Margaret from Maine

by Joseph Monninger

Brought together by war, separated by duty, a love story for the ages

Margaret Kennedy lives on a dairy farm in rural Maine. Her husband Thomas—injured in a war overseas—will never be the man he was. When the President signs a bill in support of wounded veterans, Margaret is invited to the nation’s capital. Charlie King, a handsome Foreign Service officer, volunteers to escort her. As the rhododendron blossoms along the Blue Ridge Highway, the unlikely pair fall in love—but Margaret cannot ignore the tug of her marriage vows.

Joseph Monninger’s Margaret from Maine is a page-turning romance that poignantly explores the dilemmas faced by those who serve our country—and the men and women who love them.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Contemporary, Family, Military Fiction

356 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2012

About the author

Joseph Monninger was an American writer and Professor of English at Plymouth State University. He lived in Warren, New Hampshire.

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the fabulous books Joe has written this is my FAVE!!!! And for full disclosure, yes, he is my husband. So sue me. Follow up with, or for that matter, lead with 'Eternal on the Water.' They are both two-box-o-tissue-books. Endearing characters, beautiful scenery and poetically delivered descriptions. Oh- and don't miss 'The World as We Know It."

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean, that's it? Pages and pages of detail to build this intimacy and then it just ends.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kept waiting for something, anything to happen. Meandering, repetitive, cloyingly sweet.

[Marne Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always used to say that my preferred form of love story was the idyll. The idea of two people coming together for a week or two, having a beautiful time, and then parting again seemed so intriguing to me. Then I actually had my own idyll and found out that they aren't all they're cracked up to be, one of the many things that are much more romantic in books and movies than they are in real life.

Still, after reading this book, I remember why I used to love this kind of story so much. Monninger is a master of the form, and once I got into this book, it was hard to put it down. I also like the way that all the characters, even the minor ones, seem like real people with real lives. Not everyone can do that and make it look easy.

I must also say that I really lucked out when selecting this book at the library, because it's one of those novels that simply must be read in the spring. I don't really like lilacs, but after reading this book, I want to pretend that I do!

[Sara Palacios · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided with a copy of Margaret from Maine by Joseph Monninger in exchange for an honest review.

This book begins with Margaret Kennedy, who lives on a dairy farm in a very rural part in Maine. Her husband Thomas, was injured in war overseas and left in a vegetative state due to his bravery. His body lived, but the spirit of the man had long ago left his physical shell. That made things very hard from Margaret as she is made to care for Thomas, as well as take care of the dairy farm and their young son. Her spirit breaks with each passing day. But, when the President signs a bill in support of wounded veterans, she hopes that things will start to change and that she will find some relief. She receives a chance invitation to the capital, and Charlie King, a handsome Foreign Service officer, takes it upon himself to escort her there. But, what happens on the trip is what makes this story special, because the two of them fall in love. But, things become difficult. With her husband still alive and breathing, although no longer really alive in every sense of the word, she is torn by the man that she once loved and her duty to him as his wife … but torn also because her heart longs to be happy with Charlie. Will the two be able to find a way to make it work? Or will their love be lost forever?

I haven’t read a book this good in such a long time. Joseph Monninger truly has a way with words and this book tugged at my heart strings the entire read. I felt for Margaret as she was faced with such a heartbreaking event when her husband was injured in war. But, she loved him and as his wife she took care of him day in and day out. But, I can only imagine what she must have felt like, or how alone she felt. Then, one fateful day brings Charlie into her life, and after six long years of selflessly caring for her injured husband, another man puts a twinklie back in her eye. Gah, what a book! I loved every second of it and was breathless as the pages dwindled down to the end. This book is seriously the most romantic book I have read in a while and I am tempted to put it right up there at the top of my all time reads. Un-put-downable!
Rating: 5 stars

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret From Maine is a heart and gut wrenching story about what happens to the loved ones left when their spouse goes to war. I laughed and I cried reading this book because I remember waiting by the door waiting to hear the bad news every time someone died over seas. Someone close to me served two tours in the gulf war and Afghanistan and every time I saw the state car I would panic thinking the worst. So while I was reading this I could feel every thing Margaret felt.

