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.

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