Magnolia (Bellamy's Blossoms #1) by Ginny Aiken

Magnolia Bellamy is in charge of the restoration of the Ashworth mansion. She has worked her way up in the bank, even though she feels like no one really takes her seriously. Even her sisters treat her like she isn't able to handle the responsibility of her job. It was her responsibility to find the right contractor. Her choice was Clay Marlowe, a Yankee. She went with clay because of his track record for doing good work and for the references he gave, but part of her has a hard time believing that he isn't up to no good. When vandalism begins to occur after the mansion is locked up for the night, Magnolia automatically thinks that somehow Clay is behind it.

Magnolia and her dog Bufford start staking out the mansion, but nothing happens when they are there. But yet when Clay does his inspection there is always some kind of damage. Clay was accused of a crime he didn't commit when he was in college and went to prison, he was eventually cleared of the crime. The fear of going back to prison haunts him and no matter how much he prays about it he can't shake the feeling that Magnolia is behind the vandalism. Which doesn't help with the fact that he is started to fall in love with her.

As Clay struggles with her faith, Magnolia struggles with her lack of faith. She is seeking something that Clay knows only God can provide. Will he be able to show Magnolia that God loves her? Will they find out who is behind the damage?

I have read several mysteries by this author and took a chance at reading this book. It is part of a trilogy. It started out slow, but it finally grabbed my attention. I like Ginny Aikens style. The spiritual aspect is handled with care. Showing how normal people struggle with fear and their pasts and dealing with family dynamics. This story has some very good biblical principals and I was glad I kept going. I look forward to reading the other two books in the series which concentrate on Lark and Cammie, Magnolia's sisters.