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Out of Time
Life has a time limit. Love doesn’t.
For most of her 78 years, Maddie Cole has done things the ‘wrong’ way. But throwing out the societal rule book meant sacrificing romantic success for career highs — a move she’s never regretted...much. Now retired, she relishes the freedom to travel with her only daughter, Anne. Their latest trip is a long weekend in picturesque Bar Harbor, and Maddie is determined to enjoy every last minute.
Octogenarian Nate Jacobs has always taken pride in doing things the ‘right’ way. He built a successful legal career by following the rules, and now, retired and widowed, he runs a tight ship at the Hope Point Lighthouse B&B. Perhaps that’s why Maddie, with her disregard for convention, catches his eye.
When Anne is unexpectedly called away on work business, Maddie finds herself compelled to stay on at Hope Point, alone. Over breakfast conversations and long walks, Nate and Maddie’s friendship deepens, even as old memories return to haunt them.
Except this time, the past starts to clear a path for the future...
Click ‘look inside’ to start reading Out of Time today!
For most of her 78 years, Maddie Cole has done things the ‘wrong’ way. But throwing out the societal rule book meant sacrificing romantic success for career highs — a move she’s never regretted...much. Now retired, she relishes the freedom to travel with her only daughter, Anne. Their latest trip is a long weekend in picturesque Bar Harbor, and Maddie is determined to enjoy every last minute.
Octogenarian Nate Jacobs has always taken pride in doing things the ‘right’ way. He built a successful legal career by following the rules, and now, retired and widowed, he runs a tight ship at the Hope Point Lighthouse B&B. Perhaps that’s why Maddie, with her disregard for convention, catches his eye.
When Anne is unexpectedly called away on work business, Maddie finds herself compelled to stay on at Hope Point, alone. Over breakfast conversations and long walks, Nate and Maddie’s friendship deepens, even as old memories return to haunt them.
Except this time, the past starts to clear a path for the future...
Click ‘look inside’ to start reading Out of Time today!
- GenresRomance
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2022
12 people are currently reading
1196 people want to read
About the author
M. Jacqueline Murray
4 books14 followersJacqueline gets a kick out of pondering big ideas. At the core of the Maddie and
Nate series are two of her favourite biggies. First, the idea that there are countless
realities occurring concurrently, although we can only experience one. Second, the
strong belief that we all have a soulmate we are destined to meet in our lifetime.
Jacqueline’s breadth of passions results from her curiosity, fearlessness and
open mind, which fuel her desire to experience new things, explore new places
and be constantly learning. She’s a scientist, business professional, photographer,
musician, and author. Jacqueline has advanced degrees in both science and business and is fluent in several languages. She gains inspiration from travel and divides her time between her homes in the USA, Italy, and Canada.
For more information about Jacqueline, her books and to download book club discussion questions, please visit her website: https://www.mjacquelinemurray.com
Nate series are two of her favourite biggies. First, the idea that there are countless
realities occurring concurrently, although we can only experience one. Second, the
strong belief that we all have a soulmate we are destined to meet in our lifetime.
Jacqueline’s breadth of passions results from her curiosity, fearlessness and
open mind, which fuel her desire to experience new things, explore new places
and be constantly learning. She’s a scientist, business professional, photographer,
musician, and author. Jacqueline has advanced degrees in both science and business and is fluent in several languages. She gains inspiration from travel and divides her time between her homes in the USA, Italy, and Canada.
For more information about Jacqueline, her books and to download book club discussion questions, please visit her website: https://www.mjacquelinemurray.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 29, 2022
This is a beautiful story. What grabbed me from the start was the story revolved around an elderly couple, 79 and 81 years old. You hardly find stories with the main characters being up there in age. I know many people, myself included, think of elderly people in a way where they lived their lives fully and just keep on getting by. I’ve never personally known of an elderly couple getting that chance to experience love again.
The main characters, Maddie and Nate lived their lives being at the same places at the same time, taking the same classes, their daughters were both named the same, just spelled differently, Ann & Anne. Coincidence?? I think not! They were destined for one another but it had to be the right time and that finally happened when they were up there in age.
The story is really beautiful. Maddie and Nate compliment and balance each other. They were both married previously, Maddie divorced and Nate a widow. When they encounter each other and begin dating, I feel they finally live a fulfilling loving partnership that they were both missing the first time around.
I enjoyed their free spirited energy with each other. I loved Maddie’s best friend, Claire, giving Maddie those extra pushes to hit it off with Nate in the right direction. I loved reading how these two people, up there in age, were still able to be stimulated by one another and enjoy one another sexually. Do we ever think of elderly people still being sexually active? I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but it’s not commonly heard of. Yet in this story, it was beautifully expressed.
Another topic brought to the forefront was Maddie’s daughter, Anne loving and engaged to another woman. During that time, that wasn’t really known in the world plus most of the old school elderly people would immediately refuse to see such sinfulness. Not Maddie and Nate, they were completely open minded and supportive. I love that this scenario was added.
I read this story very slowly because the title had me worried of the shortcomings they were going to experience. I didn’t want to read that ending of pain. However, although the ending is sad, because they ran out of time, the author described it in a simple loving beautiful way. Maddie and Nate will be together again no matter what journey they are on.
Thank you Jacqueline Murray for sending me an autographed copy of your delightful book to read. My review is completely my own and honest. Thank you for being the author of the month, August, at Once Upon a Time Book Club. I look forward to reading all your other books.
The main characters, Maddie and Nate lived their lives being at the same places at the same time, taking the same classes, their daughters were both named the same, just spelled differently, Ann & Anne. Coincidence?? I think not! They were destined for one another but it had to be the right time and that finally happened when they were up there in age.
The story is really beautiful. Maddie and Nate compliment and balance each other. They were both married previously, Maddie divorced and Nate a widow. When they encounter each other and begin dating, I feel they finally live a fulfilling loving partnership that they were both missing the first time around.
I enjoyed their free spirited energy with each other. I loved Maddie’s best friend, Claire, giving Maddie those extra pushes to hit it off with Nate in the right direction. I loved reading how these two people, up there in age, were still able to be stimulated by one another and enjoy one another sexually. Do we ever think of elderly people still being sexually active? I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but it’s not commonly heard of. Yet in this story, it was beautifully expressed.
Another topic brought to the forefront was Maddie’s daughter, Anne loving and engaged to another woman. During that time, that wasn’t really known in the world plus most of the old school elderly people would immediately refuse to see such sinfulness. Not Maddie and Nate, they were completely open minded and supportive. I love that this scenario was added.
I read this story very slowly because the title had me worried of the shortcomings they were going to experience. I didn’t want to read that ending of pain. However, although the ending is sad, because they ran out of time, the author described it in a simple loving beautiful way. Maddie and Nate will be together again no matter what journey they are on.
Thank you Jacqueline Murray for sending me an autographed copy of your delightful book to read. My review is completely my own and honest. Thank you for being the author of the month, August, at Once Upon a Time Book Club. I look forward to reading all your other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2022
Wow, what a fantastic book! The story has you hooked from the beginning. It's a beautiful story of two people who crossed paths over a lifetime and finally connected when it was right. I can't wait to read the next book.
August 14, 2022
A really nice gently paced book about finding love the second time around in later life. Not my usual genre of books but a friend said how much she had enjoyed so I gave it a go.
I did enjoy it but wouldn't buy a follow up book if there was one and to me this is the sign of an excellent book, that when you have finished reading you check on line straight away to see if there is a follow up one out or planned.
I did enjoy it but wouldn't buy a follow up book if there was one and to me this is the sign of an excellent book, that when you have finished reading you check on line straight away to see if there is a follow up one out or planned.
August 11, 2022
What a wonderful love story. Loved it from cover to cover. The characters were so believable. I was taken with book.Its magical and endearing.
November 21, 2024
This was a truly beautiful story, the characters were so relatable, perfectly written to keep you drawn in the entire time!
February 16, 2025
Finally a love story for us older generation
This is the first book that I have read where the main characters were in their 70s and 80s. By the way I'm near 70 and read a lot of books. Lovely story of finding your soulmate at the advanced age and the the things they endured happy and sad.
