The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories

By: Celeste Fletcher McHale

Narrated by: Nan Kelley

A Southern novel full of friendships and finding love.

“There’s no time,” Colin said. “You have to go. Find me, call me . . .”

Jacey and Colin shared the three most intense days of their lives together, waiting for help as Mississippi floodwaters surrounded them. Jacey knew Colin was the love of her life—until her rescue boat went under water, along with Colin’s last name and pieces of Jacey’s memory.

The last thing she remembered was being submerged in water. Again.

As Jacey walks down the aisle as the maid of honor in her friend’s wedding a year later, the last person she expects to see is Colin. The biggest surprise, though, is that the man of her dreams is not wearing jeans and flip-flops as he did when he held her through those long nights of the flood. He’s the preacher.

As Jacey’s memories come flooding back, it’s almost more than she can take. The fate of the young family trapped with them haunts her. The unwavering honesty—and support—of her best friend Georgia forces her to take a fresh look at herself.

She’s spent her life afraid of love. But a flood is opening Jacey’s heart in the most unexpected ways.

Critic reviews

'McHale has a way of creating characters who are believably flawed and human. Her wit and hilarity are perfect matches for the heartfelt romance in this winsome book.'

'McHale’s (The Secret to Hummingbird Cake) conversational tone, flawed characters, and feel-good ending make for an uplifting read that incorporates themes.'

'The writing is so beautifully done, the prose so delicately chosen, that the book is a treat to savor.'

Loved it

Loved the narrator’s voice and inflections, and the story. Hope to read/listen to more by this author

My favorite book I’ve read in a long time.

I loved this nook and even shed a tear or two. It was good and clean and so sweet. It was a little sad and a lot happy. I highly recommend this one!

I smiled, I laughed, I cried. And I loved it!

A great story! Heartwarming. Suspense. Love. Friendship. And all while keeping it clean and appropriate!

Loved this book!

Beautiful story about love, forgiveness and acceptance. This author writes from the heart and so importantly incorporates Christian faith.

I'm Praying For A Book 2.

This story was absolutely beautiful. Friendship, Love, compassion. I've also listened to, The Secret To Hummingbird Cake by this author and I loved that one as well. She really knows how to pull at your heartstrings, which I appreciate. I can't leave out the narrator, her narration of these two books, OUTSTANDING. The way she brings this story and each character to life, PRICELESS. I did not want this story to end. I'm keeping my fingers cross that there will be a book 2!🤞