The Forever Wish of Middy Sweet: A Novel

by Terry Kay

Middy Sweet Young, a wealthy widow, returns to her hometown in Northeast Georgia in search of her youth, lured by a dreamy wish shared with Luke Mercer, her high school boyfriend: One day we'll be together... THE FOREVER WISH OF MIDDY SWEET is the story of that prophecy, the former beauty queen and the retired history teacher reuniting fifty years after her vow. It is a prophecy that will haunt Luke. A widower, he has settled comfortably in Creel as a father and grandfather, as a friend to such people as the barber Roy Kennedy, as an unlikely football legend, as the local historian, as a dedicated volunteer for the library. In a small town where core values have remained relatively unchanged, Luke is the model citizen, yet Middy's sudden and unexpected appearance in his life brings with it uncertainty and confusion. For Luke, Middy's search becomes his discovery, leaving him to wonder if she had been right: What might have been is a haunting of the imagination.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2020

About the author

TERRY KAY, a 2006 inductee into the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame, is the author of The Book of Marie, recently released by Mercer University Press. Kay has been a sports writer and film/theater reviewer (Atlanta Journal-Constitution), a public relations executive, and a corporate officer. He is the author of nine other published novels, including To Dance with the White Dog, The Valley of Light, Taking Lottie Home, The Kidnapping of Aaron Greene, Shadow Song, The Runaway, Dark Thirty, After Eli, and The Year the Lights Came On, as well as a book of essays (Special K) and a childrens book (To Whom the Angel Spoke)."

Reviews

[Amelia Wall Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry Kay’s way with language, story, and universal truths is a phenomenon. I loved every minute of this sweet story.

[Joe Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge fan of Terry Kay! Brand new book and a sweet story of love lost.

[Mitchell A. Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry wrote a book that brings nostalgia to the hearts of those of us in advanced years. Who among us does not remember a sweetheart from our younger days who we thought we would always know. For Luke, this sweetheart was Middy Sweet, the girl of his dreams in high school who had somehow escaped him until he found himself at 70 and about to see her again. This story again exhibits the southern poetry that only Terry can write. Read this book for the warm feeling it will generate in your heart.

[Beverly Mccollum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is -simply put-an amazing literary work. Terry Kay has produced a wonderful, magical tale of love in youth and older age. A haunting memory of almost spiritual proportions. The language is gorgeous and the bittersweet nature of the story is beautifully captured. It is a book which will speak to you. I know I’ll be thinking of it for quite a while. Obviously- highly recommend it.

[Janet Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my. Terry Kay's final book, and my first of 2021. I could not put it down. The story of lovers reunited after fifty years and all the what ifs that go along with that. The characters are compelling, both those who are real and those who are fantasies. The poetry and beauty of Kay's writing has never been more superb. Perhaps it is an old fashioned love story but the setting of current times, the challenges that come with aging, and Kay's talent to go straight to what your mind is thinking make it fresh and absorbing.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Forever Wish of Middy Sweet - A Story of What Might Have Been is one of the most beautifully written books I've read in a long time. It's the story of Luke Mercer and Middy Sweet Young, and throughout the book, the question that many have throughout their lives is - "What if my life had taken a different direction?" Terry Kay, with his storyteller's voice, pulls his readers into his story from page 1 and captivates his readers until the last page. I only wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I highly recommend.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry Kay is one of my all-time favorite authors. His style is a combination of poetry, Ah shucks demeanor, and ensightful observations that I wonder why I hadn't known it all along. He writes of common people in small towns living quiet lives and experiencing important emotions. Part sappy love story, part myth and legend, part glorious emotions. I have loved everything I've read from this gifted writer.

[Judith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not his best.

[Wendy Morlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry Kay wrote like many people think, but don't verbalize. His stories are relatable, and believable, even when they border on mysticism. They are memorable, and he will be missed.

[Anthony J. Dasta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uninteresting

I just could not get into this book. Uninteresting plot and uninteresting characters. It was a chore just to read it.

[Camille De · Rating 2 out of 5]

Twee and trite. Very disappointing as I loved To Dance with the White Dog.

[Art · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet but Also Sad

Vivid characters and strong dialogue make this book a typical Terry Kay novel. Middy knew what she wanted and found happiness in her hometown.