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The Crossing Trilogy #1
Magnolia Tree
After Sydney Grey returns to her quaint hometown of Stoney Creek and begins renovations on her childhood farm, she discovers a set of journals written by her mother. Presumed to have abandoned her family 20 years ago, a long-hidden secret about her mother is uncovered. Aided by her grandmother who returns to the farm, Sydney must rely on her instincts to uncover the mystery. But do they have enough clues to unravel the truth about her mother’s disappearance? ★★★★★ - "Hooked me right from the start and kept me guessing throughout." ★★★★★ - "Filled with characters that you can relate to. A great mystery."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 27, 2020
Sidney Grey has returned to the farmhouse where she was raised by her grandparents. She has great plans for the old place which includes major renovations as she intends to create a yoga retreat. The house holds a lot of memories for Sidney, but there are also many secrets surrounding her childhood home.
I very much enjoyed this first book of the Crossing Trilogy by June V. Bourgo. One of my favourite parts were reading the excerpts of the journals discovered during the renovations. They belonged to Sidney’s mother who disappeared from Sidney’s life when she was a baby.
The story has many unexpected twists, and it held my attention. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I very much enjoyed this first book of the Crossing Trilogy by June V. Bourgo. One of my favourite parts were reading the excerpts of the journals discovered during the renovations. They belonged to Sidney’s mother who disappeared from Sidney’s life when she was a baby.
The story has many unexpected twists, and it held my attention. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 10, 2023
Magnolia Tree takes a while to pick up. Not to get started per se, because a lot of things "get started" in the early scenes. But in terms of which are relevant, and the ways they interact together, it's not until the halfway point that it seems beyond rambling.
Oh, but when it gets good, it gets good.
There are certain books where to label them into one genre would be an insult to both the book and the genre. Magnolia Tree definitely falls into that category. As a mystery alone it doesn't make much sense. It takes a while to get to the mystery, and then you realize you've been there all along. The way the actuality of the mystery reveals itself is different than what I've come to expect with cozy mysteries, and in some ways the reader already knows the suspects before the mystery. At the same time, there's definitely some surprises that seem to come out of left field, but when you think about it they actually make sense, especially when everything comes together.
Meanwhile judging from cover alone one might expect this to have a typical storyline. Actually, the romance plays into the overall mystery in an unexpected way. I enjoyed all the twists and turns that strayed from the typical insta-love of various mystery genres and similar books.
The "paranormal" elements in this book weren't created to put this book in that genre, but rather to question the access of different planes during life and death. Unlike a "paranormal (cozy) mystery," the elements were created to be realistic and believable without having to suspend disbelief.
As for characters, I didn't always notice a lot of development, but all of the intertwining stories and unexpected relations were fascinating. I haven't read this kind of family questioning in adult (or new adult) literature before, and I love the way it unfolds in this one. At the center is a mystery that is actually relevant to the main characters and to the present day. I loved the way this one played out.
I have no idea whether I would read the sequel to this one. One thing I liked about Magnolia Tree was how complete it was. I feel like it's better that it ends where it is, and leaves it up to imagination what follows.
Oh, but when it gets good, it gets good.
There are certain books where to label them into one genre would be an insult to both the book and the genre. Magnolia Tree definitely falls into that category. As a mystery alone it doesn't make much sense. It takes a while to get to the mystery, and then you realize you've been there all along. The way the actuality of the mystery reveals itself is different than what I've come to expect with cozy mysteries, and in some ways the reader already knows the suspects before the mystery. At the same time, there's definitely some surprises that seem to come out of left field, but when you think about it they actually make sense, especially when everything comes together.
Meanwhile judging from cover alone one might expect this to have a typical storyline. Actually, the romance plays into the overall mystery in an unexpected way. I enjoyed all the twists and turns that strayed from the typical insta-love of various mystery genres and similar books.
The "paranormal" elements in this book weren't created to put this book in that genre, but rather to question the access of different planes during life and death. Unlike a "paranormal (cozy) mystery," the elements were created to be realistic and believable without having to suspend disbelief.
As for characters, I didn't always notice a lot of development, but all of the intertwining stories and unexpected relations were fascinating. I haven't read this kind of family questioning in adult (or new adult) literature before, and I love the way it unfolds in this one. At the center is a mystery that is actually relevant to the main characters and to the present day. I loved the way this one played out.
I have no idea whether I would read the sequel to this one. One thing I liked about Magnolia Tree was how complete it was. I feel like it's better that it ends where it is, and leaves it up to imagination what follows.
February 24, 2018
What an intriguing tale this story is.....love, deceit, reconciliation. I loved the characters and the storyline carried them all so well.
February 16, 2020
Sydney returns to her childhood farm home and begins an extensive remodel. This is in the semi-arid part of Canada called the Okanagan Desert. It is still a rural area, but gradually becoming more upscale. Her childhood friend, Jessie, appears and they friendship burgeons again. Sydney was raised by her grandmother Elizabeth Grey after her mother disappeared and her grandfather died of a massive heart attack. Her Nan (as she calls her Grandmother) rented the farm out and moved into town where she could start her own business. Sydney plans to turn the upstairs of the farmhouse into a yoga/meditation studio. People will be able to spend overnight, a week or more taking classes. The renovation will take in some of the out buildings and the barn is to sport a new look. The land remains rented to a neighbor that stares at her and freaks her out. She also believes she is being stalked by a man in town. The man wears dark clothing and drives a dark SUV. Then she is visited by her imaginary childhood friend and realizes this is a ghost. Then she hears slamming doors. She is certain the place is haunted. She falls in love with Jax, the handsome son of the owner of the restoration company. He declares his love and then the foreman of the project is put in charge and Jax goes to another city without a goodbye. A fire breaks out between Canada and the U. S. The command post uses her renovated upstairs as there headquarters, sleeping and shower area, etc. Her grandmother has a fall and breaks her ankle. Once she leaves the hospital, Sydney and Jessie bring her to the renovated farmhouse until the ankle heals enough that a walking cast can be put on. Then they realize the other ghost is Elizabeth’s husband and both are trying to warn them of danger. Worse she learns from her mother’s journals that Jax found that she and Jax could be brother and sister. When she realizes the imaginary childhood friend ghost is her mother’s spirit that has been warning her of danger, she cannot pinpoint the source. Then she finds the Keys that her ghostly grandfather had said to use. What she finds will shock you and her. No spoiler. You need to read to discover the dark secret hidden for so many years.
August 23, 2023
free ebook
her grandma raised her when her mother disappeared. her grandfather died. she grew up and her grandma gave her the farm and money to redo it. she hired someone to fix it up. they found her moms journals which she is reading a little bit at at time
her and the contractor were getting close and slept together once. then his dad told him something and he left town without talking to her. she doesnt know why he didnt call her and she didnt call him
a fire was coming near. the town set up firemans camp at her place
her grandma broke her ankle so she moved in too.
turns out his dad might be hers too. they did dna test and they are not related
the man next door had kidnapped her mom and kept her captive all those years. he killed his wife and her grandpa
she rescued her mom, her grandma hit the man over the head with a cast iron skillet and killed him
the fire went out after it rained and the firemen left. it didnt reach her property
her grandma raised her when her mother disappeared. her grandfather died. she grew up and her grandma gave her the farm and money to redo it. she hired someone to fix it up. they found her moms journals which she is reading a little bit at at time
her and the contractor were getting close and slept together once. then his dad told him something and he left town without talking to her. she doesnt know why he didnt call her and she didnt call him
a fire was coming near. the town set up firemans camp at her place
her grandma broke her ankle so she moved in too.
turns out his dad might be hers too. they did dna test and they are not related
the man next door had kidnapped her mom and kept her captive all those years. he killed his wife and her grandpa
she rescued her mom, her grandma hit the man over the head with a cast iron skillet and killed him
the fire went out after it rained and the firemen left. it didnt reach her property
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2018
Had me gripped to the end!
A great holiday read! I enjoyed Magnolia Tree as I relaxed on my sun lounger basking in glorious sunshine. I had just finished the renovations on my villa after 9 weeks of hard work so reading about Sydney's remodel of her Nan's farmhouse was a refreshing change. Someone else was doing the work and I could enjoy her choices of colour schemes and furnishings. I loved the author's description of the surrounding countryside and felt I was living there. I could almost feel the heat and fear of the approaching bush fires which added tension to the main storyline. This book has a mix of family secrets, strong women characters, spooky ghosts and steamy romance. But beware...once you start Magnolia Tree you can't put it down and it leaves a haunting memory in your mind. Recommended!
A great holiday read! I enjoyed Magnolia Tree as I relaxed on my sun lounger basking in glorious sunshine. I had just finished the renovations on my villa after 9 weeks of hard work so reading about Sydney's remodel of her Nan's farmhouse was a refreshing change. Someone else was doing the work and I could enjoy her choices of colour schemes and furnishings. I loved the author's description of the surrounding countryside and felt I was living there. I could almost feel the heat and fear of the approaching bush fires which added tension to the main storyline. This book has a mix of family secrets, strong women characters, spooky ghosts and steamy romance. But beware...once you start Magnolia Tree you can't put it down and it leaves a haunting memory in your mind. Recommended!
