Magnolia Park: Love, Lies, and Revelations under the Spanish Sun

by Kate McCabe

Nestled in the picturesque Magnolia Park, a sun-soaked retreat on the Spanish Costa del Sol, Amy Crawford and her partner, the once-sought-after Sam Benson from Dublin, find themselves in the midst of paradise. However, beneath the flower-filled gardens and sparkling pools, their relationship is unraveling.As Amy contemplates a confrontation with the self-satisfied Sam, he grapples with professional turmoil as an advertising executive. A lucrative campaign's success hangs in the balance, and threats of losing the contract loom large.Amidst the Spanish sunshine, Amy befriends Betty Parsons, a long-term resident reassessing her thirty-four-year marriage. Betty's son, Josh, navigates the aftermath of a love affair while expressing concern about his mother's growing connection with Nigel Smyth, a charming retired Englishman.Beneath the surface of this idyllic holiday complex, where strange things can unfold in the warmth of the Spanish sun, Amy is in for unexpected revelations before her vacation draws to a close.

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Edel Waugh Salisbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally I do not think you can go wrong with a Kate McCabe book. I have read all her previous books and loved them all. This time the story is set in Magnolia Park the holiday complex in fuengirola in the Costa Del Sol.The story begins with Amy and Ben going there on holiday needing a much needed break but when they get there things do not go to as great as Amy hoped. There is some great characters in this book that you warm to very quickly and the discriptions of the food and the Costa Del Sol will have you wanting to pack your suitcase immediately!!!!

[Liz O'Donnell]

I hate to be so negative but we have just read this for our Book Club. It is considered a 'beach read'. In my opinion it is possibly one of the most poorly written books I have had the displeasure to have read. One dimensional characters, no plot at all and just...drivel.. No redeeming features for me I'm afraid.

[Mary Swenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable read. I really like this author!!!

[Deirdre Culligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light reading

I find Kate McCabe's writing the fantastic travel companion - even home reading she just transports you to wherever the novel is based , feel good factor fiction

[pat goode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book for me

I really enjoyed this Book .the descriptions of the beach and scenerytransported me there ,the characters were great and came to life

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so pleased I discovered Kate McCabe’s books – she’s the perfect antidote to cold, dark evenings with her vividly drawn sun-drenched settings. Her light and easy writing style makes her books perfect for the end of a long day when you really just want to be whisked away and not have to make too much effort. When I came to the end of this one, I felt like I’d been on a short holiday. I’ve joined Amy for her early morning swim and breakfast on the terrace, been on day trips to Mijas Seville and Granada (by bus and car), eaten at reasonably priced restaurants and a few better ones (and, should I visit, I’ll know what to choose on the menus), and I even know where the shop is that sells English teabags. Magnolia Park itself is vividly drawn – just the sort of place I’d like to stay, and I was quite disappointed that it’s obviously an invention as I can’t find a website!

The storyline is a teeny bit predictable, but it really didn’t matter. Amy and Betty felt like my friends by the time I reached the end, Josh is suitably gorgeous, and I loved Betty’s growing relationship with Nigel. It really was a thoroughly enjoyable read, filled with sunshine and with the loveliest of endings.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate McCabe transports you to Spain to join the Characters of the story. It is a lovely read, great if you are on holiday. If you are not on holiday, after reading this you will want to book a holiday! Sounds such an idyllic place to stay. Couldn't put it down. Great read. Looking forward to the next book Kate. I have read all of Kate's books and haven't been disappointed so far.

[Beth Gosser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like this author.l have read three books by her and like them all

[Etain · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very poor - one sided characters utterly ridiculous story line