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 childcare 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?
With such a fierce, strong, stubborn personality, one would believe Maggie Marovich would stare danger in the face and laugh at it. But a single devastating hurricane stole too much from her, and she’s dedicated to protecting others from a similar fate.
Not to be outdone in the stubborn department, Magnolia’s sister Camille remains in the coastal town that stole so much from their family. The town Maggie refuses to return to until an accident occurs and her family needs her.
When she arrives, she’s hit with another blow when she learns the man she once loved, the man who abandoned her when she needed him most, now lives next door.
The dynamic between Maggie and Josh is explosive from the get-go. It’s obvious there are some big unresolved issues between these two. It’s also clear that there are still longings in both of them. Josh’s history with the Marovich family gives him a leg up when it comes to knowing how to handle them. There are some exchanges between Josh and Maggie that will leave a little smile on your face.
Add to that an adorable three-year-old, a sullen pre-teen, and a hard-of-hearing aunt, and Janet Ferguson has come up with the perfect combination of faith, family, and fun. Plus, many reasons for Josh and Maggie to find themselves thrown together.
Maggie has lived the past years of her life in fear. Sure, she has a good job and friends—though mostly surface-level—but she’s held herself at a distance. From family, friends, and living a life of joy. Loss has broken her heart but she’s forgotten who God is. He wants to carry her through the storms until the waters calm and the sun shines on her face again. If only she can trust him to do that.
***I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The author is graciously offering one lucky reader an eBook copy of the first book in her Coastal Hearts series. Enter to win your copy of Magnolia Storms below.
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I have been through several Hurricanes with the last one being Hurricane Harvey. It’s never easy to pick up the pieces after any disaster. I really enjoyed your review.
Thank you for the kind words about the review (and for stopping by). I’m sorry to hear you’ve dealt with many hurricanes (and are still dealing with the aftermath of Harvey). I’m in Tennessee so we deal with tornadoes. I’ve been close to them but not ever in them.
Hey Deanna! I’ve been praying for you!
Sending hugs,
Janet
Had my last child during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and she celebrated her first birthday in the midst of an ice storm the following year. Totally thankful that the last 3 birthdays have been without natural disasters.
Wow, a memorable way to come into the world! I’ve been close to a couple tornadoes here in Tennessee but thankfully have not been in the middle of one.
I would be thankful for that, too! Great to see you here!
Blessings
I’m so excited you liked that book! Thank you so much! Sorry I’ve been at conference and haven’t stopped by. I forgot my computer cord and other mishaps! I hope your readers like the story!
Blessings and hugs!
I only posted today so you’re not at all behind. Conferences are fun and exhausting. I’m hoping to make it to ACFW next year since it will be here in Nashville 🙂
Being from Michigan, snow storms and ice storms are the worst natural disasters I have been in. They can be dangerous, but are usually just fun!
Now being in West Texas, we are 10 hours from the Gulf Coast and major storms.
If you’re in an area that can handle snow well, and you are used to it, the cold is what gets you. When I moved from Idaho to Tennessee, I was shocked at the panic and unpreparedness when snow and ice show up!
Hi Jennifer! We rarely get snow or ice down here. I’d love a little bit of that once a year!
Blessings
Years ago we were in a tornado system that had 7 touchdowns in our town in Nebraska. Our home had minor damage but some parts of the city looked like a war zone. Thank you for the review. Looking forward to reading this one!
I’m in a tornado area too. Amazing how volatile the weather can be!
Oh wow, Anne! Those tornadoes are so scary! I hope you enjoy the story!
Blessings,
Suzie, Thanks again for having me as your guest! I’m thrilled you enjoyed Magnolia Storms!
Blessings
Janet
It was my pleasure!