February 24, 2018
Yet again June succeeds in dazzling her readers with another stunning story. Readers will be able to identify with all of the emotions this story focuses on. It's essentially about going back into the past and revisiting familiar places and trying to put pieces together to make sense of the past and the present in order to move into the future. It's something I am sure we have all done.
A mysterious man in the cafe, a ghost in the magnolia tree and the discovery of old journals all hold clues into family secrets and long forgotten memories in this story about deception, harmony, hypocrisy and family ties.
A mysterious man in the cafe, a ghost in the magnolia tree and the discovery of old journals all hold clues into family secrets and long forgotten memories in this story about deception, harmony, hypocrisy and family ties.
March 12, 2022
Missing mother
Sydney has returned home to the farm. She's having the farm renovated and adding a yoga studio to it. She meets Jax who owns construction company doing the renovations. Sydney hasn't lived there since she was 5 years old. After her mother left and disappeared and her grandfather died she and her grandmother moved away. Now she's back and needs to find answers about the past.
Sydney has returned home to the farm. She's having the farm renovated and adding a yoga studio to it. She meets Jax who owns construction company doing the renovations. Sydney hasn't lived there since she was 5 years old. After her mother left and disappeared and her grandfather died she and her grandmother moved away. Now she's back and needs to find answers about the past.
August 31, 2023
Wow, this sure did keep me guessing right from the start. I thought I knew the ending but I was wrong on some of it. It is book 1 of 3 but could be a stand alone as the author gives you enough answers that you don’t have to read 2and 3. I would like to read 2 anyway if I can find it though.
There is mystery, romance, wandering souls and spirits and misunderstandings and all sorts of things happening in this book.
There is mystery, romance, wandering souls and spirits and misunderstandings and all sorts of things happening in this book.
October 15, 2022
Good Plot But......
The plot is quite good - lots of twists to the end. However the writing style does not have a writer's flair for words. This is the first book in the series so hopefully the style of the writing got better as the series progressed since the author is a good story teller.
The plot is quite good - lots of twists to the end. However the writing style does not have a writer's flair for words. This is the first book in the series so hopefully the style of the writing got better as the series progressed since the author is a good story teller.
August 23, 2023
Great Book
Omgosh! I’m not sure what I expected from this book, but I am sure I didn’t expect to read it so quickly. I thought it was going to be another small town love story but this one went way beyond that and kept me reading.
Won’t be any spoilers here, just a very good story.
Omgosh! I’m not sure what I expected from this book, but I am sure I didn’t expect to read it so quickly. I thought it was going to be another small town love story but this one went way beyond that and kept me reading.
Won’t be any spoilers here, just a very good story.
November 23, 2023
This was not what I expected it at all. I thought it would be a small town story with some mystery. It was so much more! And it even have a ghost twist. I loved it. I was enthralled from page one until the end. I thought the narrator did a great job keeping me interested. A must read for mystery fans who love twists and love it when a book surprises you!
June 4, 2024
WOW
I've just found you as an author and I'm so glad. This book is so much more. Many would end it with a body. But you chose a happier ending and gave us more to c. I'm anxious to see Chealse grow and will Sydney and Jax make it. Many books to look forward to. I'm a fan for sure.
I've just found you as an author and I'm so glad. This book is so much more. Many would end it with a body. But you chose a happier ending and gave us more to c. I'm anxious to see Chealse grow and will Sydney and Jax make it. Many books to look forward to. I'm a fan for sure.
August 12, 2025
No início estava a pensar que era mais um livro romântico lamechas, não estava nada à espera do que aconteceu.
Quando a autora fala de espiritualidade no início não estava a pensar que ela iria por espíritos para resolver um mistério e o poder da alma no ioga, enfim não gostei dessa parte. E mais uma vez não gosto de livros traduzidos em português do Brasil.
Quando a autora fala de espiritualidade no início não estava a pensar que ela iria por espíritos para resolver um mistério e o poder da alma no ioga, enfim não gostei dessa parte. E mais uma vez não gosto de livros traduzidos em português do Brasil.
April 7, 2019
I highly recommend this delightful romantic suspense. The characters are well-developed and relatable. The story hooked me right from the start and kept me guessing throughout. The author had several clever plot twists that I did not see coming. Looking forward to book 2!
July 12, 2019
Couldn't put it down
I read this in sittings. I found the topic of soul travel interesting.. It is fast paced but tells the story with all the details. I look forward to more of Ms. Bourgo's books
I read this in sittings. I found the topic of soul travel interesting.. It is fast paced but tells the story with all the details. I look forward to more of Ms. Bourgo's books
March 16, 2022
What a plot! Well-sculpted story with engrossing characters. An excellent read and held my interest throughout. A surprise ending with many ins & outs. Loved all of the women portrayed along with supporting characters. Really enjoyed and recommend.
April 19, 2022
DNF
Just couldn’t. So slow with a lot of info that I couldn’t wade through. All of the people and info about the fire - bleh. I totally skipped over all of the meeting business. Also, I’m 35% through and nothing has been said about her ability to see ghosts. Like get to it already.
Just couldn’t. So slow with a lot of info that I couldn’t wade through. All of the people and info about the fire - bleh. I totally skipped over all of the meeting business. Also, I’m 35% through and nothing has been said about her ability to see ghosts. Like get to it already.
July 18, 2022
Magnolia Tree
This story is written very well. At times, you are on the edge of your seat and cannot put it down . The wording made you feel like you were there. Thank you for writing this story.
This story is written very well. At times, you are on the edge of your seat and cannot put it down . The wording made you feel like you were there. Thank you for writing this story.
January 29, 2023
Great Book!.
I love the story, it was not written in the US but in Canada. Interesting information about wildfires and how they set up to fight them. The characters were well thought out, and the storyline had everything you want in a great mystery/romance gothic novel! Enjoy!!
I love the story, it was not written in the US but in Canada. Interesting information about wildfires and how they set up to fight them. The characters were well thought out, and the storyline had everything you want in a great mystery/romance gothic novel! Enjoy!!
April 16, 2023
Really good with a shocking ending!
I almost never read anything about the paranormal. I can buy a little but writers take it to extreme. But I figured out this had some after I was well into it and did enjoy everything. Glad I stuck with it!
I almost never read anything about the paranormal. I can buy a little but writers take it to extreme. But I figured out this had some after I was well into it and did enjoy everything. Glad I stuck with it!
August 19, 2023
Survival
The plot in this book is one that leaves you unable to put the book down. The characters are well developed. I read untilfou.r o'clock in the morning because I had to find the outcome.
The plot in this book is one that leaves you unable to put the book down. The characters are well developed. I read untilfou.r o'clock in the morning because I had to find the outcome.
October 19, 2023
Enjoyable story and predictable
Enjoyable story but predictable as most romance stories are. A few errors and could use better proofreading and editing. Glad it did not end in a cliffhanger.
Enjoyable story but predictable as most romance stories are. A few errors and could use better proofreading and editing. Glad it did not end in a cliffhanger.
January 28, 2024
Good book
There are a few grammatical errors and quite a bit of useless information. The part about the wildfire was also unimportant to the storyline.
The main story was good, keeping my attention and I really loved the last few chapters.
There are a few grammatical errors and quite a bit of useless information. The part about the wildfire was also unimportant to the storyline.
The main story was good, keeping my attention and I really loved the last few chapters.
April 11, 2024
A spectacularly written book that keeps one reading until the flow of events seem so real!
A well written book with amazingly described characters that never cease to surprise the reader! The cruelty of some characters were hard to even think about!
A well written book with amazingly described characters that never cease to surprise the reader! The cruelty of some characters were hard to even think about!
September 2, 2024
I love stories such as this with a touch of the paranormal. The plot was well developed and the characters were interesting. I am anxious to continue the series but hope the author puts her next two novels through a better editing process.
March 11, 2025
best of 2025
So happy I decided to buy this book. Book 1 of 3. The story of Elizabeth, Sydney and Chelsea Grey kept me from sleeping! The subject matter was well presented. Don’t want to express any spoilers. I will happily continue with the rest of this series.
So happy I decided to buy this book. Book 1 of 3. The story of Elizabeth, Sydney and Chelsea Grey kept me from sleeping! The subject matter was well presented. Don’t want to express any spoilers. I will happily continue with the rest of this series.
November 10, 2025
Captivating Book
This book kept my attention. I read it in a day! I have never read a book like this. Loved (most of) the characters and their relationships. If I could, I would deduct half of a star for typos.
This book kept my attention. I read it in a day! I have never read a book like this. Loved (most of) the characters and their relationships. If I could, I would deduct half of a star for typos.
January 5, 2020
Creative with multiple mystery’s to solve. Love the sweet romance with twist I didn’t see coming all set in a small town. I really enjoyed this story
January 23, 2020
Great story
I loved the story and it's twists, loved how it combined love and mystery. Truly great writing style, will definitely read more of her stories.
I loved the story and it's twists, loved how it combined love and mystery. Truly great writing style, will definitely read more of her stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews