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The Officers' Ex-Wives Club #3
Moonshine & Magnolias
Shelby’s a newly single mother learning how to be herself again.
Zack’s the hot military man next door who loves a good adventure.
And a chance encounter at a steamy summer softball game will challenge what they both thought they knew about their hearts, their lives, and their forevers.
Zack’s the hot military man next door who loves a good adventure.
And a chance encounter at a steamy summer softball game will challenge what they both thought they knew about their hearts, their lives, and their forevers.
First published January 1, 2015
About the author
Jamie Farrell
18 books703 followersJamie Farrell writes humorous contemporary romance. She believes love and laughter are two of the most powerful forces in the universe.
A native Midwesterner, Jamie has lived in the South the majority of her adult life. When she's not writing, she and her military hero husband are busy raising three hilariously unpredictable children.
A native Midwesterner, Jamie has lived in the South the majority of her adult life. When she's not writing, she and her military hero husband are busy raising three hilariously unpredictable children.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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November 10, 2015
Moonshine and Magnolias is book two in The Officers’ Ex-Wives Club series by Jamie Farrell. I read it as part of the Small Town Summer Anthology.
Shelby is a fairly new member of the Officers’ Ex-Wives Club. She has moved back home to Georgia and made a new life for her and her two adorable children. Shelby is a southerner through and through, and southern women were not weak. She would be fine. But the one thing she doesn’t need in her life right now is another man, especially the hot and steamy one that is living right next door.
Zack Montgomery has everything planned out. He is home from deployment and has taken some leave to fix up a house he hopes to rent out when his orders come in. He is going to Alaska. He has seven years left until he can retire. Then with the income from his rentals and his retirement, he wants to travel the world. So part of that plan does NOT include the beautiful woman and her kids next door. No matter how sexy she is.
But, at a neighborhood softball game, when Shelby slides in to home plate and breaks her arm, Zack can’t seem to keep himself from wanting to help her out. Shelby had so many walls up and all Zack wanted to do was tear them down.
“He was funny, he was hot, and he kissed better than a sailor cussed.”
These two together were amazing and hilarious. Shelby was determined that she would remain a southern lady, no matter what. But the names she had for Zack had me laughing out loud. Through it all, though, Shelby still wanted to be loved, to be treated like a woman. So it was only a matter of time before she let Zack in.
“She wasn’t a duty. She wasn’t an obligation. She was a woman he wanted.”
If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Southern Fried Blues, I highly recommend it. It’s amazing. You don’t need to have read it before this one but you do get to revisit the main characters from it. I am proud to say that I have read all of Jamie’s books and believe me when I say that they are all full of laugh out loud moments, sweet romance, and characters you will fall in love with. As is the case with Moonshine and Magnolias. I loved it.
July 9, 2015
This was a fun fun read has a HOT military man and the sassiest woman you ever met!! Shelby is a divorced mom she meets Zack at a baseball game,but he's also her next door neighbor.well at the ballgame Shelby breaks her arm,and our Zack is right there to help her!! He's so sweet you just wanna melt!! Loved the banter between them.This is a must read for your summer reading!!
March 20, 2017
Fun fun fun book! I love the playfulness of Shelby and Zach! Shelby is a great mom who needs a great guy....in comes Zach.....hot fun guy who knocks her flat....literally! I loved seeing Shelby realize that she can be a great mom and lighten up a bit and enjoy life!
July 8, 2015
This author is something else I have been a fan since her first book. I love her writing style, her sense of humor. There is no way you can read one of her books and not laugh or at least smile. Ms. Farrell puts the sass back in sassy and the gentlemen back in the south with the sassy Shelby who can cut a man down if not from a look than with her sassy southern ways. This spunky little lady is about to set Zack’s world upside down.
I love the baiting back and forward between these two bullhead characters, neither wanting to give an inch as both take a mile. There is nothing like a good old southern lady putting you in your place with her southern charm or a Yankee taking it as he dishes it back. I loved the names Shelby made up for Zack each one was better than the last. She is a lady with a lot of sparks that she lets them fly as she puts him in his place. The only problem is Zack doesn’t know his place as he turns the tables and let’s some sparks fly of his own. The author gives you such a natural story with wonderful characters you can relate to as they keep you in stitches. I have to admit there was one place I just said the heck with it and set my coffee down before it went all over my kindle.
