On Magnolia Lane

Denise Hunter

Nov 2018 · A Blue Ridge Romance Book 3 · Sold by Thomas Nelson

About this eBook

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 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

Ratings and reviews

On Magnolia Lane, is the third and final novel to the Blue Ridge Romance Series. This is the perfect ending to this series. Denise Hunter has saved her best for last. During the two prior books, I kept pulling for Pastor Jack McReady. Out of the group of friends, it seemed like everyone else was pairing up, becoming couples and getting married except for him. Jack has had a secret crush on Daisy Pendleton for two long years. As in any small town, the crush does not stay a secret, at least from his best friend Noah. Noah is relentless at trying to get Jack to act before it is too late. Jack feels he has so many reasons not to ask Daisy out. Besides his extreme shyness with women, Daisy is part of his congregation. He is worried about their 10 year age difference. He just knows someone like Daisy, who is so kind and beautiful, would not be interested in him. One of my all time favorite movies is You Got Mail. Without giving the plot away, there are parts of this book that remind so much of that movie. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalleys. The opinions expressed in this book are my own.

I was dying to read this book. If you have read any of the other books in the Blue Ridge series, I know you are right there with me. I couldn’t wait to hear Jack’s story, and learn more about Daisy too. Hunter has a way of causing me to be emotionally invested right along with the characters. I love every minute of it. On Magnolia Lane drew me in from page one and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I was taken by surprise on several occasions, and had no way of guessing what was coming. It was unique seeing things from a pastors eyes, and seeing his imperfections as well. I think we can all make the mistake of putting someone on a pedestal, and it isn’t good for anyone. Unrealistic expectations only cause hurt. Luckily that’s where grace and forgiveness can come in. Daisy and Jack are far from perfect, but that only makes their relationship that much better. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction. This book would be a great stand alone. That being said I also enjoyed the entire series, and am sure you will too. I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and Netgalley and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

On Magnolia Lane A Blue Ridge #3 By Denise Hunter Pastor Jack McReady has feelings for Daisy Pendleton but he knows she sees him only as her pastor. And then there is the difference in their ages nearly ten years - which Jack feels might be a problem in Daisy's eyes. When his best friends get together to help him out Jack finds himself with a profile on a dating app - he can't imagine what his congregation will have to say about that! Or worse all the single women might think he is looking for a pastor's wife. Fortunately, it is under the name TJ rather than Jack but when the nudge that his friends gave Daisy is replied to Jack is worried that Daisy will be hurt if he doesn't respond. Getting to know Daisy outside of his professional life becomes the highlight of his week but what will happen when Daisy finds out that Pastor Jack is also TJ. Will the trust and new found friendship that they are developing be destroyed forever? Daisy is all for helping anyone she can but accepting thanks or gratitude is just not something she's comfortable with. And the issues she's allowed to lower her estimate of herself over the years well they just prove that she's not the type of person someone like Jack (or any guy with a degree for that matter) should be stuck with. The guy she met online - TJ - he's safe, basically a stranger, someone she can share things with, things that might lower her friends' estimate of her. When Jack asks for Daisy's in organizing a massive fundraiser for the local girls home - he knows that she'll be able to pull it off. But when Daisy learns of a secret that if true could destroy all that she knew, she knows of only one person to whom she can go to with her grief. Will it be Jack? Or will it be TJ? On Magnolia Lane is if not the best book in this series at least tied for the honor. I really like Jack's character and the personal struggle he faces when it comes to Daisy and his alternate identity of TJ. Daisy's fears and insecurities are understandable as cruel words have a way of sticking around and reminding one of their stings at the most inconvenient times. All too often one judges one's own achievements or lack of achievements against those of others, which is just wrong as each person is unique in their own skills and abilities. Like life, this book has moments that run the full spectrum of emotion that most can relate to. This would make for an interesting book club selection and I would love to hear all the different takes on the various situations that arose throughout the book. For those unfamiliar with the Blue Ridge series, you don't have to read the other books before enjoying this one, as each is complete in and of itself. Fans of contemporary romance fiction will want to curl up in a warm corner with a cup of tea and invest an evening or two in this one. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through TLC Book Tours with no expectations except that I offer my honest opinion ~ all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the author

Denise Hunter is the internationally published, bestselling author of more than forty books, three of which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won the Holt Medallion Award, the Reader’s Choice Award, the Carol Award, the Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking chai lattes, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana, where she and her husband raised three boys and are now enjoying an empty nest and three beautiful grandchildren. Follow Denise at DeniseHunterBooks.com; Facebook: @AuthorDeniseHunter; X: @DeniseAHunter; Instagram: @deniseahunter.