Maddie + Max: A Tale of Enduring Love

by Megan Effertz

Maddie + Max is a tale of enduring love. One that endures time and one that binds so tight, it breaks hearts.
When Maddie and Max meet, it’s like old souls coming home. But love looks different depending on what side of the tracks you’re standing on. For Maddie, loving comes easy, given freely, no strings attached. For Max, love is hard, something to be earned, something he doesn’t think he deserves.
Stealing time alone together is their sweet secret, until Max’s own secret eventually pulls them a part. Years later, an unexpected encounter leads Maddie and Max to a moment of passion. The aftermath leaves Maddie dealing with a surprise secret of her own, one that she can’t reveal to Max.
Maddie runs from Max. Dreams of him haunt her as she tries to move on. When she thinks she is over him, the universe thrusts them back together, giving them their chance to reveal secrets.
Max doesn’t know how to love Maddie without hurting her. When he witnesses her accident, he’s afraid he’s lost her forever.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2024

Reviews

[Cori · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars. The story itself was good and had good promise. The writing however was very beginner writing. There were parts in the story that were undeveloped - for instance when Maddie's grandma comes to tell her that her grandpa was in the hospital - that was very amateur writing. The story also jumped around alot. Again I liked the idea of the story and I know if this author keeps writing books she will keep getting better and better.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie + Max will be a great vacation read for the summer as it is a quick and engaging read. Maddie + Max are soulmates, but always run into communication issues that cause them to not be together in the way they yearn to be. Yet, they seem to be able to meet each other in their dreams and always have a connection after years of being apart.

The miscommunication trope was very well done in this novel and worked really well for the characters because they both had their own issues and grief which impeded their ability to communicate. Maddie and Max’s connection through their dreams was an interesting addition to the book and I really enjoyed this connection between the two as it reinforced the soulmate relationship. Chapters 38-41 were so intense and were emotionally devastating and I loved it! The emotion was amazing! The 90’s nostalgia was a really fun touch and I loved all the 90’s references. Overall this book made me laugh and it made me cry and I loved all the emotion it evoked.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about a sweeping romance between Max and Maddie. The story starts with a crazy scene that doesn't get resolved until much later. Then it goes into their love story. It is a slow and steady love, but Max isn't allowed to date due to his hockey obsessed Dad's rules who wants Max to be the best hockey player. Maddie leads the book with her viewpoint and I felt that she was in the right for feeling frustrated about Max never loving her in public and trying her best to life her life without him even though fate keeps bringing them together in different situations.

The writing was decent for a first novel and the ending left me shocked. I was confused about a few things that felt like plotholes, but the author managed to bring it all together in the end. Took a simple love story and made it interesting and unexpected.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a long time since I have read an entire book from cover to cover. I had so much fun returning to my high school days in this sweet love story with twists and turns. It was quite captivating and I spent an entire day in a hammock immersed in the book and the well-developed characters. It demonstrated that true love doesn't always operate in a straight line, but there's a lot of complexity, even in young relationships. The book was so much fun - although not to give any spoilers, but the ending did have my jaw dropped. Buy it - you won't regret it!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to share it with my daughter! The 90’s references are amazing and living in the area that is mentioned in the book makes me want to look around the local spots for Maddie and Max! This is a story that is about a magnetic, electric type of love and is a page turner! Grab this book, curl up and enjoy! You will read it fast it’s so good!

[Shirley & · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enduring love?

What is the collateral damage when we blame others and never ask for forgiveness to those we hurt? Can there be reconciliation and enduring without losing the egos of our youth? Maybe it will be found in Megan's next book.

Nice first novel.

[Cassandra Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is first extremely well written. I started it as a fun loving pool day book and HOLY COW!!! The story line has so many twists and turns I could not predict what was going to happen next. 100% worth the time to read.

[Damian Winther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!

Megan is an amazing writer. This book brought me back to my own high school days. I highly recommend it!!!

[Sparty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Loved the storyline and couldn’t put the book down. Have shared with many friends and they have enjoyed it as much as me. Looking forward to a second book.

[Ashley Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet nostalgic read that took me back to high school with all the heightened feelings. Loved it.

[Elisabeth Haugan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will pull at your heartstrings with themes of youth that we all connect to, like your first time holding hands, first kiss, and the unforgettable connection of a first love.