The Messenger of Magnolia Street (HarperOne, 2007)
“. . . when I look I see an open gate where there should be none. And what longs to enter through it, darkness and devastation. And I can feel that evil longing emptying out the good of Shibboleth, pulling on it with every rancid breath as it stands waiting for the gate to open farther.”
The Messenger of Magnolia Street tells the haunting story of three childhood friends who reunite to fight the unnamed presence that is slowly draining their beloved town of goodness and light. Nehemiah Trust fled his hometown of Shibboleth twelve years ago, after the death of his mother. Now chief of staff for a powerful senator, Nehemiah has washed his hands of Shibboleth. But one night his older brother Billy and childhood friend Trice appear at his front door. Something is wrong, they tell him. Nehemiah is needed back home.
This mesmerizing novel of love awakened, purpose abandoned, and legacy reclaimed begins as slow and easy as a southern Sunday, but as the town of Shibboleth begins to sense the approaching darkness, the three friends must race
against time to save the lifeblood of the place they call home. The solution requires a willingness to sacrifice everything.
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Praise for The Messenger of Magnolia Street
“An inspiring tale of light versus darkness in a small Southern town conjures up the traditions of Flannery O’Connor, Harper Lee, and Peter Straub.”
— Tampa Tribune
“This is a tale of wonder and signs. Immerse yourself in this wondrously redemptive tale.”
— Southern Living
“In the best tradition of Stephen King and Peter Straub, Jordan creates an eerily sinister landscape in which the age-old struggle of Good versus Evil is played out within the subtle context of family, faith, and friendship.”
— Booklist
The Messenger of Magnolia Street is “a delight in Jordan’s deft hands. A beautifully written, atmospheric tale.
— Kirkus Review
“Jordan’s sense of place and character, along with her writing style, makes the book much more…compelling.”
— Nashville Scene
“In this fresh and memorable tale, Jordan’s prose energizes each page with wisdom, humor, and suspense. If Harper Lee and Dean Koontz joined their talents, they might come up with something as beautifully riveting as The Messenger of Magnolia Street.”
— Eric Wilson, author of Expiration Date and Dark to Mortal Eyes
“The Messenger of Magnolia Street is like A Wrinkle in Time for grown-ups; it is a story filled with light. River Jordan writes so beautifully, with such faith and grace and surety, it is entirely possible to believe that she is transcribing for an angel.”
—Joshilyn Jackson, author of Gods in Alabama
“A story full of southern dirt, courage, biscuits, faith, old trucks, old friends – and love.”
— Lisa Tucker, author of Once Upon A Day
“I always knew that River Jordan was a wellspring of stories; I just never knew they’d be so breathtakingly beautiful. This is a magical novel.”
— Lynne Hinton, author of Friendship Cake and The Arms of God
“Jordan has woven the spiritual mystery of redemption into the homey backdrop of the small-town South. She has not attempted to solve that mystery, but in the rich tradition of Flannery O’Connor, has only sought to engage and to deepen it, creating a story that is light with whimsy, but under girded by truth.”
— Janis Owens, author of My Brother Michael and The Schooling of Claybird Catts