Never Enough Time

by Kimberly McMillan

When thirty-year-old Marni once again has to say goodbye to someone very important in her life, the loss hits close to home as she remembers the summer she was fourteen and lost her mom...the summer her life became unrecognizable.

Shortly after her mother's passing, Marni learns the truth about her father and is sent to Waco, Texas to live with him and his "perfect" family. There, she must face a world that blatantly rejected her mom, without losing faith in the one person she trusted.

Old wounds resurface for Lauren-Marni's new stepmother-as she tries to navigate these new waters. Her self-worth and confidence are shaken by her husband's betrayal, and she wonders if she can truly love and understand a child who isn't hers.

Told from multiple perspectives, Never Enough Time is an emotional coming-of-age story that demonstrates the power of familial relationships despite complicated differences.

312 pages, Hardcover

Published January 17, 2023

About the author

Kimberly McMillan lives in Waco, Texas with her husband, Aaron, their two amazing daughters, and a spoiled Standard Poodle. Kimberly attended The University of Texas at Austin where she studied Broadcast Journalism. She is an avid tea-drinker, accomplished photographer, dog lover, adventure seeker, book lover, bourbon taster, travel enthusiast, and foodie! When she is not writing, Kimberly loves spending time with her family and friends, enjoying everything life has to offer. Kimberly loves the Lord and hopes her love for Him shines through her work.

Follow her on Instagram @kimberlymcmillanauthor

Reviews

[Melodi | booksandchicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a brilliant and heartwarming story! This sweet book brought tears to my eyes more than once as we follow Marni, a 14 year old, who is handling what will probably be the hardest time in her life. She has lost all she has ever known with the sickness and death of her mother and her only parent. Her mother made plans for where Marni would go after her passing and it is NOT what Marni had in mind.

Marni's whole world is shook as she is thrust into a new land, a place opposite what she has ever known. I loved watching her journey and process through this new stage in her life.

The book is told with multiple POV, which isn't always my favorite, but McMillan does such a great job handling when she brings in another POV. It was such a treat to see what another persons internal thoughts were in the story. It gives you that sense of a fly on the wall!

Read this if you want heart. Read this to feel a sense of home and what family means. Read this for entertainment and joy. I sped through this book and thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

[Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hallmark-style-story lovers will enjoy this book! It tells the story of a family you come to root for! Facing the tragic loss of her mother, fourteen-year-old Marni suddenly finds herself living with her birth father and his “near-perfect” southern family. Though related by blood, Marni feels like a practical stranger and struggles to grieve her mother while adjusting to a full culture-shift.

I personally didn’t connect very strongly to the young-teen POV of Marni, but I enjoyed seeing how Lauren (the stepmom) developed in her gracious handling of the situation. The decision of Marni’s mom to send her to the birth father seemed abrupt and mishandled, given how close & open their relationship was portrayed to be. I also would’ve loved to read more of the birth father’s perspective on things.

😇: nothing overly spiritual, but some minor faith themes and praying
😍: romance is not a strong story element
🤐: no language!

Thank you to the author for a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Cynthia Kirchner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story, one that integrates tears with lots of laughter! The author, Kimberly McMillan, has a gift of creating dialogue that is genuine and real. Her words glide along the pages and draw you into the lives of the characters and their homes in the big city of Chicago and a small Texas town. I loved every single character, from the “princess tornados” to even “Grumps,” but especially the main character Marni, who is thrown quite a curveball in her young life of 14 years. I love stories like Never Enough Time- stories that have flawed characters who are forced to make difficult life choices, stories that leave the characters needing redemption and forgiveness, and finally stories where the author gives it to them so graciously.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story that explored the meaning of family and how that definition can change when the unexpected happens.

Fourteen year old Marni was a main character to root for, and I especially loved Lauren, who handled challenges with so much grace.

While the story isn’t overtly Christian, I appreciated the faith elements that were gently woven in.

I wish that we could have gotten more of Lauren and Kyle’s POVs, and perhaps delved into their pasts a bit more.

