Love a good small town romance. The Merriest Magnolia was a fun and festive read! Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book! Cannot wait for the next book from this author,

I loved the first book in this series, but The Merriest Magnolia was a bit of a let-down as it lacked the fun, charm, and whimsy of the first book. It was a bad book, but it isn’t one that grabbed my heart or makes me want to read it again.

Carrie Reed’s life was turned upside down after the death of her father famed artist Niall Reed when she not only found out she had two half sisters, but that their father left them with a ton of debt and the town they lived in worried about the future. There is no doubt Carrie loves the town, and while she loved her father she knows he was deeply flawed, but she is determined with the help of her sisters to boost the town’s tourism yet keep the town’s charm. Only problem is her high school boyfriend to left town after accepting a bribe from her father Is back and plans to turn Magnolia, North Carolina into a rich people’s playground.

Dylan Scott never thought he’d return to the town he couldn’t wait to get out of, but as the guardian of his nephew who is spiraling out of control, he can’t help but think the small town life is something he needs. But, Dylan has big plans to change the town and wipe Niall’s memory from it. What he doesn’t expect is to find a much different Carrie who will do anything to protect the town she loves.

I felt for Carrie and the way her father’s failings fell on her shoulders. At times she seemed altruistic and at others self-serving and honestly she just confused me. She was so angry at Dylan yet she’d had years to get on with her life and she chose to stay by her father’s side when he was a grown man and could have taken care of himself or hired a personal assistant that wasn’t his daughter, but she didn’t go, she stayed and everyone acted like she was some big hero for doing so. The only time I really enjoyed her character was when she reached out to Sam and was encouraging him and his art. I honestly feel she was a really unhappy person but she decided she has to put on a happy front for everyone in the town and therefore wasn’t being true to herself.

Dylan decided from the start he was going to come to Magnolia and “save” it and he didn’t care if everyone in town thought he was an a$$hole, he was going to show them he was more than the troublemaker kid that left. I wanted to like Dylan and at times I did especially when I saw how hard he was trying to be there for his nephew, Sam. He had such a chip on his shoulder, but then he’d turn around and do something sweet like adopt a dog that would be a hard placement and it was evident that there was more to him.

My problem with this book was that I never felt like we got to know the characters very well, there was obviously more to them and they were both scarred from their childhoods but we weren’t shown that. I also didn’t feel the heat/tension between them at all and they seemed to fall into a physical relationship rather than develop a deep and meaningful one.

There were some good moments in The Merriest Magnolia, but it was lacking in emotion, depth, and fun making it somewhat of a disappointment.

Carrie has always been the type to put others before herself. It seems though she lost herself, gained a few sisters and with Dylan back in town shaking things up in the town she's trying to improve she's more confused then ever. Dylan is working on changing the town he grew up bringing in with a disgruntled teen in tow. After what the child has been though he thought the small town life would help him and the kid but this comes with upsetting Carrie who is on a mission to stop him from developing the town rather then improving and maybe with helping out with the christmas side of things in town it can improve him.

You know what I don't think I did the book justice when trying to write a bit of what its about. There was so much to enjoy about this book. Seeing the characters develop over time, the way they started and the way they were going I really appreciated seeing that. I loved seeing the romance as well, I'm a fan of second chances when it comes to love especially when its been years and they've had time to grow and it was interesting seeing how thing were going about this time. They both there on opposite ends of the issues of what was going on in town and I was curious what was going to happen with that as well, someone had to give or they had to learn to work with eachother. I loved also watching Dylan slowly warm up to the holidays as well with his past and now caring for a child who loves the holidays and coming to a down who loves the holidays it was only a matter of time. Overall I really enjoyed this book.

Note to self: make sure you check if a book is part of a series before you request it. I hadn't realized that The Merriest Magnolia was actually the second book Michelle Major had written in her Magnolia Sisters series. It wasn't the end of the world but it meant I wasn't prepared for not knowing everything about the characters but expecting to. I got over that fairly quickly but then the rest of the book kind of let me down.

Here's the synopsis:
Home for the holidays has always meant cozy small-town traditions…but this year all that may change…
Carrie Reed has always been known as her hometown Good Girl, yet she still loves Magnolia, North Carolina—after all, this is where her newly discovered sisters, Avery and Meredith, live. But Christmas is on its way and with it, her first love. Dylan Scott is back in town and planning on changing everything she’s ever loved about Magnolia with his real estate development project…but not without a fight.
Returning to Magnolia was never in Dylan’s plans—it holds too many reminders that he would never be good enough, and memories of the girl he left behind. But when a tragedy leaves him guardian of a grieving teenager, Dylan returns, ready to remake the town into something only money can buy, small-town traditions be damned. But with Carrie determined to stop him, he finds himself wondering if redeeming his teenage reputation is worth losing out on his second chance at love.
In a surprise to no one who knows what romance novel tropes I like, I requested this book because of the second chance love story. If I'm being honest though, I'm starting to wonder why. Because usually there's major heartbreak and massive miscommunication and then lots of anger when they see each other again after 10+ years. So, I think I need to reevaluate things and take a closer look at which second chance stories I am actually drawn to. And maybe not get distracted by festive storylines!

Dylan was, quite frankly, an idiot. I can forgive running off when he was 18 (ish?) because no one really knows themselves at that age. He should have just talked to Carrie because he was stupid to think she was too good for him (not to say that she wasn't good...she was. And perhaps was too good for him. But that's for HER to decide.) and there was a lot of hurt and emotional issues that could have been avoided if he hadn't just taken off. He was holding onto too much anger about what her father did to him and the town and couldn't see that he was acting in quite a similar manner when he came storming back into town wanting to take over things and make them "better" without even taking the time to figure out what the town actually needed. Newsflash: it wasn't him and his fancy schmancy ideas. Ahem. Yeah, I didn't like Dylan at all and that did not help me like this story.

Carrie was a very good person. Too good. She had turned into a doormat because her father emotionally manipulated her. I feel like I was missing a few pieces since I hadn't read the first book where she and her half-sisters find out about each other after their father's death. He seemed like a real piece of work and I hated that she lost out on so much of her own life because he and his ego were too fragile to let her go and experience things on her own. And he discouraged her painting because she was better than him! What parent does that?? She did have a typical romance heroine journey and found a backbone and rekindled her love of painting, so I appreciated that. But it was hard to get over my anger with her father...and Dylan...and even her mother for leaving her with her dad.

I did, surprisingly, love the fact that Dylan was now the guardian of his late cousin's teenager (obviously I was not a fan of people dying and the kid having his life turned upside down). I was more invested in Sam and his storyline than I was the romance between Dylan and Carrie. I liked seeing as he opened up to Carrie, and then Dylan, and started to learn that there were still people in the world who cared about him and were there for him. I said it was surprising that I liked this storyline because I'm not into single parent stories. I don't want kids and have a hard time connecting with romances where the hero or heroine has kids. But there was something about this one that got me right in the feels.

Ultimately, The Merriest Magnolia did not leave me feeling very...well...merry. Michelle Major's latest novel wasn't a bad one. It just wasn't for me. Might be worth a read if you're looking for a hit of small town Christmas and half-sisters becoming the best of friends but if you already have a TBR pile as tall as a Christmas tree, I'd maybe give this one a miss.

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, Harlequin, via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

I liked this story but it seemed to bog down a little in the middle. This is book 2 in the Magnolia Sisters series. It's Christmas in small town North Carolina and Carrie is thrilled to be decorating and planning events. When old boyfriend Dylan arrives in town determined to erase the small town atmosphere and his bad memories they clash. He wants to develop modern and expensive and she wants to stop him. A true Christmas miracle is needed. It's good to revisit sister Avery and her romance. This can be read as a stand alone. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

It's time for Christmas romance stories. And The Merriest Magnolia is available to read now.I hate to say this but The Merriest Magnolia was a bit of a slow read for me. I don't know why because I loved the first book so I was definitely excited to read the second book. But I just could not get into the mood. I really think that it was the trope of the story. I am usually in love for second chances or hell no for second chances. There was too much hate in the beginning of the book. Like c'mon. I understand breakups are hard but it's either time to move forward or have closure. Like I am not saying that The Merriest Magnolia was bad. It's a good read but it's a bit slow for me and kind of predictable. If you are in the mood for second chances romance during Christmas time, then it's a good read for you. I am a bit of a prick reader when it comes about second romance stories. Just full warning.

I enjoyed my second visit to Magnolia, North Carolina. If you haven't read the first in this series, I definitely recommend you do. It is the story of how these three sisters came to know about their relationship. This is Carrie's story. Carrie grew up in Magnolia, the daughter of their famous artist. She knows Magnolia is slowly dying and has big plans to rescue it. The problem is that she is up against Dylan Scott. Dylan is a real estate developer who wants to turn Magnolia into a rich man's playground. He is also Carrie's first love who took a bribe from her father to leave town years ago. Can Carrie save Magnolia with the help of her sisters and friends? Is it possible to rekindle an old relationship after all this time?

I enjoyed this story for several reasons. I loved seeing Carrie come into her own. She loved art, but did not see herself as an artist. With the encouragement of her sisters and working with students from the high school, she realized how much art was a part of her. I enjoyed seeing how much this town worked together. Many were not in agreement with Carrie, but for the good of the town, they still helped out with her dream of a Christmas Festival like no other. The family aspect with Dylan being the guardian of his nephew grieving the loss of his parents was very emotional. There was baggage there that both had to deal with and as things came out, I was in tears a few times. Finally, forgiveness is a huge part of this story. Self-forgiveness as well as forgiving others come into play. There is a lot to this story, but there is also Christmas fun and festivities. Throw in some Christmas magic and you have a wonderful holiday romance.

The perfect book for a cozy afternoon: it's sweet, heartwarming and uplifiting.
It made me smile, root for the characters and wish I lived in small town liked the one in the story.
I liked the well thought characters, the lovely setting and engrossing plot.
It's an enjoyable and entertaining read that i recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I LOVED this book! Carrie and Dylan were perfect and so was this story. Harlequin is killing it with the holiday books this year and I can't wait to read more!

This is the second book in the Magnolia Sisters series and easily as good as the first book (The Magnolia Sisters). It can be read as a stand-alone, as the backstory is deftly handled, but I recommend reading the first book before this one for a more satisfying experience. The background is that three young women discover that they are half-sisters when their father dies. Carrie and Meredith are Magnolia natives, though they didn't know of their relationship while growing up. Avery arrived after learning of her inheritance. Though initially shocked by the news, it didn't take long for them to become friends. I loved watching them band together to deal with the fallout from their father's death.

Carrie was the legitimate daughter and looked at as the town princess (though she hated the idea). When her parents divorced, she stayed with her father and looked after him, giving up on her dreams of an art career. Carrie loves her hometown and was heartbroken at the mess her father left behind. She and her sisters are determined to rebuild the town and made good progress toward that goal in the previous book. They have great plans for the holiday season, hoping to lure back the tourists who used to be the town's mainstay. Those plans run into a snag when Carrie's high school boyfriend, now a hotshot real estate developer, returns to Magnolia with plans of his own.

Dylan was Carrie's boyfriend in high school, the bad boy to her good girl. It all came to an end when Carrie's father bribed him to leave town. Dylan has two purposes in returning to Magnolia. The first is to give his grieving teenage ward a change of scenery. When Dylan's cousin and his wife died in a plane crash, Dylan was left to pick up the pieces. He struggles with knowing the best way to help Sam. His second purpose is to carry out his plan to turn Magnolia into a destination for the wealthy by building luxury condos and high-end shops. It would also serve a secondary purpose of destroying her father's legacy.

