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Jess B. Moore
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The Guilt of a Sparrow (Fox River Romance Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Jess B. Moore (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 81 ratings
Maggie and Cotton are more than the labels placed on them, put there by their families, the town, and themselves.
A meddling best friend. Bluegrass jams. Small town gossiping. Love, loss, and family ties. Learning how to be who you are outside of who you were told to be. With humor and plenty of romance, of course.
Magnolia Porter has spent the entirety of her twenty-four years satisfying her mother’s guilt. She was the good girl to her trouble making brother, Lucian – the one left behind to hold her mother together after he died. She is an invisible girl in a small town carrying the burden of her family’s loss and pain. Maggie was nobody trying desperately to be somebody.
Cotton MacKenna is the one with the temper. Of the five MacKenna boys, he’s the one most likely to throw the first punch. Never mind all those fights were a decade ago, all in an attempt to save a sweet girl from her bullying older brother. Now, Cotton has grown up, with his own photography business, yet as the fourth in the line of MacKennas, he would only ever be known for his past.
Time for a change.
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  1. Book 1 of 7
    Fox River Romance
  2. Print length
    231 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    December 30, 2019
  5. File size
    9.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 7 books in this series.

From the Publisher

Light pink background with a faded pink magnolia bloom behind the script.

Light pink background with a faded pink magnolia bloom behind the script.

Light pink background with a faded pink magnolia bloom behind the script.

Pale pink background. Illustrated woman in silhouette holding pink magnolia blooms.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Prepare to lose your heart right along with Maggie and Cotton. The Guilt of a Sparrow is a touching romance filled with love, loss, and character growth that hits all the right notes." - Susannah Nix, author of The Chemistry Lessons series

"Moore writes so poetically that it's impossible not to get swept up in the trials and tribulations of Magnolia Porter's life from the first page. I was totally transported to small town North Carolina in this all-consuming read, which makes such a refreshing change from the typical romantic novel." - Isabella May, author of The Ice Cream Parlour

"Reading this book felt like I was slipping into a beautiful dream. The writing completely captivated me, transporting me into the small town setting with characters who quickly felt like my friends." - Heidi Catherine, author of The Kingdoms of Evernow series

From the Author

Awarded third place in the Georgia Romance Writers association 2019 Maggie Award for published works.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B083C3RKZL
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ self published; 2nd edition (December 30, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 30, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 9.3 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 231 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1717154344
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 81 ratings

About the author

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Jess B. Moore

Jess B. Moore

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Jess B. Moore is a writer of love stories. When she’s not writing, she’s busy mothering her accomplished and headstrong children, reading obscene numbers of books, and knitting scarves she’ll likely never finish.

Jess lives in small town North Carolina with her bluegrass obsessed family. She takes too many pictures of her cats, thinking the Internet loves them as much as she does. She is a firm believer of swapping stories over coffee or wine, and that there should always be dark chocolate involved.

The Fox River Romance novels combine her interests in family, music, and small towns into thoughtful tales of growing up and falling in love. These books can be read as stand-alone, or as a series starting with The Guilt of a Sparrow.

Follow Jess on social media @authorjessb

Please consider leaving a review to let other readers know what you think!

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
81 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this YA romance novel beautifully written and very relatable, describing it as a fantastic debut novel. They adore all the characters and appreciate the pacing, with one customer noting how well the setting was portrayed.

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13 customers mention "Writing quality"13 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as beautifully written and wonderfully romantic, with one customer noting the author's attention to detail.

"...The author wrote a wonderful story." Read more

"Fox River is a place I’d love to live. This book is a wonderful introduction to the writing of Jess B. Moore and the town she has created for her..." Read more

"The writing in this YA romance is so good. It is what really drew me in. That and those wonderful McKenna brothers...." Read more

"...The characters are complex yet very relatable; you can tell that the author has spent meaningful time developing each one and how they fit into the..." Read more

12 customers mention "Readability"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a fantastic YA debut novel that is fun and exciting to read.

"The Guilt of a Sparrow was a wonderful novel! I absolutely loved the setting of the book...." Read more

"Wonderful debut novel. The author has beautifully written a story that brings the reader right to into Magnolia’s world...." Read more

"...Ha! It was exciting, romantic and very easy to read. I found myself wishing I lived in small town and loved it! Must read!..." Read more

"...I couldn't put it down! What an amazing first novel for this author! Can't wait to read more from her! I NEED more!" Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book.

"...Jess B Moore did a great job with character development - expressing the relationships between the brothers, best friends who have each other's..." Read more

"...I adored all the characters, except Cotton...." Read more

"...The characters are complex yet very relatable; you can tell that the author has spent meaningful time developing each one and how they fit into the..." Read more

"...and I appreciate her attention to detail as well as her development of each character. I couldn’t help but fall in love with everyone in Fox River!!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Pacing"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one mentioning how well the setting is portrayed and another noting the attention to detail.

"The Guilt of a Sparrow was a wonderful novel! I absolutely loved the setting of the book...." Read more

"...I felt these young people and the setting were very well portrayed and the dialogue is fantastic. I will definitely want to read more by this author." Read more

"...Her attention to detail and imagery draws the reader into small town Fox River right from the very beginning...." Read more

"...outdid herself with these characters.... I have such a great picture of what they look like and I was sad for the end of this one!!!..." Read more

Very exciting, easy read
5 out of 5 stars
Very exciting, easy read
I read this at work when it was slow and I found myself not wanting to put it down when I actually had to work! Ha! It was exciting, romantic and very easy to read. I found myself wishing I lived in small town and loved it! Must read! I can’t wait until the next one.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Blugrssfan04
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written book!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The Guilt of a Sparrow was a wonderful novel! I absolutely loved the setting of the book. Living in a small southern town, I could relate to the town activities, including bluegrass jams. Jess B Moore did a great job with character development - expressing the relationships between the brothers, best friends who have each other's backs, Magnolia's complicated relationship with her mother, and the magnetic chemistry between Magnolia and Cotton. I can't wait to read Jess's next novel, as well as (hopefully!) the sequel to The Guilt of a Sparrow!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Review
    Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I loved these people! Especially the MacKenna brothers and Elliott. Maggie has always been quiet and mostly invisible. But they all are see her, and help her stand up for herself, and she falls in love with Cotton. They, and the other people in their small town, were real. The author wrote a wonderful story.
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  • J. Whittle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing debut book!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Fox River is a place I’d love to live. This book is a wonderful introduction to the writing of Jess B. Moore and the town she has created for her characters to star in. The story has a lot of truth to it insofar as family dynamics and relationships. Magnolia (the main character) struggles with her relationship with her mom, and I think most of us can relate to that on some level. It may not be the same exact struggle, but it's certainly relatable for me. The love story is sweet and not a mad dash to the bedroom, which I can appreciate. I read this book when it was released but somehow failed to review it then. I have since read two more of Jess B. Moore's books and find them all to be quality writing.
    One person found this helpful
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  • kwestrope
    3.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic YA debut novel
    Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The writing in this YA romance is so good. It is what really drew me in. That and those wonderful McKenna brothers. The angst, the emotions, the passion, and the insecurities of young love are all there in this story. I adored all the characters, except Cotton. Him, I just wanted to smack at times and say ‘Dude, get your act together and stop tormenting yourself and this young woman.’ He was a nice enough guy, I was just very frustrated with him.

    I felt these young people and the setting were very well portrayed and the dialogue is fantastic. I will definitely want to read more by this author.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • DQ
    5.0 out of 5 stars Don’t pass this one up!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Wonderful debut novel. The author has beautifully written a story that brings the reader right to into Magnolia’s world. Her attention to detail and imagery draws the reader into small town Fox River right from the very beginning. The characters are complex yet very relatable; you can tell that the author has spent meaningful time developing each one and how they fit into the story. Looking forward to more from Jess B. Moore.
    One person found this helpful
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  • LAUREN H.
    2.0 out of 5 stars Are these people grownups? A really nelodramatic romance novel. Where in North Carolina are these people? Savannah? Alabama? Does not ring true
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Are these people grownups? A really melodramatic romance novel. What part of North Carolina do they live in? Savannah? Alabama? Does not ring true on many levels.
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  • Des
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very exciting, easy read
    Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I read this at work when it was slow and I found myself not wanting to put it down when I actually had to work! Ha! It was exciting, romantic and very easy to read. I found myself wishing I lived in small town and loved it! Must read! I can’t wait until the next one.
    Customer image
    Des
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Very exciting, easy read

    Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2021
    I read this at work when it was slow and I found myself not wanting to put it down when I actually had to work! Ha! It was exciting, romantic and very easy to read. I found myself wishing I lived in small town and loved it! Must read! I can’t wait until the next one.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    One person found this helpful
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  • Felicia Denise
    4.0 out of 5 stars Emotional
    Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The themes of claiming identity and self-acceptance are prevalent in The Guilt of a Sparrow.

    Magnolia ‘Maggie’ Porter has mastered the art of being invisible. After her father abandons the family, her older brother’s destructive behavior and her mother’s paranoia at being the object of town gossip caused Maggie to diminish herself, lest she draws attention from the judgmental eyes of Fox River or her family.

    Cotton MacKenna was at odds with Maggie’s brother, Luke, for most of their young lives. Their constant fights were almost always a result of Luke’s treatment of his sister. When Cotton found out his squabbles with Luke didn’t save Maggie from anything, he took up the practice of avoiding Maggie whenever possible. So much so, she thought he revisited her brother’s misdeeds on her.

    Luke is gone now and Maggie and Cotton must come to terms with what some already know—they have feelings for each other. Nothing is standing in their way except their pasts… and Maggie’s mom, Stella, who can’t let go of the past.

    But letting go has to happen in this poignant read. Maggie has to let go of her teen-like self and be a twenty-four-year-old woman even though it means pushing back and standing up to her mom.

    Cotton needs to let go of his self-hatred and constant fear of screwing up because of his temper. He is an honorable man, he just needs to believe it.

    He has great support from his brothers who call him out on his choices and behavior. Younger brother, Dominic, is hands down my favorite in this read and the force which keeps it moving forward.

    Maggie didn’t have a bad relationship with her mom, but she knows they’re co-dependent. She also knows it’s unhealthy and will keep her from moving forward, so lines will be drawn.

    I have no doubt Maggie’s BFF, Alyssa, cared about her and had her back. Yet, I didn’t care for her. Far too pushy and intrusive. Dominic used a guiding hand—Alyssa was more controlling, making the decisions she thought best for Maggie. Meh.

    This light romance shines when Maggie and Cotton are together talking. Not stumbling around for words, second-guessing themselves, or finding reasons to walk away. They’re more in sync than they realize, and will have to admit their fears from the past… then leave them there.

    An enjoyable read, The Guilt of a Sparrow will appeal to readers in several genres, including women’s fiction.

    Enjoy!
    6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Heidi Reads
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended
    Reviewed in Australia on July 15, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Reading this book felt like I was slipping into a beautiful dream. The writing completely captivated me, transporting me into the small town setting with characters who quickly felt like my friends. I read it in two sittings - the second one taking me into the early hours of the morning as I just couldn't put this one down.
    One person found this helpful
     Report
  • Ruby Slave
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous read. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 4, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Fell totally in love with Cotton, Magnolia and Dominic within a short time of starting the book last night. Managed to put it down (just) so I could sleep, but when I picked it up again this morning, that was it! No work done until I finished the book!
    The author tackles the issues of social anxiety and family guilt with understanding and sensitivity and this delivered so much more than a typical romantic novel. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nice read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This novel is nice, fast read. I enjoyed it from the start to the end. I like Jess writing style and definitely will read more of her novels.
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  • RosieT
    5.0 out of 5 stars Full of Emotion
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 5, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Jess B Moore has a beautiful style of writing, delving deep into the emotions of her main characters - timid, tender Magnolia, and Cotton, struggling to contain his passion and his temper. The book follows their faltering relationship and offers a great insight into small-town America. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful romance!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 8, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Moore writes so poetically that it's impossible not to get swept up in the trials and tribulations of Magnolia Porter's life from the first page. I was totally transported to small town North Carolina in this all-consuming read, which makes such a refreshing change from the typical romantic novel.
    One person found this helpful
     Report

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