1792, Natchez Trace, MSBitter since his eldest brother abandoned their family in Ireland, Quinn O’Shea travels to Natchez, Mississippi, ready to shuck the weight of his duty and set off on an adventure of his own. It’s time Connor, as head of the family, took responsibility for their younger siblings. While aboard ship, a run-in with three Irish sisters lands Quinn in the role of reluctant … reluctant savior. Though it may delay his plans, he cannot abandon the Young sisters, especially the tenacious yet kind Kiera.
Upon arriving in the colonies, Kiera Young prepares to meet her intended and begin her new life. But she soon discovers the marriage her brother-in-law arranged was never meant to be, and a far more sinister deal was negotiated for her and her sisters.
Quinn offers to escort his charges safely to Breeze Hill Plantation and his brother’s care, fully intending to seek his freedom elsewhere. But the longer he remains, the greater his feelings toward Kiera grow and the more he comes to realize true freedom might be found in sacrifice.
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I read The Road to Magnolia Glen back in June of 2018 and somehow never got around to reviewing it. I actually thought I had. Hopefully I can remember enough about it to provide a decent review. I have read a large number of books in the past seven or eight months so hopefully I won’t get details confused with another book. I have enjoyed each and every book I’ve read by Pam Hillman and intend to read every on she releases in the future. I particularly loved the ones set in Breeze Hill with their wonderful historical southern setting and engaging plots filled with drama, romance, and a goodly amount of danger and suspense. Her characters are very well-rounded and I truly enjoyed getting to know each of them. Those O’Shea men are true heroes despite their roots in poverty stricken Ireland.
The Road to Magnolia Glen features Kiera Young who has traveled to Natchez for a marriage arranged by her brother-in-law. As it turned out, marriage was the least of her intended’s plans for her and her sisters. Of course there was an O’Shea to the rescue, this time Quinn who carries hard feelings toward the brother he feels abandoned their family in Ireland. Naturally a relationship developed between Quinn and Kiera as danger increased to the entire family.
This book is a wonderful story about the power of forgiveness. It can be easily read as a stand alone book but is so much more enjoyable if read after The Promise of Breeze Hill. I look forward to more books by this excellent author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Tyndale Blog Network. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
The second novel in the Natchez Trace series, I had no trouble following along but I do plan on reading book 1, The Promise of Breeze Hill. Why wouldn’t I read it? Book 2 was so good, I’m sure book 1 is equally as good.
Author Pam Hillman did a great job of taking you on this journey from Ireland to the colonies. Her descriptions are such that you surely are there. And her characters are wonderful. You’ll either love them or hate them, but you will not be undecided. Well defined, you will see and hear them as you’re reading the book.
The story clips along at a good pace with danger and intrigue as well as clean romance. But at no time did I feel rushed. I savored every word and hated to see it end.
If you enjoy Christian historical fiction, with good guys, bad guys, and romance, you’ll enjoy this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
In this second installment of the Natchez Trace series, we meet younger brother Quinn O’Shea as he heads to America from Ireland. Just as his older brother Conner was ready to indenture himself in the first book, Quinn is ready to shuck the chains of responsibility to see the world in the second. Feelings between the two are fiery and Quinn blames Connor for many things. Throw in a pretty lass he meets on board in the form of Kiera Young along with her younger sisters, and you’ll really see Irish tempers fly! She quickly changes her tune once she learns of the sinister plot her brother-in-law had for her all along when she embarks on land. This certainly has all the makings of a story the reader will not quickly abandon with a much anticipated happily-ever-after ending! It made me stay up way too late devouring each page faster than the last to finish in a mere twenty-four hours. Definitely anticipating the next one since there’s three more O’Shea brothers we need to get to know.
P.S. It was one of my favorite endings to date. Just goes to show you the lengths a man in love will go for his forever lass. Blissful sigh!
*I received a complimentary advanced reader copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. *
The Road to Magnolia Glen (Natchez Trace #2) by Pam Hillman — Quinn to the rescue! Loved the Irish tempers and passion. What men meant for evil God used for good! He is always faithful and is our strength. Happy Reading!
Admittedly, I liked The Road to Magnolia Glen far more than its predecessor. This book starts out with a bang and easily kept me turning pages until the pacing steadied out. Once it does, the friendship and the romance that blossoms between the two main characters was so endearing and sweet. Quinn O’Shea is protective, hardworking and compassionate. Although his head keeps reminding him about his desire to see the world after being shouldered a responsibility, it’s clear that his heart is with Kierra Young and his family by his willingness to sacrifice, protect and support those he loves. Kierra Young is relatable and kind as a paternal figure to her sisters, and is earnest to prove herself and provide for her family. These characters and their consistent kindness and support they showed one another kept me engaged and warmed my heart. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm over this book started to waver towards the end, specifically due to the Amelia storyline. For all the pain, havoc and worry that stemmed from this storyline, it kind of ended on a “oh, well” note that was both frustrating and unsatisfying. I also found it hard to believe that Pierre Le Bonne, an antagonist that also appeared in book 1, never faced any consequences over his nefarious actions in the previous novel. I understand that this book can be a standalone, but I assumed that when the heroes matched his identity with previous events circumstances would change. Instead, it wasn’t really acknowledged or held any weight. I was only slightly deterred by overall love of this book with danger, great characters and a sweet romance. A great read, all in all.
Easy to read, but I didn’t want to put it down. It was a great story.
Kept my interest and always like a happy ending
I enjoyed reading about the Natchez Trail! Went to Bing to read more about it. This author did a lot of research for this book.
c.r.
This book is wonderful! Hard to put down.
The Road to Magnolia Glen will keep your attention! Quinn O’Shea and his two young brothers arrive in Natchez on the same ship as Kiera Young. Kiera arrives from Ireland expecting to be wed to a man she has never met only to find she and her younger sisters have been sold to a brothel owner! Quinn is an excellent male character who can’t let this happen especially not to the youngest sister! Kiera’s concern for her sisters will touch your heart. You will learn much about life in Louisiana in the late 1700s! I recommend The Road to Magnolia Glen to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I won an e-book from Goodreads. This is my honest opinion.
I was excited to return to the dangerous Natchez Trace and haven of Breeze Hill. This book can be read on its own, but I loved the first book The Promise of Breeze Hill, so I recommend reading it as well. Quinn has a lot of the same qualities as his older brother Connor- hard working, dedicated to his brothers, and protective of those who need help. His resentment over being left behind and carrying the burden of raising his younger brothers creates a rift in his relationship Connor which they work to overcome throughout the story. Kiera is strong and willing to sacrifice with a marriage of convenience to ensure a good future for her sisters, but the dangerous situation she finds herself in brings out Quinn’s protective nature. I liked how with each kindness he (however reluctantly) does for her, she softens toward him and their friendship grows as they begin to rely on each other for support. Various complications and dangers arise one after the other which gave the story a steady pace, and we see the point of view of the villain pursuing Kiera and her sisters, bringing heightened tension. A well-rounded addition to the series and I am looking forward to more, hopefully from another of the O’Shea brothers.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Being the second book in the Natchez Trace series and the second book I’ve read by Pam Hillman, I am happy to say I enjoyed this one just as much as the first one, The Promise of Breeze Hill. Not only do we get to read about Connor’s brothers coming to America, but we get to catch up on Connor and Isabella and all the others from the first book.
As stated, Connor O’Shea’s brothers come to America and the oldest, Quinn, has a chip on his shoulder because he had to take care of his little brothers when Connor had to leave Ireland all those years ago and then another brother, Caleb, left as well. On the ship over to America, Quinn has a run in with Miss Kiera Young about his youngest brother running around the ship with her youngest sister. They are both eight years old. A type of bond is formed that will continue to grow.
While Quinn and Kiera don’t hit it off right away, Quinn comes to her rescue several times and their feelings for each other grow. However, Quinn is of a mind to leave Breeze Hill as soon as he sees his little brothers settled with Connor. Can Connor, or Kiera, change Quinn’s mind and convince him to stay? Just how many times will Quinn come to Kiera’s rescue? How are things going with Connor and Isabella? Will Quinn ever forgive Connor? Well, if you like historical romance and have read the first book in the series, you just might want to pick up a copy of this book and see how things turn out. You won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!
I was thrilled to travel back to the Natchez Trace in this second novel from Pam Hillman. With vivid details and engaging characters, I was transported into this exciting story of betrayal and learning to trust God when things seem their darkest.
After the death of her step-father, Kiera Young and her two younger sisters are sent to Natchez, Mississippi. Kiera was told that her brother-in-law arranged a marriage for her, but it was something else entirely that was arranged. Kiera’s faith in God is tested as she learns to wait on God’s perfect timing.
Quinn O’Shea carries a heavy burden of bitterness toward his older brother for leaving the family in Ireland and for having to take on the responsibility of his younger brothers. Quinn wants nothing more than to see his younger brothers safely to their older brother, before setting off on his own grand adventure. However, he didn’t foresee his hearts entanglement with a feisty blond Irish lass, nor the guilt at leaving his brother’s behind. Will Quinn be able to let go of the bitterness and hurt of the past to have a future filled with love and laughter?
This spellbinding story is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. I was kept up late into the night, turning pages eager to find out what would transpire in the lives of these charming characters. I give this story 4.5 stars and would encourage you to pick up a copy to enjoy!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Readers of The Promise of Breeze Hill will enjoy revisiting the plantation. But those who haven’t won’t be left out. Author Pam Hillman balances details of the previous book while weaving an entirely new and unique story for Quinn and Keira with precision (though I do suggest you start with the first book because Connor and Isabella’s story is totally worth the read).
There is a bitter seed planted in Quinn O’Shea’s heart. He’s the one who stayed to care for his two younger brothers while the other two sowed their wild oats. Now his plan is to deposit the boys with Connor in Mississippi and, once he’s certain they’re settled, explore the world.
Kiera Young has no say in her journey to America. Her brother-in-law arranged a marriage for her and sent her and her two little sisters across the ocean. Now, Kiera simply wants to be useful, find a home, and protect her sisters from the sinister plot she is unwittingly embroiled in. But is Breeze Hill the place that will offer that?
In addition to the brisk-paced action scenes that had me turning pages as fast as I could, Hillman weaves a picture of daily life on a plantation that is in a rebuilding stage in the 18th century. There are challenges, dangers (both from man and from nature), and more work than bodies to do it. There is also fierce determination. Friendships are formed, walls are broken down, and people discover skills and courage they didn’t realize they had in them.
And I have to mention those O’Shea accents! Those tough but kind-hearted Irish brothers and their Irish brogue can make a girl swoon!
The Road to Magnolia Glen is engaging with a storyline that hooked me in from the get-go and slowly reeled me into the heart-pumping, adrenaline-inducing ending. Now, my only question is, how long do I have to wait from more of the O’Shea clan?
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
3.5 stars
“The truth of what her brother-in-law had done was shocking.”
Arriving in Natchez,Mississippi with her two younger sisters, Kiera Young immediately learns that her hopes for the future were nothing more than a heinous farce. Coming to her rescue is none other than the handsome Irishman with whom she had made a casual acquaintance aboard ship. Is ” a man who’s willing to risk his life for you worth giving your life to?”.
Escaping under the cover of darkness, Quinn O’Shea delivers the terrified young ladies to the doorstep of Breeze Hill Plantation; fully prepared to leave his own two brothers and the three women in his brother’s care, while he travels on to find his own destiny. Will what he discovers change his mind? Can Quinn give faith and family another chance, for “the road to Magnolia Glen” will be a treacherous one.
A lovely addition to the Natchez Trace series.
Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn. People we count on disappoint, we might be thrown into positions we never asked for and forced to live feeling as if we’re paying for other people’s mistakes. Bitterness creeps in, anger and hurt take up every thought.
This is how Quinn O’Shea felt when his older brothers left to live adventures overseas and far from family – at least that’s the way he saw it. Imagine his surprise, after years of silence, suddenly receiving the news that he and his younger siblings have payed passages to go to America. Quinn is determined to get on the boat, drop his brothers to Connor’s responsibility and go out on his own adventure. But as fate will have it, he ends up as the guardian of one feisty Irish lass and her two sisters.
Keira Young is happy to be away from her older sister and brother-in-law, even if it means marrying a stranger. She dreams of an honest and better life for her younger siblings and believes that her brother-in-law finally gave a considerate thought towards their future, despite putting them on a ship towards a unknown place. However, once they arrive in Natchez, things aren’t as she expected and they’re indentured to a future worse than what they had back in Ireland. Luckily, she meets people not willing to bend in fear in face of danger.
And so, Quinn and Keira have there lives thrown together as they set towards Breeze Hill.
To be working alongside his oldest brother and to have to post-pone his dreams once more does not sit well with Quinn and he makes it clear at every chance he gets that he’s planning to leave. Keira, on the other hand, wonders if she’ll ever be able to provide safety and rest for her sisters as she finds out Breeze Hill belongs to the last person who wants any connection with them.
As they go through a season with hot emotions running, much to heal from and life to ponder about, a kinship forms and dreams are threaten to be shaken once more. To learn how to be still and surrender might be one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish, but, in face of uncertainty and changes, one might also find that if you have love (and I mean more than just the romantic kind), you might find strength to go through anything, to serve wholeheartedly amidst trouble. And this might be the most precious dream worth fighting for, the greatest adventure to live.
The Road to Magnolia Glen is a addition to the Natches Trace series. The second installment involves Quinn O’Shea and his brothers coming to Mississippi from Ireland. During his travel, he encounters the three Young sisters who are, also, coming from Ireland. I was not sure what to think of Quinn at first but I quickly grew to love him. Especially, when he and Keira Young become friends.
I enjoyed The Promise of Breeze Hill but I enjoyed this one much more. A wonderful inspirational.
I give this book 5 stars. I highly recommend reading the Natchez Trace series in order.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.