Whenever

Maddie Fynn #2

by Victoria Laurie

Maddie Fynn knew from the moment she laid eyes on Aiden Faraday that their destinies were intertwined. Born with the unique ability to see the exact date a person will die, Maddie is definitely an expert on destinies. She and Aiden have a deathdate exactly one day apart, far off in the future, sixty years from now. So how could it be that they wouldn't be destined to spend all those years together, especially when they fall madly in love.

But when Maddie gives birth to their baby girl, she sees immediately that her daughter's deathdate will be less than a year away, and there seems to be nothing she can do to prevent it. Maddie only knows the when never the how. Still, she couldn't have imagined that concealing that information from Aiden would seal her daughter's fate. Now, their marriage seems irreparably broken as they both blame the other for their daughter's death. This is the story of destined love, and a tragedy that tears that love to pieces. But it's also the story of how those antipodal destinies could be the very thing that brings them back together.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult

357 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2023

About the author

Victoria Laurie is the New York Times bestselling author of 32 books and counting. Over the past 16 years Victoria has created several series and a few stand-alone novels. Her mystery series include: The Psychic Eye Mysteries, The Life Coach Mysteries, and The Ghost Hunter Mysteries. She's also the author of two YA books, When and Forever Again, as well as a middle-grade series called The Oracles of Delphi Keep.

Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.

Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...

Reviews

[Marina Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, SCREAMING CRYING AND THROWNING UP! Omggg😭😭😭 the ending of this book was so beautiful! Honestly I would love more of maddie and Aiden’s story! 🥹🥹

[ᖰhiᖱeɭia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book gives a whole new definition to the second-book syndrome, and not completely in a bad way. Besides, Aiden deserves a special place in hell. But, heck, who am I to decide that?

RTC

[Aralyn Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterful

Another masterpiece by Victoria Laurie! An emotional rollercoaster of the best sort, delivered as only she can. Catching up with our old friends is always time well spent.

[Laryssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited to read the follow-up to When.

I think this book tied everything up nicely. Stubbs has a someone, Aiden and Maddie reconciled, and we got to see more facets of death dates.

The one downside of this book is the time jump. I understand why the device was used but I think it left the main characters hollow. I didn't feel like I knew them anymore. Aiden was already a character that didn't get explored much so having him jump to adulthood wasn't as bad...but Stubbs and Maddie were harder to accept, imagine, etc.. They grew up but we didn't get to see much of those formative years.

[Misti Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad but good

Spoiler alert:

Glad I didn’t read what this book was about cause I don’t read anything dealing with kids. This one wasn’t horrible. And in the end, Mandy and Aiden wind up with another beautiful baby girl. Still enjoyed the authors writing style and story line. This time around, I must admit there were some things I easily picked up on beforehand. Overall, a good read.

[Ava Shamoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very shocking read and I could not put it down. I was mad, sad, angry, and every other emotion all at once. Will be thinking about this for a while😭

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oooph, that was infuriating.

I respect that there was a big gap between these books and I read them both in quick succession, but the tone, with the age of the characters, was very different.

Mattie Finn had an inexplicable superpower allowing her to see the death dates of everyone, in the future or the past, in person or by photo. I gave the first five stars because while it was not perfect, it really reminded me of old RL Stine novels I read as a teenager, and it was an interesting sci-fi romp for that age group. In the second, the now adult characters mostly deal with incredibly emotional circumstances. It was an odd hybrid where we we did get one shootout and one train derailment, but mainly focused on the fallout of what happens when you know the future but want to spare someone the pain of that knowledge.

I remarked in my review of When that the rules for the death dates weren’t consistent. Mattie tells hundreds of people their death dates and they change only in five cases. The one where the bully found out his fate resulted in an instant change and others changed with purposeful work. That didn’t make sense to me at the time. Surely if Mattie’s mother was fated to improve her life, that would be known from the beginning and she would never have had a premature death date. Another series, They Both Die At the End by Adam Silvera, deals with a similar plot device. If a plane full of people are destined to die, would knowledge of their death date cause them to all avoid the same plane?

Here, Mattie deals with the fallout that some death dates are able to change, but not many. Why not many? Honestly, it feels like an author trying to explain a plot point she may not have written if she saw a sequel coming. Without knowing dates could change, the decision not to tell Aiden about Hope would be less grounded, so there is that, but overall, it feels like writing on a whim and explaining things away later.

Books make us feel emotions, and for much of Whenever, with such weighty, overpowering plots full of grief and sadness, it was a lot for me, and I did channel a lot of plot anger at Aiden. Both he and Mattie made terrible choices throughout the novel and paid for them dearly, but I always feel that novels need to be truthful. If someone is a jackass, the novel better acknowledge them as a jackass. If the novel treats them like a great person, I’m thrown from the story.

Aiden is cruel throughout much of the story, and he’s hurting, so much of his anger is justified, but some of it is too much. He cheats on Mattie. He has no excuse, she didn’t deserve it, he doesn’t even know why he did it, and his guilt causes him to bring the golden paint plot forward, but he never reflects back on this failure later in the story as a tool for forgiveness. Mattie, off screen, somehow found out about it, and calmly forgave Aiden. I have no idea how she could do that, it’s never mentioned again, even to the audience, nor does the author even reference it.

Honestly, it was handled so strangely that it just made the male lead an adulterer for no reason and the plot quietly forgives him. Aiden’s response to his anger and grief is to destroy the symbol of his guilt - in other words to tell her that they’re even now, sends her divorce papers along with his child’s urn while blaming the timing of events on his secretary, avoiding any responsibility, comes back to her, leaves her again, blaming her for being the first to sign divorce papers THAT HE SENT HER IN THE FIRST PLACE.

This story was very well written. It made me feel things. It took on really big ideas about fate. It just took bonehead positions with truly flawed people that were a slog to read. Dying alongside someone doesn’t mean they’re the love of your life. You could be the love of someone’s life and die decades apart. My father died in his 50s. My mother has outlived him now by 17 years and counting. This book would have me believe that means something. Aiden’s character just vacillated between moments of great strength and moral strength to hiding behind hypocritical bullshit that it infuriated me.

June was amazing, every moment spent with Studs made everything better, and Maddie’s boss for President.

Aiden was a flawed character who never seemed to learn the right lesson. I truly wanted to like him. I was down to 2 stars by the end and was further infuriated that everything was made right by a new baby. It seemed like everyone was going out of their way to make things worse to stretch out the plot.

It meant well and tried to go bold, and much of this was very strong, but other parts - Donofrio in particular, the affair as well- seemed half-baked and never went anywhere.

[Rachel Hartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel was incredible.

[Toy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Compelling Read

Once I started reading this story, I couldn’t stop, though at times it was emotionally painful to continue. It’s so well written. Filled with compassion and the wisdom that can be gained from learning to live with grief and guilt, in the presence of deep, abiding love. I highly recommend his book.

[RE Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tough one to rate. I *loved* WHEN; it's easily one of my top-five reads, and I reread it once a year.

This is nothing like that. Yes, it has the same characters. Yes, Laurie's talented writing is on point. But the topic is challenging, and I will admit that the portrayal of Aiden disappointed me a bit.

This is also a completely different genre; rather than YA suspense, this is woman's contemporary.

That said, I appreciated many things about the book:
1. Maddie's thoughtful and compassionate nature;
2. How Laurie dealt with the topic of grief;
3. June's wisdom (: Telling Maddie that since our lives are fated -- when they begin and end -- that means none of us has responsibility over another person's demise (aside from murder, of course), and instead we should simply be thankful for the time we get with those we love rather than feeling devastation (or guilt) when they're gone);
4. Stubby's loyalty (of course).

Now to mention Aiden:
He was presented as such a self-centered person. Yes, he clearly loved Maddie, but all too often it seemed like he loved her for how she made him feel about himself and how she gave him purpose and a future. Then he cheats on her his last day in Japan (and I'm sorry, it doesn't matter that he was drunk; my husband has been drunk a few times before, and he's never come close to cheating on anyone). And then, of course, when he finds out that Maddie has kept Hope's death date from him, rather than talking to her about it, he runs off and files for divorce. Ugh!!

I'm still mad at him, tbh (LOL). I just think Maddie deserves better, and although I do like the messages within (that it's not our mistakes but when we do with them that define us), I would've liked to see Aiden do better. *sigh*

[Kelsey Mese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I don’t even know where to start. This is by far my favorite book right now besides the Inheritance Games (shoutout to Jennifer Lynn Barnes). I read the first book, When, twice now and the second time after reading it (because I read it the first time a while ago and forgot) I knew I had to see if there was a sequel.

This book was from two different time stamps (one where the first book left off and another in the “present” of 2026). Eventually the past met up to the present at the perfect times and all of the perfect moments were incorporated to have everything make sense. I give applause to Victoria Laurie for how well planned out this book was. It was written in three different perspectives: our three favorite characters Maddie, Stubs, and OF COURSE Aiden.

Because of the two different time stamps the book was simultaneously RIPPING MY SOUL APART with sadness and empathy but also marking me scream my heart out in pure joy. Weirdest mix of emotions to go back and forth between. Laurie definitely had such a good way of pulling readers into the eyes of the characters and I probably got tears in my eyes more than twenty times reading this book, some happy and some sad.

This wasn’t the best price of writing repetition and typo wise (the date said 2025 at one point when it should have been 2026 and the word “beer” was spelling “bear.” However the plot and storyline mixed with the genius of the setup won me over so much with its mix of emotions and plot twists at the perfect moment.

As my final statement I have to say during one of my busiest times in my school year I read this book in under a week. Victoria Laurie, well done.

[Alice Liu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really moving story that came together beautifully at the end. However, I found myself not liking Maddie for much of the book, whereas I adored her in "When." In "Whenever," Maddie is portrayed in flashback as a near perfect Madonna figure (Mother Mary, not the singer). She is the perfect friend and wife, and constantly chooses martyrdom as if it's a virtue rather than a dysfunction. The men in her life view her as perfection, especially in her martyrdom. The problem for me is that it flattened her out as a character. Then her grieving, which was portrayed very realistically, did not elevate her character because her angst was monotonous. Thankfully, it was interspersed with death date drama. However, once I pushed through, I was rewarded in the end with some important reveals, and the emotional depth I had been craving.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because it is a delayed sequel to a book I read in high school. That book had an interesting premise and turned out a lot better than I expected (from what I remember). When I saw there was a sequel released about 10 years later, I had to see what it was about. I love that book 2 continued the story with the time jump. The characters are in their twenties now and dealing with real life adult problems rather than solving a murder plot as they did in book 1. This book dealt with more adult themes and was honestly very sad most of the way through, but also more realistic. I enjoyed revisiting these characters and following them throughout the next phase of their lives. I never thought there would be a sequel, but now I'm kind of sad to leave them behind!

[Julianna Steen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loooved the first book (such a cool and unique concept, I’d never read anything like it & flew through it in a few hours one night), but this second book was not quite as good. It had a sad, slightly depressing center (everything hinges on a tragic accident pertaining an infant death). However, the storyline was cool because it kept bouncing back and forth between characters’ perspectives & different timelines, all leading up to the incident and the here & now. If you enjoyed “When,” I wouldn’t dissuade you from reading “Whenever,” but I wouldn’t suggest it if you aren’t willing to push through the sad, hard life things.

[Danie ☀️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Guilt, as an emotion, is there to hold us accountable. Its primary function is to correct our behavior so that we don’t ever do again the thing that caused us to feel guilty in the first place.”

I can’t recall specific details about books or movies to save my life but the one thing I do remember about the first book is how the writing seemed immature at times almost like I should have been reading this book as a middle schooler. This sequel is heavy, had a lot of mature moments and honestly made me really sad at times. It’s beautifully written and seems so real I feel like I’m reading through someone’s personal diary detailing their own grief. A quick but insightful read ⭐️

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, wow. I definitely cried a river for this one.

I really liked the dual timelines because the love story was so perfect. Love at first sight for both of them?! It might be cliche, but I don’t care. Learning all of this while knowing the relationship “end” kept me reading because how do you go from true love to complete isolation.

Also, the emotions were so high, and I loved that they got their separate journeys. They weren’t pushed back together for more romance or anything like that. They found themselves first, and it was so raw, especially for Maddie.

It was just so sweet and emotional. I don’t have words.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sequel to When, which is a YA book. This book is definitely for adults. We read about Aiden and Maddie from the time we met through their college years in flashbacks. And we also learn the circumstances of their baby's death at 11 months. Stubbs, Aiden and Maddie are all sunk in grief so deep that Aiden and Maddie have separated. Is there a stronger word than grief? Because Maddie is so grief stricken that her emotions form the major narrative.

I do recommend reading the first book before reading this one.

[Kathy Kennerley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! The opening scene is emmy-worthy. It is gut wrenching and you are right there feeling it with Maddie. This author is fantastic. The book jumps back and forth from the past to the present and just when you are so happy and certain that Aiden and Maddie will find their way BAM you're curled up in despair again. This is one of my favorite authors, I'm so glad she created this sequel.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a wonderful continuance from book one. I have to say, I was a little upset that it jumped so much into the future. I was hoping that this would be a nice lengthy series – since I love Maddie and Aiden so much. I have to say this book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions, but it was worth it in the end. I’m hoping the author might be able to squeeze something else out of this series, because this doesn’t actually have to be the end…♥

[D · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate when there are stupid things in the book.
I had several issues:
- if you know that your baby will die soon why do you not buy a breathing monitor ???
- why she didnt tell Aiden? At least at the end. In his place I would hate her for taking the last moments with Hope from him.
- how is it possible that he didnt ask and didnt suspect something?

I just couldnt go past these obvious issues. Otherwise it was fast read, I cried little bit (I have a little baby so it gets to me).

[ReadingFun7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddie Fynn #2 (series completed)

Story Rating: 4⭐️ 🤬😢

Narration Rating: 3.5⭐️

Dual POV - Narrated by: Whitney Dykhouse

Audio Length: 10h 38m

Audiobook Source: Scribd / Everand

eBook Length: 357 pages

Genre / Tropes: Adult Paranormal, Medium, Romance, Grief, Death of a Child.

Main Characters / Summary: Madelyn Fynn, aka Maddie, started seeing a person's death date as early as 4 years old, and even though she sees the When, she does not know the How, Where, or Why. “Small digits floating like shadows just above their foreheads.” She can see the dates in person, in photographs, or videos. Mom Cheryl and Uncle Donnie.

The book does past and present. Ten years in the future, from the original book year 2026, we get to see how Maddie and Aiden's relationship develops and present-day issues. The past is from Aiden and Stubby's point of view, and the present is from Maddie, Stubby, and Aiden's point of view.

Aiden Faraday, boyfriend/husband to Maddie. Dad Mack (FBI agent). Lawyer.

Best friend, Stubby, aka Stubs, aka Arnold Schroder. Doctor.

Kintsugi is a Japanese art of repairing broken pottery or glass using urushi lacquer and powdered gold, silver, or platinum.
Meaning "Joining with gold"
Technique Broken pieces are joined with urushi lacquer, then dusted with powdered gold, silver, or platinum
Philosophy Breaks and repairs are part of an object's history, and should be highlighted rather than hidden
Benefits Encourages fixing rather than discarding, and places a higher value on objects
Related to The Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which accepts impermanence and imperfection


Location: Poplar Hollow, NY & Alexandria, VA & Potomac, MD & Chicago, IL.

[Mella aka Maron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart wrenching experience that was filled with dread and hope. This felt a lot more like a contemporary book than a mystery or thriller, but it was very well done.

I had some trouble with some of the scenes and at first, I didn’t like the dual timeline situation. But I did like the overall theme of this book and it will probably stay with me for a long time.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5

Read this back to back with When. Hard to say if you could read this without reading When, but I'm glad I refreshed my memory.

This is different in that it's not YA, it's multiple POVs and it jumps back and forth between present and past. AKA make sure you read the chapter titles so you know which POV and time frame you have.

** more later, going to do some more thinking.

[Lexi Vick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me by the heart strings with the first chapter and never let go. I re-read When just before this, which I also loved, as it had been several years ago. So reading these two books back to back definitely enhanced my relationship with the characters. I’m fully invested in them and finding it hard to move on. Well done Victoria!

[Brandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth the wait!

Although this might seem to be a sequel, reading When really is necessary to read this. But having the story of Fate and Destiny be told by the various characters over their lifetimes made this an incredible read

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection

Victoria Laurie does it again, but this time with a kick. I did not expect to be on a rollercoaster of emotions. Typically, I would avoid a book with so many “feels” but this has just the right balance. It’s a wonderful read that I would recommend wholeheartedly.

[Penny Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

When has always been one of my favorite books. EVER. Finally, the sequel, and it was just as great as the first book, although MANY more tears reading this one. Heartbreaking at times, but overall, just WOW! thank you Victoria for a sequel that was as great as the first book.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually think that I loved this book more than the original, which I also loved. This book was a beautiful story of love, loss, and redemption, and I was happy to be reunited with the characters from the first book!

[Cameron Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me cry in some of the best and worst ways possible. The story for this chapter of Maddie's life was written so heartbreakingly beautiful. I don't have much else to say other than this absolutely ripped my heart out. 10/10

[L B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beware.

Normally I just LOVE Victoria Laurie, but what was she thinking, to follow up an excellent YA paranormal novel with something this dark?