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The Oregon Coast series #3
Madeline House
When Beth Carson flees her controlling husband, a Sydney surgeon, and travels to Florence, Oregon, she is unsure what her future holds. Although her only knowledge of Florence comes from a few postcards found in her late mother’s effects, she immediately feels at home there and begins to put down roots.
But Beth’s past returns to haunt her in ways she could never have imagined. Distraught over alarming reports from Australia and bewildered by revelations from the past, Beth turns to new friends to help her.
Tom Harrison, a local lawyer, has spent the past five years coming to terms with his wife’s death, and building a solitary existence which he has come to enjoy. Adept at ignoring the overtures of local women and fending off his meddling daughter, he is intrigued by this feisty Australian and, almost against his will, finds himself drawn to her when she seeks his legal advice.
What forces are at work to bring the two together, and can Beth overcome her past and find a way forward?
Set on the beautiful Oregon Coast this is a tale of a woman who seeks to rise above the challenges life has thrown at her and establish a new life for herself.
But Beth’s past returns to haunt her in ways she could never have imagined. Distraught over alarming reports from Australia and bewildered by revelations from the past, Beth turns to new friends to help her.
Tom Harrison, a local lawyer, has spent the past five years coming to terms with his wife’s death, and building a solitary existence which he has come to enjoy. Adept at ignoring the overtures of local women and fending off his meddling daughter, he is intrigued by this feisty Australian and, almost against his will, finds himself drawn to her when she seeks his legal advice.
What forces are at work to bring the two together, and can Beth overcome her past and find a way forward?
Set on the beautiful Oregon Coast this is a tale of a woman who seeks to rise above the challenges life has thrown at her and establish a new life for herself.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2016
About the author
Maggie Christensen
34 books121 followersAfter a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her frequent visits to family in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them.
From her native Glasgow, Scotland, Maggie was lured by the call ‘Come and teach in the sun’ to Australia,where she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!
She continues her love of books as a volunteer with her local library where she selects and delivers books to the housebound.
A member of Queensland Writer’s Centre, RWA, ALLi, and a local critique group, Maggie enjoys meeting her readers at book signings and library talks. In 2014 she self-published Band of Gold and The Sand Dollar, Book One in the Oregon Coast Series, in 2015, The Dreamcatcher, Book Two in the Oregon Coast Series and Broken Threads, and in 2016, Madeline House, book Three in the Oregon Coast Series
From her native Glasgow, Scotland, Maggie was lured by the call ‘Come and teach in the sun’ to Australia,where she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!
She continues her love of books as a volunteer with her local library where she selects and delivers books to the housebound.
A member of Queensland Writer’s Centre, RWA, ALLi, and a local critique group, Maggie enjoys meeting her readers at book signings and library talks. In 2014 she self-published Band of Gold and The Sand Dollar, Book One in the Oregon Coast Series, in 2015, The Dreamcatcher, Book Two in the Oregon Coast Series and Broken Threads, and in 2016, Madeline House, book Three in the Oregon Coast Series
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 11, 2016
Beth Carson had no idea where she would end up when she left Sydney in such a rush; escaping the husband who had dominated her life for too long. But as she travelled up the coast of the US toward Florence in Oregon, she knew she’d need to settle somewhere soon. Her arrival in the small town of Florence somehow felt right – she had never been there but the postcards Beth had found in her mother’s effects after she passed had her wanting to find answers.
Quietly and without fanfare, Beth slowly began to make friends. She found a new job, fell in love with a beautiful old home and decided to buy it and even met up with another resident who was also from Australia. Meeting Jenny she was a little concerned at first, but finding Jenny was from Noosa, she knew there was little chance of her knowing her husband from Sydney. But when suddenly Beth heard worrying news from a friend in Sydney, she knew she needed help. Tom Harrison was a lawyer and the perfect person, but could Beth trust him with her secrets?
As her new friends rallied around Beth, her world was rocked. What was she to do? Would Beth be able to escape the past and make a new life for herself? And would she find the answers she sought to the long ago mystery?
Madeline House by Aussie author Maggie Christensen is the third in the Oregon Coast series and another excellent addition. Once again new characters are introduced, by way of Beth and Tom; and we also catch up with friends from the previous two books in the series – The Sand Dollar and The Dreamcatcher. Jenny, Mike, Maddy and Ellen along with various others are a big part of Madeline House which made it all seem comfortably familiar. An intriguing plot with a touch of mystery and drama while Beth finds out how strong she really is – Madeline House is one I highly recommend. I thoroughly enjoy this author’s work and will definitely be reading more.