Margaret loves her life in rural Maine with her son. Her husband is off in the war and gets injured and leaves Margaret to raise their son alone in Maine. At first she is weary but she does like most wives do and they pick up right where they left off. Then the President passes a bill that helps Veterans and their families who have been injured in war. Margaret is invited to the Capitol to hear the president talk about the bill and the benefits the veteran will receive.

It is upon this invitation that a young handsome Foreign Service Officer decides he is going to escort her to Washington. Charlie King decides he will escort Margaret so she does not have to go to the Capitol all by herself. It is on this road trip that Margaret and Charlie fall in love. Margaret is torn because her husband is not dead just in a coma and she knows he will never wake up. She wants to be happy because she has fallen in love with Charlie but she is loyal to her marriage vows and she has her son to think about. This story is so hauntingly heart breaking because Margaret must chose to live her life in happiness of continue to live a shell of a life. What will Margaret chose?

This is a must read for all those who love a great love story!

[Caitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well that was... Pointless. In some ways it wasn't what I expected and others it was a bit predictable. I thought this was a more historical piece for some strange reason and instead it is a present day piece. Which disappointed me a bit. I won't go into any details so I don't ruin it for anyone but to me there was no rhyme or reason. It was flat and superficial. And maybe I'm just coming down from some of the awesome books I have read recently but I just was left with nothing.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK: I can’t believe this was written by the same author as “The World As We Know It”. I was so terribly disappointed. I expected a richly textured, beautifully written, character rich story and got none of those things. Certain phrases were repeated over and over and OVER. The young boy in the story is portrayed as a monosyllabic, flat six year old that I’m not sure developed the story line in any way. Soap opera in book form.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

In this story we are given a woman living her day to day life on a dairy farm in Maine with her son Gordon and father-in-law Ben, keeping herself together and poised as ever. She’s a simple woman, not wanting for much, and considering which direction her life has taken, that says a lot about her character and strength. Unfortunately we never really get to “meet” her husband, Thomas, because he’s now just a shadow of the man he once was. He joined the Reserves, just like countless others do, to help support their life and possibly do something bigger. But, life had a different plan for him. He is now considered an injured veteran and with that label comes a very tricky and sometimes treacherous path to be on. Being married to an injured veteran with Tom’s specific condition, Margaret is invited to attend a bill signing in Washington D.C. that is meant to improve the lives and care options for these tattered soldiers. With that invitation came Charlie King, her assigned escort. It’s when Charlie and Margaret are together that we see just what she is missing in her life and I felt empathy for her. Yes she is a married woman, and those vows I do not take lightly, but I could also see her daily sacrifices slowly destroying her and I knew deep down that embracing her feelings and thoughts towards Charlie was the right choice for her. Charlie opens a door to a world Margaret knew little of and with that he also awakened something inside her she did not realize had been dormant. She is not just Margaret the dairy farmer/mother/caretaker…she is a woman with needs and yearns for the things taken from her before she had time to really enjoy them. There were times I found myself wishing there was a bit more internal conflict from each character considering certain situations that they were presented with but I was satisfied it wasn’t all sweetness and roses. The subjects dealt with between them deserve an honest light and in order to feel connected with the characters, I need to be able to feel their feelings but also place myself in their shoes. I struggled at times to do that but I never found myself bothered or annoyed with the situations completely.

Charlie is a very honorable and giving man to me and I never once considered him aggressive or opportunistic, which could have been easily done given his particular role in Margaret’s life. He showed true compassion and never failed to put everyone before himself which is a must in my yes column. He has ties to the Army as well as a unique connection to the situation Margaret finds herself in. I won’t spoil the story here, but I will say that the way Mr. Monninger connected Margaret and Charlie was thoughtful, respectful, and never once did I find myself questioning the purpose.

Margaret and Charlie embark on a journey together and the style of descriptive writing used here both enhanced it and overshadowed it at times. It took me a moment or two to really get into the story at the beginning and I did find myself wondering why certain elements of the background were included the way they were. By the time I reached the end of the book I realized that although they weren’t necessary to push the story forward, they were elements that added to my overall experience within the story.

“For the last three sunsets the prism had caught fire and it did not disappoint her this night. It sparkled bright white for just an instant, and she thought of Thomas, and she thought of good grace falling over the farm, and she hugged Gordon as the prism accepted light, bent it, and sent it on its way. She felt a lesson rested in its performance, that she, too, must accept what came toward her and pass it on its journey, but that seemed too grand an idea for the moment.”

Although Margaret and Charlie are mean to be modern day people they did speak and have thoughts that seemed slightly outdated but it did not detract too much from the story for me. If anything I considered them polite and proper, with maybe even a touch of southern style.

I was drawn to this book for one reason…Margaret is a military spouse. As one myself, I am always interested to see how authors handle this very different life we live. Which aspects are covered and which are barely touched out of fear of the unknown are typically the first thoughts I have when I read a synopsis that includes any mention of military married life. Most people have ideas of what military spouses face but I can say, without a doubt, their ideas don’t even scratch the surface. Regardless of the branch of service their spouses serve, they all have had to face the same trials and tribulations in some form or another. Long separations, the worry of unknown dangers, and carrying the responsibilities alone that most share with others are a constant presence in a military spouse’s daily life. There are sacrifices made by both the active duty member as well as his/her spouse but the focus and point of discussion is typically only on the soldier’s side of the spectrum. I’m not implying that a soldier’s sacrifice is in any way lessened because it’s their sacrifices that keep our country safe from harm, and that in itself is the biggest one a person can make. Even after these troops return safely to their families, there are even more obstacles and worries that must be overcome in order to find peace with what each has experienced during a deployment. It’s a very tricky situation to be in and their inner strengths are tested again and again long after the battle has been fought. War changes people regardless of the uniform or responsibilities held during it. It forces us to accept a reality that most would like to ignore and pushes our strength and resolve beyond every limit we felt existed.

This story highlights just a fraction of what our troops and their families face upon their return but it was done with tastefulness that I respect. I will say that Mr. Monninger handled the role of a military spouse with class and dignity, never once casting Margaret, or other military spouses, in a poor or weak manner and I certainly appreciated it. I enjoyed this book and felt that it ended appropriately leaving the imagination to do what it was designed to do. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to step into the delicate but muck covered shoes of a military spouse.

***

“She did, in fact, believe her husband Tom had acted bravely, but she did not see it in quite the same light as others wanted to see it…..She knew her husband—saw him bracketed by his son on one side, his father on the other—and she did not believe he would have acted courageously for a concept as vague as patriotism. No, it made perfect sense that he would raise his arms and try to protect a fellow soldier, but that had nothing to do with God and Country and flag waving.”

***

“Did you believe in the war, Charlie?” Margaret asked softly, her eyes studying the statue.

“Which one?”

“Is there a difference really? I suppose there is. I’m cynical. After Thomas, I don’t have much faith in any of it. I imagine I did at one point. We were told so many lies and I believed them.”

“I think a lot of my friends still believe in the cause,” Charlie said, not sure of himself where he was heading with it, “because to go back on it now makes us…what? Murderers? Professional assassins? I’ve had trouble with it.”

[Lydia Dartford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really was expecting it way better since JP Monninger has really great books out there. End was so expected was hoping for a better ending.

[Joy (joyous reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It starts out with a courageous man using his body as a shield to protect a fellow soldier. Riddled with bullet holes, he went on to wonder why he was doing what he was doing. Why should he sacrifice his body, his life for a virtual stranger barely past his pubescence? And in the midst of his revelry, his wife barely registered in his consciousness. It wasn't because he didn't love her. It was just one of those things. Nevertheless, she was his last thought before he succumbed to his injuries.

Fast forward to some time later and we find the soldier's wife, Margaret and their son Gordon going through life without the head of their small family. Thomas' injuries left him in a vegetative state with no hopes of ever recovering. By mere few pages, Margaret's loneliness and acceptance of life became astonishingly clear. We see the son, seemingly lost in his own world and aware of the maw left by a father barely alive. We see the soldier's own father contemplating about all the things that his son will no longer be able to do.

When Charlie King arrived in Margaret's life, we see her awaken. And it's odd because it came so easy - Charlie and Margaret, that is. The mutual attraction was instantaneous; the love connection, immediate. It was something that normally would drive me insane but Monninger had a way with his words that described their situation that ultimately convinced me - forgave the notion, even. Time became irrelevant. The romance was forbidden in all sense of the word. After all, Margaret was still married to a man half-alive and bed ridden for the rest of his life. The idea that she can file for a divorce to a man forever paralyzed and then adopt him for a son was so...shocking and unheard of and oddly enough, made a whole lot of sense. The love she felt for him did not diminish but transformed into something else entirely.

I enjoyed this poignant telling of second chances - new lease on love while her first love lay disconnected to the world in perpetual sleep. It was sad but never once did it make me angry at how Margaret could have an affair while her husband was in such a state. If anything, I was very forgiving and understanding of why she felt the way she did for Charlie.

The novel has an old-world ambience to it even if it was set in the present time. It was in the language and the way Monninger describe all its idiosyncrasies. For a moment, you would think you were reading a book about set in the World Wars of the past. It was uncanny and oddly enough, it fit the poignancy of its subject matter. Some may find this unsettling, but for me, it added to the charm.

Most of all, it gave me a perspective to how a soldier's family really thought about the pointlessness of war. Margaret was angry that her husband gave up his body to a war of which they didn't have a clear opinion on. It doesn't make them any less patriotic; they just weren't educated enough about why their country needed to go to war. Many enlists for whatever reasons and the sad, heart breaking part of all was that Thomas enlisted because his family needed the money. In that sense, it truly wasn't worth it. And that was the root of Margaret's anger. It also tells of the American government's failure to provide for the families of their injured veterans and while I cannot comment explicitly, I think that the present seated government is doing their best.

Joseph Monninger's writing was very heartfelt, romantic and filled with emotions uncommonly heard of from a male writer. Sad but true, in my opinion.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel by New Hampshire author Joseph Monninger is a contemporary romance for adults. There’s the girl meets boy, girl loses boy, girl gets boy back theme, but Mr. Monninger has taken that tried and true formula, given it a deft twist and the results are, in my humble opinion, excellent.
The main character, Margaret Kennedy lives on a dairy farm in rural Maine. Her husband, a soldier, was severely injured during the war, and though he is receiving the best care possible, he will never recover. Enter Charlie, a handsome Foreign Service officer, who has volunteered to escort Margaret to Washington, DC for an official White House ceremony where she will be the guest of honor. Yes, Margaret and Charlie fall in love. What happens next though? What can happen next? What should happen next? Does everyone deserve happiness no matter what the cost?
I described to a co-worker Mr. Monninger’s writing style as gentle – I never felt abused by his prose. His writing just carried me along, deeper and deeper into Margaret and Charlie’s relationship. He could have used this story to advance a political agenda or preach or impose moral judgment. Instead he wrote a compelling, heart wrenching yet hopeful story about a loving, devoted wife whose marriage takes a devastating turn no one can ever be ready for and a kind, caring man who falls in love with her because of those very traits. Add in vivid factual details about the settings, and you have a story that bursts with life and realism.
No spoilers here, but having handy a tissue or two might be in order.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret from Maine by Joseph Monninger
This book is about Margaret and it starts out with the injury of her husband in the war. He was told the dairy farm would receive help from the government if he went to fight for his country. He's now in a coma.
6 years later we find Margaret at the farm milking the cows, doing daily chores.
her father in law Benjamin runs the farm with help from her and her and Thomas' son, Gordon.
Story also follows Charlie who is an amputee and he is to escort Margaret to DC to be with the president when he signs a law.
Love they read a book to Gordon nightly! Listening to the evening at the ball sounds so luscious.
Love the travel and locations they travel to as I've never been to DC.
The book also follows Donny and Blake and their problems with life. Gordon also has nightmares and tries to figure things out.
This book was recommended from another author and I love how the flowers are related to the chapters and the story that are being told.
Nods to this book as not many can bring tears and very hidden feelings out.
Loved the travel, story line and the things I learned, and I will seek out other books by this author, like they style of writing.

[Machel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the desolate cold and beauty of Wisconsin. Not one to read a book via technology, but after enjoying Pride and Prejudice so much, I couldn't wait to make it to a bookstore to read Joseph Monninger's newest book. This marks my 3rd book by him this year: The Letters (with Luanne Rice) & Water on the Eternal were two of my favorites in 2012. The race is on to finish 3 of his books before the New Year ball drops.
ALREADY loving it. m

***Joseph Monninger's reminds me of Pearl S. Buck's style in "The Good Earth." The language and prose moved me to tears at different points in the novel. I RELISHED reading this book. Especially after reading a suspense thriller before it. A must read for anyone that believes in love...

Also Joseph Monninger writes women very well!

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and one half stars. I've loved Monninger's other novels, but this one felt a bit forced. The characters were somewhat predictable, but the war scene in the beginning was heart stopping.

It was enjoyable but not his best effort.

[Jan Norton · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of the story is about Margaret whose husband, Thomas, was injured in the war and now is in a constant coma. She’s invited to the capital for the signing of a bill and meets Charlie King who volunteers to escort her around. Of course, Margaret is beautiful and Charlie is handsome. They go to the ball at the French Embassy and begin an affair. It’s like they fall in love at first sight. Margaret spends a few days with Charlie. Love doesn’t happen instantly that is infatuation or lust. Deep love takes time. Again, here we have a woman who goes off with a man she does not know. This is such a dangerous situation for a woman. Charlie ends up being perfect. This is all pie-in-the-sky kind of stuff. I feel like the author really missed the boat when he could’ve dealt more deeply into the emotions of a woman in Margaret’s situation.

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yes, she was in a tough position, yes, she was lonely but the idea of falling in love and going to bed on the first night did not sit well with me. Then, the constant angst about “am a terrible person” gave me a headache! If your husband doesn’t know the difference, so you are not hurting him, divorce him, continue to care about him and move on, don’t try to justify it. How is staying with him but cheating on him, make it any more honorable? I guess this book just wasn’t for me.

[Cassandra Moody · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book - I’ve been really enjoying books about war and veterans lately, and different types of Historical Fiction. This book seemed dragged out, and like the long-winded explanation of a woman’s internal struggle to live her life with her husband who is in a vegetative state. A sad and beautiful story at the root of it, and I cannot imagine experiencing all that Margaret has, but the book wasn’t enjoyable for me.

[Evelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

While reading this book, I kept waiting for something to happen. The love story takes a certerpiece position in this book. While the author tried to bring in sub-plots, it was a struggle to find the purpose of such plots in adding to the overall story being told. I was left wanting more or wanting something else.

[Tara Zornow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn’t a fan of this book but i kept on hoping it would get better. The character development was strange and verbiage not very authentic for a 30 something woman and man. Terribly disappointed in the ending. It’s like the author got tired of writing and just ended it.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't normally go for a love story but this was great. It really brought forth the issues faced by many veterns and their wives.

[Debra Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book in the true “romance” genre. It is pretty predictable but the characters are likable and reading it is satisfying in the same way that a Lifetime movie is.

[Char Ipacs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this via audio and was not a fan of the narrator I felt the book was predictable. I was surprised the relationship developed so quickly

[Chelsea Cordle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this book after skimming the last third and kind of wondered what the point of it was. It was extremely shallow and I wasn't sure why some of the characters had a narrative.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ending left me hanging!!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent - and gives much to think about how we provide long term care for those seriously injured while serving in the military. We owe them so much more than we give.

[Susanne Williams buch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

[Bessie Sullivan · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I hear, "your father was a good man" one more time.... I don't even know what that means.

[Melissa Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this book. It left me wanting MORE. I want to know what finally ends up happening with Margaret & Charlie!

[Kelly Teixeira · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real ending to a love story type book, I’d love for a sequel!