Falling in love with Daisy was easy for Jack. But finding the courage to tell her becomes problematic when his secret feelings lead to even bigger complications. From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom and A December Bride (now beloved Hallmark Original movies) comes the final book in the Blue Ridge Romance series. After two years of counseling sessions with Daisy Pendleton, Pastor … Pendleton, Pastor Jack McReady has earned a permanent spot in her life as a spiritual leader–and nothing more. Jack would never risk losing her trust by exposing the depths of his heart, but he’s hopelessly in love with her.
Daisy loves her southern small-town life and her job at her family-run flower shop, but she doesn’t have the thing she longs for most: someone to share it with. Her recent foray into online dating has been a disaster–until she meets TJ.
Jack could kill his friend Noah for using his initials and some indistinct photos to set up a profile on the dating app Daisy is using. But when he’s finally afforded the opportunity to show her a different side of himself, he’s sucked into the plan before he has time for second thoughts.
Online, Daisy shares some of her greatest fears with TJ, but in person, Jack and Daisy are spending more time together. When a devastating family secret surfaces, Daisy knows that only her trusted friend and counselor can bring her comfort. Jack wants nothing more than to be both men for Daisy, but revealing his secret will prove to be the ultimate test of Daisy’s grace.
“I have never read a romance by Denise Hunter that didn’t sweep me away into a happily ever after. Treat yourself!” –Robin Lee Hatcher, bestselling author of Who I Am with You
“Move over You’ve Got Mail because in Denise Hunter’s On Magnolia Lane you’ve got an e-romance with enough RAM (romance and magic) not only to sputter your software, but to tug at your heart while touching your soul. Easily one of the top romance writers in the CBA, Hunter is a master at inspirational love stories that linger in one’s memory–and hard drive–long after the last page.” –Julie Lessman, award-winning author
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At first I thought this book didn’t start out as good as the other two in this series, but by half way through it was all coming together about learning to forgive ourselves and others, as well as show grace to ourselves and others. And it ended on a high note and was also very romantic. Another great read by Denise Hunter!
A long time fan of Denise Hunter, I was so excited to read this one. I loved the other books in this incredibly written series, and getting to read Pastor Jack’s story (which I love his character, namely because my own church’s pastor is Pastor Jack!) and finding out more about him and Daisy.
Once again, in trademark Hunter fashion, she blends laughter, romance, faith, grace and hope into a captivating, fun read. Her characters quickly become friends and make you feel right at home in the heart of the Blue Ridge. Each page turn, Hunter gives her readers something new and fun, making the book come to an end before you know it.
This is most definitely worthy of 4 stars and two thumbs up. You won’t soon forget Pastor Jack and Daisy, nor the familiar characters of the past books. Mrs. Hunter will keep you cocooned in the heart of the story, taking you on the fun loving ride of ups and downs, laughs and quirky characters. I know this is the final installment of the series, but I sure hope this talented author will have more just like it soon!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins (Thomas Nelson) and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*Denise Hunter
‘Sometimes you just have to extend a little grace to people. Not because they deserve it…but because we don’t deserve it either.’
Denise Hunter visits her Blue Ridge Romance series again with this third offering and, in my opinion, the best yet.
Pastor Jack McReady has been in love with Daisy for a while now, but she’s a member of his congregation and he feels that he doesn’t deserve her. He’s counseled her numerous times but still feels guilty about falling for a parishioner. His friend Noah finds out that Daisy has joined an online dating service and secretly creates a profile for Jack, using his first name so he will remain anonymous.
Daisy runs a small flower shop and is happy with her life. She does want to have a family one day, but feels unworthy of that because of a learning disability. But she finds a friend in ‘TJ’, the unknown friend on the dating site. She continues to be friends with her pastor, too. Then she is hit broadside with a long buried family secret and turns to Jack for help in his role as her pastor. She is also involved in a huge community project. Then, as they tend to do, secrets become unburied. Will these two allow God to plan their future instead of them knowing how it should go?
I loved this story so much. Pastor Jack was one of the most humble men I’ve ever known and Daisy is just precious in her personality. The premise here was so much fun to read. I loved it from the first line. “Jack McReady had fallen in love with Daisy in one-hour increments.” It only gets better from here. I read this in one day, couldn’t stop reading! Denise Hunter at her best. Recommended.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
From the very first page, I fell for Pastor Jack. I love that Hunter made sure to emphasize that, while he is the spiritual leader of his church, he’s also a man. He’s developed feelings for a friend but unfortunately she seems oblivious, which is very frustrating for him. And in a moment of weakness he connects to her through a dating site … while hiding his identity. You know it isn’t going to end well, yet you easily understand how he found himself caught up in the deception. It lets you seen the more human side of him right along with Daisy.
Daisy is a sweet and caring person but she is a little stuck on how some things from her past affect how she feels about herself. And she’s definitely a little clueless when it comes to Jack 🙂 She has a habit of putting people up on a pedestal and unfortunately that’s what she’s done to him. But life tends to knock them down and things are quickly going to get complicated for her. When the dust settles, she’s definitely done some growing up and has a few things to come to terms with, including her feelings for Jack.
Packed full of emotions, On Magnolia Lane wonderfully explores the idea of identity and perception, secrets and forgiveness. All while delivering a tender love story that, more than once, made me give a little happy sigh.
**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**
Pastor Jack McReady is an excellent male protagonist who is insecure around women. The leading female is Daisy Pendleton, a giving person, who has dyslexia and doesn’t feel qualified to be a pastor’s wife although she admires Pastor Jack and thinks he is attractive! The road to romance is very rocky for Daisy and Pastor Jack. Daisy suffers several disappointments in people and learns to forgive and give grace to others. Denise has written another winner with On Magnolia Lane.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A very interesting story that includes a florist, a pastor, an internet connection and secrets that have been hidden for years. Unknown to Daisy, the florist, Pastor Jack has held a torch for her for two years or longer. Through counseling sessions, church services and friendly get togethers at the local hangout, The Rusty Nail, he has kept his secret. A friend seeing the potential for the two of them, sets the pastor up with a profile on a dating site that Daisy is already on. Daisy begins a correspondence not knowing she is learning about her shy pastor. A disaster waiting to happen?
Daisy has always kept her deceased father on a pedestal and looked up to her mother. A family secret kept for many years has burst her bubble and draws a wedge between her and her mom.
A local girl’s home is hit by a tornado and damages part of it. Daisy takes on a project to raise money for repairs. With her world slowly crumbling around her how can she take on anything more?
This story takes you on a journey to learn of God’s forgiveness as well as our forgiveness to others.
This story has enough going on that it is nowhere near a boring read. I highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
You may know Denise Hunter from her 30 published books or the two Hallmark movies based on her work. I’d seen the two movies but this is my first taste of her writing. I really liked this story. I appreciate a character that’s not afraid or apologetic about having faith, praying or attending church. The subject is a necessary part of the storyline and it’s handled nicely.
Our hero is Jack McReady. He’s in his mid-thirties, a little shy, apparently looks like an Armani ad model and oh yes, he’s a pastor in Copper Creak, Georgia. For the past few years he’s been fighting, and hiding, his attraction to a pretty parishioner. While there’s no set rule, he still wonders how his being involved with a member of his congregation would be taken. He’s not even sure she’s attracted to him, the man, or only thinks of him as her pastor. It’s becoming more difficult to keep his feelings to himself.
Our heroine is Daisy Pendleton. Co-owner of Oopsy Daisy, a flower shop (what else). She’s in her mid-twenties, blond hair, a heart of gold and rotten luck with her love life. She has no idea her pastor has romantic feelings for her. She’s signed up with an on-line dating app, it’s not going well.
When Jack finds out about the dating app he’s convinced he must act now, before some other man swoops in and steals her heart. We’re treated to lots of angst, guilt, longing looks, dating profiles, rock climbing (not kidding), idols knocked off pedestals, and siblings popping up. It’s a fun journey.
Gram delivers a line that touched me. “Sometimes you just have to extend a little grace to people.” Isn’t that a wonderful motto to add to our lives? These days grace seems to be in short supply.
As this is a romance book there is a happy ending. We’d be disappointed if there wasn’t. Receiving a free book ARC is a true privilege and one I certainly enjoy. Being able to share my opinion is a pleasure. Both are free and without obligation. Happy reading.
On Magnolia Lane was full of surprises, romance, a fabulous setting, and intriguing characters. I especially loved Daisy and her compassionate heart. I also loved how Denise Hunter wrote a character like Daisy with a learning disability, but in a positive light. We need more of that! It’s bittersweet for this series to come to an end, but I’m very excited to see what else this author has in store for readers.
“Sometimes you just have to extend a little grace to people. Not because they deserve it – but because we don’t deserve it either.”
This third installment in Denise Hunter’s Blue Ridge Romance series can definitely be read as a stand-alone (though I’ve read many of Denise Hunter’s books, I haven’t read the first two books in this series). The author once again captivates the reader with her easy-to-read fluid writing style, emotionally raw scenes that make the plot, steady and swoon-worthy hero, and a deep life and faith lesson that touches universally. Extending and accepting grace is a big theme for quite a few characters in the book. If you enjoy contemporary romance, you will definitely want to read this book.
Pastor Jack finally gets his own story, after having appeared in all the books in the series and then some. He’s kind, tender, compassionate, funny, and intelligent yet often insecure around women. He’s been in love with Daisy for quite some time now but isn’t sure how to make his feelings known. Daisy is a fun, loving, and generous part-owner of a florist shop whose world is turned upside down in a short span of time due to family secrets being unearthed. Their friendship/relationship is slow, sweet, and lovely even with all the hiccups and stumbling blocks along the way. I love the way the author pulls together a group of wonderful and memorable characters into a charming small-town atmosphere to create a world in which the reader can love, weep, and rejoice with our fictional friends.
I received a copy of the book from the author and Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. I was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
This wasn’t what I expected but I thought it was a perfect conclusion to this awesome series! Daisy and Jack have been characters in all the previous books so I got to know them a little before this story.
Daisy is single and working at her flower shop when an unexpected woman shows up that starts making her question everything about her perfect perception of life that she’s lived.
Jack is trying to be the Pastor he needs to be to his congregation, a good friend and also more-then-a-friend to Daisy.
It’s a journey for both of them of realizing that a need for perfection isn’t worth it and that you will find no perfect person. Forgiveness and grace also play a central role woven throughout the story. I liked how these two characters balance each other out and you see how a friendship can turn into love in the long run. I don’t want to give anything away but definitely a must read! I loved it!
What a great final book in the Blue Ridge Romance series! On Magnolia Lane can easily be read as a stand alone novel if you have not read the previous books. If you have read them, you will have gotten some hints of Pastor Jack McReady’s interest in Daisy Pendleton. An interest that Daisy is completely unaware of!
On Magnolia Lane is Daisy and Jack’s story, packed with plenty of sigh-worthy moments, along with some concerning discoveries relating to Daisy’s family history, and a warning about putting people up on pedestals.
I really appreciated how the author portrayed Jack in all of his human frailty. He is a preacher who loves serving God and does not have a higher opinion of himself than he should. Yet, due to the very human emotions of jealousy and insecurity, he falls into secretly using a dating app to get closer to Daisy, seeing it as the only way to connect with her as a man and not as the preacher that she sees him as.
Daisy was such a sweet character who had her own insecurities and beliefs about herself that influenced how she lived. She also had the tendency to put people she looked up to on pedestals. When certain facts came to light, Daisy had some hard truths to face and some emotional growing to do.
This was a great story that I enjoyed from start to finish!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Author Denise Hunter gives us Daisy and Jack’s love story in this addition to the A Blue Ridge Romance series. For me this was the best book in the series, and I hesitate to say that because all the books are 5 star wonderful. I connected with the main character Daisy on many levels and enjoyed her journey of forgiveness and grace. This author is so very talented in presenting four dimensional characters. I love the depth of Jack she reveals in this story.
Great take away quotes: “Sometimes you have to extend a little grace to people. Not because they deserve it-but because we don’t either.” “She would find the grace to forgive her father because grace brought healing and peace.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Great book
The beautiful cover and the intriguing premise of this book spoke to me and begged me to read it. Although it is the third book in Denise Hunter’s Blue Ridge series, it can easily be read as a stand alone book. Hunter is a master at creating realistic, endearing characters, and I immediately connected with Daisy Pendleton and Pastor Jack McReady. Daisy is sweet, friendly, and loves her job at her family’s flower shop. Jack is a compassionate, caring, rather shy pastor who has secretly loved Daisy for two years. It was such a treat to see these two develop their friendship and relationship on a different level. A charming and clean contemporary romance that will have you cheering for the characters. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Loved Pastor Jack. A very good man.
BRAVO! Jack McReady and Daisy Pendleton’s story is a beautiful example of how the Lord turns things around for His glory and our good. Find yourself struggling with forgiveness, then this novel is for you. Copper Creek will lure you in with a tantalizing scent of fresh peaches. The residents with their big hearts will make to want to stay forever! Enjoy your visit!
Recommend to those who enjoy inspirational, contemporary romance.
I borrowed a copy from my local library. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
I finally got a chance to read this wonderful novel. This small town has so much charm and so many friendly residents that you want to move there right away. I love how everyone looks out for each other in good times and bad, and how love always finds a way!
Lovely Christian romantic story of two people meant to be together.
The book also has themes of not realizing the gifts we have, looking more at out faults. Forgiveness; to heal ourselves as well as the person we need to forgive. Family secrets that hurt, but can also bring healing.
Overall, this book was a joy to read and experience.
I enjoyed this book very much. It was just as good as the other two in this series.
Loved the Blue Ridge series! On Magnolia Lane is a funny, sweet love story with a
great message. Jack and Daisy are very believable characters, and their story is one of grace and forgiveness. I highly recommend this book.