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Wyndham Beach #1
Le amiche del cuore
Maggie, Emma e Liddy sono cresciute insieme a Wyndham Beach, in Massachusetts. Sono amiche inseparabili da sempre: insieme hanno trascorso giornate intere a confidarsi gioie e dolori, si sono scambiate vestiti e rossetti, hanno cantato a squarciagola ai concerti, superato momenti difficili sostenendosi a vicenda, ciascuna sapendo di poter trovare sempre la mano delle altre poco distante. Insieme, come onde dello stesso mare. Eppure c'? un segreto che Maggie non ha mai rivelato a nessuno, nemmeno a loro. Risale a tanti anni prima, a quando era molto giovane e a malapena riusciva a dirlo a se stessa. Semplicemente, per sopravvivere, aveva dovuto andare oltre: nuova citt?, lavoro, matrimonio, figli. Ma dopo aver passato la sua vita a tentare di sfuggirgli, ora che sta per fare ritorno nella sua citt? natale per l'attesa rimpatriata dei compagni di liceo, Maggie sente che ad aspettarla a Wyndham Beach non trover? solo le sue amiche del cuore, ma anche il fantasma di quel segreto. E sa che questa volta non potr? fare a meno di affrontarlo. Appena il profumo del suo mare, di cui non sapeva di avere cos? nostalgia, la investe e riabbraccia le sue amiche, rivede la grande casa di famiglia, che ora appartiene ad altri, e soprattutto incontra Brett, il suo primo grande amore, le emozioni che Maggie ha tenuto soffocate nel profondo del cuore la scuotono come una tempesta e la strappano alla fissit? della sua esistenza. All'improvviso nuove possibilit? sembrano a portata di mano. Ma non ? facile da affrontare un segreto che anni prima era stato tanto potente da infrangere un meraviglioso sogno...
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2021
4228 people are currently reading
7443 people want to read
About the author
Mariah Stewart
88 books1,528 followersMariah Stewart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of forty-one novels and three novellas and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal. She is a RITA finalist in romantic suspense and the recipient of the Award of Excellence for contemporary romance, a RIO Award for excellence in women's fiction, and a Reviewers Choice Award from Romantic Times Magazine. A three-time winner of the Golden Leaf Award presented by the New Jersey Romance Writers, Stewart was recently awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award (which placed her in their Hall of Fame along with former recipients Nora Roberts and Mary Jo Putney — very excellent company, indeed!)
After having written seven contemporary romance novels, Stewart found true happiness writing murder and mayhem. She considers herself one lucky son of a gun to have landed the best job in the world: getting paid for making up stories. At home. In sweats and J. Crew flip flops. Could life be sweeter?
After having written seven contemporary romance novels, Stewart found true happiness writing murder and mayhem. She considers herself one lucky son of a gun to have landed the best job in the world: getting paid for making up stories. At home. In sweats and J. Crew flip flops. Could life be sweeter?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 693 reviews
December 8, 2022
the setup…
It’s been two years since Maggie Flynn lost her husband Art who died from a terminal illness. She was his primary caretaker during that time, devoting herself entirely to the man she loved dearly. Now her 40th year high school reunion is coming up and she’ll be returning to her hometown in Wyndham Beach, Massachusetts for the event. It’s been a long time since she last visited and is looking forward to reuniting with her two best friends, Lydia (Liddy) Bryant and Emma Dean. But, Maggie’s return to her beloved home awakens something inside of her, stirring a desire for her to return for good, despite having to leave her two daughters, Grace and Natalie, and her granddaughter Daisy behind. But it also means that she’ll have to face Brett Crawford, the man who broke her heart years ago.
the heart of the story…
I am a big fan of contemporary fiction as it tends to focus on the whole life of the character, including those closest to her (or him) and is often messy, mirroring real life. This story embodies everything I love about the genre as Maggie is the central character but her daughters’ and her friends’ lives get equal attention. Grace works at the law firm her father founded but her ex-husband Zach who also works there is humiliating her there in the worst of ways. Natalie is raising her three-year old daughter on her own as the child’s father ran after learning she was pregnant but she’s thriving on her own and in the middle of a developing relationship. Liddy is divorced and looking to start a new business venture and Emma, also a widow, yearns to have her only son Chris visit more often but he’s a famous rock star and that’s not feasible. And then there’s Maggie who’s immersed in all of it but soon will have to face a secret she’s shared only with Brett and it may fracture all of her relationships.
the narration…
It’s often tough to have just one narrator for so many characters with points of view in a story but it worked wonderfully in this one. Kate Marcin was able to give each slight distinctions, enough so I always knew whose voice was at the forefront. Even the subtle Massachusetts accent emerged for some, without exaggeration. I loved everything about her performance.
the bottom line…
It didn’t take long for me to settle in fully and quickly embrace the characters, their conflicts, hopes and issues. There was a lot of drama around Grace’s situation and I found myself secretly fighting for her to win. And when Maggie’s secret was revealed in the most curious of ways, I identified with the reactions of those closest to her as they varied amongst them and felt authentic. This was a lovely story that was indeed messy at times and liked that the focus was primarily on more mature characters who still led vibrant and active lives. The narrator had the right voice and tone for this kind of story, sounding appropriate for the age of the main characters. It’s a great start to what promises to be a compelling series and I’m dying to jump into the next books. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
It’s been two years since Maggie Flynn lost her husband Art who died from a terminal illness. She was his primary caretaker during that time, devoting herself entirely to the man she loved dearly. Now her 40th year high school reunion is coming up and she’ll be returning to her hometown in Wyndham Beach, Massachusetts for the event. It’s been a long time since she last visited and is looking forward to reuniting with her two best friends, Lydia (Liddy) Bryant and Emma Dean. But, Maggie’s return to her beloved home awakens something inside of her, stirring a desire for her to return for good, despite having to leave her two daughters, Grace and Natalie, and her granddaughter Daisy behind. But it also means that she’ll have to face Brett Crawford, the man who broke her heart years ago.
