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The Many Futures of Maddy Hart
Suddenly Maddy is right there… in her very own future. And it’s all wrong, yet again.
It happens to her every time. When the kisses lead to the bedroom, just when she thinks she might have found the one… Just for a split second, Maddy disappears, and she finds that she’s living her own life. But ten years into the future.
She’s only there for a little while. But each time, it’s long enough to know that she doesn’t want to be any of those future versions of Maddy. Because every man she falls for seems to lead her to a future that is just… wrong.
Until she meets Oliver. And the vision of their future is happy. Beautiful even. A little girl runs around, her braids flying behind her, giggling about how she wants sausages for dinner. She has eyes just like Oliver’s.
There’s just one catch. If Maddy wants the family she’s seeing in her future with Oliver, she realizes she has to break his heart now…
Would you destroy your present if there’s a chance that it could give you the perfect future?
The most unmissable ‘what if?’ love story of the year!
It happens to her every time. When the kisses lead to the bedroom, just when she thinks she might have found the one… Just for a split second, Maddy disappears, and she finds that she’s living her own life. But ten years into the future.
She’s only there for a little while. But each time, it’s long enough to know that she doesn’t want to be any of those future versions of Maddy. Because every man she falls for seems to lead her to a future that is just… wrong.
Until she meets Oliver. And the vision of their future is happy. Beautiful even. A little girl runs around, her braids flying behind her, giggling about how she wants sausages for dinner. She has eyes just like Oliver’s.
There’s just one catch. If Maddy wants the family she’s seeing in her future with Oliver, she realizes she has to break his heart now…
Would you destroy your present if there’s a chance that it could give you the perfect future?
The most unmissable ‘what if?’ love story of the year!
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2025
823 people are currently reading
1115 people want to read
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January 15, 2025
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The Book Review Crew Blog
Where do I even start with this book? It was so unique, every time Maddy has sex she transports herself ten years into the future. Maddie has decided rare, one-time sexual encounters are all she can handle…until she meets Oliver.
My gosh the romance and all the feels of this one got to me and I am not a romantic person at heart. Maddy isn’t in the future very long, just enough for a quick peek. She can't really control it or anything that happens while she is there. All she can really do is get information. I loved the two main leads so much, both as a couple and as individuals. Maddie's friend Priya was an amazing girlfriend to her and had her back at all times but she wasn't afraid to tell her what's what. I liked how Maddy’s visions of the future concerned her and her partner and her friends and family.
This was a very well-thought-out plot that was executed perfectly. I have read every book by Laura Pearson and she is always a consistent four or five-star read, she always packs an emotional punch but her books aren't soppy, they’re true to life with well-wounded characters. I highly recommend all of her works.
Check out my other Laura Pearson Reviews:
Missing Pieces
I Wanted You To Know
The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine
The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Book Review Crew Blog
Where do I even start with this book? It was so unique, every time Maddy has sex she transports herself ten years into the future. Maddie has decided rare, one-time sexual encounters are all she can handle…until she meets Oliver.
My gosh the romance and all the feels of this one got to me and I am not a romantic person at heart. Maddy isn’t in the future very long, just enough for a quick peek. She can't really control it or anything that happens while she is there. All she can really do is get information. I loved the two main leads so much, both as a couple and as individuals. Maddie's friend Priya was an amazing girlfriend to her and had her back at all times but she wasn't afraid to tell her what's what. I liked how Maddy’s visions of the future concerned her and her partner and her friends and family.
This was a very well-thought-out plot that was executed perfectly. I have read every book by Laura Pearson and she is always a consistent four or five-star read, she always packs an emotional punch but her books aren't soppy, they’re true to life with well-wounded characters. I highly recommend all of her works.
Check out my other Laura Pearson Reviews:
Missing Pieces
I Wanted You To Know
The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine
The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
February 9, 2025
In a Nutshell: A contemporary fantasy-romance. Okay lead character, great supporting characters, unique plot, fast tempo, abrupt ending. Good for those who like thought-provoking books.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
PSA: The GR blurb reveals too much.
This is my fourth book by this author, and my reading experience has been mostly consistent. Two of the books – ‘The Last List of Mabel Beaumont’ and ‘The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up’ – were proper women’s fiction titles, and they were good though not mind-blowing. The other two books - ‘The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine’ and this latest novel – had shades of magical realism, and they both clicked much better because of their imaginative plots.
Bookish Yays:
😍 The concept. Whether this falls under magical realism or fantasy, the idea is certainly unique. It’s always nice to see atypical premises being explored within what readers usually consider a predictable genre. The plot explores the question of “Is it good to know what your future holds?” convincingly. (Answer: It never is!)
😍 Oliver is not like typical romance novel leads. He is too good to be true, so much so that I kept viewing him with suspicion, waiting to see some red flag to pop up. I liked how his personality showed strength as well as vulnerability.
😍 The depiction of the two Asian characters in the book satisfied this South Asian a lot. Priya, Maddy’s friend and possibly of Indian origin, was the perfect bestie to Maddy. Their rapport and mutual support set high friendship goals. Then there was Mrs. Aziz, who stayed in the same building and might be of South Asian or Middle-Eastern origin. She too was an excellent character who had a good (albeit small) role in the book. This is one of the few times I’ve seen a Muslim character being treated like an ordinary human being instead of as a person restricted or dogmatised by their faith. In fact, both Priya and Mrs. Aziz are realistically written without hackneyed references to their background.
😍 Maddy’s mother, her stepfather, and her brother add to the emotional quotient of the book without making it feel sappy. I loved the realistic portrayal of the struggles of a family after a life-changing incident.
😍 Maddy and Oliver are aspiring actors, so the book highlights the struggles of this career choice well, without diving into too many clichés.
😍 The handling of the timelines, present and future, is creative and well-written. I had been a bit apprehensive about reading a novel that seemed to have plenty of sex scenes, but all the bedroom encounters are closed-door, with Maddy’s shift to the future written seamlessly.
😍 Despite the tricky plotline and a long timeline, the writing is fast and smooth. Thanks to the short chapters, the book zooms by.
😍 While I didn’t pick this book up for the romance, I was still mostly satisfied with how it was written. The connection between Maddy and Oliver is somewhat instant but not based on shallow reasons. Their relationship is mostly supportive and healthy, with lot of open communication except about Maddy’s obvious secret.
😍 I always like books that make me wonder what I would have done in that character’s situation. I honestly think I wouldn’t have taken many of the choices Maddy made, but this made the book more intriguing to me as Maddy’s actions added a slight uncertainty to the proceedings.
😍 I didn’t expect to go into philosophical musings while reading this book, but its indirect exploration of free will vs determinism kept my mind busy while reading. Can you really have control over the future? Would you manipulate your present, or even sabotage it, in order to ensure that it matches the future you saw in a vision? Or would you just go with the flow, believing that life will take you wherever it wants you to go? No clear answers to these questions, but fun to ponder upon.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🤔 The ending. To be clear, it is not a bad ending, but it is not a “women’s fiction” ending. Perhaps I wouldn’t have been surprised to see such a finish in a literary fiction work, but in this book, I was certainly caught unawares. It’s a brave decision to end the book at that point, but also a risky one. I feel that of all the readers who might end up disliking the book, most of them will do so because of the ending. I am still deciding whether I like it or not!
Bookish Nays:
🙁 I couldn’t connect strongly with Maddy, especially because of the decisions she makes, always using more heart than head. She is impulsive and keeps jumping to (oft incorrect) conclusions. This makes her feel more like the lead of a YA novel than of an adult fiction. Her first-person narration also gives us several contradictions, especially when she observes the future. It felt like deliberate misleading.
All in all, this isn’t a typical fantasy-romance. While the eponymous Maddy Hart left me unsure about her motivations and actions, the other characters and the unusual plotline kept me hooked. It goes without saying that I will continue to read Laura Pearson novels without any hesitation because all her books offer food for thought.
As there’s no possibility of adding an epilogue to this novel anymore, I insist that this book get a sequel. After investing so much in Maddy’s fantastical journey into her future, we deserve more closure. *hint, hint, Boldwood Books!*
Definitely recommended to those who enjoy atypical romance stories with a strong dollop of magical realism, and don’t mind impulsive characters and incomplete plot points.
3.75 stars. (With only one Mixed Bag and one Nay, another novel would perhaps have earned a higher rating. But both those issues were major hurdles for me and this dipped my overall reading experience.)
My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and author Laura Pearson for a complimentary copy of 'The Many Futures of Maddy Hart' via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Whenever Maddy has *intimate relations*, her mind takes her ten years in the future, not as a watcher but as living in her own future self. Though this lasts only for a few moments, it is enough to show Maddy a glimpse of what future lies ahead for her with her current partner-in-bed. Needless to say, these future visions ensure that she doesn’t sleep around. But when, at age twenty-seven, she meets Oliver, who could be the love of her life, and she sees their future together, she knows for certain that she wants that future. No matter the cost.
The story comes to us in Maddy’s first-person perspective.
PSA: The GR blurb reveals too much.
This is my fourth book by this author, and my reading experience has been mostly consistent. Two of the books – ‘The Last List of Mabel Beaumont’ and ‘The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up’ – were proper women’s fiction titles, and they were good though not mind-blowing. The other two books - ‘The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine’ and this latest novel – had shades of magical realism, and they both clicked much better because of their imaginative plots.
Bookish Yays:
😍 The concept. Whether this falls under magical realism or fantasy, the idea is certainly unique. It’s always nice to see atypical premises being explored within what readers usually consider a predictable genre. The plot explores the question of “Is it good to know what your future holds?” convincingly. (Answer: It never is!)
😍 Oliver is not like typical romance novel leads. He is too good to be true, so much so that I kept viewing him with suspicion, waiting to see some red flag to pop up. I liked how his personality showed strength as well as vulnerability.
😍 The depiction of the two Asian characters in the book satisfied this South Asian a lot. Priya, Maddy’s friend and possibly of Indian origin, was the perfect bestie to Maddy. Their rapport and mutual support set high friendship goals. Then there was Mrs. Aziz, who stayed in the same building and might be of South Asian or Middle-Eastern origin. She too was an excellent character who had a good (albeit small) role in the book. This is one of the few times I’ve seen a Muslim character being treated like an ordinary human being instead of as a person restricted or dogmatised by their faith. In fact, both Priya and Mrs. Aziz are realistically written without hackneyed references to their background.
😍 Maddy’s mother, her stepfather, and her brother add to the emotional quotient of the book without making it feel sappy. I loved the realistic portrayal of the struggles of a family after a life-changing incident.
😍 Maddy and Oliver are aspiring actors, so the book highlights the struggles of this career choice well, without diving into too many clichés.
😍 The handling of the timelines, present and future, is creative and well-written. I had been a bit apprehensive about reading a novel that seemed to have plenty of sex scenes, but all the bedroom encounters are closed-door, with Maddy’s shift to the future written seamlessly.
😍 Despite the tricky plotline and a long timeline, the writing is fast and smooth. Thanks to the short chapters, the book zooms by.
😍 While I didn’t pick this book up for the romance, I was still mostly satisfied with how it was written. The connection between Maddy and Oliver is somewhat instant but not based on shallow reasons. Their relationship is mostly supportive and healthy, with lot of open communication except about Maddy’s obvious secret.
😍 I always like books that make me wonder what I would have done in that character’s situation. I honestly think I wouldn’t have taken many of the choices Maddy made, but this made the book more intriguing to me as Maddy’s actions added a slight uncertainty to the proceedings.
😍 I didn’t expect to go into philosophical musings while reading this book, but its indirect exploration of free will vs determinism kept my mind busy while reading. Can you really have control over the future? Would you manipulate your present, or even sabotage it, in order to ensure that it matches the future you saw in a vision? Or would you just go with the flow, believing that life will take you wherever it wants you to go? No clear answers to these questions, but fun to ponder upon.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🤔 The ending. To be clear, it is not a bad ending, but it is not a “women’s fiction” ending. Perhaps I wouldn’t have been surprised to see such a finish in a literary fiction work, but in this book, I was certainly caught unawares. It’s a brave decision to end the book at that point, but also a risky one. I feel that of all the readers who might end up disliking the book, most of them will do so because of the ending. I am still deciding whether I like it or not!
Bookish Nays:
🙁 I couldn’t connect strongly with Maddy, especially because of the decisions she makes, always using more heart than head. She is impulsive and keeps jumping to (oft incorrect) conclusions. This makes her feel more like the lead of a YA novel than of an adult fiction. Her first-person narration also gives us several contradictions, especially when she observes the future. It felt like deliberate misleading.
All in all, this isn’t a typical fantasy-romance. While the eponymous Maddy Hart left me unsure about her motivations and actions, the other characters and the unusual plotline kept me hooked. It goes without saying that I will continue to read Laura Pearson novels without any hesitation because all her books offer food for thought.
As there’s no possibility of adding an epilogue to this novel anymore, I insist that this book get a sequel. After investing so much in Maddy’s fantastical journey into her future, we deserve more closure. *hint, hint, Boldwood Books!*
Definitely recommended to those who enjoy atypical romance stories with a strong dollop of magical realism, and don’t mind impulsive characters and incomplete plot points.
3.75 stars. (With only one Mixed Bag and one Nay, another novel would perhaps have earned a higher rating. But both those issues were major hurdles for me and this dipped my overall reading experience.)
My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and author Laura Pearson for a complimentary copy of 'The Many Futures of Maddy Hart' via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
December 19, 2024
Maddy sees various futures every time she… Oh, use your imagination people. How unsettling. It might put you off ever stepping near a bedroom other than to sleep. That is until she meets Oliver. Will her visions be of a perfect future? Will she dare to find out?
Now, if you’re panicking wondering if THAT door is wide open, it’s not. There’s just enough to give you insight into her possible future. So rest assured - which is more than Maddy often does!
I really like the concept of this latest novel from the talented Laura Pearson. It helps greatly that the central characters are so likeable that I find myself immersed in all the possibilities. Priya, Maddy’s best friend plays a central role, Maddy’s family are lovely and there’s a good storyline to follow there. I could fall in love with Oliver myself, he’s quite a catch and a terrific, caring human being. Maddy is an entertaining central protagonist although there are a few of her actions that make little sense to me but do to her. These do add to the emotion of the read. It’s full of the twists and turns of life, the ups and downs with the addition of the unsettling concept. What would you do to if faced with Maddy’s life? At times she does seem very certain but, what if it’s wrong???
The plot has plenty of layers to it, there’s a lot going on as there are in many people’s lives which adds a touch of realism to the improbable concept which I do enjoy, as it’s different. The writing is engaging, sensitive and compassionate, at times it’s quite funny and at others emotional. Maddy’s internal conflict and inability to share the improbability of this with pretty much everyone comes across well. The ending is a bit abrupt but it works as life should be uncertain.
I’d say this is another winner for Laura Pearson.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Boldwood Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Now, if you’re panicking wondering if THAT door is wide open, it’s not. There’s just enough to give you insight into her possible future. So rest assured - which is more than Maddy often does!
I really like the concept of this latest novel from the talented Laura Pearson. It helps greatly that the central characters are so likeable that I find myself immersed in all the possibilities. Priya, Maddy’s best friend plays a central role, Maddy’s family are lovely and there’s a good storyline to follow there. I could fall in love with Oliver myself, he’s quite a catch and a terrific, caring human being. Maddy is an entertaining central protagonist although there are a few of her actions that make little sense to me but do to her. These do add to the emotion of the read. It’s full of the twists and turns of life, the ups and downs with the addition of the unsettling concept. What would you do to if faced with Maddy’s life? At times she does seem very certain but, what if it’s wrong???
The plot has plenty of layers to it, there’s a lot going on as there are in many people’s lives which adds a touch of realism to the improbable concept which I do enjoy, as it’s different. The writing is engaging, sensitive and compassionate, at times it’s quite funny and at others emotional. Maddy’s internal conflict and inability to share the improbability of this with pretty much everyone comes across well. The ending is a bit abrupt but it works as life should be uncertain.
I’d say this is another winner for Laura Pearson.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Boldwood Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
February 12, 2025
2.7 Stars
One Liner: It's not you, it's me! Didn't work for me
Every time, Maddy thinks she found the one and takes things with them into the bedroom, she blanks out and goes into the future. There, she sees herself with the guy ten years down the lane. Let’s just say, these little glimpses are enough to make her run and not look back.
However, Maddy meets Oliver and sees a happy and beautiful future with him… but only if she breaks his heart now. Should Maddy destroy her present for a future she sees?
The story comes in Maddy’s first-person POV in different timelines (neatly marked).
My Thoughts:
Well, no way I can resist a premise like this! I’ve read one book by the author and liked it. However, it also made me expect a certain writing style and not finding it here took a while to get used to.
Since the FMC is twenty-six, she is clearly not mature enough for a heavier writing style. In that sense, the overall vibe fits the characters perfectly. The narration is also fast-paced in the first half.
The concept of blanking out into the future is well done. There’s no confusion at any point. Moreover, it doesn’t feel awkward or give us too many details. Even the intimate scenes fade out.
Priya surely added some charm to the book (Priya and Anushka seem be to the most popular Indian names used by Western authors, lol). She is a good friend despite the theatrics (Maddy is an actor but Priya excels in drama). I think her track is much better than the central plot though we don’t get a lot of information.
The subplot involving the stepbrother’s condition is touching and adds much-needed depth to the plot. I also like that it is kept realistic. I like the kid too. His emotions feel real, making me want to give him a hug.
The uncertainties and difficulties of being a struggling actor are very well presented. Since both main characters are in the same field, their discussions are meaningful and helpful. Rooting for their career success is easy (even if I couldn’t root for their love life).
The MMC is pretty decent. However, my major issue is that I couldn’t feel/ connect with their relationship at any point. It’s hard to feel their emotions or the love they have for each other.
Some of Maddy’s decisions aren’t good/ respectful, considering how much she seems to like the guy. In fact, I don’t like quite a few of her decisions. And to think the guy feels he is lucky to have her. If only he knew the truth!
My issue is the FMC. While it makes sense for her to act immature, her decisions tend to be stupid as well. There’s no other word for it. Though the premise makes it clear a breakup is necessary, the reasons and the whole thought process around it are… annoying. As much as I understand the need to control whatever we can of our future, the FMC spends almost all her time letting the future dictate her actions rather than trying to change the future by taking control of her present. The concept of free will is important in astrology, tarot reading, etc. There are no guarantees even if some people insist otherwise.
Even if I let this go, the ending is so dissatisfying! I mean, why would you give it such a strange development and end it like that? It feels like a rushed attempt to conclude the story somehow or a sudden switch to lit-fic style ending when the rest is women’s fic. I wish it was better handled.
To summarize, The Many Futures of Maddy Hart has an irresistible premise and a few worthy themes but it didn’t work for me. This is more of a me problem, so please check other reviews before you decide.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheManyFuturesOfMaddyHart
One Liner: It's not you, it's me! Didn't work for me
Every time, Maddy thinks she found the one and takes things with them into the bedroom, she blanks out and goes into the future. There, she sees herself with the guy ten years down the lane. Let’s just say, these little glimpses are enough to make her run and not look back.
However, Maddy meets Oliver and sees a happy and beautiful future with him… but only if she breaks his heart now. Should Maddy destroy her present for a future she sees?
The story comes in Maddy’s first-person POV in different timelines (neatly marked).
My Thoughts:
Well, no way I can resist a premise like this! I’ve read one book by the author and liked it. However, it also made me expect a certain writing style and not finding it here took a while to get used to.
Since the FMC is twenty-six, she is clearly not mature enough for a heavier writing style. In that sense, the overall vibe fits the characters perfectly. The narration is also fast-paced in the first half.
The concept of blanking out into the future is well done. There’s no confusion at any point. Moreover, it doesn’t feel awkward or give us too many details. Even the intimate scenes fade out.
Priya surely added some charm to the book (Priya and Anushka seem be to the most popular Indian names used by Western authors, lol). She is a good friend despite the theatrics (Maddy is an actor but Priya excels in drama). I think her track is much better than the central plot though we don’t get a lot of information.
The subplot involving the stepbrother’s condition is touching and adds much-needed depth to the plot. I also like that it is kept realistic. I like the kid too. His emotions feel real, making me want to give him a hug.
The uncertainties and difficulties of being a struggling actor are very well presented. Since both main characters are in the same field, their discussions are meaningful and helpful. Rooting for their career success is easy (even if I couldn’t root for their love life).
The MMC is pretty decent. However, my major issue is that I couldn’t feel/ connect with their relationship at any point. It’s hard to feel their emotions or the love they have for each other.
Some of Maddy’s decisions aren’t good/ respectful, considering how much she seems to like the guy. In fact, I don’t like quite a few of her decisions. And to think the guy feels he is lucky to have her. If only he knew the truth!
My issue is the FMC. While it makes sense for her to act immature, her decisions tend to be stupid as well. There’s no other word for it. Though the premise makes it clear a breakup is necessary, the reasons and the whole thought process around it are… annoying. As much as I understand the need to control whatever we can of our future, the FMC spends almost all her time letting the future dictate her actions rather than trying to change the future by taking control of her present. The concept of free will is important in astrology, tarot reading, etc. There are no guarantees even if some people insist otherwise.
Even if I let this go, the ending is so dissatisfying! I mean, why would you give it such a strange development and end it like that? It feels like a rushed attempt to conclude the story somehow or a sudden switch to lit-fic style ending when the rest is women’s fic. I wish it was better handled.
To summarize, The Many Futures of Maddy Hart has an irresistible premise and a few worthy themes but it didn’t work for me. This is more of a me problem, so please check other reviews before you decide.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheManyFuturesOfMaddyHart
March 27, 2025
EXCERPT: . . . I give her a quick wave and head out of the door. But just as I'm shutting it behind me, she appears.
"Pub?" she asks. "Later? Seven or so?"
I think about the money I just earned, how I need it for rent and food and bills and probably other important things I haven't thought of yet. "Sure," I say. "Will I see you at home first?"
"Not sure. I might go straight there."
"Okay. See you at seven."
On the bus home, I try to think about the audition I have in three days' time. It's for a daytime medical drama. Patient two. I'll go over my lines again before I meet Priya. When Oliver pops into my head, I'm sort of surprised. I picture the way his hair was flattened against his head when he appeared at the café because of the stupid hat. The way we connected, how easy it was to chat. But what are the chances I'll ever see him again? And besides, I'm not looking for that. Whatever that might be. Friendship. Companionship. An acting buddy. A boyfriend. A lover. I am not looking for any of those things. Because of them hold the possibility of sex, and the bad thing that happens when I have sex.
ABOUT 'THE MANY FUTURES OF MADDY HART': Suddenly Maddy is right there… in her very own future. And it’s all wrong, yet again.
It happens to her every time. When the kisses lead to the bedroom, just when she thinks she might have found the one… Just for a split second, Maddy disappears, and she finds that she’s living her own life. But ten years into the future.
She’s only there for a little while. But each time, it’s long enough to know that she doesn’t want to be any of those future versions of Maddy. Because every man she falls for seems to lead her to a future that is just… wrong.
Until she meets Oliver. And the vision of their future is happy. Beautiful even. A little girl runs around, her braids flying behind her, giggling about how she wants sausages for dinner. She has eyes just like Oliver’s.
There’s just one catch. If Maddy wants the family she’s seeing in her future with Oliver, she realizes she has to break his heart now…
Would you destroy your present if there’s a chance that it could give you the perfect future?
MY THOUGHTS: The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is different - in a good way. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this when I picked it up. I don't enjoy 'time-travel' books in general, and this falls into that category. I'm not a lover of romance novels, and The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a romance, but a rather unique and wonderful one that's neither soppy nor saccharine. It is a bit 'chic-lit' and I am really too old for chic-lit, but it is realistic rather than overdone. And I simply adored the fantasy/magical realism aspect - so thought provoking!
I found it easy to connect with Maddy's character, probably because I could recognise little bits of myself at that age in her - the bits that jump to ill-conceived conclusions and over-react. It is something I have grown out of, but I remember it well (cringe).
I love the way we can see glimpses of the future - exactly 10 years to the minute into the future - but have no idea if (a) this is real and actually going to happen, and (b) how it's going to come about. It's very tantalising . . .
There are many layers to this plot, not least the ethical aspects of what Maddy is doing (not that she has much choice!). I am still debating the question of, if I could see ten years into my future, would I want to? There's also the age-old debate of the need to make a living vs following one's creative bent. Maddy wants one thing, her family want something else for her.
Yes, Maddy's family - they have faced a life-changing accident and are doing their best for Maddy's younger brother. I liked her family a lot but could see that they were rather smothering her brother, with the very best intentions of course, but still smothering him.
Oliver is almost too good to be true. He is a nice, kind, caring, genuine person. I do believe that there are still a few of this endangered species around, found more commonly in fiction than in reality - but they do exist.
Supporting characters Priya, Maddy's best friend, and Mrs. Aziz, a font of wisdom (and home baking!), are both a delight. Priya and Maddy are very unalike, but their characters complement one another.
Other themes explored in this book include blended families and miscarriage.
Some people may not like the ending in which, like in real life, everything is not tied up nicely and neatly in a bow. Questions remain about the future but then, don't they always. Personally, after sitting and thinking about it for a while after finishing reading, I do like it. It was enough.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheManyFuturesofMaddyHart #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Laura Pearson has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester. She lives in Leicestershire with her husband and their two children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Many Futures of Maddy Hart by Laura Pearson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I was pleased to be able to complement my reading experience by listening to the audiobook of The Many futures of Maddy Hart written by Laura Pearson and narrated by Laura Kirman. Thanks to @waitomodistrictlibrary for the loan of the audiobook.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
"Pub?" she asks. "Later? Seven or so?"
I think about the money I just earned, how I need it for rent and food and bills and probably other important things I haven't thought of yet. "Sure," I say. "Will I see you at home first?"
"Not sure. I might go straight there."
"Okay. See you at seven."
On the bus home, I try to think about the audition I have in three days' time. It's for a daytime medical drama. Patient two. I'll go over my lines again before I meet Priya. When Oliver pops into my head, I'm sort of surprised. I picture the way his hair was flattened against his head when he appeared at the café because of the stupid hat. The way we connected, how easy it was to chat. But what are the chances I'll ever see him again? And besides, I'm not looking for that. Whatever that might be. Friendship. Companionship. An acting buddy. A boyfriend. A lover. I am not looking for any of those things. Because of them hold the possibility of sex, and the bad thing that happens when I have sex.
ABOUT 'THE MANY FUTURES OF MADDY HART': Suddenly Maddy is right there… in her very own future. And it’s all wrong, yet again.
It happens to her every time. When the kisses lead to the bedroom, just when she thinks she might have found the one… Just for a split second, Maddy disappears, and she finds that she’s living her own life. But ten years into the future.
She’s only there for a little while. But each time, it’s long enough to know that she doesn’t want to be any of those future versions of Maddy. Because every man she falls for seems to lead her to a future that is just… wrong.
Until she meets Oliver. And the vision of their future is happy. Beautiful even. A little girl runs around, her braids flying behind her, giggling about how she wants sausages for dinner. She has eyes just like Oliver’s.
There’s just one catch. If Maddy wants the family she’s seeing in her future with Oliver, she realizes she has to break his heart now…
Would you destroy your present if there’s a chance that it could give you the perfect future?
MY THOUGHTS: The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is different - in a good way. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this when I picked it up. I don't enjoy 'time-travel' books in general, and this falls into that category. I'm not a lover of romance novels, and The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a romance, but a rather unique and wonderful one that's neither soppy nor saccharine. It is a bit 'chic-lit' and I am really too old for chic-lit, but it is realistic rather than overdone. And I simply adored the fantasy/magical realism aspect - so thought provoking!
I found it easy to connect with Maddy's character, probably because I could recognise little bits of myself at that age in her - the bits that jump to ill-conceived conclusions and over-react. It is something I have grown out of, but I remember it well (cringe).
I love the way we can see glimpses of the future - exactly 10 years to the minute into the future - but have no idea if (a) this is real and actually going to happen, and (b) how it's going to come about. It's very tantalising . . .
There are many layers to this plot, not least the ethical aspects of what Maddy is doing (not that she has much choice!). I am still debating the question of, if I could see ten years into my future, would I want to? There's also the age-old debate of the need to make a living vs following one's creative bent. Maddy wants one thing, her family want something else for her.
Yes, Maddy's family - they have faced a life-changing accident and are doing their best for Maddy's younger brother. I liked her family a lot but could see that they were rather smothering her brother, with the very best intentions of course, but still smothering him.
Oliver is almost too good to be true. He is a nice, kind, caring, genuine person. I do believe that there are still a few of this endangered species around, found more commonly in fiction than in reality - but they do exist.
Supporting characters Priya, Maddy's best friend, and Mrs. Aziz, a font of wisdom (and home baking!), are both a delight. Priya and Maddy are very unalike, but their characters complement one another.
Other themes explored in this book include blended families and miscarriage.
Some people may not like the ending in which, like in real life, everything is not tied up nicely and neatly in a bow. Questions remain about the future but then, don't they always. Personally, after sitting and thinking about it for a while after finishing reading, I do like it. It was enough.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheManyFuturesofMaddyHart #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Laura Pearson has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester. She lives in Leicestershire with her husband and their two children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Many Futures of Maddy Hart by Laura Pearson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I was pleased to be able to complement my reading experience by listening to the audiobook of The Many futures of Maddy Hart written by Laura Pearson and narrated by Laura Kirman. Thanks to @waitomodistrictlibrary for the loan of the audiobook.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
February 8, 2025
Can Laura Pearson ever write a below-par book?
The more I read of her books (she is an auto buy author for me, I don't even read the blurb!), the more I'm convinced that her novels are all wonderful.
The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a fascinating and thought provoking read, where the lead character sees glimpses of her futures 10 years from that moment. I loved seeing both timelines develop and progress through the book, and how it affected Maddy and her family and friends in their current situation.
This was such a good read, I think you can easily read in one sitting. Maddy was a fabulous character and I wanted to see how her story played out... so I lost some sleep! Sleep is overrated when you're a bookworm.
The more I read of her books (she is an auto buy author for me, I don't even read the blurb!), the more I'm convinced that her novels are all wonderful.
The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a fascinating and thought provoking read, where the lead character sees glimpses of her futures 10 years from that moment. I loved seeing both timelines develop and progress through the book, and how it affected Maddy and her family and friends in their current situation.
This was such a good read, I think you can easily read in one sitting. Maddy was a fabulous character and I wanted to see how her story played out... so I lost some sleep! Sleep is overrated when you're a bookworm.
December 27, 2024
This book sounded interesting but, it started off great and I thought this one is going to be good. But halfway through it got a little tedious and predictable. I got through it and found it very unsatisfying. Onto the next one. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
March 5, 2025
One Liner: Good contemporary romance (Not sure of the ending)
Synopsis : Maddy Hart, a 26 year old struggling actor always gets visions of her future with the person she is having intimate relations with. These visions are scary to her and makes her break up with the person she is seeing and because of this she almost swore off of dating. She meets a cute and nice guy Oliver at a Christmas job in the mall and due to unforeseen circumstances ends up being his roommate. The charming and good guy might end up being the one for her and even the visions about future tell her that she might have hit the lottery. Unfortunately there are no free lunches and she needs to validate and see if she needs that future at any cost.
My thoughts:
The book has a very different premise and I haven't anything like this till now. I have read one book by this author (The Last List of Mabel Beaumont) and had liked it. This book was not an exception either. I enjoyed reading this "different" book. The language is simple, the thoughts of the female main character and her friend is also simple and straight forward owing to their ages. Oliver is kind of a boy friend which most of the girls want to have. At one point it felt like he was too good to be true lol.
The addition of Maddy's family (mum, stepdad and brother) was really nice. It added so much depth to Maddy's character. Maddy's bff Priya's character is also developed well. A real friend for life. None of the secondary characters are ignored including the cat Marjorie. The timelines in the book between current and future has been handled very well. There is absolutely no confusion in that. The best part of the book is the breezy writing, it makes the story go faster. Shorter chapters was really a bonus
I do have couple of grouses about the book. I couldn't really connect with Maddy or her decisions at times. She seemed too immature for her age. A struggling actor living away from her family cannot afford to be that immature.
And my second grouse is about the ending. I am not sure if I really liked it or not. Somehow couldn't wrap my head around it.
All in all liked the book for the premise and the writing. My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the digital ARC. The review is my honest opinion of the book.
My rating 4*
Synopsis : Maddy Hart, a 26 year old struggling actor always gets visions of her future with the person she is having intimate relations with. These visions are scary to her and makes her break up with the person she is seeing and because of this she almost swore off of dating. She meets a cute and nice guy Oliver at a Christmas job in the mall and due to unforeseen circumstances ends up being his roommate. The charming and good guy might end up being the one for her and even the visions about future tell her that she might have hit the lottery. Unfortunately there are no free lunches and she needs to validate and see if she needs that future at any cost.
My thoughts:
The book has a very different premise and I haven't anything like this till now. I have read one book by this author (The Last List of Mabel Beaumont) and had liked it. This book was not an exception either. I enjoyed reading this "different" book. The language is simple, the thoughts of the female main character and her friend is also simple and straight forward owing to their ages. Oliver is kind of a boy friend which most of the girls want to have. At one point it felt like he was too good to be true lol.
The addition of Maddy's family (mum, stepdad and brother) was really nice. It added so much depth to Maddy's character. Maddy's bff Priya's character is also developed well. A real friend for life. None of the secondary characters are ignored including the cat Marjorie. The timelines in the book between current and future has been handled very well. There is absolutely no confusion in that. The best part of the book is the breezy writing, it makes the story go faster. Shorter chapters was really a bonus
I do have couple of grouses about the book. I couldn't really connect with Maddy or her decisions at times. She seemed too immature for her age. A struggling actor living away from her family cannot afford to be that immature.
And my second grouse is about the ending. I am not sure if I really liked it or not. Somehow couldn't wrap my head around it.
All in all liked the book for the premise and the writing. My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the digital ARC. The review is my honest opinion of the book.
My rating 4*
January 23, 2025
Imagine being able to live and experience your life in 10 years' time, even though it's only briefly. This is Maddy's life every time she gets intimate with someone. Only everything she sees leaves her feeling unhappy until you meet someone who changes that, Oliver.
So I don't usually read romance unless it's Christmas, but it's Laura Pearson's new book, so I've made an exception. What I love about Laura's stories are that they're so easy to read, filled with emotion and thought-provoking.
The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a beautifully written book with a unique story that really gets you thinking about what you would do if you were in Maddy's shoes. I loved Maddy, I felt every bit of emotion she went through, the happiness she experiences, and also the gut-wrenching sadness, too. I may have shed a tear or two. The connection between her and her best friend Priya and her family was lovely. Then there is Oliver, the perfect man, the man every woman wants to be with.
The writing style and the short chapters make this story flow so easily that you forget your reading. I was so sad this book had to come to an end, especially how it ended. It's left up to you as a reader to decide the fate of Maddy's future, which I actually loved.
Ultimately, it is a romance story, but it is so much more. I enjoyed the magical realism element of this book. It had me thinking about whether our lives are predestined or whether we have free will over our own destiny.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for my advanced copy.
My opinions are my own.
So I don't usually read romance unless it's Christmas, but it's Laura Pearson's new book, so I've made an exception. What I love about Laura's stories are that they're so easy to read, filled with emotion and thought-provoking.
The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a beautifully written book with a unique story that really gets you thinking about what you would do if you were in Maddy's shoes. I loved Maddy, I felt every bit of emotion she went through, the happiness she experiences, and also the gut-wrenching sadness, too. I may have shed a tear or two. The connection between her and her best friend Priya and her family was lovely. Then there is Oliver, the perfect man, the man every woman wants to be with.
The writing style and the short chapters make this story flow so easily that you forget your reading. I was so sad this book had to come to an end, especially how it ended. It's left up to you as a reader to decide the fate of Maddy's future, which I actually loved.
Ultimately, it is a romance story, but it is so much more. I enjoyed the magical realism element of this book. It had me thinking about whether our lives are predestined or whether we have free will over our own destiny.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for my advanced copy.
My opinions are my own.
January 27, 2025
4.5 🌟
What a wonderfully original story. The perfect dose of magical realism.
The plot revolves around Maddy Hart when she discovers that everything she has sex she has a vision on that exact moment but 10 years in the future but only for a short while. Initially it only serves to drive her away from the men she's with until eventually she meets someone that changes everything. She sees a future she may actually want. Maddy has to learn to navigate her real life as a struggling actor while having these secret visions and trying not to let them influence her now too much, until one day she discovers she absolutely has to make certain decisions because of them or risk the future she has come to love.
This was such a lovely premise. The now chapters mixed with the future chapters were a great break on the storyline but also adding to the storyline. Each character added depth and substance to the whole book, enriching it.
The story had charm, love and suspense, making this a well rounded book.
Highly recommended for lovers of magical realism what if scenarios.
Many thanks to Boldworld books for providing me with a copy of the book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
What a wonderfully original story. The perfect dose of magical realism.
The plot revolves around Maddy Hart when she discovers that everything she has sex she has a vision on that exact moment but 10 years in the future but only for a short while. Initially it only serves to drive her away from the men she's with until eventually she meets someone that changes everything. She sees a future she may actually want. Maddy has to learn to navigate her real life as a struggling actor while having these secret visions and trying not to let them influence her now too much, until one day she discovers she absolutely has to make certain decisions because of them or risk the future she has come to love.
This was such a lovely premise. The now chapters mixed with the future chapters were a great break on the storyline but also adding to the storyline. Each character added depth and substance to the whole book, enriching it.
The story had charm, love and suspense, making this a well rounded book.
Highly recommended for lovers of magical realism what if scenarios.
Many thanks to Boldworld books for providing me with a copy of the book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
June 11, 2025
Maddy Hart is a struggling actor, has a best friend named Priya who wants to be a doctor, and Maddy has never been in any long term romantic relationships. The reason for this is every time she has had sex with a man, she has had a vision of their future together, and it's never one she wants.
Then she meets Oliver, another struggling actor, and the two just click, to the point that Maddy can imagine herself with this man for years. And the visions she receives show her happy, with Oliver, and a beautiful, happy little girl. Maddy must decide whether to stay with Oliver, or break up so that they can reunite some time in the future in this happy life she's envisioned.
The visions Maddy receives are just small moments, and it's tough to imagine making major life changes based on a few seconds or minutes of a possible future. But these visions also begin to include her parents and brother, and this only complicates things for her.
However, author Laura Pearson carefully handles the plot so Maddy can navigate the situation, and has Priya give Maddy much needed support.
I will admit that though I liked how well Pearson deals with this unusual time travel situation, I never really warmed to Maddy herself. Oliver is almost too good to be true, though I did like him a lot.
Priya and Mrs. Aziz were standouts for me, despite being only supporting characters. I did love the way their Asian-ness was not a big deal, and Pearson just showed us two terrific women, who happened to not be of European descent.
I did like the pacing, which moved well (I already expected the pacing to be like that, having read other novels by this author). I also liked how while reading I ended up thinking what would I do if I saw snippets of the future?
I will say I was intrigued by the author's choice to end the novel in a slightly open way, which wasn't quite what I was expecting. It's not a bad choice, but it's still an interesting one, considering this is a romance, which typically ends with all the ends nicely tied off together.
I think I would have given this book a higher rating if I had felt more for Maddy, but, Priya and Mrs. Aziz were my faves. So, I'm giving this:
3.5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Then she meets Oliver, another struggling actor, and the two just click, to the point that Maddy can imagine herself with this man for years. And the visions she receives show her happy, with Oliver, and a beautiful, happy little girl. Maddy must decide whether to stay with Oliver, or break up so that they can reunite some time in the future in this happy life she's envisioned.
The visions Maddy receives are just small moments, and it's tough to imagine making major life changes based on a few seconds or minutes of a possible future. But these visions also begin to include her parents and brother, and this only complicates things for her.
However, author Laura Pearson carefully handles the plot so Maddy can navigate the situation, and has Priya give Maddy much needed support.
I will admit that though I liked how well Pearson deals with this unusual time travel situation, I never really warmed to Maddy herself. Oliver is almost too good to be true, though I did like him a lot.
Priya and Mrs. Aziz were standouts for me, despite being only supporting characters. I did love the way their Asian-ness was not a big deal, and Pearson just showed us two terrific women, who happened to not be of European descent.
I did like the pacing, which moved well (I already expected the pacing to be like that, having read other novels by this author). I also liked how while reading I ended up thinking what would I do if I saw snippets of the future?
I will say I was intrigued by the author's choice to end the novel in a slightly open way, which wasn't quite what I was expecting. It's not a bad choice, but it's still an interesting one, considering this is a romance, which typically ends with all the ends nicely tied off together.
I think I would have given this book a higher rating if I had felt more for Maddy, but, Priya and Mrs. Aziz were my faves. So, I'm giving this:
3.5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
August 5, 2025
4.75… a teensy quarter star off for the more abrupt ending than you might expect. As if there’s a sequel to come, although, as far as I know, the author tends not to indulge in them. Unless they’re shorts or bonuses available elsewhere. (Good idea—I’ll go check later!)
Otherwise, The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is sublime… even if the title is a touch misleading. Yes, there is the excellently used spec-fiction device of Maddy seeing or traveling to her future—exactly 10 years ahead—but if there’s another future, it’s about self-determination in the present. Kind of “effect–cause,” if you will. Should she embrace what she sees or fight it? And at what costs either way?
Is this strange thing thus a blessing, or is it a curse in Maddy’s life?
As in real life, neither extreme tends to be the case. Which is an example of how grounded Ms. Pearson makes her story here, reflective of very real life, very messy choices, and very tangled emotions. This is the third book I’ve read by this author, and her forte is emotional reality, whichever story she’s’ telling. As previous books from Ms. Pearson, this book not only ticks those boxes that readers will likely be looking for in a book like this, and from this author, but paints those ticked boxes in the brightest of neon.
The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is super. A compelling page-turner and one of the very best books I’ve read this year. One I’ll not forget anytime soon.
At the time of this review, it’s free in the Zon’s Prime Reading catalogue (in the UK, at least). Don’t miss out.
Otherwise, The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is sublime… even if the title is a touch misleading. Yes, there is the excellently used spec-fiction device of Maddy seeing or traveling to her future—exactly 10 years ahead—but if there’s another future, it’s about self-determination in the present. Kind of “effect–cause,” if you will. Should she embrace what she sees or fight it? And at what costs either way?
Is this strange thing thus a blessing, or is it a curse in Maddy’s life?
As in real life, neither extreme tends to be the case. Which is an example of how grounded Ms. Pearson makes her story here, reflective of very real life, very messy choices, and very tangled emotions. This is the third book I’ve read by this author, and her forte is emotional reality, whichever story she’s’ telling. As previous books from Ms. Pearson, this book not only ticks those boxes that readers will likely be looking for in a book like this, and from this author, but paints those ticked boxes in the brightest of neon.
The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is super. A compelling page-turner and one of the very best books I’ve read this year. One I’ll not forget anytime soon.
At the time of this review, it’s free in the Zon’s Prime Reading catalogue (in the UK, at least). Don’t miss out.
December 19, 2024
I loved how this story went to current to future. Was very interesting to read that way. Can't imagine having visions like that but then again could be very cool. Strong characters which I loved. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
February 4, 2025
Great book and fun to read! Kept me completely engaged was a good way to start the month of February! Definitely would recommend to anyone!
April 24, 2025
I was so hooked until the last quarter. I think it could have been rewritten and extended to let the story fully develop better.
February 7, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this time travelling tale. Maddy finds herself in her own future, ten years hence and gets to glimpse her friends and family, including herself in the future. Some of the episodes are misleading but she eventually works out what may happen. This gives her a quandary as if she is to change ger present, it could have disastrous results in the future. Further, Maddy is never totally sure that what she is seeing is the future that she is destined to have. Making sure that this future does happen, means that she may have to cause heartbreak in the short term. This leads you to wonder. If you could change the future, should you and would you?
There are several well drawn characters in the story. You see them all through Maddy's eyes. She is very much at the centre of this story. Her life choices, such as wanting to be a professional actress, mean that her life style is a little precarious and she finds it hard to do other than live for the day. Her family support her but she struggles to come to terms with a traumatic event which has affected them all. Some of her premonitions give her comfort but there are other parts which do not. As you swap between Maddy's present and her future ten years later, you appreciate its structure and writing as the changes flow seamlessly. Highly recommended.
In short: enjoyable time travelling
Thanks to the publisher ofr a copy of the book
There are several well drawn characters in the story. You see them all through Maddy's eyes. She is very much at the centre of this story. Her life choices, such as wanting to be a professional actress, mean that her life style is a little precarious and she finds it hard to do other than live for the day. Her family support her but she struggles to come to terms with a traumatic event which has affected them all. Some of her premonitions give her comfort but there are other parts which do not. As you swap between Maddy's present and her future ten years later, you appreciate its structure and writing as the changes flow seamlessly. Highly recommended.
In short: enjoyable time travelling
Thanks to the publisher ofr a copy of the book
January 4, 2025
maddy hart has a strange gift…she can see ten years into the future each time she has sex. seems like an odd premise, right? it works. really well.
as with all of laura pearson’s books, the reader becomes a part of the story - you feel maddy’s pain, experience her worries, and sigh at her contentment. the gift allows her to “pick her battles” a bit better than the average woman might. she goes through family woes, navigates friendship and early career frustrations, and falls in love for the first time with oliver.
what would you do with a gift like this? enjoy maddy’s story and see where it all takes her!
thank you to boldwood books for providing this book for review consideration via netgalley. all opinions are my own.
as with all of laura pearson’s books, the reader becomes a part of the story - you feel maddy’s pain, experience her worries, and sigh at her contentment. the gift allows her to “pick her battles” a bit better than the average woman might. she goes through family woes, navigates friendship and early career frustrations, and falls in love for the first time with oliver.
what would you do with a gift like this? enjoy maddy’s story and see where it all takes her!
thank you to boldwood books for providing this book for review consideration via netgalley. all opinions are my own.
June 26, 2025
Maddy has a quite unusual gift. Every time she's intimate with a partner she gets a glimpse of what ten years in the future will look like. This is such an interesting twist my curiosity was instantly piqued. With these snippets of the future Maddy has to figure out the best course for her life.
This was such a fun story with many heartwarming moments, great characters, and an intriguing concept. You would think this would be pure fantasy but it was really very grounded in reality. Maddy's decisions were relatable. This was overall an excellent read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This was such a fun story with many heartwarming moments, great characters, and an intriguing concept. You would think this would be pure fantasy but it was really very grounded in reality. Maddy's decisions were relatable. This was overall an excellent read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 6, 2025
Actual rating 4.5.
February 5, 2025
A classic boy meets girl love story but with a magical realism twist. As we’ve come to expect from a Laura Pearson read, this is a beautifully written story and an emotional and engaging one.
The back and forth to the future adds such a different unique view on Maddy’s life and choices. The glimpses of her future life not really enough but in the same breath too much almost so as to provide knowledge she wouldn’t have yet.
This poses such questions of morality to the reader such as what would you do with the knowledge of your potential future self ?
I loved the supporting cast to Maddy - her family and Priya were so wonderfully supportive and Mrs Aziz, just brilliant and wise - the non judging ear for Maddy to rely on when the confusion was building.
The back and forth to the future adds such a different unique view on Maddy’s life and choices. The glimpses of her future life not really enough but in the same breath too much almost so as to provide knowledge she wouldn’t have yet.
This poses such questions of morality to the reader such as what would you do with the knowledge of your potential future self ?
I loved the supporting cast to Maddy - her family and Priya were so wonderfully supportive and Mrs Aziz, just brilliant and wise - the non judging ear for Maddy to rely on when the confusion was building.
May 23, 2025
Ok, Mandy can travel to the future, interesting how she navigates life knowing the future. The ending was perfect and oddly boring. Lol.
December 23, 2024
The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is the latest book by Laura Pearson. An author whose books I really look forward to reading, so when the publishers, Boldwood, get in touch to ask if I would like to read it pre-publication, the answer is a resounding yes.
As you would expect from this author, the book synopsis is unique, unlike anything I have read before. Our protagonist, Maddy Hart, has the ability to see her future; in very small snippets, and only when her current self is in a very specific situation.
How much heed should Maddy pay to her visions? Should she let it dictate both her current decisions, and those with longer term ramifications?
The story drew me in very quickly. I connected with the likeable central characters well, Mandy’s family, as well as her lovely friend Priya. They all have depth, even the ancillary characters like the kindly Mrs Aziz. As the book concludes, the reader has the autonomy to decide where the story will take Maddy, and those closest to her, which I liked. I know how I have chosen to see that future.
Laura Pearson, when I’m reading your books, you make me feel so relaxed and immersed. I fly through them, caught up in these marvellous worlds you have painted in my mind, fully invested in the character’s lives. It is perfect, gentle escapism. Thank you.
As you would expect from this author, the book synopsis is unique, unlike anything I have read before. Our protagonist, Maddy Hart, has the ability to see her future; in very small snippets, and only when her current self is in a very specific situation.
How much heed should Maddy pay to her visions? Should she let it dictate both her current decisions, and those with longer term ramifications?
The story drew me in very quickly. I connected with the likeable central characters well, Mandy’s family, as well as her lovely friend Priya. They all have depth, even the ancillary characters like the kindly Mrs Aziz. As the book concludes, the reader has the autonomy to decide where the story will take Maddy, and those closest to her, which I liked. I know how I have chosen to see that future.
Laura Pearson, when I’m reading your books, you make me feel so relaxed and immersed. I fly through them, caught up in these marvellous worlds you have painted in my mind, fully invested in the character’s lives. It is perfect, gentle escapism. Thank you.
January 29, 2025
I've read a few books by this author and have enjoyed them all. We meet Maddy who has a unique "gift" - when she has sex she gets a vision of her life ten years in the future. For years, this stops her from having a serious relationship as she doesn't like what she sees. When she meets Oliver, this changes and she feels that she could have a happy future with him.
I really liked Maddy's character and I found her "situation" interesting. The storyline flowed along well and I found myself caught up in Maddy's life really easily. Oliver, who she meets, was also a likeable character and I enjoyed the switching back and forth of the timelines to Maddy and Oliver's future. The author's writing really captures the ups and downs in Maddy's life and I found her storyline quite emotional at times. The other characters in the book were also likeable and her relationship with her best friend was heart-warming.
This was a lovely read with a completely unique storyline. It was full of emotion, sensitively written with a hint of light hearted humour throughout. Maddy's story had me gripped from the very beginning and once started I couldn't put it down. I'm loving this author's books more and more! Would recommend!
I really liked Maddy's character and I found her "situation" interesting. The storyline flowed along well and I found myself caught up in Maddy's life really easily. Oliver, who she meets, was also a likeable character and I enjoyed the switching back and forth of the timelines to Maddy and Oliver's future. The author's writing really captures the ups and downs in Maddy's life and I found her storyline quite emotional at times. The other characters in the book were also likeable and her relationship with her best friend was heart-warming.
This was a lovely read with a completely unique storyline. It was full of emotion, sensitively written with a hint of light hearted humour throughout. Maddy's story had me gripped from the very beginning and once started I couldn't put it down. I'm loving this author's books more and more! Would recommend!
January 3, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I am so thrilled to have a copy of her latest book. In my opinion, Laura's books are as close to perfection as one can possibly get, and I just know - before I even start it - that it's going to be exceptional.
So far I have read three of her books - The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up, and The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine. I also own three others of hers which I hope to read this year - I Wanted You to Know, Nobody's Wife, and Missing Pieces.
It has 60 chapters which equates to roughly 5 pages a chapter, which is a good length for me as I can't abide a long drawn-out chapter.
I know authors worry about readers getting hold of their newest book, especially if they've liked their previous ones; there's a worry it won't live up to it. But I never have that concern with Laura's books. I know 100% they will be spectacular and I will love them and I will never not devour them. She is one of a very few number of authors I can say that about.
I know this is going to sound weird given the fantasy element in the premise, but if you've read her other books you'll know what I mean. Even though this does have the magical fantasy element that all of her books seem to have, this one actually seemed very close to real life - if you remove the looking into the future bit. Which meant it was very easy to lose myself in the characters and their story, as it mostly felt very real.
Books can ride or die on the success of their characters, and Laura has created really likeable ones (in the most part). Maddy is a bit lost, she's struggling for work, never seems to have enough money, is wandering a bit, and she felt very real and I instantly warmed to her. Her best friend Priya was a good addition. I wasn't 100% sure about her at first but she quickly won me round - although I didn't care much for her boyfriend. There are a lot of other characters - Maddy's boyfriend Oliver, her parents, her younger brother, colleagues - and whilst they might not all be perfect people, they all work well enough to give Maddy something to work on to further her story. I particularly enjoyed reading about the relationship between Maddy (and Oliver) and her brother Henry.
I like that whilst it's mostly set in the present time, we do get to see Maddy's future visions, which means we get to follow her journey and find out what's happening in real time alongside her.
It is a bit repetitive at times, and I've seen the odd review that sees that as a negative, but I don't. I think it adds to this frantic, flustered, confused, discombobulated (I love that word) situation that Maddy finds herself in.
It's almost like two stories - the one in the present time and the one set 10 years in the future, which I loved, as it was like you get two books for the price of one, and that's a bargain I like.
What is interesting is that, whilst I'm aware this is a piece of entertaining, contemporary fiction, and not an exploration on the state of the world or anything, it does give you plenty of things to think about. Would being able to see in the future be a positive or negative? Is what makes life worth living the surprise of it all? The opportunities? Or would it be easier to make decisions if you knew how it would all end up?
What I love about this book (and all her books really) is how life affirming they are. I've been honest in my reviews and on social media that my mental health has not been good over the last few months, and it can be hard to fully lose yourself in a book when I'm like that. But whilst I'm not saying reading a book will instantly make me completely better, I definitely do feel in a more positive state after I've read her books.
If I'm completely honest, it's not my absolute favourite of her books - that's a toss up between Mabel Beaumont and Eliza Valentine - but it is still a perfect five star read. It's got everything going for it, and it helps cement her as one of my absolute favourite authors, and I'm so happy that her books are getting the attention they deserve.
I read it in less than a day, I just couldn't tear myself away from it. And as is the case for all of her books, I was bereft when I finished it.
I am so thrilled to have a copy of her latest book. In my opinion, Laura's books are as close to perfection as one can possibly get, and I just know - before I even start it - that it's going to be exceptional.
So far I have read three of her books - The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up, and The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine. I also own three others of hers which I hope to read this year - I Wanted You to Know, Nobody's Wife, and Missing Pieces.
It has 60 chapters which equates to roughly 5 pages a chapter, which is a good length for me as I can't abide a long drawn-out chapter.
I know authors worry about readers getting hold of their newest book, especially if they've liked their previous ones; there's a worry it won't live up to it. But I never have that concern with Laura's books. I know 100% they will be spectacular and I will love them and I will never not devour them. She is one of a very few number of authors I can say that about.
I know this is going to sound weird given the fantasy element in the premise, but if you've read her other books you'll know what I mean. Even though this does have the magical fantasy element that all of her books seem to have, this one actually seemed very close to real life - if you remove the looking into the future bit. Which meant it was very easy to lose myself in the characters and their story, as it mostly felt very real.
Books can ride or die on the success of their characters, and Laura has created really likeable ones (in the most part). Maddy is a bit lost, she's struggling for work, never seems to have enough money, is wandering a bit, and she felt very real and I instantly warmed to her. Her best friend Priya was a good addition. I wasn't 100% sure about her at first but she quickly won me round - although I didn't care much for her boyfriend. There are a lot of other characters - Maddy's boyfriend Oliver, her parents, her younger brother, colleagues - and whilst they might not all be perfect people, they all work well enough to give Maddy something to work on to further her story. I particularly enjoyed reading about the relationship between Maddy (and Oliver) and her brother Henry.
I like that whilst it's mostly set in the present time, we do get to see Maddy's future visions, which means we get to follow her journey and find out what's happening in real time alongside her.
It is a bit repetitive at times, and I've seen the odd review that sees that as a negative, but I don't. I think it adds to this frantic, flustered, confused, discombobulated (I love that word) situation that Maddy finds herself in.
It's almost like two stories - the one in the present time and the one set 10 years in the future, which I loved, as it was like you get two books for the price of one, and that's a bargain I like.
What is interesting is that, whilst I'm aware this is a piece of entertaining, contemporary fiction, and not an exploration on the state of the world or anything, it does give you plenty of things to think about. Would being able to see in the future be a positive or negative? Is what makes life worth living the surprise of it all? The opportunities? Or would it be easier to make decisions if you knew how it would all end up?
What I love about this book (and all her books really) is how life affirming they are. I've been honest in my reviews and on social media that my mental health has not been good over the last few months, and it can be hard to fully lose yourself in a book when I'm like that. But whilst I'm not saying reading a book will instantly make me completely better, I definitely do feel in a more positive state after I've read her books.
If I'm completely honest, it's not my absolute favourite of her books - that's a toss up between Mabel Beaumont and Eliza Valentine - but it is still a perfect five star read. It's got everything going for it, and it helps cement her as one of my absolute favourite authors, and I'm so happy that her books are getting the attention they deserve.
I read it in less than a day, I just couldn't tear myself away from it. And as is the case for all of her books, I was bereft when I finished it.
February 5, 2025
When intimate moments find Maddy briefly transported ten years into her future, it’s perhaps not surprising that she’s chosen to live without a relationship with a significant other. But that’s until she meets Oliver – they’re both pursuing an acting career, having met briefly as a pair of Santa’s elves (better opportunities are proving rather scarce). But when she needs to find a new flat share, their paths cross again – and it soon becomes clear that things aren’t going to be quite the same as sharing with her best friend Priya.
The romance builds and the inevitable happens – and when Maddy’s visions recur, she finds they’re very much still together in her future, and that she really has found the love of her life. It seems she’s no longer pursuing her acting career – and that’s a disappointment, especially when she’s just found a modicum of success. But then she sees a child in her future – a surprise, when Oliver has made it clear he doesn’t want a family – but it also appears that their relationship is far from straightforward. Her visits to the future are short, but long enough for her to grow closer to the little girl and to know that it’s the future she really wants – but she also knows that for it to come to pass, she will need to make some difficult choices in her present.
That all might read as desperately complicated and confusing – but the author is a particularly safe pair of hands, and makes it all totally believable. And not only that, but she also makes the story so emotionally engaging, with lead characters I really cared about – Maddy and Oliver’s romance is very special, a love you can feel, and the steps she needs to take to secure their future really hurt. And, of course, as well as seeing her own future she also sees glimpses of the lives of those closest to her – her struggling family, and also friend Priya who’s the only one who knows about her unusual ability. So when Priya asks about developments in her own future, Maddy is faced with a particular moral dilemma – she might be making choices in her own life, but would it be right to influence others’ paths?
I loved every moment of this book – it has the perfect emotional touch, moving smoothly between past and present as Maddy grapples with the choices she feels compelled to make to achieve that vision of the future. The relationships were particularly strong – that romance that was always meant to be, the family’s evolving situation, the strength of her friendship with Priya. And if the book’s whole concept might seem a touch unusual, Maddy’s situation was one I entirely believed in. In many ways, it’s an easy read – the author’s writing is such a pleasure to read – but in other ways it can be challenging, as you inevitably question what you might do faced with Maddy’s choices. And I have to add that I also loved the ending – life’s issues are rarely tied up in a neat bow, neither is Maddy’s story, and that felt entirely right.
An exceptional read, with a really unusual concept, and quite beautifully written – I really couldn’t recommend it more highly.
The romance builds and the inevitable happens – and when Maddy’s visions recur, she finds they’re very much still together in her future, and that she really has found the love of her life. It seems she’s no longer pursuing her acting career – and that’s a disappointment, especially when she’s just found a modicum of success. But then she sees a child in her future – a surprise, when Oliver has made it clear he doesn’t want a family – but it also appears that their relationship is far from straightforward. Her visits to the future are short, but long enough for her to grow closer to the little girl and to know that it’s the future she really wants – but she also knows that for it to come to pass, she will need to make some difficult choices in her present.
That all might read as desperately complicated and confusing – but the author is a particularly safe pair of hands, and makes it all totally believable. And not only that, but she also makes the story so emotionally engaging, with lead characters I really cared about – Maddy and Oliver’s romance is very special, a love you can feel, and the steps she needs to take to secure their future really hurt. And, of course, as well as seeing her own future she also sees glimpses of the lives of those closest to her – her struggling family, and also friend Priya who’s the only one who knows about her unusual ability. So when Priya asks about developments in her own future, Maddy is faced with a particular moral dilemma – she might be making choices in her own life, but would it be right to influence others’ paths?
I loved every moment of this book – it has the perfect emotional touch, moving smoothly between past and present as Maddy grapples with the choices she feels compelled to make to achieve that vision of the future. The relationships were particularly strong – that romance that was always meant to be, the family’s evolving situation, the strength of her friendship with Priya. And if the book’s whole concept might seem a touch unusual, Maddy’s situation was one I entirely believed in. In many ways, it’s an easy read – the author’s writing is such a pleasure to read – but in other ways it can be challenging, as you inevitably question what you might do faced with Maddy’s choices. And I have to add that I also loved the ending – life’s issues are rarely tied up in a neat bow, neither is Maddy’s story, and that felt entirely right.
An exceptional read, with a really unusual concept, and quite beautifully written – I really couldn’t recommend it more highly.
February 9, 2025
This is a challenging concept, and I was completely on Maddy’s side when she decided to avoid dating, as the idea that I could see the future would absolutely freak me out. Having resisted for years, she then meets Oliver, and she decides to take a small look into what their future may look like. What she didn’t anticipate was that their future could be almost perfect.
Maddy is an ideal protagonist, and her depth of character leads to joy and a little sadness. Her life has been filled with a drive to become an actor, a process that has led to some questionable roles and a volume of disappointment along the way. Despite all of that, she remains positive, and her outlook is contagious.
Meeting Oliver is just what Maddy needs. His gentle, comedic nature soon lifts her spirits and helps her deal with another questionable role. She certainly hadn’t applied to become Santa’s little helper! Despite her burgeoning attraction to Oliver, Maddy knows that exploring her feelings is pointless and yet, resisting him is clearly pointless.
Laura Pearson’s writing is exceptional, and her characters are perfectly imagined. I would love to have a Priya to confide in. Their friendship is truly special and has survived since their schooldays, leading to a house share and an unlimited source of support.
I wondered how this glorious story would pan out, and now that I know, there will be no spoilers from me. This book brought me so much joy despite the challenges involved, and knowing in advance would have tainted my enjoyment. Take a leap of faith and discover the joys of The Many Futures of Maddy Hart.
Maddy is an ideal protagonist, and her depth of character leads to joy and a little sadness. Her life has been filled with a drive to become an actor, a process that has led to some questionable roles and a volume of disappointment along the way. Despite all of that, she remains positive, and her outlook is contagious.
Meeting Oliver is just what Maddy needs. His gentle, comedic nature soon lifts her spirits and helps her deal with another questionable role. She certainly hadn’t applied to become Santa’s little helper! Despite her burgeoning attraction to Oliver, Maddy knows that exploring her feelings is pointless and yet, resisting him is clearly pointless.
Laura Pearson’s writing is exceptional, and her characters are perfectly imagined. I would love to have a Priya to confide in. Their friendship is truly special and has survived since their schooldays, leading to a house share and an unlimited source of support.
I wondered how this glorious story would pan out, and now that I know, there will be no spoilers from me. This book brought me so much joy despite the challenges involved, and knowing in advance would have tainted my enjoyment. Take a leap of faith and discover the joys of The Many Futures of Maddy Hart.
January 3, 2025
A lovely book and written creating believable characters. Maddy is an aspiring actress and lives happily with best friend Priya. When she meets fellow actor Oliver they quickly fall in love. Maddy has not let Oliver know about her ability to see into the future and only friend Priya knows this about her.
What would you do if you could see yourself and your loved ones 10 years in the future? Maddy makes some difficult choices based around this and along the way she and the cast of characters shine out of the pages. I particularly liked Priya, loyal friend and always there for Maddy.
I would definitely recommend this book, if you enjoy a well written love story with a twist then this is definitely one for you. I wanted to find out more about what would happen to Maddy’s family in the future though, maybe there will be a second book?
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
What would you do if you could see yourself and your loved ones 10 years in the future? Maddy makes some difficult choices based around this and along the way she and the cast of characters shine out of the pages. I particularly liked Priya, loyal friend and always there for Maddy.
I would definitely recommend this book, if you enjoy a well written love story with a twist then this is definitely one for you. I wanted to find out more about what would happen to Maddy’s family in the future though, maybe there will be a second book?
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2025
Maddie sees ten years into the future whenever she sleeps with someone. Every time the future looks bleak so she avoids dating to avoid seeing the future. Then comes Oliver . It feels different this time around which makes taking the risk feel worth it. Maddy is then faced with the choice of continuing to see the future or figure out how to stop the visions. This was a nice love story and I was rooting for Maddy. At the same time I felt a little sad throughout the book. Everyone’s life has ups and downs, good and bad times but do we want to know the future? It was enjoyable, drew me in and had me invested in the characters. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my review.
December 26, 2024
4.25 stars. Laura manages to write lovely stories with characters you really feel for, and interesting storylines that really make you wonder how she comes up with the ideas… this one sees Maddy have visions of her 10 year future every time she sleeps with a man. After a handful of not good visions, she’s stayed alone until one day she bumps back into an actor she briefly worked with in a Christmas grotto… and she begins to see a positive future. You end up rooting for her, Oliver, Priya, and her parents and brother. Another excellent book by Laura ❤️
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
February 11, 2025
Love, love, loved it! This is the fourth I've read from Pearson and the fourth five star worthy book.
Pictue the scene...you meet someone, find yourself in their bed, do the dirty and somehow find yourself looking ten years into your future...what a concept! I found it fascinating and slightly freaky if I'm being honest.
Maddy was charming and I immediately found myself emotionally invested into her character. The supporting cast were all likeable too, adding their own personality and warmth to the overall story.
The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a wonderful 'what if' story full of emotion and a sprinkling of magical realism.
Pictue the scene...you meet someone, find yourself in their bed, do the dirty and somehow find yourself looking ten years into your future...what a concept! I found it fascinating and slightly freaky if I'm being honest.
Maddy was charming and I immediately found myself emotionally invested into her character. The supporting cast were all likeable too, adding their own personality and warmth to the overall story.
The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a wonderful 'what if' story full of emotion and a sprinkling of magical realism.
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