Zack is such a hot stud as he tries to gain control and help an ex military mom when she breaks her arm sliding into him at a baseball game. He is a true gentleman as you will see when the moonshine comes out and Shelby lets go of a few of her secrets…one being about her ex lord that was funny. Zack has no plans to settle down he wants to see the world I do believe the tides are going to be turning as Shelby shows him she might be his world. Zack is just a down to earth guy I just adored him. I would love to bless Zack’s little heart as I hubba-bubba with him. He can’t seem to stay on his side of the fence when it comes to the trouble Shelby gets into. He has a protective nature with a wonderful giving heart.
Shelby is just a wonderful character from her sassy mouth to her caring ways. She has a thing for knees (at least Zack’s knees), her kids, southern sayings, friends and the ex military wife’s club. I just love how she tears you down with her sweet saying of sacrum in her sweet as pie way. She does seem to get into a mess of trouble, she doesn’t ask for help never depending on anyone. Just don’t let her in the moonshine or you might find out more than you want to know. She is about to have her hands full with Zack as he turns the tables and gives her a dance for her money.
There was nothing I didn’t like about this book Ms. Farrell has an outstanding writing style that I love with her outgoing sense of humor that will keep you laughing. She gives you down to earth characters that you can relate to. Her supporting characters are outstanding giving you smiles after smiles. There are so many scenes that I loved in this book it is so hard to pick just one. If you haven’t tried any of this authors books you sure do not know what you are missing.
I love the baiting back and forward between these two bullhead characters, neither wanting to give an inch as both take a mile. There is nothing like a good old southern lady putting you in your place with her southern charm or a Yankee taking it as he dishes it back. I loved the names Shelby made up for Zack each one was better than the last. She is a lady with a lot of sparks that she lets them fly as she puts him in his place. The only problem is Zack doesn’t know his place as he turns the tables and let’s some sparks fly of his own. The author gives you such a natural story with wonderful characters you can relate to as they keep you in stitches. I have to admit there was one place I just said the heck with it and set my coffee down before it went all over my kindle.
Zack is such a hot stud as he tries to gain control and help an ex military mom when she breaks her arm sliding into him at a baseball game. He is a true gentleman as you will see when the moonshine comes out and Shelby lets go of a few of her secrets…one being about her ex lord that was funny. Zack has no plans to settle down he wants to see the world I do believe the tides are going to be turning as Shelby shows him she might be his world. Zack is just a down to earth guy I just adored him. I would love to bless Zack’s little heart as I hubba-bubba with him. He can’t seem to stay on his side of the fence when it comes to the trouble Shelby gets into. He has a protective nature with a wonderful giving heart.
Shelby is just a wonderful character from her sassy mouth to her caring ways. She has a thing for knees (at least Zack’s knees), her kids, southern sayings, friends and the ex military wife’s club. I just love how she tears you down with her sweet saying of sacrum in her sweet as pie way. She does seem to get into a mess of trouble, she doesn’t ask for help never depending on anyone. Just don’t let her in the moonshine or you might find out more than you want to know. She is about to have her hands full with Zack as he turns the tables and gives her a dance for her money.
There was nothing I didn’t like about this book Ms. Farrell has an outstanding writing style that I love with her outgoing sense of humor that will keep you laughing. She gives you down to earth characters that you can relate to. Her supporting characters are outstanding giving you smiles after smiles. There are so many scenes that I loved in this book it is so hard to pick just one. If you haven’t tried any of this authors books you sure do not know what you are missing.
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July 13, 2015I received an advance copy of Moonshine and Magnolias (a novella in the Small Town Summer box set) for the purpose of leaving an honest review. Not hard to give this boxset a hearty 5-stars, it was... phenomenal.
Packed with strong stories, each novella brought me right into the characters' hearts (and sometimes bodies, WOW!). I loved the different voices of each author, and I can honestly say that each of these novellas delivers richness and satisfaction in spades.
The emotion and action were straight off the bat, and gave me what I love - a fast-paced read. I delighted in the strong characters and super-real love scenes. What struck me was the snap-bang openings to each story, but what really stood out was that each story went deeper, stronger, and more real. These are novellas but you'll see that the story lengths are generous and loyal to the needs of the story being told. To boot, this box set is totally worth ten times the small cover price.
Small Town Summer truly is a gem and it's already on my keeper shelf. A fabulous intro to some authors whose backcatalog I now need to add to my reading list.