the heart of the story…
I am a big fan of contemporary fiction as it tends to focus on the whole life of the character, including those closest to her (or him) and is often messy, mirroring real life. This story embodies everything I love about the genre as Maggie is the central character but her daughters’ and her friends’ lives get equal attention. Grace works at the law firm her father founded but her ex-husband Zach who also works there is humiliating her there in the worst of ways. Natalie is raising her three-year old daughter on her own as the child’s father ran after learning she was pregnant but she’s thriving on her own and in the middle of a developing relationship. Liddy is divorced and looking to start a new business venture and Emma, also a widow, yearns to have her only son Chris visit more often but he’s a famous rock star and that’s not feasible. And then there’s Maggie who’s immersed in all of it but soon will have to face a secret she’s shared only with Brett and it may fracture all of her relationships.
the narration…
It’s often tough to have just one narrator for so many characters with points of view in a story but it worked wonderfully in this one. Kate Marcin was able to give each slight distinctions, enough so I always knew whose voice was at the forefront. Even the subtle Massachusetts accent emerged for some, without exaggeration. I loved everything about her performance.
the bottom line…
It didn’t take long for me to settle in fully and quickly embrace the characters, their conflicts, hopes and issues. There was a lot of drama around Grace’s situation and I found myself secretly fighting for her to win. And when Maggie’s secret was revealed in the most curious of ways, I identified with the reactions of those closest to her as they varied amongst them and felt authentic. This was a lovely story that was indeed messy at times and liked that the focus was primarily on more mature characters who still led vibrant and active lives. The narrator had the right voice and tone for this kind of story, sounding appropriate for the age of the main characters. It’s a great start to what promises to be a compelling series and I’m dying to jump into the next books. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
April 30, 2021
If I had to choose one word to describe what this book is about, it would be Life. Lifelong friendships, unexpected changes that pull the rug from under you feet and make your world tumble over, families with their complex dynamics, second chances in love, growing into yourself and discovering your own strength, coming home wherever it is and whatever it means to you.
Maggie Flynn is coming back to her home town of Wyndham Beach, Massachusets, for her fortieth school reunion. She has been widowed for two years after having given her all totaking care of her terminally ill husband. Maggie and her friends Lydia and Emma finally have a chance to spend some time together. Even Maggie's best friends don't know what exactly happened forty years ago to split the golden couple of their school, the Prom King and Queen, Brett Crowford and Maggie. It is clear that the old hurt is still there,when Maggie gets very upset about being asked to dance with Brett. We also get a gimpse into Maggie's grown-up daughters' lives, who have also had their disappointments in love and marriage and who are trying to move on.
The writing was extremely engaging. The conversations between the three friends sounded realistic. The characters are well-differentiated and the same is true for Grace and Natalie, Maggie's daughters. While I appreciated having all these different generations and their perspectives, what made this book so attractive was it's focus on Maggie and her life, both in the past and the present. Her age group tends to get little (or at least not enough) representation in romance and it was nice to read this well-written exception.
I loved the way Mariah Stewart showed the atmosphere of a little seaside town. Emma and Liddy have lived all their lives in Wyndham. They got married and raised their children there. They also suffered through their own personal tragedies. Maggie made a choice to leave. It wasn't for better or worse, just different, and she can make a new choice now, as she is at standing at a new kind of crossroads.
For anyone who loves stories with strong, realistic female protagonists, complicated friendship and family dynamics, and a small town setting. Can't wait to read Book 2 in Wyndham Beach series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Maggie Flynn is coming back to her home town of Wyndham Beach, Massachusets, for her fortieth school reunion. She has been widowed for two years after having given her all totaking care of her terminally ill husband. Maggie and her friends Lydia and Emma finally have a chance to spend some time together. Even Maggie's best friends don't know what exactly happened forty years ago to split the golden couple of their school, the Prom King and Queen, Brett Crowford and Maggie. It is clear that the old hurt is still there,when Maggie gets very upset about being asked to dance with Brett. We also get a gimpse into Maggie's grown-up daughters' lives, who have also had their disappointments in love and marriage and who are trying to move on.
The writing was extremely engaging. The conversations between the three friends sounded realistic. The characters are well-differentiated and the same is true for Grace and Natalie, Maggie's daughters. While I appreciated having all these different generations and their perspectives, what made this book so attractive was it's focus on Maggie and her life, both in the past and the present. Her age group tends to get little (or at least not enough) representation in romance and it was nice to read this well-written exception.
I loved the way Mariah Stewart showed the atmosphere of a little seaside town. Emma and Liddy have lived all their lives in Wyndham. They got married and raised their children there. They also suffered through their own personal tragedies. Maggie made a choice to leave. It wasn't for better or worse, just different, and she can make a new choice now, as she is at standing at a new kind of crossroads.
For anyone who loves stories with strong, realistic female protagonists, complicated friendship and family dynamics, and a small town setting. Can't wait to read Book 2 in Wyndham Beach series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
March 8, 2021
So heartwarming and I shed more than a few tears!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think this story hit home with me so much because it’s about older women and their relationships with each other and their family. Those in the mid life and beyond are going to appreciate this one.
Those friendships you form in high school can be super tight especially if you foster them throughout the years. This is a story of three women and their relationship along with their family ties. It’s heartwarming, and even a little heartbreaking, as we go through trials and tribulations over the years. But it is the deep seated connections that make the difference.
There’s nothing like going home, where ever or whatever “home” may be for you. In this particular story, that home is grandmother’s house and it’s located in the town where Maggie’s two best friends live. The town she grew up in. The town where her ex-boyfriend lives.
Stewart beautifully identifies those deep feelings that we get through past loves, best friends, high school memories, nostalgia. Life changes and the older we get the more we want a simplistic life without the drama. We want peace along with the love of friends and family.
I love how Stewart developed this story and brings a bit of surprise drama and love to the mix. She offers characters that are fun and friendly; people you would love to live next door to. But also the family ties that we cannot cut but can distance ourselves from are displayed in a perfect manner.
This story hooked me from the beginning and kept me dangling all the way through; cheering, crying, and just absorbing the decisions as Maggie finds her path to true happiness. An emotional second chance romance that just grabs you in your feels. A wonderful story I just fell for!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/an-invincibl...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think this story hit home with me so much because it’s about older women and their relationships with each other and their family. Those in the mid life and beyond are going to appreciate this one.
Those friendships you form in high school can be super tight especially if you foster them throughout the years. This is a story of three women and their relationship along with their family ties. It’s heartwarming, and even a little heartbreaking, as we go through trials and tribulations over the years. But it is the deep seated connections that make the difference.
There’s nothing like going home, where ever or whatever “home” may be for you. In this particular story, that home is grandmother’s house and it’s located in the town where Maggie’s two best friends live. The town she grew up in. The town where her ex-boyfriend lives.
Stewart beautifully identifies those deep feelings that we get through past loves, best friends, high school memories, nostalgia. Life changes and the older we get the more we want a simplistic life without the drama. We want peace along with the love of friends and family.
I love how Stewart developed this story and brings a bit of surprise drama and love to the mix. She offers characters that are fun and friendly; people you would love to live next door to. But also the family ties that we cannot cut but can distance ourselves from are displayed in a perfect manner.
This story hooked me from the beginning and kept me dangling all the way through; cheering, crying, and just absorbing the decisions as Maggie finds her path to true happiness. An emotional second chance romance that just grabs you in your feels. A wonderful story I just fell for!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/an-invincibl...
February 27, 2022
An Invincible Summer by Mariah Stewart
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
A fun heartwarming read with a good story line and interesting characters. Wonderful lifelong friendships, heartbreak and definitely a great woman’s fiction story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
A fun heartwarming read with a good story line and interesting characters. Wonderful lifelong friendships, heartbreak and definitely a great woman’s fiction story.
January 19, 2022
I used to really enjoy Mariah Stewart's suspense books and now I am enjoying her women's fiction stories. Maggie Flynn returns home for a fortieth-class reunion in Wyndham Beach, Massachusetts, and has a blast with her three best friends. Widowed two years prior, she is ready for a change and after some unfortunate happenings with her family, she left Pennsylvania and moved back home. She is able to purchase the home that she grew up in when it goes on the market.
This book is about Maggie's life with glimpses into her daughters' lives as well. It is about the ups, downs, tragedies, happy times, secrets and surprises, and lifelong friendships. Her times with her two friends, Emma and Liddy, are fun, honest, good, and bad but always loyal and supportive. Her life has circled back to Wyndham Beach with new beginnings with old relationships and promise of a great future. This is a great read that will pull you in and keep you engaged.
This book is about Maggie's life with glimpses into her daughters' lives as well. It is about the ups, downs, tragedies, happy times, secrets and surprises, and lifelong friendships. Her times with her two friends, Emma and Liddy, are fun, honest, good, and bad but always loyal and supportive. Her life has circled back to Wyndham Beach with new beginnings with old relationships and promise of a great future. This is a great read that will pull you in and keep you engaged.
April 5, 2022
DNF
30 minutes into the audiobook: not my type of romance. I can not keep up with too much detail from An Invincible Summer. The writing does not grab my attention. This is my first read by Miss Stewart. Sadly, I am going to shelved this under DNF.
I have too much DNF lately. Hopefully my next read will be more interesting.
2 stars
30 minutes into the audiobook: not my type of romance. I can not keep up with too much detail from An Invincible Summer. The writing does not grab my attention. This is my first read by Miss Stewart. Sadly, I am going to shelved this under DNF.
I have too much DNF lately. Hopefully my next read will be more interesting.
2 stars
April 21, 2021
Maggie Flynn’s returning to Wyndham Beach in Massachusetts for her fortieth high school reunion and catching up with her best friends Liddy and Emma. Maggies a widow, she has two grown up daughters and a granddaughter. Back in high school she dated Brett Crawford, their relationship ended very badly and seeing him again has made her very emotional about the past. She has a secret, it’s the reason they broke up and not even her two best friends know what happened.
Maggie discovers her childhood home is up for sale, suddenly she’s considering moving back to Wyndham Beach and when her daughter Grace’s world spirals out of control and it’s the perfect time for them both to make a fresh start. Brett’s the police chief in Wyndham Beach and living in a small town she’s not going to be able to avoid him. Natalie by chance discovers her mother’s secret, Maggie needs to make peace with her past and forgive herself. It opens up a whole new world of possibilities for Maggie and Brett, and their families.
I really enjoyed the themes of friendship, forgiveness, family ties, and starting again in the story. An Invincible Summer is the first book I have read by Mariah Stewart, I’m very keen to read the next book in the series, and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com
Maggie discovers her childhood home is up for sale, suddenly she’s considering moving back to Wyndham Beach and when her daughter Grace’s world spirals out of control and it’s the perfect time for them both to make a fresh start. Brett’s the police chief in Wyndham Beach and living in a small town she’s not going to be able to avoid him. Natalie by chance discovers her mother’s secret, Maggie needs to make peace with her past and forgive herself. It opens up a whole new world of possibilities for Maggie and Brett, and their families.
I really enjoyed the themes of friendship, forgiveness, family ties, and starting again in the story. An Invincible Summer is the first book I have read by Mariah Stewart, I’m very keen to read the next book in the series, and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com
August 27, 2021
3 1/2 Stars Heartwarming, light and charming book about family and second chances, set on the Massachusetts coast.
April 5, 2021
Normally, the synopsis of this wouldn't make me want to pick it right up. But when it came across my desk, there was just something about it that screamed at me to read it. (Ok, so all my books yell at me to read them but we all know how that goes sometimes.... 😏) Maybe it comes with age that you begin to love seeing reuniong after a significant period of time, first loves to reminisce over, good friends that you fall right back into line with.... and of course, a secret you've kept to yourself for far too long. Whatever the reason, I'm glad my inner *readmorethanjustthrillersandhorror* decided this was a good idea.
This is my first by this author and it certainly won't be the last. Her writing is extremely engaging and the author really brings to life the dynamics of long time friendships and relationships and all the ups and downs that come with them. I think this subject always fascinates me a bit because my longest friendship stemmed from college since I moved around all my life. I always wonder what it would be like to have those friendships that started from diapers - the ones who just REALLY know you. And let us not forget our first loves. They always leave an impact, even when you don't want them to.
I had a fantastic time getting to know Maggie and Grace. Some things really hit home while others I couldn't imagine going through. Remember when we were young and thought things would be so much easier when we were adults? Yeah, that was a nice slap to the face, eh? 😉 But seriously, the banter between all of the characters here were fun along with a few situations. My how the petty doesn't stop even 40 years from high school. I couldn't help but fall in love with this book. It took me a moment to grasp all the info that came in the beginning, but once I got hooked, I wasn't letting go.
This is my first by this author and it certainly won't be the last. Her writing is extremely engaging and the author really brings to life the dynamics of long time friendships and relationships and all the ups and downs that come with them. I think this subject always fascinates me a bit because my longest friendship stemmed from college since I moved around all my life. I always wonder what it would be like to have those friendships that started from diapers - the ones who just REALLY know you. And let us not forget our first loves. They always leave an impact, even when you don't want them to.
I had a fantastic time getting to know Maggie and Grace. Some things really hit home while others I couldn't imagine going through. Remember when we were young and thought things would be so much easier when we were adults? Yeah, that was a nice slap to the face, eh? 😉 But seriously, the banter between all of the characters here were fun along with a few situations. My how the petty doesn't stop even 40 years from high school. I couldn't help but fall in love with this book. It took me a moment to grasp all the info that came in the beginning, but once I got hooked, I wasn't letting go.
May 30, 2021
I'm sorry to give this a bad review, because I like the idea of midlife fiction. But the book started with too much description and info dumping, and when I met Maggie's friends, they didn't make a great impression. I couldn't get into it.
May 12, 2023
*Amazon first reads pick *
Not sure if I'll continue with the series but I had a good time with everyone here and wouldn't mind spending time in Wyndham Beach:)
Love how this author just makes everything in her books I've read so far feel... alive for lack of a better word.
Not sure if I'll continue with the series but I had a good time with everyone here and wouldn't mind spending time in Wyndham Beach:)
Love how this author just makes everything in her books I've read so far feel... alive for lack of a better word.
April 23, 2021
I had been craving some easy and light summer reads with a plot line that will keep me engaged and entertained, so it was fortuitous to have come across an opportunity to read and review Mariah Stewarts' newest book for a blog tour.
Mariah Stewart is a beloved author that writes amazing contemporary romance, mysteries, romantic suspense, and women's fiction with a fabulous fan base - and I have yet to read one of her 41 published books. There was no better time, and I was so glad I did. This first book in a series, An Invincible Summer was also part of the Amazon's first reads for April 2021.
This story is about recently widowed Maggie Flynn who returns to her hometown of Wyndham Beach on the Massachusetts Coast to attend her fortieth high school reunion. Looking to start over, she finds her old family home for sale, which means a chance to start over for Maggie and her two daughters. Her friends Lydia and Emma could not be happier but does it also mean another chance with Brett Crawford?
I found the writing to be engaging and readable. I loved the characters and the friendships that surround Maggie. Though this was about a middle aged woman, I found that the perspectives and point of views of Grace and Natalie made this read relatable for a wide variety of audience. I have always enjoyed a great second chance story, reading about complex family dynamics, revealing deeply hidden family secrets, friendships, forgiveness, and a great dramatic plot like those written in this book that had me turning those pages. I am definitely a fan of Mariah Stewart's writing and look forward to reading some of her back list.
This book certainly was a great start to a fantastic series and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Mariah Stewart is a beloved author that writes amazing contemporary romance, mysteries, romantic suspense, and women's fiction with a fabulous fan base - and I have yet to read one of her 41 published books. There was no better time, and I was so glad I did. This first book in a series, An Invincible Summer was also part of the Amazon's first reads for April 2021.
This story is about recently widowed Maggie Flynn who returns to her hometown of Wyndham Beach on the Massachusetts Coast to attend her fortieth high school reunion. Looking to start over, she finds her old family home for sale, which means a chance to start over for Maggie and her two daughters. Her friends Lydia and Emma could not be happier but does it also mean another chance with Brett Crawford?
I found the writing to be engaging and readable. I loved the characters and the friendships that surround Maggie. Though this was about a middle aged woman, I found that the perspectives and point of views of Grace and Natalie made this read relatable for a wide variety of audience. I have always enjoyed a great second chance story, reading about complex family dynamics, revealing deeply hidden family secrets, friendships, forgiveness, and a great dramatic plot like those written in this book that had me turning those pages. I am definitely a fan of Mariah Stewart's writing and look forward to reading some of her back list.
This book certainly was a great start to a fantastic series and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
October 27, 2021
It was a lifetime ago that recently widowed Maggie Flynn was in Wyndham Beach. Now, on the occasion of her 40th high school reunion, she returns to her hometown on the Massachusetts coast, picking up right where she left off with dear friends Lydia and Emma. But seeing Brett Crawford again stirs other emotions. Once, they were the town's golden couple destined for one another. He shared Maggie's dreams – and eventually, a shattering secret that drove them apart.
Buying her old family home and resettling in Wyndham Beach means a chance to start over for Maggie and her two daughters Grace and Natalie, but it also means facing her rekindled feelings for her first love and finally confronting - and embracing- the past in ways she never thought possible. Maggie won't be alone. With her family and friends around her, she can weather this stormy turning point in her life and open her heart to the future. As for that dream shared and lost years ago? If Maggie can forgive herself it still might come true.
I enjoyed listening to this story about timeless friendship and endless love written by Mariah Stewart and narrated by Kate Marcin. 10 hours:54 minutes
Buying her old family home and resettling in Wyndham Beach means a chance to start over for Maggie and her two daughters Grace and Natalie, but it also means facing her rekindled feelings for her first love and finally confronting - and embracing- the past in ways she never thought possible. Maggie won't be alone. With her family and friends around her, she can weather this stormy turning point in her life and open her heart to the future. As for that dream shared and lost years ago? If Maggie can forgive herself it still might come true.
I enjoyed listening to this story about timeless friendship and endless love written by Mariah Stewart and narrated by Kate Marcin. 10 hours:54 minutes
April 17, 2021
An Invincible Summer follows Maggie who return to her home town for her fortieth high school reunion. As there always are in small town, there are secrets that need to be revealed and dealt with. I think this book will be a good summer beach read for a lot of fans of this author. For me, I found it to be just OK. I felt like it took me forever to get through. The first couple of chapters felt very much like an info dump and I could myself skimming. I like Maggie well enough. But none of the other character really stood out to me. In the end, I felt like I had read this plot before. As I said, I think it just wasn't for me, but I do think others will probably enjoy it.
March 17, 2021
What a down to earth, heart filling and sentimental read. Full of friendships, forgetting and moving forward. The relationships and characters are realistic, charming and the plot is a bit elusive to keep you on your toes. A very enjoyable read about love, loss and second chances and it is a page turner.
March 8, 2021
***4 Stars***
The title was the lure and once I read the description my curiosity was peaked because I am a sucker for small towns and second chances and this book definitely gave me all of that and more. I was hooked from the first chapter and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this cast of characters and cannot wait to see what happens next.
As for Maggie. I have to say that I really liked her. She’s had a good life, but her world has gone sideways a few times, but each time it has she’s found a way to get her life back on track and make good things come of it.
This is my first read by the author, and my first women’s fiction in a very long time. I do tend to stick primarily within the romance realm, but this book worked for me on a lot of levels. The story was engaging, well written and the pacing was good. The different POV’s were well done and I liked how they gave the story a lot more depth, even as they introduced another plot to the series as a whole. As for the characters themselves. I honestly liked them all. They all had something that I could connect with and I’m looking forward to seeing how everything plays out for them as the series progresses.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
The title was the lure and once I read the description my curiosity was peaked because I am a sucker for small towns and second chances and this book definitely gave me all of that and more. I was hooked from the first chapter and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this cast of characters and cannot wait to see what happens next.
As for Maggie. I have to say that I really liked her. She’s had a good life, but her world has gone sideways a few times, but each time it has she’s found a way to get her life back on track and make good things come of it.
This is my first read by the author, and my first women’s fiction in a very long time. I do tend to stick primarily within the romance realm, but this book worked for me on a lot of levels. The story was engaging, well written and the pacing was good. The different POV’s were well done and I liked how they gave the story a lot more depth, even as they introduced another plot to the series as a whole. As for the characters themselves. I honestly liked them all. They all had something that I could connect with and I’m looking forward to seeing how everything plays out for them as the series progresses.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
April 12, 2021
Free first kindle read for the month of April. Abandoned after reading 1/4 through. Boring.
May 15, 2021
3.5 stars
An Invincible Summer, by Mariah Stewart is a new release and a sweet, feel-good type of story that reveals the complex relationships and messy, complicated issues that make up life. I really enjoyed the ending of the story and how it all wrapped up, but admittedly, I wasn’t quite as captivated with the rest of the story.
Overall, The Invincible Summer felt a bit bland to me. It was missing the typical highs and lows that create tension in a story and keep propelling the plot forward. The plot basically maintained a rather steady pace throughout the entirety of the story and it felt a tad flat to me. Consistent pacing is not necessarily a bad thing, but in this case it made the story less engaging than it could have been.
I did appreciate the fact that the main character was a dynamic, vibrant 58 year-old woman. I wasn’t, however, enamored with most of the other characters in the story. None were particularly likeable and some were downright frustrating. There were also some conversations and attitudes amongst the characters that didn’t really make sense to me.
I did enjoy the friendships and family dynamics, and the setting of Wyndham Beach...and of course, the bookstore renovation. The story also addressed some important topics of teen pregnancy and adoption.
Ultimately, An Invincible Summer is a pleasant story, and a nice start to a new women’s fiction series. I just wasn’t as engrossed or as invested in the story as I anticipated I would be, being a longtime fan of Mariah Stewart.
An Invincible Summer, by Mariah Stewart is a new release and a sweet, feel-good type of story that reveals the complex relationships and messy, complicated issues that make up life. I really enjoyed the ending of the story and how it all wrapped up, but admittedly, I wasn’t quite as captivated with the rest of the story.
Overall, The Invincible Summer felt a bit bland to me. It was missing the typical highs and lows that create tension in a story and keep propelling the plot forward. The plot basically maintained a rather steady pace throughout the entirety of the story and it felt a tad flat to me. Consistent pacing is not necessarily a bad thing, but in this case it made the story less engaging than it could have been.
I did appreciate the fact that the main character was a dynamic, vibrant 58 year-old woman. I wasn’t, however, enamored with most of the other characters in the story. None were particularly likeable and some were downright frustrating. There were also some conversations and attitudes amongst the characters that didn’t really make sense to me.
I did enjoy the friendships and family dynamics, and the setting of Wyndham Beach...and of course, the bookstore renovation. The story also addressed some important topics of teen pregnancy and adoption.
Ultimately, An Invincible Summer is a pleasant story, and a nice start to a new women’s fiction series. I just wasn’t as engrossed or as invested in the story as I anticipated I would be, being a longtime fan of Mariah Stewart.
April 29, 2021
I am a longtime fan of Mariah Stewarts' small-town/domestic drama stories. I’ve always found myself very invested in the lives of her characters and I love that they are flawed and very relatable. An Invincible Summer features Maggie Flynn as she returns to Rhode Island to celebrate her fortieth high school reunion with best friends Liddy and Emma. She is later joined by daughters Natalie and Grace, who have both experienced recent heartaches. For the family, this is most certainly a transformative summer all around.
Mariah Stewarts' impeccable storytelling sets the scene. It was so easy to picture the town and the characters. The story is well-plotted and the hints that Maggie has a secret and being back in Rhode Island certainly brings up memories and people that she's really not ready to deal with. With both daughters there for extended stays, we get their backstories and see how the three women interact and are there for each other. There are some very trying times but we see how they come together as a unit to face their pasts and move forward with hope and love. This is a lovely story about second chances and the many forms they come in.
An invincible summer is a "new to me" phrase and after looking it up I see just how perfect it is as a title for this story. I’m already excited to see what and who the next book in this new series will be about, and to catch back up with these characters. 5 Stars and recommendation.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Mariah Stewarts' impeccable storytelling sets the scene. It was so easy to picture the town and the characters. The story is well-plotted and the hints that Maggie has a secret and being back in Rhode Island certainly brings up memories and people that she's really not ready to deal with. With both daughters there for extended stays, we get their backstories and see how the three women interact and are there for each other. There are some very trying times but we see how they come together as a unit to face their pasts and move forward with hope and love. This is a lovely story about second chances and the many forms they come in.
An invincible summer is a "new to me" phrase and after looking it up I see just how perfect it is as a title for this story. I’m already excited to see what and who the next book in this new series will be about, and to catch back up with these characters. 5 Stars and recommendation.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
March 24, 2022
This is the first book in the Wyndham Beach series. Maggie Flynn is a recent widow (2 years) who is finally ready to face the world again. She has two adult daughters and a granddaughter who encourage her to get out and about again. With her fortieth high school reunion comin up, she returns to her hometown on the Massachusetts coast to spend time with her two BFFs, Lydia and Emma. She knew there was a chance she would run into Brett Crawford, her high school boyfriend, but she didn't realize it would stir emotions like the ones she had. They had planned on getting married, but something happened to drive them apart. Once in Wyndham Beach, Maggie realizes that she wants to stay, and with her family home up for sale, should she move back.
I really enjoyed this story and meeting these great characters. Maggie, Lydia and Emma were great friends. They supported one another, shared stories and secrets (although not all of them), laughed together and grew up together. I loved their conversations, they were so realistic. Each of them is also dealing with something in their own lives, and in each subsequent book, we will learn their stories and see their new beginning. Grace and Natalie were also great kids, sisters an friends. They were dealing with their own life issues and challenges and they were realistically added to the story. Being a woman of a certain age and a widow, I really identified with this story. We do get to know what Maggie's secret is, right at the end of the story, which leads us into the next book in this series. I loved the various themes of friendship, forgiveness, family ties, and new beginnings. This is a story about life, and there is probably something in this story that everyone will be able to identify with. An Invincible Summer is the first book I have read by Mariah Stewart, but I know it won't be my last. The audiobook was narrated by Kate Marcin and she does a great job with this story. I really enjoyed the book itself, but the audiobook brought it to life for me. If you enjoy Women's Fiction and relatable characters, then I recommend you pick this book up.
I really enjoyed this story and meeting these great characters. Maggie, Lydia and Emma were great friends. They supported one another, shared stories and secrets (although not all of them), laughed together and grew up together. I loved their conversations, they were so realistic. Each of them is also dealing with something in their own lives, and in each subsequent book, we will learn their stories and see their new beginning. Grace and Natalie were also great kids, sisters an friends. They were dealing with their own life issues and challenges and they were realistically added to the story. Being a woman of a certain age and a widow, I really identified with this story. We do get to know what Maggie's secret is, right at the end of the story, which leads us into the next book in this series. I loved the various themes of friendship, forgiveness, family ties, and new beginnings. This is a story about life, and there is probably something in this story that everyone will be able to identify with. An Invincible Summer is the first book I have read by Mariah Stewart, but I know it won't be my last. The audiobook was narrated by Kate Marcin and she does a great job with this story. I really enjoyed the book itself, but the audiobook brought it to life for me. If you enjoy Women's Fiction and relatable characters, then I recommend you pick this book up.
May 12, 2021
Thank you Brilliance Audio / Amazon Publishing for the gifted copies.
This is the first book I've read by Mariah Stewart and I'm so glad I decided to pick this one up. And of course, I'm equally excited that this is the start of a new series...you all know how much I love my series!
While I will always be a fan of thrillers and psychological suspense, I do enjoy picking up those lighter reads from time to time and this one was perfect for that. But it's not just a fluff read...there is some substance here and that I really appreciated. I loved that the main character, Maggie, is a woman in her 50s. As someone who is her in 40s, I get tired of reading about characters that are way younger than me, so I appreciate when an author gives us a middle-aged character, where I can get her perspective and see the world from her viewpoint for a time.
I am also a huge fan of family secrets and family drama and of course this book has that. That little bit of mystery really kept me engaged and I loved the way it was woven into the threads of this story. Friendship and second chance love were big themes in this book and I enjoyed seeing how both played out.
All in all this was a really enjoyable read and very relatable on many levels. I think this book is a great read for summer beaching reading and I definitely recommend adding it to your summer reading list! And I will definitely be eager to see what happens next in the series.
Audio thoughts: This was an enjoyable book to listen to and I thought the narrator did a great job. Kate Marcin is a new-to-me narrator but I found that she really brought this book to life with her voices and her pacing. I really hope that she will be the narrator for the next book as I like to see consistency with narrators whenever possible.
You can see all my reviews at: https://alwayswithabook.blogspot.com/
This is the first book I've read by Mariah Stewart and I'm so glad I decided to pick this one up. And of course, I'm equally excited that this is the start of a new series...you all know how much I love my series!
While I will always be a fan of thrillers and psychological suspense, I do enjoy picking up those lighter reads from time to time and this one was perfect for that. But it's not just a fluff read...there is some substance here and that I really appreciated. I loved that the main character, Maggie, is a woman in her 50s. As someone who is her in 40s, I get tired of reading about characters that are way younger than me, so I appreciate when an author gives us a middle-aged character, where I can get her perspective and see the world from her viewpoint for a time.
I am also a huge fan of family secrets and family drama and of course this book has that. That little bit of mystery really kept me engaged and I loved the way it was woven into the threads of this story. Friendship and second chance love were big themes in this book and I enjoyed seeing how both played out.
All in all this was a really enjoyable read and very relatable on many levels. I think this book is a great read for summer beaching reading and I definitely recommend adding it to your summer reading list! And I will definitely be eager to see what happens next in the series.
Audio thoughts: This was an enjoyable book to listen to and I thought the narrator did a great job. Kate Marcin is a new-to-me narrator but I found that she really brought this book to life with her voices and her pacing. I really hope that she will be the narrator for the next book as I like to see consistency with narrators whenever possible.
You can see all my reviews at: https://alwayswithabook.blogspot.com/
July 6, 2021
Thanks to the author.
I love the cover and know the meaning of it. You have to read the book to figure it out.
It's refreshing to read about a book about women who are in their late 50s but don't act it. It starts out when they go to their 40th high school reunion in MA. Maggie lives in PA but grew up in MA. She meets her best friends there and they have the time of their life. On Maggie's mind is her ex-boyfriend who is the police chief there. She has 2 daughters with her husband who died a few years ago. Emma & Lydia are still her best friends from high school and still live in MA. Their lives are incorporated too in many ways in this book and it shows
I loved this book about friendship, family and everything else you can think of. A beach read at it's best for me.
Cannot wait for the sequel which comes out next year and to see what's next.
I love the cover and know the meaning of it. You have to read the book to figure it out.
It's refreshing to read about a book about women who are in their late 50s but don't act it. It starts out when they go to their 40th high school reunion in MA. Maggie lives in PA but grew up in MA. She meets her best friends there and they have the time of their life. On Maggie's mind is her ex-boyfriend who is the police chief there. She has 2 daughters with her husband who died a few years ago. Emma & Lydia are still her best friends from high school and still live in MA. Their lives are incorporated too in many ways in this book and it shows
I loved this book about friendship, family and everything else you can think of. A beach read at it's best for me.
Cannot wait for the sequel which comes out next year and to see what's next.
June 30, 2021
What an awesome book! Great cast of characters. Very well written that it draws you into the story. Makes you feel like you live at Wyndham Beach. I hope there will be more books. I would love to find. Out more about the characters.
March 16, 2023
3.5 Stars
This book is the definition of women’s fiction. At least, as I often think of the antiquatedly-named genre.
Featuring:
* Older women friendships (45-50+)✔️
* Major life changes (widowed, divorced, etc)✔️
* Adult children of said older women✔️
* Generational and domestic conflict✔️
* Small town (bonus points if it’s a beach town)✔️
* Very light romantic elements (often featuring a “second chance” trope)✔️
* Happy ever after or equivalent✔️
An Invincible Summer had each of those elements but handled with a very light touch. Light on conflict. Light on romance. Heavy on multiple character references and POVs. It was quickly a 3-star read with its lightly entertaining and easy reading style. Yet, with its lack of a deeper dive into the meatier subjects, I can't rate it any higher. While Maggie's story was foremost, it also flitted around many other characters - family, friends, and otherwise. At times, the details were superfluous and prevented some of the depth the story could have taken. I would have enjoyed this book much more if there was a deeper dive into Maggie’s personal story with lighter touches of those around her. I have to say that I’m still curious about the next two books which, in all likelihood, will feature Maggie's two friends along with ongoing stories of other characters introduced in this story.
I recommend this series for readers who enjoy light and fluffy reads that only graze deeper topics of loss, love, and conflict.
April 23, 2021
This was a nice read following a woman in her late 50's as she tries to forge a new life after her husband's death. While I am not able to relate to this character too much, as I am the age of the daughters in this story, I still enjoyed it. I like that the characters aren't perfect - they seemed more like people that you'd encounter in real life as opposed to story characters.
April 13, 2021
Just mentioned
While the story was interesting at times, it was pretty dull and tedious at other times. So drawn out with descriptions that were unnecessary. Many of the characters were unlikable. Very predictable. Left you hanging at the end, clearly so you will read book #2 which won’t come out for over a year. I don’t think I care about the characters enough to keep reading the series. So predictable I already know what will happen in the rest of the series even though it isn’t written yet.
While the story was interesting at times, it was pretty dull and tedious at other times. So drawn out with descriptions that were unnecessary. Many of the characters were unlikable. Very predictable. Left you hanging at the end, clearly so you will read book #2 which won’t come out for over a year. I don’t think I care about the characters enough to keep reading the series. So predictable I already know what will happen in the rest of the series even though it isn’t written yet.
May 27, 2021
3.5 stars
This is a story about secrets and second chances.
School reunions have a way of drumming memories, both good and bad. And that was the case for Maggie Flynn, returning to her hometown of Wyndham Beach for her fortieth high school reunion.
The good - catching up with her old friends, Liddy and Emma.
The bad - seeing her ex-boyfriend, Brett Crawford, now on his third wife. Worse than that, seeing him reminded her of the secret they shared.
I liked the bones of this story and how Maggie saw a chance to change her life, spending her later years in life with the friends she loved. However, the story had a lot of mundane things, details on clothing and food, that filled the pages, well beyond what I felt was necessary. I wish some of that could have been edited out.
The author also decided to not focus the story solely on Maggie, but also on her two daughters, Grace and Natalie, who were also coming to a crossroads in their lives. As the story progresses, it was clear how close this family was and how they'd do anything for one another. So when some drama is thrown at the family, they lean on one another for support. That is, up until Maggie's decades-long secret is revealed. To the reader, I think this secret was pretty evident early on, so it was interesting how women reacted to the news, which actually seemed like more of a good thing than bad thing. I was surprised how some of them were so judgmental given their own personal issues. Nevertheless, things eventually worked out for everyone involved.
While as noted, I had some issues with the book, I did become invested in each of the three heroines. Seeing that there is a second book coming out, I wouldn't mind if that featured Grace or Natalie more. But given that Maggie's BFFs are also single, the author could feature them as well. I'm looking forward to reading what it may be.
Note: I often get recommendation requests for books featuring older heroines, so if you are looking for a story that features one (Maggie and her friends are in their fifties), check this one out.
For more reviews, visit
This is a story about secrets and second chances.
School reunions have a way of drumming memories, both good and bad. And that was the case for Maggie Flynn, returning to her hometown of Wyndham Beach for her fortieth high school reunion.
The good - catching up with her old friends, Liddy and Emma.
The bad - seeing her ex-boyfriend, Brett Crawford, now on his third wife. Worse than that, seeing him reminded her of the secret they shared.
I liked the bones of this story and how Maggie saw a chance to change her life, spending her later years in life with the friends she loved. However, the story had a lot of mundane things, details on clothing and food, that filled the pages, well beyond what I felt was necessary. I wish some of that could have been edited out.
The author also decided to not focus the story solely on Maggie, but also on her two daughters, Grace and Natalie, who were also coming to a crossroads in their lives. As the story progresses, it was clear how close this family was and how they'd do anything for one another. So when some drama is thrown at the family, they lean on one another for support. That is, up until Maggie's decades-long secret is revealed. To the reader, I think this secret was pretty evident early on, so it was interesting how women reacted to the news, which actually seemed like more of a good thing than bad thing. I was surprised how some of them were so judgmental given their own personal issues. Nevertheless, things eventually worked out for everyone involved.
While as noted, I had some issues with the book, I did become invested in each of the three heroines. Seeing that there is a second book coming out, I wouldn't mind if that featured Grace or Natalie more. But given that Maggie's BFFs are also single, the author could feature them as well. I'm looking forward to reading what it may be.
Note: I often get recommendation requests for books featuring older heroines, so if you are looking for a story that features one (Maggie and her friends are in their fifties), check this one out.
For more reviews, visit
April 6, 2021
As the weather starts to warm up I’m drawn to beachy, breezy reads so when I read the description of this one, I knew immediately it would be just what I’ve been in the mood for lately. A multigenerational storyline, an idyllic setting and a new series from one of my tried and true authors? Yes please!
As much as I loved the setting and the premise of this one, the characterization is where it really shines. Maggie and her two lifelong friends were all such lovely, authentic women and I also loved that they were middle aged and had more life experience. You also get the viewpoints of Maggie’s two daughters so there’s definitely something for everyone here, a little romance, some drama and lots of friendship. A truly heartfelt read that I enjoyed so much, can’t wait to see what the next book is about.
As much as I loved the setting and the premise of this one, the characterization is where it really shines. Maggie and her two lifelong friends were all such lovely, authentic women and I also loved that they were middle aged and had more life experience. You also get the viewpoints of Maggie’s two daughters so there’s definitely something for everyone here, a little romance, some drama and lots of friendship. A truly heartfelt read that I enjoyed so much, can’t wait to see what the next book is about.
September 3, 2021
It just did not do anything for me. The “big secret” was pretty obvious, although not explicitly stated until nearly 2/3 into the book.
Also, her sister died in a freak accident and it only got a couple sentences.
Everything just worked out so conveniently and there didn’t really seem to be anything to overcome.
Grace, one of the daughters, at first seems angry about the secret, then just accepts it for no apparent reason for her change of heart.
Also, so much info dumping that did not seem relevant in the early chapters. This is probably because this is the first of a series, but we really don’t need to know whether her dress had fabric covered buttons or not.
Anyway, not to my taste, but it was kind of light hearted? (Even though there is divorce, death, adoption, so maybe not).
If you don’t want to think too hard, this could be an enjoyable beach read.
Also, her sister died in a freak accident and it only got a couple sentences.
Everything just worked out so conveniently and there didn’t really seem to be anything to overcome.
Grace, one of the daughters, at first seems angry about the secret, then just accepts it for no apparent reason for her change of heart.
Also, so much info dumping that did not seem relevant in the early chapters. This is probably because this is the first of a series, but we really don’t need to know whether her dress had fabric covered buttons or not.
Anyway, not to my taste, but it was kind of light hearted? (Even though there is divorce, death, adoption, so maybe not).
If you don’t want to think too hard, this could be an enjoyable beach read.
February 21, 2021
This was such a heartwarming and also heartbreaking story. A lifetime friendship, a second chance at life to start over from fresh after the death of her husband, a second chance at first love as well and a beautiful setting that makes you dream with your eyes open.
I enjoyed immensely this book and if you are looking for a great story with interesting characters and a second chance romance, this one is definitely for you.
I enjoyed immensely this book and if you are looking for a great story with interesting characters and a second chance romance, this one is definitely for you.
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