade, Writer’s Digest, The Nerd Daily, Women’s World Magazine, Hollywood Weekly, and many more. She holds degrees with concentrations in mass communications, linguistics, and fiction writing, reflecting her diverse background in storytelling and communication.

She put together a band and toured the United States as an accomplished professional singer for five years. She also worked many years as a senior editor for Harper Collins, guiding authors through the writing, editing, and publishing processes.

Jennifer is the cocreator and cohost of the podcast One Happy Thing with fellow bestselling authors Kerry Anne King and Maddie Dawson.

When she’s not writing, you can find her testing a new recipe, chasing rainbows, or stargazing. Jennifer lives in a magic house in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Marisa.
1,356 reviews113 followers
July 17, 2020
I fall more and more in love with these books with each installment. So magical!!
Profile Image for Claire Mc Partlin.
795 reviews28 followers
August 17, 2020
This is one of my favourite series.  I think each book I read just gets better and better, I just love a  magical realism book and Jennifer Moorman's Mystic Water books epitomise it perfectly.  Even though the books are all set in Mystic Water they can be read as standalones, so don't worry if you haven't read any other in the series yet.

The main character, Jane, was in an abusive relationship and managed to escape to Mystic Water with plans to open her own confectionery store.  She'd kept the abuse from her family, but then her sister arrives in town to help her out and provide moral support.  Jane is a very gentle character whereas Claire, her sister, is the complete opposite, so it works really well.

Whilst settling in they meet various people and magical happenings are always gently in the background, for example with Noelle who can sense what people need before they even know they do themselves, and Jane's chocolates that help people in need of a little direction in their lives, i.e. confidence, forgiveness, etc.  And Canary Cottage is just wonderful, a place you'd love to live in with little secrets hidden inside.

There are romances for both Jane and Claire, and even a bit of nastiness with Jane's ex works out OK as Jane's confidence has grown in leaps and bounds since she left him.

A really lovely story with great characters.  Long may the Mystic Water series continue as I for one will definitely be reading them!
Profile Image for Cindy Griffin.
99 reviews
August 24, 2020
Jane Pruitt has been looking for a change that she desperately needs. She has always been able to rely on her dreams for guidance, but her dreams no longer speak to her. Is it possible for Jane to find her dreams again and start over in a place she only knows of from a postcard? Jane makes the move to Mystic Water to open a confectionery and begin a new life. Everything is set. Equipment and supplies have been purchased. Just as her dreams seem to be coming true, misfortune begins to rain down upon Jane and her plans.

Jennifer Moorman’s newest novel, Sweet Canary Jane, is a story of starting over. Sometimes life must get impossibly difficult for us to realize that it’s time to take charge and make our dreams come true. Moorman weaves magic, hopes, dreams, and new beginnings into an engaging new story that blends perfectly with the town and residents of Mystic Water.
Profile Image for Aubrey.
60 reviews8 followers
August 23, 2020
Every time I pick up one of Jennifer’s books, it’s exactly what I need when I need it. We all could use a happy story about finding ourselves again and overcoming our hardships. This book delivered, as do all of the others in the mystic water series. I especially loved the goodie descriptions throughout the book and the moments of magical realism. There’s nothing better than curling up with a happy and magical book, and this one hit the spot.
1 review
August 20, 2020
Jennifer Moorman cooks up and serves us another delicious tale about our beloved town, Mystic Water, with Sweet Canary Jane. We get to visit with a few familiar characters as well as fall in love with a whole new set of lovable and believable people that we will now think fondly of after the book has been finished. Sweet Canary Jane is just the right combination of humor, magic, and raw life that makes Moorman’s stories some of our favorites. Whether you’re an old friend of Mystic Water, or just stumbled across the town line, I know this is a story that will satisfy the hungriest of appetites.
Profile Image for Brandi Rowland .
6 reviews9 followers
August 22, 2020
I received an advanced copy of this book. I’ll be honest...I didn’t know magical realism was a thing, yet I was intrigued. The term is perfect for this book. I could have read it in one sitting easily, but...life.

