Series: Sweet Magnolias (Book 9)
When bullying threatens to destroy a teen's life, painful
memories resurface for dedicated high school teacher Laura Reed and
pediatrician J. C. Fullerton. With the support of the Sweet Magnolias, they bring
the town together to ensure that a promising student's future isn't ruined. And
to establish once and for all that bullying has no place in Serenity, South
Carolina.
Both J.C.'s and Laura's passion for the cause is deeply
personal, and their growing feelings for each other are just as strong. But with
so many secret hurts to overcome, can these two vulnerable lovers find the
strength to believe in happily ever after?
Excellent book. A teacher and a pediatrician are brought
together in a sweet romance when they combine forces to deal with a case of
bullying at the high school. Misty is a junior, smart and hard-working, so when
she starts skipping class, Laura is worried. JC is equally worried when Misty
comes to him asking for a note that will let her get out of going to school.
Since she won't tell him what's happening, he makes her promise to talk to
someone, and have that person call him. Though she talks to Laura, the lack of
real information has Laura and JC determined to discover the truth.
I really liked Laura and JC. Both are deeply caring
people who want the best for those around them. Laura has seen the bad side of
love in the past and doesn't do much dating. JC has been burned himself and
considers himself too bad at relationships to indulge again. That doesn't stop
various people from doing their best to find matches for them (JC's nurse is
especially persistent). From the moment they meet, there are sparks between
Laura and JC, though they both try to resist and deny. It was fun to see them
both try to deny the attraction even as they found reasons to get together. It
was hilarious to see the whole town get involved, commenting on sightings of
them together. I really loved JC's bewilderment at the way he can't stay away
from Laura, and how his feelings are changing. The support they showed for each
other during some really tough times was sweet and heartwarming. I loved JC's
big moment at the end.
The romance was wonderful, but there is more than that.
The case of bullying that brings the two together is an eye-opening look at one
of the toughest issues kids today face. When Laura and JC discover what the
problem is with Misty, it calls to them in a deeply personal way. Both had had
experience with bullies in their own youths, affecting their lives even now. I
loved the honesty and depth with which the issue was handled. Misty, who is
having other troubles at home, tries to deal with the problem on her own. She
gets some support when her best friend gets involved, but swears that friend to
secrecy. Fortunately that friend is a daughter of a Sweet Magnolia and finds a
way to keep her promise and still help. I hurt for Misty and everything she was
going through. As the truth comes out, Laura and JC are assisted by the
Magnolias and others as the issue of bullying is brought into the spotlight. I
loved seeing Misty come out the other side, not unaffected, but stronger for
surviving.
I loved seeing so many of the Sweet Magnolias and their
husbands in this book. Their willingness and desire to do whatever necessary
(loved Helen!) made resolving the issue even more successful. They were
especially critical in support of Laura when the mother of the bully got
involved. I also loved seeing the husbands checking out JC and making sure he
knows that he's being watched. There are some terrific scenes that had me
laughing out loud - margarita nights were especially good at that. Others had
me cheering as they banded together. I loved Frances's speech at the rally,
while JC's brought me to tears.
No comments:
Post a Comment