The Opposite of Maybe by Maddie Dawson

The Opposite of Maybe

by Maddie Dawson

A heartfelt and exceptionally human novel about the best mistakes a person can make
 
Jonathan and Rosie have been together so long they finish each other’s sentences—so when he (finally) proposes and asks her to move across the country with him, everyone is happily surprised.

But when things suddenly unravel, Rosie sends Jonathan packing and moves back home with Soapie, the irascible, opinionated grandmother who raised her. Now she has to figure out how to fire Soapie’s very unsuitable caregiver, a gardener named Tony who lets her drink martinis, smoke, and cheat at Scrabble.

It’s meant to be a temporary break, of course—until Rosie realizes she’s accidentally pregnant at 44, completely unequipped for motherhood, and worse, may be falling in love with Tony, whose life is even more muddled than hers. When Soapie reveals a long-hidden secret, Rosie wonders if she has to let go of her fears, and trust that the big-hearted, messy life that awaits her just may be the one she was meant to live.

Praise for The Opposite of Maybe

“Dawson’s charmingly eccentric cast of characters is at turns lovable and infuriating, ensuring a quick read helmed by a memorable, complex heroine.”—Publishers Weekly

“Delightfully witty . . . A messy, funny, surprising story of second chances.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Dawson keeps readers turning the pages to find out who Rosie will choose in the end.”—Booklist

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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The Opposite of Maybe by Maddie Dawson is a chick-lit novel that explores one woman’s journey of self-discovery through trial, error, hope, loss and love.

Dawson introduces us to Rosie a middle-aged woman who loves her job-teaching children and her life with her live in lover Jonathan. They have been together as they watched their friends get married and begin families. Theirs is a comfortable life until things get complicated. Jonathan has been offered an opportunity clear across the country and suddenly he is proposing. Rosie is dealing with her sassy, opinionated grandmother and needs to get her settled before moving. Suddenly unsure she is about to face her biggest challenge. The tale that unfolds takes us into Grandmother Sophie’s house and introduces a wonderful cast of characters that will warm your heart.

Rosie was a likable and flawed character. As Dawson peels back her layers and allows Rosie to fumble,  and grow she soon discovers that the key to happiness might just be complicated and messy. I loathed Jonathan, and adored Sophie. I plan to be wild and crazy like her when I am eighty-eight. Tony has this incredibly huge heart, and I wanted to embrace him. Secondary characters added a community feel and gave us a greater understanding of the central characters.

Warm, touching, hilarious and heart-warming The Opposite of Maybe was a novel that I enjoyed reading. Dawson beautifully balanced my emotions and I found myself caught up in the characters lives.

Copy received from Blogging for Books in exchange for unbiased review.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 29 July, 2014: Finished reading
  • 29 July, 2014: Reviewed