Maggie's Place

by Annette Haws

Years ago, Mary Margaret Sullivan changed her name, boxed up her previous life, moved into the Eagle Gate Apartments, and hid her painful memories in her chicken-wire storage unit in the basement. But secrets have an inconvenient way of surfacing when least expected.

Three weeks before Christmas, an elegant man in a penthouse, a young woman named Carly—homeless and ill with pneumonia—and two calculating thieves invade Maggie’s carefully reconstructed life, and in different ways, each is connected to Maggie’s difficult past. As Maggie and friends nurse Carly back to health, hearts begin to heal with a hope for the future. But all is not as it seems. When faced with the shocking truth, Maggie must rely on her wits, her friends, and her own strength as never before.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Fiction, Book Club, Contemporary, Christmas

272 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2019

About the author

Annette Haws’s literary strengths are based upon her experiences in the classroom. She began her teaching career as a junior high teacher in Richmond, Utah and ended it teaching Sophomore English at Murray High School in Salt Lake City. However, her favorite assignment was a five year period at Logan High School teaching English, coaching debate and mock trial, and watching the antics of her own three children who were also students in the same school.

Reviews

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really spoke to my heart and was more than I expected it to be. The writing is gentle yet captivating, and I had a sense of anticipation as secrets are revealed little by little, new relationships begin, and the suspense of impending danger hangs over everything. The story is mainly told from Maggie's perspective and her great-niece Carly, a runaway who finds herself in over her head, with a few enlightening chapters from the point of view of Kristen, Maggie's estranged daughter. The author skillfully shows the individuality and humanity of each of Maggie's neighbors, and how they bring value to each other's lives. I loved how Maggie's closest friends supported her and helped her choose happiness after decades of heartbreak. (Some of their adventures remind me of my mom and her closest female friends who love to travel together and have sessions where they map out life goals and follow up with each other). The theme of friendship is strong, and is woven into Carly's story with her loyalty to her friend Terry who endured with her the cruelty of being an outcast in school and at home and joined her on her misadventure, and her new friendship with Paolo, the diligent security guard of Eagle Gate. Most interesting to me was Kristen's story, how she resented her long-suffering mother and the difficulties and trauma she and her brother endured in their youth. It briefly explored her bitterness and how it prevented healing over the years, even though she has a good life. I loved seeing the support of her husband and his wisdom in discerning what she needs. While the lives of the characters are realistically messy and flawed, there are moments of grace, memories of love, and hope for the future that prevent the hardships from bringing the tone of the book down. I appreciated the sensitivity of the author with the difficult themes of rejection, depression, loneliness, homelessness, suicide, aging, death, and grief. I felt that it brought an awareness to universal struggles that can be countered with kindness, friendship, forgiveness, compassion, and humility. This is a wonderful book that prompts thoughts, insights, and inspires discussion and self-reflection.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took just a few chapters for me to get into. Once I did, however, I loved it. There are just so many great things about it.

One of my favorite things about it is the characters. This book has so many quirky, fun, characters. I loved all of them!

The main two characters that the reader gets to know are Maggie and Carly. They are connected, but neither of them realizes it for quite a while in the plot. Maggie is an old woman, living alone in an apartment building. Her life made me a bit sad. Her kids wanted nothing to do with her. And it was obvious that Maggie had a secret.

Carly’s life was sad too. Carly had run away from home. Now she lives in Salt Lake City, in an apartment with a bunch of people. Carly has become a thief as she was trying to learn to survive. But I loved how she grew up along the way, and a lot of that growing up was due to Maggie.

I loved the setting of this one. I lived in Salt Lake City, in the area this one takes place for about a year. All the talk of familiar places in this one made me smile.

If you’re looking for a great book, with great characters, plot and message, don’t hesitate to grab this one!

I was sent a copy of Maggie’s Place as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Emily Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a building with retirees that live together as friends. Then imagine a group of homeless teens and young adults that have designs on those retirees monies. The building has security, but the homeless group has an in, or do they.

What ensues is a delightful story about Maggie and her friends and the discovery of a long lost family member. On the surface, there is the day to day struggle, but what I loved is that this beloved group of retirees is not going down without a fight.

I laughed, I cried, I felt for these characters that were not my age and not in my stage of life. It was a beautifully well written story of people I want to befriend and spend time with.

There are so many layers to this story that I couldn't put it down and would recommend it to others. It is not what I usually read, but a great story nonetheless.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good enough Christmas read. Maggie’s story helped me think about how her life would have been impacted by her husband’s choices and it helped me understand that situation better. Hopefully I can be more empathetic moving forward.

I missed that this was a church-fiction book, which was something I hadn't read for a while.

[Barbara Waloven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely story. Gently written and so touching. Yet...don’t mess with the elderly! They’ve been through, and survived, the first two stages of life and they’re brighter than given credit. This is a story of enduring friendships and love of family all mixed up with secrets and some good and some bad people.

[Janet Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

November 20, 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Meet Maggie Sullivan, 74, widowed, healthy, mentally sharp, living in the historic Eagle Gate Apartments in the heart of Salt Lake City, where it’s close enough to walk or take the bus anywhere she wants to go. Maggie’s in what she calls Act Three of her life, “more agile than most and still in possession of her original knees,” (and teeth), and chooses to live every day of that life happily. After the rent’s paid, her means are modest, (i.e., nearly nonexistent), but her needs are few; she’s comfortable and surrounded by good friends, who believe “anytime’s an excuse for a party” or a lively game of Scrabble.

Devastating and painful secrets from Acts One and Two of her life caused Maggie to revert to her maiden name and begin a new life, Act Three. Maggie’s grand-niece Carly appears at her door, deathly ill, with dangerous gang connections. Maggie takes her in lovingly, knowing Carly could run back to the gang anytime, but prays she won’t. A mysterious wealthy man, Ed from 8-B, begins to pay attention to Maggie, but, unlike the throng of eligible single women longing to meet him, casseroles in hand, Maggie’s not interested in dating, and something’s not quite right about Ed.

In Maggie’s Place, Salt Lake City is featured almost as a character itself, with its unique and historical beauty, upscale lifestyle and culture, and, unfortunately, with its underbelly of crime common to all large cities. Haws knows the city well, bringing the reader right to the actual bus stop where Maggie waits to ride to her part-time job at a knitting shop; the Symphony; the Broadway Theater; the Alta Club; the Beehive House, power walks around Temple Square; the unpredictable, often brutal, but sometimes extraordinarily beautiful winter weather; and the quiet old elegance of the Eagle Gate Apartments. Best of all, Haws leads us into the hearts and souls of the well-developed characters who live in them, as well as those who don’t.

Maggie’s place is a cozy read. Haws takes an honest, unflinching look at aging and all that goes with it, addressing it with honesty, grace, and humor. The plot is lively with unexpected elements, and the descriptions of the characters who wander in and out of Maggie’s Place are priceless.

I highly recommend this delightful book.

Janet Kay Jensen
Author, The Book Lover’s Cookbook and Gabriel’s Daughters

[Tressa (Wishful Endings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

MAGGIE'S PLACE is part women's fiction and part suspense. It's a story of heartbreak, loss, and mistakes, but also friendship, forgiveness, and second chances. It's full of charming, quirky, and sweet characters that readers will fall in love with, and how their lives connect in complex ways. Definitely recommended to women's fiction and LDS fiction readers.

These characters! What a riot these ladies were!! I loved them all immensely! I also fell in love with Carly and Ed. I loved the motley crew these characters make and the way they interact with each other. Their lives have such a full history and they're in the latter end, and yet they're still learning and developing friendships. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments as well as sweet ones. Then there were moments that made me want to cry, that were heartbreaking. Add to that the suspense elements and the situation Carly finds herself in. It was the perfect balance of a slue of emotions and plot twists that kept this story entertaining and heartfelt from beginning to end.

Just a note about this book... I wasn't sure, at first, if this was a general market release or a religious one. For those not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, there aren't any religious moments or preaching. The characters are members of the church and there are some cultural references, but nothing that those not members wouldn't understand. It's more of a background to the characters and the downtown setting of Salt Lake City, Utah.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this up, but I definitely enjoyed this story. It was engaging from the first to the last page, with lovable characters, and a story full of heart with plenty of intrigue. Highly recommended!