With thanks to the author for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
Quietly and without fanfare, Beth slowly began to make friends. She found a new job, fell in love with a beautiful old home and decided to buy it and even met up with another resident who was also from Australia. Meeting Jenny she was a little concerned at first, but finding Jenny was from Noosa, she knew there was little chance of her knowing her husband from Sydney. But when suddenly Beth heard worrying news from a friend in Sydney, she knew she needed help. Tom Harrison was a lawyer and the perfect person, but could Beth trust him with her secrets?
As her new friends rallied around Beth, her world was rocked. What was she to do? Would Beth be able to escape the past and make a new life for herself? And would she find the answers she sought to the long ago mystery?
Madeline House by Aussie author Maggie Christensen is the third in the Oregon Coast series and another excellent addition. Once again new characters are introduced, by way of Beth and Tom; and we also catch up with friends from the previous two books in the series – The Sand Dollar and The Dreamcatcher. Jenny, Mike, Maddy and Ellen along with various others are a big part of Madeline House which made it all seem comfortably familiar. An intriguing plot with a touch of mystery and drama while Beth finds out how strong she really is – Madeline House is one I highly recommend. I thoroughly enjoy this author’s work and will definitely be reading more.
With thanks to the author for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2016
Madeline House marks the third novel in Australian author Maggie Christensen’s Oregon Coast Series. This is my first turn at the works of Maggie Christensen and Madeline House is a book that easily reads as a stand-alone novel. Established fans of the series will find much comfort in the return of familiar characters from the previous two novels. New readers, such as myself, will take away much enjoyment from this book. It had me wanting to delve into more witting from this author once I finished Madeline House.
Madeline House is focussed on the story of Beth Carson, or a woman also known as Elizabeth Flynn. Beth is the token wife of a highly successful and wealthy surgeon based in Sydney. From the outset, it appears Beth and her husband have everything, but underneath the shiny veneer lies an unhappy marriage. Beth’s husband is controlling an emotionally abusive. When Beth’s mother dies, an opportunity arises allowing Beth to escape the chains of her husband Bryan. Beth is drawn to a place named Florence, based in Oregon, the United States. Sorting through her Mother’s possessions, Beth discovers a number of postcards from Florence that prompts Beth to visit a place that obviously held a connection to her mother. Beth hopes to uncover the meaning of this connection, while also starting a new life for herself. When Beth arrives at Florence, she soon makes friendships and forms relationships that play an important role in her emotional rehabilitation from her ex husband. However, trouble from her ex husband looms, jeopardising Beth’s chances of making a new positive future for herself.
Madeline House was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The writing immediately struck me as engaging and honest. The dialogue is authentic, which feeds into the characters, making them feel very realistic. In fact, there were many times I felt drawn into the small town community of Florence, feeling like I was an integral part of the town’s fabric. I loved that the main characters in this novel were mature and many women’s fiction readers will find characters such as the main protagonist Beth’s issues easy to relate to. Christensen explores themes such as love, friendship, betrayal, abuse, relocation and second chances with a solid understanding. Setting is also a highlight in Madeline House. Christensen shows her passion for her two settings, crossing from Sydney in Australia to Oregon in the United States with ease. Her descriptions of both locations were well drawn. Overall, I found the narrative appealing. In particular, I took great enjoyment in witnessing the personal the growth of the main character Beth, while also taking in the light romance and friendships that were born from Beth’s move.
For readers of women’s fiction, Madeline House is a novel I would definitely recommend. Its focus on issues close to the mature women’s heart makes it an endearing read.
With thanks to the author, Maggie Christensen, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This review also appears on my blog: https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com...
Madeline House is focussed on the story of Beth Carson, or a woman also known as Elizabeth Flynn. Beth is the token wife of a highly successful and wealthy surgeon based in Sydney. From the outset, it appears Beth and her husband have everything, but underneath the shiny veneer lies an unhappy marriage. Beth’s husband is controlling an emotionally abusive. When Beth’s mother dies, an opportunity arises allowing Beth to escape the chains of her husband Bryan. Beth is drawn to a place named Florence, based in Oregon, the United States. Sorting through her Mother’s possessions, Beth discovers a number of postcards from Florence that prompts Beth to visit a place that obviously held a connection to her mother. Beth hopes to uncover the meaning of this connection, while also starting a new life for herself. When Beth arrives at Florence, she soon makes friendships and forms relationships that play an important role in her emotional rehabilitation from her ex husband. However, trouble from her ex husband looms, jeopardising Beth’s chances of making a new positive future for herself.