This is the first book that I have read where the main characters were in their 70s and 80s. By the way I'm near 70 and read a lot of books. Lovely story of finding your soulmate at the advanced age and the the things they endured happy and sad.
August 14, 2022
Incredibly well written story. Loved the characters and their journey of love.
April 4, 2025
Beautiful short story about story about finding love in your senior years… Great beginning to the series.
August 26, 2022
It has been awhile since I read a romance that didn’t include another genre ie: fantasy, historical fiction, mystery. I do enjoy fated love stories and for those who enjoy that trope, this book heavily stresses the possibility of fate and missed chances.
This novel is dominated by dialog as Maddie and Nate get to know each other. At times it could be a little monotonous. Each chapter switches back and forth between Maddie and Nate’s point of view as both connect and reminiscence about past experiences. Each have similarities in their pasts, which there are so many it seemed like too much coincidence. There were several cute moments where they could have met being in the same place at the same time. I was sad when they both were unfaithful to their spouses since I value loyalty and commitment. However, I understand Murray had these scenes in the plot to stress that both Maddie and Nate were unhappy in their marriages.
It’s obviously the main theme of the book is what if the characters would have met sooner, however some of the plot was very repetitive. The couple is either discussing food, eating food, or visiting conventions. Also, both are of an older age and are constantly joking about calling each other old. I wish there would have been a variety of dialog, but Maddie and Nate’s relationship was a cute coming together.
Overall, this was a very cute romance that I would classify in the vein of Nicolas Sparks, and would be cute as a Hallmark movie! After researching the author, she has two other books which seem to be alternative lives for Maddie and Nate. It would be interesting to see what could happen in a parallel timeline.
This novel is dominated by dialog as Maddie and Nate get to know each other. At times it could be a little monotonous. Each chapter switches back and forth between Maddie and Nate’s point of view as both connect and reminiscence about past experiences. Each have similarities in their pasts, which there are so many it seemed like too much coincidence. There were several cute moments where they could have met being in the same place at the same time. I was sad when they both were unfaithful to their spouses since I value loyalty and commitment. However, I understand Murray had these scenes in the plot to stress that both Maddie and Nate were unhappy in their marriages.
It’s obviously the main theme of the book is what if the characters would have met sooner, however some of the plot was very repetitive. The couple is either discussing food, eating food, or visiting conventions. Also, both are of an older age and are constantly joking about calling each other old. I wish there would have been a variety of dialog, but Maddie and Nate’s relationship was a cute coming together.
Overall, this was a very cute romance that I would classify in the vein of Nicolas Sparks, and would be cute as a Hallmark movie! After researching the author, she has two other books which seem to be alternative lives for Maddie and Nate. It would be interesting to see what could happen in a parallel timeline.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
Out of Time by M. Jacqueline Murray is a heartwarming story of love found later in life. The well-developed characters and the lovely scenery descriptions add to the story in unexpected ways. The timeline shifts back and forth during the lives of the two main characters, Maddie and Nate. While at times this can be disorienting, the dialogue and descriptions help bring the story back to center.
Maddie is in her 70s, and Nate is in his 80s. They meet when Maddie's and Nate's families are brought together for a celebration at Nate's B&B. Maddie discovers pieces of herself throughout the novel as their relationship starts and flourishes. Both Maddie and Nate were previously married to other partners, so there are times of reflection of their past relationships. However, they discover through these reflections about the numerous times Maddie and Nate almost met. They had been in each other's orbit for a long time, and finally get to occupy the same space when they meet at the B&B.
What really appealed to me as a reader were the little details that were shared instead of told. Whimsical details such as Maddie and Nate discovering they both have a love of Monty Python quotes are important additions that many authors leave out in favor of constant action. Murray has a unique talent of letting us unabashedly and unobtrusively peek into the lives of the characters as they live their lives, learn from past mistakes, and swear to not make same mistakes in the present. I look forward to reading the next book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.
Maddie is in her 70s, and Nate is in his 80s. They meet when Maddie's and Nate's families are brought together for a celebration at Nate's B&B. Maddie discovers pieces of herself throughout the novel as their relationship starts and flourishes. Both Maddie and Nate were previously married to other partners, so there are times of reflection of their past relationships. However, they discover through these reflections about the numerous times Maddie and Nate almost met. They had been in each other's orbit for a long time, and finally get to occupy the same space when they meet at the B&B.
What really appealed to me as a reader were the little details that were shared instead of told. Whimsical details such as Maddie and Nate discovering they both have a love of Monty Python quotes are important additions that many authors leave out in favor of constant action. Murray has a unique talent of letting us unabashedly and unobtrusively peek into the lives of the characters as they live their lives, learn from past mistakes, and swear to not make same mistakes in the present. I look forward to reading the next book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.
October 27, 2024
This is a novel in the vein of "Sliding Doors" or "Closer", a kind of reviewing-of-one's-life in retrospect where the characters move in adjacent orbits, but never quite collide until they do.
Out of Time is a big story, and it is a substantial read, knocking the reader back about 500+ pages. It's a modern "epic", one that really dives into details and toggles back and forth between different characters' perspectives.
It is a romance, but one grounded in reality and the mess and tangle of lives lived. The characters are flawed and imperfect, and the world and decisions they make are also flawed and imperfect.
I found the prose to be very well-crafted, though, the length of the book and the slow pace of the story felt plodding at times.
Overall, readers looking for some introspection and mature, realistic perspectives on life, love, and the moral choices we make will find romance in this novel.
Out of Time is a big story, and it is a substantial read, knocking the reader back about 500+ pages. It's a modern "epic", one that really dives into details and toggles back and forth between different characters' perspectives.
It is a romance, but one grounded in reality and the mess and tangle of lives lived. The characters are flawed and imperfect, and the world and decisions they make are also flawed and imperfect.
I found the prose to be very well-crafted, though, the length of the book and the slow pace of the story felt plodding at times.
Overall, readers looking for some introspection and mature, realistic perspectives on life, love, and the moral choices we make will find romance in this novel.
March 8, 2025
Loved this story of love later in life! I am in the retirement age and to read out finding love again when you are elderly was wonderful and hopeful! Loved the characters and how they shared their lives and stories and realized how many times their paths crossed. Such an engaging and lovely read. Enjoyed this so much, thank you for writing this book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 3, 2025
This is a well written story that draws you into the lives of Maddie and Nate. They are complex believable characters with many layers that surface throughout the story. I didn't want the book to end. I highly recommend this book.
August 25, 2024
This book left me speachless! I absolutely couldn't put it down and cannot reccomend it enough!
April 30, 2025
Was a good read, just disappointed that it was a cliffhanger.
September 1, 2024
Title: Out of Time
Author: M. Jacqueline Murray
Maddie Cole is an independent woman who never relied on a man, until she meant Nate Jacobs. Nate has opened his bed and breakfast following the death of wife Betsy. Both of them are in their seventies and had given up on love, until they met at Nate’s bed and breakfast in Bar Harbor, Maine. Over the course of the following year, they became closer. As they get to know each other better, they realize that there were many instances in their lives where they were in the same place at the same time, starting with London, where Nate saw Maddie’s picture of a lighthouse which prompted him to buy his home. They were both in Torino for the Olympics, and even in Toronto for the same blackout.
Is Maddie willing to change her life for this man or will she stick to her independent ways? Find out in Out of Time, the first of a two part series by M. Jacqueline Murray.
#bookloungereviewteam
Author: M. Jacqueline Murray
Maddie Cole is an independent woman who never relied on a man, until she meant Nate Jacobs. Nate has opened his bed and breakfast following the death of wife Betsy. Both of them are in their seventies and had given up on love, until they met at Nate’s bed and breakfast in Bar Harbor, Maine. Over the course of the following year, they became closer. As they get to know each other better, they realize that there were many instances in their lives where they were in the same place at the same time, starting with London, where Nate saw Maddie’s picture of a lighthouse which prompted him to buy his home. They were both in Torino for the Olympics, and even in Toronto for the same blackout.
Is Maddie willing to change her life for this man or will she stick to her independent ways? Find out in Out of Time, the first of a two part series by M. Jacqueline Murray.
#bookloungereviewteam
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews