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MAXINE
Author Carol Mitchel demonstrates a remarkable ability to create character depth and employs dialogue-driven storytelling in a deeply emotional and reflective drama. The journey of Dr. Richard Logan serves as a touching examination of love, friendship, and personal strife, filled with numerous dark aspects to uncover and compelling tensions arising from his prolonged unreciprocated feelings. Despite the shadows that surround him, his character remains profoundly relatable and human, owing to the author's meticulous attention to the nuances of his attitudes and motivations. The heart-wrenching struggle he faces in confessing his love, which ultimately leads to Maxine's marriage to Brad, resonates deeply with the audience, who can fully grasp the circumstances that led him into this predicament. The narrative effectively portrays Logan’s internal struggles and his difficulty in moving forward, emphasizing the often painful repercussions of unexpressed emotions. Mitchell’s storytelling skillfully weaves together personal and relational dynamics. In summary, I would highly recommend "Maxine" as a captivating read that leaves a lasting impression long after the final page, appealing to romance enthusiasts everywhere.
178 pages, Paperback
Published June 14, 2024
8 people are currently reading
2263 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 1, 2024
The protagonist, Maxine, is a tour de force, her character development a masterclass in writing. She is relatable, flawed, and fiercely determined, making her journey all the more compelling. The narrative is a rollercoaster of emotions, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while also tugging at their heartstrings.
June 24, 2024
This book definitely won't disappoint. It had my heart pumping, on the edge of my seat. Author Carol Mitchell is a master of the art of storytelling and I will forever be grateful for picking up one of many creations!
September 3, 2024
This book was donated to my library and was the last one on the table. I thought I'd take it home and then when my date set me up I didn't have nothing to do and boy was I lucky. Maxine is the kind of book that once you pick it up, you will not put this book down. I always dreamed of having a man like Dr. Richard Logan. Well-educated, good-looking, but after he dissed Pam, I was like Ok. I am good, LOL at that point in the book I was hooked. My favorite character too was Marsela. She was good friends with Dr. Montgomery, like Dr. Logan was good friends with Maxine. All of this together is what makes this book so good to me. Few writers can use their brain the way Ms. Mitchell does. She pulls you in and makes you feel her story. The only bad thing was the ending. It's one of those books like you get hit in the back of the head. You never saw it coming. That's what makes Maxine a really good read. I tear up as I write this review because I see how different people have different feelings and I will end here because I don't want to give the rest of this story away. Thank you Mrs. Mitchell fo giving me one of the best reads of 2024.
September 20, 2024
This book was a struggle to get through. There is so much potential because it is an interesting story but it is desperately in need of editing. The many extra and missing quotation marks, other punctuation, and headings make it very difficult to follow. It is often hard to tell who is talking or not. There are also many parts of the story that don't make sense or need some more research. For example, two of the main characters are said to be some of the best Neurologists in the world but none of the work they actually do in the story is something that a Neurologist actually does. Much of the outline of the story was repeated over and over and over and over, making it very difficult to continue reading.
While I think there could be potential here, it is pretty much unreadable in its current state.
While I think there could be potential here, it is pretty much unreadable in its current state.
March 21, 2025
𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑴𝒂𝒙𝒊𝒏𝒆: 𝒃𝒚 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒍 𝑫𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒍 ♥️
Maxine is a love story for the ages. I can't believe that Carol has done it again! Love has new meaning and optimism is carried to new levels.
Doctor Logan is in love with a woman he introduced to his best friend. Therein lies the biggest mistake of all. As soon as the introduction takes place, Doctor Logan realizes that he is the one in love with Maxine. But his long time friendship with Brad, does not afford him to expose his truth and what happens later, is tragic for all parties concerned.
This book is amazing and is nothing short of it. Mitchell dominates African American diaspora in this earth-shattering tale of friends and lovers and the brutal consequences of what happens when a man keeps love tucked behind his heart!!!!
Maxine is a love story for the ages. I can't believe that Carol has done it again! Love has new meaning and optimism is carried to new levels.
Doctor Logan is in love with a woman he introduced to his best friend. Therein lies the biggest mistake of all. As soon as the introduction takes place, Doctor Logan realizes that he is the one in love with Maxine. But his long time friendship with Brad, does not afford him to expose his truth and what happens later, is tragic for all parties concerned.
This book is amazing and is nothing short of it. Mitchell dominates African American diaspora in this earth-shattering tale of friends and lovers and the brutal consequences of what happens when a man keeps love tucked behind his heart!!!!
July 31, 2024
Whoa
That was such a good story. I wasn't ready for the end. The narration added a great new element. I highly recommend.
That was such a good story. I wasn't ready for the end. The narration added a great new element. I highly recommend.
July 20, 2024
This is the second book that I have had the pleasure to read by Carol Mitchell, and she has done it again! “Maxine” is full of love, heartache, struggle, friendship, and so much more. Maxine Ball is one of the more admirable characters that I have ever read about – she is confident, trusting, successful, loving, and so many other qualities that many people strive to be, and it is no wonder that she found herself with two best friends completely enamored with her. The friendship that she has with Richard Logan is one for the ages as they both show their unwavering loyalty and support to each other, but he is not ready to settle down and she knows this better than anyone. Once Richard introduces Maxine to his childhood best friend, Brad Montgomery, things change forever, and Richard instantly knows that he has made a mistake. I will save the rest for when you pick up a copy and read for yourself, because this is not a book that you want to miss out on.
“Maxine” is written with multiple character perspectives with a narrator at the forefront that will also pop in a few times while she is telling the story. This unique style is unlike anything that I have read before, but it was highly intriguing. The narrator’s voice was written in a way it truly felt like you were with her having a conversation over your favorite snacks and tea, while she is keeping you on the edge of your seat dying to hear what happens next in the story! The writing style can be one that you need to adjust to and became hard to follow a few times through the book, but it made for a different experience where readers feel fully immersed into the thick of the drama and the narrator is asking questions.
Any readers that are looking for a book that will pull you in from page one and check of every box, “Maxine” is a must read. Highly recommend!
“Maxine” is written with multiple character perspectives with a narrator at the forefront that will also pop in a few times while she is telling the story. This unique style is unlike anything that I have read before, but it was highly intriguing. The narrator’s voice was written in a way it truly felt like you were with her having a conversation over your favorite snacks and tea, while she is keeping you on the edge of your seat dying to hear what happens next in the story! The writing style can be one that you need to adjust to and became hard to follow a few times through the book, but it made for a different experience where readers feel fully immersed into the thick of the drama and the narrator is asking questions.
Any readers that are looking for a book that will pull you in from page one and check of every box, “Maxine” is a must read. Highly recommend!
January 3, 2025
Ok… this book took longer to read than expected. I actually won this book in a Goodreads giveaway last year and as the title of my review says it has good bones.
The narration style took some getting used to. It has two different styles. One is an episodic style where the narrator jumps in to talk to the reader and is telling the story in pieces and the other is a traditional style. Towards the beginning of the book there was no clear formatting of the episodic style it just kind of intertwined into the text so I had to go back and read over parts. However towards the end you could clearly see when the narrator entered that mode as she introduced herself or it became separated from the rest of the text.
Although this story is about Maxine, most of it is spent on the doctors. One thing that I could not clearly wrap my head around was how formal they were. The author does well by laying the foundation of how close these men are however very seldom do you see that in their interactions. They stayed calling each other Dr. whomever. This kind of took away from their bond.
I love a good foreshadowing but I was a bit overwhelmed here (this also goes along with the narration style). It’s like we get told what happens even before it does and it took away from the excitement/anticipation of the story.
Also, for a majority of the first half of the book it read as somewhat of an outline with things being explained rather than a story. The story picks up later in the book and becomes more developed but it took some time to get there.
Overall, I didn’t hate this book. I am honestly intrigued and will be checking this author out again as I see she has a plethora of books in several genres.
The narration style took some getting used to. It has two different styles. One is an episodic style where the narrator jumps in to talk to the reader and is telling the story in pieces and the other is a traditional style. Towards the beginning of the book there was no clear formatting of the episodic style it just kind of intertwined into the text so I had to go back and read over parts. However towards the end you could clearly see when the narrator entered that mode as she introduced herself or it became separated from the rest of the text.
Although this story is about Maxine, most of it is spent on the doctors. One thing that I could not clearly wrap my head around was how formal they were. The author does well by laying the foundation of how close these men are however very seldom do you see that in their interactions. They stayed calling each other Dr. whomever. This kind of took away from their bond.
I love a good foreshadowing but I was a bit overwhelmed here (this also goes along with the narration style). It’s like we get told what happens even before it does and it took away from the excitement/anticipation of the story.
Also, for a majority of the first half of the book it read as somewhat of an outline with things being explained rather than a story. The story picks up later in the book and becomes more developed but it took some time to get there.
Overall, I didn’t hate this book. I am honestly intrigued and will be checking this author out again as I see she has a plethora of books in several genres.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2024
I would be shocked beyond belief if this did not turn into a movie, television series, Netflix series, or Prime series because this was the most extravagant romance novel I've ever read. Maxine is a robust and independent entrepreneur and TikTok influencer for her cosmetic business. She befriends two neurologists, Richard and Brad, who are business partners and best friends. The clincher, though, is Richard, who is in love with Maxine, but Brad is the one who wins her heart. Then Brad gets diagnosed with a terminal illness, which leaves him in a wheelchair. He feels he lost Maxine, and Richard is forced to make the ultimate life-changing decision.
I've said it before, and I'll repeat it: this should be a future franchise movie and/or series. There was drama, romance, conflict, and heartwarming themes that kept you invested throughout all of the 169 pages of this book. I love books that allow the imagery to come to life while reading, creating an unforgettable experience. I could see the passion, tension, and excitement through the love triangle and the outside women involved earlier, including Angela, Glenda, and Pam, as well as others. Also , the additional storylines of the doctors’ childhoods and their past relationships made the book more compelling. The book was well-edited, written, and structured. I highly recommend this book. There was nothing to dislike. For these reasons, I am awarding this book five stars.
I've said it before, and I'll repeat it: this should be a future franchise movie and/or series. There was drama, romance, conflict, and heartwarming themes that kept you invested throughout all of the 169 pages of this book. I love books that allow the imagery to come to life while reading, creating an unforgettable experience. I could see the passion, tension, and excitement through the love triangle and the outside women involved earlier, including Angela, Glenda, and Pam, as well as others. Also , the additional storylines of the doctors’ childhoods and their past relationships made the book more compelling. The book was well-edited, written, and structured. I highly recommend this book. There was nothing to dislike. For these reasons, I am awarding this book five stars.
September 6, 2024
I was reading some of these reviews and can't believe Carol Mitchell is not at 5.0 on this book. Let's keep it real. Ms. Mitchell is an older woman but she can write her behind off and had me calling up ole dude after reading Maxine. I proposed to my friends that we should contact her and demand a part two. You will know what I mean when you fall into an ending in this book that no one expecting or saw coming. I almost want to rate it lower but that ending was so bold. It was so unexpected that only a genius could come to such a harrowing conclusion. Maxine, was the woman we all strive to be. She didn't even turn her back on Pam when her best friend slept with the fine, handsome neurologist from Hunter's Point. I could not believe how calm Maxine was about this. Dr. Logan did all he could to cover up his feelings for Maxine until they came pouring out when Dr. Logan introduced Maxine to his best friend Brad who was smart enough to see Maxine's value. The very best part of this book was Dr. Richard Logan's inability to say I love you to the only woman he could see himself with. I just want to say one more thing. Ms. Mitchell I wish I could give you ten stars. This is the best book I have ever read. Period. Thank you.
September 18, 2024
The story revolves around three childhood friends: Brad, Richard, and Angela. Brad and Angela eventually marry, while Richard, a more carefree womanizer, remains single. After Richard's mother dies, his wealthy uncle takes in both him and Brad, supporting their dream of becoming doctors. They grow up to work at the same hospital, but their personal lives diverge: Brad is a committed, one-woman man, while Richard dates numerous women.
Richard, however, hides a deeper emotional side, as he secretly falls in love with Maxine, a successful businesswoman who his uncle helped establish in the cosmetics industry. Despite their close friendship, Maxine rejects his advances, knowing Richard's player reputation. Meanwhile, Brad's marriage to Angela ends in divorce, and he reconnects with Richard. Eventually, Richard tries to introduce Maxine to Brad, leading to an emotional turning point.
The story promises a blend of romance, humor, tragedy, and themes of miscommunication, exploring the complexities of relationships and the consequences of not expressing one’s true feelings. Maxine finds her true love, but it's uncertain whether it’s Brad or Richard. The narrative is full of surprises, humour, emotional depth, and life lessons, making it a fantastic and uplifting read.
Richard, however, hides a deeper emotional side, as he secretly falls in love with Maxine, a successful businesswoman who his uncle helped establish in the cosmetics industry. Despite their close friendship, Maxine rejects his advances, knowing Richard's player reputation. Meanwhile, Brad's marriage to Angela ends in divorce, and he reconnects with Richard. Eventually, Richard tries to introduce Maxine to Brad, leading to an emotional turning point.
The story promises a blend of romance, humor, tragedy, and themes of miscommunication, exploring the complexities of relationships and the consequences of not expressing one’s true feelings. Maxine finds her true love, but it's uncertain whether it’s Brad or Richard. The narrative is full of surprises, humour, emotional depth, and life lessons, making it a fantastic and uplifting read.
November 18, 2025
By far one of the best love stories I have ever read and the ending will leave your jaw on the floor and you will be begging the artist to repaint the Mona Lisa. That's how good Maxine is. Maxine is independent and expects nothing from anyone. She has tunnel vision and a plan in life that landed her in the most prestigious parts of the Bay Area. She Met Dr. Richard Logan as a friend. He asked her to do him a favor and he fell in love with Maxine and held it inside too long and for too many years. While Maxine continued on with Logan as a reliable friend he screwed around with her best friend long enough to tell her that no one would ever matter more to him than Maxine did. When the mess hits the fan, Logan does the worst thing a man can do to love. He hid it and opened the door for his co-doctor Brad Montgomery to step in and seize the heart he negated to claim. This is exactly what makes Carol Denise Mitchell brilliant. She goes where no other write will ever go and she delivers even if the ending is set up to squash, kill, set fire to your emotions. I guess that's the way you write a love story, even if you want the author to go the hell back and change the ending! Excellent novel. Five stars!
September 24, 2024
"Maxine" by Carol Mitchell is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that delves deep into the complexities of love, friendship, and unspoken emotions. The story revolves around Dr. Richard Logan, whose unreciprocated love for Maxine leads to a poignant exploration of inner turmoil and relational dynamics. Mitchell's masterful storytelling and attention to character development make this book a captivating read.
The narrative is rich with tension and introspection, capturing the reader's attention from the very first page. Richard's struggle to confess his feelings and the subsequent consequences are portrayed with such depth that it’s impossible not to empathize with his plight. Maxine, as a character, is robust and independent, adding layers of intrigue to the story.
Overall, "Maxine" is a beautifully written novel that lingers long after the final page. It's a must-read for fans of romance and drama, offering a profound look at the often painful consequences of unspoken emotions. Carol Mitchell has truly crafted a story that resonates on many levels.
August 19, 2024
My sister won this book in a recent Giveaway and let me read it and I was hooked to all things Carol Denise Mitchell. Talking about cry. I don't want to give away any spoilers. But this book is one of the best Romance novels I have ever read. Maxine was kind and considerate to a wild potential mate who could have been suffering from matters of his childhood. I don't really know. When Maxine nurtures his need to have a friend, no one was a better friend than her. When Logan introduces her to another friend, who is also a doctor, all hell breaks loose when Dr. Logan can no longer deny that he is the one in love with Maxine. i am crying as I type because I wish with all my heart this book would have been longer. There is so much more I want to know about Dr. Logan, Dr. Brad Montgomery and Marsela the kind friend that was there when Dr. Montgomery became ill. All I want to say now is this is the best love story of the century to me. I want to read all Carol's books.
August 27, 2024
I finished reading this book yesterday and couldn't wait to come here and tell readers how good this book was. It's about a woman who has her own money. She has her own business and is not trying to barter those gains for love. However, her best friend, a handsome man named Richard Logan meets her before he goes to Med school and uses her to get rid of another girl. Dr. Logan falls in love with Maxine without her knowing it. Carol does an amazing job using a narrator to guide readers through this romance like a real winner. I could not put this book down and I am wishing for more from Carol. The girl can write. Period. Finally, a woman lead I can identify with. When Dr. Logan introduces Maxine to his best friend I knew before we got there that was not going to work well for Dr. Logan. I don't want to give the book away. I cried. I laughed. And, I just came to the conclusion, that Maxine is the best love story I have ever read. I hope Carol sees this review. Great job, Ms. Mitchell.
September 25, 2024
I couldn't wait to get here and write this review! I met this author over the weekend at a coffee shop where she hosted an event for another author. She left this book on the table. While the event was going on, I read the whole book. I was crying and when I told people why I handed them Maxine and told them please get this book and don't read it in public. Maxine is the kind of black woman that we all need to be reading about. She holds her own in Maxine and has a friendship with Dr. Logan that is heartbreaking. Her relationship with the other doctor Brad Montgomery, is what dreams are made of until he takes ill and changes the entire dynamic of the story. The ending will tear fans apart at the seams. I looked around and Ms. Mitchell was gone! I didn't even get her signature. I hope she reads this review and knows how well-written Maxine is and how it really is a book I shall not ever forget.
July 1, 2024
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this romance novel.
The heroine, Maxine Ball, was a breath of fresh air. She's successful, independent, and confident, and she doesn't settle for anything less than what she deserves. She’s a strong female lead, and I love that. She is in a love triangle with two very different men: Richard, the charming yet commitment-phobic doctor, and Brad, the sincere and dedicated neurologist. The kicker is that Richard and Brad are friends.
The connection between Maxine and Brad feels so good, but it’s hard not to feel sorry for Richard because he’s in love with her, too. I don’t want to say too much because it’s not fair to you or the author, but I will say I really enjoyed reading this book. The drama was amazing, and the twists and turns were great.
Overall, this book was a delightful read. Highly Recommend!
I really enjoyed this romance novel.
The heroine, Maxine Ball, was a breath of fresh air. She's successful, independent, and confident, and she doesn't settle for anything less than what she deserves. She’s a strong female lead, and I love that. She is in a love triangle with two very different men: Richard, the charming yet commitment-phobic doctor, and Brad, the sincere and dedicated neurologist. The kicker is that Richard and Brad are friends.
The connection between Maxine and Brad feels so good, but it’s hard not to feel sorry for Richard because he’s in love with her, too. I don’t want to say too much because it’s not fair to you or the author, but I will say I really enjoyed reading this book. The drama was amazing, and the twists and turns were great.
Overall, this book was a delightful read. Highly Recommend!
August 18, 2024
I met the author in the store today and read the book on my security job. This is a fantastic book. It's about a doctor who falls in love with his best friend. There are so many viable contextual messages to learn in this book. Should one not understand these messages, they could miss reading one of the best love stories of my lifetime! Engaging, a page-turner and I loved the way the author brings a new style to writing. The narrator in this book was exceptional! I curled my feet when she'd prep chapters for us to read. The ending is awesome and completely unexpected. Ms. Mitchell is one of the nicest people ever. Meeting her in person was a thrill. It's rare to meet a person of her incredible talents in person. I highly recommend Maxine to all readers.
September 20, 2024
Richard Logan was the kind of guy I loved hanging around. Handsome, rich, smart and a great friend. He loved the ladies, but there was only one of them that ruled his heart. This was what I call a nice and quick read and I an sure looking for a part II. There are few books that can keep my interest. What I loved about this book was how well-written it is not one mistake. I loved Maxine and how relaxed she appeared to be. The love scene between Maxine and Brad is the kind of instant love all people want. The end I was not ready for but I have to give Ms. Mitchell five stars.
March 22, 2025
An Emotional Love Story with Unexpected Twists
This book is a rollercoaster of love, heartbreak, and unspoken words. Richard and Brad’s lifelong friendship is tested as they navigate love, loss, and the impact of choices left unspoken.
Maxine, their vibrant and independent friend, becomes the center of an unforgettable love story, one filled with humor, tragedy, and deep emotional connections.
A beautifully written novel that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the power of communication.
This book is a rollercoaster of love, heartbreak, and unspoken words. Richard and Brad’s lifelong friendship is tested as they navigate love, loss, and the impact of choices left unspoken.
Maxine, their vibrant and independent friend, becomes the center of an unforgettable love story, one filled with humor, tragedy, and deep emotional connections.
A beautifully written novel that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the power of communication.
March 24, 2025
A Story That Stays With You
Maxine is more than just a love story, it’s a poignant reflection on the price of silence. It is an emotional experience, making the reader feel deeply for Dr. Logan, who is caught in a tragic web of friendship and love.
The book explores the complexity of human relationships, showing how fear and hesitation can alter lives forever.
If you’re looking for a novel that will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page, Maxine is the one.
Maxine is more than just a love story, it’s a poignant reflection on the price of silence. It is an emotional experience, making the reader feel deeply for Dr. Logan, who is caught in a tragic web of friendship and love.
The book explores the complexity of human relationships, showing how fear and hesitation can alter lives forever.
If you’re looking for a novel that will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page, Maxine is the one.
June 25, 2024
ARM
I did not like this book at all. The style in which the author wrote this book was stupid to me. I have been to plays where a narrator interjected in the dialogue but to do so in a book. Was not good. This is strictly my opinion .
I did not like this book at all. The style in which the author wrote this book was stupid to me. I have been to plays where a narrator interjected in the dialogue but to do so in a book. Was not good. This is strictly my opinion .
June 29, 2024
This book was added to my personal favorites of 2024...
Come over and check out how I celebrated the book
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Come over and check out how I celebrated the book
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July 29, 2024
Strange narrative
I didn’t enjoy this book. I found the person telling the story a bit strange. The book did not flow well.
I didn’t enjoy this book. I found the person telling the story a bit strange. The book did not flow well.
August 27, 2024
I won a copy via Goodreads giveaways BUT did not get the copy pictured. That killed my vibe when trying to read this story.
September 13, 2024
Excellent book. I read it in less than two-hours. It's about a man a doctor, whose heart is broken when he learns too late that he's in love with his best friend.
July 1, 2024
I enjoyed reading “Maxine: A Love Story” by Carol Denise Mitchell, who in my opinion, is an engaging writer who has written an intriguing story of love and relationships. I found this book to be a highly fascinating and engrossing story. For anyone who has ever faced the fear of vulnerability, navigated the trials of illness, or regretted missed opportunities, "Maxine" is a story that will touch your soul and remind you of the enduring power of love.
The characters in the story have ups and downs and pitfalls some of which are due to not speaking the true way one feels resulting in issues, problems, misunderstandings, and much more just as in the real world. I liked how the author crafted all that into this fast-moving story and how she guided the reader through it which I enjoyed and found to be refreshingly unique. As I read, I also found this author’s style very distinct and special in this highly eventful and fast-moving book filled with unexpected events, twists, and turns that kept me entertained and made it difficult to put the book down.
I also liked the way the author explains how a woman truly feels in different circumstances and events and gives support and guidance and I found it thought-provoking and highly romantic. It reminded me of what Carl Sandburg once wrote, “Life is like an onion. You peel off one layer at a time and sometimes you weep.”
In my view, the author has also shown rich character development which left me reflecting on the importance of seizing the moment and speaking from the heart.
As Stephen King said, “Writing isn't about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it's about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well.” As I see it, I think this exceptionally crafted story will enrich, educate, and entertain many readers.
All in all, I view this creative and inventive work as something you won’t find in many books. It's a special one in my view! Very well done and highly recommended!
It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this exceptional story.
The characters in the story have ups and downs and pitfalls some of which are due to not speaking the true way one feels resulting in issues, problems, misunderstandings, and much more just as in the real world. I liked how the author crafted all that into this fast-moving story and how she guided the reader through it which I enjoyed and found to be refreshingly unique. As I read, I also found this author’s style very distinct and special in this highly eventful and fast-moving book filled with unexpected events, twists, and turns that kept me entertained and made it difficult to put the book down.
I also liked the way the author explains how a woman truly feels in different circumstances and events and gives support and guidance and I found it thought-provoking and highly romantic. It reminded me of what Carl Sandburg once wrote, “Life is like an onion. You peel off one layer at a time and sometimes you weep.”
In my view, the author has also shown rich character development which left me reflecting on the importance of seizing the moment and speaking from the heart.
As Stephen King said, “Writing isn't about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it's about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well.” As I see it, I think this exceptionally crafted story will enrich, educate, and entertain many readers.
All in all, I view this creative and inventive work as something you won’t find in many books. It's a special one in my view! Very well done and highly recommended!
It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this exceptional story.
July 16, 2024
A tale of unexpected love and friendship
I had the pleasure of reading another book by the author Carol Mitchell, but "Maxine" is definitely a must-read. With an attractive cover and a simple yet profound story, told with complex and well-built characters, the novel captivates you from the first pages.
"Maxine," written by Carol Mitchell, is a captivating story about the unexpected power of a woman who inadvertently attracts the affection of men around her. Maxine Ball, a 38-year-old entrepreneur and TikTok influencer, doesn't realize how much she can influence her platonic friendships until one of these friends falls in love with her against her warnings.
The book explores the complex dynamics between Maxine and two exceptional neurologists, Dr. Richard Logan and Dr. Brad Montgomery, both drawn to Maxine in different ways. As Maxine pursues her business and career in the cosmetics industry, her relationships with these two friends become unexpectedly complicated, bringing forth emotional conflicts and difficult decisions.
Mitchell employs a lively and humorous narrative to highlight the vibrant personalities of the characters and to underscore the romantic tensions and moral dilemmas they face. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant community in Oakland, California, the story offers a profound glimpse into the lives and aspirations of its characters, captivating the reader with every twist of events.
Maxine is depicted as a strong, charismatic, and determined woman who navigates through the complexities of personal and professional life with humor and resilience. In a world where relationships intersect with individual ambitions and unexpected challenges, Mitchell constructs a story about love, friendship, and difficult choices.
For those eager to explore a captivating novel with complex characters and a story full of surprises, "Maxine" is a must-read.
I had the pleasure of reading another book by the author Carol Mitchell, but "Maxine" is definitely a must-read. With an attractive cover and a simple yet profound story, told with complex and well-built characters, the novel captivates you from the first pages.
"Maxine," written by Carol Mitchell, is a captivating story about the unexpected power of a woman who inadvertently attracts the affection of men around her. Maxine Ball, a 38-year-old entrepreneur and TikTok influencer, doesn't realize how much she can influence her platonic friendships until one of these friends falls in love with her against her warnings.
The book explores the complex dynamics between Maxine and two exceptional neurologists, Dr. Richard Logan and Dr. Brad Montgomery, both drawn to Maxine in different ways. As Maxine pursues her business and career in the cosmetics industry, her relationships with these two friends become unexpectedly complicated, bringing forth emotional conflicts and difficult decisions.
Mitchell employs a lively and humorous narrative to highlight the vibrant personalities of the characters and to underscore the romantic tensions and moral dilemmas they face. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant community in Oakland, California, the story offers a profound glimpse into the lives and aspirations of its characters, captivating the reader with every twist of events.
Maxine is depicted as a strong, charismatic, and determined woman who navigates through the complexities of personal and professional life with humor and resilience. In a world where relationships intersect with individual ambitions and unexpected challenges, Mitchell constructs a story about love, friendship, and difficult choices.
For those eager to explore a captivating novel with complex characters and a story full of surprises, "Maxine" is a must-read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2024
This is the second book that I have had the pleasure to read by Carol Mitchell, and she has done it again! “Maxine” is full of love, heartache, struggle, friendship, and so much more. Maxine Ball is one of the more admirable characters that I have ever read about – she is confident, trusting, successful, loving, and so many other qualities that many people strive to be, and it is no wonder that she found herself with two best friends completely enamored with her. The friendship that she has with Richard Logan is one for the ages as they both show their unwavering loyalty and support to each other, but he is not ready to settle down and she knows this better than anyone. Once Richard introduces Maxine to his childhood best friend, Brad Montgomery, things change forever, and Richard instantly knows that he has made a mistake. I will save the rest for when you pick up a copy and read for yourself, because this is not a book that you want to miss out on.
“Maxine” is written with multiple character perspectives with a narrator at the forefront that will also pop in a few times while she is telling the story. This unique style is unlike anything that I have read before, but it was highly intriguing. The narrator’s voice was written in a way it truly felt like you were with her having a conversation over your favorite snacks and tea, while she is keeping you on the edge of your seat dying to hear what happens next in the story! The writing style can be one that you need to adjust to and became hard to follow a few times through the book, but it made for a different experience where readers feel fully immersed into the thick of the drama and the narrator is asking questions.
Any readers that are looking for a book that will pull you in from page one and check of every box, “Maxine” is a must read. Highly recommend!
“Maxine” is written with multiple character perspectives with a narrator at the forefront that will also pop in a few times while she is telling the story. This unique style is unlike anything that I have read before, but it was highly intriguing. The narrator’s voice was written in a way it truly felt like you were with her having a conversation over your favorite snacks and tea, while she is keeping you on the edge of your seat dying to hear what happens next in the story! The writing style can be one that you need to adjust to and became hard to follow a few times through the book, but it made for a different experience where readers feel fully immersed into the thick of the drama and the narrator is asking questions.
Any readers that are looking for a book that will pull you in from page one and check of every box, “Maxine” is a must read. Highly recommend!
July 21, 2024
It is a must-read for those people who enjoy a light-read, romance novel with hints of life lessons being thrown your way.
The author has a beautifully crafted narrator’s voice that guides you throughout this rollercoaster of a story and the casualty of the tone makes you feel like you are a part of the story itself.
Firstly, I am putting the spotlight on my favorite lines from the poem by Kenneth;
“Not even the people who are supposed to have our backs,
Is too busy stabbing it and that’s a fact!”
This novel delves into the intertwined lives of Maxine, Richard, and Brad and explains how triumphs and heart-wrenching challenges are parts of all our lives. Love and friendship, both bear their own complexities while the unspoken feelings bring their own share of complications in one’s life.
Brad and Richard, inseparable friends from Hunter’s Point, embark on transformative journeys to become the best neurologists at Highland Hospital Oakland. How both boys’ lives revolve around Maxine and how they struggle through their feelings and differences is a story well-written. (Have so many details to include, but I won’t be giving away any spoilers.)
The side characters, including Richard’s mother, Pixie, Marsela, and Angela, all make this novel an even more interesting story for the readers.
The author’s engaging writing style brings the characters’ lives to life and vividly defines their emotional growth throughout the novel. A compelling page-turner that explores the themes of communication and sacrifices reminds us to practice openness, understanding, and expressing emotions in every relationship.
The author has a beautifully crafted narrator’s voice that guides you throughout this rollercoaster of a story and the casualty of the tone makes you feel like you are a part of the story itself.
Firstly, I am putting the spotlight on my favorite lines from the poem by Kenneth;
“Not even the people who are supposed to have our backs,
Is too busy stabbing it and that’s a fact!”
This novel delves into the intertwined lives of Maxine, Richard, and Brad and explains how triumphs and heart-wrenching challenges are parts of all our lives. Love and friendship, both bear their own complexities while the unspoken feelings bring their own share of complications in one’s life.
Brad and Richard, inseparable friends from Hunter’s Point, embark on transformative journeys to become the best neurologists at Highland Hospital Oakland. How both boys’ lives revolve around Maxine and how they struggle through their feelings and differences is a story well-written. (Have so many details to include, but I won’t be giving away any spoilers.)
The side characters, including Richard’s mother, Pixie, Marsela, and Angela, all make this novel an even more interesting story for the readers.
The author’s engaging writing style brings the characters’ lives to life and vividly defines their emotional growth throughout the novel. A compelling page-turner that explores the themes of communication and sacrifices reminds us to practice openness, understanding, and expressing emotions in every relationship.
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