The Edge of Forever

by Meghan P. Browne

Maisie is still reeling from the loss of her dad when her mom deposits her with Aunt Gertie at the start of summer in Heaven, TX. Population: tiny. Gertie is nothing but nice, but Maisie doesn’t want to be there – surrounded by cactus and tumbleweeds.

Thankfully, the Heaven Library is well air-conditioned. Here, Charlene the librarian offers Maisie much-needed solace and book recommendations. Then Maisie meets another actual kid, Walt Wise, Aunt Gertie’s nearest neighbor. As she and Walt work odd jobs together and become friends, they also stumble upon a stealth campaign to develop one of Heaven's most beloved natural resources.

As Maisie and Walt research the development plan, they also uncover a long-buried, life-changing secret about Maisie's family. This secret, along with an explosive event at the Heaven County Fair, will turn a sleepy summer into one Maisie and Walt will never forget.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Family, Audiobook, Young Adult, Mystery

288 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2026

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚ Grieving over the loss of her dad, Maisie’s mom drops her off at her Aunt Gertie’s place in Heaven, a small town in Texas. Even though her aunt is nice and the kid who lives nearby, Walt Wise, is full of town knowledge and brings her along to help with his odd jobs, Maisie doesn’t want to be there. So, she spends most of her time at the Heaven Library, trying to read her summer away. But when Maisie and Walt inadvertently find out about a stealth campaign that wants to develop one of the town’s most beloved natural resources, they set out to research and uncover what is really going on in Heaven, all the while stumbling upon a family secret that will change Maisie’s life forever, making the summer one she will never forget.



═══ ⋆★⋆ ═══



ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ: Amarillo by Morning by George Strait (it seems fitting 😉)
0:37 ───ㅇ───── 2:53



˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚ Well, this was pretty fun! It was slow going at first, and it took me a minute to get invested in the story, but once the basics were laid out and ready to go onto bigger and better things, it got interesting.

I felt so bad for Maisie. 😢 I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a parent and then to watch the other one find solace from their grief with a bottle of whiskey, but it was clear from the beginning that Maisie was strong and steadfast in her beliefs. She was a bit clueless, though, lol, and I was wondering when she was going to take a hint, but she was going through a lot, so I don’t blame her for not reading the room. But I need to take a moment and appreciate how responsible Walt and Maisie were. They have better morals and consciences than most adults I know, and I’m not exaggerating. I wish I were. 😅 Anyway, all the characters were great, except for the mayor and her husband–they can go take a hike.

I think my favorite part of the book was the setting. I love a good story that is set in a small Texas town, and Heaven reminded me of my home, where it takes around twenty minutes to get to the nearest grocery store, everything from the courthouse to the houses has a history behind it, and the folks are kind and more than willing to brag about the town they love. There’s nothing like Southern hospitality, that’s for sure. ☺

But the ending, for me, was just too abrupt. When I reached the last chapter, I was shocked that it was ending so suddenly and that I didn’t even know what was going to happen to Maisie. Unless I was supposed to assume, and if that’s the case, then okay, it’s a good ending. And the whole ordeal with the stealth campaign and the mayor was also a major part of the story’s plot, but we just get a quick summary of how the situation was taken care of, and that felt anticlimactic, especially after what happened at the fair. But maybe it’s because this is a kid’s book, and if that’s the case, then that kind of makes sense.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I recommend it for the youngsters in your life, but be sure to read the content warnings. 🧡

ׂׂૢ Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ׂׂૢ

❗Content Warnings❗
Loss of a parent(s), mentions alcoholism, drug use, unplanned pregnancy, & child abandonment.
Swearing: No
Spice: No

[Liralen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisie had plans for the summer, and they didn't include being dropped with her aunt for the summer while her mother pulls their lives back together. But it's been a hard few years, and Maisie doesn't have a choice—and so she finds herself in Heaven, Texas, where the rules are a bit different than she's used to in the city.

