Sweet Magnolia

Sweet Magnolia
Norma L. Jarrett
The B &B Media Group
ISBN: 0-7679-2142-8
Fiction, Christian
Reviewed by Qetesh

This is a deeply moving story set deep in the Old South. You are immediately immersed from page one into the rich cultural history of New Orleans and the colorful personalities of the Ledouxe family. This story’s theme centers on the power of God and faith as two sisters who have taken different paths in life come to terms with their differences and each other. The sisters both share a deep depression that they have inherited from their mother and they deal with it in very different ways. One sister is a famous international model who uses alcohol and men to drown out her sorrows. The other sister has a deep personal relationship with God and turns to him to deal with her pain. An accident ends up bridging the gap between them. The sisters begin explore themselves, their past and learn to grapple with the dark family secrets that have recently been unearthed at a family reunion that was ironically meant to celebrate an upcoming wedding. The story consistently weaves the theme of the power of God and faith throughout the lives of the characters. The characters are amazing studies of the human condition. They are powerful, poignant snapshots with unique personalities that are vastly entertaining. This book will tear at your heart; make you smile, and cry all at once. You will feel like you are there, deep in the heart of the South, as you smell the King Cake and Pecan Pie. This book has very definitive Christian themes but it is a wonderful excellent read that will warm your heart.