Joy for the Journey

Magnolia Gardens #3

by Michelle Stimpson, CaSandra McLaughlin, Michelle Chester (Editor)

Life at Magnolia Gardens for Frenchetta Davenport seemed to be falling into place. She's made some great friends and fallen in love with an amazing gentleman. Things took a turn when her son Keith got shot, and her daughter announced that she was having trouble in paradise. With Frenchetta's wedding only months away, will Frenchetta turn in her mothering apron for a wedding gown? Will she find joy for the journey?

Tracy is pregnant BUT who is this child's father? And then there's Buddy. What will he say next? Maxine is finally divorced and living her best life. Norman has been a great friend to her since she arrived. Will their friendship develop into something more?

Bestselling author duo Michelle Stimpson and CaSandra McLaughlin will keep you laughing, cheering, and praying for this lovable cast in the final installment of the Magnolia Gardens series.

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2019

About the author

Hello, Goodreads community! I'm Michelle Stimpson, and storytelling is my heartbeat. I've found my calling in penning heartwarming women's fiction that offers a seat at the table of family, humor, and hope. As an author, my greatest joy comes from crafting narratives that resonate with anyone seeking to find laughter and light in the pages of a good book. My tagline, 'Read. Love. Repeat.', is a promise of the emotional journey I aim to provide—engaging stories you’ll love and yearn to revisit.

Happy Reading

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Reviews

[Pypa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment was definitely the best of the three but all in all still so predictable and LMN movie like. And my biggest annoyance was the editing. Oh my goodness was he /she asleep through books two and three? One of the prominent names changed without warning and the editing went down hill from there. Overall, if you just want a quick read that you already know the ending to, this series is for you.

[Latesha Kellam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed book 3 of this series. It was very well written and I love the direction it took. I got a chance to learn more about some of the other characters at Magnolia Gardens as well as the main character's children. I really hope their is an additional book available or one on the horizon. I love to get to know the characters more and follow their stories.

[Ruth Whyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy For the Journey

The Magnolia series of books were very interested and informative. This book tells you about the life of a senior is not over when you lost your husband and kids grown and leave home. You can love , find beautiful friends at clubs you join and find time to study the word of God. It's a blessing to. Love this series.

[Joyce S. Dillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The People of the Gardens

I enjoyed reading the Magnolia book series. They were very informative and enlightening. I can only imagine how much fun it would be to live in a place as magnificent as the Gardens.

[Lee Holden, E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Excellent read, I loved the storyline and characters. Zeke and frenchetta finally got married. Her son Keith got himself together. It was great to read about senior friendships, relationships and love. There was also biblical references and life lessons.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read!

There’s something to be said for a series of short stories that pulls you in. While I want to charge forward and keep reading, I know the end is coming as well but I don’t want it to end. That’s great writing!

[Lillie Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Magnolia Gardens series of books. The characters and their stories were very entertaining. Life does go on for "Mature" people. The portrait at the end of the book was very impressive; I could identify each person without even seeing their names.

[Denise Frazier-Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is joy in reading #3

This book was better than the 1 and 2. Please read them all.
You won't be sorry.

I've found many black female novelists on Kindle and I've love them all.

[Mary Calton Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good✍🏾

Great storyline did not want to end. The three-book series was amazing, led the characters to better relationship with God, faith, forgiveness, Jesus Christ and love! As a result, all characters improved their lives. Would like series to continue.

[Emma R. Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeke and Frenchie

I really enjoyed this series, it was an excellent snapshot of the golden years. A time when your peace should come easy.

[Donna Campbell-Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

The people at Magnolia are a family in an untraditional way, they are interesting characters. You’ll want more of it

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay

I am a Michele Stimpson fan but I just could not get into this story. I even started it twice after putting it down the first time. It did not capture my attention so I did not connect with the characters. It wasn’t that it was written poorly or it didn’t make sense it just did not pull me in, but I do recommend you giving it a chance, since I know it was really just me.

[Phelicia E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never disappoints

The authors always deliver a good story with a powerful message, full of humor and heartwarmingly believable. I can’t wait for more in the series.