There are a number of interlaced plotlines here: Maisie's family situation and her feelings about being away from her mother for the summer (and what she learns as the story goes on); Maisie's love for the library and books; her budding friendship with a local boy; some bits about his family; a plan she uncovers to turn a rural gem into an overpriced hotspot; adjusting to rural life; her aunt's background in the entertainment industry; and on it goes. Most of it intersects one way or another, even if it doesn't all tie in directly.

Maisie as a character is great—she has a lot going on upstairs, even if she doesn't let it all out (...most of the time). She's curious about the world around her, and although she's still a kid and doesn't always see things with the perspective that she might see when she's older, she has her head screwed on right. I wouldn't have minded seeing her spend a little more time with kids her age (there's Walt, but that's it), and also for that matter more about her aunt Gertie; we eventually learn some about Gertie's past, but Maisie is able to quietly slot into Gertie's life without much friction or information. (Perhaps along these lines, I might have preferred one fewer plotline, to give the others a bit more space.)

But I love this kind of relatively quiet story, with kids figuring it out and safely stretching the bounds of their independence. I can see this one having wide appeal.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.

[Renee Godding · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The thing about regret, is that it never hits until it is too late..."

[Dorothy Minor]

Maisie is still reeling from the loss of her dad when her mom deposits her with Aunt Gertie at the start of summer in Heaven, TX. Population: tiny. Gertie is nothing but nice, but Maisie doesn’t want to be there – surrounded by cactus and tumbleweeds.

Thankfully, the Heaven Library is well air-conditioned. Here, Charlene the librarian offers Maisie much-needed solace and book recommendations. Then Maisie meets another actual kid, Walt Wise, Aunt Gertie’s nearest neighbor. As she and Walt work odd jobs together and become friends, they also stumble upon a stealth campaign to develop one of Heaven's most beloved natural resources.

As Maisie and Walt research the development plan, they also uncover a long-buried, life-changing secret about Maisie's family. This secret, along with an explosive event at the Heaven County Fair, will turn a sleepy summer into one Maisie and Walt will never forget.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Edge of Forever is a heart-warming middle grade realistic fiction filled with family dysfunction, addiction, secrets, friendship and second (or more) chances.

Maisie McMeans, 12 years old, has lost her father to cancer and her mother to a rehab facility in Arizona while she is dropped off with an aunt in the southwest corner of Texas in a place called Heaven. No way this desert town with almost no claim to anything close to fame resembles any kind of heaven but maybe she can find some peace and a new kind of family…after she helps the young Mr Fix It/Everybody’s Friend Walt (14 years old) figure out how to shut down the corrupt mayor’s attempt to develop a piece of land but, in the process, destroy a hidden gem of a spring fed pool nestled between the looming landforms of the Big Bend area.

Author Meghan P. Browne drops Maisie into heaven, deserted by her mother, right at the start and almost as quickly, brings Walt and the corrupt mayor’s plan into her life and then it’s “off to the races,” so to speak. The less than 300 pages will fly by for readers and with every discovery or family secret revealed, readers will be drawn into Maisie’s life and hoping that something will start breaking her way soon. There are pockets of respite, her time in the local library or swimming in the Cantera with her aunt, Walt or just by herself, but only just enough to keep situations from becoming too heavy. Maisie, Walt, Aunt Gertie/Trudy and librarian Charlene are sympathetic, well-developed and interesting characters but just when it looks like all aspects of their lives and personality are established, something new and surprising will add another element to their profile. The setting of the fictitious Heaven is vividly described and those who live in the Big Bend area of Texas will feel right at home and those who don’t, may add it to sites they hope to visit.

Note: There are potential triggers for those who have lost a parent, deal with the addiction or declining health of a parent/caregiver, or are struggling with abandonment or adoption-related circumstances.

Highly recommended.

*Target age: grades 5-8
*Profanity: none
*Violence: Almost total destruction of town library due to fire, mountain lion attack on family dogs with one dying and the subsequent shooting of the wild cat
Sexual content: none
Representation: Main characters are Caucasian; Maisie lives in a dysfunctional single parent home and is left with an aunt for the summer and Walt never knew his father, lost his mother during Kindergarten and lives with an aging grandfather; references to illegal immigration from Mexico, the struggle for survival and search for a better life
LBGTQ+: none

Thanks for the print arc at the 2026 Texas Library Association annual conference, Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan.

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I get drawn into the idea of a good book based off of seeing bicycles. I'm a sucker for stories that incorporate them. This story does have bicycles in it, but the story in itself was not satisfying to me, as much as I also love middle grade books. I personally wouldn't recommend this to kids.

Maisie/Mae is grieving the loss of her father. When her mother is drowning herself in alcohol and decides to get help at a program in Arizona, she drops off her Maisie at her Aunt Gertie's place in Heaven, Texas. It is one of those small, deserted feeling types of towns where her aunt was able to hide out a bit. Her aunt was once famous.

Maisie makes a friend, who is actually the best character in this book. His name is Walt. Walt is one of those kids who does a lot of things and keeps occupied and busy. It seems like he is a freshman in high school or will become one (so he is fourteen) while Maisie is twelve. Walt keeps bees and helps a lot of people while taking care of his grandfather.

Walt and Maisie go to the library a lot, mainly to find out about what is going on with something a little shady in town. While I enjoyed this portion of the book, it felt incomplete. Briefly, the CCC was mentioned too, which was a program to help give jobs in conservation long ago in the 1930s and 1940s. The town of Heaven seemed to have been a project. Charlene works at the library and tries her best to help her out.

While the story wasn't terrible, it just didn't seem to make sense at the very end to me considering some of the issues that were brought up, especially with the mayor and her husband. There was also a threat put out at one point, and I am trying to figure out exactly that was about for the conclusion. I just feel like this story didn't make sense at times, while other times it was well told.

While I am one of the first people to read this and give a review of it (and the first to give it less than a three-star review), I don't really understand how people could outright adore this book. I don't think you can go from really sad as a kid to everything seeming to be great either.

content: there is a lot of "gagdum" or something along those lines (I can't remember exactly how it was put, and I am dyslexic, so I wouldn't be surprised if I switched a bunch of letters) instead of saying God's name in vain attached to the d word (so this was a replacement swear). There is also a scene where Walt gives double middle fingers towards a character. There is talk about some heavy things like death of cancer, alcoholics, drug addicts, and abandonment of a baby. An adult smokes.

[Pine Reads Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I’ll tell you what, it’ll blow your mind how quick things can change in a split second in the desert.”

Twelve-year-old Maisie McMeans is in the midst of dealing with grief after the loss of her father when her mama drops her off at her Aunt Gertie’s house in the middle of nowhere in Heaven, Texas. Struggling with the realization that she doesn’t know if her mama will come back to get her at the end of the summer, Maisie finds solace in the local library and her new friend, Walter Wise. Together, they unearth a brewing scandal within the town and do everything they can to uncover the truth and save Heaven from the hands of those in power. Through all the lies, loss, adventures, and bike rides, Maisie learns more about herself and Heaven than she ever could have imagined.

This southern-touched story was quite the adventure! Maisie’s spitfire attitude and hunger for adventure made this story entertaining and easy to read. It was very cute. Walt and Maisie’s friendship was very pure and seemed like one that would last a lifetime. Their unexpected likeness is what I believe gave Maisie a new perspective on her grief, and, with Walt’s help and outgoing personality, stepping outside of her own box to make connections with others ultimately helped her grow. The southern twang each character spoke with did a very good job of immersing the reader into the culture and setting of the story. This book also had some humorous elements that young readers will enjoy. I definitely had a feeling about the plot twist halfway through, but I still think it was well done in terms of sprinkling in hints throughout the beginning. I would have liked to know more about Aunt Gertie; she still seems like an unfinished puzzle to me, even after the grand reveal. The mystery of what the mayor was hiding was not fully explained in the end, either. This should have been more fully developed, as it was a major part of the story. In all, though, I think this was a great middle-grade read and would be wonderful for those interested in mystery, adventure, a little bit of rebellion, and new ways to cope and live with grief.

Pine Reads Review would like to thank Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Feiwel & Friends for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the vein of greats like Dusti Bowling or Barbara Dee, this book is surprisingly eloquent. It's the middle grade mix of friendship among hardship and a problem to solve or justice to be done. In this case, Maisie is spending a dusty summer with her aunt after her mother leaves and she starts tooling around with a local boy who helps her aunt around the property. But they find out that the Mayor doesn't have the best of intentions with a tract of land in the area and they're going to figure it out.

Luckily Maisie already made friends with the local librarian when she was spending time daily reading all of the books. I loved the shout outs to classics and newer books as she was reading and of course, the power of the public library as a sanctuary for kids.

"Here's the important thing about libraries: You don't need your voice there. In fact, most libraries have actual rules about talking, so it's kind of the exact perfect place to go when you've had your fill of Everyone's Dumb Questions."

"That's when he asked me about Mama, and I told him the whole truth... Walt didn't try to fix it or tell me to look on the bright side. He didn't try to find common ground by regaling me with the heartache of losing his dog. He didn't gasp, or try not to look shocked, or bless my heart. He just nodded and listened, and then we swam the rest of the way without talking." (Reminds me of Deep Water friendship)

"I've been so busy wishing this summer away, and now that I am fixing to get my old life back, I'm not sure I'm ready to leave. Walk squeezes my hand to tell me that I'm not allowed to be sad about any of this, because no matter what, I'll never be able to unfeel the magic waters of Cantera or unsee the brightness of the desert stars. I'll never-not ever- be able to unknow Walt Wise."

[Richard Propes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, I need to cleanse my literary palate.

I tend to read a lot of heavy books. They might be academic or vulnerable, horrifying or simply demanding of all my attention.

So, after a few of these experiences sometimes I'll cleanse my literary palate by leaning into the world of middle-grade novels. Such is the case with Meghan P. Browne's "The Edge of Forever," a middle-grade novel centered around Maisie.

Maisie is the kind of character you like very quickly. She's a young girl who's life hasn't been easy, from her father's death to her mother's struggles with addiction and grief. The weight of these experiences leads Maisie toward Heaven, Texas - population, well, hardly any.

While there may not be many people in Heaven, Texas, Browne makes sure we're not bored with multiple engaging and relational story threads. These characters and these narrative threads make sense, from learning more about one's family to learning rural life. Then, there's the local boy, Walt, to whom she takes a shine. There's small town politics and post-trauma reactions. Yet, they are all treated realistically with dignity and compassion.

It mostly comes down to Maisie, a delightful young lady who is intelligent, yet vulnerable and wounded yet relational. At times, the relationships here feel a bit surface yet still engaging and people you'd want to spend time with (okay, maybe not the mayor or her husband).

I enjoyed "The Edge of Forever" from beginning to end, a quiet story in a quiet town about quiet characters living a little bit more than quiet lives. This is a lovely middle-grade novel that I'm guessing many teens will connect to and learn from.

And yeah, it was an absolutely sublime palate cleanser.

[Brittany Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one feels like standing on the edge of something beautiful… and knowing it might not last.

The Edge of Forever blends romance, self-discovery, and a touch of emotional intensity into a story that’s more about feeling than fast-moving plot. It follows a main character navigating love, timing, and the uncertainty of what comes next—where every decision feels like it could change everything.

The strongest part of this book is the emotional tone. It leans into that bittersweet space between holding on and letting go. The relationships feel real in the sense that they’re not perfect—they’re complicated, sometimes messy, and shaped by timing just as much as feelings.

The romance isn’t overly dramatic or rushed. It builds in a way that feels natural, with moments that are quiet but impactful. There’s a focus on connection, growth, and the idea that love isn’t always enough on its own—sometimes circumstances matter just as much.

Pacing-wise, this is a slower, more reflective read. It’s not packed with constant action or twists; instead, it takes its time exploring emotions and decisions. If you go in expecting a high-drama romance, it might feel a little understated—but if you’re looking for something thoughtful, it works.

If I had to critique anything, it’s that some parts can feel a bit repetitive in the internal reflection, and the stakes may not feel as high for readers who prefer more plot-driven stories. But the emotional payoff is there if you connect with the characters.

Overall, this is a soft, introspective romance about timing, choices, and what it means to stand at the edge of change.

[Alex Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Maisie is still reeling from the loss of her dad when her mom deposits her with Aunt Gertie at the start of summer in Heaven, TX. Population: tiny. Gertie is nothing but nice, but Maisie doesn’t want to be there – surrounded by cactus and tumbleweeds.

Thankfully, the Heaven Library is well air-conditioned. Here, Charlene the librarian offers Maisie much-needed solace and book recommendations. Then Maisie meets another actual kid, Walt Wise, Aunt Gertie’s nearest neighbor."

I love Maisie and Walt's friendship. At first, I didn't know exactly where it was going and what was going to happen, but it was just so sweet. There are a LOT of deep themes in this book, with friendship being one of them (at least to me, anyway). Her and Walt took a very important stand on things about a secret they uncovered & I really liked how you could see Maisie's character progression throughout the entire novel.
I feel like Maisie was processing her dad's death throughout the whole book, but it was handled very well, especially for a middle grade book.

TW:
-loss of a parent
-addiction
-abandonment issues

If you're looking for a fast-paced middle grade summer novel, then look no further! this is your sign to read this one! aka, look no further than Heaven, TX.

"Don't leave me here, Mama. You can't. I won't survive. I can't even breathe." 😮🫩 wow, that part was so sad!! I cannot even imagine being in her shoes, let alone leaving my kids with their aunt for an entire summer...
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for my copy of this digital ARC! All opinions are my own. 💗

[Christine Sturman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In “The Edge of Forever”, by Meghan Browne, Maisie McMeans is spending the summer with her Aunt Gertie in the eye blink town of Heaven, Texas, while her mom deals with some medical issues. She isn’t sure how she likes this situation but she has to make it work. What other choice does she have. She meets Aunt Gertie’s closest neighbor, Walt Wise, a boy near her age, and Charlene, the town’s librarian. As Maisie spends time with Walt and Charlene, she explores the countryside and learns about herself. By the end of the book she has made some deep discoveries about herself and the differences she can make.

This book is written in a stream of consciousness style that follows what a middle schooler might think. Maisie learns what it feels like to earn some money for doing good work. She learns how to set a goal and work towards it. She and Walt become close and learn how to support each other. And most importantly, she learns how to listen to the little voice inside herself about right and wrong and how to take a stand. This book can reach down into one and pull out one’s deep emotions that the reader can recognize and relate to. It can teach all of us some good life lessons. Any middle school reader who is looking for a meaningful summer read will like this book.

I wish to thank Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#TheEdgeOfForever
#MacmillanChildrensPublishingGroup
#NetGalley
#ChildrensFiction
#MiddleGrade

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Maisie’s father succumbed to the cancer growing inside of him, it changed everything for both Maisie and her mother. Now, over a year later, Maisie has been left on her Aunt Gertie’s farm in Heaven, Texas while her mother completes some much needed therapy. Though despondent and wishing to be a family once more, Maisie finds ways to occupy her days through both hard work and by immersing herself in the books she loves so much. What Maisie does not expect is to uncover family secrets, a covert government project, a new friend, and ultimately a way to emerge from the shadows of her past into a more optimistic future. This slow-paced exploration of one girl’s journey to self-discovery is reminiscent of Because of Winn-Dixie and is nostalgic and emotional in its delivery. Told from Maisie’s perspective, the story embeds colloquial phrasing and internal thoughts in an approachable and resonant way. Strong words and powerful moments showcase all the changes Maisie goes through during this pivotal summer in her life, and readers will find it challenging to remain dry-eyed as the novel resolves. Because the pacing of the story is on the slower side, it gives readers the opportunity to sit with Maisie as she learns and grows and as she experiences pain and heartache. Effective in its goal of immersing readers in a small southern American town in the height of summer, this book is a good addition to contemporary fiction collections for confident middle grade readers.

[Alexandria Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes the quiet books are the ones that completely wreck your heart 😭🌵📚. This book felt like sitting outside during a hot Texas summer while your whole life quietly changes around you.

Maisie is grieving the loss of her dad, her mom is struggling, and suddenly she’s shipped off to Heaven, Texas for the summer which, according to Maisie, feels VERY far from heaven at first. Dusty roads. Tiny town. Cactus everywhere. No distractions. Just grief sitting heavy in the passenger seat.

But little by little… this story opens up into something so beautiful. Because Heaven, Texas slowly becomes the kind of place that changes people especially after Maisie meets Walt.

And LISTENNNN. Their friendship felt SO genuine and wholesome. No forced drama.
 No over the top moments. Just two kids trying to figure out life while uncovering secrets, saving something important to the town, and slowly realizing they aren’t as alone as they thought.

The Heaven Library honestly felt like its own character in this story...safe, comforting, quiet, healing.

The grief.

The abandonment.

The complicated family dynamics.

The way Maisie keeps trying to act tougher than she really feels.

This book feels like:

📚 hiding in the library during summer heat

🌵 dusty Texas roads and desert sunsets

💛 finding family in unexpected places

🎡 county fair lights at night

✨ healing in tiny little pieces

😭 growing up way too fast but still finding hope

[renee.isreading.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisie’s had a rough year. She’s still mourning the loss of her father when her mother drops her off with Aunt Gertie in the tired small town of Heaven, Texas. Maisie is certain this will be anything but a heaven-sent summer, but between afternoons at the library and adventures with her fast friend Walt, Maisie settles into the rhythms of small-town life. She and Walt take on odd jobs, spend their days swimming or riding their bikes, and later find themselves investigating how to save one of Heaven’s most sacred natural places. But just as Maisie starts to think her summer might work out after all, a huge family secret is uncovered, and it will rock her world forever.

Just published Tuesday, The Edge of Forever is the perfect middle-grade book to kick off summer reading for your kiddos. It moves at the gentle pace of lemonade and a porch swing, but with enough mystery and adventure to keep readers turning the pages for “just one more chapter.” Browne captures the magic of a screen-free summer reminding us that summer is best for swimming, riding bikes, reading books, and friends that make difficult seasons easier to bear.

Thank you Macmillan Children's and NetGalley for the opportunity to review!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Edge of Forever, by Meghan P. Browne, is a trip to heaven, otherwise known as Heaven, Texas. Heaven is where Maisie must stay for the summer with her Aunt Gertie while her Mama takes care of a health problem in Arizona. Aunt Gertie’s neighbor, Walt, is about Maisie’s age and he shows her all around the town. Maisie finds the library and learns about the summer reading program all by herself. She’s determined to win the telescope prize, even checking out books through interlibrary loan. Walt and Maisie come across some important information that affects them and the whole town. They take their information to the town librarian because she can take them into the archives to look for more information. This book touches on some difficult concepts with acceptance and love, including the loss of a parent. Join Maisie and Walt for an exciting summer vacation full of reading, exploring, and swimming with family and friends.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisie is bummed to be in the nowhere town of Heaven while her mom goes to alcohol rehab a few months after her father's death. While there, Maisie is confronted by some local political intrigue, a potential friend, and some long-hidden family secrets that everyone seems to know except Maisie.

I was honestly expecting a story with a little more drive and a stronger voice. While I like Maisie and her relationship with the neighbor kid as well as with her aunt, it felt like for most of the book, Maisie was just meandering through the summer. It wasn't until near the end that the book really got down to it and decided what Maisie wanted and was willing to strive for. I had a lot of fun exploring the town and learning tidbits of facts about bees and mountain lions and local history. I just wish Maisie had a little more drive.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[La Hermes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the wide-open beauty of West Texas, this middle grade novel is written with spellbinding imagery that pulls you right into small-town life. At its heart is a young teen navigating big changes; family transitions, questions about her roots, and a quiet but powerful mystery tied to environmental corruption in her community.

What makes this story so special is how tenderly it captures that in-between space of growing up- where childhood starts to fade and your voice begins to take shape. There are unexpected friendships, moments of loss, and so much courage woven throughout.

My students LOVED this book! They were fully invested and cheering for the main character every step of the way.

If you’re looking for a heartwarming, beautifully written story about finding your voice and holding onto hope, this is one you won’t want to miss.

I recommend it for 5th-7th grade, although thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult.

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

she didn't want to spend summer in a town called heaven, texas. the town had other plans. 🌵📚
maisie: grieving her dad. deposited with aunt gertie. surrounded by tumbleweeds and feelings she can't name. 💔

population: tiny. air conditioning: blessedly present. 🌬️
the heaven library becomes her refuge.

charlene the librarian: underrated hero. 📖✨

walt wise: neighbor kid. odd jobs. unexpected friendship. 🤝
then they stumble onto a secret development plan threatening heaven's most beloved natural resource. 🔍

and uncover something buried even deeper —

a family secret that changes everything maisie thought she knew. 😳

This was a sweet, small town summer mystery with grief and found family woven through it --a bit of a coming of age story, learning about your roots, where you come from, how to move on from a death and figuring out who you are. Love that it takes place in small town Texas, focusing on the desire to keep things small, fighting against expansion. Walt and Maisie's friendship is one that will stay with me for a while.

[Rebecca Bendheim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeously written book with the perfect middle-grade voice! The way the main character Maisie describes things is so unique and makes you feel like you’re in Heaven, Texas with her. An example: “I could already feel the whole entire desert pulling the breath out of my lungs” and “it made me feel as worthless as a blown out flip flop” and (okay sorry there are a TON of great lines) “A brain is a funny thing, the way it protects its owner from feeling all the hurt of life at once.” There are so many more lines like these, gorgeous imagery, and musings about life that knock you in the gut! I loved how the setting came alive, Maisie’s friendship with Walt, and the twist at the end. The whole thing was so perfectly Texas. I didn’t want to say goodbye to Maisie or Heaven, and I can’t wait for young readers to get to read this beautiful book!

[Susan Lefman · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley

Maisie is sent to spend the summer at her Aunt Gertie’s Half-Moon Ranch in Heaven, Texas, while her mother enters a program in Arizona to deal with the grief and alcoholism that followed the death of Maisie's father.

In Heaven, Maisie finds comfort with the local librarian, Charlene, and quickly becomes fast friends with Walt, a boy who helps around Gertie’s ranch. The two accidentally uncover a plan to develop the area around Cantera springs, exposing a hidden environmental study and secrets involving Mayor Taylor and the Callaway land.

