Magnolia Sky (Warner Forever) [Mass Market Paperback]

Susan Crandall (Author)

Book Description

Series: Warner Forever | Publication Date: August 1, 2004

Luke Boudreau heads to the Mississippi home of his army buddy, Calvin Abbot, who was killed as he saved Luke's life. By seeking out Calvin's family, Luke hopes to find peace and closure. But instead he meets Calvin's beautiful wife. Original.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Luke Boudreau arrived in Grover, Mississippi, one cold, rainy February to pay his respects to the bereaved mother of his Ranger team member and friend, Calvin Abbott, only to discover that in all their years of service together in special ops, Abbott had neglected to mention he was married. Feeling guilty over the nature of Abbott's death, and unsettled by Abbott's habitual infidelity, Luke nevertheless finds himself attracted to the lovely Analise. She, in turn, sees Luke's efforts to assuage his own conscience by helping the Abbotts make a success of their nursery as an attempt to usurp her peace of mind and her place in the family. In the best tradition of contemporary southern small-town romances, this story begins with an eye-opener and continues to surprise right up to the end, drawing the reader into the setting with a warm and hospitable welcome. Lynne Welch
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

'Crandall brings a strong, new voice to the genre' -Romantic Times

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Forever; 1ST edition (August 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446614106
• ISBN-13: 978-0446614108
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1 x 7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #863,621 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Indiana native Susan Crandall's women's fiction and romantic suspense novels have garnered national awards, including the coveted RITA(c). With the exception of seven years in Chicago, she's spent her life in her Indiana hometown. When not reading, writing or watching movies, Susan spends time with her husband, children and plethora of pets.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Finely written. Grade: 4.5 Stars, July 29, 2004

By 

MaryGrace Meloche (Ontario, Canada.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Magnolia Sky (Warner Forever) (Mass Market Paperback)

MAGNOLIA SKY is a very good book; the author has written a beautiful story. Susan Crandall manages to convey the warmth and closeness of a small town in the south. Her character development is first-rate and her words are smooth and forceful.

The road to true love is never easy! Reluctantly, ex-army ranger Luke Boudreau forces himself to make the long trip to Mississippi. Guilt compels him to deliver personal words to a fallen buddy's family. But upon his arrival, confusion greets him. He thought he knew everything about his late army pal. He knew about the mother, the kid brother, the family greenhouse operation, but what Luke Boudreau did not know about -- was Analise.

Analise Abbott was content with her life. She loved the freedom and habits of rural Mississippi, yet she loved the Abbot family more. Analise Abbott wanted nothing to change. What Analise Abbot did not want -- was Luke Boudreau coming around and stirring up painful memories. Memories filled with shame and remorse.

What Analise Abbot did not want -- was Luke Boudreau to leave . . .

The author pivots her story around excellent secondary characters; these people and creatures help draw the story onto familiar ground for the reader. MAGNOLIA SKY may take place in small town, Mississippi, but the author's words are so persuasive the setting could take place in small town, Anywhere.

Susan Crandall writes a gentle love story about two guilt-filled people brought together through the love of family. A family governed by a wonderful and caring woman. Grade: A-

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An emotional, beautiful book, September 28, 2004

By 

Judy "book reader" (Cincinnati, ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magnolia Sky (Warner Forever) (Mass Market Paperback)

Magnolia Sky is a beautiful book that will touch your heart in so many ways.

Luke Boudreau has been avoiding the family of his fellow soldier Calvin Abbott for months. Calvin died on a mission that Luke was in charge. Luke was prepared to talk to Calvin's mother but had no idea there was a wife.

Analise Abbott was making a wonderful life for herself with her deceased husband's family. Her marriage was far from perfect but she gained a family in his mother and brother. When Luke comes to town he upsets the balance in her life. Circumstances cause Luke to stay in town longer then planned. Ana and Luke are drawn to each other but they both have issues from their past.

This book is a must read. The secondary characters will touch your heart along with Ana and Luke. Magnolia Sky was a very emotional read for me. I just adored this whole book. Looking forward to the next book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars engaging contemporary romance, July 28, 2004

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Magnolia Sky (Warner Forever) (Mass Market Paperback)

In Grover, Mississippi, Army ranger Luke Boudreau undergoes his toughest mission of his fifteen-year career. He visits Olivia, the mom of one of his men, deceased Calvin Abbott, who died in the line of duty five months ago. Luke, just out of the hospital, blames himself for the death of his brother in arms. He made the decision that led to the helicopter crash that took the life of Calvin.

Luke is shocked when he meets Calvin's widow Analise, as he never knew the man was married although they were in the same unit for several years. Calvin's mom persuades Luke to stay around to talk with her younger teenage son, Cole, who is having personal troubles. As he meets the Abbott family, Luke falls in love with Analise, who reciprocates his feelings. However, both feel they are betraying Calvin even as Olivia plays matchmaker.

This is an engaging contemporary romance starring two scarred souls and a wonderful support cast especially Olivia. Although Cole is an engaging brother-in-law, his woes take away from the prime angst of the lead couple sharing deep remorse over falling in love. Fans will enjoy this "triangle" with the third angle being that of a ghost.

Harriet Klausner