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Awakening #2
Maggie
"When Maggie opened her eyes that New Year's Day some seventeen months ago, I felt like I could see again. The fog lifted off my soul, and for the first time since our son had died and she had gone to sleep—some four months, sixteen days, eighteen hours, and nineteen minutes earlier—I took a breath deep enough to fill both my lungs."
Life began again for Dylan Styles when his beloved wife Maggie awoke from a coma. A coma brought on by the intense two-day labor that resulted in heartbreaking loss. In this poignant love story that is redolent with Southern atmosphere, Dylan and Maggie must come to terms with their past before they can embrace their future.
Life began again for Dylan Styles when his beloved wife Maggie awoke from a coma. A coma brought on by the intense two-day labor that resulted in heartbreaking loss. In this poignant love story that is redolent with Southern atmosphere, Dylan and Maggie must come to terms with their past before they can embrace their future.
311 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2006
551 people are currently reading
3242 people want to read
About the author
Charles Martin
111 books9,427 followersCharles Martin is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. He and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, FL. Learn more at charlesmartinbooks.com; Instagram: @storiedcareer; X: @storiedcareer; Facebook: @Author.Charles.Martin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews
October 28, 2016
It is undeniable that Charles Martin has a way with words. The book is well written, the characters are well drawn and are distinctly different. The story flows well, there are no interruptions. And it is an emotional read. There's no denying that.
The book is written in the husband's, Dylan's POV. This way we see his tremendous love for his wife, his unbelievably kind persona, his ethics and moral standing. All of which are above average. He is truly a good man. And despite all the awful, heartbreaking things that keep on happening to him, he stays true to himself. The book does raise the question: why does all the bad things seem to happen to such good people? All the struggles that life had thrown at them, this couple stays strong and loving and kind. There's a message in that!
Even though all the heartbreak, I loved the first part of this book. It really highlighted the couple's loss, grief and their struggle to try to make sense of it all and move on. But, I'm sad to say, the second half of the book lost me. For me it was just a tad too much. With all the bad men from the past taking their revenge on them, the fire, the kidnapping... Too much. I felt like shouting: "- Oh, come ooon! This is ridiculous!" Only Bryce's character saved it all as his character development surpassed all the drama. He is the true hero of this book.
It could have easily been a 5 star book if not for the unrelated drama that just took the story too far left field.
Charles Martin has a way with words, but tends to mumble on. This couple, this book didn't need the unrelated drama to make it unforgettable. Dylan's and Maggie's story would have been more than enough.
The book is written in the husband's, Dylan's POV. This way we see his tremendous love for his wife, his unbelievably kind persona, his ethics and moral standing. All of which are above average. He is truly a good man. And despite all the awful, heartbreaking things that keep on happening to him, he stays true to himself. The book does raise the question: why does all the bad things seem to happen to such good people? All the struggles that life had thrown at them, this couple stays strong and loving and kind. There's a message in that!
Even though all the heartbreak, I loved the first part of this book. It really highlighted the couple's loss, grief and their struggle to try to make sense of it all and move on. But, I'm sad to say, the second half of the book lost me. For me it was just a tad too much. With all the bad men from the past taking their revenge on them, the fire, the kidnapping... Too much. I felt like shouting: "- Oh, come ooon! This is ridiculous!" Only Bryce's character saved it all as his character development surpassed all the drama. He is the true hero of this book.
It could have easily been a 5 star book if not for the unrelated drama that just took the story too far left field.
Charles Martin has a way with words, but tends to mumble on. This couple, this book didn't need the unrelated drama to make it unforgettable. Dylan's and Maggie's story would have been more than enough.
March 13, 2017
Three and a half stars.
I feel like I could write and rate this book according to two halves. For the first half of the book I was right there with Dylan and Maggie who has come out of her coma. They are trying to piece together their lives. I love the various ways Dylan shows his love for his wife. Both Dylan and Maggie try to come to terms which what has happened in their lives and to look toward the future and hopefully a family. But again life doesn’t go according to plan. It seems life has more heartbreak and hard times in store for this couple.
Even though I had a few issues with some of the behaviour of characters, it was nothing compared to the second half of the book. The second half seemed to run amok with violence and evil. Although I was still there with Dylan and Maggie and Amos and Pastor John and Amanda, I felt it became too far-fetched. I ended up disappointed in the second half. It was all just too much. Will it stop me reading more books by this author? Possibly not. It just seemed he was stretching too much to bring drama, when the reality was it didn’t need all the extra dramas and violence. For me, this book was nowhere near as good as The Dead Don’t Dance. The three and a half stars are because I enjoyed the first part of the book.
I feel like I could write and rate this book according to two halves. For the first half of the book I was right there with Dylan and Maggie who has come out of her coma. They are trying to piece together their lives. I love the various ways Dylan shows his love for his wife. Both Dylan and Maggie try to come to terms which what has happened in their lives and to look toward the future and hopefully a family. But again life doesn’t go according to plan. It seems life has more heartbreak and hard times in store for this couple.
Even though I had a few issues with some of the behaviour of characters, it was nothing compared to the second half of the book. The second half seemed to run amok with violence and evil. Although I was still there with Dylan and Maggie and Amos and Pastor John and Amanda, I felt it became too far-fetched. I ended up disappointed in the second half. It was all just too much. Will it stop me reading more books by this author? Possibly not. It just seemed he was stretching too much to bring drama, when the reality was it didn’t need all the extra dramas and violence. For me, this book was nowhere near as good as The Dead Don’t Dance. The three and a half stars are because I enjoyed the first part of the book.
February 15, 2023
I enjoyed the sequel as much as the first in the series. Quirky, empathetic, and down-to-earth characters. Normal and some outlandish heart-breaking circumstances, but all revealing people's need for community, acceptance, forgiveness, and hope.
January 26, 2015
Love Charles Martin's way with words, although I don't like the horrid things that happen to his characters.
January 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I recommend both books in the series.
July 9, 2013
Martin's writing is delicious on so many levels--his literary voice, Van Gogh-brilliantly colored and constructed characters, stories that warm the reader's soul. Maggie, the sequel to The Dead Don't Dance, ushers the reader back into Maggie and Dylan's world as they piece together their lives after her coma and the death of their child. I was delighted their eccentric neighbor got a bigger share of the spotlight in Maggie. This book sets the stage for Martin's mastery of memorable secondary characters.
January 26, 2019
Charles Martin pens another brilliant novel of love and gritty relationships. This was a deeply emotional book, and I felt the agony shared by the characters throughout this book. Depth of character and pictorial descriptions are a trademark of this author. His writing is prose, beautiful and yet earthy. Realistic, sensitive and heart wrenching, "Maggie" is a strong example of lives broken and pain filled, yet moments of prime beauty are interwoven throughout the chapters of this book. I can't wait to get my hands on another Charles Martin book soon!
July 22, 2019
Read this one even faster than The Dead Don’t Dance! Loved the character development and wish there was a third book!
August 8, 2024
4.5 not as good as the first book The Dead don’t dance but still good.
When Maggie opened her eyes that New Year's Day some seventeen months ago, I felt like I could see again. The fog lifted off my soul, and for the first time since our son had died and she had gone to sleep–some four months, sixteen days, eighteen hours, and nineteen minutes earlier–I took a breath deep enough to fill both of my lungs.
"I watched her—the way her shoulders moved with the tilt of her head, how her smile lit up the six people around her, how her hair, tucked behind her ears, framed her face like baby’s breath. I thought about how the sound of her heart beating sounded the rhythm for our dance atop the magnolia floor. I wanted to tell her all this, but didn’t know how. Just because something is broken doesn’t mean it’s no good. Doesn’t mean you throw it away. It just means it’s broken, and broken is okay. I wanted to tell her that broken is still beautiful, still works, still wakes me in the morning, and at the end of every day past and those to come, I can love broken."
When Maggie opened her eyes that New Year's Day some seventeen months ago, I felt like I could see again. The fog lifted off my soul, and for the first time since our son had died and she had gone to sleep–some four months, sixteen days, eighteen hours, and nineteen minutes earlier–I took a breath deep enough to fill both of my lungs.
"I watched her—the way her shoulders moved with the tilt of her head, how her smile lit up the six people around her, how her hair, tucked behind her ears, framed her face like baby’s breath. I thought about how the sound of her heart beating sounded the rhythm for our dance atop the magnolia floor. I wanted to tell her all this, but didn’t know how. Just because something is broken doesn’t mean it’s no good. Doesn’t mean you throw it away. It just means it’s broken, and broken is okay. I wanted to tell her that broken is still beautiful, still works, still wakes me in the morning, and at the end of every day past and those to come, I can love broken."
May 22, 2018
A very satisfying conclusion to the two-book story.
I'm still amazed at the quality of writing and depth of the characters. This author has a true talent for capturing your attention and holding it throughout the novel.
I felt so bad for Maggie and Dylan and what they endured. It made my heart happy that they had some terrific friends that helped support them through it. We all need friends like Bryce, Amos and Amanda.
If you are looking for a story that will touch your heart, break it, and then put it back together, this is the book for you. There is so many things that I could say but I don't want to give anything away. Be sure to read The Dead Don't Dance first, as you'll want to start at the beginning. Be prepared to stay up late reading as you won't want to put the books down.
I'm still amazed at the quality of writing and depth of the characters. This author has a true talent for capturing your attention and holding it throughout the novel.
I felt so bad for Maggie and Dylan and what they endured. It made my heart happy that they had some terrific friends that helped support them through it. We all need friends like Bryce, Amos and Amanda.
If you are looking for a story that will touch your heart, break it, and then put it back together, this is the book for you. There is so many things that I could say but I don't want to give anything away. Be sure to read The Dead Don't Dance first, as you'll want to start at the beginning. Be prepared to stay up late reading as you won't want to put the books down.
May 29, 2022
4.5 stars
"𝙒𝙚'𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙩. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙮. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝘽𝙖𝙣𝙙-𝘼𝙞𝙙𝙨."
This is the sequel to The Dead Don’t Dance, which I reviewed last week. I needed more of Dylan and Maggie’s story and Charles delivers it beautifully in this sequel.
I cried more than once and felt myself relating to certain aspects of the book. It does, once again, cover some heavy topics such as infertility, miscarriage, and depression. But mixed in with those difficult topics and heartache is so much hope. ❤️ And Charles always knows how to deliver some action too.
I can’t wait to continue to go through more of his backlist!
"𝙒𝙚'𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙩. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙮. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝘽𝙖𝙣𝙙-𝘼𝙞𝙙𝙨."
This is the sequel to The Dead Don’t Dance, which I reviewed last week. I needed more of Dylan and Maggie’s story and Charles delivers it beautifully in this sequel.
I cried more than once and felt myself relating to certain aspects of the book. It does, once again, cover some heavy topics such as infertility, miscarriage, and depression. But mixed in with those difficult topics and heartache is so much hope. ❤️ And Charles always knows how to deliver some action too.
I can’t wait to continue to go through more of his backlist!
May 16, 2019
4 stars. Charles Martin did it again...great book. I love his style of writing. For me though, “The Dead Don’t Dance” was better. I would have given this one 5 stars, but I think it was just a little over the top with tragedy after tragedy. I still really enjoyed it and do recommend it. This is my 4th Charles Martin book and I’ve enjoyed each one! He has a way of making the reader connect with each character. Every book of his that I’ve read so far, I can totally picture as a movie.
September 30, 2019
I listened to the audio version of this book. I have read several books by this author and this is my least favorite of all that I have read. It was rather hard for me to get into it and found it confusing to keep up with who the characters were. Then I discovered that this book is a sequel to "The Dead Don't Dance." Well now that cleared things up a bit. I need to go back and read the first book and then maybe it will clear up my confusion with this one. So the purpose of this review is to let you know that you should read these books in the proper order!
June 18, 2020
Don’t miss this one, an amazing book about despair, hope and possibilities. I can’t believe I have had Charles Martin on my TBR list for years and I believe this is the first one I have read. You can read all the blurbs from the publisher and other people if you want to know the storyline.
I can’t believe how great this book was. I wish all books in series would be clearly labeled at the start that it is a series. Since I got this e-book through Libby I didn’t realize until almost 1/2 way through that it was a part 2. Now I have to read the dead don’t dance knowing what happens in this book. I haven’t read a book this long in such a short time in forever. I couldn’t put it down.
I can’t believe how great this book was. I wish all books in series would be clearly labeled at the start that it is a series. Since I got this e-book through Libby I didn’t realize until almost 1/2 way through that it was a part 2. Now I have to read the dead don’t dance knowing what happens in this book. I haven’t read a book this long in such a short time in forever. I couldn’t put it down.
May 18, 2019
Szeretem C. M. könyveit, de kicsit meglepett ezzel a kötettel. Az anyaság utáni vágy, örökbefogadás, önmarcangolás lassú körei után teljesen más fordulatra kapcsolt a történet. Tetszett, még mindig el tud varázsolni.
August 25, 2020
Sequel to The Dead don’t Dance. So, so good. I think every book I’ve read by Charles Martin has made me cry at some point. This one almost lost 4 stars ⭐️ because of something that happened towards the end, but I just can’t rate it lower. So good. Was nice to get to know new characters, and to learn more about the characters from TDDD. Well written.
March 25, 2021
Little Nell revisited
Dickens would've liked it. A yes-no plot right to the end. With extraordinary events and characters, one of whom even the author did not seem to understand. A real tearjerker, but a fascinating read.
Dickens would've liked it. A yes-no plot right to the end. With extraordinary events and characters, one of whom even the author did not seem to understand. A real tearjerker, but a fascinating read.
December 12, 2020
Complements book one without being more of the same, deeper and wider.
February 28, 2021
Sequel too dead don't dance. Resilience and hope . Loved it
September 7, 2024
This was the sequel to The Dead Don’t Dance. Not as good a story, but still love the way he writes.
August 27, 2022
Although I had been thoroughly entranced with the first book of this series, this one left me a little disheartened so I only rated it a 3.5. It lost me with the overwhelming feeling of what more Maggie and Dylan could possibly suffer through. Although it came together nicely in the end, it was a bit too dark throughout the process. Maybe I'm just needing more joy at this particular time!
October 15, 2022
Any woman who has ever had trouble "keeping" a pregnancy will relate to the heartbreak experienced by Maggie. What she does not understand -- because he does not tell her -- is the depth of the fear and heartbreak that her husband goes through at the same time. This is a tender story filled with life lessons for everyone who is human.
I was not aware that "Maggie" is actually book 2 in a series. The book does fine as a stand-alone, but I will definitely read the prequel.
I was not aware that "Maggie" is actually book 2 in a series. The book does fine as a stand-alone, but I will definitely read the prequel.
September 18, 2021
As Maggie awakens from her long coma, Dylan and Maggie rediscover their love and rebuild their lives together. But this book goes so much further than just their journey. Amos and Amanda’s love story and their new chapter of lives with continued friendship with D&M; then Pastor Carter’s colorful past issues resurfacing which result in horrific revenge.
But honestly, the protagonist of this story is Bryce and I almost think the book title should go to him, rather than Maggie. Bryce's story is complicated and involves so much more depth with the background of the Vietnamese war, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with his very own quirky personality. I love the friendship shared between Dylan and Bryce which can be summed up as “sign of true friendship when silence is not uncomfortable.”
Once again this book heavily relies on God’s unconditional love reflected on various characters and I absolutely love the following statement:
“Just because something is broken does not mean it is no good. Broken is still beautiful, still works, still wakes me in the morning and at the end of every day past and those to come, I can love broken.” Yes, that is how much God loves each one of us and I find tremendous hope and comfort knowing that I am good enough for HIM.
Here is another reflection of love that was beautifully transcribed:
“Love has its own communication. It is the language of the heart and while it has never been transcribed, has no alphabet and can be heard or spoken by voice. It is used by every human on the planet. It is written on our souls, scripted by the finger of God and we can hear, understand and speak it with perfection long before we open our eyes for the first time.
My last comment is about the adoption process in this country. While there are so many children who need a good home where they can be accepted, raised, and loved, it almost requires perfection for those who want to adopt. it is impossibly difficult, long and expensive. NO PARENTS are perfect and we who are able to give natural birth, have TONS of emotional, financial and other issues. Why are we making it so hard for those who want to love, provide and are willing to adopt those who have already been abandoned? It simply boggles my brain~~
But honestly, the protagonist of this story is Bryce and I almost think the book title should go to him, rather than Maggie. Bryce's story is complicated and involves so much more depth with the background of the Vietnamese war, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with his very own quirky personality. I love the friendship shared between Dylan and Bryce which can be summed up as “sign of true friendship when silence is not uncomfortable.”
Once again this book heavily relies on God’s unconditional love reflected on various characters and I absolutely love the following statement:
“Just because something is broken does not mean it is no good. Broken is still beautiful, still works, still wakes me in the morning and at the end of every day past and those to come, I can love broken.” Yes, that is how much God loves each one of us and I find tremendous hope and comfort knowing that I am good enough for HIM.
Here is another reflection of love that was beautifully transcribed:
“Love has its own communication. It is the language of the heart and while it has never been transcribed, has no alphabet and can be heard or spoken by voice. It is used by every human on the planet. It is written on our souls, scripted by the finger of God and we can hear, understand and speak it with perfection long before we open our eyes for the first time.
My last comment is about the adoption process in this country. While there are so many children who need a good home where they can be accepted, raised, and loved, it almost requires perfection for those who want to adopt. it is impossibly difficult, long and expensive. NO PARENTS are perfect and we who are able to give natural birth, have TONS of emotional, financial and other issues. Why are we making it so hard for those who want to love, provide and are willing to adopt those who have already been abandoned? It simply boggles my brain~~
October 5, 2016
About Charles: Christy and I married in 1993. If you include dating, I’ve known and loved her for more than half my life. She is and always will be the home for my heart. We have three boys. Charlie, John T. and Rives. Folks often ask me, which of my books do I like the best. You might as well line up my sons and ask me who I love the most.
My hobbies are bow hunting, working out (a blend of old school stuff and martial arts, called Fight Fit) and Tae Kwon Do. In October 2012 I earned my black belt but I’m still the least flexible person you’ve ever met. The guy that trains me, laughs everytime I start warming up. My boys are far better at Tae Kwon Do than I but I doubt they have as much fun – I get to do and watch. They just do.
I also like to write, but that’s another story.-Charles Martin
About the book: Maggie is the sequel to The Dead Don’t Dance. Apparently Charles likes to write about tragedy. Every time you think things cannot get any worse they do. At the conclusion of The Dead Don’t Dance Maggie wakes up from her coma. Dylan and Maggie have to deal with their tragedy in their own way, and it takes time. They face the concern of having another child, if they can (biologically). They are challenged by a pretty tough adoption agency. Unfortunately as a series of tragedies take place, even a few of their friends become victims of revenge. One character in the story, the local pastor, used to be a thief. His past compadres have gotten out of prison and have sought out revenge.
Bryce, the Vietnam war hero who wears a skirt and plays bagpipes is missing for nearly half the novel. But he comes back, and when he does, he plays quite the performance. Everyone in the story is a hero. As you see the characters lives unfold and as they experience tragedy, you cannot help but be encouraged by their integrity and tenacity. I liked the first book better, probably because the tragedy was a little overwhelming for me. How much bad stuff can happen to one or two families? In this novel series, a lot of bad stuff happens. The story does conclude with hope, does that mean that we will hear about Dylan and Maggie again?
My hobbies are bow hunting, working out (a blend of old school stuff and martial arts, called Fight Fit) and Tae Kwon Do. In October 2012 I earned my black belt but I’m still the least flexible person you’ve ever met. The guy that trains me, laughs everytime I start warming up. My boys are far better at Tae Kwon Do than I but I doubt they have as much fun – I get to do and watch. They just do.
I also like to write, but that’s another story.-Charles Martin
About the book: Maggie is the sequel to The Dead Don’t Dance. Apparently Charles likes to write about tragedy. Every time you think things cannot get any worse they do. At the conclusion of The Dead Don’t Dance Maggie wakes up from her coma. Dylan and Maggie have to deal with their tragedy in their own way, and it takes time. They face the concern of having another child, if they can (biologically). They are challenged by a pretty tough adoption agency. Unfortunately as a series of tragedies take place, even a few of their friends become victims of revenge. One character in the story, the local pastor, used to be a thief. His past compadres have gotten out of prison and have sought out revenge.
Bryce, the Vietnam war hero who wears a skirt and plays bagpipes is missing for nearly half the novel. But he comes back, and when he does, he plays quite the performance. Everyone in the story is a hero. As you see the characters lives unfold and as they experience tragedy, you cannot help but be encouraged by their integrity and tenacity. I liked the first book better, probably because the tragedy was a little overwhelming for me. How much bad stuff can happen to one or two families? In this novel series, a lot of bad stuff happens. The story does conclude with hope, does that mean that we will hear about Dylan and Maggie again?
April 23, 2018
This was a great book! As good as The Dead Don't Dance. So glad that author did a sequel to the first book. Love this author!
June 13, 2012
This is the sequel to Martin's book, The Dead Don't Dance.
I beleive that Charles Martin is a powerful voice in today's literary market.
He possesses the ability to add such depth and emotion to his stories, and in that respect makes his characters come alive.
You feel the joys, the sadness, the grief as if you were right there in the tight knit community where his family live. He takes you on an emotional ride of the personal trials of a loving couple who do everything right, and yet life takes them on a painful journey; to a place no one ever deserves to go.
I intend to read every book by this author!
I beleive that Charles Martin is a powerful voice in today's literary market.
He possesses the ability to add such depth and emotion to his stories, and in that respect makes his characters come alive.
You feel the joys, the sadness, the grief as if you were right there in the tight knit community where his family live. He takes you on an emotional ride of the personal trials of a loving couple who do everything right, and yet life takes them on a painful journey; to a place no one ever deserves to go.
I intend to read every book by this author!
June 8, 2017
SUCH an amazing sequel to its predecessor! This book is as goooood as the first one. Mr. Martin just continues his awesome story of Dylan and Maggie Styles, and their neighbors, and friends that share in their heartache and turmoil, as their REAL LIFE continues in this journey of loving, forgiving, hoping, healing, sharing, and growing.
"When I get to heaven, I hope God lets me drive a truck like that."
Just read it! You will cry, and cheer, and fall in love with these wonderful people that belong to Charles Martin! ♥
May 15, 2017
Why is it not possible to give a book more than 5 stars? If it were, this book would definitely deserve it. I honestly can't even put into words how absolutely amazing this book was. The emotions, suspense, characters' struggles, the real life turmoil that you feel throughout the story...it's all so very deep and moving. Absolutely loved it from beginning to end!
May 18, 2017
Mesmerizing sequel to The Dead Don't Dance. I can't put down Charles Martin books once started and this was no exception. This one was particularly full of heart-wrenching emotion, intrigue, mystery and action. Highly recommend!
November 1, 2017
Awesome
We will go through storms, the key is how we handle them. Marriage it is a partnership when there is a hostile take over you have to come together and prevent it from happening.
We will go through storms, the key is how we handle them. Marriage it is a partnership when there is a hostile take over you have to come together and prevent it from happening.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews