A BURDENED WIDOW. A RECLUSIVE BACHELOR. A COLLISION OF FATES THAT TRANSFORM THEIR LIVES FOREVER.
After tragically losing her only child when he was just a boy, then facing her husband's death two years ago from Alzheimer’s, 72-year-old Mazie questions why God didn’t take her too. Her overwhelming grief often leaves her aching to escape her lonely existence and join her husband and son in the grave.
When Brian, a reserved bachelor in his early thirties, moves next door, Mazie takes a special interest in him--even attempting to set him up with her young friend, Claire. Then, there’s the odd little girl across the street who is determined to be his friend. Brian doesn’t know what to make of the spunky old woman or the persistent young girl who both nudge their way into his life when he just wants to be left alone.
When a sudden tragedy leaves Mazie battling for her life, Brian steps in to help the old widow, and both discover that life’s purpose is often revealed in the unexpected.
REGINA FELTY was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she claims you can find the finest Italian hoagies and soft pretzels on the East Coast. Although she had always kept a journal and wrote short stories for fun, it was during her turbulent teen years in a foster home that Regina turned to writing as a source of personal therapy.
Besides dividing her time between being an author and her career as an American Sign Language Educational Interpreter, Regina also manages her personal blog, It’s a Felty Thing, and has a special place in her heart for troubled youth.
Seventy-two-year-old Mazie wondered who was moving in next door – the house had been vacant for two years. There were two young men there unloading belongings; but it was only Brian who was moving in. This house was Brian’s own, his first as he’d rented previously, and he didn’t have much to put in it. But he’d get there. He worked from home so had plenty of time to spruce the house up. He saw Mazie occasionally, pottering around her garden, tending her beloved roses, and she brought over cakes and meals for him.
Mazie went to the local bookstore after Sunday morning church, and had coffee and a chat with Claire, the owner. When she had the idea of matchmaking, sure it was a wonderful plan, she invited both Brian and Claire to her place for dinner. And although they were uncomfortable – and saw through Mazie’s plan – they became friends. A small girl whose name was Katy, watched Brian as he came home from his runs, and gradually they also became friends, her father approving the gentle happiness in his daughter.
When misfortune fell on Mazie, Brian did all he could to help her, he and many of Mazie’s other friends. Mazie was astounded at how many people visited, prepared meals for her and cared for her – she hadn’t realized she had so many friends, as she’d felt lonely after her husband passed away, and she thought of their son, taken far too soon…
Mazie by Regina Felty is a lovely book with a beautiful cover, which focusses on the elderly Mazie and what she can offer the community, and the young people around her, from the children who love her, and the adults who also think a lot of her. A delightful book and my first by this author, I have no hesitation in recommending Mazie highly.
Though not perfect by a long shot, Mazie has that wisdom borne of age, experience, and sorrow and is enhanced by her humor and personality. That leaves you with one of those characters you wish lived next door and could help you figure out why you keep killing the peonies!
At first, I found Brian a bit flat, but he emerged, kind of like a 3-d birthday card. Looks one-dimensional, but pull just right, and a whole bouquet of personality emerges. Claire amused me, Katy was a dear, and I even fell in love with her Harold, despite never actually "meeting" him.
But the biggest strength of this book is the faith that Mazie has and develops through her own trials, through the wisdom of others, and through the Lord's work in her life.
Mazie isn't a fast-paced, can't-put-it-down-or-you'll-miss-something book. It's a journey through a life well-lived by exploring the final days, and in the end, you realize there really isn't an end but a whole new beginning... for everyone.
Recommended for lovers of romantic women's fiction with a caveat. Near the beginning, there were two irreverent uses of God's name in common slang. I don't recall any after that, but I was interrupted a lot, so I could have missed it. Not recommended for people wanting heavy romance. You'll be disappointed. I sure wasn't, but...
Characters: Ah, I loved the characters in this book! Mazie had the best personality, and she could be so hilarious. Brian was a flawed, relatable character, and I enjoyed seeing him grow over the course of the book. All the characters in this book were so realistic!
Language: A few sketchy uses of the Lord’s name.
Moral: This novel’s themes included God’s timing, purpose in life, the influence/impact a person has on others, and dealing with grief (Mazie had lost her husband).
Plot: This plot kept me up late several nights in a row because I wanted to see what happened to these characters.
Romance: Clean. Most of the time, Brian and his supposed-to-be girlfriend were trying to avoid a romance. :)
Writing: Regina Felty’s writing style fit this novel so well! She had the best, real-life descriptions that made me smile.
