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A Beautiful Mess

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Jemini “Perc” Christianson has had a rough couple of years trying to put her life back together after a devastating blow to her heart, soul and life tore her apart. She doesn’t see love outside of her life’s windshield right now because she doesn’t know if she can trust love. Will love find a way to make itself known to her while building back the trust she once had in it? Will love know just the right colors to paint on her torn canvas to create a beautiful work of art?

Anthony Carl Jenkins is just a man trying to live his life as a hardworking man with a dream and an outline. He didn’t list love on that outline, but love doesn’t seem to like being left out of the equation. What happens when love strategically places itself throughout the current outline of his life? Will it write the perfect story or will the addition in the story be one he doesn’t need right now?

Love can be a beautiful addition to any creation of art when added at the right time in the right places. Sometimes love can create the most Beautiful Mess.

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2022

118 people are currently reading
149 people want to read

About the author

Mel Dau

103 books690 followers
Mel Dau (Melvin’s Daughter) was born in Vicenza, Italy but raised in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. She is the baby girl and only girl of three. She has always had a love for books beginning with the Baby Sitter’s Club, R.L. Stine, and Christopher Pike. She dabbled in writing as she grew up but never took it as seriously as she should have.

Mel Dau graduated from from Wando High School, then later matriculated to Benedict College (BSW) and Webster University (MHRM). She is a mother of a teenage daughter, a HR Professional, and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Her love for Urban Literature did not arrive until Mid-2016.  Reading over 900 books from 2016 to 2017, she was obsessed with reading--an obsession that helped her cope with her father’s illness and death.  In March of 2018, she decided to finally come from behind the wall and submit a short story which resulted in her first Book, Khiaere and Phy: A Charleston Love Story being published under Queens of Lit Presents.  Under Queens of Lit Presents, she successfully published 15 titles that were all debuted in the top fifty on Amazon Top 100.

In May of 2020, she was signed to her new publisher B. Love Publications where she continues her growth as an author. Her purpose as an author is to provide her readers’ with her E³ formula, Entertain, Encourage & Educate. She achieved her first #1 Bestseller with her Erotica title, Pet The Kitty. In August of 2020 she founded Mel Dau Publications, LLC to pursue self-published projects. Penning in a lane all her own, her Informational Dramas fulfills her purpose with every release. Her overall desire is to use her fiction catalog to help change at least one person’s non-fiction reality.

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5 stars
641 (76%)
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160 (18%)
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39 (4%)
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2 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,424 reviews161 followers
August 16, 2023
Perc finds love

After the terrible situation with her raggedy baby daddy, Perc meets a man that she is ready to take a chance on. Anthony is just a good dude. He is humble and hard working. Although, his job isn't glamorous he uses that steady income to support his business. I love how Anthony loved on Perc's son Jeremy immediately. He handled him with so much care. Perc loves quick and hard, but Anthony was her voice of reason. He didn't take advantage of her and he ensured that he didn't rush their relationship. He took his time to love on Perc and Jeremy the right way. I mean Anthony was a real man.

The Christianson's naturally levelled up those that were around them and it was nice to see them do that for Anthony and his family. The moments with Oxy and Maggie were good too, it was nice to see them progressing. This was such a sweet story.
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,072 reviews304 followers
July 26, 2023
Never Judge A Book By Its Cover

This love story is definitely a perfect example of the very old adage. Anthony & Jemini (Perc) was the cutest couple to me with a great simplistic journey to their HEA with the assistance of Jermey. Perc comes from a wealthy family and she’s a Pharmacist with her family’s pharmacy and Anthony is a budding entrepreneur currently stocking shelves at the local Walmart Superstore. Can’t get more simplistic than that.
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,204 reviews435 followers
June 4, 2022
A Beautiful Mess was a very sweet read. The only daughter from a well to do family falls for an average Joe and makes it work. Initially, Perc gave Anthony the side eye because, what could a pharmacist possibly have in common with a dude who stocks for Walmart?!!! They were so far apart on the financial spectrum but, Perc soon realized not to be so quick to judge. Anthony was a man who was about his business. He wanted his company to be successful on his own terms and wasn't looking for a come up from Perc at all. Anthony refused to put on airs and be anybody but his true self. You couldn't help but admire how authentic he was at all times. I loved how quickly Perc fell for Anthony even when she thought he was just a stocker for Walmart. Their love was truly organic. I’m so happy Perc found her HEA. After all that drama she went through with Talon’s trash azz, she more than deserved it. A Beautiful Mess was a quick and romantic read filled with plenty of black love.
Profile Image for Nikita.
346 reviews17 followers
January 28, 2023
A Beautiful Mess

Love me some Anthony and lil Jeremy was too cute. He was genuine, honest, caring and had values everyone should. Perc was a caring person too who just needed reciprocation. I could empathize with Perc regarding Missy cause I think I may have done the same. But I’m glad she felt her pain and understood it for what it was after listening to Anthony. I would love to read more about Perc and Anthony. This was a beautiful mess ❤️
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,585 reviews104 followers
March 23, 2022
I'm so glad Perc got her own story. She needed some happiness, after all that her jerk of an ex put her through! She was still a bit bratty at times, but her heart was in the right place! (Most of the time) 😂 Anthony! Gotta love a man who is about his business, who wants his come up to be the right way, on his own terms! He was his authentic self at all times, when he could have put on pretenses to try and impress Perc. He was just not that type of man! He was a take me as I am kinda man, and it made you love him even more! The way Anthony brought out the best in Perc, helped her release the hate for Talon, and how he loved on Jeremy was swoon worthy! These two balanced each other out, and their love was so sweet! Good job!👍👍👍
Profile Image for Lisette.
615 reviews43 followers
March 17, 2022
Really sweet story

What a sweet and romantic story. I love how it's not your ordinary man finds down on their luck woman and changes her life, but just a regular hard working, goal oriented man that caught the attention of a beautiful, wealthy woman. This story was written well with only a few errors that did not take away from the story. I love how Anthony was supportive and honest with Perc when she was too in her feelings to realize she was messing up. I would love to read more stories like this. I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Kim Knight.
496 reviews15 followers
April 10, 2022
In the multitude of counsel.

I absolutely love being in this author’s orbit of books. This story was what could happen with love and patience. I also loved the wisdom of relationships that was poured into Perc and Anthony. A beautiful mess this was that I hope to see more of.
Profile Image for Alvina.
747 reviews22 followers
March 21, 2022
Our Beautiful Mess

I can't say that I loved Jemini 'Perc' Christianson, yet I liked that she had a great support system in her family. I really liked Anthony Jenkins, so this story of their union was nice.

Although Perc had been in a horrible relationship and was beaten by her ex, Talon, she was able to move forward and now had her son Jeremy to love on. I get that what her ex did was soul crushing, yet for her to take her anger out on his mother, Missy, was unfair. I'm glad Missy didn't give up on wanting to see her grandson. Anthony gave it to Perc straight and told her what it was, which opened her eyes to see what she was doing and to basically grow up. I love that Perc was an artist. I didn't fully understand why she kept it a secret, yet I'm glad Maggie and Anthony gave her the push she needed to step into her light.

Anthony was a hard working man. He truly embodied 'started from the bottom' and wasn't a stranger to working hard for everything he wanted. I was glad he let Perc know that her buying the mower was a no-go, yet I'm glad he had his dad and friends to let him know she only did it out of love and just wanted to invest in his growing business. I love how easy going he was. He also took the time with Jeremy and that was so loving to read about. He gave that boy his full attention and really loved him as if he was his own. I love that he supported Perc, yet wanted to be a man about his business and help her too.

It's always great to see other Christianson, Jenkins, Smith's and even the Leotas.

This was a good short read. Another Mel Dau banger. Can't wait for more.

Good read. Highly recommend.
1,635 reviews4 followers
July 4, 2023
Beautiful

I loved this story for so many reasons. It showed that you shouldn't judge a person by his socioeconomic status. And that two people from the opposite sides of the track can have much in common and find love. I also loved the variety of black businesses showcased through the story and along with it, the support and collaboration of businesses. It was heartwarming to see the connections Anthony made through Perc's family, giving a hand up to a hard working man. The family relationships were strong, loving and supportive. One thing that was a no-no for me was the cursing in front of the children; i cringed that even the grandparents were doing it.
I'd love to find the prequels to this book; there was much innuendo about the Christiansons and I'd love to read Perc's story. Unfortunately, it's hard to find the books when they weren't written as a series. This book needs another edit, but I'd recommend this short but positive read.
Profile Image for Cheonica Jordan.
269 reviews
January 11, 2026
Rating 4.5⭐️

This one really was about second chances and redemption and I loved that for Perc 🤎 This story reminded me that love doesn’t care about status, bank accounts or appearances it cares about character. Perc had been through enough to make anyone guarded and watching her slowly trust love again felt real and earned. Anthony was exactly what she needed steady, hardworking, grounded and intentional. No flash, no gimmicks just a man with goals, values, consistency and a heart of gold.

I loved that this romance stayed low drama. It showed that healing love doesn’t have to be chaotic to be powerful. Sometimes the most beautiful mess is built quietly, brick by brick with patience and honesty.

And let’s be clear a working man with vision, integrity and family values will always outrank money without substance. I’m genuinely happy for Perc. She deserved this kind of love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Micaiah.
Author 4 books19 followers
April 12, 2022
A beautiful story

I love the Christianson family. I was so happy to see Perc find someone worthy of her awesomeness. And Maggie has come all the way out her shell. I loved Maggie from the the first book. It was great seeing how humble and down to earth Perc was despite the different playing field her and Anthony were on. Anthony proved he was all man though and not intimidated by what he brought to the table. His go getter spirit was everything and the way he encouraged and poured into Perc and called her out regarding how she was treating Missy was just what she needed. I love stories that celebrate black people living well, networking and loving each other and other people.
Profile Image for Denise Newman.
257 reviews
July 6, 2025
A Beautiful Story!!

Mel Dau did an amazing job on this romance story! It’s a reminder that love doesn’t care about wealth brackets when it’s true love!!

Perc and Anthony’s love story was so beautiful and it was definitely very fast paced. It was great to see get the love she deserves after all see went through in her brother’s story.

It was also great to see my favorite family again and watch them welcome Anthony and his family into the Washington-Smith-Christianson family, one thing about my favorite family once they welcome you in they do everything in their power to help you grow your business, passion or whatever you have going on and I love them for that. And just for that this book is a must read.
Profile Image for Helen Clark.
1,076 reviews4 followers
March 21, 2022
Never judge a man by his job

What a beautiful story. Some have missed out on their blessings by not seeing a person for who they are or what they can be.

Some of us let money or titles block us from our blessings.

I loved that Anthony was a great human being, so happened to work for what he wanted and loved how he thot felt.

I was truly happy that Perc didn't let money, nor her title interfere with her getting to know Anthony.

All and All their relationship was a Beautiful Mess.
1,093 reviews8 followers
March 22, 2022
A beautiful mess

Anthony and Perc made a beautiful mess and I loved it. After the situation with Perc and her bd I was cheering for her happy ending and I’m glad she didn’t let Anthony’s job cause her to look down on him and pass him by. Anthony was so sweet and loved both Perc and Jeremy. It was beautiful to see how this man just embraced Jeremy from the beginning. I loved how they supported each other with their goals and passions. This was definitely a good short story filled with plenty love.
Profile Image for Mrs Tee Booktique.
955 reviews14 followers
March 25, 2022
Cleaned up!

A nice easy read with a hero that is not hood rich or an established and successful professional. A hard working man with a plan. Anthony was an average guy working his plan to build himself up. Not recovering from love or trauma, focused and determined to live his best life. Perc was recovering, although she was established in her career, was she ready for love or a relationship? Would she see Anthony or what he wasn't? Mel Dau used a different tone to write this one. I adjusted to it and enjoyed this beautiful mess.
73 reviews
July 17, 2024
A beautiful mess indeed

I really enjoyed this beautiful story . Goes to show that you can't judge a book by it's cover,it must be opened and read Jemini "Perc" and Anthony met thorough accidental meetings but brought out the best in each other. Anthony loved Jeremy, Perc's son as his own. Happy Perc allowed Jeremy, to develop a Relationship with Missy, Talon's mother. Loved the 20° of separation aspects between These characters.Demonstrating that sometimes is not Always what you know but who you know...
Profile Image for SumFire.
687 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2025
Jemini "Perc" Christianson and Anthony Jenkins were adorable.

Their story put me in the mind of a Jah Cure song "Unconditional Love"

He was a nobody in her world but became the everything in it and vice-versa. They just had to learn how to find a balance.

"You never see it coming
Then the next thing you know... unconditional love... unconditional love
I ain't looking for no diamonds
Ain't digging for no gold
Just somebody to love... unconditional love"....

I didn't understand Jemini's anger and uncompromising dismissal of Missy's feelings until I did . 💡

Washington/Christianson/Smith
Profile Image for Phaze.
286 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2025
Anthony and Jemini

Anthony is a regular smegular MMC. He work for Walmart while trying to get his business off the ground. He intially meet Jemini when her son runs into him in Walmart. Theor second meeting was at a gas station and her offers her some help.

Jemini is a single mom that is still dealing with the betrayal of her ex. She is not reaaly thinking of a relationship. One of her relaives tjink differently snd hires Anthony.

After crossing paths for third time, she invites him to lunch. This put them on the path of getting to know each other.
Profile Image for Jahari Dowdy.
872 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2022
I loved everything about this 📕 book!! It was certainly a slow burn 🔥 but once that got going, hunti💧💦. Perc and Anthony were great together and I was glad she didn’t let him slip away because of his occupation. They way he loved ❤️Perc and Jeremy was everything. I am glad he was able to talk some sense into her about Missy. I loved revisiting all the old characters, even some Leota’s. Great job, her books always leave me wanting more.
Profile Image for D'Nae Gardner.
69 reviews
March 21, 2022
So Good and Sweet

From tragedy to triumph. Even the most confident and put together people can still have obstacles that keep them away from greatness. Jimini has trauma and self-doubt that keep her from sharing and living in greatness, but a fateful trip to Walmart changed her life and outlook.
This book was more than just a love story, but a story of triumph and looking beyond the surface for and at something much more, true love and acceptance
Profile Image for Tamica Payne.
74 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2022
A Beautiful Mess

I loved this short love story. I gave A Beautiful Mess 4 out of 5 stars and would recommend others to read it. This book was short but good. It shows you that there’s someone out there for everyone and don’t give up. Forgiveness is important to the forgiver so they can heal and love again. It’s hard to love when you’re a bitter person. Love is a beautiful thing especially when it’s unexpected.
220 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2022
Loved this read!

I was anticipating this read and did not disappoint. Jemini went through so much in the previous book and deserved happiness. Her relationship with Anthony was so easy going with minimal drama. He was a man's man in every sense of the word. I loved how he stepped in without question with Jeremy. The Washington and Christianson crew are one of my favorite book families. I can't wait to keep reading from Mel Dau.
Profile Image for Carletta A..
241 reviews12 followers
April 11, 2022
This book was a breath of fresh air !! I could relate to Perc story being fuck over by someone you love is heartbreaking and have you never want to trust again . I’m glad she found a man like Anthony who love her and her son unconditionally. He didn’t want her for her money. He wanted her bc she was a beautiful soul and warm hearted . I love how he fit right in the family and brought the best out of her and made her see that her art would be love by many .
Profile Image for Bookwurm637.
587 reviews8 followers
July 14, 2023
3.75 stars. A really like.

Perc is a single mom who has been burned by love, and is not in a hurry to touch that flame again. But then she meets Anthony, a hard worker brother with some big goals. She falls hard. And soon, sees a future with him.

I liked this one because it was really low key. No angst, no third act break up. A lot of family and friends. These two were fully fleshed out characters. And just the right amount of heat.
Profile Image for T K Vaugh.
1,638 reviews8 followers
July 2, 2024
BEAUTIFUL AND A MESS

There is something to be said about a man that loves a child that is not born of his own DNA!!!…There is even more to be said about a woman loving a man for who he is and not what she may think he is!!!…
Percent & Anthony was a breath of fresh air!!!…
I love the friendship of Maggie and Perc also!!!…
A family that makes ppl feel welcomed is always an added bonus!!!…
Profile Image for NubianJoí .
2,196 reviews10 followers
October 14, 2024
48 Hours Chronicles: Beauty Among Ashes

Hmmm 🤔, there’s a story (to be told) within the story of Jemini & Anthony’s journey of a “Beautiful Mess” happier ever after. However, the elephant 🐘, why are certain people associated with the Washington/Smith/Christianson family circle ⭕️ are now mysteriously missing…without a trace 🥴🫣⁉️These love story are slowly migrating into the 48 hours Chronicles: Beauty Among Ashes 🤷🏾‍♀️‼️
26 reviews
April 28, 2025
Just Lovely

This was a short beautiful story. What was especially heartwarming was the main male character was not rich but was an ambitious working class man working to. Improve himself. That made for an interesting dynamic between the two main characters, one not often explored in romance novels. The character development was also well done as we saw both their flaws and strengths. A fantastic story
52 reviews
May 4, 2025
Another amazing story

You did such a great job of describing how sometimes we miss our blessing by judging the outside package when we should be like God and look at the heart of people to see what isn't shown on the outside. I love this family and I hope you continue to write more about them. Thank you for being true, open, and sharing the love of your God given talent with us.
12 reviews
March 17, 2022
A Beautiful Mess Indeed

Mel Dau never misses! This was beautiful continuation of "Come Unto The Out."' I love how all of her characters are connected in someway. The familiarity is always refreshing. Perc story gave what it needed to give and I can't say what I want without giving too much away. Beautiful story of two from opposite sides of the tracks.
Profile Image for Camisha Crisp.
746 reviews18 followers
March 18, 2022
Love can be messy

I was so excited to read Perc and Anthony’s love journey. I was all in from the very beginning and I was so in love with them both as a couple at the end. Both Anthony and Perc had to learn to accept the love given to them. Perc also had to learn to truly let go on the anger she held onto in order to love completely. This is a another smash from Mel Dau!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews

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