Content: Some violence and blunt references.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 star rating

Copy of Maggie's Place provided by the author in exchange for a free and honest review.

The whole concept of following an apartment building with elderly people was very intriguing to me. I found this book somewhat depressing though. The parts about Salt Lake City, Utah with crime, schemes and homeless teens was very accurate, though native Utahns tend to turn a blind eye to it. . The characters and story line were believable, but the story just wasn’t for me.

Maggie as a character was a jem, and somewhat the saving grace for me as I read it. The way that Maggie looks at the world was very compelling to me as I read. Once Carly enters the picture, and things get turned up a level, I feel like her character truly shines.

Though this one isn't a new favorite for me, it was still fun and engaging. I read it over the course of about 24 hours, and just enjoyed it. If the plot sounds good, and you can handle a heavier story, than I would recommend checking this one out.

Thank you again to Annette Haws for sending this book my way.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story alternated between Maggie, a woman in her 70s; and Carly a homeless teen in downtown Salt Lake City Utah and how their stories intertwine. Maggie lives in Eagle Gate Apartments where she and her friends get together to go walking, play games and help each other with day to day chores. Throughout the book, past parts of Maggie’s life with her kids Kristen and Henry are mentioned along with current events which help them work towards healing and forgiveness.

I found this book somewhat depressing-I was hoping for more of a lighthearted holiday story. The parts about SLC Utah with crime, schemes and homeless teens was very accurate, sad and unfortunately real life. The characters and story line were believable and likable, but the story just wasn’t for me.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[Sara Cardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wondered how the characters' lives would intersect. The runaway girl's troubles gripped me the most. I also loved the security guard. The only thing I found odd was sometimes the retired people seemed like the generation before them or too old for their ages. Maybe because my parents are about the same age and seem younger? The events unfold
like watching a train wreck in slow motion. The story came to a rewarding end.

[Kristin Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie's Place is a wonderful story about a 70 something year old living in a retirement apartment building. This story has a sad undertone that ends with a note of hope. While this story isn't one that I would usually pick up and read I'm glad I did. It made me think about my parents and grandparents in my life and the relationships I have with them. It also gives a message of forgiveness and making things right in your life.

There is a bit of a love story in the plot line, and does have The Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints as the religion of choice in the story.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really hit home to me as I too am at a crossroads in my life. Creating a new life for myself and leaving my past behind me.

Not having Maggie’s past spelled out at the beginning kept the mystery alive and me reading more for answers as her story unfolds.

[Stella Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this book I had a difficult time getting into it for about the first 25% of it because it was not my usual choice in genres. But I am glad I persevered because I enjoyed it very much. Being of the same age group as Maggie and the other characters I was able to sympathize with them and what they went through. It is a very moving story that you will enjoy. It is set in Salt Lake City and very much involves the Latter Day Saints Church. It is set around the holidays so it is a good time to read and enjoy it. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my very own.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel centers around a older lady and a homeless young women in Salt Lake City during the holidays. Haws included lots of details in the setting, giving it a strong sense of place and time. Things like the smell of wool in a knitting shop, a couch with a rip in one cushion, and the care older people take when walking in icy conditions. I liked how many older women characters there were and how they were distinct from one another.

I felt a little confused about the book's point-of-view a few times, since it seemed to follow a limited perspective most of the time, but not all the time. Maybe I'm bad at reading?? There were some delightful turns of phrase in the descriptions and I enjoyed reading it. A few people told me that the ending was a little trite and I agree with them, but I can forgive that since the book dealt with some other issues without sugarcoating them, like fraud and suicide. I also felt like Maggie's relationship with her children was not fully explored. That said, this is the best holiday book set in Salt Lake City I've ever read :-).

[Jenna W · Rating 5 out of 5]

What impressed me most about Maggie's Place was the beautiful writing. I was captivated by Annette's words, which were sometimes melancholy, but always truthful.

I loved the story, too. I don't think that enough contemporary fiction portrays the lives of people in our older years, and Maggie's Place does so very thoughtfully. I was captivated by Maggie's relationships - with her daughter, her friends and her family - both known and unknown.

[Nollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy’s mom wrote this book and it’s a really fun, light read. The characters are well written, it speaks to the power of life experience and friendship, and there are some exciting twists and turns along the way. A great book to gift for the holidays to any reader friends.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot to enjoy in this contemporary novel set in urban Salt Lake City: the quirky elderly main character with a secret past, a teenage homeless girl looking for a way out, a little bit of romance tangled up in choosing to do the right thing, and a gaggle of seniors outwitting the bad guys and saving the day.

The author Annette Haws is also the writer of Waiting for the Light to Change, the 2008 Whitney Award Winner in General Fiction. Maggie’s Place will please the same audience, pulling from many story types to create a tale with broad appeal. Annette describes the novel best, writing, “It is a mystery, a romance, a morality tale, and a Christmas story, the story crosses genre lines, and hopefully, will appeal to a wide audience.”

I personally loved many parts of this book. The author is open about the fact that the novel is inspired by the life of her aunt who lived in the Eagle Gate apartments for the last decade of her life. My parents owned and lived in a condo in the same area for about five years and we had family gatherings there often. So, I have to admit the main draw of the book for me at first was nostalgia. I often took a similar walk as Maggie to Harmon’s down the street and the Library kitty-corner my parent’s condo. Reading the book transported me straight back to those days.

The author draws heavily on conflicts that plague modern-day northern, Utah–homelessness, affinity fraud, bullying, judgemental shunnings of those that don’t fit in. The membership status and spirituality of the characters aren’t the main concern of the story. However, you can’t erase the Mormoness of the novel. It lurks in the nooks and crannies and supports major plot points. It’s in the weekly schedules and basic functions of the community. Though it’s almost so quiet you wouldn’t notice it unless you knew what you were looking for.

I love the balance that the author was able to strike as she wove the many threads of this layered novel. Mormon literature struggles with the problem of polarity. It’s easy to find books that are “faithful” literature and books that are “critical” literature. It is hard to find anything neutral–a book that allows itself to be Mormon without taking on either label is a rare gem indeed. This brilliant balancing act also applies to the way the novel balances literary tastes with genre expectations. The beginning of the novel bends more literary and can feel a little slow. The end of the novel bends itself to genre expectations and has a satisfying, albeit formulaic ending. I really appreciated this lovely blend. It’s fun to read a novel that has a little bit of everything for someone because it means you can share it with more people. I highly encourage you to take a chance on this quirky but ultimately satisfying novel.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another new to me author and I can say I honestly enjoyed this book.
Annette Haws has done a wonderful job with the characters' feelings and I felt their pain, secrets, and love and yes sometimes anger coming through the book.
I think the thing I've found out is that you can never hide your pain, past or whatever the case may be because it just follows you through life.
You might be able to box up your personal items but not your feelings. Our past defines us in who we are and eventually secrets leak out. Sometimes even though we don't want to letting secrets out can be healing even though hurtful at times. But in the end it relieves us at the same time.
Friends are harder to trust. A true friend is harder to find but once you do, hang on to them. They are precious and sometimes when you just need someone to talk to they will keep your confidence no matter what.
I could feel Carlys pain.
I was an outcast at school.. Always being made fun of no matter what the case may be that day. Heck, I even had drumsticks thrown at me in marching band one afternoon. Did it hurt yes it hurt so I did the only thing that was instinct. I threw them back at the drummer and hit him right square in the nose. He never bothered me afterwards but I can't say that the others did.
I did have one good friend and he kept me insane. Always loyal no matter what. But as life tends to do we drifted apart after high school. I run into him from time to time.
I fell in love with these beautiful flawed people in this story. They had me intrigued. I was swept into the story before I knew what happened and was finished the same day.
Did I cry some? Yes, I did!
Maggie is a tremendous woman and a strong woman but even she needed her friends at times. I admired her very much and at times ( I know this is silly) but I felt like she was my grandmother on my moms side. I wanted to reach though the book and give her a big fat hug!!
I think it's sad that kids want to put their parents away and never having anything to do with them anymore because they get old and can't take care of themselves. I mean, It's wrong. After all, they raised us and gave us all they had and loved us unconditionally. Why can't we do the same for them? Makes me glad that my grandparents were spared that. They died peacefully at home.
This story isn't what I usually read but something or someone called me to read it and I'm sure glad I did!! I went on an adventure of a lifetime!!
This story has so so many interesting places in it that you'll want to discover them all. Therefore, you not want to put this book down until you finish it. I may reread it again in the near future.
I highly recommend this book. It's so good!!
My thanks to Covenant Communications for a copy of this beautiful book and NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie’s Place is a heartwarming novel about friendship, community and second chances. It’s about women and men facing the third act of their life on their terms; some financially stable, some struggling, some striving for redemption, some looking for liberation, but all seeking for a connection to those around them.

The characters in the book are not your typical heroes, but you’ll cheer for them nonetheless. From determined Maggie Sullivan, to the charming but mysterious Mr. 7-B, to the homeless and vulnerable Carly, the story unfolds in layers and keeps you turning pages to find out just how the intertwining of such disparate lives will knit themselves together.

I was drawn in by the rich and familiar details of Salt Lake City. I found myself deeply touched by the reflection on lost loves and life-long friendships. But my favorite part of the book was the collective courage and wisdom that ultimately saves the day. These octogenarians do not go gentle into that good night, showing that age is a state of mind and experience has its advantages.

Do yourself a favor this Christmas and curl up by the fire at Maggie’s Place!

[Charity Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maggie’s Place is not Annette Haws first book, but it’s the first book of hers that I’ve read. This book isn’t your typical romance or mystery. At first look this book wasn’t enticing for me to pick up voluntarily. But since I had a goal to read all the fiction books published by Covenant Communications in the month they came out, I picked this book up to listen to. Though I started this book in the month it came out, I didn’t finish it until today. The Christmas season is too crazy for me to find time to read or in this case listen too books. I find my time working and coming home to watch Christmas movies.

Speaking of Christmas, this book takes place around Christmas time. But, I really wouldn’t label it a Christmas book. It is a story about how it is never too late to find love and forgiveness. Add in a runaway, the mysterious man in 8B, the cute security guard, a gaggle of nosey seniors, thugs, and dwelling on loss of a good friend, this book makes for an entertaining read.

Though it took me a while to finish this book, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it in the end. I recommend this book to those who wants something different to read for a change.

[Shawna Wilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie’s Place is simply a delightful story about a group of quirky ladies, and a few gentlemen, who luckily ended up living in the same apartment building in their advanced years. The author’s genius at description and character development drew me into their world and allowed me to feel that I knew each of them inside and out.

Each character brought the complex baggage of a former life, some trying to live on a shoestring, others living without financial worries, some with family support and some without, but each had the same need to be accepted and valuable. I enjoyed how this diverse group of people became close friends and created a network of support, a dream for elderly adults who live alone!

Their idyllic world was interrupted when a group of hooligan kids entered their day-to-day struggle. As the plot thickened, so did the undercurrent of family, hope and forgiveness. I thoroughly enjoyed Haws’ book and still think about these characters as though they belong to me too.

I received a complimentary copy of Maggie’s Place, and this is my honest review.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie's Place is a story that truly tugs at the heartstrings. This story is told from the perspective of a 70+-year-old woman and a teenager. Both of these characters have dealt with many trials in life and still are trying to find the strength to survive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Maggie is so full of sorrow that she has a hard time letting joy in her life. Carly is distrusting of most people after being hurt so many times in her short life. Three weeks before Christmas these two women's paths cross and a miracle starts taking place.

This novel follows Maggie and her life at the Eagle Gate Apartments filled with Senior Citizens. Their friendships are strong but it doesn't totally take away the loneliness that is there in your later years. Carly is living on the streets and becomes involved with a group of thugs. Deep in her heart, she wants to change and start her life again far away from the streets, thievery, and helplessness.

Maggie's Place takes your emotions on a joy ride and will toss your feelings up and down. This book has a lot of suspense and keeps you thinking and feeling deeply until the very end. Just be prepared with a box of tissues and an open heart to truly have a wonderful experience as you read, Maggie's Place.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie's Place takes the reader on a journey to the innards of the Eagle Gate Apartment Building, a Salt Lake City retirement landmark. The book delves into the realm of aging, something that most of us are trying to avoid. On this journey you will meet --- Maggie, who is trying to construct a new life, with Rosie, Jan and Sue. The ladies muster the strength and sense of humor to face the treacherous trip to buy groceries, muse on the new male tenant in 8B, and show compassion to a homeless teen, Carly, who mysteriously arrives and gives the senior set a renewed purpose.
This is a book to embrace, enjoy and celebrate. Robert Browning said it long ago, "Grow old along with me; the best is yet to be." Some of those 'best' moments are penned with delicious description and dialog by Annette Haws, as she paints the possibilities that still await the AARP crowd. A not to be missed surprising adventure. A perfect Christmas read.

[Joni Haws · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope that when I reach my golden years my friendships are just like the ones described in this book. Maggie's Place seems like the perfect holiday read for any age. It's about family, heart-break, integrity, and forgiveness, with the tongue-in-cheek turn of phrase I've come to expect from this author. It's a great airplane or vacation read, or maybe something to cuddle up with when the snow starts to fall. My favorite quality of the book is that the characters are flawed and have experienced real heart-break. It's got a little more substance than your average candy-floss romance. And the climax scene will stick with me for quite some time.
I received a complimentary copy and this is my honest review.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie's Place was such a pleasant surprise. While the description caught my attention, I wasn't sure what to expect from the author. I'm happy to say that Annette Haws really delivered with this novel.

Maggie is a senior citizen with limited means and a mysterious past. Life seems to have given her more than her fair share of lemons, and I found myself very invested to see if she would get a happy ending. I loved her friends, and felt so bad about her strained relationship with her children.

My emotions took quite the ride throughout the story. I literally laughed and cried and loved the themes of love, redemption, and forgiveness.

I highly recommend Maggie's Place, and am looking forward to reading it again.

[Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really fell in love with Maggie's Place! I felt like Maggie had such a story to share and too many things she was holding on to from the past. I loved the community of amazing friends she had and the support they all showed for each other. The entire story was about Maggie, her story, and her journey. There were parts of this story that were fun, happy, sad, tragic, emotional, bittersweet...this book covers an entire range of emotions. If you are willing, take a walk to Maggie's Place, and you will find that you will never want to leave. More than your typical book, Maggie's Place is a story of love, forgiveness, giving, and most of all....hope. I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful surprise this was. The main character was an older woman in her struggle to get along, the friends she's made in her retirement community in downtown SLC. Then a side character is a homeless girl, which turns out to be her grandniece. The romance between Carly and another character surprised me but was a kinda sweet turn of events. I liked the conclusion, the way most loose ends were tied up, but not completely. There is more story of their lives to come!

Parts of the story might have been a bit easier to follow if I were reading the book instead of listening to it. I wondered all through the book about one of the background experiences Maggie and her children experienced that I never seemed to have explained fully. But mostly, a surprisingly good story!

[Terressa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A senior living center and a group of misled teens come together in a moving story where relationships are realized and self confidence is gained.
I had a hard time getting into the story but I’m glad I read the entire story. This is set at Christmas time in SLC and has a strong connection to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.


Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is an elderly woman in her third act of life, living in a retirement community in Salt Lake City. Surrounded by friends, Maggie is determined to live her last days with joy, if only the pain of the past would leave her alone. But Maggie’s memories, full of hurt and heartache, come to call in the form of a new resident and some scheming street thugs who think the retirement community residents just might be their golden ticket.

A delightful read about learning from life’s challenges and forgiveness. This multigenerational story is perfect for a clean, uplifting read, especially around Christmas time.

[Patricia L .Jex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good novel, and a fun Christmas Day read. This author did a great job of creating complex characters with diverse and interesting backstories which came out over the course of the story. She was accurate in setting details, and did a good job of bringing very real situations and emotions to life. The one detail I thought was far fetched was the young romantic interest, but I'll give her that for the sake of the story. This story illuminated some of the real tragedy of homeless youth and golden years that often show a bit of tarnish.