This is still my least favorite of the series due to the whole hidden online identity thing. However, I do like that Julia and Daisy get to meet and form a relationship.

Tropes: hidden identity, age-gap, friends to more

Content: parent had an affair and MC has a half-sister, kissing ( )

The beautiful cover and the intriguing premise of this book spoke to me and begged me to read it. Although it is the third book in Denise Hunter’s Blue Ridge series, it can easily be read as a stand alone book. Hunter is a master at creating realistic, endearing characters, and I immediately connected with Daisy Pendleton and Pastor Jack McReady. Daisy is sweet, friendly, and loves her job at her family’s flower shop. Jack is a compassionate, caring, rather shy pastor who has secretly loved Daisy for two years. It was such a treat to see these two develop their friendship and relationship on a different level. A charming and clean contemporary romance that will have you cheering for the characters. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. ( )

4.5 stars.

On Magnolia Lane by Denise Hunter is a sweet, heartwarming Christian romance. Although this latest release is the third novel in the Blue Ridge series, it can be read as a standalone. However I HIGHLY recommend the entire series.

Pastor Jack McReady is in love with Daisy Pendleton but due to their age difference and the fact he is her pastor, he keeps his feelings to himself. Unbeknownst to Jack, Daisy is using a dating app and one of his friends has created a profile for Jack on the same site. Despite his serious reservations about deceiving Daisy, Jack (who goes by TJ on the app) continues chatting with her on the site. In real life, the two of them are unexpectedly growing closer since Daisy is finally viewing Jack as more than her pastor. Jack's conscious is telling him to confess the truth to Daisy, but will she understand his reason for his deception?

Jack is a wonderful pastor who is quite devoted to his congregation. While he is very confident in his career, he is shy and awkward around women. Although there are no restrictions about him dating someone from his congregation, Jack has been uncomfortable about taking his relationship with Daisy beyond friendship. When jealousy strikes, he makes a split second decision to continue getting to know Daisy as TJ. Never quite at ease with deceiving her, Jack eagerly looks forward to exchanging messages with her and he is quite delighted when, in real life, Daisy begins to consider more than just her spiritual guide.

Daisy is kind-hearted, compassionate and very involved in the local community. She works alongside her mother and grandmother in their family owned florist shop. While her floral creations are much admired, Daisy suffers from low self-esteem. During their one on one sessions, Pastor Jack has been a guiding force in helping her change the way she views herself. Although she sees him socially quite frequently, she views him pastor first and a friend last. After learning shocking information about her family, Daisy gradually begins to realize there is more to Jack than his vocation. Yet she is conflicted about her growing feelings for Jack since she is also quite smitten with TJ. What will happen when Daisy discovers that no one, including Jack, is as perfect as she believes?

On Magnolia Lane is an endearing romance that also provides a heartfelt lesson about grace and forgiveness. Jack and Daisy are richly developed characters whose flaws are wonderfully offset by their kindness and compassion. While Jack is quick to confess and ask forgiveness for his mistakes, Daisy is deeply disappointed by the discovery that her heroes are not infallible. Denise Hunter brings the novel to an uplifting, sigh-worthy conclusion. I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this final installment in the Blue Ridge series to fans of the genre.
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Jack is in love with Daisy but doesn't know how to make the transition from pastor to boyfriend. There's the convenient dating app where Jack goes incognito but also has the opportunity to help Daisy through a personal crisis with an unexpected sister and a revision of the past she thought she knew. The romance is both innocent and real and the two become close through the sharing of their challenges as well as their positives. Forgiveness is a big theme. ( )

A long time fan of Denise Hunter, I was so excited to read this one. I loved the other books in this incredibly written series, and getting to read Pastor Jack's story (which I love his character, namely because my own church's pastor is Pastor Jack!) and finding out more about him and Daisy.

Once again, in trademark Hunter fashion, she blends laughter, romance, faith, grace and hope into a captivating, fun read. Her characters quickly become friends and make you feel right at home in the heart of the Blue Ridge. Each page turn, Hunter gives her readers something new and fun, making the book come to an end before you know it.

This is most definitely worthy of 4 stars and two thumbs up. You won't soon forget Pastor Jack and Daisy, nor the familiar characters of the past books. Mrs. Hunter will keep you cocooned in the heart of the story, taking you on the fun loving ride of ups and downs, laughs and quirky characters. I know this is the final installment of the series, but I sure hope this talented author will have more just like it soon!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins (Thomas Nelson) and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.* ( )