[Cassandra Haywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in The Magnolia Gardens series. I have grown to love all the characters in this series even Buddy who is the Senior citizen casanova and Mr. Tell all of your business of Magnolia Gardens.
The story picks up where Frenchetta son Kevin gets shot, her daughter Katrina is having marital problems with her husband and planning her wedding to Zeke.
Then there is Tracy a young girl married to her splenda daddy Ernest, who is much older and now is pregnant. Is the baby Ernests or her younger lover?
Just as it seems like Frenchetta and Zeke is about to exchange wedding vows up pops some one from Zeke's past.
There is some surprising situations in the story where you will feel wow, laugh, cry and happiness. The take away from this story is that keep praying, have faith and believe in God, he can take a bad situation and turn it around for his good and just what you need.
I recommend this series to read you will not be disappointed.
Cassandra H.
I recieved a ARC of this book for review and my review is of my honest opinion.

[Angela Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joy for the Journey is the third and final book in the Magnolia Gardens series. It is a great story of the power of friendship and family of the Magnolia Gardens crew. They find out that each day is not a walk in the park, and at the most inopportune time, they can be sucker-punched and put to the test. They each find themselves in vulnerable moments that make them feel defenseless. But the power of faith, family, and the bond of love and friendship finds its way to mend hurts and open doors to a road of forgiveness and happiness. Michelle Stimpson and Casandra McLaughlin did an amazing job writing the finale of the Magnolia Gardens series filled with redemptive moments and life lessons that have you rooting for the Magnolia Gardens family in a fun and loving way. Joy for the Journey will have you on a journey of laughter to tears of joy and remembering why you fell in love with the unforgettable Magnolia Gardens crew, Frenchetta, Zeke, Buddy, Bertha, Norman, Maxine, Lily, Ernest, and Tracy. This is one series that the characters will be missed.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Joy For The Journey
Authors: Michelle Stimpson & CaSandra McLaughlin
Publisher: M.S. & C.M.
Series: Magnolia Gardens Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Joy For The Journey" by authors: Michelle Stimpson & CaSandra McLaughlin

My Rationalization:

I found 'Joy for the Journey' one beautifully told ending in this Magnolia Garden series. I found from the read that no matter what was happened in one's life, by putting God first you will come out all right. All of the characters, for the most part, were absolutely wonderful, being well developed with each one having their own story told. Some of what happens in the story may not have been good news buts, all in all, it seems like all did work out and leave all in a good place.


The photo at the end of the book was beautifully done.

[Charlotte Bembry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful love story! I absolutely loved reading this Magnolia Garden series. It showed that no matte what you go through or how life treats you, as long you put God first, you can always find true love. Zeke and Franchesca were perfect for each other. Even when Zeke was faced with ad versity, he was still a God fearing man. I loved the way that the Mother’s worked on a positive relationship with the adult children. Although this is the end of this series, I can see many possible spin-offs with Buddy and Bertha, Earnest and Tracy, Norman and Maxine and even Keith and Unoma. I would also like to know what happens between Katrina and Jonathan I absolutely loved the portrait. Great Series!

[Gladys Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy for the Journey. The continuation of this series is exciting! So many questions answered about the people at Magnolia Gardens. Frenchetta has her life reborn with Zeke by her side. Buddy shares his secret and makes Bertha very happy. Norman approaches Maxine about taking a step to a relationship. Earnest and Tracy also work out their differences. These lives are all touched by God and give me hope that with His help my life can change and bring happiness. This is a must read series! *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an advanced reader and took pleasure in reading the
Conclusion of the Magnolia Garden Series.

Each couple is mentioned starting with Maxine speaking to women at a shelter telling her story. Frenchetta and Zeke move forward with their wedding plans. Tension mounts between Tracy and Ernest where secrets are made known. Buddy and Bertha come to a crossroad.

Keith gets some great news but sort of sad. Katrina and Jonathan’s relationship hits a brick wall. More problems arise but all and all everyone ends at a good place.

[Ellowyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story of Magnolia Gardens. I hate to see this series end. The characters were well developed and they remind you of some of your family members. I love the photo at the end of the book. I am looking forward to reading more by these authors.

[Tracee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I just loved this book!! The author has made the characters so real and it feels just like they are family!!! Great read and I definitely recommend reading it and the whole series too!!!

[Shonna Corrales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed the entire series!

I loved this book and the whole series! Perfect feel good book! I love how the bible verses and lessons are mixed throughout the stories.

[Robinett Versey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Inspiring

The love, characters, setting, scriptures, content, and plot were realistic, captivating, and soulful. Another book to recommend to family and friends.

[Nicole Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww!

I love this series!! Buddy came through! They all ought to tell him off tnoigb. Lol.
This whole setup up is adorable. I look forward to every episode.