Welcome to Magnolia Bloom

by Paula Adler

Welcome to Magnolia Bloom
Where magic more than happily-ever-after awaits … in a castle … in East Texas.

1967. Violet MacInnes resents her genealogy assignment. Everybody knows her great-grandfather was a sea captain. Everybody knows her great-grandmother was the most sought-after debutante in Galveston. Everybody knows they defied society, married, and built an authentic Sottish castle nestled in a magnolia grove.

Evajean Whitson is convinced she was born in the wrong century. In 1867 she shouldn’t want an education. She shouldn’t want to design anything but her debut gown. She shouldn’t want anything other than to be a proper wife.
Her future is set. Debut. Courtship. Marriage. Until Alisdair MacInnes sails into her life. Scottish sea captain. Bastard son. And a man who just can’t give a damn about high society and its expectations.

As Violet digs into the family diaries, she discovers the legacy in the lush magnolias of East Teas almost didn’t happen. And that the family’s famous castle came to life, not o a man’s desire, but of a woman’s determination and defiance to take the risk to pursue her dreams.

Genres: Fiction

75 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2020

About the author

I'm a traditionally published author who has moved into the indie world -- and I couldn't be happier! I took the plunge to move from the corporate world to being a full-time writer and it's been the most exciting time of my life.

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Reviews

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this novella from the author and am providing this honest review voluntarily.

WELCOME TO MAGNOLIA BLOOM is a short novella that is actually a prequel to the author's book coming out in the fall titled RETURN TO MAGNOLIA BLOOM. It is a mixture of the Historical Fiction/Romance genres and takes place in Texas during two time frames, 1963 and post-Civil War Reconstruction era (1867). I enjoyed the alternating points of view and time frames. The characters are not at all stereotypes. Evajean is a Southern Belle but not one who is pinning all her hopes on her Debutante Ball. Rather than dreaming of snaring an eligible bachelor, she wishes to continue her education and become an architect. Evajean's romantic interest is Captain MacInnes who does not fit the typical seafarer profile either. Violet, the present-day narrator, is a precocious teenager that I hope we will hear more of in the next book.

This novella is well-written and captivating. I am looking forward to reading RETURN TO MAGNOLIA BLOOM to catch up with all the characters. I highly recommend to Historical Fiction and Romance fans.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is different from most of the other types I have read. It was a nice variation and definitely interesting!

Violet MacInnes, a freshman at Magnolia Bloom High School, is given a research project in English class. Violet is disappointed at the assigned topic because she feels that her family history is boring. Everyone knows how Magnolia Bloom came about. But her assumption was wrong! She delves back into her great grandparents’ story around 1867, the fascinating tale of Captain Alisdair and Evajean Whitson. Her great grandmother was an amazing, independent lady who wanted to reach out and be more than what other expected of her. Instead of falling into the typical arranged marriage, Evajean wanted an education, a career, and adventure – pretty much unheard of for a female at that time!

This story was clever and intriguing. Grab your copy and get a peek at how differently things were done in “those days”. Would you have had the courage shown by Evajean? Check it out and see what you think!

[Jamie Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Missing Something

I so wanted to like this story. I thought the framework was interesting, having a young girl required to do a family history project. But the major part of the story that took place in the past felt disjointed. It is a novella of only about 18K words, and I think it needed more space to give us a true sense of the characters and how they came to feel for each other. I'm not wild about the trope rampant in historical fiction, of heroines who seem far too modern in their desires. I can't say for certain, but I believe that most women, whatever age they live in, conform to societal and class expectations. It would have been the odd duck that didn't. Yet, contemporary writers of historical romance have created a rather large flock of these damsel ducks. I don't doubt that some women pushed the envelope or wanted to, but I don’t think they were as common as so many historical romances would have you believe.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Sofe · Rating 4 out of 5]

EBook Review: WELCOME TO MAGNOLIA BLOOM by Paula Adler

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(M) oney
(E) valuate...

(T) hink...
(O) ffer

(M) eaningful
(A) nalysis...
(G) enerates
(N) eeding
(O) nly
(L) ove
(I) nwardly
(A) ttracking

(B) ig
(L) ongjng,
(O) f
(O) penness
(M) utual

WELCOME TO MAGNOLIA BLOOM, where coming of age set before us.
A time to discover, how fit in world around you.

Yet still embrace differences, that truly exist within your very soul.
Not an easy task, when norms say certain behaviors not acceptable.

A time all experience, know your heart's desire will get there.
Here is a chance, see what happens when two individuals meet.

Is it a match, or destined for failure due to circumstances?
I got the book, in order to find out how went.

Is quite a story, so many people to meet before event.
Get nice and comfortable, won't want to put the book down.

[Elizabeth Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Violet is tasked with writing about her geneology. She thinks everybody already knows all there is to know about her great grandparents and doesn't want to do the assignment. She finds a family diary and is able to read all about how they met and became a couple.

This was a short novella and a cute little story. I didn't have to force myself to read it but at the same time, I wasn't so into it I couldn't put it down. I may or may not read the series this is a prequel to. I won't be searching it out but may read it if I can't find anything better. This is not a slam on the author, but rather a reflection on my own reading interests. I am rating this 3 stars because I simply am not all that interested in this type of book, not because it's a mediocre book. If you like historical romances, you will enjoy the read.

*dislaimer* I recieved a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review

[BigGirl BigBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet MacInnes thinks her family history is boring because the whole town knows it, as the town was built around the family lore and today employees everyone and exist all because of Evajean Whitson seeing a man and his boat in 1867.
The story is a novella and I am thinking we will hear more from the MacInnes saga. The story is told in multiple points of view and is told in two different centuries. I love this type of "woman wants more than marriage" as I write them myself. So I definitely enjoy reading them also. AND I love the unique way of using a young girl as a narrator in women's fiction, similar to writer Paula Jiles. . This story checks many boxes, contemporary, romance, historical, family saga, southern Literature, and women's fiction. ALL OF MY favorites I will seek out Paula Adler from here on out.

[Trick Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great story by Paula Adler.. Starting out about writing about her family tree Violet finds out more than she thought she did about her family and the town and about her great grand parents. Follow the story that takes place,1864 from Violet in the 1960's. This story covers the beginning of Violet's great grand parents on how they met,loved,married,and lived. Sometimes it's hard to tell two different stories especially in two different years so bff wry car apart but not this one.. The characters they just become real people and you feel as though once your finished,you know Violet's family and all the secrets no one wants anyone to know! You will have to read to find out!! Great read and on to the next book!

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this short story as much as I did. Violet MacInnes is a freshman at Magnolia Bloom High School and comes home upset that she didn’t get to select her own topic for her English research project. She’s given the topic of her great grandparents. This is a fascinating account about what she learns from 1867 about Alisdair and Evajean. I normally wouldn’t choose to read this type of story, but I’m so glad I did. I didn’t want it to end, so that should tell you how good it was. Grab your copy and get ready to be drawn in, like I was.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brianne Klodowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this for free from a Goodreads giveaway. This is my first experience with Paula Adler's works, so I didn't know what to expect. This was a quick read that introduced me to characters that quickly enchanted me. I did not expect a strong female character set in the late-1860s South, so I was pleasantly surprised. The voices read almost with a contemporary style, which I also appreciated.

Overall, this was a good introduction to characters that I most likely will seek to read about again.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading something by this author, so I didn't know what to expect. It is a prequel to an upcoming novel. This was an enjoyable read. The story was well-written and flowed nicely. The plot was interesting and had some plot twists and turns that made this an interesting and intriguing story. The author did a nice job of bringing this story to life with her vivid descriptions and well-developed scenes. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the first book of the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I would like to state that I have received this book through goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once. This book was a very interesting read. It pulls you in and keeps you wanting more. I would recommend this book to others. It is a very good read

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read. Very sweet romance telling the beginnings of Magnolia Bloom. Am looking forward to reading more of this family with their roots in Scotland and traveling to Texas. This one contrasted between family patriarchs and great-great granddaughter. Interesting to see the different times and social restrictions. Lovely!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Magnolia Bloom Novella a well written story that held my interest until the end. Violet MacInnes in 1967 starts digging into her families past. In 1867 Evajean Whitson meets Captain Alisdair MacInnes these people will be Violets great-grandparents, that almost did not become a couple. This story is well worth reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Quick Read

Good writing, good story, I'm just not as happy with the books that have each chapter from the viewpoint of a different person. Maybe it means I'm lazy. Then add in it includes some voices from the present but the majority from the past. I get confused in the first half of the book but somehow get my footing before the end.
It's a fun, innocent love story. So if you're prepared for changing viewpoints, you'll enjoy it.

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc of this book and I’m providing an honest review. I enjoyed the perspective in which this story was told. Violet thought she knew everything about her family history but as she was prepared for a school assignment she learned she did not know the full story. Evajean and Alistair’s budding romance is beautiful. She is very headstrong and knows what she wants and he supports those wants. Looking forward to the next part of the story.

[Barb Wild]

Loved this book. Perfect beach read. The main character is trying to flush her genealogical background with research. Pulling the strings together she sees that her family may have happened. Going through journals and diaries, brings a charming view to the reader. I won this book on goodreads. Thanks

[Chantique (Browneyed.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute little short story. I enjoyed learning about this little family's history. I did struggle with some of the Scottish dialect but for the most part could get the point. I will definitely read the next book in the series. The writing was well down and so much was accomplished in such a short read.
I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was beautiful. Getting a story inside another story. A young woman doing a report for school about her family, but she's got to do some research. Family history will open your eyes to another world and help you see what was lost. I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.

[Lisa Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series intro

I won a Kindle copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I loved this novella and was disappointed when it ended. I can't wait until September so I can continue the saga

[Debbie Borthwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella and I can't wait to start Return to Magnolia Bloom. The idea of a Scottish castle in Texas is exciting. I enjoyed reading the history of the castle and past generations. If this is the beginning of a series, I'm already hooked.

[Connie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoy this series. The novella was about how the founders of this family line met & fell in love. Along with a teenage great great granddaughter learning her family history & to appreciate it.

[Annmarie Kuyath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short, enjoyable novella.
Violet MacInnes is a freshman in High School. She’s given an assignment to research her great grandparents. She learns a lot about them and it's interesting to read what she learns about them. I normally don't read these types of stories, but I enjoyed this one!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short novella and seems to be an introduction to another book. It was okay. Too short to develop characters or the plot.

I received an e-version of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to the new series. Loved this book and wished it kept going so I could see what happened next!

[Valerie Berns · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet love story. I wish it was longer and had a little more depth but it was captivating and romantic.

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!

[Claudia (CJ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

with compter problems took me awhile to read this book, Really enjoyable book. Always a teat to read a new to me authors work too!

[Karen Bendzus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic history

I love how a young girl draws parallels to Eva Jean and her life now. Very romantic. Loved the back and forth from one time to another

[Rebecca Farrar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing That the full stories were not there

Each Story grab you interest but When you want to continue reading it left a cliff hanger. What was on the page was well written.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good intro to the characters. Very interesting beginning.