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Maggie in the Middle: A poignant and moving romantic comedy

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Maggie in the Middle - A poignant and moving romantic comedy

When Maggie King turned sixty, she thought her life complete.

Now she’s sixty-one, and everything has gone horribly wrong.

Husband Greg has abruptly upped and left leaving Maggie bewildered. But there’s no time to question his departure because her ancient parents are all-consuming.

Once fondly referred to as the Golden Oldies, they’re now the BOBs – Bad-Tempered Old Buggers.

Sister Freya is never available to help, and Maggie is rapidly reaching the end of her tether.

She wants her life – and husband – back.

Instead, she’s trapped in what has been coined the Sandwich Generation – supporting both children and parents – except this particular sarnie is in danger of falling apart.

Maggie needs to learn that when life is like a club sandwich, it needs the best ingredients – and that includes lashings of love and some knee-trembling romance!

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2024

116 people are currently reading
58 people want to read

About the author

Debbie Viggiano

35 books173 followers

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5 stars
294 (57%)
4 stars
133 (26%)
3 stars
57 (11%)
2 stars
15 (2%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Carla.
7,565 reviews177 followers
May 4, 2024
Maggie in the Middle is the perfect title for this book. Maggie is 61 and in the last year things have changed in her life, and not for the better. Her parents are in their 90s, living in their own home, and are refusing any kind of outside help. They only want Maggie, and expect her to jump at their beck and call. Her sister Freya is off the hook because she works. Maggie also works, she is a photographer, but they don't respect her job, and assume she can change her schedule anytime. Her mother has dementia and her father is struggling to care for her. He is going downhill quickly, and has his own memory and health issues. Maggie's children are no longer living with her, but still need her help and sometimes financial support. She is part of the "Sandwich Generation". It is time for her to do something for herself, so she heads to the animal rescue and meets a handsome younger man who is also there to find his furever friend. They strike up a conversation, and take the dogs they are considering for walks together. This chance meeting, changes her life.

This is the first book I have read by Debbie Viggiano, but it will not be the last. I know she has several books on her backlist dealing with older characters, and I plan to check them out. I loved Maggie. She is a realistic character and very relatable. Many friends of mine are dealing with this same issue, so it is very timely. I thought she portrayed her aging parents realistically as well, but with as much sensitivity as she could while wanting to share an honest representation of what it could be like. With all that happening, this could have been a sad and disheartening story, but there are also some humorous bits throughout. I love the conversations she has in her head while assuming and imagining things. The characters had me shouting at some points, especially at her selfish sister, Freya and occasionally her children, and laughing with them the next. The dogs that she and Dylan adopted are adorable. Maggie gets an 8 year old German Shepherd who is a lovely, obedient girl, while Dylan adopts a hyperactive, playful, mongrel pup who gets into mischief. These two bring them together, but add their own story as well. I enjoyed this book with it's themes of family, aging, friendship, joy of animal ownership, grief and love. If you enjoy well written and plotted stories of older characters with some humor and realistic storylines, then I recommend you pick up Maggie in the Middle.
Profile Image for M.J..
Author 111 books256 followers
May 2, 2024
Wow. What a simply charming and delightful tale, not without some harrowing scenes. I've read a few of these sorts of novels recently, and this one is by far my favourite to date. Told with genuine warmth, just the right touch of 'reality' and real laugh-out-loud moments, I loved Maggie in the Middle.

Our main character, Maggie, is at an unexpected crossroads. No matter what she does, she can't seem to win the help of her sister or even the respect of her ageing parents. Her adult children are much more understanding. What Maggie needs is a companion of the four-legged variety, and what comes with it is very unexpected.

I don't want to spoil this delightful story. Instead, I will say that this takes quite a brutal look at the problems of caring for ageing parents, one with dementia and one who is also starting to struggle, leaving Maggie feeling helpless and worried. It very much addresses the guilt of caring for parents and not being able to do more for them, mostly because they won't accept that assistance. As the author says, she's embroiled in such a situation and the scenes feel vivid and real - there is, alas, no magic solution. However, interspersed with these difficult scenes are much warmer ones, offering readers hope that not all is as hopeless as we might think.

This is such a genuinely uplifting story. It doesn't shy away from the realities it describes, but it will still fill you with hope and joy, and the humour will make you giggle out loud. Go and read it.
Profile Image for Janice.
355 reviews11 followers
May 6, 2024
Being a part of the Sandwich Generation isn’t much fun. For a start, you don’t really get to choose your own sandwich filling! It’s pretty much served up to you – often in copious amounts! But … it’s how you deal with things that will make all the difference, and Debbie Viggiano has gifted us with a delightful book – Maggie in the Middle – just to remind us that we’re not alone on this journey.
To say that I could wholeheartedly relate to this book would be an understatement! To be in a position where you know you’re not exactly young anymore, but don’t consider yourself as ‘old’; to still have demanding adult children who often need your support, but who somehow feel like they can ‘adult’ you at the same time – and I don’t mean in a ‘difficult’ way – just that children need their parents, regardless of their age, and this demands your time and energy (often, your finances too!) – meanwhile as much as they need you, they also want you to start needing them to assert themselves over your decisions and lifestyle; and then to find yourself having to parent your own parents who have become far less capable than they were, even though they’re struggling with the most simple everyday things and refuse to acknowledge their own decline … it’s all incredibly overwhelming!

This is the position that Maggie finds herself in, attempting to cope with it all on her own. Her children are thankfully quite understanding, but although they’re adults who don’t live at home anymore, they’re still very much dependent on her.

But her parents have become quite the challenge. With her mother suffering from full-blown dementia and her father’s refusal to acknowledge that there’s any problem, while he himself is becoming increasingly frail and forgetful, Maggie’s frustration and desperation reach an all-time high. Unfortunately her (married, but childless) sister Freya, who should be sharing Maggie’s responsibility for their parents has opted out of the equation, declaring that her full-time job means that her time is not as flexible as Maggie’s who freelances as a photographer.

As the situation with her parents deteriorates, and Maggie’s sense of wellbeing plummets with it, she realizes that she desperately needs to do something to maintain her equilibrium – something just for herself. So she decides that she’ll get herself a dog! She has no clue where that decision is going to lead her!

I really felt for Maggie. Her challenges and struggles felt so authentic. The author has taken a very real, current issue and dealt with it in a gentle, often amusing way, without shying away from the very stark, agonizing reality. There’s very little sugar-coating and some of the situations described are distressing, but this is the truth of the situation. The feelings of helplessness, fear and concern that one feels for parents who, quite honestly, are living on a knife’s edge, are all gut-wrenchingly evoked.

However, this isn’t a depressing book at all. Far from it. There is so much hope and inspiration to be taken from Maggie’s story. It goes to show that one’s approach and attitude to whatever life throws at you really do make the difference between ‘sink’ or ‘swim’. Maggie’s inner voice is a character all on its own, and it’s hilarious – she often gets completely ahead of the situation and the conversations she has in her own head are sometimes ridiculously silly, but as Kesha said: “You have to have a sense of humour about life to get through it!”

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants a thoroughly absorbing, relevant and light-hearted read, about something that often seems extremely daunting: growing older. Whether it’s you, your parents or your kids, growing older has both challenges and triumphs. The key is in the actual ‘growing’ as you get there, and learning from each and every experience (even if you might not always appreciate it at the time).
Profile Image for Kirsty (BookBlogger).
2,010 reviews63 followers
May 5, 2024
Maggie in the Middle by Debbie Viggiano

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

When Maggie King turned sixty, she thought her life complete.

Now she’s sixty-one, and everything has gone horribly wrong.

Husband Greg has abruptly upped and left leaving Maggie bewildered. But there’s no time to question his departure because her ancient parents are all-consuming.

Once fondly referred to as the Golden Oldies, they’re now the BOBs – Bad-Tempered Old Buggers.

Sister Freya is never available to help, and Maggie is rapidly reaching the end of her tether.

She wants her life – and husband – back.

Instead, she’s trapped in what has been coined the Sandwich Generation – supporting both children and parents – except this particular sarnie is in danger of falling apart.

Maggie needs to learn that when life is like a club sandwich, it needs the best ingredients – and that includes lashings of love and some knee-trembling romance!

My Opinion

Debbie Viggiano writes about older characters, and makes her books as realistic as possible. Maggie is struggling to offer her parents the help that they need whilst also running her own business - her sister works full time and so is unable to help. In the last year she has also had to adjust to her husband Greg moving out. This was a charming and delightful tale with some really touching moments.

Debbie is one of those authors that I am always happy to read as her books are always down-to-earth. This is an easy book to read and will make for a great summer read.

Rating 4/5
Profile Image for loopyloulaura.
1,493 reviews21 followers
May 16, 2024
Maggie is adjusting to life's changes. Her children are all grown up and her parents are battling age. Can she ever find happiness again or will she always put others first?
Maggie in the Middle is an emotional yet light hearted book about big changes.
It is a situation that many people find themselves in. An empty nest as your kids grow up and then the responsibility of caring for parents as their health deteriorates. All the while trying to work and live your own life. This is the situation Maggie finds herself in: her children have flown the nest, her parents are struggling with mental and physical health.
There are some huge issues dealt with in this book and it could have been very heavy. However, the writing is light hearted in tone and there are plenty of bad jokes to counter the deep emotions. I felt Maggie's distress, frustration and grief. Her sister is completely unreasonable and this is partially excused in the final chapters but I did not feel this was sufficient justification for her abhorrent behaviour throughout the book.
Maggie finds friendship and love through a dog rescue centre. Her developing relationship with Bess the German Shepherd was just delightful and uplifting. This also provides Maggie with the opportunity to move on with her life and confront the big changes that she has been avoiding.
Maggie in the MIddle is packed full of emotion and cheesy jokes, radiating warmth from every page.
Profile Image for Misfits farm.
2,082 reviews86 followers
April 4, 2024

Maggie really is in the middle of things. Her aged parents are struggling and won’t hear of any help- other than from Maggie as her sister Freya’s job “is more important than hers”. Her mother has dementia which her father is struggling to cope with but won’t admit it or accept outside help firmly saying he can manage. Her children, although adults, are not independent, and still need both her help and financial support. Maggie realises she needs a life of her own and decides to get a dog to help her de-stress. A chance meeting leads Maggie to dream of a new life in the midst of the chaos.

I love Debbie’s books. They bring a smile and I think many will relate to the chaos of one sort or another and the knock on effect of family generations. It’s a humorous look at life and realising that we each have to make our own lives, sometimes putting ourselves first. “ First don your own oxygen mask” before you can help others. There are lots of cheesy one-liners to bring a smile which are cleverly added into the story line. A read with a message and one with lots of smiles. A thoroughly enjoyable, uplifting read

​For more reviews please follow me on Twitter (X) or Threads @nickisbookblog
____________
Profile Image for Kelly.
2,457 reviews117 followers
May 6, 2024
I received an advance review copy of this book, to review as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

When I started reading this, I quickly felt a connection with the protagonist, Maggie. I felt almost as though I had made a new friend, and that new friend was eager to tell me all about herself. I found her likeable and relatable.

This book was wonderfully funny. While I was reading, I smiled and chuckled a great deal, and some parts actually made me laugh out loud. At the same time, I also felt sympathetic towards Maggie and her experiences. It seemed that her life was not always easy, in fact, she dealt with an awful lot. As a reader, I wanted to treat her like a friend, and I felt the need to stay with her, and support her through her struggles.

This was a very feel-good book, a great mood booster, and delightful to read.

Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, the author and the publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.

26 reviews
June 19, 2024
This book is about a 60 something woman having to juggle her life after being suddenly widowed and having a selfish sister and elderly parents to look after.
Started off well but then turned silly quite quickly, by making unnecessary jokes/innuendos while talking to her dead husband’s photo.
I tried to persevere with it as it was very poignant in parts especially when she got a rescue dog.
But then it all turned very silly when she met Dylan, I was literally cringing at the way she described her feelings for him etc as if she was 16, not 61.
I skimmed through the last few chapters but the storyline was so predictable, I didn’t really need to as I knew exactly how it would end!
Not my cup of tea but there are more good reviews than bad, so maybe it’s just my personal view that I found it silly, childish and very cringeworthy.
Profile Image for Louise.
332 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2024
This is a book that will resonate with most fifty or sixty somethings who are part of the ‘sandwich generation’, particularly those with parents with a progressive condition like dementia.
The author deals sensitively with aging parents, summing up perfectly the challenges of dealing with a hard working generation, too proud to accept help.

It’s not all doom, gloom and sadness, there’s plenty of humour in the book, particularly conversations between the main character Maggie and her husband Greg and also in Maggie’s relationship with their children.

I enjoyed getting to know Maggie and seeing her grow through the story and of course loved the dogs!

Thanks to RachelsRandomResources for the opportunity to read this early copy.
Profile Image for Leona.
1,497 reviews
May 2, 2024
The first thing I thought to myself upon finishing this book was why haven’t I ever read anything by this author before ? The reason I asked myself that was because this book was simply brilliant. I just didn’t want this book to end . I adored the writing and the characters were so well described . I have no doubt many of us have had to deal with some or all the situations that Maggie had to face in this story . At times it was an emotional read but there was many laugh out loud moments also . I wholeheartedly recommend this book it was such a pleasure to read . ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
10 reviews
Read
May 31, 2024
So funny and yet emotional

Couldn't put this book down. What a real laugh out loud book to read but also heart warming with typical family rows and funny stories. Really enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Joanne Grimshaw.
151 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2024
What a fantastic, well written book. Also, from time to time, very frustrating with how selfish Freya was.
Profile Image for Isabella.
305 reviews3 followers
May 13, 2024
A book that really touched my heart. Another amazing, poignant story by one of the top writers of comedy.
28 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2024
Brilliant

This is one of my favourite books by Debbie Viggiano. It definitely makes you feel the emotions, with a bit of added humour!
Profile Image for Sheila Patel.
Author 12 books50 followers
June 11, 2024
Maggie in the Middle is a story of loss, love and responsibility. With empty nest and aging parents and adopting dogs, this is a lovely story, well written and funny. Check it out.
1 review
June 17, 2024
Once hooked, I couldn't put down!x

Hard at the beginning but that maybe as i was in the hospital, story was so apt as i know three other women going through the same situation!
Profile Image for Eliana .
2,992 reviews24 followers
June 19, 2024
This was relatable for me, reminded me of my family and our relationship with the grandmas and grandpas. The last words from the book were beautiful.
29 reviews
June 24, 2024
I love the story line

My mom had Alzheimer's for 22 years before she passed. I so related to the trials and tribulations of Maggie.
Profile Image for joanne ellis.
8 reviews
July 13, 2024
Another fabulous book.

Just wanted to say thank you for another brilliant read. Great story with lovable, relatable characters and always a little twist. Really enjoyed this one.
Profile Image for Tenal M Garcia.
36 reviews
October 9, 2024
Life after 60

Great read ! Thanks so much for a down to earth funny book to read. I couldn't put it down
5 reviews
December 29, 2024
Interesting

The two main characters face challenges that truly tax real people but they find support and answers. Having been an in the middle person, I could easily relate.
5 reviews
May 19, 2025
A great book about life's challenges and rewards. It was humorous, funny, and sad!
172 reviews
September 8, 2025
an ok read

This was definitely not one of my favorite books written by this author. However, I will continue to search for books by her to fill my reading hours!!
99 reviews
September 15, 2025
Brilliant - funny, sad and poignant as both my parents had dementia. Loved the dogs. Can’t wait to read another of Debbie’s books
14 reviews
September 25, 2025
Very enjoyable

Made me laugh as The main character talks to herself and creates mad scenarios in her head. Nice family story
1 review
October 30, 2025
An enjoyable, easy read.

Probably my least favourite of Debbie Viggiano so far. I did enjoy it but I found it, dare I say it for me, a bit too cheesy and obvious.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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