Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Magnolia Storms: A Coastal Hearts Novel
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://www.janetfergusonauthor.com/
CITY:
STATE:
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY: American
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Married; children: two.
EDUCATION:Studied at University of Mississippi.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer. Has worked variously as a high school librarian and as a children’s church minister.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Janet W. Ferguson is a writer. Raised in Mississippi, she went on to study banking and finance at the University of Mississippi. Ferguson has held a number of jobs, including as a high school librarian and as a children’s church minister.
Leaving Oxford and Going Up South
Ferguson published her first novel in the “Southern Hearts” series, Leaving Oxford, in 2016. Advertising executive Sarah Beth LeClair has left her job in Los Angeles and returned to her hometown of Oxford, Mississippi. After a tragic accident, she is paralyzed with frequent panic attacks. Arrogant football coach Jess McCoy is bitter at losing out on his chance to be a football star in the professional league after suffering a bad hit. When he gets the opportunity to move into the professional league as a coach, though, he wonders if his blossoming relationship with Sarah will hold him back or outright prevent him from living out his dreams. Sarah must decide if she is able to leave Oxford. A contributor to the Reading Is My Superpower website lauded that “Ferguson creates a setting so vivid that you will feel the Mississippi humidity draping over you as you read, and even the staunchest Yankee may develop a bit of a southern drawl by the time you’ve finished Leaving Oxford. The romance between Jess and Sarah Beth is one of those delicious slow-burn kind that has you craving that first kiss almost as much as they do.”
Going Up South is the second novel in the series. After her messy divorce, Cassie Brooks stopped practicing law. Her friend Jill needs a lawyer to keep her custody battle from spilling into the tabloids. After finding out that he is the father of Jill’s three-month-old son, Dylan travels to Oxford to try to get custody himself. As it turns out, though, Cassie becomes his staunchest ally. The two grow closer and he even joins her church relief mission in Honduras. However, their past refuses to remain quiet.
A contributor to Publishers Weekly remarked that “Ferguson makes up for some awkward dialogue and the overly complicated romantic situation with the captivating unfolding of Dylan and Cassie’s relationship.” A contributor to the Reading Is My Superpower website observed that “fan-necessitating romance, a swoonworthy leading man … a couple of hilarious supporting characters, and a poignant message of reconciliation and forgiveness are all wrapped up with a bit of southern sass and a lot of Mississippi charm. Going Up South is a lot of fun as well as being sweetly poignant, and Janet Ferguson achieves the perfect blend of each.”
Tackling the Fields and Blown Together
In Tackling the Fields, the third novel in the series, university quarterback Cole Sanders has changed his perspective on life after serving on a church relief mission in Honduras. With a new outlook on life, he starts to see his tutor, Audrey, in a new light, as someone who can bring the good out in him. Audrey’s brother, however, does not trust Cole, and she has her own past to deal with if she really wants to explore a relationship with him. A contributor to the Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations blog explained that “the book is centered around football players and their families and friends but the book is really about becoming the person God intended them to be. And for the record I do not like football but really wasn’t bored with the few tackle scenes described in the story.”
Blown Together is the fourth novel in Ferguson’s “Southern Hearts” series. Wealth manager Sam Conrad leaves his father’s bank after being bossed around one too many times. He finds work with attorney Big Roy Bosarge in Mobile, Alabama, and begins an unexpected relationship with the man’s daughter, the lonely romance writer Elinor. Elinor, though, maintains her distrust of Sam for fear that he will turn out like her previous boyfriend. With a hurricane brewing in the Gulf, tensions are on the rise. Writing in Faithfully Bookish website, Beth Erin remarked that “Sam and Elinor butt heads with one another at every turn as they try to work together and earn one another’s trust. The conclusion of this series is bittersweet but what a wonderful story to close with.” Erin also pointed out that “Roy is quite a character.”
Magnolia Storms
Ferguson published the novel Magnolia Storms in 2017, marking the start of the “Coastal Hearts” series. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed her home, meteorologist Magnolia “Maggie” Marovich moves to Jackson, Mississippi. After her sister gets wounded and another hurricane nears, though, Maggie returns to her childhood hometown of Ocean Springs, where she must care for her, look after their kids, cover for her aunt’s business, and face her ex, ship pilot Josh. Maggie is caught between her emotions and her lack of faith as she struggles with all of her responsibilities and her desire to flee.
In an article in the Relz Reviewz website, Ferguson talked about her motivations for penning this novel. She recalled that the primary “reason I wanted to write this story was that Hurricane Katrina had a devastating effect on my state of Mississippi. The storm absolutely destroyed so much of our Coast and more. Many friends lost everything. I wanted to honour Mississippians who went through this tragedy. The spiritual element came from my own prayer life.” A contributor to Publishers Weekly opined that “readers interested in winsome family dramas will enjoy Ferguson’s hopeful book.” However, the same reviewer pointed out that the author slows the novel’s “pace considerably with unnecessary detail about the setting.” A contributor to the Reading Is My Superpower website concluded that “Magnolia Storms may just be Janet Ferguson’s best novel to date, and J.D. is certainly one of the cutest kids ever to grace the pages of a novel. You will sympathize with Maggie as she weathers the storms that life brings her way, and as she remembers the importance of faith, forgiveness, and family. Cammie, Aunt Ruth, J.D., Dahlia, and Josh will also sail straight into your heart. Just the right blend of sweetness and sizzle.” A Fiction Full of Faith website contributor confessed that “one of my favorite themes is second chance love stories, so Maggie and Josh’s rediscovery of one another was near and dear to my heart. I am also a big fan of the single parent, I love when children are involved, and Magnolia Storms gives us a double dose with three year old, JD, Josh’s son and ten year old, Dahlia, Maggie’s niece involved so deeply in the novel.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Publishers Weekly, February 13, 2017, review of Going Up South, p. 58; April 23, 2018, review of Magnolia Storms, p. 71.
ONLINE
Christian Reads, http://christianreads.blogspot.com/ (October 31, 2016), “Author Interview and Blog Tour: Janet W Ferguson.”
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, http://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com/ (August 29, 2016), review of Tackling the Fields.
Faithfully Bookish, http://www.faithfullybookish.com/ (March 7, 2017), Beth Erin, review of Blown Together.
Fiction Full of Faith, http://fictionfulloffaith.com/ (June 8, 2018), review of Magnolia Storms.
Heidimccahan.com, http://heidimccahan.com/ (July 1, 2016), “Character Spotlight: Going Up South’s Dylan Conner.”
Iola Goulton, http://www.iolagoulton.com/ (August 24, 2018), author interview.
Janet W. Ferguson website, http://www.janetfergusonauthor.com (August 24, 2018).
Reading is My Superpower, http://readingismysuperpower.org/ (July 13, 2016), review of Leaving Oxford and Going Up South; (September 7, 2017), review of Magnolia Storms.
Relz Reviewz, http://relzreviewz.com/ (July 31, 2018), review of Magnolia Storms.
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.
Author Interview | Janet W Ferguson
Today I’d like to welcome author Janet Ferguson, to share about her new release, Magnolia Storms.
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems.
Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.
Welcome, Janet!
Hi! I’m super-excited to be your guest!
We’ll start off with some quick questions so we get to know you a little better. I highlighted questions you could leave out if you want to make it shorter.
What is your favourite fruit?
So hard, because I love food! I’m going with watermelon, especially the ones grown in Smith County, Mississippi.
Which is your favourite season?
I’m a summer girl! I like warm weather.
I agree! Snow is pretty to look at, but too cold for my taste.
Where is your favourite place?
The warm weather above goes with my favourite place—the beach! Most any beach with the summer sun will do! I often go to Fort Morgan, Alabama, and read my favourite novels on the shore.
Then you’ll love New Zealand. We have miles of beaches.
What is your favourite Bible verse?
Not sure how to pick just one, but I focused on Isaiah 61 in my first series. Each book took a part from the chapter as a theme.
Book 1: Beauty for ashes
Book 2: He binds up the broken hearted.
Book 3: He frees the captives
Book 4: They shall be oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord.
What a great idea!
I love the thought of how God heals our broken, messed up places. That’s the focus of my writing. Mostly because my own life has been pretty broken and messy at times, and I needed to grasp hold of His promises.
It’s a reminder we all need to hear sometimes.
What’s something funny or quirky that not many people know about you?
Now, I have a lot here I could add, but I’ll go with being deaf in one ear. I’m constantly circling people to get them on “my good ear,” so I can hear them.
Now, let’s talk about your book, Magnolia Storms. Here’s the description off the back cover:
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?
Your tagline is Faith. Humor. Romance. Southern Style. What does “Southern Style” mean when it comes to fiction?
The Deep South in the U.S. is known to speak more slowly, do life a bit more slowly…in a bit more relaxed way. We use the word y’all and have quirky phrases, and we’ve fried most any food you can think of. The South is famous for friendliness and hospitality, like we’re all one big family.
We wave at people in the neighbourhood and around town, when driving, whether you know them or not. We’ve often been trained in particular manners, like saying yes ma’am and no sir to anyone possibly older than us. It’s just a certain flavour that permeates the area where I live.
I had heard you were famous for your fried food. It sounds great to me … waistline? What waistline?
How does this relate to Magnolia Storms? I see plenty of room for faith and romance in that book description, but humour? (Humor?) How does that fit in?
In my real life, I often joke during hard times, or find humour in the midst of despair at some small thing. Maybe some silly thing happens during a crisis, like my cat chasing its tail, which breaks up the moment. I believe laughter helps get us through in dark situations, so I plug in a bit of comedic relief for my characters and my readers—a little romantic comedy amidst deep issues.
What inspired the plot of Magnolia Storms?
Researching the port of Mobile, Alabama, for my book Blown Together, I emailed a college friend who is a ship pilot. When he answered my questions, he also included of videos ship pilots transferring from their pilot boat to larger vessels to guide them into the mouth of the Mississippi River. It was fascinating and beautiful and exciting. I knew right away, I had my next hero!
Here’s a video (You might want to turn off the sound of the heavy metal music):
That brings Josh’s work in Magnolia Storms to life.
The other part of the story is Hurricane Katrina. Once the levees broke in New Orleans, many people missed the fact that the storm obliterated whole towns and communities on our coastline and wreaked havoc over three hours inland. For Mississippians, time is often divided Before Katrina or After Katrina. There are still vacant lots on our coast after over a decade due to the storm surge that was up to thirty feet high in places.
Magnolia Storms is asking one of the big faith questions—where is God when bad things happen? How was that to write, and to answer?
Writing it was hard but cathartic. Prayer and God’s answers are things I’ve struggled with as my mother died from Alzheimer’s, my son went through multiple joint issues and surgeries, and other trying storms in life. I believe that if I am wrestling with my faith and understanding, at times, then perhaps others are, as well, and God helps me work through these hard issues by processing them with my characters.
Is there a particular theme or message in Magnolia Storms?
Yes! The words from Isaiah 43, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” My heroine has an elderly aunt who is funny and provides wisdom throughout the novel. She offers this advice:
“Your faith can’t keep tossing and turning with the wind.” Aunt Ruth rubbed up and down Maggie’s shoulder. “Sooner or later, you must decide, ‘Though He slay me, still I will trust Him.’ Know that He is with you when you pass through the rough waters of life.”
