Maggie: A Journey of Love, Loss and Survival

by Vicki Tapia

Set in a time when women had few rights, this compelling narrative chronicles one woman’s tenacious journey from abuse to independence. This is a #MeToo story that has waited over a century to be told.

Mt. Clemens, Michigan 1887. Seventeen and headstrong, with marriage on her mind, Maggie is sure she has found her one true love. But when she collides head-on with betrayal, overwhelming loss and ill-treatment, her life unravels.

Maggie rises above adversity through rare determination and grit, becoming an independent woman ahead of her time. Yet before she can truly find peace, one heartbreaking, life-altering decision remains.

Inspired by her great-grandmother’s life, the author explores intergenerational relationships between parents and children, husbands and wives, and sisters. She weaves a timeless story of survival and courage set against the backdrop of late 19th century Michigan and the prairies of eastern Montana at the turn of the twentieth century.

Genres: Historical Fiction

382 pages, Paperback

First published March 19, 2018

About the author

After teaching somewhere around 10,000 mother/baby pairs the art of breastfeeding, Vicki Tapia found her energies redirected to the other end of life, after both parents were diagnosed with dementia. A diary written to help her cope with caregiving morphed into the Amazon bestseller, “Somebody Stole My Iron: A Family Memoir of Dementia,” published by Praeclarus Press. Vicki has spoken in various venues about “Dementia Awareness.” **A Finalist for Best Woman Writer in the High Plains Book Awards 2015**

Her second book, “Maggie, A Journey of Love, Loss and Survival,” is a tribute to the intrepid life of her great-grandmother, written in remembrance and recognition of a time when women had few rights.
**Solo Medalist: New Apple Literary Awards for Historical Fiction 2018**
**Finalist, Historical Fiction: Next Generation Indie Book Awards 2019**

Based on true stories about the author’s grandparents as told to her by her father, her third book, "Harry & Grace: A Dakota Love Story" has been called an “incredible story of courage and love that will touch your heart.” (And yes, the photo on the book cover is really Harry & Grace.)

Vicki has also contributed short stories and essays to several anthologies. Along with her writing, she is actively involved in the administration of AlzAuthors.com, a website devoted to bringing together caregivers or those living with memory impairment with books and blogs written about Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

She is the mother of 3 grown children, along with 8 grandsons and a granddaughter. She lives with her husband in south central Montana.

Visit her website http://vicki.tapia.com or find her on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Reviews

[Cynthia Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a depth and richness to this saga that is rare to come across. It is told from Maggie’s POV at various stages in her long, and often painful life, flashing forward and back as choices she’s made in good faith betray her. She started life in a rarified environment as one of ten children of loving parents. Nurtured and raised to be respectful and productive, Maggie’s only misstep was to fall in love with Samuel, a handsome lad from a neighboring farm, a man-boy who seeks only to feed his own lust for life.

Besides the natural tension that builds from the events that conspire to keep Maggie from grasping the happiness she yearns for, it’s the language of Maggie’s own thoughts that pulled me in and held me spellbound. I was so impressed by the pains the author took to embellish the story with the details of the clothing, the manners and customs of the late-1800s, allowing the scenes to unfold in pitch-perfect form.

Though everything about this book shines, Maggie’s resilience is the backbone of the story. And what makes this accounting of Maggie’s life even more fascinating that it’s all based on fact, presented to us as a loving tribute to the author’s great-grandmother, Maggie Perry Jobsa Herman. This is a book I know I will read again and recommend often. Well done, Vicki Tapia! This reader looks forward to more!

[Delissca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page turner from beginning to end! I loved it! But with that said, I have a few things I need to get off my mind. Keep in mind, that I did not know this book was based on a true story until after I finished reading it.


SPOILERS

I loved and hated Maggie equally at different times. There were times when my heart really bled for her. I have gone through similar things in my life, not to her extreme, but enough so that I could relate. On the other hand, as a mother myself, how could she leave those 4 babies alone in that house knowing her husband could come back at any moment? I was furious as I read this. I knew it would come to no good. And then the decision to go to an attorney rather than call the sheriff and get back into the house that very night was such a poor decision.

How about her not even getting information to go to her son's funeral? Why Why Why?? I could never see doing that as a mother. I would have moved heaven and earth to find out where and when the service was to be held.

And then lets talk about her decision, after finally getting visitation rights, to leave the state and remarry! OMG! I could not believe what I was reading. Back in those days there was no quick way to travel over 1000 miles! I knew she would not go back to see them on a regular basis. That is when I feel she really did abandon them! It turns out she didn't see them for 14 years!!! That disgusted me. I lost a lot of sympathy for her then.

She just kept making bad decisions all through her life. Marrying numerous times to the same type of person was so annoying to read about.

The author really did tie up all the loose ends in the end. I really liked the how she finished this up with an afterwards, epilogue and notes on author. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Ann Campanella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie: A Journey of Love, Loss and Survival is a story I won't soon forget. A magnificent portrayal of the saga of one woman as she and her children suffered abuse no one should have to face at the hands of the men she married. With authentic historical details, the author draws the reader deeply into the life of the main character and builds to a stirring conclusion. By the end of the book, I felt I had been transported to another time, another way of living. Maggie's fierce determination to survive, care for those she loved and find independence, despite incredible hardship and loss, make her not only heroic, but a beacon of hope for today's women.

[Marianne Sciucco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie's story is a trip back in time, to when women had few if any legal rights, including to their children. Caught up in the romance of marriage and men, at 17 Maggie makes a poor choice and becomes the bride of a spoiled young man with a drinking problem. A life of abuse and heartache ensues, but the resourceful Maggie with a backbone made of steel escapes her abuser with a heartbreaking cost: leaving her children behind. As Maggie leaves her home and family in Michigan to start life anew in Montana, she trades one bad marriage for a another and struggles to provide for her family as a businesswoman, unheard of in those times. Maggie was a trailblazer, an advocate for women's rights out of necessity, not ideology. The author approached her grandmother's story with honor and reverence, painstakingly researching Maggie's history and the history of American women in her time. It is an absorbing read that will at times pull at your heartstrings, and at others enrage you with the injustices Maggie endures. An excellent read and addition to Women's History.

[Catherine Hodder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating story of a resilient woman

I’m a fan of historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. I am amazed by the life of a woman who had to cope with unimaginable tragedy and hardship during a time when women had no rights. Her struggle to keep her family together and her ability to forge her own way was remarkable. It is even more so knowing the story is based on the author’s family history. Highly recommend.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely well researched & written book about the strength & resilience of a woman who endured 3 bad marriages complicated by domestic abuse & the need to protect her children. The descriptions of the abuse read like a modern day criminal complaint showing that this horrible behavior has been going on for years.

This is a must read for women to show them that a woman does not have to put up with abusive treatment in a relationship.

[Phyllis H. Pajka · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book this is. Maggie goes through more in her lifetime than any of us could think off and survives it all. A well written book and a true story. I enjoyed it so much and I think you would too if you give it a try.

[Emily Dorow ostrowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie’s life was tragic yet inspiring. Her story is written so beautifully and pulls you right in. It was a very emotional read but so powerful and eye opening. I learned a lot about women’s rights (or not) during the 1800s.

[Jean Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie perseveres through personal trials and loss. Certainly a story of inspiration for women of all times.

[Heather Fishel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartbreaking story, beautifully told. Makes me thankful to live in the 21st century.

[Page Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sad story that was not always easy to follow.

[Sue Weinreis · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading the first few chapters, I was thinking to myself how it was a lot like reading Little House in the Big Woods or Pride and Prejudice...a very pleasant glimpse of daily life in 19th-century mid-America, a very nice family, lots of sisters (which means lots of squabbles and fun), evocative descriptions of people and events. And then her life went to hell and I just could NOT put this book down! Even though it was very hard to read about the abuse, I just HAD to know what happened next. As Maggie 's life became more and more painful and she faced loss after loss, I felt horrified that life could ask that much sacrifice. I couldn't even cry, just felt terrible pain. It seemed so unfair, and, ok, so unrealistic, that so many bad, sad, pathetic, sick, hurtful things could possibly afflict one woman. Except that the story is true and based on the well-documented life of her great-grandmother. Somehow that made the situation seem even more horrific. Things I loved about the book....First, I realize how lucky I am to be born in a time when women have the opportunity for a better life and legal rights. My great-grandmothers all lost children to accident, illness, and miscarriage. One of my own grandmother's was abused, both physically and mentally, to the point that when she was expecting her third child, she took her other two children and went by train back to Wisconsin to her parents' home. The book certainly helped me realize the plight of women "in the old days" who got pregnant before marriage, had no property, no legal rights, and were stuck because they had no way to support themselves and their children. Second, the writing style at the start of the book seems to reflect the sentiments and language of the period and place. It was a little like reading old newspaper columns from the distant past - you know, language and usage just a little more stilted and polite than we would say things today. I attributed this at first to the author's personal writing style, but when the setting moves to eastern Montana, MY home, the language switched to the style and expressions that I grew up with and know so well. Third, and more personally, the Montana settings are so familiar to me...my oldest grandson was working in the cafe in Lavina that O.C. Richards built the day it closed down. I had relatives in Miles City, I have canoed parts of the Tongue River, and I have lived in Billings. So it was a joy to read about those familiar settings. Finally, I learned a lot about myself, asking what I would have done in Maggie's situation. At what point would I have cried, "Enough," and then lived with the consequences.

[Daphne Simpkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first introduced to Vicki Tapia's work through her writers' group Alzheimer's Authors. And while Ms. Tapia tells that story of caregiving movingly in her book SOMEBODY STOLE MY IRON, she is a writer whose gifts and talent far exceeds genre and specific categories or subjects. MAGGIE proves that talent with its beautiful prose and imaginative understanding of one woman's history and how that story affects and inspire others.. I love Vicki Tapia's work and hope she not only continues to nurture the writing careers of others but will pursue her own with vigor. I eagerly look forward to reading more of her work

[Reggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not normally listen to biographies, but I am glad that I agreed to this one. The author did an excellent job in weaving this true story in such a manner that you forget that it IS a biography. At the end of the 19th century, teenage Maggie Perry is eager to move into adulthood, get married and start her own family. Being one of a dozen children in the Perry household, it's no wonder that Maggie wants to move out. Of course, at that time, women had limited options in providing for themselves so Maggie focused on marriage to a reasonably wealthy farmer. Over several decades, Maggie suffered the loss of her mother and her firstborn child. Survived through an abusive marriage and the loss of custody of her two eldest children; another couple of abusive marriages, and the loss of her eldest sister as well as her daughter. Through it all, this incredible woman proved that she was a survivor. Maggie's faith as a Christian Scientist is mentioned, but it is tastefully done and does not overpower her story. Again, this book is well written and quite captivating and I highly recommend.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheryle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting out to write a family history turned into a fabulous book of a tragic life. Maggie is a novel of tremendous importance. It tells the story of a life of abuse and suffering, but more importantly it is a story of survival against all odds. Beginning in Michigan the story ends in Montana. Set in the late 1800's and early 1900's, Maggie falls in love then suffers at the hand of her abusive husband. Once she decides to take her life back she if confronted with the male dominated thinking of the time and suffered the loss of her two older children as they were awarded custody to the abusive husband. But this did not stop Maggie as she went on to live her life on her terms. A phrase that sums up her life is "It's not want happens in life, but what we do with what happens".

