MAGNOLIA CREEK

Author: Jill Landis ISBN: 0345440420 (PB reissue) 6/2003 HISTORICAL Publisher: IVY
Time Period: Post-Civil War

On the eve of the Civil War, Sara Collier marries the dashing Dru Talbot, just before he rides off to join the Confederate army. But fate cuts short their chance for happiness when Dru dies tragically on the battlefield. As a widow, Sara rises above her grief, refusing to mourn her life away. But one wrong choice, made with an open heart, takes her away from her hometown—and challenges Sara in ways she never imagined. Though she returns to Magnolia Creek an outcast, the sorrow in her life makes her stronger. A year after the war has ended, battle-scarred surgeon Dru Talbot surprises everyone when he returns home, clinging to the dream of starting over with his bride. Yet nothing could prepare Dru for the truth that awaits him in Magnolia Creek. Heartbroken, Dru tries to forgive the shadows of the past. Unable to surrender the only man she has ever loved, Sara dreams of rekindling the passion they once shared, turning betrayal into reconciliation. More information can be found on Jill Marie Landis' website: http://www.jillmarielandis.com/

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

What a great post-Civil War story--and how I missed this in its hardback release last year I'll never know!

MAGNOLIA CREEK is an unforgettable story about forgiveness and acceptance, of learning to put the past behind, and looking not at what might have been, but what could be; a story of shedding self-guilt and of realizing just how fragile our life relationships are. And of what they're worth--which is priceless. These are the lessons that both Sara and Dru must learn, and it is, at times, a most heart wrenching journey as we watch them struggle to find it.

In MAGNOLIA CREEK we are given characters who are all memorably drawn, right down to those with only minor appearances in the storyline. Ms. Landis' usage of Civil War and Reconstruction history is evident throughout the book, with just enough thrown in to take you back into that place and time without subtracting from the story.

All in all, I found MAGNOLIA CREEK a stirring, emotional story of the heart, and one that remains with you long after you put the book down. It *easily* made both my personal and Novel Thoughts Top Pick lists for this year.

Nancy Davis