“Surely it wasn’t too much to ask that you get to the end, and looking back, you don’t fill with horror and bitterness at all the things you got wrong.”

― Rachel Joyce, Maureen

A touching story presented from the perspective of Harold Fry's wife Maureen is the next work from the bestselling author Rachel Joyce. Maureen will find a way to re-engage with the world to which she has closed a door by starting her own journey. The story is a profoundly felt, poetic, and compelling that examines love, grief, and how we reconcile the past to gain a greater understanding of ourselves. The Unexpected Pilgrimage of Harold Fry was the spectacular success that launched a trilogy that was continued in The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy, and while this book stands alone, it also serves as the incredibly affecting conclusion to that trilogy. The force and gravitas of a classic are present in Maureen, just like in other well-loved works.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

Ten years ago, Harold Fry set off on a six-hundred-mile walk to save a friend. But the story doesn’t end there. Now his wife, Maureen, has her own pilgrimage to make.

Only she can finish the journey her husband started.

Maureen Fry has settled into the quiet life she shares with her husband after his iconic walk across England ten years ago. When an unexpected message from the North disturbs her equilibrium again, it is now her turn to make a journey. But Maureen is not like Harold. By turns outspoken, then vulnerable, she struggles to form bonds with the people she meets, and the landscape she crosses has radically changed. And Maureen has no sense of what she will find at the end of the road. All she knows is that she has to get there.

My reaction to this novel...

I was quite eager to read this third volume since I had a lot of questions about David and hoped that this book would finally provide all of the answers. Since the beginning, Maureen has been my least favorite character since you will sense that there is something peculiar about her. I don't know why, but even though I completely understand her grief over what happened to David, I still find it difficult to love her character. And I'm really hoping that as I read this book, I'll grow to like her. In a way, I still felt the same way about her character at the conclusion of the novel, and I can still not feel all of her feelings, which is why it didn't captivate me the way Harold, David, and Queenie's characters did.

When reading this work, I was struck by how tough Maureen's attitude was to deal with. There are numerous unresolved ends, such as how Harold Fry fell in love with her despite her attitude and how she was able to show her love to him despite her stiffness. The first two books truly made me feel how tough it is to love Maureen and how difficult it is for Harold Fry to live with someone who doesn't know how to cherish him. I still couldn't sense her love for Harold in this novel, which made me feel terrible for him. Her persona wears thin, and occasionally I had to put the book down out of boredom. I understand that some individuals, like her, are scared and hesitant to interact with others; I, too, have felt this way at times, but her manner of presenting herself does not make a favorable impression on me.

Another thing that disappointed me about this book was that I had really wanted to hear more from David and I wanted Maureen to know about David and Queenie's relationships and interactions, but this book didn't provide me with that information. Compared to Maureen's narrative, I believe David's will be a more compelling read. I didn't even get a comprehensive picture of her background to understand why she became so stiff and callous, even while David is around and before the unforeseen tragedy occurred. I'm pretty bummed out about this.

This novel has a lot of disappointing incidents for me, yet one thing made me smile. That happened every time Harold was mentioned in any chapter. The first two volumes will make you feel bad for him since you'll realize how unhappy he is with his life. Even if his wife is around, you would still see how lonely he is, and I felt awful for him. Yet his personality altered in this novel. I could sense his relief and contentment following his journey. I was of the opinion that he already appreciates life's colors and enjoys the company of people, and I'm delighted he arrived at that conclusion.

Nonetheless, if you have previously read the first book in this series, you should also read the third. However, if you want to learn more about David, this book won't provide any answers. I sincerely wish the author had thought about creating a book on David before the awful event.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐✨(2.5/5)

“A person could be trapped in a version of themselves that was from another time, and completely miss the happiness that was staring them in the face.”

Our thoughts go blank when we are unhappy or longing, making it impossible for us to appreciate or even comprehend what is in front of us. There are moments when we feel lost and alone even when we are in the midst of a crowd because we feel the inescapable hole inside us, thus we are caught in those times when we are happy, hoping that we could stay in that period for the rest of our life. 

Many approaches to confronting, comprehending, and coping with the heinous past events can be explored in historical fiction. It fosters an understanding that historical occurrences affect the present. The reader may gain a new perspective on history as a result. Here are several novels in the genre of historical fiction that will be released in April 2023 since some of us adore it.

1. Homecoming by Kate Morton

Homecoming is a multigenerational epic story that explores what we would do for the people we love and how we conceal the falsehoods we tell. It investigates the strength of motherhood, the damaging repercussions of closely guarded secrets, and the regenerative power of knowledge. Over all, it is a seductive and enormously fulfilling book by one of the best authors now at work. On April 4, 2023, Mariner Books is anticipated to release this book.

