Power can build empires—but it can also destroy lives. No one knows this better than Amanda French, the fearless lead in Barbara Kennedy McNabb’s riveting new novel. Once a rising star on Wall Street, Amanda had the mind, the ambition, and the confidence to take on any financial challenge. But when she trusted the wrong man, her entire world crashed.
He had charm and status, and he used both to destroy her career, her reputation, and her spirit. And he did it unwittingly. He had no self-awareness, empathy, or moral fiber.
Lovely isn’t sophisticated. Lovely gets eaten.
But she didn’t get eaten…exactly. Pummelled.
Amanda wasn’t just any trader—she was brilliant. She was preparing to pitch a huge reinvestment deal to the Governor of Texas when Reed Petty walked into her life in the court house in Austen. A tall, smooth-talking Texas banker, he seemed too good to be true. And he was.
What started as a flirtation quickly turned into betrayal. Reed didn’t just lie—he set Amanda up to crash and burn. And when she did, it was hard. She lost everything… except her dignity and car, and even that had a leak.
Still, she didn’t blow away in the hot wind. She did what strong women do—she adapted. She held the line at eating bugs but she did have some cereal dinners and pasta, lots of pasta imported from Italy with garlic, olive oil, and fresh grated parmesan cheese. It could have been worse.
Fast forward thirty years. Amanda now works as a social worker in Santa Salsa, a dusty Texas border town. She’s been widowed for about seven years and a social worker for about three years, mostly in New York, but in southwest Texas now. She traded in high-stakes deals and stilettos for community work, helping people survive and heal. It’s peaceful. Its purposeful.
And then Reed Petty reathis time, he’s the mayor. And guess what? He wants to run for governor. Again, he tries to pull Amanda into his world, with promises of love, partnership, and political power.
But Amanda’s not the same woman. Not even close.
Amanda hasn’t forgotten what Reed did with impunity. She’s had decades to think about it, to learn from it, and to rise above it. Now, as he climbs higher on the political ladder, she faces a choice: stay quiet and comfortable, or speak out and risk everything to stop him. And how would she do that. Exactly.
The difference now? Amanda has nothing to lose—and a whole lot to protect.
If you love strong female leads, political intrigue, and powerful stories of survival, you’ll be hooked on Amanda French. Barbara Kennedy McNabb delivers a gripping, emotional tale about betrayal, resilience, and redemption.
Oh, there’s more but SPOILER ALERT! I’m not talking: KILLER ENDING.
Let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a comeback story with bite? Amanda French isn’t just sipping sweet tea on a porch waiting for justice. She’s sharp, savvy, and totally done playing nice-nice. When her past shows up in a slick suit asking for forgiveness, Amanda doesn’t just roll her eyes—she takes out a drawing pad and #2 pencil and begins drawing her next move. Flow charts, etc.
This isn’t about revenge. It’s about power, truth, and maybe… a little payback. Buckle up, because Amanda’s not here to play—it’s her turn to win. A reminder that no matter how far someone falls, they can rise again. The Phoenix. Stronger. Smarter. And ready to expose the truth. Stay alert. When Karma is about to perform what Karma does, it would be foolhardy and weak to jump in and condemn the mirror-image-action of said Karma. Do not interfere with someone else’s karma.
Pic up your copy of AMANDA FRENCH today—and meet a woman who won’t be silenced twice.
The Framers of the Constitution envisioned that state governments, not the national government, would be the main unit of government.