Magnolia certainly has to pass through the waters. So does Josh. It’s a great message.
Magnolia Storms looks like it’s the first book in a new series. Is this the case? What can you tell us about the future books in the series?
It is a new series. I think each book will be only loosely tied by the fact that they are all set at coastal locations…I think.
The next one I’m working on deals with drug addiction, and it is set in St. Simmons, Georgia. The title will be The Art of Rivers. Addiction is such a tragic issue that touches most families these days.
How is Magnolia Storms different from your previous series? Will the same readers enjoy it?
All my books have grappled with difficult issues, but perhaps, Magnolia Storms has a tad less humour than the previous novels. The heroine is tougher and more stubborn than some of my past heroines. I like her, though. She is someone who is dependable and will get the job done or die trying.
What do you find is the easiest part of the writing and publishing process? What’s the hardest?
I love coming up with the idea for a story and creating! I hate editing and proofreading!!
What impact does your faith have on your writing?
Each time, I work through a sort of element of faith, so I’m studying, listening for messages from the Lord, and grappling to understand that piece of the puzzle. I think it helps me grow in faith.
Finally …
Where can we find Magnolia Storms online?
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Kobo | iBooks | Nook | Goodreads
Where can we find you online?
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | BookBub
Thank you, Janet! It’s been great to meet you, and learn more about Magnolia Storms.
Thank you!! I’m so happy to be here!
Character Spotlight: Going Up South’s Dylan Conner
July 1, 2016
My friend, fellow author, and critique partner Janet W. Ferguson recently released the second novel in her Southern Hearts series, Going Up South. I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of this wonderful story. Dylan Conner is the hero of the novel and one of my favorite characters in this series. Character interviews and author insights into the creative process are very enjoyable to read, in my opinion. Perhaps you feel the same. Let’s let Janet (and Dylan) tell us more …
When a Character Won’t Leave You Alone
Character Spotlight: Dylan Conner
I’ve never had a character that was so much fun to write—or imagine! Dylan Conner made appearances in my first book Leaving Oxford as an actor (Think Hottest Man Alive) who had a crush on my heroine, Sarah Beth LeClair. He’d pop in wearing ridiculous disguises to visit her, from Aunt Bee to redneck hippie. He was funny and flirty, but had little interest in settling down. He thought maybe he could with Sarah Beth, but her heart was always elsewhere. When that novel ended, I just had to write his story. I had to figure out what made him tick. What a blast it was looking at feisty actor photos. I don’t think I ever settled on one in particular, but a mixture of different actors.
Here’s a few I looked at…
Swoon! Great choices, Janet. Let’s hear from Dylan…
Dylan, where are you from?
As an actor, I have a home convenient to L.A. in beautiful Malibu, California, but I grew up in the mountain town of Boone, North Carolina. I loved the mountains, but not the small town gossip. Malibu has the mountains and the gorgeous view of the pacific, so I have the best of both worlds. Okay, there’s gossip in L.A., too, but I have to work in the place.
Who is the most influential person in your life?
I’d have to say my mother. She was my rock. And honestly, I probably sent her to her knees a few times. (Sorry, Mom) My father was a non-entity. Once he went to jail, we changed our names and washed our hands of the man, so she was all I had.
How did you end up becoming an actor?
I was an only child in the mountains of a small town, so I played pretend to entertain myself pretty often. I thought I might do well acting. It seemed like a fun choice, so I worked my way through the University of North Carolina and then moved out to L.A., taking odd jobs behind the scenes. I had a lucky break with my first film, but that’s the way life works in Hollywood. Timing.
Did you see yourself settling down and having a family someday?
No. Never saw that one coming, but you’ll have to read the book. (Wink, wink)
Describe your ideal dream date? (Events and location, characteristics of the person with you, etc.)
A woman who’s real, doesn’t play games, and is confident about being her own person. There are plenty of women available who aren’t quite what they seem. As far as locale, I’ve seen most of the world, so just give me some good food and conversation. Oh, and if I’m in the South, some AC.
As an actor, I’m sure you’ve traveled the world both filming and promoting your work. Name one place you’ve visited that changed your life and why?
I have been all over the world. Loved scenery in New Zealand, the food in Italy, the people of Honduras, but the town that changed my life? Oxford, Mississippi.
Any regrets?
I’ve made plenty of mistakes including movies with language and scenes I’m not proud of. Choices with women… I think I’ll leave it at that.
Please tell the audience something you’re proud of.
I’ve always tried to take care of my mother. She loved Victorian houses, so I had a replica of one of her favorite homes built on a mountain in Boone, North Carolina where she lives. Yes, I’m a proud momma’s boy.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
The unexpected gift of a son is my greatest gift, though the way that came about wasn’t ideal.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Oh wow. I love playing super hero. Flying like Super Man. How cool would that be? I jumped off a few things as a boy hoping it would work out that I was Super Man’s secret son. Still have a few scars.
Which songs are on your playlist right now?
Everything from show tunes, old hymns, to alternative rock. Can’t nail me down to one kind of music. Just call me the music man!
If you’re bummed, who or what cheers you up?
It used to be a night on the town, but really that didn’t solve anything. Now I’d say, I walk in the great outdoors. I pray now, too. Go figure.
Coffee, tea, soda or energy drink?
All of the above. Cheers!
Thank you, Dylan. Great answers. I’m sure fans of this series will enjoy learning more about you.
Back Cover Blurb:
No one told him he had a son.
Actor Dylan Conner is furious. Not only has he been left out of the child’s life, the baby boy has been given another man’s last name. Determined to be a better father than the sorry guy who’d left him and his mother, Dylan fights to ensure a significant place in his son’s life. Unfortunately, his bad-boy reputation overshadows his good intentions. Only one woman in this small town sees beyond his Hollywood image. And he’s falling for her. Too bad she’s the custody mediator.
After her scandalous divorce in the small town of Oxford, Mississippi, attorney Cassie Brooks has no intentions of practicing law again. The humiliating experience left a bitter taste for love, marriage, and her profession.
Now friends need Cassie’s help in a custody negotiation, and her role demands she remain objective. She never expected to be drawn to Dylan Conner–the actor who everyone warns is bad news. Not only is the mediation at stake, but so is her heart.
Janet 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.
Janet is active on social media and loves to connect with her readers via her website, Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.
Going Up South is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and iBooks.
Happy reading, friends!
31 October 2016
Author Interview and Blog Tour: Janet W Ferguson
Guest post By Janet W. Ferguson
A number of years ago, my friend really wanted a cat, but her husband said he didn’t want all that fur all over. Not to be detoured, she researched and bought a hairless cat, also known as a Sphynx.
I’ve always enjoyed being owned by cats…mostly. (We never really own them, right?) I’ve lived with a number of them over my lifetime, all with their own very distinct personalities, some sweet, some not so much, most a bit quirky. I was excited to meet her hairless cat. He was quite a character, and he really stuck in my mind. Sadly, that kitty passed on, but my friend has acquired another Sphynx that she loves dearly.
Years later, I began writing, and pets seem to make an appearance in my stories, probably because I usually have my dog plus one of our cats staring at me or sitting on me when I write. In my fourth book in the Southern Hearts Series, Blown Together, my heroine is a romance writer who is highly allergic to pollen and dust, and dating has never gone well for her. Being a bit lonesome, I knew she would have a pet. My friend’s hairless cat came to mind. The perfect fit for my isolated, allergy-prone author named Elinor. She writes romance novels set in the 1800s and is a fan of Jane Austen, so, of course, the Sphynx had to be named Mr. Darcy.
So what about you? Are you a cat person? Dog person? Either way, I hope you enjoy meeting Elinor and Mr. Darcy in Blown Together!
About the Author:
Janet 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.
Connect with Janet
Janet's Website
Facebook
Twitter
About the Book:
When love storms in…
Wealth manager Sam Conrad is accustomed to his domineering father ordering him around, especially at the bank where they both work. But when his father demands that Sam manage the inheritance of his bossy ex-fiancée, Sam has finally had enough. He leaves in search of a new life, and attorney Big Roy Bosarge from Mobile, Alabama agrees to mentor Sam on his quest for direction. Sam didn’t expect to be thrown together with Big Roy’s eccentric and opinionated daughter.
Storm damage forces lonely romance writer Elinor Bosarge and her hairless cat, Mr. Darcy, out of her Fort Morgan Beach cottage. She plans to take refuge in the boathouse on her parents’ estate, but finds the place already occupied by one of her father’s “projects.” She’s shocked her father would allow another young man onto the property after his last mentee robbed her family and broke her heart. And from the moment she meets Sam Conrad, they disagree about everything from her cat to how to best renovate a local nursing home.
Between her mother’s health issues and the hurricane brewing in the Gulf, Elinor feels like her life is being ripped apart. It doesn’t help that she’s falling for the man she’s determined not to trust. Sam finds himself drawn to Elinor, wanting to help her and this new family he’s grown to love. But can he overcome the barrier she’s built to keep him out? When the storm rages and the two of them are blown together, can Elinor find the faith to open her heart again?
Magnolia Storms: A Coastal Hearts Novel
Publishers Weekly. 265.17 (Apr. 23, 2018): p71.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Magnolia Storms: A Coastal Hearts Novel
Janet W. Ferguson. Southern Sun, $4.99
e-book (216p) ASIN B074JJ76VT
Ferguson (Leaving Oxford) sets her pleasant new series along the gulf shores of Mississippi. Meteorologist Magnolia "Maggie" Marovich left her hometown of Ocean Springs after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. She moved inland to Jackson, but failed to convince her younger sister, Cammie, and the rest of the family to come too. When Cammie is seriously injured in an accident, Maggie has no choice but to return to the coastal town she's worked so hard to avoid. Maggie ended things with Josh Bergeron years ago when he became the captain of a commercial barge, choosing the same career that proved fatal to her father. Now, he's her sister's next-door neighbor, and, unbeknownst to Maggie, the two have cemented a mutual friendship, supporting each other as single parents. Both Maggie and Josh still harbor feelings for each other but much has transpired in the past decade and their stubbornness hinders a meaningful relationship. Ferguson often slows the pace considerably with unnecessary detail about the setting. However, this solid first installment of her new series introduces a complex cast of characters struggling with real-life problems of family and faith. Readers interested in winsome family dramas will enjoy Ferguson's hopeful book. (BookLife)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Magnolia Storms: A Coastal Hearts Novel." Publishers Weekly, 23 Apr. 2018, p. 71. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A536532913/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=41d95422. Accessed 31 July 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A536532913
Going Up South
Publishers Weekly. 264.7 (Feb. 13, 2017): p58.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Going Up South
Janet W. Ferguson. Southern Sun, $13.99 (266p) ISBN 978-0-9974822-6-3
Ferguson's (Leaving Oxford) second installment of the Southern Hearts series continues in Oxford, Miss., where Cassie Brooks hasn't practiced law since her messy divorce. But when her close friend, Jill, needs help with a custody battle involving a hotshot Hollywood actor, Cassie offers to mediate to keep the story out of the tabloids. Dylan Conner never quite gave up his crush on Sarah Beth, the heroine of the series opener, with whom he had a fling when they both lived in L.A., and so he's pleasantly surprised when he sees her and her friends in L. A. But upon reconnection her friend Jill tells Dylan he is the father of her cute three-month-old son Michael. Dylan decides to travel to Oxford, Miss., to negotiate custody of his son, and it seems as if the whole town is against him. He finds an unlikely ally in Cassie and her son Benjamin. As they start to spend more and more time together, the custody mediation isn't the only thing on their minds. And when Dylan joins a group from Cassie's church that goes to Honduras to help those suffering from a dengue fever outbreak, the past bubbles up in unexpected ways. Ferguson makes up for some awkward dialogue and the overly complicated romantic situation with the captivating unfolding of Dylan and Cassie's relationship, as well as Dylan's father-figure role in Cassie's son's life. (BookLife)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Going Up South." Publishers Weekly, 13 Feb. 2017, p. 58. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A482198186/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=86bab5bb. Accessed 31 July 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A482198186
Book Review (and a Giveaway!): Leaving Oxford by Janet W. Ferguson
July 13, 2016 Carrie Christian, contemporary, giveaway, Janet Ferguson, romance 79
Escaping home to Oxford, Mississippi, seemed like a good idea. Until it wasn’t.
A year after a tragic accident in Los Angeles flipped her world upside down, advertising guru Sarah Beth LeClair is still hiding away in her charming hometown of Oxford, Mississippi. And she may well be stuck there forever. Suffering from panic attacks, she prays for healing. Instead, her answer comes in the form of an arrogant football coach and an ugly puppy.
Former celebrity college quarterback Jess McCoy dreamed of playing pro football. One freak hit destroyed his chances. Although he enjoys his work as the university’s offensive coordinator, his aspirations have shifted to coaching at the highest level. His plans of moving up are finally coming together—until he falls for a woman who won’t leave town.
As the deadline for Jess’s decision on his dream career looms, the bars around Sarah Beth’s heart only grow stronger. But it’s time to make a decision about leaving Oxford.
SERIES: Southern Hearts #1
GENRE: Contemporary Inspirational Romance
PUBLISHER: Southern Sun Press
RELEASE DATE: April 15, 2016
PAGES: 352
“When would she ever learn? Brain first. Then mouth.”
Janet Ferguson’s novel Leaving Oxford is sweetly southern with characters who feel like friends and a plot that immediately engages. As Sarah Beth’s story is revealed by layers, you not only see her; you also see the grace of God.
Sarah Beth LeClair is honest and compelling but also just plain adorable. Jess McCoy is just plain hot. And Gingie the dog is an adorably hot mess. And I can’t forget to mention precocious little Katie with her sassy southern drawl. Or her hunky widowed dad Nick. Or Jill. Or a host of other characters that march through the story and leave you smiling in their wake. A few may leave you in tears, too.
Leaving Oxford is ultimately a story of prodigals – of those who’ve already come home, of those still on the journey back, and of those still far away. They aren’t perfect people by any means, and even the reformed prodigals have pasts that could be full of regret if Jesus wasn’t all about redeeming us from shame. There is joy in returning to Jesus and there is joy in meeting Jesus for the first time; Janet Ferguson captures these reactions beautifully in her characters and the plot.
Leaving Oxford is also a story for anyone who’s ever struggled with the disease of anxiety, especially those who feel like their faith should be enough to fix it. Because, sometimes you can do all the “right” things – pray enough, read your Bible enough, trust Jesus enough – and those pesky chemicals in your brain still don’t behave the way you want them to. Leaving Oxford reassures you that it’s okay, that there’s still hope (and help!), and that it doesn’t mean your faith in Jesus isn’t “enough”. There are many avenues of treatment that can work hand in hand, helping the chemicals fall into place so your brain can do what it knows to do with the faith that you hold dear.
Bottom Line: Janet Ferguson creates a setting so vivid that you will feel the Mississippi humidity draping over you as you read, and even the staunchest Yankee may develop a bit of a southern drawl by the time you’ve finished Leaving Oxford. The romance between Jess and Sarah Beth is one of those delicious slow-burn kind that has you craving that first kiss almost as much as they do! Cute humor, sweet friendships, and a meaningful message elevate Leaving Oxford beyond a simple romance, and the characters guarantee that you go one-click the next book Going Up South as soon as you finish this one. (Side note: I thought, as I was reading Leaving Oxford, that I knew who Going Up South would be about. I was almost completely wrong LOL. But it turned out better than I anticipated, so I’m okay with that 🙂 ) There is a lot of “church speak”, which in the South is common vocabulary anyway lol – and some moments where I felt the story took a break for a sermon or two – but it didn’t really detract from my overall enjoyment of the novel.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
My Rating: 4 stars / Enjoyed it!
KissingBook Level: 3.5 / May forget to breathe on occasion & might need a fan for more than just the Mississippi heat
Book Review: Going Up South by Janet W. Ferguson
July 13, 2016 Carrie Christian, contemporary, Janet Ferguson, romance 9
No one told him he had a son.
Actor Dylan Conner is furious. Not only has he been left out of his child’s life, the baby boy has been given another man’s last name. Determined to be a better father than the sorry guy who’d left him and his mother, Dylan fights to ensure a significant place in his son’s life. Unfortunately, his bad-boy reputation overshadows his good intentions. Only one woman in this small town sees beyond his Hollywood image. And he’s falling for her. Too bad she’s the custody mediator.
After her scandalous divorce in the small town of Oxford, Mississippi, attorney Cassie Brooks has no intentions of practicing law again. The humiliating experience left a bitter taste for love, marriage, and her profession.
Now friends need Cassie’s help in a custody negotiation, and her role demands she remain objective. She never expected to be drawn to Dylan Conner–the actor who everyone warns is bad news. Not only is the mediation at stake, but so is her heart.
