Magnolia Sky (Warner Forever)

Luke Boudreau goes to Gover, Mississippi to pay his respects to the mother of one of his Ranger men. When he arrives he is stunned to find out that Calvin was married and had been for eight years. Luke's brief stop turns into a stay as he tries to help out the family of the man whose death he feels responsible for. Magnolia Sky was an OK read for me. The book starts out slow and doesn't really gain momentum until the middle. The characters don't seem to be as well written as the ones in her earlier books. This book is part of a stand-alone series about a family from Glens Crossing, Indiana. The books that take place in Indiana seem to be better written. This might be since the author is from Indiana and has better background information from which to write. All in all, this is a book worth reading. Once it gets going it is very much worth the time. I would recommend reading the two previous books to this one though.

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.

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.

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