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the_horror_maven's review
5.0
Quick Take
The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen is an unexpected Southern delight with a romance that goes down as smooth as sweet tea. You don't want to miss this treasure!
Tell Me More
I am a sucker for any novel that features a Southern storyline, so I knew from the get go that The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen was right down my alley. However, this beautiful novel came to mean so much more to me, and I am proud to announce that it has made it on my Top Ten Books of All Time list - which is quite a feat. I haven't read a book this delectable in quite some time, and I am honored to share it with you.
The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen by Ray Smith is largely about love and realizing that there is no age limit on one's dreams coming true. The novel follows Molly Valle, a forty eight year old woman who has been disrespected by men and has given up on love...that is, until she meets John Pressman, an activist who challenges her view on life, love, and most importantly, herself. While this novel is a romance, it also features adventure elements and forces the reader to experience self-realization along with Molly. I feel changed after reading this gorgeous novel, and I am so thankful to Ray Smith for sharing his imagination with me.
The novel begins with a rather angry and bitter Molly Valle, but as one reads on they witness the slow unfolding - or blooming - of this special woman. I couldn't help but empathize with Molly and encourage her as I saw a lot of myself in her. Smith's descriptions made Molly so realistic that it was hard for me to keep reminding myself that I was reading fiction. I adored seeing Molly re-open herself to love and find the happiness she so deserved.
Ray Smith's writing was poetic and flowed from each page like magic. His character development was flawless and reminiscent of the classics. I can see The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen easily becoming a treasured classic for years to come. It has earned my respect in so many ways,
If you are a fan of Southern romances with a twist of self-realization and adventure, then you simply must pick up The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen. It is one of the most beautiful novels I have ever read, and it is bound to leave you changed. Enjoy!
The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen is an unexpected Southern delight with a romance that goes down as smooth as sweet tea. You don't want to miss this treasure!
Tell Me More
I am a sucker for any novel that features a Southern storyline, so I knew from the get go that The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen was right down my alley. However, this beautiful novel came to mean so much more to me, and I am proud to announce that it has made it on my Top Ten Books of All Time list - which is quite a feat. I haven't read a book this delectable in quite some time, and I am honored to share it with you.
The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen by Ray Smith is largely about love and realizing that there is no age limit on one's dreams coming true. The novel follows Molly Valle, a forty eight year old woman who has been disrespected by men and has given up on love...that is, until she meets John Pressman, an activist who challenges her view on life, love, and most importantly, herself. While this novel is a romance, it also features adventure elements and forces the reader to experience self-realization along with Molly. I feel changed after reading this gorgeous novel, and I am so thankful to Ray Smith for sharing his imagination with me.
The novel begins with a rather angry and bitter Molly Valle, but as one reads on they witness the slow unfolding - or blooming - of this special woman. I couldn't help but empathize with Molly and encourage her as I saw a lot of myself in her. Smith's descriptions made Molly so realistic that it was hard for me to keep reminding myself that I was reading fiction. I adored seeing Molly re-open herself to love and find the happiness she so deserved.
Ray Smith's writing was poetic and flowed from each page like magic. His character development was flawless and reminiscent of the classics. I can see The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen easily becoming a treasured classic for years to come. It has earned my respect in so many ways,
If you are a fan of Southern romances with a twist of self-realization and adventure, then you simply must pick up The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen. It is one of the most beautiful novels I have ever read, and it is bound to leave you changed. Enjoy!
stephbookshine's review
4.0
*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This is a touching historical fiction; a retrospectively-told love story about a middle-aged man and woman, John and Molly, meeting in the south of the USA in the 60s and challenging the Jim Crow laws with passive resistance techniques while falling deeply in love with each other.
The sense of time and place in the story is tangible and evocative – you really feel like you are there experiencing the music and social scene, the political tension and passion for change.
And this is also a love story to life, reminding readers that however far our paths may stray from our original plans and dreams, there is magic to be found in the everyday things and people around us, and that our purpose is to make the world a little better, a little brighter, a little fairer, a little kinder than when we first arrived in it.
The author doesn’t shy away from showing the hatred, ignorance and apathy present during the course of the story and I was left with a greater understanding of the events and attitudes of the not-so-distant past, and a burning desire to do better in my own lifetime.
Encompassing the big historical events of the protests against racism and segregation and the more personal story of intimate connection and individual relationships, this is an incredibly powerful and moving story about love and loss and doing the right thing.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2022/10/20/catch-up-quickies-28/
This is a touching historical fiction; a retrospectively-told love story about a middle-aged man and woman, John and Molly, meeting in the south of the USA in the 60s and challenging the Jim Crow laws with passive resistance techniques while falling deeply in love with each other.
The sense of time and place in the story is tangible and evocative – you really feel like you are there experiencing the music and social scene, the political tension and passion for change.
And this is also a love story to life, reminding readers that however far our paths may stray from our original plans and dreams, there is magic to be found in the everyday things and people around us, and that our purpose is to make the world a little better, a little brighter, a little fairer, a little kinder than when we first arrived in it.
The author doesn’t shy away from showing the hatred, ignorance and apathy present during the course of the story and I was left with a greater understanding of the events and attitudes of the not-so-distant past, and a burning desire to do better in my own lifetime.
Encompassing the big historical events of the protests against racism and segregation and the more personal story of intimate connection and individual relationships, this is an incredibly powerful and moving story about love and loss and doing the right thing.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2022/10/20/catch-up-quickies-28/
ashleynestlermsw's review
5.0
Quick Take
The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen is an unexpected Southern delight with a romance that goes down as smooth as sweet tea. You don't want to miss this treasure!
Tell Me More
I am a sucker for any novel that features a Southern storyline, so I knew from the get go that The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen was right down my alley. However, this beautiful novel came to mean so much more to me, and I am proud to announce that it has made it on my Top Ten Books of All Time list - which is quite a feat. I haven't read a book this delectable in quite some time, and I am honored to share it with you.
The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen by Ray Smith is largely about love and realizing that there is no age limit on one's dreams coming true. The novel follows Molly Valle, a forty eight year old woman who has been disrespected by men and has given up on love...that is, until she meets John Pressman, an activist who challenges her view on life, love, and most importantly, herself. While this novel is a romance, it also features adventure elements and forces the reader to experience self-realization along with Molly. I feel changed after reading this gorgeous novel, and I am so thankful to Ray Smith for sharing his imagination with me.
The novel begins with a rather angry and bitter Molly Valle, but as one reads on they witness the slow unfolding - or blooming - of this special woman. I couldn't help but empathize with Molly and encourage her as I saw a lot of myself in her. Smith's descriptions made Molly so realistic that it was hard for me to keep reminding myself that I was reading fiction. I adored seeing Molly re-open herself to love and find the happiness she so deserved.
Ray Smith's writing was poetic and flowed from each page like magic. His character development was flawless and reminiscent of the classics. I can see The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen easily becoming a treasured classic for years to come. It has earned my respect in so many ways,
If you are a fan of Southern romances with a twist of self-realization and adventure, then you simply must pick up The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen. It is one of the most beautiful novels I have ever read, and it is bound to leave you changed. Enjoy!
The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen is an unexpected Southern delight with a romance that goes down as smooth as sweet tea. You don't want to miss this treasure!
Tell Me More
I am a sucker for any novel that features a Southern storyline, so I knew from the get go that The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen was right down my alley. However, this beautiful novel came to mean so much more to me, and I am proud to announce that it has made it on my Top Ten Books of All Time list - which is quite a feat. I haven't read a book this delectable in quite some time, and I am honored to share it with you.
The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen by Ray Smith is largely about love and realizing that there is no age limit on one's dreams coming true. The novel follows Molly Valle, a forty eight year old woman who has been disrespected by men and has given up on love...that is, until she meets John Pressman, an activist who challenges her view on life, love, and most importantly, herself. While this novel is a romance, it also features adventure elements and forces the reader to experience self-realization along with Molly. I feel changed after reading this gorgeous novel, and I am so thankful to Ray Smith for sharing his imagination with me.
The novel begins with a rather angry and bitter Molly Valle, but as one reads on they witness the slow unfolding - or blooming - of this special woman. I couldn't help but empathize with Molly and encourage her as I saw a lot of myself in her. Smith's descriptions made Molly so realistic that it was hard for me to keep reminding myself that I was reading fiction. I adored seeing Molly re-open herself to love and find the happiness she so deserved.
Ray Smith's writing was poetic and flowed from each page like magic. His character development was flawless and reminiscent of the classics. I can see The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen easily becoming a treasured classic for years to come. It has earned my respect in so many ways,
If you are a fan of Southern romances with a twist of self-realization and adventure, then you simply must pick up The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen. It is one of the most beautiful novels I have ever read, and it is bound to leave you changed. Enjoy!
readinggrrl's review
5.0
This is a book I didn't see coming. I really wasn't sure what to expect and I actually put off reading it. Now as I wipe the tears from my eyes and wonder how puffy they are and how blotchy my face is I can honestly say this is one of the best most authentic love stories I have ever read. The writing style is easy but it pulls you in when you least expect it. It isn't sunshine and roses, it isn't a happily ever after but of a love that changes you from inside. A love that helps you see the world differently and to steal from the book to see the beauty in the everyday.
Molly is a quickly approaching 50 as a divorced teacher in the south when John Pressman and his fellow freedom riders come to town and start peacefully protesting segregation. Molly steps in when a fellow diner and former student attempts to throw food at a young black woman sitting at the counter in a diner. When the food falls and the angry young man balls his fist to hit Molly, John steps in. The love affair between the two of them is fast and sweet, not a youthful, panty dropping whirlwind but a long walk and picnic on the grass kind of an affair. But what that relationship awakens in Molly never goes away. She learns that there is magic in the world if you only open your eyes to it.
As she tells her story to RC she tries to instill in him the magic that John had passed on to her. To open his eyes to possibilities. Molly has entrusted her story to RC, to tell her tale and share the gift John gave her with the world.
Molly is a quickly approaching 50 as a divorced teacher in the south when John Pressman and his fellow freedom riders come to town and start peacefully protesting segregation. Molly steps in when a fellow diner and former student attempts to throw food at a young black woman sitting at the counter in a diner. When the food falls and the angry young man balls his fist to hit Molly, John steps in. The love affair between the two of them is fast and sweet, not a youthful, panty dropping whirlwind but a long walk and picnic on the grass kind of an affair. But what that relationship awakens in Molly never goes away. She learns that there is magic in the world if you only open your eyes to it.
As she tells her story to RC she tries to instill in him the magic that John had passed on to her. To open his eyes to possibilities. Molly has entrusted her story to RC, to tell her tale and share the gift John gave her with the world.
peachykeenreviews's review
5.0
Quick Take
The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen is an unexpected Southern delight with a romance that goes down as smooth as sweet tea. You don't want to miss this treasure!
Tell Me More
I am a sucker for any novel that features a Southern storyline, so I knew from the get go that The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen was right down my alley. However, this beautiful novel came to mean so much more to me, and I am proud to announce that it has made it on my Top Ten Books of All Time list - which is quite a feat. I haven't read a book this delectable in quite some time, and I am honored to share it with you.
The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen by Ray Smith is largely about love and realizing that there is no age limit on one's dreams coming true. The novel follows Molly Valle, a forty eight year old woman who has been disrespected by men and has given up on love...that is, until she meets John Pressman, an activist who challenges her view on life, love, and most importantly, herself. While this novel is a romance, it also features adventure elements and forces the reader to experience self-realization along with Molly. I feel changed after reading this gorgeous novel, and I am so thankful to Ray Smith for sharing his imagination with me.
The novel begins with a rather angry and bitter Molly Valle, but as one reads on they witness the slow unfolding - or blooming - of this special woman. I couldn't help but empathize with Molly and encourage her as I saw a lot of myself in her. Smith's descriptions made Molly so realistic that it was hard for me to keep reminding myself that I was reading fiction. I adored seeing Molly re-open herself to love and find the happiness she so deserved.
Ray Smith's writing was poetic and flowed from each page like magic. His character development was flawless and reminiscent of the classics. I can see The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen easily becoming a treasured classic for years to come. It has earned my respect in so many ways,
If you are a fan of Southern romances with a twist of self-realization and adventure, then you simply must pick up The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen. It is one of the most beautiful novels I have ever read, and it is bound to leave you changed. Enjoy!
The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen is an unexpected Southern delight with a romance that goes down as smooth as sweet tea. You don't want to miss this treasure!
Tell Me More
I am a sucker for any novel that features a Southern storyline, so I knew from the get go that The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen was right down my alley. However, this beautiful novel came to mean so much more to me, and I am proud to announce that it has made it on my Top Ten Books of All Time list - which is quite a feat. I haven't read a book this delectable in quite some time, and I am honored to share it with you.
The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen by Ray Smith is largely about love and realizing that there is no age limit on one's dreams coming true. The novel follows Molly Valle, a forty eight year old woman who has been disrespected by men and has given up on love...that is, until she meets John Pressman, an activist who challenges her view on life, love, and most importantly, herself. While this novel is a romance, it also features adventure elements and forces the reader to experience self-realization along with Molly. I feel changed after reading this gorgeous novel, and I am so thankful to Ray Smith for sharing his imagination with me.
The novel begins with a rather angry and bitter Molly Valle, but as one reads on they witness the slow unfolding - or blooming - of this special woman. I couldn't help but empathize with Molly and encourage her as I saw a lot of myself in her. Smith's descriptions made Molly so realistic that it was hard for me to keep reminding myself that I was reading fiction. I adored seeing Molly re-open herself to love and find the happiness she so deserved.
Ray Smith's writing was poetic and flowed from each page like magic. His character development was flawless and reminiscent of the classics. I can see The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen easily becoming a treasured classic for years to come. It has earned my respect in so many ways,
If you are a fan of Southern romances with a twist of self-realization and adventure, then you simply must pick up The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen. It is one of the most beautiful novels I have ever read, and it is bound to leave you changed. Enjoy!
sarahlw96's review
4.0
The Magnolia that Bloomed Unseen is a beautiful love story set in Civil Rights era Mississippi. While this story is undoubtedly a love story, it's Smith's ability to bring the emotion and setting alive that really sets it apart from its peers. The book is framed as Molly telling her story to one of her old students, something that I'm not normally a fan of, but the device works well here, packing no punches. I would definitely recommend this as a fantastic read.
*I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
*I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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