Madeline House was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The writing immediately struck me as engaging and honest. The dialogue is authentic, which feeds into the characters, making them feel very realistic. In fact, there were many times I felt drawn into the small town community of Florence, feeling like I was an integral part of the town’s fabric. I loved that the main characters in this novel were mature and many women’s fiction readers will find characters such as the main protagonist Beth’s issues easy to relate to. Christensen explores themes such as love, friendship, betrayal, abuse, relocation and second chances with a solid understanding. Setting is also a highlight in Madeline House. Christensen shows her passion for her two settings, crossing from Sydney in Australia to Oregon in the United States with ease. Her descriptions of both locations were well drawn. Overall, I found the narrative appealing. In particular, I took great enjoyment in witnessing the personal the growth of the main character Beth, while also taking in the light romance and friendships that were born from Beth’s move.
For readers of women’s fiction, Madeline House is a novel I would definitely recommend. Its focus on issues close to the mature women’s heart makes it an endearing read.
With thanks to the author, Maggie Christensen, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This review also appears on my blog: https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com...
July 12, 2016
Beth has left her home in Sydney and her husband. She is tired of being his "Trophy Wife" and has hidden the emotional abuse she has been the victim of for years. After losing her mother, Beth receives a small legacy and finds some postcards of a small town in Oregon, USA. She takes advantage of this opportunity and escapes to try to discover why her mother was in possession of these cards.
On arrival in Florence, she is scared and emotionally spent, but wants a new start in life. She finds The Reading Nook and meets Ellen, the owner, who is a Native American and has a sixth sense for knowing what some people are going through. Beth is initially troubled by this but eventually finds a house to buy and make her own. She is intrigued by the postcards that her mother had, and with the help of the locals, Ellen, Jenny, Travis and Mike who we met in the two previous books in the series, she finds out a lot about her mother and her mother's past.
Beth hasn't worked for years, and knows that the little money she has will not last long. After buying a house, she meets other locals in the town and is lucky enough to find work. Beth is constantly nervous about her husband finding out where she is, but is not prepared for what is to come.
Tom is the local lawyer, he has also been widowed and is considered the "catch" in town, constantly pursued by the local single women who will stop at nothing to get his attention. He lives alone and has two adult children who have lives of their own, but seem to still need his help and approval.
How these two people eventually meet is a wonderful story. Maggie writes with such empathy and continues the Oregon Coast series beautifully. This could be read as a stand-alone book, but you will definitely relate better to all the characters within once you know their stories as well.
Such a great book, I felt like I was catching up with old friends. Highly recommended for readers of Womens Fiction.
Thank you Maggie for the opportunity to read this book for review.
On arrival in Florence, she is scared and emotionally spent, but wants a new start in life. She finds The Reading Nook and meets Ellen, the owner, who is a Native American and has a sixth sense for knowing what some people are going through. Beth is initially troubled by this but eventually finds a house to buy and make her own. She is intrigued by the postcards that her mother had, and with the help of the locals, Ellen, Jenny, Travis and Mike who we met in the two previous books in the series, she finds out a lot about her mother and her mother's past.
Beth hasn't worked for years, and knows that the little money she has will not last long. After buying a house, she meets other locals in the town and is lucky enough to find work. Beth is constantly nervous about her husband finding out where she is, but is not prepared for what is to come.
Tom is the local lawyer, he has also been widowed and is considered the "catch" in town, constantly pursued by the local single women who will stop at nothing to get his attention. He lives alone and has two adult children who have lives of their own, but seem to still need his help and approval.
How these two people eventually meet is a wonderful story. Maggie writes with such empathy and continues the Oregon Coast series beautifully. This could be read as a stand-alone book, but you will definitely relate better to all the characters within once you know their stories as well.
Such a great book, I felt like I was catching up with old friends. Highly recommended for readers of Womens Fiction.
Thank you Maggie for the opportunity to read this book for review.
August 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this book.
It is the second of Maggie's books that I have read, and I have enjoyed both.