Thank you Jamie Farrell for the opportunity to read another of your amazing stories, and congratulations to all the hardworking writers of Small Town Summer.
Packed with strong stories, each novella brought me right into the characters' hearts (and sometimes bodies, WOW!). I loved the different voices of each author, and I can honestly say that each of these novellas delivers richness and satisfaction in spades.
The emotion and action were straight off the bat, and gave me what I love - a fast-paced read. I delighted in the strong characters and super-real love scenes. What struck me was the snap-bang openings to each story, but what really stood out was that each story went deeper, stronger, and more real. These are novellas but you'll see that the story lengths are generous and loyal to the needs of the story being told. To boot, this box set is totally worth ten times the small cover price.
Small Town Summer truly is a gem and it's already on my keeper shelf. A fabulous intro to some authors whose backcatalog I now need to add to my reading list.
Thank you Jamie Farrell for the opportunity to read another of your amazing stories, and congratulations to all the hardworking writers of Small Town Summer.
June 30, 2015
What an amazing book! So hard to put down. So much excitement going on and you never know what was going to happen next. Shelby, a divorced mom of two little kids vowed to never get involved with another military man. Zack, the hot military man is renovating the house next door so he can rent it out when he is shipped to Alaska. There is an attraction between them that they are both fighting. Will true love prevail> Read the book to see how it all ends. You will not be sorry. This story is also part of the Small Town Summer Boxed Set.
July 8, 2015
Very good. Amazing
February 5, 2017
Moonshine & Magnolias marks my first time reading Jaime Farrell. Oh my gosh!!! I have seriously been missing out. I was in a reading funk and I swear Jaime had me laughing with the southern charm zingers her character Shelby Thermokopolos was sending out.
"You're dog's in the magnolia tree."
"That's a real good grip on the obvious you've got there, bless your heart."
Moonshine & Magnolias is part of the Ex-Wives Series, but is a standalone read. Shelby is a single mom with two small children and a pug who loves to climb trees. When Shelby is injured, her next door neighbor, Zack Montgomery steps in to help her out.
Zack never thought about being married or having a family. He simply lives for adventure and wants to travel the world. All that changes when he actually spends a little time with Shelby.
Moonshine & Magnolias had me laughing and smiling from the beginning. I can’t wait to read more from Jaime Farrell.
"You're dog's in the magnolia tree."
"That's a real good grip on the obvious you've got there, bless your heart."
Moonshine & Magnolias is part of the Ex-Wives Series, but is a standalone read. Shelby is a single mom with two small children and a pug who loves to climb trees. When Shelby is injured, her next door neighbor, Zack Montgomery steps in to help her out.
Zack never thought about being married or having a family. He simply lives for adventure and wants to travel the world. All that changes when he actually spends a little time with Shelby.
Moonshine & Magnolias had me laughing and smiling from the beginning. I can’t wait to read more from Jaime Farrell.
February 25, 2020
This was a quick fun book. It’s kind of the rom-com equivalent of popcorn or cotton candy: no nutritional value whatsoever, but once you get started, you absolutely cannot stop. Shelby is independent to a fault. And maybe it’s the shortened format of the book, but I didn’t find her independence quite as charming as Anna’s was. Zack seems like an absolute sweetheart. I’m just not sure that I’m completely sold that he’s as “all in” as he is, as fast as he is. I think I would have liked a little bit more showing us how he got from point A to point C. I feel like we’re missing a lot of the journey past B in the middle. But I still love the author’s work and look forward to reading even more.
March 16, 2024
Love this entire series. It is a pleasure to read. Each story in the series deals with a ex military wife trying to find her footing on her own.
Shelby, newly divorced with 2 kids is drawn to the hot military guy next door. However, she has vowed never to get involved again, never to marry again and to spend her life raising her children. He has no plans to ever marry and wants to travel the world, can there be a compromise with a happy ever after?
Shelby, newly divorced with 2 kids is drawn to the hot military guy next door. However, she has vowed never to get involved again, never to marry again and to spend her life raising her children. He has no plans to ever marry and wants to travel the world, can there be a compromise with a happy ever after?
May 31, 2020
I don't know but this was the easiest book to read from this series. And definitely quickest. But ey, as much as story was quite easy and not much drama there, it was very cute. I enjoyed all books from this series, they were entertaining, funny and just had something to it. Definitely lots of 'bless your heart's as typical southerns. I loved it.
