A Magnolia Blooms
We first meet Magnolia Campbell in Kayleigh's Knight as Kayleigh's loyal friend and local cafe owner. As I sketched Magnolia's character, I knew that she is so much more than a secondary character and that I needed to write her own story. Magnolia's story is the second book of my Hometown Love series that takes place in the small town of Berryville, home to the O'Reilly sisters from the Emerald Isle University series.
Magnolia's tale is one of heart break, forgiveness, and redemption—with lots of humor and small-town Irish charm mixed in. Her sweet romance is anything but what she expected, and she is faced with the challenge of overcoming her past in order to move forward. Her strength and compassionate spirit make her one of my favorite characters in Berryville.
While researching Magnolia's name for her backstory, I discovered fascinating details about the Magnolia tree. I drifted further and further into the research and couldn't help but smile because the details fit Magnolia to a tee. I jotted down a few connections that bring Magnolia's character to life
1. Magnolias are one of the earliest known flowering plants, with their fossils dating
back over 100 million years.
Magnolia is an enchanting mix of traditional and modern. Her vintage style and the classic detail of her afternoon tea service unites with her small-town business sense and bold entrepreneurship.
2. Magnolia trees existed before bees, so they rely on beetles for pollination.
Magnolia doesn't follow a script. She relies on both the old and the new and find friendships and love in the unexpected places of town. She reminds us to be uniquely ourselves.
3. Originating from Asia and the Americas, Magnolia trees are named after the French
botanist Pierre Magnol.
A name can be telling of a person's history and position. Magnolia exemplifies the beautiful blooms of the magnolia flower while maintaining the strength and resilience of the sturdy tree.
4. Magnolia trees thrive in at least six hours of full sunlight per day.
Magnolia has experienced great pain and loss in her life. A tragic event forever changes her and when it would be easy to fall into darkness, she seeks and follows the light.
5. Magnolias trees may take more than ten years to begin flowering.
Magnolia steps into ownership of the cafe somewhat by chance. She makes mistakes but works through them to create an inviting home for those in the community. She takes one step at a time with a grace in the face of an unknown future.
Magnolia reminds us that there is joy to be found in the waiting. God is purifying us during those times when we don't know what lies ahead. He's refining us for a beautiful life—a life full of unexpected twists and turns ending with the sweetest of loves.
I am about a quarter of the way through Magnolia's manuscript, and I look forward to sharing more with you as her journey continues.
References
https://arborhilltrees.com/blog/magnolia-tree-facts/
https://torrestreeservicellc.com/magnolia-tree-facts/
https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/garden/plants/g42/10-facts-every-magnolia-lover-should-know/