Book Club Fiction
Contemporary Women's Fiction

Magnificent Mess

A confused graduate struggles to establish herself apart from her family’s expectations and to find lasting love.

College is over, and Emma’s supposed to know what she’s doing. Her overbearing mother thinks she knows: law school and then the family firm. Too bad Emma doesn’t agree.

Meanwhile, her best friend Kim wants to set her up with the new guy in Kim’s office. This is a problem. Patrick is more alluring than Emma wants to admit—infuriatingly so.

Stuck between casebooks and a man who can’t seem to make up his mind, Emma jumps ship and heads for a summer study abroad in Ireland. Unfortunately, Ireland doesn’t make things any clearer, especially when she finds herself in bed with cute and studious Alex.

In the wake of her rebellions, Emma is left grasping for a sense of belonging.

Whatever she’s doing, and wherever she’s doing it, Emma will have to embrace the messiness of getting to know herself. Maybe for the first time.

Death of one of the main characters’ parents in the past (due to cancer; off page)

Parental death in a car accident (in the past; off page)

Parental gaslighting and emotional abandonment

Implied (largely fade to black) sexual encounters

Mild cursing

Released on October 15, 2023

Published by Thistle and Phoenix Press, Ltd
ISBN: 9781961842014
ISBN10: 1961842017
ASIN: B0CL5G3N5P

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

"Probably the most relateable book I've read in years. When I read the description of the recent college grad who is trying to figure out what comes next, I knew it was going to remind me of my own journey and it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the main character and the cast of friends who are her biggest champions. I can't wait to read more from this author"

~ JLynn, GoodReads reviewer

"... an introspective romance novel in which a reluctant law student discovers that she's capable of embracing change."

~ Forward Clarion Reviews

"Swoonworthy romance!"

~ AbigailLibrarian

"Packed to the brim with charm and emotion. a heartfelt and relatable coming-of-age story that celebrates the journey of understanding oneself, accepting one's flaws, and finding a sense of belonging."

~ K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

"Captures the chaos of life in your early twenties beautifully."

~ reader Jane D

"Cannot recommend it enough."

~ Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

"A whirlwind of excitement ... [and] a beautiful message about embracing the messiness of life and finding your own path."

~ GoodReads reader Sue

"Shows how one’s blunders can be turned into stepping stones. An awesome book I was able to relate to."

~ Angelique Papayannopoulos for Readers' Favorite

Magnificent Mess

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