December 3, 2017
Another great fun and heart-warming read! I might have wished it were a bit longer, though. :)
August 30, 2018
So funny and sweet
September 21, 2018
Moonshine and Magnolias review
Moonshine and Magnolias is the third delightful romantic comedy in The Officer's Ex-Wives Club series written by author Jamie Farrell.
Moonshine and Magnolias is the third delightful romantic comedy in The Officer's Ex-Wives Club series written by author Jamie Farrell.
October 2, 2018
I wasn't a fan of this book. With the mention of new ex wives club members that I didn't know about felt weird. And I just didn't feel Shelby and Zack. Sorry
August 28, 2020
Cute, quick easy read.
January 20, 2018
From the first "Bless your heart!", I once again lost myself in pure Southern charm with a plethora of witty and hilarious dialog. Ms Farrell is a master of capturing the nuances of a Southern lady's take charge upbringing, with a dose of Redneck thrown in for good measure. Along with the first two books in the series, I have seldom come across an author who had me laughing right out of the gate.
The interplay between Zack and Shelby whipped back and forth, with him enjoying the southern that spewed from her at every turn. The clever dialog takes on a life of its own, driven by Shelby's penchant for Southern colloquialisms. After one of her bless your heart's to Zach, she had to clear the air for him with:
“Honey, you know that’s not the nicest thing I could say to you, don’t you?”
Just as quick with his quips, he replied:
"“My momma says I should take any blessing I can get,”
The story is chock full of this snappy banter between Zack and Shelby...and was a true delight to read. Not too mention had me chuckling throughout the book. Throw in the fiery banter between the women of the Officers' Ex-Wives Club, and you have the winning mixture for a book that was tremendously entertaining.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
The interplay between Zack and Shelby whipped back and forth, with him enjoying the southern that spewed from her at every turn. The clever dialog takes on a life of its own, driven by Shelby's penchant for Southern colloquialisms. After one of her bless your heart's to Zach, she had to clear the air for him with:
“Honey, you know that’s not the nicest thing I could say to you, don’t you?”
Just as quick with his quips, he replied:
"“My momma says I should take any blessing I can get,”
The story is chock full of this snappy banter between Zack and Shelby...and was a true delight to read. Not too mention had me chuckling throughout the book. Throw in the fiery banter between the women of the Officers' Ex-Wives Club, and you have the winning mixture for a book that was tremendously entertaining.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
July 14, 2015
I just loved this story. I was laughing so hard at her sassy, southern sayings. And their funny flirting reminded me of my hubby and I. Thoroughly enjoyed it!!
Shelby is a southern, sassy woman who is learning to be her own woman after six years of marriage and losing herself in the process.
Zach is Shelby's too hot to handle neighbor awaiting his military orders to ship out again. But when flirting and sexy banter are no longer enough, can they agree to a sexy weekend and nothing more? Zach never thought about dating a woman with kids but he can't get Shelby or her kids out of his mind or heart. Will she be able to see around his military lifestyle and trust him or will she give up the only man who has ever made her truly feel like a woman.
Can Zach truly give up his bachelor mentality and free roaming ways and make Shelby see that Moonshine and Magnolias are all he will ever need.
July 14, 2015
Moonshine and Magnolias by Jamie Farrell is a great short story. It is located in the book called Small Town Anthology. Once again Jamie Farrell has brought us into the south where service men and women are stationed and live their lives around the deployment of their partners. This time Shelby is the spouse left behind – for good. Her ex husband has moved on to another marriage. She is raising her kids and trying to make her way in the harsh realities. She has found friends and plays softball with a team who help support her. Zach is still in the military waiting for his next orders to ship out. Meanwhile he is fixing up the house next door and falling for Shelby – who of course wants no part of another military man!
Another Great Read by Jamie Farrell.... {I enjoyed the other stories as well – perfect for the beach.}
Another Great Read by Jamie Farrell.... {I enjoyed the other stories as well – perfect for the beach.}
July 15, 2015
I absolutely loved this story. This is a novella that is set in the Officers' Ex-wife Club. It was part of a fantastic anthology called Small Town Summer that includes eight other novellas. Moonshine and Magnolias is the story of Shelby, a fiesty single mom and Zack, her sexy military neighbor. While playing softball Shelby has a injury sliding into home. Zach feels drawn to One-Two-Shelby and partly responsible for her injury so he intends to help her anyway he can. Shelby is attracted to him but she is fighting it. He is determined to win her over. I loved the chemistry and great banter between them.