The story, featuring descriptive text, family secrets, and the central friendship between Maisie and Walt, is sure to keep readers engaged until the very end.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisie is dropped off at Aunt Gertie’s by her mom so she can go to rehab. Her dad died years ago. Maisie meets Walt, and they become friends and she helps hi. with a a few odd jobs. Maisie loves going to the library and sees there’s a contest where the winner who reads the most books can win a telescope. She hopes to win since she loves reading. When Walt and Maisie find out the mayor has a construction plan which would affect the water table at the Cantera Springs they wonder why it’s a secret. Maisie also finds out something about her aunt she never knew. Will she confront her aunt?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Binxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars After the death of her father and her mother's commitment to an in-house alcohol use disorder program, Maisie finds herself in Heaven, TX. Not exactly her idea, nor is Heaven, TX, actually her idea of heaven. She is living with her Aunt Gertie, finds a friend in Walt, and is working through her own grief. Browne does an excellent job of writing with clear images to create a sense of place. Maisie's voice seems genuine for the most part, and supporting characters add interest to the story. A family secret and a plot to ruin the best part of Heaven, TX, set the framework for Maisie's summer. Thank you to NetGalley for access to this book.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maisie has been dropped off with her Aunt for the summer while her mom gets the help she needs. She would rather be anywhere else. But then she becomes friends with Walt Wise and he shows her around the area. She discovers the library and spends parts of her summer reading. When she's not at the library she's out riding around with Walt doing odd jobs around town and finding out the town secrets.
Then she learns something that shocks everything she thought she knew. And has to figure out where she goes from here.
This is a beautiful middle grade book about family, friendships and finding out who you are and where you belong.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Edge of Forever is a well-written, immersive middle grade novel with a resilient and likable protagonist. Maisie has such a distinct voice and a knack for describing the people and places around her. Her friendship with Walt is another high point of the story.

The synopsis hints at a big twist I saw coming early on, though it was still well done. I wanted a little more background on Mayor Taylor because I still don't understand why she was so nasty, especially to a child. The ending also felt a bit abrupt. Overall, though, I really enjoyed this.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in gorgeous prose, the Edge of Forever took me to a place I simply didn't want to leave. I adored Maisie and Walt in this coming of age summer story where Maisie is discovering more about who she is while dealing with a heavy load of grief. I wish Heaven, TX were a real place so I could visit the springs and bike the dusty roads myself. Browne does a beautiful creating a whole world and taking the reader on an emotional journey. When I'd finished the last page, I was so sad that I couldn't spend more time with Maisie and Walt and the rest of the crew.

[Carlyn Morenus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maisie has just lost her dad, and now her mom is dumping her with her Aunt Gertie in the middle of nowhere, Texas. Maisie doesn't want to be there, she doesn't want to like spending time with her aunt, but she's stuck here at least for the summer. She just has to hope her mom will come back for her some day! The local library and librarian, a remarkably kind teen neighbor, and a mystery to investigate all help her to fill her time while she waits for her life to resume . . . or has it resumed already?

[Lindsay Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge, huge kudos to Meghan on her debut middle grade novel! Meghan has such a unique and engaging way with words and turns of phrase that made me feel like I was smack dab in the center of the small Texas town her main character finds herself in for the summer. Speaking of Maisie, I could sit with her voice forever. I seriously didn't want to put this book down! It is chock full of tension and twists and sweet friendship among brilliantly developed characters. I'm envious of the reader who gets to experience this book for the first time!

[Zach Strassburger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this middle-grade novel, but I wasnt a big fan, and I can’t imagine any of the many middle-grade readers I know liking it. There are interesting touches—I liked the connection to the civilian conservation corps, I liked the nasty mayor—but the ending was both too pat and left a lot unfinished/unexplained. It also did not feel at all realistic for today even though the timeline seemed to be current.

I received a free e-copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maisie’s life has taken a downhill turn, in her opinion. She really misses her dad, who died recently. Now her mom has deposited her out in West Texas in summertime, with Aunt Gertie and taken off. Aunt Gertie does her best to make things smooth, but she also expects her niece to stay busy and not mope. Maisie knows that if it weren’t for the helpful librarian and the wealth of books, not to mention the library’s air conditioning, she would be losing her mind! Her new friend Walt has also shown her another very special, scenic place to get away from everyone, which they both enjoy.
Then, this place of beauty is threatened by developers, and the balm to their souls may be destroyed…


*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*