Magnolia Summer

Title: Magnolia Summer (Summer Seasons Book One)

Author: Melanie Dickerson

Pages: 313

Summary:

Magnolia Summer (Southern Seasons Book 1) by [Dickerson, Melanie] Truett Beverly returned to Bethel Springs, Alabama, after finishing medical school. Fighting a secret war with a corrupt lawman wasn’t in his plans, but when Sheriff Suggs threatens his childhood friend, Truett dons a cape and hood and becomes the Hooded Horseman, placing him squarely in the sheriff’s crosshairs.

Celia Wilcox arrives in Bethel Springs in June of 1880. She’s come from Nashville to help her sister care for their younger siblings. She hopes only to be on the small farm for the summer, just until her mother recovers from the shock of Celia’s father’s death. She must return to Nashville in order to fulfill her dream of opening her own dress shop.

Celia catches Truett’s eye from the moment she steps off the train. He finds himself wanting to impress her, but she flatly refuses to flirt with him or to fall for his—if he does say so himself—considerable charm. Truth is, Celia’s attraction to Dr. Truett Beverly terrifies her. What will happen when Sheriff Suggs discovers Truett is the Hooded Horseman? Will Celia’s greatest fears come true? Or will she be able to prevent the sheriff from carrying out one last lynching?

Positive Elements:

Family is shown as important, as is loyalty, and defending those who cannot defend themselves.

Negative Elements:

A character gets pregnant out of wedlock.

Spiritual Elements:

Characters pray; “Perfect love casts out all fear” from 1 John 4:18 is quoted; Psalm 94:6, Proverbs 31:9, and Amos 5:12,22 are read.

Violence:

A character tries to hang black men; a character is injured by an axe; a characters is punched; characters are threatened; a building is set on fire; characters are shot; war violence is remembered.

Other:

A man is accused of rape; characters kiss; a characters wants his daughter to abort her baby.

Rating:

4 Stars

Conclusion:

Dickerson presents life in post Civil War Alabama in an engaging, page-turning style. You will hold your breath as Truett faces the wicked sheriff and Celia discovers the Hooded Horseman’s identity. You will want to comfort characters as they face hardship and trials. Looking for a sweet southern read? Then Magnolia Summer is for you.