Title: Whispered Southern Secrets

Series: Magnolia Grove Series

Author: Gail Haris

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 7, 2024

My reputation at home is a laugh so I go to the place where I'd always been the happiest : Magnolia Grove with my MeMaw and PawPaw.

Little did I know that news of my brief and failed marriage had made it there. I venture to a nearby town for one night of peace. I thought I was emotionally unavailable until a chance encounter with a handsome stranger gives me a night of freedom and fun. No exchanging of names or personal information, and no intention of ever seeing one another again. No matter how incredible our chemistry may be.

But I do see him again—at my MeMaw's church.

My stranger is the town's new preacher.

My entire body stiffens and goes on high alert when from behind the podium a giant figure stands. Long dark hair is pulled back into a neat tiny bun. Piercing blue eyes look out into the congregation. His sharp features might now have a neatly trimmed beard, but there’s no mistaking him. Then that deep voice echoes off the church walls. The preacher’s son was never tall, dark, and intimidatingly handsome. Cute would be a vast understatement.

Never. Never in a million years would I have expected to see my one-night stand at the church altar. I’m beginning to hyperventilate at the gravity of this situation. My one and only—my one night stand was with my mimi’s preacher! Isn’t that some big no-no? Aren’t pastors supposed to be held to a higher moral ground? What was he doing in a bar? He told me he was in the Air Force.

“Honey?” Mimi’s cool, bony hands gently touch my wrist. “Are you okay?”

No! No, I’m not okay. I’m going to hell. I’m surprised I haven’t burst into flames. Of all the sins I’ve committed, I think this one ranks at the top.

“I’m fine,” I wheeze out.

Brother Johnny David. He went by J.D. at the bar. I know what that stands for now. And of course he’s going to lead the next hymn. His mother is beaming with pure love and devotion as she watches him begin to sing while she plays the piano.

That voice.

I’ve never heard a hymn sung like that. It’s moving, soothing, and overpowering all at once. This man could make an atheist want to convert with that voice. He really is one of God’s angels.

And I…

I’m going to be sick. Worse, I’m still being seduced by him. I’m sitting here in the pew ogling this man. Who is Mrs. Jinny’s son! Oh my… I’ll never be able to look her in the eye again. How can I look into that sweet face and know what I did to her son? I’ll have to avoid Brother Johnny too. I can’t shake his hands and allow him to bless me after what I did to his son. And I did a lot of things to his son. And his son did some pretty incredible things to me. His voice isn’t his only blessing. Heat creeps up the back of my neck and on to my cheeks. This is the weirdest situation I’ve ever been in. There’s this longing in my chest but a gnawing guilt, with a healthy dose of fear, swirling in the pit of my stomach.

This is God punishing me. Nobody can tell me the Lord doesn’t have a sense of humor, because right now He has jokes. It was three years ago, but He waited until the perfect moment, when I would least expect it, to be like, remember that one really sinful night you had? You’ve been fantasizing about it and praying to meet him again? Bazinga! He’s the new preacher.

I wonder if there’s a special place in hell for fornicating with the pastor? When we met he said he was in the Air Force. He didn’t mention being one of God’s soldiers. He isn’t Catholic, so maybe he can date. Then again, dating and one-night-stands are two separate things. There’s the argument that a one night stand can lead to dating. There’s still the fact he laid with a woman he wasn’t married to… I feel like I’m getting into a lot of gray areas. Lust is a sin. There’s a lot of lusting happening right now. Jesus would probably forgive me of my sins, but I’m not so sure some of the ladies here are as forgiving. I can keep our secret if J.D. can.

I was worried about everyone whispering about my recent divorce. That seems quite a mild scandal compared to what would happen if anyone learned of my history with the new pastor.

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!

MURDER. LAUGHTER. HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

Let’s make it awkward!

Gail Haris loves blending romance out of life's everyday chaos. Stories filled with humor, steam, and moments of sweetness, along with suspense and twists. Using coffee and her imagination, Gail writes in a variety of genres including romantic comedy, romantic suspense, small-town, and new adult/coming of age romance.

Gail enjoys living in her small town in Southeast Missouri, and then taking adventures all over the world with her two fierce princesses and Boo Bear, who is her ultimate real-life book boyfriend. When she’s not getting into mischief or scheming with her two girls, she’s busy coming up with crazy scenarios for her characters. Hopefully by following her dream, she can be an example to her daughters that their dreams can become a reality.

Never stop believing in love, dreams, and yourself. And coffee…especially the coffee. Don’t give up on coffee and books.

Learn more at gailharis.com

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