The Many Names of Magdalena Cruz

by Colleen McCarty

Broad-shouldered Richard Burke has sacrificed a normal life chasing the next big story as a reporter. On rest from two years overseas, he's approached by the CIA in an effort to turn his next big story into a spy mission. The end Cuba and the take down of the Castros. Enter the alluring Magdelena, with her ex-revolutionary past and scars to prove it. She's not faring well under Castro's communism, doing laundry for rich patrons under the punishing supervision of Cuba's internal spy network. She's looking for an out, for love—to feel again. Richard Burke is exactly what she wants, and nothing she needs. Thrown together, torn apart, betrayed and beaten, the lovers must overcome years of political animosity to beat the odds. Can they really afford to choose each other, or will their love come at the ultimate price?

322 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2017

About the author

I think I always knew I wanted to write, but kept trying to talk myself out of it. In college, I enrolled as an English major, but quickly switched when I realized I had no idea how I would make a living as an English major. I switched to something business-y.

I became an entrepreneur, opening two restaurants and a publishing company before my 28th birthday. But I always felt a tug. It wasn’t that I didn’t love helping people publish their books, and it wasn’t that I didn’t love marketing for my husband and I’s restaurant (Mod’s Coffee and Crepes, bee tee dubs)—there was just something missing.

When I would tell a story to a group of friends, or get really into a great book for example, I felt more alive. Something inside clicked on. So, even though I had a brand new baby (EVA!) and two businesses to run, I started trying to tell a story that I had been thinking about. Most of my writing was done after everyone had gone to bed, between 9pm and 12am, usually. I had a lot of help along the way, but 8 months later it was done.

Now, almost 12 months later, I’m ready to put this baby out into the world. And, I hope you’re ready too. It’s happening December 5th, 2013. There will be lots of ways to get involved, stay tuned here, or sign up for the newsletter (in the top right corner) to get up-to-date info on the book launch.

Love to one, friendship to many, goodwill to all.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Colleen describes Magdalena and Burke's world in the most perfect way. I will say that some scenes are hard to read, but I appreciate that in a book. Colleen gives light to many topics that people shy away from, but that we should all be aware of. This book made me happy, blush, cry, get angry and even scream in frustration. I can't wait for the next one!

[Belwoeth Harbright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I was an early reviewer for this book. Like, early early.

Passionate. Spicy. Exotic. Like a shaker of coconut rum mixed with orange juice, MNMC is multi-faceted, mixed-genre, and goes down smooth. This tortured love story between Magdalena, former Cuban rebel, and Burke, American journo, is a bodice-ripping espionage thriller. Spanning a story that crosses history, it follows their romance across the torturous passage of time and two countries. It’s one of those books that asks you to reach into your soul, to fall in love with love.

Can’t recommend enough.