Carrie isn't happy to see Dylan, especially once she learns of his plans. Their opposite visions don't bode well for a smooth process. Their confrontation at a town meeting ends with the mayor assigning them to work together on the Merry Magnolia Christmas festival. Dylan, who hates everything Christmas, does his best to avoid following through. But when Sam gets in trouble for vandalizing the school, he is assigned community service with Carrie.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Carrie and Dylan. Brought together by their concern for Sam, it doesn't take long to re-establish their earlier friendship. As long as they don't talk about their plans for the town, they enjoy spending time with each other. There were some terrific scenes as their friendship deepens and grows. Dylan hasn't forgotten anything about Carrie, and he uses that knowledge to push her toward thinking about herself sometimes instead of always putting others first. I loved seeing him try to boost her confidence in her painting. At the same time, Carrie helps Dylan with Sam, aided by a dog and a kitten. Carrie has high hopes that she will succeed in showing Dylan that Magnolia doesn't need "upgrading" while he plows ahead with his plans, driven by his insecurities. Carrie's pain and heartbreak were palpable when she discovered the truth. I ached for Dylan, too. His kick in the pants came in an unexpected conversation with an old foe. I loved the ending and the surprise that awaited Carrie when she returned to Magnolia.

The secondary characters were wonderful. I liked seeing how the sisters grew closer as they worked through their plans for the town and their feelings about their father. There were some especially poignant moments as they continued to work through their father's estate. I also loved how they had each others' backs when things were difficult. I loved Sam. Besides being a fantastic character himself, he was a shining example of how good a man Dylan is. I liked the realism of how his parents' deaths affected him, from acting out at school to lashing out at Dylan.

The Merriest Magnolia is the second book in the series and it is definitely heartwarming. It’s a story about love, family and what’s really important in life. It’s set in a town/community that you couldn’t help but love. One of those sweet old everyone knows everyone towns. It’s a second chance romance which is one of my favorite tropes. Carrie and Dylan were such great characters that you couldn’t help but root for. A cute story full of Christmas cheer and magic.  
 
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Dylan and Carrie were high school sweethearts. She from a prominent family and he from the wrong side of the tracks. Her dad paid him to leave many years ago.

Flash ahead many years and Dylan has returned as guardian with his 15 year old cousin. Carrie is feeling from the discovery that she has siblings she never knew about, until after her father's death. Dylan works hard at the company he founded with his uncle and cousin, hoping to grow it further to provide a legacy for his cousin.

He's bought up buildings and land in his home town and returned to expand his business and give Sam a foundation for a successful future. He buts heads with Carrie over the vision for the town's future. They both need to move beyond the sins of the past to embrace a future full of possibility. Can they put aside their differences to move forward together? Read this wonderful story to find out!

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

A heartwarming story about love, family and what’s really important , I adored this cute community/ romantic read. I mean it’s second chance romance which is always a winner with me, but it’s so cute and so full of Christmas Feels, just fabulous

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Carrie Reid is Magnolia’s sweetheart, living her life helping others. She recently lost her father and found out she has two half sisters. Now they are all trying to save their late fathers disaster of an estate as well as rejuvenate the town of Magnolia. Carrie has given all she had to support her father and work at his gallery, forgoing her own dream of being an artist. Can Carrie live her dream while trying to save the town of Magnolia?

Dylan Scott is back in Magnolia after a devastating loss. He has come home to try and settle into a new life for himself and his new son. He has plans to make Magnolia into a high-end tourist destination, much to the chagrin of not only the town folk, but to his first and only love, Carrie Reid. Can Dylan change her mind about his plans for the town and for their future?

This is such a fabulous Christmas story of family, friendship, and love. I adore the sister’s spunky personalities and how they have become a family. The characters are so brilliantly written, and it was fun to catch up with the other sisters and all the supporting characters. This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a stand a lone novel, as Ms. Major does and excellent job of filling in the backstory. Thank you so much to the author, Michelle Major, Harlequin Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. It was wonderful! All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.

