What do you think?
Rate this book
Life in Palmyrton #3
Life, At Last: Madalyn's Story
Do the right thing.
But don’t do it like that.
Over the course of a long marriage, Madalyn has chosen to overlook her husband’s roving eye. But when Tom goes from being the charming life-of-the party to an accused groper, Madalyn has had enough humiliation. She files for divorce.
Turning the page on her failed marriage proves harder than she expected. Every change Madalyn longs to make—restarting her nursing career, downsizing to a condo, registering for a dating app—meets with a litany of protest from her four young adult children.
And a chorus of contradictory advice from her well-intentioned friends.
When Tom gets into even deeper trouble, Madalyn’s kids beg her to help their father stay out of jail, while her friends insist she testify against him.
Whichever options she chooses to relaunch her life, Madalyn stands to alienate someone she loves.
Can she tune out everyone else’s demands to find what’s best for her, at last?
But don’t do it like that.
Over the course of a long marriage, Madalyn has chosen to overlook her husband’s roving eye. But when Tom goes from being the charming life-of-the party to an accused groper, Madalyn has had enough humiliation. She files for divorce.
Turning the page on her failed marriage proves harder than she expected. Every change Madalyn longs to make—restarting her nursing career, downsizing to a condo, registering for a dating app—meets with a litany of protest from her four young adult children.
And a chorus of contradictory advice from her well-intentioned friends.
When Tom gets into even deeper trouble, Madalyn’s kids beg her to help their father stay out of jail, while her friends insist she testify against him.
Whichever options she chooses to relaunch her life, Madalyn stands to alienate someone she loves.
Can she tune out everyone else’s demands to find what’s best for her, at last?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2021
336 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
S.W. Hubbard
32 books453 followersS.W. Hubbard writes the kinds of books she loves to read: twisty, believable, full of complex characters, and highlighted with sly humor. She is the author of the Palmyrton Estate Sale Mystery Series and the Frank Bennett Adirondack Mountain Mystery Series, as well as the Life in Palmyrton Women's Friendship Fiction Series. Her short stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and the anthologiesDead Drift, Crimes by Moonlight, The Mystery Box, andAdirondack Mysteries. When not writing, she hikes with her rescue dog, Libby, and her husband. She lives in Morristown, NJ.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 8, 2021
Lessons Learned the Hard Way Stick
S.W. Hubbard is a wonderful storyteller. Her books welcome you in, provide a place to sit and entertain you from page one until the end and always leave you wanting more.
This book is no exception. I love visiting with these wonderful characters. While we read the side stories about Roz and Lydia, this one focuses on Madalyn. A newly divorced stay at home mom thrust back into the working world to provide for her family. I so identified with Madalyn, how do you balance work, family and life? She learns some valuable lessons as we peek in on her life. This is a story of holding on and letting go.
Thank You Ms Hubbard for your amazing storytelling, looking forward to more tales about the ladies of Palmyrton.
S.W. Hubbard is a wonderful storyteller. Her books welcome you in, provide a place to sit and entertain you from page one until the end and always leave you wanting more.
This book is no exception. I love visiting with these wonderful characters. While we read the side stories about Roz and Lydia, this one focuses on Madalyn. A newly divorced stay at home mom thrust back into the working world to provide for her family. I so identified with Madalyn, how do you balance work, family and life? She learns some valuable lessons as we peek in on her life. This is a story of holding on and letting go.
Thank You Ms Hubbard for your amazing storytelling, looking forward to more tales about the ladies of Palmyrton.
August 9, 2021
There is something in each of the main characters of the Life stories that speaks to me. With Madalyn, it's my urge to do too much for my grown kids. It's really hard to step back and let them live their lives, but I've improved.
Madalyn faces a lot of challenges, and many times I wanted to reach through the pages to shake her! Roz seemed to be able to reach her more easily than Lydia could. Probably because Roz is at a more settled place and Lydia's own story is at a new complicated stage.
I have a relative who is autistic, and I think the portrayal of Ginny was sensitive and true. It can be really difficult to let go and let someone make their own way, mistakes and all.
I'm still quite envious of Lydia's little home!
Madalyn faces a lot of challenges, and many times I wanted to reach through the pages to shake her! Roz seemed to be able to reach her more easily than Lydia could. Probably because Roz is at a more settled place and Lydia's own story is at a new complicated stage.
I have a relative who is autistic, and I think the portrayal of Ginny was sensitive and true. It can be really difficult to let go and let someone make their own way, mistakes and all.
I'm still quite envious of Lydia's little home!
September 15, 2021
Find yourself
Madalyn is a fixer. She takes care of her children, has her job, overnights in the ER. She took care of her husband too. After the scandal her husband was involved in, they divorce. Madalyn puts everyone first. She finally starts to come into her self after he ex-husband commits suicide. She is pleasantly surprised that her kids can survive and thrive without her fixing everything. She's ready to start a new chapter in her life.
Madalyn is a fixer. She takes care of her children, has her job, overnights in the ER. She took care of her husband too. After the scandal her husband was involved in, they divorce. Madalyn puts everyone first. She finally starts to come into her self after he ex-husband commits suicide. She is pleasantly surprised that her kids can survive and thrive without her fixing everything. She's ready to start a new chapter in her life.
August 4, 2021
Each woman has a story
Once again, I was hooked by 3:30 am, early after receiving my kindle copy. But I had to get some sleep and buy groceries. This book deals with the tough struggles of many families, but Madalyn has her own complicated path to get through…. Her family multiplies drama in spades. Waiting for the next book will be like pulling teeth. (Many of my favorite authors are taking a long time to produce the next book in a series. - no pressure 🥴)
Once again, I was hooked by 3:30 am, early after receiving my kindle copy. But I had to get some sleep and buy groceries. This book deals with the tough struggles of many families, but Madalyn has her own complicated path to get through…. Her family multiplies drama in spades. Waiting for the next book will be like pulling teeth. (Many of my favorite authors are taking a long time to produce the next book in a series. - no pressure 🥴)
September 11, 2021
Love this series. Looking forward to the next
September 18, 2021
From the get go I was super annoyed with Madalyn and her 'overbearing' ways. I know I am ruffling a lot of feathers by saying that but sometimes I just wanted to take her by the shoulders and shake her somewhat like her friend Lydia. And that is what the book is about : friendships that support,confront and comfort even when it hurts. The individual women in this story are all unique and have their own baggage to contend with but also manage to support and love each other and this is what endears the book to the reader. I also liked Maddy's two children living with her who have their own difficulties and yet manage to resolve them. In otherwords I really liked this book simply because it was a true representation of what life is: searching, discovering and loving.
December 28, 2022
4.5 stars for Life, At Last: Madalyn’s Story by S.W. Hubbard
Life, At Last is the third book of Hubbard’s Life in Palmyrton series and acquaints readers more fully with Madalyn Schilling, who is struggling to rebuild her life after divorcing her philandering husband of thirty years. It’s not easy working 12-hour night shifts as a nurse after decades away from her profession or having her four adult children question all of her decisions. Meanwhile, Madalyn’s two youngest kids still live at home and provide plenty of extra challenges for her.
At 24, Chris has dropped out of college and quit or been fired from more jobs than Madalyn can keep track of. He spends his days and nights playing video games in the finished basement that he’s turned into his personal domain. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Ginny surprises Madelyn by bringing home a boyfriend from her autism support group.
Ginny is not the focus of the novel, but she’s my favorite character. The Netflix series Atypical is indirectly referenced in this novel, and Ginny does remind me a lot of Atypical’s awesome main character, Sam. Protective Madelyn has a hard time allowing Ginny to make adult decisions, which are handled with care and humor, but it’s Ginny who finally helps her Mom move on from the past.
Throughout Madalyn’s journey, Hubbard does a nice job weaving in the reminder that life is precious. So, go on that dream vacation, buy those impractical-but-adorable pink shoes, and get out of your cage and fly. Madalyn’s path to a new beginning is rocky, but the author guides us smoothly through her believable and, ultimately, uplifting story. Life, At Last may be my favorite novel yet in the Palmyrton series.
Life, At Last is the third book of Hubbard’s Life in Palmyrton series and acquaints readers more fully with Madalyn Schilling, who is struggling to rebuild her life after divorcing her philandering husband of thirty years. It’s not easy working 12-hour night shifts as a nurse after decades away from her profession or having her four adult children question all of her decisions. Meanwhile, Madalyn’s two youngest kids still live at home and provide plenty of extra challenges for her.
At 24, Chris has dropped out of college and quit or been fired from more jobs than Madalyn can keep track of. He spends his days and nights playing video games in the finished basement that he’s turned into his personal domain. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Ginny surprises Madelyn by bringing home a boyfriend from her autism support group.
Ginny is not the focus of the novel, but she’s my favorite character. The Netflix series Atypical is indirectly referenced in this novel, and Ginny does remind me a lot of Atypical’s awesome main character, Sam. Protective Madelyn has a hard time allowing Ginny to make adult decisions, which are handled with care and humor, but it’s Ginny who finally helps her Mom move on from the past.
Throughout Madalyn’s journey, Hubbard does a nice job weaving in the reminder that life is precious. So, go on that dream vacation, buy those impractical-but-adorable pink shoes, and get out of your cage and fly. Madalyn’s path to a new beginning is rocky, but the author guides us smoothly through her believable and, ultimately, uplifting story. Life, At Last may be my favorite novel yet in the Palmyrton series.
April 25, 2022
Life, At Last: Madalyn's Story - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Life, At Last: Madalyn's Story by the brilliant S.W. Hubbard, is a wonderfully moving (though never sentimental), novel in which we learn how 53 year old Madalyn (Schilling), survives the dominance of her serial-philanderer husband Tom and finally lets her four children, (including the youngest, autistic-spectrum diagnosed Ginny) live their own way, without her being the 'helicopter' Mom they've silently resented for so long.
With the help and support of her three close friends, Roz, Lydia and Isabelle newly-single, ER nurse Madalyn's emotional rollercoaster of life and love evens out a little...at least for now. But what's next?
A must for fans of Suzanne Jenkins's Girls in the City series, or Sex and the City, get your copy of Life, At Last: Madalyn's Story by S.W. Hubbard today - I highly recommend it!
Life, At Last: Madalyn's Story by the brilliant S.W. Hubbard, is a wonderfully moving (though never sentimental), novel in which we learn how 53 year old Madalyn (Schilling), survives the dominance of her serial-philanderer husband Tom and finally lets her four children, (including the youngest, autistic-spectrum diagnosed Ginny) live their own way, without her being the 'helicopter' Mom they've silently resented for so long.
With the help and support of her three close friends, Roz, Lydia and Isabelle newly-single, ER nurse Madalyn's emotional rollercoaster of life and love evens out a little...at least for now. But what's next?
A must for fans of Suzanne Jenkins's Girls in the City series, or Sex and the City, get your copy of Life, At Last: Madalyn's Story by S.W. Hubbard today - I highly recommend it!
September 4, 2021
Seeing some of myself
How can a story seem to be about you? The friends are made for each other. The special gift that each woman possesses is needed to help another. Life can throw some curves in the road that need to be driven cautiously. But the thrill is still exhilarating. Good read.
How can a story seem to be about you? The friends are made for each other. The special gift that each woman possesses is needed to help another. Life can throw some curves in the road that need to be driven cautiously. But the thrill is still exhilarating. Good read.
May 8, 2022
Her books are incredible
This one has heavy topics that I wasn’t prepared for, nor was I looking for in pleasurable fiction. I love how the other women’s stories continue to weave into each book.
This one has heavy topics that I wasn’t prepared for, nor was I looking for in pleasurable fiction. I love how the other women’s stories continue to weave into each book.
August 9, 2021
Interesting views of how life can change
I would recommend this as a enjoyable thought provoking read. How life really can change if we allow it too.
I would recommend this as a enjoyable thought provoking read. How life really can change if we allow it too.
August 28, 2021
Loved It
I just can't stop reading this series. The stories are interesting and fun. The characters are well described and very realistic. I am looking forward to the next book. I have recommended this series to a few of my friends. It's definitely worth reading. All three books have been excellent.
I just can't stop reading this series. The stories are interesting and fun. The characters are well described and very realistic. I am looking forward to the next book. I have recommended this series to a few of my friends. It's definitely worth reading. All three books have been excellent.
August 11, 2021
Love this author
This story moved smoothly start to finish. The only thing to complain about is remembering previous characters' stories. Or are they going to be characters in forthcoming books? Whichever...I will be watching for Ms Hubbard's very readable books.
This story moved smoothly start to finish. The only thing to complain about is remembering previous characters' stories. Or are they going to be characters in forthcoming books? Whichever...I will be watching for Ms Hubbard's very readable books.
August 17, 2021
I very much enjoyed getting to know the women characters of Palmyrton better and happy to get a better sense of Madalyn's life and the challenges she is overcoming. Sean made an appearance, but I am wondering about Audrey and how she is doing. Isn't it great that once you are reading a series like this that the various characters and their lives start to matter to you!
August 9, 2021
Third book just as good as first two
Normally I don’t like or read contemporary romance/women’s fiction. However, this series is so well written, with intriguing story lines and stellar character development that I will look forward to book four.
Normally I don’t like or read contemporary romance/women’s fiction. However, this series is so well written, with intriguing story lines and stellar character development that I will look forward to book four.
Read
August 20, 2021I've Missed My Girls!
As always, I was drawn right back into Madelyn, Roz, and Lydia 's world. I really feel as if they could be my friends. I cheer their triumphs and mourn with them. Can't wait for the next one!
As always, I was drawn right back into Madelyn, Roz, and Lydia 's world. I really feel as if they could be my friends. I cheer their triumphs and mourn with them. Can't wait for the next one!
January 18, 2022
I love reading about women who hit a spot in life where they have to change plans and figure out what’s next. This series delivers that and friendship
April 3, 2022
The women in each of the Life in Palmyrton books are so relatable. Madalyn, like many in the nursing field, is a caregiver. She has difficulty saying no and tends to do too much for her adult children and even her ex-husband. After a crushing divorce she is trying to rebuild her life and learn how to live in her new normal. This series is highly rated on Goodreads and that doesn't surprise me. Each visit to Palmyrton seems like a reunion with old friends. Although it can be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend starting at the beginning.
December 10, 2021
Love this series!
These stories about the changes each of the women experience and how they cope seem so very real. It feels as if I know them and am personally invested in the outcome. I'm looking forward to book 4.
These stories about the changes each of the women experience and how they cope seem so very real. It feels as if I know them and am personally invested in the outcome. I'm looking forward to book 4.
July 4, 2022
Poor Madalyn enduring the life hand she was dealt
We make choices that seem just what we wanted but we forget the human element that changes the course. Love is blind and fear of loneliness lets us see what we want to see and Tom knew just how to persuade Madalyn to see his way. She built up a protective wall and in that protected her children, friends, everyone around her. She didn't see what she couldn't accept. She was forced to face, endure and accept and through that process she found life, at last.
We make choices that seem just what we wanted but we forget the human element that changes the course. Love is blind and fear of loneliness lets us see what we want to see and Tom knew just how to persuade Madalyn to see his way. She built up a protective wall and in that protected her children, friends, everyone around her. She didn't see what she couldn't accept. She was forced to face, endure and accept and through that process she found life, at last.
June 30, 2023
I love this series of books. The characters are so relatable. This one had more surprises than the others. Looking forward to #4 about Isabelle.
June 24, 2024
Becoming Accountable
This book is the third in a series that I feel should be read in order. The main characters in each book remain the same with the focus changing from one story to the next. In this episode, Madalyn is working the night shift in the ER, trying to keep food on the table. Her kids are not taking the divorce well and seem to be acting out. Her women friends support her, but she struggles daily to become the woman she wants to be. The story is very life-like. As the adult kids begin to take responsibility for their own lives, her ex-husband is constantly in her face about one thing or another. I think the author hit a home run with this story. There is no foul language. There is some sex, but most of it is offscreen. Besides being a story of the friendship between women, it also looks at our accountability for our own happiness. I'm now off to read book 4.
This book is the third in a series that I feel should be read in order. The main characters in each book remain the same with the focus changing from one story to the next. In this episode, Madalyn is working the night shift in the ER, trying to keep food on the table. Her kids are not taking the divorce well and seem to be acting out. Her women friends support her, but she struggles daily to become the woman she wants to be. The story is very life-like. As the adult kids begin to take responsibility for their own lives, her ex-husband is constantly in her face about one thing or another. I think the author hit a home run with this story. There is no foul language. There is some sex, but most of it is offscreen. Besides being a story of the friendship between women, it also looks at our accountability for our own happiness. I'm now off to read book 4.
