The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen by Ray Smith

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

“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.

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. His take on romance wound its way around my heart, and I was reminded of the feeling of falling in love. Reading Smith’s words was a treasured gift, and I enjoyed getting to know his characters intimately. This book swallowed me whole and refused to let me go until the very last page. I am forever grateful for the transcendent experience it provided me.

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!