Beth, the main character, leaves Australia to escape an abusive marriage. She goes to Florence, Oregon in the USA after finding postcards of the place in her deceased mother's belongings.
She may have physically left her husband, but his actions can still reach her and she is in for a couple of momentous shocks!
The people she meets in her new home are very friendly and their friendships help to support her through her emotional ups and downs.
There is also a delicious hint of romance which really appealed to me too!
I would highly recommend this book.
It is the second of Maggie's books that I have read, and I have enjoyed both.
Beth, the main character, leaves Australia to escape an abusive marriage. She goes to Florence, Oregon in the USA after finding postcards of the place in her deceased mother's belongings.
She may have physically left her husband, but his actions can still reach her and she is in for a couple of momentous shocks!
The people she meets in her new home are very friendly and their friendships help to support her through her emotional ups and downs.
There is also a delicious hint of romance which really appealed to me too!
I would highly recommend this book.
June 21, 2016
This is the first book of Maggie's that I've read and I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. The book is about an older woman who is in an emotionally abusive relationship. When her mother passes she finally has the means to flee Australia and start a new life for herself on her own terms. Making friends, and a new life she finds the peace that she's always wanted. But, the past comes crashing back she finds help where she least expects it. I loved the storyline the characters and the suspense. A wonderfully well written book that I'm sure you will love.
July 16, 2016
MADELINE HOUSE by Maggie Chritensen
Once again I throughly enjoyed this third book in the Oregon. series. I read it while in vacanza in the other Florence. It was good to escape the heat and the madding crowd of the Italian summer and enter the quiet village of Florence with old friends from the previous two novels. Maggie's style of writing is so engaging you feel you are almost part of the circle of friends who are the characters in the book. Great job Maggie. Love your work.
Once again I throughly enjoyed this third book in the Oregon. series. I read it while in vacanza in the other Florence. It was good to escape the heat and the madding crowd of the Italian summer and enter the quiet village of Florence with old friends from the previous two novels. Maggie's style of writing is so engaging you feel you are almost part of the circle of friends who are the characters in the book. Great job Maggie. Love your work.
September 8, 2021
I've finished all three books. A nice calm read.
It is a nice change to read stories that are not 20 or 30 something. The characters are all in their 60s and still engaged in life to the fullest. The books highlights real life issues about losing parents, starting over to build the life as they want it to be.
All the characters come with baggage but learn to deal with their past trials. They learn that they can still trust and love and have valuable contributions.
The only downside in the writing is the continuous coffee drinking. It permeates every phase of the books.
It is a nice change to read stories that are not 20 or 30 something. The characters are all in their 60s and still engaged in life to the fullest. The books highlights real life issues about losing parents, starting over to build the life as they want it to be.
All the characters come with baggage but learn to deal with their past trials. They learn that they can still trust and love and have valuable contributions.
The only downside in the writing is the continuous coffee drinking. It permeates every phase of the books.
May 5, 2022
Nice book
Quaint little town made it really comfortable. Characters were charming and worked well I'll n your story. A very good read
Quaint little town made it really comfortable. Characters were charming and worked well I'll n your story. A very good read
October 6, 2022
Loved this book. Light easy read but kept my interest. Finished this series and will start the longer series now.
February 25, 2023
A fabulous series.
Beth arrives in Florence Oregon, where she doesn't know anyone, and only has some old postcards of her late mother to link her to this beautiful town. What has made Beth flee Australia and travel so far?
I have thoroughly enjoyed this fabulous series, come to know the regular characters, and enjoyed meeting new ones.
Maggie Christensen writes excellent stories of senior romance, and always with a few twists and turns; they are all highly recommended.
Beth arrives in Florence Oregon, where she doesn't know anyone, and only has some old postcards of her late mother to link her to this beautiful town. What has made Beth flee Australia and travel so far?
I have thoroughly enjoyed this fabulous series, come to know the regular characters, and enjoyed meeting new ones.
Maggie Christensen writes excellent stories of senior romance, and always with a few twists and turns; they are all highly recommended.
January 14, 2018
Especially for women who enjoy a light story
Maggie writes clearly, and simply. Without excessive descriptions. Her main characters were likeable, and storyline kept moving nicely towards its ending.
Maggie writes clearly, and simply. Without excessive descriptions. Her main characters were likeable, and storyline kept moving nicely towards its ending.
December 4, 2016
This was a nice read but something about the characters didn't quite gel for me.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews