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Best Mistake Ever by Christy McKellen

  This is a new to me author but I am delighted to feature on the celebrations for the latest novel by Christy McKellen , Best Mistake Ever . It was published by Boldwood on 16th January. Some mistakes are worth making Beatrice Donovan would do anything for her identical twin sister. Including stepping into her hotel management job temporarily and pretending to be her - she’s desperate. What could go wrong? A lot apparently! Because her sister Delilah has hugely understated her role – the hotel is at risk of closure and she’s promised she can turn it around. Now Bea has to find a way to fly under the radar, get the job done before anyone notices their switch up. Sounds easy, all Bea has to do is avoid her temporary new boss Jonah. However, that’s a lot harder than she thought. Not only does he have impossibly high standards, he’s also out of this world gorgeous, an ex-rockstar with a chip on his shoulder and he's watching her like a hawk! So Bea uses her charm to keep him fo...
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The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen by Ray Smith #Review


I am delighted to review Ray Smith's The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen, a romance which takes you back in time to 1961 to Mississippi and the Civil Rights Movement. 


“You’ve seen the woman in the photo. The woman screaming . . .”
 
So begins the story of Molly Valle, who at forty-eight thinks she knows all that life has to offer a single, middle-aged woman - namely, men’s dismissal and disrespect. But when handsome activist John Pressman arrives in her Mississippi hometown, he challenges her self-doubt along with nearly everything else in her world. Soon, Molly discovers a strength and beauty she never knew she had—and a love so powerful, it can overcome the most tragic of consequences.



The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen is a love story, an adventure novel, and a self-realization journey. It reignites the truth that many women—and men—have unconsciously extinguished: you are special and worthy of love, and it’s never too late to make your dreams come true.

My Thoughts

Set in the middle of the Civil Rights unrest in the USA, you follow the story of Molly and John, both aged in their forties, with past experiences and relationships. They feel that their meeting signals an amazing moment in their lives and a new awakening. You get to see their story through both their eyes at times, but for the main, it is narrated by Molly, as an old woman, looking back. Slowly you realise that she may be an unreliable narrator which adds to the interest. At the centre of the story is the message that you need to look below the surface and appreciate what is before your eyes. Wishing for a different life experience means you miss so much. 

     The backdrop of the 1960's can seem shocking to the modern eye, with the bigotry and racial prejudice starkly drawn. Molly proves herself to be an original and brave thinker who steps forward to combat the oppression she can see happening before her. Although the book is describeda as a romance, there are layers to be uncovered. Social and political issues, facing up to change and learning to trust are all there. There is also the lesson that within your own sphere, you can have a fulfilling life without appearing to change the world. Being settled in your own skin and accepting yourself is the path to happiness.

In short: A well written story which blends the spirit of an age with the personal.  

 
About the Author 


Ray Smith lives in Los Angeles and is working on another book.
Love the novel, hate the novel, please drop him a line! He can be contacted at:www.themagnoliathatbloomedunseen.com

 Or follow him on: Facebook |  Twitter

Thanks to Ray for a copy of the book. 
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