The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories

Tracking down a story in southern Louisiana, Jacey gets more than she bargained for when she, along with a young family and an attractive mystery man named Colin, is held captive on a roof by a massive flood for three days. Falling in love during their harrowing time on the roof, Colin scribbles out his phone number and shoves it in Jacey’s pocket before she and the family board the rescue boat, leaving Colin behind. However, a terrible accident on the boat steals Jacey’s memories, as well as the scrap of paper holding Colin’s number. Struggling to keep afloat mentally for the next year, Jacey pushes away the memories of that night, knowing in her heart that the accident took much more than she wants to remember. When Colin unexpectedly reappears in Jacey’s life, they pick up right where they left off, with several bumps along the way. McHale (The Secret to Hummingbird Cake) has a way of creating characters who are believably flawed and human. Her wit and hilarity are perfect matches for the heartfelt romance in this winsome book. Agent: Liza Fleissig, Liza Royce Literary Agency (May)