I am so glad I gave it a chance. I loved the story, the characters, everything!

It’s hard to say if I’ll read another magical realism author, but I will definitely read Jennifer Moorman’s entire backlist.
1 review
August 20, 2020
I just finished the advanced reading of Sweet Canary Jane and just fell in love with this series all over again! Jennifer weaves love and magic into every tale and this one was no different. After reading this, and the other Mystic Water books, it makes me wish I could live there too! Jennifer has such a sweet way of taking the reader into Mystic Water and keeping them spellbound until the very end. I am always disappointed that the story ends and look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Lisa Fillion.
2 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2020
Such a delightful & enchanting read. If you enjoy magical realism peppered with sweet treats you will love this book. Sweet, uplifting & magical. Jennifer makes the reader want to move to Mystic Water. I honestly wish I could! 😊
Profile Image for Laura Seppala-symington.
10 reviews
August 17, 2020
I had not heard the term 'magical realism' until I encountered my first Jennifer Moorman book, but it fits and I'm loving it!
I've thoroughly enjoyed each book where I've gotten to visit Mystic River, & Sweet Canary Jane gave me another chance to visit with some beloved characters, and meet some new ones.
I was excited to get an advanced copy, and I loved it!
Profile Image for Isabelle.
6 reviews
August 2, 2020
I think Jennifer Moorman bewitches her books with a magic of her own, because the more I read them, the more I am completely head-over-heels in love, and this coming from someone who doesn't really like magical realism (at least not the ones I read back in college).

Sweet Canary Jane is no exception. It's bringing me all the enchantment, romance, and magic I personally look for in books that speak to me. In fact, it's rapidly becoming one of my all time favorites, right up there with The Baker's Man and Honeysuckle Hollow! Moorman is not only a gifted writer, but her words are magic and nourishment to the soul.

She's definitely changing my mind about magical realism, and even if I still hesitate in picking up other authors of the genre, I will ALWAYS pick up her books no matter what.
138 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2020
I have been a fan of Jennifer Moorman's books since I read The Baker's Man and fell in love with Mystic Water and its residents. Themes of love, loss, redemption and rebirth run throughout each book with fascinating characters who have complicated and sometimes painful lives but always strive to do better and embrace happiness. Sweet Canary Jane is another great addition to the Mystic Water series. However, it deals head on with a very sad and real problem in society, that of spousal abuse. When the reader first meets Jane Pruitt, she is emotionally and physically battered. Her dreams, which make her special and enable her to connect with others in unique ways, have disappeared, and a once colorful and creative life has darkened to greys and blacks. Amazingly, Jane finds the strength to leave her abuser with Mystic Water, a place she's never been but is drawn to through a postcard left by former guests at the hotel dining room where she worked, as her destination. There she plans to open a confectioner's shop and create delicious, beautiful, and somewhat magical treats that will lift the spirits of her customers. As with any plan, many unexpected obstacles arise, including a handsome young man who is drawn to Jane and finds himself unexplainably wanting to help her. With the help of her sister Claire and new friends she finds in Mystic Water, Jane realizes her dream of owning her own shop while at the same time healing from the abuse she suffered and learning to love again. Although the topic of abuse is dark, Jane's story of rising above her pain and brokenness is inspiring and hopeful. And there's just enough magic to make us want to go back to Mystic Water again and again.
Profile Image for Yolanda (readmorethrillers).
347 reviews17 followers
August 26, 2020
Sweet Canary Jane is a story about a woman, who after finding the courage to leave her abusive boyfriend, starts a life of her own. She has an incredible talent as a pastry chef and has always dreamed of opening her own confectionery. As all the pieces start to fall into place, Jane finds herself able to navigate a new life full of hope, healing and happiness.

Jane is such a likable character. She struggles a lot in life but she’s determined and she knows what she wants. I loved the secondary characters in this book as well. They became such a crucial part of Jane’s support system. Jane is surrounded by people who lift her up every step of the way.

This was my first magical realism book and I thought it was uplifting and refreshing. I was cheering for Jane in every chapter. The setting was whimsical and my mouth was watering over the description of Jane’s sweet creations. I seriously wanted to be in Jane’s kitchen with her tasting all her sugary treats and smelling the sweet aroma of chocolate and spices.

Thank you Jennifer for sending me a copy of your book. I’m looking forward to joining Jennifer on a virtual book launch party this weekend.
Profile Image for Deborah Wiltshire Whaley.
1 review
August 27, 2020
Reading one of Jennifer Moorman’s books is like going on a sweet culinary adventure to the town of Mystic Water. Her characters are richly imagined, the town itself shimmers with love and magic is always in the air. Character weave in and out of each book so when a character from a previous book walks onto the page I always want to hug them and say hello it’s been too long since I’ve seen you! How are you? That is only part of the magic of Jennifer Moorman. I love a happy ending and the power of pulling through difficult times with the help of others and of course magic.
Profile Image for Erin Trump.
2,263 reviews28 followers
August 27, 2020
This was a fun cozy little feel good story that was really enjoyable.

Jane is a caring free spirit with a special gift. Until she ignores her gift and loses it.

Jane finds herself in an abusive relationship and she doesn’t know how she let herself get here, but she’s got an escape plan! Will it work? And what magic will she find if it does?

I enjoyed going on this path to self-healing and sunshine, and all the yummy treats throughout the whole book had me craving sweet confections throughout.

Profile Image for Jeanne Arnold.
Author 8 books198 followers
August 27, 2020
If you don’t believe in the power of dessert, you will after reading this enchanting story. Sweet Canary Jane, the newest installment of the beloved Mystic Water books, is full of hopes and tears and interesting characters. Jane’s imaginative creations can be tasted page after page as they guide her to follow her dreams, relight her faith in true romance, and rediscover the importance of knowing her self-worth. Such an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Ashley Jarman.
10 reviews
August 25, 2020
I loved this book had everything you could want, suspense, romance and a touch of magic. This book caught my attention from the first few pages absolutely amazing read I recommend 100%
Profile Image for Nadia (tails_and_tomes).
38 reviews24 followers
August 28, 2020
I loved this happy magical realism book! The main character, Jane, is a sweet, gentle soul that moves on from an abusive relationship to make a new beginning in Mystic Water. I found all the characters very likable & relatable. The magical elements made me wish that I could live in Mystic Water, too! Grab a copy of this endearing novel & get lost in a feel-good story that will leave you with feeling warm & fuzzy!
2 reviews
August 1, 2020
I LOVE magical realism. Can't get enough of it, in fact. I've read and enjoyed all of Jennifer's previous books, so I jumped at the chance to read the advance copy of Sweet Canary Jane. I could have devoured this in one sitting, but real life called and I savoured it over three days. It was warm and whimsical, having its fair share of quirky characters graced with magical gifts. It was wonderful being back in Mystic Waters again with some familiar faces, but if you've never read any of the Mystic Water series, don't let that stop you from reading this novel. It's a great stand alone in its own right. You too will be craving Jane's confectionery treats and be wishing for a home like Canary Cottage. Happy reading!
Profile Image for _jolb.85_.
41 reviews
October 27, 2021
If you’re looking for a captivating read to draw you in, Jennifer Moorman’s Sweet Canary Jane will do just that. Magic realism meets whimsy, hope and confectionary in Mystic Water, where anything can happen, magic can be found in the most surprising of places and hope, friendship and love are grown in abundance. The icing on the champagne truffle, is that Jennifer weaves delicious and mouthwatering recipes into her work which adds to the charm and intrigue of Sweet Canary Jane. If you enjoy finding magic in the everyday little things, then Mystic Water is the place you need to visit. You will be enveloped in happiness and laughter and will never want to leave. We could all use a little of extraordinary in our lives and Jennifer Moorman is a master of weaving magic into the every day.
333 reviews6 followers
August 27, 2020
Sugar and spice and everything nice! That is exactly what you come to expect when you read a book by Jennifer Moorman about the magical town of Mystic Water - and her newest book - Sweet Canary Jane - does not disappoint!

Pastry chef Jane Pruitt has a dream of opening up her own confectionary shop. Standing in her way is her abusive boyfriend - but she has a plan and after one fateful night - she finds the strength to leave. And she arrives in Mystic Water.

Told from different POVs - Jane, her fun-loving and protective sister Claire and two amazingly handsome new men in their lives - Lucas and Brandon, Sweet Canary Jane takes you on a magical journey. You are immediately drawn into a world where you see the future in dreams, where you actually smell the enticing aromas of chocolate treats and sugary cookies that mend broken hearts and help with forgiveness and where people just know what you want, without you saying anything.

I am new to magical realism books - and I now love them. How wonderful to take a step into a world where anything you could dream up - happens. I loved the magical responses to the baking and sweets and found myself engrossed in the love stories and sweet homespun goodness of the read.

And for fans of Jennifer Moorman's other books that take place in Mystic Water - you feel at home
when there are glimpses of characters met in past books.

Sweet Canary Jane is a joyful escape where love and sweets can cure anything! And, we can all use a fun escape!

Slight trigger with some mention of abuse
Profile Image for Jessamyn Rock.
182 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2020
I think it is magical that I finished this book last night just in time for the release of it out into the world.
Sweet Canary Jane tells the story of a disheartened pastry chef (Jane) who dreams of opening her own confectionery but ends up homeless, jobless, and loveless in a new town. So what does she do? She leans on her magical confections to help change her fate and find her place in Mystic Waters.
This was exactly the kind of break I needed from the world. Heading back to Mystic Waters was the perfect escape. I have enjoyed all of Jennifer Moorman’s Mystic Water novels. If you love the Hallmark channel or a good rom-com movie, this book is perfect for you. I love how Jennifer Moorman blends magical realism, delicious sweet treats, and finding love when you aren’t sure if you are ready together. Jane escapes an abusive relationship only to struggle as she sets up her new life. All she knows is that she needs to be true to herself. Her confections bring people together and inspire forgiveness, love, and openness. Focusing on her passion gives Jane the time to heal and open up herself to Mystic Waters.
I always say Jennifer should be writing screenplays for the Hallmark Channel. I think she should be pitching her novels to them. I could totally see this as a limited series or a movie.
Profile Image for Joana  Almeida.
293 reviews11 followers
November 23, 2020
When Jane escaped an abusive relationship and took refuge at the whimsical town of Mystic Water, she found more than just a place to open her dream confectionery and find her perfect home.
In Mystic Water Jane meet the Inn manager Noelle, who always have something Jane needs in hand, May and Oliver, two beloved characters we already meet in a previous book and who “guided” Jane to their town, Lucas, the dreamy lawyer that helps Jane and her sister Claire, and a few other amazing characters, some new, others that we already meet, and all of them gave this story so much meaning and depth! The initial chapters where a bit hard to read given Jane relationship, but after that, everything changed and we get involved in Jane’s healing path as well as in the scent of her delicious recipes! I had to keep pausing my reading so I could go snack something, cause reading this book with an empty stomach is an impossible act!! Every description of Jane’s cooking gave me mouth watering and a rumbling belly!😆 Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and Jennifer Moorman never fails at that special magical realism touch in her stories, all involved in the warm southern charm I love so much!🥰
Profile Image for Tonya Berry.
44 reviews
April 20, 2021
I loved this book! I love the magical setting of mystic water. The series of books is one of my favorites. 😄
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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