September 6, 2022
If you've ever been inside the head of a woman who stays with a cheating husband, this is a good book to bring you out of it. She's past those days, but still stuck in a life that's all about helping other people, never herself. One of her kids is gone, but still so emotionally needy she might as well be right next door. One is stuck at home and unable to face the reality of growing up--job, self-sufficiency, and all that. And another is pretty functional on the autism spectrum, but after all those years of waiting and caring, Madalyn can't seem to back off and let her grow up.
I loved this book as much as I had the two before. And I had no complaints about the ending. On to the next.
I loved this book as much as I had the two before. And I had no complaints about the ending. On to the next.
April 7, 2022
I liked this book, but not as much as the first two. I finally realized that it was because I could not understand Madalyn and her motivations. It was clear she was too involved with her children's lives and too much of a "helicopter parent," which made it difficult to accept her the way she is. It was only towards the end of the book that that was the point - Madalyn is written the way she is to allow her to grow into the person she clearly is supposed to be.
I don't like how things resolved with her husband, but I guess it makes sense.
Overall, not a bad book. Off to #4...
I don't like how things resolved with her husband, but I guess it makes sense.
Overall, not a bad book. Off to #4...
September 15, 2024
Hit close to home
Madalyn tried so hard to keep all the plates spinning. When her life takes an unexpected turn, she tries to soften the effects on each of her adult children. She consistently puts herself & what she wants last on her list of priorities. Her story brought back so many memories of my own. With the support of dear friends, we are both now enjoying life to the fullest… S.W. Hubbard’s characters come to life with realistic comments and reactions. She has earned a place on my list of favorite authors.
Madalyn tried so hard to keep all the plates spinning. When her life takes an unexpected turn, she tries to soften the effects on each of her adult children. She consistently puts herself & what she wants last on her list of priorities. Her story brought back so many memories of my own. With the support of dear friends, we are both now enjoying life to the fullest… S.W. Hubbard’s characters come to life with realistic comments and reactions. She has earned a place on my list of favorite authors.
February 22, 2022
such a good storyline plus some surprising events!!
I’m fairly new to Ms Hubbard’s books, but I love the first 3 that I’ve read. I really enjoy her style of writing and the twists and turns her stories take!! I’m already looking forward to reading about Isabelle’s life!! Thank you, Ms Hubbard for providing such great books!!
I’m fairly new to Ms Hubbard’s books, but I love the first 3 that I’ve read. I really enjoy her style of writing and the twists and turns her stories take!! I’m already looking forward to reading about Isabelle’s life!! Thank you, Ms Hubbard for providing such great books!!
August 7, 2022
Love this Book
I’ve read all four books in this series, but — THIS BOOK! It’s the one I enjoyed the most by far. So many clever lines that made me chuckle and a couple of places that stopped me reading to search for a Kleenex. I’m almost sorry I’ve finished the series…. I’m going to miss these ladies !
I’ve read all four books in this series, but — THIS BOOK! It’s the one I enjoyed the most by far. So many clever lines that made me chuckle and a couple of places that stopped me reading to search for a Kleenex. I’m almost sorry I’ve finished the series…. I’m going to miss these ladies !
May 30, 2024
PLEASANT SUMMER READING
This wonderful series is perfect for women who value friendships, endure heartbreak, learn to become bold and forthright with their own lives. The situations are realistic, the challenges are plausible and unpredictable, the characters are each complex and sincere. What is not to love about this series? NOTHING!
ENJOY!
This wonderful series is perfect for women who value friendships, endure heartbreak, learn to become bold and forthright with their own lives. The situations are realistic, the challenges are plausible and unpredictable, the characters are each complex and sincere. What is not to love about this series? NOTHING!
ENJOY!
September 26, 2025
Madelyn is the main character in book 3 of the "Life in Palmyrton Women's Friendship" series. However, Lydia and Roz were still part of the story. I found that Madelyn was too accommodating with everyone which made her life harder. The story was interesting and I'm looking forward to learn more about the life life of the 4 friends when I read Isabelle's story in book 4.
February 22, 2022
Enjoyed this story, although frustrated by Madalyn's inability to say 'no' - which of course is the point! Ms Hubbard's use of language as always elegant, amusing and never gives the feeling of being 'written'. I've learned some really smart NY phrases from her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews