[.ca] Magnolia Sunset (ISBN 1585712604)

Understanding Love & Family:
Life is truly full of choices and decisions that we make during a particular dramatic time in our lives can have a trickle down affect on others. Magnolia Sunset by Giselle Carmichael is a story of past decisions that haunt those involved over several years. Nicole Walker is a young woman of Vietnamese and African-American descent, who was abandoned as an infant and grew up in foster care. She has always felt ashamed for not having a family like others and shuns anyone who feels family is important. Nicole's main purpose in life is to find out who her mother is and why she left her. Xavier Ramon is a hard-nose military man who heads up the military police at the local military base. After his wife walks out on him and his son, Xavier refuses to try to understand or trust women again. He promises himself he will never allow another woman to hurt him. Nicole and Xavier are brought together by mutual friends and although upset with the matchmaking, soon realize they have something very unique and in common. But as always there are issues and revealing events that will take Nicole and Xavier on a trusting journey. They must now do a self-evaluation to let go of the past and move on to the future. Will there actually be a happily ever after? Although Ms. Carmichael's storyline was nice, it didn't quite draw in and strengthen the characters and the overall story, nor did the plot succeed in pulling me in; the story was even a bit predictable too early in the story. In spite of this, Magnolia Sunset is a book that I would recommend you read and draw from it the essence and importance of accepting who you are and learning to trust others. Reviewed by Kalaani

Good Debut Romance:
Magnolia Sunset is the story of 25 year old Nicole Edwards and 35 year old Xavier Ramon. Nicole is a 2nd grade school teacher, Xavier is a Major in the U. S. Air Force. They meet because Nicole's best friend is engaged to marry his best friend. Nicole is of mixed heritage; her mother is Vietnamese and her father is African-American. Nicole has self-esteem issues because she was raised by foster parents after her mother abandoned her as an infant. She is very hesitant to become involved with Xavier because she has been rejected by a man before because of her background. Xavier has secret issues of his own involving his ex-wife and his family's wealth that keep him from making a total commitment to Nicole even though he has fallen in love with her. The overall premise of the story was good as was the secondary characters in the book. I liked the part where Nicole's biological mother came looking for her to explain why she gave her up. The author realistically portrayed Nicole's anger about the situation. I liked the way Xavier stuck by her during her eventual reunion with her mother and her acceptance of her new family. The love scenes in this story were not as steamy as I've become used to from Indigo Love Stories; however, I would recommending reading it because of the overall story.

Absolutely Awesome!:
This is one story that will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering when these two will wake up and smell the coffee! I've never cried so much! It is a very touching story. A must read that you do not want to put down! I truly enjoyed it. You go girl! Patricia Hartfield