I had the pleasure earlier this year of writing my first novella, which was quite a feat for me—telling an entire story in 26,000 words. But I had a blast doing it and really learned a lot about pacing and sticking to the action in the process. To Mend a Dream is part of the Southern novella collection Among the Fair Magnolias.
What made the experience of writing this novella so enjoyable—same for its upcoming July release—is partnering with the other authors in the collection. Shelley, Dorothy, and Elizabeth are a joy to collaborate with.
The novellas are “standalone” stories—meaning they’re not linked to one another other than the Southern genre—and take place in Tennessee (that’s the Belle Meade story), Georgia, Texas, and South Carolina. Each novella has a yummy Southern recipe included in the story too, along with discussion questions for reading groups.
About Among the Fair Magnolias:
In the most turbulent decade of our nation’s history, four Southern women—destinies forged by birth, hearts steeled by war—face near impossible choices on their journeys in life . . . and in love.
To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
(a Belle Meade Plantation novella)
Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home. So when new owner, Aidan Bedford, a Boston attorney and former Union soldier, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, Savannah jumps at the opportunity. But the clock is ticking. Can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed? And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front. This time, one of the heart.
An Outlaw’s Heart by Shelley Shepard Gray
When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he’s determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother’s homestead, he discovers she’s very ill, and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.
A Heart So True by Dorothy Love
Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.
Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser
Emily has a secret: She’s in love with one of the freedmen on her family’s plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.
If you’d like to win 1 of 2 advance reader copies of Among the Fair Magnolias,
simply leave a comment on this post by midnight tonight
(Central time) and you’ll be entered.
One last tidbit about To Mend a Dream, my novella in the collection…
If you’ve read To Win Her Favor, then you’ve already met Savannah Darby, the heroine. Savannah’s a secondary character in To Win Her Favor whose story is wrapped up at the end. Yet I quickly discovered there was more to be told, and I’m grateful for the chance to tell it.
Speaking of secondary characters… Who’s one of the most memorable secondary characters you’ve read? Share the book title and author, if you can. It’ll be fun to see if we have any in common.
Tammy
The winners of the two ARCs (advance reader copies)
of Among the Fair Magnolias are…
&
Congrats, Deanna and Betti! If you’ll each click HERE then scroll down to “Send Tamera an email” and send me your snail mail address, we’ll get your ARC of Among the Fair Magnolias in the mail to you.
To everyone else, thanks so much for entering and for the kind words. So grateful we’re on this journey together.
Tamera blogs every first and third Tuesday at Inspired by Life . . . and Fiction, a group blog she shares with a wonderful community of authors. If you'd like to join the conversation on this post, Tamera would love to see you there!