Gift of the Magpie

By Zoe M. McCarthy

Description:

Amanda Larrowe’s lack of trust sabotages her relationships. The English teacher and award-winning author of middle-grade adventure books for boys has shut off communication with friends and family to meet her January 2 book deadline. Now, in the deepest snow accumulation Richmond, Virginia, has experienced in years, Camden Lancaster moves in across the street. After ten years, Amanda’s heart still smarts from the humiliating aftermath of their perfect high-school Valentine’s Day date. Camden may have transformed into a handsome, amiable man, but his likeability doesn’t instill trust in Amanda’s heart. When Cam doesn’t recognize her on their first two encounters, she thinks it’s safe to be his fair-weather neighbor. Boy is she wrong.

Book Takeaway:

A woman can learn to forgive and trust again once she realizes her character is no better than that of man who loves her.

Why the author wrote this book:

I thought of O. Henry's Gift of the Magi. The word magpie drifted into my mind. I brainstormed ideas for a short story with the title, "Gift of the Magpie," but one not about a bird and different than O. Henry's storyline. As I wrote the story, the theme became deeper and the conflicts grew. The story begged to become a novel.