SERIES: Southern Hearts #2
GENRE: Contemporary Inspirational Fiction
PUBLISHER: Southern Sun Press
RELEASE DATE: June 15, 2016
PAGES: 259
“A place in his soul he’d long forgotten broke open, and words seeped between the cracks.”
I loved Leaving Oxford, the first book in Janet Ferguson’s Southern Hearts series, but Going Up South may be my favorite of the two. If I had to pick one. Which I don’t, thankfully 🙂
Dylan Conner is a character who intrigued me in Leaving Oxford, and getting to spend more time with him in Going Up South is all kinds of delightful. He’s flirty and incorrigible but when you get past that shallow celebrity exterior you see a heart that yearns for friends and a soul searching for purpose. Watching him figure out how to be a dad – SWOON. Watching him with Cassie – SWOON. Watching him with Benjamin – SWOON. Just watching him – SWOON.
But, I digress.
Going Up South has lots of cute moments – thanks to a precious baby, a flirty celebrity, and a precocious five-year-old. There’s also plenty of humor, thanks to the same sources … and Big Roy. Cassie’s dad, Big Roy, is a hoot. I can’t wait for you to meet him! As I read his scenes, I kept hearing the actor Barry Corbin (though they don’t have many physical similarities) and I’m thrilled to learn from Janet that Big Roy factors prominently in the upcoming fourth book in this series.
Like Leaving Oxford, this second book in the Southern Hearts series is more than a romance. It’s also a story of a prodigal coming home and a reminder that God loves us, flaws and all. The characters we loved in book one are back, but they aren’t on their best behavior – their emotional reactions to Dylan resembling more of what you would expect from a pack of middle schoolers than from a group of grown men and women (especially the men). But don’t we do the same – hold grudges and build up assumptions? And then we have a difficult time adjusting when God shows grace but we don’t.
Cassie becomes the mediator for more than just the legal process between Dylan and the rest of the group. She stands in the gap for him – advocating for him when the others want to write him off, praying for him when everyone else is praying he would just go away. Dylan and Cassie together – even just as friends – made me smile through nearly the whole book, and Dylan’s friendship with her teenage son Benjamin was especially heartwarming.
Bottom Line: Fan-necessitating romance, a swoonworthy leading man (he doesn’t just play one in the movies), a couple of hilarious supporting characters, and a poignant message of reconciliation and forgiveness are all wrapped up with a bit of southern sass and a lot of Mississippi charm. Going Up South is a lot of fun as well as being sweetly poignant, and Janet Ferguson achieves the perfect blend of each. The characters leap off the page, and you’ll feel as though you’ve known them for years. I am eager to read book 3, Tackling the Fields, and the aforementioned book 4 so I can “stay in touch” with the people of Oxford that I’ve grown to love.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
My Rating: 4 stars / Loved it!
Book Review (and a Giveaway!): Magnolia Storms by Janet W. Ferguson
September 7, 2017 Carrie Christian, contemporary, giveaway, Janet Ferguson, romance 100
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?
SERIES: Coastal Hearts #1
GENRE: Inspirational Contemporary Romance
PUBLISHER: Southern Sun Press
RELEASE DATE: September 15, 2017
PAGES: 216
“Maggie would always be his perfect storm.”
I have to begin my review by saying this: I have loved each of Janet Ferguson’s books but this one? Oh. My. Stars. Magnolia Storms is my favorite, hands down. (If you’re reading this, Janet, you can quit biting your nails lol) Not only is the romantic chemistry off the charts, but the characters are all so endearing and the message of learning to trust God with the ‘even ifs’ is organically and tenderly woven throughout the story.
Josh and his little boy J.D. are just adorable together. Ok, J.D. is adorable no matter who he’s with, but their father-son bond is sweet and precious and everything you want a father-son relationship to be. Aunt Ruth is a hoot, and Ferguson has done a great job of capturing the personality of a fifth-grade girl in Dahlia. And then we come to Maggie, who is much more like me than I care to admit. I so identified with how she is really held captive by her fear, remembering my own battle with anxiety and that need to control all possible outcomes to feel safe. The wise words of Aunt Ruth are sometimes so difficult to apply to our own lives, aren’t they?
“Your faith can’t keep tossing and turning in the wind. Sooner or later, you must decide, ‘Though He slay me, still I will trust Him’.”
A lot of storms hit Maggie all at once, not to mention the actual storm brewing off the coast and triggering all her fears from Hurricane Katrina memories. The truth that Maggie must learn to embrace – the fact that ‘even if’ the worst comes true, God is still good and still worthy of trust – is appropriate whenever we hear it … but especially now as parts of our country are bracing for a round of dangerous hurricanes/tropical storms, other parts struggling to recover from the last round, and other parts drowning in smoke from uncontained fires. The author’s choice to include actual stories from Mississippi Katrina survivors (in a special section after the story) makes the novel itself, and the news we are currently watching, all the more poignant and meaningful.
I would be remiss if I neglected to mention the KISSES in Magnolia Storms. Wow.Za. That first (again) kiss is a doozy. It left Josh dazed and me searching for my fan! Not all the electricity in this novel is from the lightning – a great deal of it sizzles in the air between Maggie and Josh on a regular basis. Whew. Might want to read this one from the safety of your closest swooning injury-preventive location. 😉
Bottom Line: Magnolia Storms may just be Janet Ferguson’s best novel to date, and J.D. is certainly one of the cutest kids ever to grace the pages of a novel. You will sympathize with Maggie as she weathers the storms that life brings her way, and as she remembers the importance of faith, forgiveness, and family. Cammie, Aunt Ruth, J.D., Dahlia, and Josh will also sail straight into your heart. Just the right blend of sweetness and sizzle, the romance will make you smile and swoon. The message of trusting God in the midst of pain and fear has perhaps never been more timely. Fans of the author’s Southern Hearts novels will love this new series as well!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
My Rating: 5 stars / Fabulous!
Magnolia Storms by Janet Ferguson Review of Grace Award Winner!
June 8, 2018 in my point of view
Magnolia Storms by Janet Ferguson Reprinted with authors permission, Copyright by Janet Ferguson
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 point of view:
Janet Ferguson takes us on a personal journey, drawing on her own experiences for the back drop of Magnolia Storms. This is an amazing story of how devastating the damage was on the coast of Mississippi from Hurricane Katrina.
Magnolia Marovich blames all her family’s problems since 2005 on the most devastating event to ever occur for them – Hurricane Katrina. Maggie’s heart was broken in the devastation Katrina brought upon the Coast of Mississippi, not only losing their family home, but her father was lost at sea trying to perform a rescue during the storm.
Maggie never fully recovered from her family’s losses. Now having to face all the painful memories, including her lost love, Josh, it is going to take all of Maggie’s strength and will power to get through this next phase of her life.
How does one learn to lean on God’s saving grace and trust in the Lord again in the midst of so much chaos? Not only is a storm heading their way, but her sister’s injuries are severe and Maggie must also care for her neice, her aunt’s business, and Josh’s little boy, all while trying not fall hopelessly in love with the three year old, and his father all over again.
I truly loved this story and could tell it came straight from the author’s heart. I am, admittedly, a product of the news media – and I never knew the devastation was so great in the Mississippi coastal area, as all I ever saw was the terrible situation the people from New Orleans were going through. I learned an awful lot from reading this story, and that is something I love to take away from a book along with the “feel good – warm and fuzzies”!
One of my favorite themes is second chance love stories, so Maggie and Josh’s rediscovery of one another was near and dear to my heart. I am also a big fan of the single parent, I love when children are involved, and Magnolia Storms gives us a double dose with three year old, JD, Josh’s son and ten year old, Dahlia, Maggie’s niece involved so deeply in the novel. I adored Maggie’s devotion to her family and doing whatever needs to be done in the face of adversity. I found a lot of my own past traits in Maggie as well – needing to handle everything on my own! I was an extremely stubborn person for many years, believing I could only rely on myself to get things done, Maggie has to learn to give up control to God once and for all and depend on the ‘kindness of strangers’ in order to truly be able to take care of her loved ones to the best of her ability.
I will definitely be re-reading this one, especially since this is the first installment of Janet Ferguson’s newest series – Coastal Hearts. I have read all of Janet’s Southern Hearts series, and enjoyed each of them in their own right, as well!
About the author:
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.
To purchase your own copy of Magnolia Storms, you can click on the link below:
Character Spotlight: Janet W. Ferguson’s Josh Bergeron (with giveaway)
Meet a ship pilot in
Janet W. Ferguson’s
contemporary romance
Magnolia Storms
Southern Sun Press
*****
The Story
Magnolia Storms
A Coastal Hearts Novel
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you….
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?
Introducing Josh Bergeron
Brief physical description
The blue-eyed ship pilot has hair the colour of sand.
Resembles…
I can’t find exactly what I imagine, but if I could combine these two guys (Bradley & Josh)
Strengths and weaknesses
Josh’s career is both his strength and his weakness. He is a ship pilot. He was unwilling to give up piloting after Hurricane Katrina, even for Maggie, the love of his life. Piloting is where he finds his worth, and he wants to honour Maggie’s deceased father and follow in his footsteps. He bravely delivers all kinds of enormous vessels safely up the mouth of the Mississippi River. He loves being on the Gulf of Mexico, and he can’t imagine any other life. The only things he cares about more than his career are God and his little boy. Josh’s other strength is being a good father.
Your inspiration for the character
I have a friend who is a ship pilot, and I researched the career. I became fascinated. Here’s a video. (Warning: You’ll probably want to mute the music.)
Background to the story
The first reason I wanted to write this story was that Hurricane Katrina had a devastating effect on my state of Mississippi. The storm absolutely destroyed so much of our Coast and more. Many friends lost everything. I wanted to honour Mississippians who went through this tragedy.
The spiritual element came from my own prayer life. Sometimes I have pounded on the doors of heaven for an answer that just didn’t come out like I wanted. I needed to wrestle through that. This verse kept coming to mind: Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him- Job 13:15. Even if God doesn’t answer like I want, I will believe… That is faith. Faith comes in the hard things.
Thanks Janet!
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.
Janet loves to hear from readers! You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads, Pinterest, Bookbub or http://www.janetfergusonauthor.com/. Use the contact page, or subscribe to my newsletter on the Under the Southern Sun page for exclusive book news and giveaways.
Monday, August 29, 2016
"Tackling the Fields" By Janet W. Ferguson Book Tour and GiveAway
Purchase your copy here
About the Book
Cole Sanders is a changed man. The university quarterback questions his direction in life after serving on a mission trip in Honduras. Things that used to fill Cole’s ego seem empty after witnessing the developing country’s extreme poverty and the death of a precious child. The one glimmer of hope through his confusion is the fresh perspective he now has about his tutor, Audrey. She possesses something beautiful inside and out—something that might help him become the person he wants to be.
University senior Audrey Vaughn tutored Cole Sanders for an entire year and never imagined the popular quarterback would see her as anything more than a friend. After partnering with him on the mission trip, they are drawn together. And he appears to have changed for the better. To let Cole into her life, Audrey will have to overcome not only her brother’s distrust, but also the paralyzing fear still lingering from a past she’s tried to leave behind.
Cole can’t walk away from Audrey now that they’re back in Oxford. He’ll have to figure out how to keep her giant of a brother, a lineman on his football team, from killing him when the coach has his back turned. But can Audrey trust her heart to a player so similar to the one who stole so much from her in the past?
My Review: "Tackling the Fields" by Janet W. Ferguson is the third book in the (Southern Hearts Series ) and my favorite of the series so far. I say so far because a fourth book is coming.
In my opinion "Tackling the Fields" by Janet W. Ferguson can be enjoyed as a stand alone, unless you are like me and must read series in order and in their entirety.
"Tackling the Fields" deals with hard subjects like drug abuse and alcohol and sex trafficking and porn and rape but nothing is explicit and this book is written without bedroom scenes or curse words. I applaud Janet Ferguson for writing about these subjects in an easy to follow story and in a way that all readers can enjoy. Please don't let these issues stop you from reading this book, I promise you this a clean story.
"Tackling the Fields" by Janet W. Ferguson is a five star book that details college life accurately.
There was a scene toward the end that was heart stopping for a moment because this reader was saying "Oh No, That cannot happen." No, I can't tell you anymore than this, you must read the book to find out for yourself.
The book is centered around football players and their families and friends but the book is really about becoming the person God intended them to be. And for the record I do not like football but really wasn't bored with the few tackle scenes described in the story.
There are several themes in this book, such as trust, forgiveness and healing and yes it is a clean romance. The characters all change as a result of these themes.
I was given a pfd copy of "Tackling the Fields" By Janet W. Ferguson by the author and Celebrate Lit for my honest review for the book tour.
About the Author
Janet 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.
Guest Post from Janet Ferguson
Hi, I’m Janet W. Ferguson, and I’m so excited to be back again and meet more readers through Celebrate Lit!
This is a story I didn’t want to write, but felt called to tackle. The loss of the dream, the loss of innocence, and life’s other unfair struggles can challenge our faith—can make us captive to fear and disappointment.
In the South, we love football. In writing this book, I’m not trying to make a statement for or against the sport. My husband and son loved playing the game. After my son suffered a torn ACL, torn shoulder labrum, and four surgeries, he could no longer participate in the game he loved. He mourned the loss of the brotherhood of his team. I saw the popular pastime differently from his eyes. For young men, I believe it is a bond between friends for a common goal. Though the character in this book is totally fictional, I’m dedicating this book to my son, Luke.
The other sensitive topics in this story seemed particularly sad, but relevant in our society. Trust me, I didn’t prefer to research acquaintance/date rape or human trafficking, but both are going on all too often in communities both small and large. There are a number of organizations set up to help victims of these crimes if you feel a calling to help.
Someone reading this may have had something terrible that happened in their past or may know someone who has. God is able to set free the captives, set you free from the bonds that hold you. My prayer is that you find comfort in that truth.
Blown Together by Janet W. Ferguson
Posted on 03/07/2017 by Beth Erin
Wealth manager Sam Conrad is accustomed to his domineering father ordering him around, especially at the bank where they both work. But when his father demands that Sam manage the inheritance of his bossy ex-fiancée, Sam has finally had enough. He leaves in search of a new life, and attorney Big Roy Bosarge from Mobile, Alabama, agrees to mentor Sam on his quest for direction. Sam didn’t expect to be thrown together with Big Roy’s eccentric and opinionated daughter.
Storm damage forces lonely romance writer Elinor Bosarge and her hairless cat, Mr. Darcy, out of her Fort Morgan Beach cottage. She plans to take refuge in the boathouse on her parents’ estate, but finds the place already occupied by one of her father’s “projects.” She’s shocked her father would allow another young man onto the property after his last mentee robbed her family and broke her heart. And from the moment she meets Sam Conrad, they disagree about everything from her cat to how to best renovate a local nursing home.
Between her mother’s health issues and the hurricane brewing in the Gulf, Elinor feels like her life is being ripped apart. It doesn’t help that she’s falling for the man she’s determined not to trust. Sam finds himself drawn to Elinor, wanting to help her and this new family he’s grown to love. But can he overcome the barrier she’s built to keep him out? When the storm rages and the two of them are blown together, can Elinor find the faith to open her heart again?
goodreads | amazon
My Thoughts
In this conclusion of the Southern Hearts series, readers follow small town big fish Sam Conrad out of Oxford and into a new chapter of his life. It’s relatively rare but folks do move out of small towns on occasion. Often times they end up moving back at some point but maybe that little quirk is unique to my own small hometown.
Since larger than life Big Roy Bosarge has a soft spot for helping fellas get their feet planted firmly on the straight and narrow, Sam heads south for Mobile. Now Roy is quite a character, he can throw around more wacky phrases than you can shake a shoe at and he has serious skills in the understatement department but more about that later.
Sam is expecting Big Roy’s boisterous enthusiasm but he’s thrown for a loop by Roy’s quirky, prickly daughter Elinor and her hairless cat, Mr. Darcy. To be fair, a hairless cat would throw me for a loop too, I might even be tempted to get the cat a shirt or something. As far as Elinor is concerned, Sam’s presence is unwelcome in the most severe sense of the word. Elinor may be a tad eccentric but she’s also vulnerable, hurting, and stressed.
Sam and Elinor butt heads with one another at every turn as they try to work together and earn one another’s trust. The conclusion of this series is bittersweet but what a wonderful story to close with. So without further adieu, here is my favorite Royism:
“I don’t know if you noticed, but Elinor Elizabeth can be a little intense.
Kinda like a cat in a dog pound.” – Roy Bosarge
I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
About the Author
Janet 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.
website | facebook | twitter | pinterest
Southern Hearts Series