Book Review: Magnolia Storms by Janet W. Ferguson

"Your faith can't keep tossing and turning with the wind."


Title:   Magnolia Storms
Series: Coastal Hearts, Book 1
Author: Janet W. Ferguson
Publisher:  Southern Sun Press
Release Date:  September 15, 2017
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Fiction



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 child care 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?


Magnolia Storms by Janet Ferguson stirs quite a storm for our characters and for us readers too! A story rich with emotional evolution that one can't help but riding along with the characters. It's hard to read about the devastation of disasters and traumas, but reading about the aftermath, the journey to healing and rebuilding has a certain sense of hope. Hope there is, but it is the message of faith that highlights in Magnolia Storms. 


"God isn't taken by surprise . . . Even in the darkest storms and the deepest waters, I know He's there with us."

There's something to be said about the connection we feel with the characters, especially with Maggie, Josh and JD. Of course, as our main characters, they take over the story, but it's their romantic connection and their personal faith journey that stirs our hearts. Maybe it's because we've all had trials in our lives that we can't seem to find the faith to carry us through. However, I think it's also because we'll learn something in each of the books that strive to pass on a message. Magnolia Storms is one of those and like Aunt Ruth said in the book, "God is in control. We just have to do our part . . . one moment at a time."

"God is in control. We just have to do our part . . . one moment at a time . . . that's all we can manage - the moment we're in."

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Please note, all quotes are taken from an ARC (essentially an uncorrected proof). Please do not share quote or if do, please make note that it is taken from an ARC or first verify with release copy. 
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Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served her church as a children's minister and a youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.

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