Book Review: Magnolia Parks Into the Dark

I read Magnolia Parks: Into the Dark this week and it was so emotional and wonderful and heartbreaking and beautiful and hopeful. Basically all the things!

This book jumps back and forth in time, much like the other books in the series, but there’s a few different jumps here. There’s present day, there’s the recent past (between the end of The Long Way Home and present day, and stories from back when Magnolia and BJ were little kids and then teenagers. The novel takes place shortly after the end of The Long Way Home after the sudden death of Magnolia’s sister, Bridget. The novel focuses on Magnolia’s grief – she does not take her sister’s death well (but really how can you take the death of someone you love so much, well?) and BJ helping her through it all while also being sad himself as the Ballentines and Parks’ have grown up together so he’s known Bridget basically her whole life.

The two are engaged and planning their wedding while also helping Magnolia come to terms with the fact that her sister will not be at her wedding. It’s a long process and heartbreaking, but her and BJ really come out of it so much stronger as individuals and as a couple. The previous books had a lot of heartbreak between them and being on and off with each other. But this book isn’t about their tumultuous relationship – it’s about them supporting one another and sticking by each other through everything and especially when the other needs it the most. Their love is really beautiful and I could read hundreds of books about Magnolia and BJ.

There was some mysterious side stories with the Hemmes boys – Christian and Jonah – as well as with the Haites; – Daisy and Julian. They were definitely hiding some big things, especially when they encouraged Magnolia and BJ to travel outside of England for a while. I’m assuming this will all get addressed in the next Daisy book. Also – Taura and Tiller! So cute! And Henry and Romily!

All in all, I loved this book so much. I have been so invested in the books since the beginning, but I really felt in it with them this time around. Like I was walking with Magnolia as she comes to terms with Bridget’s death and I felt in it with her.

I’m in love with Magnolia and BJ and I’m sad that this is the last book that focuses on the 2 of them. Well, at least until the prequel comes out but that’s not the same because it’s not present day, happy Magnolia and BJ.

May we all find a love like Magnolia and BJ’s – where they love each other deeply and unconditionally.

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