Magnolia Sky

Rating:
Summary: engaging contemporary romance
Review: In Grover, Mississippi, Army ranger Luke Boudreau undergoes his toughest mission of his fifteen-year career. He visits Olivia, the mom of one of his men, deceased Calvin Abbott, who died in the line of duty five months ago. Luke, just out of the hospital, blames himself for the death of his brother in arms. He made the decision that led to the helicopter crash that took the life of Calvin.

Luke is shocked when he meets Calvin's widow Analise, as he never knew the man was married although they were in the same unit for several years. Calvin's mom persuades Luke to stay around to talk with her younger teenage son, Cole, who is having personal troubles. As he meets the Abbott family, Luke falls in love with Analise, who reciprocates his feelings. However, both feel they are betraying Calvin even as Olivia plays matchmaker.

This is an engaging contemporary romance starring two scarred souls and a wonderful support cast especially Olivia. Although Cole is an engaging brother-in-law, his woes take away from the prime angst of the lead couple sharing deep remorse over falling in love. Fans will enjoy this "triangle" with the third angle being that of a ghost.

Harriet Klausner


Rating:
Summary: An emotional, beautiful book
Review: Magnolia Sky is a beautiful book that will touch your heart in so many ways.

Luke Boudreau has been avoiding the family of his fellow soldier Calvin Abbott for months. Calvin died on a mission that Luke was in charge. Luke was prepared to talk to Calvin's mother but had no idea there was a wife.

Analise Abbott was making a wonderful life for herself with her deceased husband's family. Her marriage was far from perfect but she gained a family in his mother and brother. When Luke comes to town he upsets the balance in her life. Circumstances cause Luke to stay in town longer then planned. Ana and Luke are drawn to each other but they both have issues from their past.

This book is a must read. The secondary characters will touch your heart along with Ana and Luke. Magnolia Sky was a very emotional read for me. I just adored this whole book. Looking forward to the next book.


Rating:
Summary: Finely written. Grade: 4.5 Stars
Review: MAGNOLIA SKY is a very good book; the author has written a beautiful story. Susan Crandall manages to convey the warmth and closeness of a small town in the south. Her character development is first-rate and her words are smooth and forceful.

The road to true love is never easy! Reluctantly, ex-army ranger Luke Boudreau forces himself to make the long trip to Mississippi. Guilt compels him to deliver personal words to a fallen buddy's family. But upon his arrival, confusion greets him. He thought he knew everything about his late army pal. He knew about the mother, the kid brother, the family greenhouse operation, but what Luke Boudreau did not know about -- was Analise.

Analise Abbott was content with her life. She loved the freedom and habits of rural Mississippi, yet she loved the Abbot family more. Analise Abbott wanted nothing to change. What Analise Abbot did not want -- was Luke Boudreau coming around and stirring up painful memories. Memories filled with shame and remorse.

What Analise Abbot did not want -- was Luke Boudreau to leave . . .

The author pivots her story around excellent secondary characters; these people and creatures help draw the story onto familiar ground for the reader. MAGNOLIA SKY may take place in small town, Mississippi, but the author's words are so persuasive the setting could take place in small town, Anywhere.

Susan Crandall writes a gentle love story about two guilt-filled people brought together through the love of family. A family governed by a wonderful and caring woman. Grade: A-

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.

Rating:
Summary: couoldn't make it past chapter 5.......
Review: To be fair, contemporary is not my favorite genre but I love military stories so gave this one a look. This book however turned me off early on. Our angst ridden special ops guy drags himself to the family home of a young man killed in his unit. You can feel his dread and feel how difficult it must be....esp as we see the results of war every day in our real lives......but the author loses me when Luke walks into the greenhouse and finds the guy's (calvin's)widow......in a mini top, short shorts, pony tail and bebopping to a loud stereo........This bereaved widow looks like a teen ager and obviously is acting like one......and for me that takes the seriousness of the plot/story line right out of reality. I tried very hard to continue and did for a couple of chapters but I never saw any improvement..........sorry, ms crandall..........