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another book club read. The author is going to come and speak to us. I enjoyed this little history. It is set in Montana where I live. The author ‘s foremothers were brave and tenacious. Getting out of an abusive marriage in the early West was almost unheard of.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attempts to turn family history into fiction are tricky. In the first pages of this one, I thought uh-oh, this is going to be corny and clunky, but I was wrong. This became one of those books I couldn’t stop reading. Tapia’s fictionalized story of her great-grandmother is filled with drama and suspense. Born into a big family in Michigan, Maggie is bright and adventurous, but she has a tendency to fall in love with bad men. This leads to great romance and great heartbreak, exacerbated by the laws and the culture of the late 1800s and early 1900s. The story crosses the country to rural Montana. As we follow Maggie’s story, we also watch the changes taking place in the country, including the advent of the automobile, WWI, and the great Depression. In the end, Tapia has given me an experience I won’t soon forget.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie: A Journey of Love, Loss & Survival Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
Vicki Tapia

This is a wonderful historical fiction, based on the author's great grandmother. Maggie's life from age 17 onward is a bumpy roller coaster ride. She experiences young love, convenient love, false love, and love not experienced. Her losses are many and heartbreaking. Through it all Maggie climbs back up and continues on her life journey.

The author did a fine job of telling Maggie's story. I hope she has more family history she will share with others.



The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Mathilda Joy did an amazing job, especially with accents.



I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[ellwood e. shields · Rating 2 out of 5]

Should be a Hallmark Movie


I usually finish a book if I begin reading it and have never written a review of a book, but I feel compelled to review this one. How did this book win awards? I gave it two stars because the grammar and syntax are well proofread, but the characters and plot development are predictable and shallow. Cue the sappy soundtrack. Where is Maggie’s growth? What climax is Tapia building towards? She tells us in the first few pages of the book about the generational acceptance of spousal abuse, so even that is not a surprise to the reader. I am sure that there is a target audience for a book of this caliber, but clearly I am not it.

[Janet Voytek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Maggie, the woman and the book!! A story of The Tree of Life.

It's been awhile since I've enjoyed a book so much. Early in the story I wanted to start a go fund me for Maggie. So many women with children are trapped in abusive marriages with no way out. In the 1800's the nightmare must have been so much worse. The loss of her children through death and divorce is so unimaginable for any mother. Her strength for moving forward is amazing. Obviously her taste in men, either for love or convenience, was questionable. I was hopeful the stagecoach driver would keep on driving out of her life. I was not expecting his planned return. Great book.

[Cynthia Strand · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

I recommend this book for the characters and the settings which are so vividly described. This is a true story brought to life many years after the main character actually lived. The author brings her family’s past to life and it is not only a great read but a historical look at days gone by. If you like this book also read a book entitled Maude by Donna Mabry. It is similar and equally enjoyable.

[Elisabeth Brookshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect read

If you love memoirs about strong females then you will assuredly enjoy this book. The ups and downs, twists and turns of Maggie's life are sometimes hard to bear but the ending is amazing. This book is set at the turn of the century (1900's) and continues through the 1940's in Michigan and Montana. I was riveted.

[Trish Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. In the beginning I thought it was just going to be a silly romance novel, but I was completely captivated. The injustices that women had to contend with boggle the mind. The scary thing is that it wasn't all that long ago!!! It shows once again that women are the stronger sex, emotionally and sometimes physically. Having to put up with being beaten and raped and then carrying on, with no one coming to their assistance.

[Deedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a hopeful yet heartrending story,I could barely put it down.Maggie marries the man of her dreams,has his children and endures his anger.She is brave through the most horrible times.Her story is that of many women in any time.Mathilda Joy was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.' 

[Jan Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of a very tough independent woman during late 1800’s -1941

When you read Maggie’s story, you read about a lot of women who lived that time period. It really hasn’t been that long since women have equal rights today. My granddaughters have no idea what their great great grandmothers lived through!

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing got better as the book progressed. Most interesting is that it is based on a real persons life. Maggie had a long and dramatic life. Some of the drama she brought on herself. Many parallels to present day struggles for women which is a bit disappointing in itself.

[Kathy James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story captured my attention immediately. The writing and descriptions are beautiful. The characters are colorful and relatable. Thank you, Vicki, for giving your great grandmother a voice and such richness.

[Leahkanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

didn't care for it

[LaDonna Nobbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 3 days. I could not put this book down - wanting you know what happened next. You won’t be disappointed .

[melinda harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I really love Vicki's writing style and how she has you constantly on the edge of your seat!