Book Review: Magnolia House by Pauline Barclay

When Jane Leonard gave half of her house to her only son, little did she realise that within twelve months, she would be forced to sell the home she had lived in for nearly five decades. The choice for this action was not hers but the events that led up to her handing over fifty per cent of Magnolia House paled by comparison to what happened after the ink had dried on the documents that named the new owners.
As Magnolia House is put on the market for sale, love and betrayal and ultimately family loyalty will affect the lives of all those who become involved.

I read and reviewed Pauline's latest book, Sometimes It Happens a little while back and I really enjoyed it. When Pauline got in touch and offered me the chance to review Magnolia House, I was more than happy to give it a go.
Magnolia House has  just been re-issued and have a very pretty new cover; it has a different feel to Sometimes It Happens in that it is more serious and poignant in my opinion.
Jane Leonard is the central character, at 70 years old I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to identify with her but her story really made me think. After living at Magnolia House for nearly fifty years, Jane must face the reality that she will have to leave her beloved home after giving half to her son. I hope one day to have a long term family home where I see my children and grandchildren grow up and I can't imagine how it would feel to lose that.
As I found with Sometimes It Happens, Pauline creates very likable and more importantly, believable characters. Jane was the main reason that I turned the pages as I wanted to know what would happen to her and what decisions she would make.
Magnolia House is a really good read, full of emotion and as I said it leaves you with a lot to think about.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 4/5

Many thanks to Pauline for sending me a copy of Magnolia House to review, you can buy it via Amazon.

Dot Scribbles interviews Pauline Barclay

Today at Dot Scribbles we are sitting down with the lovely Pauline Barclay for a bit of a natter! I read Pauline's latest book Sometimes It Happens a few months ago and I really enjoyed it, you can read my review of it by clicking here.

You have written three books, Satchfield Hall, Magnolia House and Sometimes It Happens, how would you describe the type of books that you write?

Passionate and emotional. I like to write about events that happen and the effect they have on the lives of my characters. In Magnolia House after Jane Leonard gave half of her house to her only son, nothing prepared her for the consequences of this generous gift. In Satchfield Hall, Celia Bryant-Smythe’s indiscretion with her lover sets in motion a chain of event that will take a lifetime to unravel. And, Sometimes It Happens… winning the lottery changed Doreen Wilkinson’s life, but not in the way she had expected. I like to hope my books will make readers smile, maybe laugh out loud from time to time and maybe shed a tear or two!

2. Do you have a typical writing routine or any superstitions like a lucky pen or notebook?

No to both really. Though, I prefer to write in the late afternoon mainly because most of my commitments of the day are dealt with by then. I can’t settle to write if things are still buzzing around in my head. As for anything lucky, well our two little doggies normally curl up with me!

3. You have a blog, facebook and Twitter page, do you think that social networking has become more important to authors and what do you enjoy about it?

Today, social networking is essential to create awareness of my books and for me to get to know people and people to get to know of me. In the last couple of years I have met some amazing peeps on Twitter and Facebook and some I would even call friends. I have even sold a few books there too! Living down here on our little pebble in the ocean can feel a little cut off so it is great to talk to like minded people about books and writing.

4. You are just one of 30 authors who have been asked to join loveahappyending.com can you tell us a little about the site and what it means to you?

I am really honoured to be one of the 30 authors invited to show case my writing. Loveahappyending.com is a new and exciting web site that concentrates on two main areas: reader power and helping new authors to the market place. Readers are welcomed to join the group as Associate Readers. Being an Associate Reader means you can get involved with the authors, finding out what goes on behind the scenes and so much more. Social Media plays an important role for getting messages out there about the authors, their books and reviews. Of recent there has also been some media coverage too. Loveahappyending.com is international there are Associate Readers and authors from the UK, USA, Canada and even me from the Canary Isles! If anyone is interested in becoming an Associate Reader, please visit www.loveahappyending.com There is so much going on. In fact, I am the editor for the online chatty magazine The Fizz and also Head of Communications. Everyone in the group gets involved giving some of their time to making sure this amazing initiative is a great success for all involved.

 

5. Finally, what books do you like reading yourself, do you have a particular favourite?

I love murder mystery, thrillers, sagas, quite a mixed bag, but this year I have read mainly new author books on my Kindle! And I can say there are some amazing books out there, many of the books are debut novels from unknown authors. Great reads all of them.

Pauline has just told me that with her new editor, Jo Field she is re-editing and re-polishing Magnolia House and Satchfield Hall. I asked her why?

For my latest book Sometimes It Happens…I had the wonderful Helen Hollick who was my mentor and editor and she helped me make this book sparkle and I want my other two novels to have that same high polish. I will re-launch both books later this year with new covers too. These will be designed by Avalon Graphics, Cathy Helm who designed that fabby cover for Sometimes It Happens… I am also working on my book 4. It’s a busy, but an exciting time!

You can buy Pauline's books on Amazon, check out her website here and follow her on twitter! 

Book Review: Sometimes It Happens by Pauline Barclay

Winning the lottery was just the beginning for Doreen Wilkinson, nothing prepared Doreen for her holiday at Villas Bonitas and nothing prepared Villas Bonitas for Doreen Wilkinson. 

Sometimes It Happens is about secrets, deception, lies, love and laughter. Tears will flow because this is one holiday that will never ever be forgotten by many! 

Sometimes It Happens is a really fun book written by the lovely Pauline Barclay. I read it in just two days and seriously felt as though I had been on a little mini-break in the sun.
Doreen Wilkinson checks into Villas Bonitas with her daughter Trisha. She has just won a lot of money on the lottery, eleven million, three hundred and fifty four thousand, two hundred and ten pounds and nineteen pence to be exact. This luxurious holiday in Spain is just the beginning of Doreen's new life.
Villas Bonitas has a fair few guests staying at the same time and they make this book very entertaining. There are gay barristers Simon and Chicky who are just trying to get away from it all; Jack and Sheila Hoskins who like to think they rule the place and are not impressed by Doreen and her 'new' money. Finally we have Frau Hecks, she lives permanently in Villas Bonitas and is still mourning her late husband. Most of the staff and guests are terrified of this officious German lady but we soon realise that she is a teddy bear underneath the hard exterior.
Doreen is trying to adjust to her new found wealth and mix with these people. She feels inferior until she realises that they are no better than her, especially Sheila and Jack who have a huge skeleton in their closet. Add in to this mix, Pat Greenwood, Doreen's first love who has shown up in Spain, is he just after her money or could this be the real thing?
Sometimes It Happens is a really feel-good read. Pauline Barclay writes with a lot of wit and warmth and this book had me smiling long after I had finished it.

If you would like to find out more about Pauline and her other books then check out her blog here.