The Throwaway

Shipwreck Key #3

by Stephanie Taylor

When a woman is prized first and foremost for her looks, what does she have left to offer when the world decides those looks are gone? Marigold Pim, once the darling of the modeling world, graced the covers of nearly every prestigious fashion magazine on the planet. Her ethereal beauty captivated audiences and made her the epitome of glamour during the 1980s—and also led her straight into the arms of famous rock musician Cobb Hartley. But now, along with her youth, she’s lost her hold on the public’s interest, leaving her feeling like nothing more than a relic of a bygone era. But Marigold isn’t going peacefully, quietly, or gently into that good night. Refusing to let society dictate her worth, Marigold is embracing her age and using her public platform to advocate for a very unpopular aging gracefully. Forgoing surgeries and fillers and refusing to let the patriarchy tell her that she’s not worth anyone’s attention, Marigold still gets booked for the occasional modeling job, which keeps her in the spotlight. She also knows that true beauty transcends wrinkles and fading looks, so with every mean comment or troll she encounters online, she fights back with her unyielding spirt and unwavering confidence, making her an inspiration for women of all ages. But there’s a part of Marigold that feels defeated. Menopause and a very public and ugly divorce from Cobb have left her exhausted. The dating pool for a woman her age is more like a depressing little puddle, and so Marigold moves to the tranquil shores of Shipwreck Key, where she enjoys her peace. It is there, surrounded by the gentle lapping of the waves and her tight-knit group of female friends, that she can truly be herself. It’s only as she settles in and accepts that she might never find passionate romance again that Marigold gets fixed up by a friend with a guy who truly gets her. She shares her entire journey with her followers on social media, and in the process, Marigold becomes an emblem of hope for those who have lost faith in love, and they root her on wholeheartedly. However, her divorce—while ugly—wasn’t borne of hatred; there’s still real love there. Love, and friendship. For decades Cobb Hartley was her lover, her biggest cheerleader, and her best friend, and divorcing him doesn’t mean that he’s not a part of her life anymore. So when Cobb comes to Marigold in his time of need (once again), she knows what needs to be done—even if it means putting herself and her new romance in second place. There are millions of women watching as she nervously bumbles through this stage of her life, but can Marigold Pim prove to the world—and to herself—that beauty and love truly have no expiration date?

The Shipwreck Key Series The women of Shipwreck Key are strong and resilient, and they all want the same happiness, friendship, and love. They bond through their book club meetings and their shared love of sisterhood, supporting one another through thick and thin, and honoring each other’s unique stories and personalities. The Shipwreck Key series will be eight books long and will have intertwining stories and characters, both sad and hopeful moments, beautiful friendships, romances involving women of all ages, and plenty of laughter.
The series launches in June of 2023, and all books will be available in both digital and paperback formats. Book The Castaway--out June 30, 2023 Book The Runaway--out July 31, 2023 Book The Throwaway--out August 31, 2023 Book The Hideaway--out October 27, 2023 Book The Breakaway--out December 19, 2023 Book The Takeaway--out February 23, 2024 Book The Fadeaway--out April 26, 2024 Book The Holiday--out June 21, 2024

Genres: Contemporary

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2023

About the author

Stephanie Taylor writes a romantic comedy series about a fictional island called "Christmas Key," as well as several other standalone romance, YA, and middle grade titles.

You can check out her website at: www.redbirdsandrabbits.com

Reviews

[Linda Langford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personally, I was disappointed in Marigold’s story. I couldn’t like her ex-husband, for one thing, and there was so much narrative that was introspection from either Marigold, or her ex, that I didn’t care to read about it. I skipped over a lot of it. The son was a nice person. Of course, Ruby and her daughters and the book club friends were mentioned here and there. I wish I could have liked it.

[Lyndsey Allender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marigold Pim! She’s a character to respect and admire who’s aging gracefully as well as learning about herself as a single, middle-aged woman. Taylor develops her well without preachy overkill as to the challenges of aging women.

I most enjoyed Taylor’s weaving and progressing of her prequels to The Throwaway. I’d been wondering about Athena and am so glad Taylor continued us on her journey! And as always, whenever I can get a Christmas Key fix, I’m a happy fan.

Keep writing, Woman!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book in the series. Looking forward to the next one.

[Audrey Coulthard-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generally with a series the first book starts out strong but that is not always the case with the following books in the series.
With this series each book reveals more and more layers to the characters and the stories tying you even closer and making this third book impossible to put down.
I could feel myself identifying with the written words and feel that the authors understanding of women and portrayal of her characters and their complexities, experiences and what could be called faults identifiable.
This book made me feel not alone in this journey called life and if the women in the books could triumph so can I.
Thankyou Stephanie Taylor for putting into words what so many of us can’t and making this whole aging process shared. These books are a must read, you will not be disappointed.

[Denise Robider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving these books. I love how each chapter involves a particular character and how they interact with the others. And it’s in third person (I’ll save my first person POV for my synth romances).
I did love how Goldie carries herself from her youth to now and how she does not let Towne define her on her looks. She knows what is important in her life.
Cobb Hartley is not it for me. I don’t like him, and I don’t like how Goldie chooses to stay with him. But that’s real life. We know couples who don’t belong together, but they make each other happy, and it’s not our place to judge. Kudos to Stephanie Taylor for writing such an unlikable [my words here] character.

I’m also loving the blossoming relationship between two offspring.

[Virginia Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story followed Marigold Pim as she navigated reconnecting with her ex-husband when he needed her most. The novel explored lingering love, friendship, and the support of the women of Shipwreck Key, though the story sometimes moved a bit slowly. Overall, it was a reflective second-chance story about love, loyalty, and finding purpose in life!

[Bernadette Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gem of a story

I am really enjoying this series very much. The romances are so very fun and the issues of women over 40 is not something addressed in books and is apropos for me since I am over 40. I enjoy meeting new characters and seeing old ones.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous addition to the series

I am so sad whenever I finish one of these books. I love shipwreck key so much and I love the crossover with Christmas Key. Its so fun to hear about Holly and her little family. I can’t wait for book 4.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

keep getting better

As much as I loved the first two books in the Shipwreck Bay series. Book 3 tops them
both.
I loved reading Marigolds and Cobb’s story and am really looking forward to book 4.

[Lynn Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empowering Women

I love this book and so far this series. It is awesome to read about how real other people feel about sensitive emotional feelings that you yourself have. As we all age we do not have to listen to what society thinks. Always be yourself!

[Samantha Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it’s right book, right time. Maybe it’s imagining myself enjoying these two great islands filled with zany, lovely characters. Maybe it’s old and new love all at once. Don’t know, but I loved it! I also hope Ms Taylor writes the book hinted at inside this one that Marigold is working on. 😊

[Susannah .P. MAUNDER. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous series

What a great series of books each one focusing on a different character on Shipwreck key but incorporating all the others. Well written, tugs at your heartstrings as each characters vulnerabilities are laid bare. Can't wait to read the remainder of the series.

[Kathy Dryden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gut wrenching

This is a gut wrenching story that will break your heart and then make it soar at the Same time. Love our former First Lady and her new book club and the help they offer each other.

[Gina M. Scroggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

book 3 didn’t disappoint.

I loved this book, it had some very touch and funny sections. I laughed out loud is several parts. The descriptions of the scenery and views were wonderful. I wished I was on Shipwreck Key and Christmas Island. They sound gorgeous and fun!

[Leesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good series. Easy to read. Love the characters.

[Blair · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sooo boring

[Katie Heaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner! Book my flight to shipwreck key ASAP!

[Karen Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

The writing is awesome and the characters are so well written, you really can imagine this whole thing happening. I cannot wait for the next book!

[Rox Vanpool · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series

I am really enjoying this series. I live that characters move through the series. I am looking forward to finding out where things go with Ruby and Dexter.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

always enjoy reading books that by Stephanie Taylor

[Charissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Busy with garden prep, so this took me far longer than it should have to read. That being said, I REALLY enjoyed it! 4.25 ⭐️ (B)

[Michelle Benko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Familiar characters, but a growing appreciation for the supporting cast. I like that these flawed people are working and growing through their self-discovery.