Definitely a must-read if you enjoy a feel-good, fun read.
I was given a copy of this story for a honest review.
Definitely a must-read if you enjoy a feel-good, fun read.
I was given a copy of this story for a honest review.
August 14, 2015
4.5 Stars!!
Jamie is the queen of the sweet southern romance! She writes the best feel good stories that never fail to warm my heart. I love the officer's ex-wives club and how supportive they are of each other. The southern charm that spills out from Jamie's characters cracks me up. I guess it's the Canadian (AKA the Midwesterner) in me that gets such cases a kick out of the quirky phrases and backhanded compliments. ;) Don't even get me started on the hero's she writes. I mean, come on, is Zach not the guy that women would love to land. He's handsome, funny, kind and selfless...you know, perfect. Swoon. I'll never tire of Jamie's characters and writing.
Jamie is the queen of the sweet southern romance! She writes the best feel good stories that never fail to warm my heart. I love the officer's ex-wives club and how supportive they are of each other. The southern charm that spills out from Jamie's characters cracks me up. I guess it's the Canadian (AKA the Midwesterner) in me that gets such cases a kick out of the quirky phrases and backhanded compliments. ;) Don't even get me started on the hero's she writes. I mean, come on, is Zach not the guy that women would love to land. He's handsome, funny, kind and selfless...you know, perfect. Swoon. I'll never tire of Jamie's characters and writing.
July 16, 2015
This was an absolute hilarious story. I love the chemistry between Shelby and Zack. 2 people who were absolutely not looking for love but sometimes, you just can't hide when love comes your way. I really love the southern expressions such as "bless your heart" and "did God give a duck nipples?" I really couldn't stop laughing. And Zack's nickname for Shelby - One-Two Shelby was such a great idea.
Read this story as part of the Small Town Summer boxset which I received an advance copy for an honest review.
Read this story as part of the Small Town Summer boxset which I received an advance copy for an honest review.
February 9, 2016
Sweet and funny!!!
This book moves quickly but is a sweet, fun, and hilarious story. I love how Jamie Farrell can tell a story that fully envelops the reader. I read Southern Fried Blues first. I was so intrigued by that story, I one clicked Book 2 immediately! I love how flawed these characters are. I love how vulnerable all the characters are, not just the women. I truly enjoyed this book! I can't wait to read my next Jamie Farrell book!!
This book moves quickly but is a sweet, fun, and hilarious story. I love how Jamie Farrell can tell a story that fully envelops the reader. I read Southern Fried Blues first. I was so intrigued by that story, I one clicked Book 2 immediately! I love how flawed these characters are. I love how vulnerable all the characters are, not just the women. I truly enjoyed this book! I can't wait to read my next Jamie Farrell book!!
August 19, 2016
Fun novella! Loved Shelby! She is a single mom raising her 2 children. The kids are with their dad for the summer. So Shelby has been invited to play a softball game. Only her new sexy neighbor Zack is playing on the other team. Zack is all about the military. He plans to retire after 20 yrs and travel the world. No where in his plans is a sexy mother of 2. The heart wants what the heart wants. The lines in this book will have you cracking up.
August 27, 2016
Moonshine and Magnolias by Jamie Farrell is a very fun read that had me smiling throughout the whole story. I loved Shelby and Zack together. Shelby is such a fun heroine. She’s southern, sassy, and speaks her mind and Zack is totally smitten with her. I loved them together. Shelby and Zack are definitely hot for each other and you could tell they needed each other. Such a great story!
January 7, 2017
Shelby is trying so hard to do it all on her own, and she just doesn't want to admit she needs help. Lucky fur her, Zack is there to jump in when she least wants and expects it! This novella wasn't nearly long enough to give me as much as I wanted of these characters, but I loved the continuation of Jamie Farrell's Officers Ex-Wives Club series!
February 5, 2016
Funny, sweet romance. Loved Zack and how he just kept helping Shelby and she kept fighting her feelings for him. Shelby's kids were adorable and funny. Really enjoyed the book can't wait to read more in this series!
November 23, 2015
I loved this book. The characters hooked me in immediately and the gentle humour throughout makes for a perfect read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews