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Books by
Michelle Buckman

MY BEAUTIFUL DISASTER

MAGGIE COME LATELY

MY BEAUTIFUL DISASTER
Michelle Buckman
Th1nk Books
Fiction
ISBN: 9781600060830
321 pages

Dixie Chambers has finally reached the height of popularity at her high school. The heroine of MY BEAUTIFUL DISASTER goes from being off the social radar altogether to being at its center. With her newfound popularity, Dixie is suddenly being invited to all of the hottest parties, concerts and dances. Despite all of the attention, Dixie assures her family --- and herself --- that she’s not letting any of this affect the rest of her life.

And it doesn’t seem to, until one fateful night when she and her friends decide to sneak into a bar. Armed with brand-new fake IDs, Dixie, Heather and Tammy go to check out a hot new band, but as soon as she sees Vince, Dixie certainly isn’t thinking about the music. Vince is the best-looking guy she has ever seen, and from the moment she lays eyes on him, Dixie begins plotting ways to make him her boyfriend. At first, Vince acts as though she doesn’t even exist, but when Dixie solves a crisis for the band, he begins to take notice. Soon, their relationship is taking off, with Vince treating her to romantic dinners and picnics.

Everything seems perfect, and Dixie is sure she has found The One. Despite warnings from her family and friends, who seem to see a side of Vince that she doesn’t, Dixie blissfully carries on in her relationship, even though it forces her to sneak out and ditch her duties at school and church. However, life comes to a screeching halt one day when Dixie realizes she is pregnant. At first, it seems completely impossible; after all, she is a great student and the leader of her church youth group. While stunned, she is comforted by thoughts of marrying Vince and becoming a happy family.

But it soon becomes clear that this fantasy will never be realized. A series of shocking events reveals that Vince is by no means the man Dixie thought he was and quite possibly could be dangerous. Having lost the support of her family and her boyfriend, Dixie must go out on her own and find out what she wants to do with her life and that of her unborn child. Facing one difficult decision after another, will Dixie ever be able to get her life back on track?

Readers will note that MY BEAUTIFUL DISASTER is quite obviously a cautionary tale. The story spells out how to note warning signs in relationships and how to deal with a destructive boyfriend. At times, this cautioning can seem to turn into a sermon, with very definite views on sex, relationships and abortion being presented. Apart from this, MY BEAUTIFUL DISASTER is a very well-written and compelling novel. Once the reader is able to get into the strong southern voice of Dixie, they no doubt will be caught up in this dramatic and heart-wrenching story.

--- Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby

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