Synopsis:~
Falling in love with Daisy was easy for Jack. But finding the courage to tell her becomes problematic when his secret feelings lead to even bigger complications.
After two years of counseling sessions with Daisy Pendleton, Pastor Jack McReady has earned a permanent spot in her life as a spiritual leader—and nothing more. Jack would never risk losing her trust by exposing the depths of his heart, but he’s hopelessly in love with her.
Daisy loves her southern small-town life and her job at her family-run flower shop, but she doesn’t have the thing she longs for most: someone to share it with. Her recent foray into online dating has been a disaster—until she meets TJ.
Jack could kill his friend Noah for using his initials and some indistinct photos to set up a profile on the dating app Daisy is using. But when he’s finally afforded the opportunity to show her a different side of himself, he’s sucked into the plan before he has time for second thoughts.
Online, Daisy shares some of her greatest fears with TJ, but in person, Jack and Daisy are spending more time together. When a devastating family secret surfaces, Daisy knows that only her trusted friend and counselor can bring her comfort. Jack wants nothing more than to be both men for Daisy, but revealing his secret will prove to be the ultimate test of Daisy’s grace.
My take:~
Fans of this series well know of Pastor Jack’s devotion to Daisy Pendleton, a member of his congregation who has no inkling of his attraction to her. I have to admit to feeling a little conflicted about this story. I adore the characters and loved seeing a man of the cloth as the hero, feeling a little out of his depth due to his position and Daisy being a younger woman. Denise Hunter knows romance so all the elements are present, written in an enticing and page turning manner, maintaining engagement to the guaranteed happily ever after. That said, the trope used, one that is ultimately based on deception, is one I least enjoy for that very reason. My reading experience is inevitably one of frustration, as the solution – one immediate and honest conversation – never happens until the last minute confession, resultant moments of angst, then often too swift resolution. Overall, Denise Hunter’s romantic savvy wins out and the love that blossoms between Jack and Daisy is a joy aside from my aversion to the deception trope. I am glad I have added On Magnolia Lane to my complete collection of Hunter’s novels.
With thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
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November 29, 2018 at 7:56 pm
I have to agree that this isn’t my favourite romance trope, and I’m also not sold on the male pastor counseling a female member of his congregation. It still ticked all the romance boxes. My problem is I’m still swooning over Noah and Josephine in Sweetbriar Cottage. That’s an almost-perfect Christian romance, up there with Redeeming Love.
November 30, 2018 at 12:03 pm
Iola » I’m totally with you on Noah and Josephine, too. Easily my favourite of the Blue Ridge novels, even though technically it was not part of the series.
November 30, 2018 at 11:55 am
Thanks for the review, Rel. I have this book from NetGalley, but I haven’t read it yet. Hopefully, soon. I’m a little behind on Denise Hunter books. I’ve read several of them, but some of the last ones are still on my TBR list.
December 2, 2018 at 12:47 pm
Rel – I appreciate your honesty in reviewing this book. I have counted on your reviews in giving me insight into making my decision about a book to pursue. I agree with you that the “deception” foundation in this relationship troubles me. I will probably pass on this book – – but I may take a look at Denise Hunter’s “Sweetbriar Cottage” as a possibility. Thanks for your efforts and honesty in supplying us with book buying information.
December 9, 2018 at 10:45 am
This book cover catches my eye every time I see it. So pretty!