2. The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland

From the viewpoints of four people whose acts during the inferno altered history, the author of Florence Adler Swims Forever is back with a powerful work of historical fiction about an explosive disaster that horrified a fledgling nation and ended up breaking apart a community in a single night. The House Is on Fire, which is based on the historical account of Richmond's theater fire, provides evidence that, occasionally, we are given our most valuable transitory at redemption in the face of enormous catastrophe. On April 4, 2023, Mariner Books is anticipated to release this book.

3. The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton

With two women's personal histories clashing on a round-trip sail from New York to Havana in 1934, a luxurious vacation turns into a struggle for survival in Chanel Cleeton's gripping new book, which was inspired by the actual tale of the SS Morro Castle. An intriguing page-turner about a story of love, theft, tragedy, and retaliation aboard the ocean liner SS Morro Castle during its tragic 1934 trip. A captivating array of characters and seductively connected puzzles from Cleeton keep readers interested and surprised right up to the very last page. This book is anticipated to be released by Berkley on April 11, 2023.

4. The Trackers by Charles Frazier

A stunning new book that provides a vivid portrait of life during the Great Depression is coming from the author of the New York Times bestselling books Cold Mountain and Varina. Charles Frazier, a rare American writer, draws up the lives of ordinary people at an exceptional moment of history that bears uncanny parallels to our own in The Trackers. Frazier has crafted a stunning and timeless new classic with the acute perceptions of mankind and sublime storytelling that have made him popular for decades. This book is scheduled to be released by Ecco Press on April 11, 2023.

5. The Golden Doves by Martha Hall Kelly

The New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls' astonishing novel, inspired by actual events, tells the story of two former female spies who risk everything to find a notorious Nazi doctor in the years following World War II. For her astounding synthesis of empathy and study into the lives of women throughout history, as well as for her examination of the horrors of Ravensbrück, Martha Hall Kelly has won praise. With The Golden Doves, she has written an unforgettable novel about the fortunes of Nazi fugitives in the aftermath of World War II—and the forgotten ladies agents who sacrificed it all to put them to justice. Ballantine Books anticipates releasing this book on April 18, 2023.

Romance books sometimes draw criticism from readers who don't fully see why so many of us are enamored with those gushy, soul tales of love, from the cover to the substance. Anticipate to return from this journey with the hope of going back. Perhaps you've seen a few judging stares in your favorite bookshop checkout aisle. And perhaps, your closest friend gave you a slight smirk when you pulled out your love holiday book to read on the beach. As romantic as you are, consider some of the novels listed below that will be published in April 2023 in the Romance genre.

1. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

Until a dreamily attractive pop artist turns the tables on all her presumptions, a comedy writer believes she has given up on love. Curtis Sittenfeld, a New York Times bestselling novelist, wrote the novel Romantic Comedy, which is funny, perceptive, and incredibly compassionate. A talented storyteller who conveys a well-told, fascinating tale about characters who get ingrained in your brain like long-lost friends. This book is slated to be released by Random House on April 4, 2023.

2. The Nanny by Lana Ferguson

In this hot contemporary romance by Lana Ferguson, a lady learns the father of the kid she is watching may be her biggest fan. A motivated, career-focused single dad and a bright, educated heroine are acquainted. It starts to ignite. The Nanny is a mouthwateringly delectable take on second chances with a hearty splash of heat. It's smart, entertaining, sexual, and scorching with love heat. More from Lana Ferguson will be adored by readers. This book is slated to be released by Random House on April 4, 2023.

3. Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

A story about disastrous first dates, humorous second chances, and the delight of discovering your soul mate. Infused with snark, genuine sorrow, and unashamed sexuality, Jimenez's debut is both hilarious and heartbreaking. It is a sweet, slow-burning romance with lots of humorous details and emotional struggles. This book is anticipated to be released by Forever on April 11, 2023.

4. The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur

A modest bookseller and a romance novel cover model consent to a contemporary marriage-of-convenience in this passionate Sapphic rom-com by Lambda Literary award winner and national bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur. Every word in Alexandria Bellefleur's writing is as dazzling as sparkling and brimming with flavor. She offers sassy, sparkling romanticism, with each passionate exchange adding complexity, intensity, and harmony. This story not only features a ton of wittily written passages and some scorchingly steamy love scenes, but it also elegantly highlights the value of our closest relationships with family and friends. This book is anticipated to be released by Avon on April 18, 2023.

5. Happy Place by Emily Henry

In her brand-new sparkling and witty book, #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry tells the story of a couple who split up months ago but make a deal to appear as though they are still together for their annual weeklong getaway with their best friends. Happy Place showcases Emily Henry at her very best, with characters we can't help but love and incredible romance. This book is anticipated to be released by Berkley on April 25, 2023.