🥰I think fans of TI Lowe and Nicole Deese would enjoy this book!

[Katrina D'Aquin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book opens with a funeral, which sets the tone for the remainder of the book. Marni, a fourteen year old from Chicago, suffers the loss of her mother, leading her to live with her father, stepmother and two half sisters, who she did not know existed prior to her mother’s death. Ms. McMillan’s debut novel has touching moments and explores a teen’s experience of grief. Her descriptions of some things are quite detailed, but I felt that her descriptions of her characters was a bit weak. For instance, we learn that Marni has friends in Chicago, but these friends are not named, nor is the reader privy to any of Marni’s memories with them. Instead, Marni’s story revolves solely around the loss of her mother and ensuing sense that she is losing herself.

At times, Marni is portrayed as the most mature of the cast of characters. Particularly at the beginning of the story, Marni’s step mother, Lauren, comes across as a spoiled child, although she is described as being middle aged. While Lauren’s character show’s development (abruptly), Marni’s slides from maturity to a teen, albeit one with an unrealistic way of expressing herself.

The plot is fairly predictable, but I don’t think this was intended to be a plot driven narrative. Rather it seems to be intended as an exploration of a teen’s experience of death, upheaval and having to move forward. Ms. McMillan has done so fairly realistically, including movement both into and out of grief.

Despite the relatively flat characters and predictable plot, there are touching moments. For instance, when Marni reads her mother’s journals, or when she stops referring to her father and step mother as “Mr. And Mrs. Mercer.” I did find myself contemplating the death of my own mother and how it may effect me, as well as the impact my own death would have on my (grown) child.

Note: I received a free advance copy of this book in return for a review. This did not effect the content of my review or my rating of the book.

[Robin Beard · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! Never Enough Time tugged at heart strings that I wasn't aware existed! These characters drew me in and wrapped me around their little fingers. Add to the fact that a large part is set in Waco, TX, a town that is near and dear to my heart, and I was hooked.

Marni, now 30, is faced with the death of someone else she holds dear. This brings back all of the memories of losing her mother at age 14. In an unconventional revelation of her mother's final wishes, Marni finds herself moving from Chicago to Texas to meet and live with a father she didn't know was still alive. In Chicago, she leaves her Aunt Jo and her friends and the only life she has ever known. In Texas, her biological dad, step mother, step sisters, grandmother, and grandfather await. Some accept her with open arms. Some are also struggling with how to move forward in this new situation. Marni, herself, struggles with self confidence and finding her place in a world that has been turned upside down.

Kimberly McMillan is now on my radar, and I will be looking out for what comes next!. I highly recommend this book!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Warren Publishing for the advanced ecopy of this book.*

[thebrunettebookjunkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several years ago, when I had just gotten started reviewing books, I received a debut from an indie/ self-published author. The book was riddled with typos and editing problems, and the writing was clunky, and in the end, it was a DNF for me. I didn't write a review but because the author kept contacting me, I decided to post on IG with a pretty picture of the book and congratulate the author for her accomplishment which wasn't enough for her so I gave her my honest opinion as kindly as I could in a private message and she took it badly. Ever since then, I'm a little leery of debut books not put out by the big publishing companies (and I've read a few of those that weren't that great either). Anyway, a few weeks ago, I walked into a bookstore where an author had a table set up with her debut novel. It's not self published but I genuinely haven't heard of the publishing company and I had all plans to avoid the table but because I had run to the truck to put my other shopping bags away and my family had already gone into the bookstore without me, she had already spoken to my husband who was like oh it's her first book, all within earshot. So I reluctantly took a peep at the book, and she quickly absorbed me into a conversation. She was so kind and engaging, and we had the best talk about all things book related, including her debut, and I was intrigued because it sounded like my kind of book. So I bought it and even moved it to the top of my TBR but I still had a sense of dread because if I didn't like it, I did not want to have to say that if she ever asked since we became IG friends that day as well. Thankfully, I shouldn't have worried because Not Enough Time gripped me from the beginning. I laughed, and I cried with Marnie and her family. It's a family saga where secrets are revealed after the death of Marnies mom. It's southern charm and coming of age. Sometimes these types of books have so much angst that I read with a pit in my stomach but this one has the right amount but is also mixed with really kind and welcoming albeit flawed people who genuinely love Marnie and want what's best for her. I loved McMillan's debut, and I'm looking forward to her second book, which she told me a bit about, and it's also right up my alley!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was a journey wearing other people’s shoes. Our own shoes are broken in, known, and imperfect—but ours. Never Enough Time was trying on other people’s shoes, judging the discomfort and then wearing them until they became yours. Kimberly McMillan did an amazing job of fleshing out her characters in Never Enough Time. Marni, the main character, became the object of my protection in this book. She reflects on her story as a young girl having just lost her mom, and being cast into a life she didn’t know existed. The characters around her quickly entered my crosshairs as they revealed their heart about her situation and yielded their shoes to me. I tried them on, hated many, at first, only to walk a bit and find comfort and grace. I think what captured my heart in this book was that I found myself in many of her characters. As humans we are quick to judge, but life is never that clean cut. Each page gave me access into the hearts of her characters and access to a piece of myself. I pray we all have a Mrs. Anne in our life, bringing sunshine, messy hair from a convertible ride, and acceptance. My hope is that we are all growing into a Lauren—revealing our truth, but walking right through our own hurt to extend a hand while holding tight to grace. Grace always gives life in the darkest of circumstances. Amazing job, Kimberly McMillan on your debut novel! I cried many tears as I fell so deeply for this family of characters.

[nat. · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book made me feel so many emotions while reading that i had to take a moment to let it sink.

i penned all my thoughts down—of how i resented marni’s mom at first, how aunt jo could have been a better aunt to marni instead of lacing her words with sarcasm at every chance, of how much i loved lauren because of her courage to face her demons.

but i deleted them all. because i was wrecked by the epilogue. i was crying so hard and hated it so much that the author built a character i’ve learnt to dislike and then turned him enjoyable then included all these little reminiscent over the years that we never got to see but still tugged onto our heartstring.

this is such a beautiful & emotional story. the author managed to accurately describe and put into words what the characters felt in such raw, uncensored, no sugar coating way that made the reader easily understood why and how he/she felt that way. and i love all characters—the good and the bad instances—they made this seems so realistic and i ached for marni. each of them essential to make the struggles and emotions happen. essential to see the growth in the characters and how each characters dealt with it differently.

needless to say, this is one book i’ll keep in my kindle for a long time. highly recommended for everyone.


i received this advanced reader copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest, uncensored voluntary review

[Soo · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great debut novel from Kimberly McMillan! Loved so many of the characters—especially Ann and Lauren—and couldn’t put the book down as I was anxious to see how it all came together at the end. Wonderful story!

[Brandi Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️s | Marni's world was turned completely upside-down at the young age of 14. After a sudden and crippling illness claimed her mother's life, she learns that her dying wish for is for Marni to live with the father that she has never known. Because her mother never discussed him, she thought he was dead.

Marni isn't the only one reeling from the news. In Texas, Kyle Mercer learns that he has a 14-year-old daughter that he's never know about. As a successful lawyer with a wife and two young daughters, he desires to do the right things but knows that it will create issues for his immediate and extended family.

This is a beautiful debut novel that captures the tension of an ideal setting that come about in a less than ideal circumstances. There's a real and raw wrestle that Marni deals with around accepting and enjoying her new situation and trying to remain true to her roots and not dishonor or abandon her mother's memory. It touches on belonging, grief, and past trauma as well as redemption and reconciliation.

It's a slow page-turner in that it's zoomed in on everyday life in a short period of time, but it isn't slow-moving or boring. Marni's is the main POV through which the story is told, but we do get a peek into the POVs of a handful of other characters.

I really enjoyed this story. Seeing the middle woven into the beginning and ending chapters was especially beautiful. It has Christian themes and mentions of faith, but isn't overtly Christian. If this debut wasn't on your radar, I'd recommend adding it! So grateful to Kimberly for sending a copy my way to read and review.

[Janall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

14 year old Marni has just lost her mother to brain cancer when she learns that her father- who she never met -is living on the other end of the country in Texas and is completely unaware of her existence. It would seem that her mother never told him that she was pregnant, and instead chose to struggle ( with a Capital S- as in not enough to eat on some days, never buying anything new- ever. ) as a single mother and raise her child with the help of her sister. Now, Aunt Jo tells Marni that her father wants to honor her mothers dying wish, and have Marni come live with him, his wife and their two young daughters. Marni already grieving, feels that she is now losing the only home and family she ever had. Her mother never talked about him, and she feel betrayed by her mother and doesn’t want to leave the only life she knows. She is hurt and in shock when she is put in a plane to start a new life in Texas. So far so good.
Then when she gets to Texas the character development start to slip- For an unexplainable reason - her new family didn’t meet her at the airport and instead have her take a taxi to their mansion. ( Seriously- who does that to a child???) . The maid slams the door in her face before the family realizes she is on the front porch. Did they not tell the maid she was coming? Regardless of the shabbiness of her clothes- she is a child!!!
At first Marni’s is amazed at their 1% life style, huge home, swimming pool, a full time maid, and more money than she can imagine. She shows up in literal rags, and now has her own bedroom with an en-suite bath and a closet full of on trend clothing.
Despite a near perfect life- The story quickly shifts to her constantly whining about missing her mother, and feeling like she doesn’t fit in with the family. This misperception is aided by her Grandfather- nicknamed Grumpa who tells her that she is lower class and doesn’t belong- as her mother didn’t , to her face. Everyone else has to constantly tell her she does fit in, and they love her. Her friends are impossibly nice for 14 years olds, not a single clique or mean girl in the bunch… right…She misses her old friends, but never once calls them, despite having a brand new phone .

Dad Kyle is milquetoast- doesn’t appear in the story very much other than to occasionally cry. No wonder it was so easy for him to be bullied by his dad and leave the girl he was falling in-love with behind and move back home to be rich. At first I didn’t like the step mother Lauren, “ what will the people at the County Club think,”, and “I don’t want this love child ruining my family.” But once she meets Marni her personality quickly shifted into flawless perfection. Too perfect. She evidently has no desires in life than being the perfect wife and mother.

Marni’s initial grief was well portrayed (but unfortunately not very interesting to read about. )There was no real conflict in the story, and the characters were rather one dimensional. There were a lot of extra detail that want needed- bathing her little sisters- and important details left out- what happened at the slumber party??

I was looking forward to reading this book as I had a similar situation at 14- my dad died and my Mom and I moved across country to live with my aunt. Unlike Marni- for me fitting in and friends were EVERYTHING. I missed my Dad, but as a teen it was in the background as I navigated my new life.

Decent story in a Hallmark-esque way, but was really hoping for some complexity here .

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review - Never Enough Time, Kimberley McMillan.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

An easy, emotional read with some important themes throughout.

This book begins with a death and that sets the tone for the whole book. Marni, losing her mother at 14, is utterly devastated. She has grown up in the slums of Chicago with her single mother and now is left to fend for herself with her only family member left - her aunt. At least, that’s until her aunt reveals her mother’s plan for her. Marni’s father lives in Texas with the perfect family - his wife and two daughters. He is oblivious to Marni’s existence and never knew of his oldest daughter until her mother dies. Marni is sent to forge a relationship with her newly-discovered, extremely rich father which isn’t as easy as it seems when she wears rags for clothes and saves pennies to eat. Forced to join his family under such sad circumstances, can she accept and be accepted into this lifestyle?

This book was written in a multi-POV format which was excellent in identifying the impact this had on all characters. I always found Lauren’s (Marni’s stepmother) to be the most interesting as I placed myself in her position. I’m not sure how I would’ve reacted in her position but she seems like a truly amazing woman. The theme of socio-economic inequalities weaved throughout this story and I love the fact the author did not shy away from the stereotypes some people hold. The fact that Marni’s life could have turned out differently if her grandparents did not hold such a view was powerful to think about.

I liked the characters and there were many heartwarming moments throughout the story but they also infuriated me at times. Marni did come across as petulant and ungrateful but I suppose that’s the impact of her situation.

My criticism for this book lies mainly with the plot being bland. Not a lot, if anything, actually happened. I feel like I was just reading about the days of someone living in a house. There was so much information on mundane, day-to-day activities that it bored me. Do I really need to read about bath time for her little sisters? Is it crucial to the story that I read about bed time? Maybe it is - I don’t know.

Also, there was far too much tell not show throughout the story. The dialogue was so detailed that it became unrealistic. I felt like characters were making speeches every time they communicated with each other.

Despite my criticisms, I do understand that this book is a character-driven story rather than plot-driven. I just like a little bit of story along with this. The overall themes and messages are important and it is a very quick and easy read to get you through a rainy afternoon.

I received an ARC of this story from NetGalley.

[Christie Talbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I couldn’t read fast enough but wanted to slow down and savor at the same time! The best kind of problem for a reader to have!

My heart broke and jumped for joy for several characters in this novel at different times. Writing from the perspective of different characters in a novel is a tricky thing to pull off. But this author did a great job of literally getting you “in the head” of the main characters and made you empathize with what each one was going through. So I found myself not only rooting for the main character but for all of them to overcome their own challenges.

My absolute favorite thing about reading is being transported to a different world where I can create a vision in my head of what that world looks like. It’s a rare thing to find an author that takes the time to paint a picture with words that helps you see that place and those characters in the book. Ms. McMillan did that expertly and had me conjuring up the taste of everything from a greasy burger and fries to sugar cookies. I can just picture two little girls playing princess and the lovely Mercer home as a well as the sights and sounds of Chicago.

If you want a good read to snuggle up with in your favorite chair with a hot cup of lemon ginger tea, this is your book! And while you’re at it, why not add a plate of sugar cookies. Enjoy!

[Kristina Minor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memories told from a supportive cast of strong women drive Kimberley McMillan’s poignant, yet heartwarming tale of a family secret revealed long ago. Never Enough Time follows 14-year-old Marni through the great loss that forces her into a lifestyle she has never known. Feeling isolated and unwanted, Marni searches behind the lie for something to make her feel whole. She must find and give love and acceptance before it’s too late.

I loved the refreshing simplicity of this book. I relaxed into the nostalgia of McMillan’s world. The taste of richly detailed meals, the smell of chlorine at the swimming pools, and the warmth of afternoons with Grandma. I smiled every time the purple and pink tornadoes appeared and twirled around Marni; I was relieved by Aunt Jo’s sense of reason when Marni needed a dose; and, I experienced the shock of ill-tempered words and the pain of regret for time lost and dreams broken.

I highly recommend this inspirational read—but, be sure to grab a cup of hot chocolate and a tissue. You won't get up until you're through.

[Nicki Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netgalley review: thank you to netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
For a first book, I personally think it's a brilliant read. The way the book is written helps you to really understand Marni and what she is going through. It's a great insight in to how teenagers can deal with grief whilst also trying to deal with life going on around them. Add to that the umpteen changes she goes through, it's a brilliant read.
The final chapter had me in tears, after all she has been through listening to her go through more grief was heartbreaking, but it was also nice to see she got to the point where this would affect her so much (this sentence will make sense when you read it).
Overall a great read, I'll certainly look out for more by this author.

[Amy Dayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Enough Time is a beautiful, heartwarming story and a fantastic debut for Kimberly McMillan. At first, I was annoyed by the lack of attention on the relationship between Marni and her newfound father, but I enjoyed the exploration and development of the relationships between the female characters and found that relatable. I found myself relating to Lauren, the stepmom, in both her initial, not-quite-nice reaction to the unexpected circumstance, and her subsequent realization that she could do better. Marni, while seeming like a total brat at times, also seems exactly like any of my three teenagers. Unpredictable, unable to manage emotions…But in the end, it’s a story about making the best of a crappy situation, overcoming loss, and choosing love. I loved it! As a mom, I appreciated that I could pass the book to my teen daughter to read without worrying about exposure to language, sex, drugs, or any explicit content. An all around easy read.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding debut. When Marni’s mother dies she finds out her father was alive. At 14 she is sent by her Aunt to Texas to live with her dad.

Her dad is a lawyer in Texas and is married and has two little girls. He never knew of Marni’s existence until her mother died.

Marni grew up poor with a single mom. Now she finds herself in Texas in a lavish home with a wealth and family she is not used too. Her Aunt Jo was honoring her sisters wishes for Marni to spend time with the family for 6 months and she could decide whether to stay with the family or come back to her aunt.

Not everyone is welcoming but Marni finds those closest to her wanting to have her part of their family and want them to give her a chance.

This novel is an Outstanding debut and is all about loss, family, love and finding a family you never expected.💙

[Likestotravel · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me the sign of a good book is losing yourself in the story and emerging more fulfilled. Kimberly McMillan crafts a beautiful family story of disaster, disappointment, love, acceptance, growth and change. The story of a teenager girl losing her single mother and being thrust into her unknowing father’s family is a tragedy. How the extended family deals with this tough situation and develops into a newly defined family with love and grace is painful at times but heartwarming to see.

Thanks to NetGalley and Warren Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[HEATHER · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story. Kimberly really knows how to give you all the feels .This book will make you laugh and cry! If you want a good heartfelt book that will have you wanting more then this is the book for you.

Thank you NetGalley and Warren Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC in advanced.

[Ashley Canuteson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though not full of dark secrets, my own family dynamic really helped me relate on a deep level with all of Marni’s family. The author’s writing is incredibly descriptive with a spiritual overlay. I kept waiting for a plot twist, but it’s not that kind of book. It’s real life… relatable… and inspiring.

[dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly touching and emotional story, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good cathartic read! The author did not shy away from presenting life’s difficulties in an open and honest way, and this is what made the story so universal and relatable. The themes of loss, found family, and acceptance are developed so well through the perspectives of vulnerable teenaged Marni, her new stepmother, and her new grandmother. I also loved the subtle analysis of Southern/Texan culture through the fun vernacular language and regional references! Overall, Never Enough Time was a wonderful story full of complex themes and emotions presented through a clear-cut style, and I would definitely consider it a must-read!

[A'Leah Draper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, the character development was so good. As a person that had a very traumatic childhood, it was so nice reading a book where everyone was very aware of their feelings and where issues from their past were acknowledged. My inner child was screaming this is all I ever wanted!

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kimberly McMillan’s debut novel describes a contemporary family and their reactions to a life-changing event. Written from multiple points of view, the reader follows along as the characters cope and adjust and reestablish definitions of family and trust and respect. My favorite books are those in which I become invested in the characters, even if it means disagreeing with their actions. Based on my internal dialogue with a couple of Kimberly’s characters, I very obviously was invested in this wonderful story. And who doesn’t love a poignant ending?

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book. Enjoyed the heartwarming story with a glimpse of the layers of processing grief. Fast read.

[Meghan Collett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!! Loved every character and I can’t wait to read what Kimberly writes next.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story with beautiful imagery. The characters inspire strength and faith in accepting life’s curveballs. I found myself relating to several characters! Heartwarming and positive.

[Teresa Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books recommended by friends 2023. I loved reading about the good eats of Waco. The book made me cry and think hard as we had a family member placed in our home at 10. Did I do and say the right things? Did I think enough about her thoughts and feelings? I was glad Marni had a happy ending. Great debut novel Kimberly McMillan!

[Helen Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the character growth in this novel, as well as the beautifully described settings. A wonderful book journey to take!

[Sabra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down!