Middle-aged, Maggie Abernathy just wants to recuperate from cancer during the solitude of summer vacation after a tiresome year of teaching second grade. Maggie’s plans are foiled when precocious seven-year-old Chloe McIntyre moves in next door with her dad, John. Maggie’s life changes in a way she could never imagine when the pesky new neighbors steal her heart. With Maggie’s grown son away, her ex-husband in the shadows, her meddling mother’s unannounced visits, and Chloe McIntyre on her heels, somehow Maggie’s empty house becomes home again.
Linda’s inspiration comes from her favorite authors and life itself. Her women’s fiction highlights characters that peel away outer layers of life to discover the heart of their dreams with some unexpected twists and turns along the way. Her writing integrates humor found in everyday situations, as well as touching moments that make readers connect with her characters.
Praise for Maggie's Way...
"Linda Bradley's fresh voice will keep readers riveted from beginning to end. Bradley delivers a heart-warming story full of disarming honesty and beautiful drama...This one stands out!" -Jane Porter, New York Times and USA Today Best Seller, Author of Flirting With Forty and It's You
"Maggie's Way is a heart-warming tale of love and loss, fear and friendship. With charming characters and a moving plot, Linda Bradley's lovely debut gently reminds us that it's never too late for second chances." -Lori Nelson Spielman, International Best Seller, Author of The Love List and Sweet Forgiveness
The Romance Reviews Readers' Choice Awards Finalist - Summer 2016
Greater Detroit Booksellers' Best Award Finalist 2016
I liked the book. It was a light, clean read perfect for keeping one eye on my visiting grandson and one eye on the book. The book was choppy and the characters not well defined. The book was set in Grosse Point, Michigan very close to the Lake Michigan beach. I wanted to read more about the lake.
Maggie is a middle age teacher who divorces her gay husband. She diagnosed with breast cancer for which she takes radiation treatment that do not seem to strap her energy. She has a seven year old neighbor who wanders in and out of Maggie's house daily. The seven year old has a dishy, divorced dad. You can take it from there.
There were a plethora of subjects that could have been developed but we're not. I wanted to know more about radiation treatment and what it is like to live so close to a huge lake. I wanted to know how a mother could abandon her child and how the child felt. You can take it from there.
DNF'ed at 32 %. The novel was already too long by that point.
The plot was repetetive at that point: Maggie gets up in the morning and one or more of the following persons turn up at her place: the nosy 7-yo girl (whose character is a terrible nuisance and totally unrealistic), the scowling and rather hostile girl's father, her clinging overprotective mother, her ex (who has been gay all the time and only now decided to come out), the interior decorator, who may or may not be gay and may or may not be attracted to either her or her ex-husband.
The budding romance with the new neighbour/girl's father was just not there (but rather aggravation) until out of the blue he wants to kiss her. WTF? Where did that come from? They didn't have all that much interaction at that point. Creepy.
And don't get me started on that whole telling-no-one-that-you-have-cancer-thing and how stupid that is.
And now I learn that the story won't even be finished with that book, but that there are two more like this? Dear heavens, no. Nonono. Go on w/o me, I'm tired already.
Maggie's just been hit with a summer full of middle age life's worst surprises: breast cancer, finding out her the love of her life husband is gay, divorce and a needy seven year old whirlwind moving in next door. On top of all of this Maggie realizes that she has compromised her own dreams away and now is time to figure out what she wants while battling cancer and being tired from radiation treatments. This is not a depressing read, it's actually a romance novel with a probable happily ever after. There is another book that continues Maggie's journey that I haven't read yet, but this one feels complete. Maggie's Way
I liked this book, but don't know if I will continue with series. It definitely held my interest, but was a little disturbing that the 7-year-I'd girl spoke more like a 60-year-old lady. No child I know of holds conversations like this kid. There were also missing words throughout most of the book. Nothing that prevented me from figuring out what the sentence was supposed to be, just a little aggravating at times.
Maggie Abernathy has her Michigan summer all planned out. After a bout with breast cancer, all she wants to do is to recuperate and rejuvenate. Her life as a second-grade teacher was especially difficult this year. To add to Maggie’s problems, she is also learning to navigate life alone after her recent divorce.
When seven-year-old Chloe McIntyre moves in next door with her dad, John, Maggie’s dull life takes an unexpected turn for the better.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. The story was predictable, but somehow, comforting. The romance that buds between John and Maggie is even sweeter because of Chloe.
Chloe’s character clearly steals the show. The child possesses a pearl of certain wisdom that women much older than her often wish for. The only child in what had to be a difficult home, Chloe steals Maggie’s heart.
Written in the first-person, I immediately connected with Maggie’s character. There is a lot going on, and Maggie discovers she must learn to overcome some of her own issues before she can truly find herself. So true to life!
The only downside was that the book ends on a cliff-hanger, and you have to purchase the next book to continue her story. I understand it’s a series, but the author hints at a happy ending for Maggie and John. As is true in most romantic fiction there are always some difficulties in a relationship. It would have been nicer for this book to end on a high note. Still, I would recommend this book because of the interesting characters. I’m debating on whether to go further in the series.
It is refreshing to read a romance story about a woman who is in her forties with a little more baggage than in many love stories. Clearly Maggie has come up against some difficult life experiences including her marriage break-up, her son moving away and the devastating diagnosis of cancer, but the author has created a fiesty and strong-willed lead character for this story.
Many of us choose to isolate ourselves when faced with deeply impacting events, and the irritation and sense of intrusion that Maggie feels when she is adopted by the new neighbour’s seven year old Chloe is understandable. As is her growing acceptance of this persistent little girl and the unnerving presence of her attractive father.
When you are not feeling at your best, and your self-confidence has plummeted. it is not surprising that Maggie feels this is unlikely to lead to anything permanent. The story develops over the course of her radiation treatment with more intrusions that force her to reassess the past, present and future. These include previously held convictions about life, love, ex-wives, an unruly but lovable dog and a growing desire to let it all go.
The author did a great job in setting the mood and pace and created engaging characters.She also brought the end of this book to a satisfactory conclusion whilst still leaving the door open for the next book in the series, which I look forward to.
Maggie has her hands and her house full during this summer break with a brand new divorce from her husband of 20 something years who's just informed her he's gay; her 22 year-old son is away on an internship in Boston; her mother keeps dropping in unannounced; she's having major parts of her home redecorated; new neighbor's 7 year-old daughter keeps popping up in her yard/house/porch to ask questions; the 7 year-old's dad is a very good looking doctor who is divorced; the doctor's ex-wife has come for a visit to see her daughter; all while she's trying to keep it quiet that she is being treated for breast cancer 🎀. This is a chaotic and emotional story that had me in tears and wanting more. Good thing there is more. Recommended.
Really enjoyed this easy read. It was cute, funny, heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. I would recommend it and may have to get the next to see what’s in store for Maggie!
Series books just annoy me as do movie sequels. Obviously this was written without first-hand knowledge. A Summer of cancer with only radiation ?? How about insights from a real warrior. The whole thing was off the wall except for painting photographs. Until I research this, I will give you the benefit of the doubt. Emotional insight was definitely lacking concerning gay X, a helicopter parent, rather a farce of a real adult mother/ daughter relationship, plus a Dr with crazy X staying with him & she feeling so good she wants to jump into a physical relationship. As an author, focus & complete a subject! This was so unreal. This would have been good to Old from a psychosis nightmare about stick people in this world you made!
What happens when you cross the tender romance of a good Nicholas Sparks novel, with the snarky spunk of a Junie B.Jones book? A summer page turner that is delightfully memorable and will leave you wanting more. Maggie, is a breast cancer patient and second grade teacher who is home on her summer break, when a precocious, energetic seven year old moves in next door with her doctor dad. The story is filled with characters who evolve, grow and you will never forget. If you believe in love or if your heart has been broken, you will find yourself in the pages of this book. One click it. You won't be sorry.
This was a Kindle freebie. It's a feel-good story--nothing special, just enjoyable. Of course now I want to read the second one, and it's not a freebie.
This was a great book by a new to me author. Maggie is having a hard time after her recent divorce, her son has moved away, and she was just diagnosed with cancer. This book did a great job of describing her state of mind and it felt very realistic. So much turmoil, betrayal, angst, anger, and confusion. I really felt for her.
I did think that the romance was lacking. I would call this chick-lit rather than romance. John is her next door neighbor and the father of a pesky daughter Chloe. Things don't get off to a great start but they eventually become friends. But the whole romance was so rushed. Why does John like her so much? All she's ever been is grouchy. Then boom! he wants to kiss her? It just didn't make any sense. Once it's established that they are attracted to each other the author does a nice job with them, as long as you can ignore the insta-romance. His romantic pursuit was pretty nice.
It bugged me that I have no idea how old Maggie is. We're only told she is "middle aged" but she's experiencing symptoms of menopause. 40s? 50s? And how old is John? He has a young daughter so is he 30s? 40s? How old is his ex-wife? I really wish I knew so I could put it all in context.
This book was far from perfect. Chloe talked more like a teenager than a 7 year old. Everyone immediately fell in love with Maggie but always off page so we don't get to see the relationship progression (especially Paul). I wish John had explained more about himself and his background. Maggie's feeling responsible for the divorce
But in spite of all that, I really did enjoy the story and the growth that Maggie had as she came to understand herself and her life better. I even teared up a few times.
This was a kindle freebie and it is available on KU I think it's worth a try. It does end on a HFN and I'm debating whether to continue reading the series when I can predict exactly how it's going to go down.
This is my first book to read by Linda Bradley. It is also the first of 4 books. I wasn’t sure if I liked the main character, Maggie. She is a middle aged woman who is reeling with the knowledge her husband asked her for a divorce because he is gay. She’s a grade school teacher trying to wind down for the summer, deal with her new status, and face radiation treatments for breast cancer, deal with the ex husband who seems to always want to do things for her, and deal with an annoying 7 year old new neighbor named Chloe. Maggie also has a widowed Mom is always stops by and is very supportive. Maggie has told no one of her breast cancer but soon her mother finds out. Her Mom gifts her with a little bulldog named Bones who falls in love with Chloe and likewise. Chloe is always in Maggie’s face and quite annoying. She meets Chloe’s Dad, a handsome pediatrician, and sparks fly. Then Chloe’s Mother who lives in Hollywood, CA comes to visit and feels threatened by Maggie. Maggie finds herself drawn to Chloe and actually liking her. The story moves quite easily and holds your interest. It’s a heartwarming story of a woman trying to find herself and questions love a second time . I enjoyed the book very much and am eager to read #2.
I can't recall the last time I read a book in one sitting, but this was one of them! Beautifully written, and very close to home for someone who can relate with some of the things the main character, Maggie Abernathy, has been through. The book touches on grave misunderstandings, loves that are lost and found, and the hesitation we sometimes feel when faced with the decision to share our weaknesses.
The relationships were real, sometimes raw, and I found myself laughing, crying, and at times shaking my head at the antics of the characters that Ms. Bradley brings to life. What a wonderful book, and my only disappointment was when it ended and I realized I would need to go on to book 2. Suppose you could call that a win win though! Looking very much forward to the continuation of Maggie and John's story!
A sweet story about a woman who is going through multiple traumas in her life. Her husband of many years wants a divorce because he wants a different life style and she discovers that she has breast cancer.
Maggie Abernathy doesn’t know what to do or where to turn until unexpectedly a seven-year old girl, Chloe, stumbles into her yard looking for a friend. They both are in need of love and friendship. At first Chloe is an annoyance that Maggie wants to ignore hoping she will go away. But soon Maggie realizes that Chloe needs her as much as she needs Chloe.
This is a sweet and tender story of finding one’s way through heartache. As I read this story these characters captured my heart and I wanted to reach out and help them along until they were both whole once again. A lovely story that I highly recommend.
"Maggie's Way" was wonderful. Her husband has divorced her because he is gay. She learns she has breast cancer. A seven year old with a handsome father moves in next door. And her mother pops in whenever she wants to.
Maggie and the seven year old, Chloe become friends and Maggie helps her learn to read better with the help of Junie B. Jones books.
This is a good book. Well worth reading. I learned things about breast cancer that I didn't know by just reading this book.
It is well worth reading. There are so many things I never mentioned, things like the handsome guy next door, his x wife, a dog and the purple cat. Read the book. Find out what these things all have in common.
I think I got this book from bookbub. I really had no idea what it would be and had never read anything by this author. Perhaps because I too went through radiation therapy I was able to relate closely to most of Maggie's emotions and discomfort, although her initial wish to keep it all to herself rather surprised me. I don't think that was the only reason I enjoyed it - I appreciated the slow growth in the various relationships springing up and the characters. My only real criticism were all the typos and missing words. I would have dearly loved to proofread this for Bradley because it would seem it wasn't really done. That did disturb my reading pleasure, but I guess I'm funny that way.
This book is a fast read. It explores several interesting topics, dealing with cancer, divorce, and a persistent neighborhood kid. Maggie has no intention of getting involved in the lives of the family that just moved in, nor getting a dog, nor dealing with breast cancer. But she is faced with all of the above. I really like how we see the shift and growth of all the characters. I didn’t give in a 5-star rating because there were a few inconsistencies like a kid who cannot read, but she knows when she ends a sentence with a preposition, which annoys her father. That didn’t make sense to me.
I liked the premise of the book and how Maggie was a strong character but there was some disjointed writing. Many scenes seemed to cut out prematurely and the dialogue felt a little choppy. At times a character would up and leave and it made little sense as to why that was. Overall it was a pleasant enough read. I just wonder who proof reads these? There were many extra words at starts of sentences. I didn't want to give too low a rating for editorial issued though.
Maggie, arguably, has it tough this summer. Her husband of 20+ years has just "come out" and divorced her, and she's undergoing radiation for breast cancer with only her mom for support, because she won't tell anyone else about it. And now she has a new next-door neighbor, a very needy little girl who's been abandoned (over and over again) by her own mother, and whose father finds himself attracted to Maggie. While the main character of this novel was irritating at times, little Chloe stole my heart.
Lovely story of a women who after 26 years of marriage feels her life slipping away. The story tells her relationship with her pesky 7 year old neighbor and how Maggie finds herself, her own way in life and realizes she can find happiness. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. Maybe a 7 year can make her see a happy life is there and nothing is always perfect. You can find it. Story is slow in some areas and often you find out what occurred to the characters after you learn the outcome of it all. Interesting way to lay out the story line.
All in all I found this story very odd. I thought the author was good at writing but the story just didn't ring true. I often felt that Chloe talked and thought like an adult. I also found it odd how everyone just seemed to wander into Marjorie Jean's house when they felt like it, particularly Chloe. Maybe it's because this was written in a different era but what parents would let their kid continually walk into someone else's house? I did feel that some things were left unexplained. I really didn't warm to any of the characters. This book wasn't for me.
This is not my usual type of read, but I was stunned by the depth of the characters in this story. Maggie is a woman who thought she knew what her life would be like now that she reached middle age. However, life had another plan and ended up blowing apart her marriage and then her health as well. Add to that a nosy seven year old named Chloe and her dad, who bring a whole new set of adventures to her summer break from teaching. I don't want to give too much away here, but the reach of this story extends deep to your own life. Definitely will be reading the next one in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really liked the story and even bought the 2nd book, however the numerous grammatical errors were extremely distracting and disappointing...words missing, incorrect tense, spelling errors, misuse of homophones: roll vs. role, among others. The dangling thing at the back of the throat is the uvula, not tonsils.
There's potential here, but if the 2nd book is as bad with the grammatical errors, that will be it for me. I just started it yesterday, and have already come across a couple. The proofreader should be fired.
My friend Linda Bradley is the author of this lovely novel. It is the first of a trilogy, a delight to read. I felt like it could be any of us, in our neighborhoods, just going about a regular day in our backyards. The sweetest of days, getting to meet some new neighbors in the midst of a major life transition. Who can you think of who has surprised you most in the midst of your life change? What moment in time or actions created your memory? I can’t wait to read #2.
Maggie is getting divorced because her husband finally admitted he was gay, she has new neighbors who's little girl Chloe is a pest but loveable, and she is going through treatments for breast cancer. She is learning to be stronger with help from her mom, her new dog, Chloe and her handsome dad.
This book is high quality writing. It deals with so many human emotions. Eight year old Chloe is so precocious and adorable. Maggie is a very endearing woman. It's so interesting to read about all of her problems and the different men ,both old and new in her life.
This was a free book via bookbub a while ago and had been sitting on my kindle. I’m on a holiday weekend and wanted something light so went with this. It is a fairly predictable tale. I didn’t really engage with the characters. But I did notice quite a few editing issues - incorrect tenses, missing words, that kind of thing.