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

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.

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

Magnolia LeGuin was a woman struggling to deal with daily life as it was post-bellum. This includes frequent childbirths, servant problems, and few if any modern conveniences. Yet it is also a testiment to the power of love between a husband and wife and a mother and her children. I found it far superior to many of the women's diaries put out for publication these days and would recommend it highly. -Marianna

This book has a great blend of action and drama. Not to mention the characters just come alive. A great read!

This book is about a street in Manchester, England around the turn of the century, though it spans at least twenty years. It mostly focuses on the rivalry between the Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, and the established Anglo-Saxons. It has that epic plot, where families move in, their children go off to War, lots of mention of current events and fads. As a descendant of Jews who settled in Manchester, I found this a pleasant way to learn about what life could have been like for my great-grandparents...but anyone looking to learn about the immigrant experience should find it decent reading.

This charming English tale follows the follies of Mr. Magnolia who "has only one boot." Cartoon style, water-colored line drawings explore the various rhyming friends of this quirky musician. My two year old daugter chimes in with delight as we encounter sisters who play the flute, a frog and a newt, a dinosaur...what a brute. While this book seems like nothing to a parent, children request to hear it over and over again. It's an instant favorite and a non-overpowering introduction to ryhmes.

This book gives a clear, easy-to-read introduction to the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine. As someone undergoing acupuncture for the first time, this book has helped me better understand what my doctor is doing! I recommend this book for people who have never tried alternatives to Western medicine and who want to actively participate in their own health care.

This is really not such a good book. It is mainly a series of quotations from other sources. In my opinion, the best book about Augusta is David Owens' book. Curt Sampson's book is interesting, but has many factual errors, and reads like a next to last draft in need of a thorough fact checking. In any event, save your money on this one.

A very nice book on a very beautiful subject for golf purists. Augusta National is ruled by stiff old grey men in green jackets. But the course and annual tournament are stuff of legends. All nicely presented here.

I have heard that there is software out there for romance authors to use that basically writes the book for them. Didn't believe it when I heard it, but after reading this book by Ross, I believe it! I couldn't even finish it, it was so predictable and just plain boring. This was my first and last book by this author. I'm sticking with Nora Roberts and others of her caliber.

Over the moon, under the moon, Magnolia Moon, forget about it! This was my first and last Joann Ross book. Boy was I disappointed! A friend recommended Ms. Ross' new novel after a friend of hers recommended it. I found this story filled with the kind of derivative plotting that would make Kate White look like Hemingway by comparison and is about as compelling as a root canal. Like I said before FORGET ABOUT IT!

MAGNOLIA MOON, along with the first two installments in the trilogy (BLUE BAYOU and RIVER ROAD) are going into my discard pile. All of the characters in these books are likeable, but the plots are shallow. One reviewer of the first installment (BLUE BAYOU) found a similarity to Nora Roberts/J. D. Robb. This similarity is even more apparent in MAGNOLIA MOON. Regan Hart is J. D. Robb's Eve Dallas down to the plain gray suit and the "Detective Cherie." Regan Hart is a poor substitute for the real Eve Dallas. I suggest that you give this trilogy a bye and go straight to the J. D. Robb IN DEATH series, if you haven't already.