I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Magnolia by Kristi Cook Published by Simon & Schuster on August 5, 2014
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
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In Magnolia Branch, Mississippi, the Cafferty and Marsden families are southern royalty. Neighbors since the Civil War, the families have shared vacations, holidays, backyard barbecues, and the overwhelming desire to unite their two clans by marriage. So when a baby boy and girl were born to the families at the same time, the perfect opportunity seemed to have finally arrived.
Jemma Cafferty and Ryder Marsden have no intention of giving in to their parents’ wishes. They’re only seventeen, for goodness’ sake, not to mention that one little problem: They hate each other! Jemma can’t stand Ryder’s nauseating golden-boy persona, and Ryder would like nothing better than to pretend stubborn Jemma doesn’t exist.
But when a violent storm ravages Magnolia Branch, it unearths Jemma’s and Ryder’s true feelings for each other as the two discover that the line between love and hate may be thin enough to risk crossing over.
Review:
I absolutely loved this book. And I may have read it all in pretty much one sitting. I only stopped to feed my monsters.
Magnolia is a fun book, and the characters are pretty awesome. I loved Jemma and Ryder. They pretty much despise each other while being forced to try to spend time together by their parents. Jemma has always done what her parents want, but she finds herself rebelling a little bit in order to deal with the stress of being the perfect daughter. Ryder can be such a butt sometimes. He has this “I’m smarter than you” demeanor that is liable to drive you nuts.
I’ve always been a big fan of books that take place in the south. The setting seems so much more easy going, and the south is like it’s only little world. Mannerisms are different, and you’re stuck with all the small town drama. I loved seeing Jemma and Ryder pretty much forced to spend time together because of the storms. They each learn a lot about each other, and maybe more. Both of them refuse to admit that they might like the other. I think it’s mostly because of their parents. They refuse to give in to what they want for the both of them.
Magnolia will take you on a path of discovery, and what it means to follow your dreams. It’ll also show you that you need to get the full story sometimes before you decide you’re gonna be ticked at someone.
Giveaway
Win (1) $25 gift card to an online bookstore of choice (Amazon or BN) plus an entire paperback set of the Winterhaven series (Haven, Mirage, and Eternal) [INT]
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About Kristi Cook
As a child, Kristi Cook took her nose out of a book only long enough to take a ballet class (or five) each week. Not much has changed since then, except she’s added motherhood to the mix and enjoys penning her own novels as much as reading everybody else’s. A transplanted southern gal, Kristi lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.
That’s the official version–here are some other fun facts:
~ As an undergrad, I majored in History and minored in English at the University of Southern Mississippi. While at Southern Miss, I was a member of Phi Mu sorority, and I was a Dixie Darling. And yep, Brett Favre was our quarterback at the time!
~ I studied American History in grad school at Columbia University. I *love* history, especially the Civil War era (U.S.) and Regency- and Edwardian-era British history.
~ My all-time favorite book *and* movie is GONE WITH THE WIND. My favorite literary characters are Rhett Butler, Atticus Finch, and Mr. Darcy. I kind of want to add Peeta Mellark to that list!
~Weirdly enough (or maybe not so weirdly?) I’m also a big fan of STAR TREK (the original series). I never can remember if I’m supposed to call myself a “Trekkie” or a “Trekker,” though!
About Katrina @ Bookish Things
I'm a mom of two and love to read, listen to music, and rock out at concerts. Sometimes you can find me reading, or writing, in between sets at concerts. I read many genres, and have a TBR mountain.
I would if he were nice and kind – but it would have to not be forced, if we hit it off as friends without everyone pushing us to do it.
Thank you 🙂