Among the Fair Magnolias - Dorothy Love, Tamera Alexander, Elizabeth Musser, Shelley Gray

While I don’t read a ton of novella collections, this one caught my eye.  I’ve enjoyed reading a couple of the authors in the past and I’m always up for a good love story!  After reading it, I was happy with two of the stories – the other two, not so much.

       A Heart So True – Dorothy Love

Pawleys Island, South Carolina – 1860

Abby’s heart belongs to Dr. Bennett, while her family is urging her to consider an alliance with a neighbor, Charles.  Abby’s heart is set, but will she choose love or duty?

This was basically an okay story.  If I read a summary and see the words “love story,” I have the expectation of reading about two people coming together.  Technically, this did happen, but I felt that more interaction between Wade and Abby was necessary to make me care about their relationship.  I wished there had been less “random moments” and more detail about their relationship.

      To Mend a Dream – Tamera Alexander

Nashville, Tennessee – 1870

This is the story of Savannah, a minor character in To Win Her Favor, a full-length novel by Tamera Alexander.  In the novel, Savannah is searching for something her father had hidden away for their future.  Now, she’s struggling for money and trying to provide for her brother and sister.  When she’s given the task of helping the new owners of her former home redecorate, she has the opportunity to search for what she seeks, but dealing with the man of the house and his fiancée might be the hardest part.  Aiden is also questioning his future and meeting Savannah helps him put his priorities in order.

I really liked this story.  I remembered Savannah from the novel and was pleased to read more about her.  This was a well-balanced story that I heartily recommend.

      Love Beyond Limits – Elizabeth Musser

Wilkes County, Georgia – 1868

This is the story of Emily, a plantation owner’s daughter, who fancies herself in love with a freedman.  She’s being pursued by her childhood friend, but thinks of him more as a brother.  As things get more dangerous in Georgia, Emily is vocal about where her loyalties lie and tries to put off her suitor, Thomas, who doesn’t hold the same political views she does.

After reading this one, I had to go back and make sure these were all supposed to be LOVE stories.  This one felt more like a history lesson on what life was like after the Civil War in Georgia.  I had the same issues with this story that I had with A Heart So True: where is the love story?  Yes, you have a happy ending, but getting there was painful since I had to wade through so many historical facts and random nonsense.  I didn’t even like Emily’s character.  Something about her just grated on my nerves.  I don’t like to give negative reviews, but I seriously did not like this story.  The last few pages were the best part.

       An Outlaw’s Heart – Shelley Gray

Texas - July 1878

Russell was forced to leave his home when he was fifteen.  Now, seven years later, he’s come back to reconcile himself to what happened before leaving forever.  He risked it all to save the girl he loved, then was turned away by those he thought would stand beside him.  He became an outlaw, but he’s walking the straight path now.  Coming back home, he finds Nora, his one true love.  Something is off about her new suitor, and Russell decides to remain in town until he determines that the man will make her happy.  Either that, or he’ll run him out of town.

I really liked this story, probably the best balanced one I read.  Nora is sweet and Russell has a kind heart, making it easy to love these characters.  The story is complete and doesn’t feel rushed.

There was a strong finish to this novella collection, but liking only two out of the four stories leaves me wondering how to rate it overall.  I think To Mend a Dream and An Outlaw’s Heart definitely earn 5 stars on their own, while the other two I’d give 2 or 3 stars.  So, I’ll go with the average and give it 4 stars.  Semi-good Book

*I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.