Magnolia Storms Review

Posted by abakersp in Contemporary / 3 Comments

With all the hurricanes happening lately, I will admit I was a little nervous to read this book. Not because of the author, for the record. Janet is wonderful – I love her writing! I just felt like it was going to hit close to home and I wasn’t sure I was mentally up for that at the moment. But nonetheless, I started reading it anyways. You know what I found? Hope. And I loved it. And it moved me. While I could never understand myself what it is like going through a hurricane (they aren’t exactly a thing in central New York), I felt like I got a little taste of the fear, the anxiety, and how important it is to rely on God during those tough times. Please make sure you read this book. You will enjoy it, no doubt about it.

About the Book
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Maggie Marovich couldn’t save her father or her home from Hurricane Katrina, but she’s dedicated her life to meteorology so she can warn others when the monster storms approach. Except…she works three hours inland and rarely risks returning to her childhood hometown of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Both her single-parent sister and the ship pilot Maggie once loved refused to leave the Coast, despite Maggie’s requests. Now a hurricane’s headed toward Mississippi, and Maggie’s sister is seriously injured, leaving Maggie little choice but to head south—into the storm. The water and tides flow through Josh Bergeron’s veins, and he can’t imagine giving up piloting—even for the love of his life, the infuriating Magnolia Marovich. He tried to move on without her, marrying and having a child. But after his wife abandons him and his little boy, his career choice is threatened by the weight of his parental responsibilities. Moving next door to Maggie’s sister and sharing their child care seems like the perfect set-up. Until Maggie blows back into town. Being forced to lean on Josh for help washes up the wreckage in Maggie’s faith. Where was God during the destruction of Katrina? Why do some prayers seem to go unanswered? Between the hurricane looming in the Gulf and another gale raging in her heart, can Maggie overcome her past and find the trust to truly live?

My Perspective

I remember Hurricane Katrina like it was yesterday. While I was not a victim of it, I certainly followed the news stories and prayed for all the families involved. I could just imagine the devastation all over again as I read Maggie’s story. I could understand her fears, her loss, and her need to stay far away. I can also understand her questioning God, as I’m certain I would have done the same. Her character was so easy to connect to, because deep down she is what a majority of us are probably thinking to ourselves.

Here’s the thing. Janet Ferguson is a gifted author. Not only does she tell a beautiful story about letting go and clinging to God, but she includes this beautiful love story involving a sweet young boy. Much like Maggie, I was taken by Josh’s son. And their relationship was really one of the highlights of the book. Sure, we all want some romance and suspense, but to see a man or woman cling to a child that is not their own is something special. I loved seeing Maggie’s maternal instincts kick in almost instantaneously, and I think that this sweet little boy was the key to her being able to grow and develop.

There is a lot of emotion in this book. In fact, I had to take a day or two to recover from reading it as I was simply entranced. I wasn’t ready to let go of the characters. In fact, if you’re ever in my town over the next few months, you may find me rereading it. Janet Ferguson continues to capture my undivided attention with this beautiful story. I hope this is the start of a new wonderful series! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Janet W. FergusonJanet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served her church as a children’s minister and a youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.

3 responses to “Magnolia Storms Review

  1. Janet W. Ferguson

    Thank you!! God is good!
    I’m thrilled you liked the story!!
    I hope your readers are blessed by the story ❤️
    Hugs,
    Janet