After the death of her father Carrie has discovered that the life he was living was nothing but a lie. Rather than the affluent person he pretended to be instead Carrie is trying to settle the debts of his estate with her two half sisters who she knew nothing about but have quickly become her best friends. She loves her hometown and is trying to right the wrong of her father but her plans to revitalize the town have become a whole lot more complicated when the man who loved and left her year ago returns.

When Dylan finds himself responsible for his nephew Sam when his cousin and his wife passes away he wants a different life for him than the one they were living in Boston. He has recently purchased some real estate and has plans to draw people to town whether the townspeople agree with him or not.

If the past between Carrie and Dylan wasn’t enough to overcome, they now find themselves with opposing ideas on how to help the town and planning a Christmas celebration when one party embraces the season and the other party wished it never existed. This is a touching story about love, family and realizing what and who is important in your life.

The Merriest Magnolia by Michelle Major is book 2 in the Magnolia Sisters series. Set in the quaint, coastal town of Magnolia, NC, the series involves three women who recently discovered they were half-sisters when their father died, a famous artist who was selfish and manipulative. He leaves the town of Magnolia in need of a major economic facelift . Carrie Reed, one of the daughters and an artist in her own right, works to keep Magnolia the quaint town that she loves by boosting tourism. She must fight against a developer who has come into town, buying property to transform into wealthy condominiums and store fronts. The task is equally hard when the developer is her high school boyfriend, Dylan Scott, bribed years earlier to leave town with a check from her father. Will they be able to work together for the good of the town? Or will their different ambitions and dreams for Magnolia drive them apart. This is a story about family, trust, forgiving the past, and looking towards the future; a book I recommend.

I enjoyed this second book in a series enough to track down the first and read it too.

Carrie is the daughter of a famous artist, and artist whose life centered on himself and who left a lot of broken people in his wake, including two illegitimate daughters. When her father died, she discovered that his will split the property between all three girls, and he gave each one property than another could have been expected to want.

Dylan is from the town but he was the bad boy who never fit--except when he was with Carrie. However, for some reason, he thinks the town would be a good place for a grieving (and acting out) teen. The teen gets in trouble and is "sentenced" to working with Carrie, Dylan's old flame and the art teacher at the local high school. Then Dylan ends up working with her too and not surprisingly they find that the old flame still burns.

While most romance novels feature the relationship between the male and female lead, with other characters just there in supporting roles, the relationship between the sisters is given as much air time as the relationship between Dylan and Carrie. It intrigued me enough to track down the first story in the series and read it. I recommend both books.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy via NetGalley. Grade: B.

This is a Christmas Romance. I DNF this book at 50% because I just could not get into this book. The book could pull me in. I am not saying this was a bad book, but it was just not for me. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (HQN) or author (Michelle Major) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

This book is the 2nd book in the magnolias series and story focus on Carrie and Dylan. Both of them has previously ended their relationship in their teens badly with Carrie being told by her manipulative father that Dylan has taken his money offer and break their relationship. It’s not surprising given Dylan’s bad boy image then. And now Dylan is back in town. Successful and rich. He make it clear that he is back with revenge to demolished Carrie’s father legacy. So much conflicts between them yet their feeling for each other is as intense as before if not, more.

This book is truly an enjoyable read for me and I am already looking forward for the next book in this series.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49668490

Carrie and Dylan both wanted the best for the small town of Magnolia. They just saw the best differently. Carrie wanted to show off the town for Christmas hoping people would want to come back and spend money in the town. Dylan saw luxurious town homes replacing some of the buildings bringing new life and money to the town. Dylan is responsible for a teenage boy, Sam, and hopes to get him settled in the town since the death of his parents. Carrie and Dylan had been an item in high school before Carrie’s dad ran him off. Working together proves to be difficult but Sam seems to pull them together. Great book, a town you would love to visit, and people who know what community is and the importance of family.