Overall: Mazie was a great read, and I’d recommend it to those who enjoy Christian fiction and contemporary fiction.
I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
~I'd like to thank the author for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review!~ This was such a cute book! I loved all the characters so much, and Mazie is just the best! So basically, when Mazie's new, young and single neighbor, Brian, moves in next door, she makes it her mission to pair him up with Claire. Throughout the book, we see Mazie's day-to-day life, as well as her hilarious (in a good way of course!!) attempts to get the two together. One thing I love about this book is the character of the characters (haha... get it? ok, I know it's not really that funny...). All jokes aside, I loved everyone in this book, since they were all so nice, and had great morals and personalities. They're all totally people I would love to be friends with in real life! All in all, this was a super cute "grandma-gets-them-together" story, with a sad yet happy ending (you'll know what I mean when you read it!). I enjoyed this book a lot, can't wait to read more by this author, and definitely recommend this book! ~Full Review To Come~
I greatly enjoyed reading this novel. It’s a beautiful story about a sassy elderly woman (Mazie) trying to fill her life with a purpose after loosing her beloved husband. The reader follows her little adventures in life trying to follow the path that God has paved for her. Such a heartwarming story and I definitely recommend it!
The main description I have for this book is "sweet!!!" The characters in this book are ones you would hope to have in your neighborhood and circle of friends. Mazie is an older widow who is fun, kind, giving, determined, and strong. Brian, Claire, Katy are three of the other main characters whose lives are intertwined and there stories are believable.
My attention was held throughout the story. There were times I laughed, times I cried. All with purpose.
In the world we live in today, with way too many people living sad, even horrific lives, it is great to read a story that will take you away from the nightly news for a while. It will also , possibly, encourage you to reach out and do random acts of kindness.
The characters in this story show some simple, but oh so meaningful, way to accomplish it.
Sweet story that handles well many of the challenges of aging. It's a bit slow, but I decided that is appropriate given the age of the main character. My only complaint was that the dialogue was quite lacking. Characters and relationships develop through dialogue, and that was sparse. There had to be more in the situations presented or they would have been extremely awkward.
Had I realized earlier that this was a "Christian", spiritual, biblical, church-going encouragement book I never would have started it. Unfortunately for me, I was too far in to quit when I did. Another "sweet, old lady", with a heart of gold. Old lady? At 72? When I was 72 I was outlifting the youngsters in my gym and spending 45 minutes a day on cardio machines. How old is Regina Felty that her protagonist is ancient at that age?
Not a single character was believable, nor was the lack of attraction between Brian and Claire that suddenly turned to warmth and affection. I will not waste my time by further describing this uninteresting novel.
What a lovely read! I am a big fan of multigenerational interaction and that’s what you’ll find in this book. The characters struggle with and face some hurts from their past, but overall the story doesn’t feel heavy. There’s no doubt it is a faith based story and there is an underlying feeling of hope as you read. I look forward to reading more by this author. W
This book is one of those life-changing books, but not in the traditional sense. It's not so profound that it's unbelievable, but instead, it's so relatable that I found myself changing with the book. In my adult years, I've struggled with spirituality and also with "walls" like Brian has. As I'd read a chapter, and the character Brian opened up with Mazie's help, I found myself, too, opening up.
The story of Mazie's life was easy to follow and understand. It was reassuring to realize that people we might see as "the sweet old lady" may have anxiousness and insecurities just like us younger people.
"Mazie" is in my top 10 books of all time now and I will read it again!
Just a beautiful story about human connection. We have a old woman searching for her purpose, a young man who has moved next door who doesn’t let people get close to him for fear of getting hurt, the young book store owner who always has time for her elderly friend, and the little “gnome girl”. The author is a wonderful writer who uses her words to make the story alive. It is also a Christian novel but it’s not in your face. It’s a whisper about God’s love. The book was a lovely Sunday morning treat that is a rather quick read. I just wish the book had been extended a couple of chapters with more wrap up.
If you are like me and you hate reading the mushy, unbelievable, tacky romance books. Then this is a book for you! It is a good feeling book that brings you into the lives of 3 main characters. The main character Mazie is a loving, thoughtful senior who cares more about everyone around her , than herself. Her character is one that you will remember and want to emulate, as well as embrace! I give kudos the the author for writing such a heartwarming novel . I enjoyed this book so much that I just purchased her other book and look forward to reading it!
This book was filled with rich characters. Very charming story that brushes on some deep issues like Alzheimer’s, Autism, losing a child, and how they affect the course of peoples lives. My only complaint would be that it left me wanting to know more about the other characters. Sequel please! Questions about the little girl Katy’s life were left unanswered. Also questions about Claire’s background. There seemed to be more to Rebecca at the childrens hospital. What happens with Claire and Brian. So many stories to flesh out in a sequel!
My Favorite Lines from this entire book is this, You get 1 shot, Don't look for Happiness only on sunny days But find joy Even on the stormy ones. That's when your need it most. What a basic and simple idea to live your life with. Do you ever wonder why you enjoy a sunny day so much more after several rainy days? I think Maisie Shared her gifts With everyone. She didn't withhold her love , but rather shared it. The book was well written . I believe this would be a wonderful book For a book club.
As I'm getting closer in age to Mazie, I feel there are a lot of life lessons that she could teach me. As one reviewer said, it would be nice to have a Mazie in your life. Someone you can talk to, get a nice treat from, and be surrounded by her caring and love. Mazie's homegoing celebration gave me a look at everyone's future. The impact that Mazie had on everyone who attended the celebration gave me hope that her legacy will live on.
I borrowed this from my library, but when I get some disposable cash, I would definitely purchase this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was such a sweet story, reminding me of the movie, It’s A Wonderful Life. As you see the loving heart of Mazie reaching and helping so many people without really realizing how important she was, you just want to give her a hug yourself. The characters are beautifully portrayed and so likeable, you want the book to go on and on. Very enjoyable and now looking forward to reading more of Ms. Felty’s books.
I enjoyed this short book with Maizie, her new newborn Brian and several more friends of Maizie's. She is longing for the "far-side banks of Jordan" to see her beloved husband and son again but our awesome God had another task or two for her. She got a WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT from God Himself when she reached Heaven, I believe.
What an amazing and inspiring story of love and healing. Sometimes a book recommendation comes along and sweeps me away. Mazie is just such a story. From the first page to the last sentence this story gripped my heart. The message of family, love and faith was exactly what my soul needed at this moment in my life. I will be recommending this book to several friends and family members.
This is a comforting story for aging women. To know they always have a future and a plan for reaching out to others to encourage and suppo.rt them. life goes on until you die. Ask the Lord to guide you.
This is a comforting story for aging women. To let them know they always have a future and a plan for reaching out to others to encourage and support them. Life goes on until you die.
A full length sweet and clean CF story with much detail about the life of Mazie, an elderly widow who befriends a new neighbor loner bachelor next door. Ingratiating herself in his life, she attempts to manipulate him to attend church and meet up with her book store owner friend in addition to her hospital volunteer work. A somewhat slow read that would relate mostly to senior readers who have had many losses in their life, while attempting to find purpose in their later years.
This is honestly one of the best books I’ve ever read and trust me I’ve read a lot ! This is such a well written story of every day people trying to figure out what life is really all about ! Just like each and every one of us ! And learning to figure it out just by being who GOD created them to be ! Beautifully written; and a truly inspirational story. It’s a story that just makes you feel like a better person for just reading it !
This sweet story showed me that just simple acts of kindness can heal our hurts. Mazie was an excellent cook who lived sharing her food with others but more then that she shared her kindness and love. She thought she was alone in the world but she wasn’t. She made a difference in so many lives. She made me wish I could have known her.
"Solving other people’s “problems.” That’s where you are wrong, old girl. What you consider their problems may not be things that bother them at all." - Maizie
I'm seeing the world through the eyes of an 80 years young woman with a heart full of faith and love to give... and I'm here for it.
Story of one mans struggles and how he grew from the loving guidance of a warm hearted older woman dealing with issues of loss and aging too Such a well told tale I loved the interaction between the characters. Even when Maize home going was expressed at the end it left things on positive note
A heartwarming story how one woman brought so many people together by her sincere caring for others. This story reminded me of my mother in law. Maize always had a kindness toward others, always had faith in God and always wanting to help others. I absolutely loved this book.
I loved this sweet thoughtful story. It touched my heart especially as I too am a widow who has lost not one but two sons one who was only 7. The way Mazie turned her grief into love for others around her was beautiful. I reccommend this book to anyone. Young old or in between if you have a heart you will love it.
I wasn't expecting this story but I'm glad I read it as I'm very close to Mazies age. It hit home, my husband and I sometimes have the same thoughts about "why we're still here". There isn't a lot we can do for any one with our health failing fast but reading this story is helpful.
This is such a sweet book. I loved the characters. They had flaws & strengths & the author made them seem real. The friendships developed were special. I laughed and shed a few tears while soaking in their story. Uplifting & heart warming! Happy to have found this book.