Title: Beneath Southern Stars
Series: Magnolia Grove Series
Author: Andrea Johnston
Genre: Small Town Contemporary Holiday Romance
Tropes: Single Dad; Musician/Celebrity; Love after Loss/Grief
Release Date: December 12, 2024
BENEATH SOUTHERN STARS is an all new smalltown, single dad romance from author Andrea Johnston set in the fictional town of Magnolia Grove. It can be read as a standalone but be sure to check out the rest of the stories from this collection.
LANEY
Small town life isn’t for everyone. At least that’s what I’m told. To me, it’s everything. Growing up in Magnolia Grove my neighbors are like family and every memory I have is tied to our community.
When a single dad rents the house next door he makes my simple small town life a little more exciting.
RYAN
After a year of grieving I vowed to give my daughter a holiday season to remember. Magnolia Grove is the epitome of holiday cheer and exactly the distraction that we need.
When my identity as a country music artist becomes town gossip, I greedily accept help from my new neighbor. What I didn’t expect was to find someone who speaks to my soul and reminds me of how much life there is left to live.
When we’re together beneath the southern stars, I believe anything is possible.
While I get us two glasses of water, Laney moves around the space, looking at the décor and finally settling on the sectional. She looks at the fireplace that’s more decorative than functional and smiles.
“Here you go.”
She takes the glass from me and lifts it to her lips, taking a small sip. I take the seat next to her and lean back into the cushions, my arm resting on the back. My hand is close enough I could touch her with a slight movement. She leans forward and sets her glass on the coffee table.
When she moves back to her spot, she buries her face in her hands. “I’m nervous.”
Thank goodness I’m not the only one. “Me too.”
Her eyes lift to peek through her fingers. “Really?”
I nod and stretch over to place my glass next to hers. I watch as she moves her hands to her lap, fingers twisting. Her unease is evident and I hate that she may feel uncomfortable.
Gently, I shift closer, closing the space between us and placing my hand over hers. I watch as her shoulders drop. Our eyes meet and my thumb traces circles along her soft skin.
“Yeah really. There’s something happening here that scares the shit out of me. I came to Magnolia Grove to get some space from all that we lost, I never expected to meet someone like you.”
Laney sinks into the cushion and sighs. “Ryan, we hardly know one another.”
She has a point but still, something is there. Not much can come of it. We live in two different states and my life is a cluster, to say the least.
“That doesn’t mean there isn’t chemistry. You’re a scientist, you understand chemistry.”
An eyeroll and then a smack on my arm cuts through any of the awkward tension that was lingering. We laugh and talk about the Jubilee and the anxiety she felt being on stage. Slowly we find ourselves closer, her legs are stretched over mine and my finger plays with the loops of her sweater.
In the heart of Alabama, lies a charming little town on the river, where everyone knows your name… and your business.
Follow the intertwined lives of its beloved residents as they navigate first love, second chances, and all the unexpected surprises that their small-town holds.
Welcome to Magnolia Grove, where every neighbor has a story worth unraveling, the roots run deep, and love blossoms around every corner.
Join the Magnolia Grove Reader Group to find out more!
A romantic at heart, Andrea has always been a storyteller. An avid reader since a young age, she never planned to pen her own romance novel but, on a whim, and with no plan, she discovered her passion. Known for her slow burn small town romances, Andrea prides herself on writing relatable characters that the reader cheers for and secondary characters who bring the sass and laughs to each story.
Settled in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dog, she counts down the days when her adult children come home for a visit. Even if it means more laundry!
Follow Andrea:
Facebook | Website | Sassy Romantics | Nerd Herd | Instagram | Amazon
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