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Maple Summer Wallace: A Novel
After learning she has only six months to live, twenty-two-year-old socialite, Maple Summer Wallace, plans to spend her remaining time hanging over a roulette table in Vegas and squandering her family’s fortune. Her plan takes a wrong turn when she finds Veronica, her twenty-year-old housekeeper and daughter of her beloved nanny, Lola, hovering over the dead body of octogenarian Randolph Brentwood, the fifth richest man in the world.Maple has never been a warm and fuzzy type of family person, and the last thing she wants to do in her final months of life is deal with Veronica’s mess. But long ago Maple made a promise to Lola that she’d always look out for her “little sister” Veronica. Still, the stubborn Maple, hardened from her own personal loss, resists involvement until she learns that Veronica is pregnant with Lola’s grandchild, an heir to the Brentwood estate.To make good on her promise to Lola, Maple vows to help Veronica. With the assistance of Michael, a handsome and savvy PI, they journey up and down the East Coast, dodging the authorities, a shady lawyer, a cold-hearted hit man, and the powerful widow, Mrs. Brentwood. As Maple’s bitterness about spending her last days saving Veronica dissipates and her friendship with Michael develops, she realizes that on the way to death, she’s found something she’s never had—life.(PLEASE This is the author's Women's Fiction debut. It is NOT a romance. Further, this book touches on serious subjects that may affect more sensitive readers.)
276 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2019
165 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Calla
18 books390 followersJessica Calla is a contemporary romance and women's fiction author who moonlights during the day as an attorney. If she's not writing, lawyering, or parenting, you'll most likely find her at the movies, scrolling through her Twitter feed, or gulping down various forms of caffeine (sometimes all three at once). A Jersey girl through and through, she resides in the central part of the state with her husband, two sons, and dog.
Find Jessica on Twitter (@jess_calla) or at her website (www.jessicacalla.com). She loves to make reader and writer friends.
Find Jessica on Twitter (@jess_calla) or at her website (www.jessicacalla.com). She loves to make reader and writer friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 30, 2019
"Every life deserves a story."
And this is Maple Summer Wallace's.
Before diving into this mystery, I was pre-warned by the author that this book "is not a romance" and "will not have your usual happy ending." Being a huge fan of Jessica Calla's novels, I couldn't say NO as I know for a fact that she is a phenomenal author who will touch her readers' hearts with her words.
True enough, this book gripped me right from the start. Intensely fact-paced fueled with mystery, action, drama on mending an estranged relationship all the while racing against time. I found myself anxiously turning each page just to uncover the next truth while understanding and having the characters grow on me with every chapter. It isn't fair....
It isn't fair that it ended the way it did, but at the same time, I completely understood why it was necessary.
Maple Summer Wallace is not just a book, it's a legacy left behind by a beautiful character who learned to understand life.
"I'd forever be Maple Summer Wallace. And it didn't matter because my life has found a purpose."
By the end, I was an emotional mess and I would still reread Maple's legacy over and over again.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 7, 2019
I just finished Maple Summer Wallace by Jessica Calla
You NEED to read this...it’s not your typical romance....it’s so much more. It’s got suspense, murder, deceit and love.
I loved every word of this heartbreakingly beautiful story...I may have teared up at the end
1-click it now
You NEED to read this...it’s not your typical romance....it’s so much more. It’s got suspense, murder, deceit and love.
I loved every word of this heartbreakingly beautiful story...I may have teared up at the end
1-click it now
November 14, 2023
This was a decent read. There wasn’t much to it but the concept was interesting enough. Some of our characters were frustrating, mostly Ronni, and to be quite honest, this book really didn’t need to happen. Like, every choice that these characters made was so unnecessary. Anyways, it was alright and kept me occupied.
June 11, 2019
This may be the hardest book review I've ever written because I simply don't know where to start. Or end. Maple Summer Wallace is an incredible story that is a roller coaster of emotion. I went from laughing to crying to screaming and then started back at square one.
Let me preface by saying that I am a huge fan of Ms. Calla's work, my first introduction to it being her Sheridan Hall series. I'm also (which I've mentioned about a zillion times before) a big believer in NA being a genre despite the haters who say it's dead. I love it and always gobble up all the NA I can find.
Why in the world should you care what I think when I've admitted to two biases toward this piece already? Because when I started Maple Summer Wallace, I was trepidatious. If you know anything about me you know that I am all about the HEA. Saccharine sweet, over the top, fluffy puppies and babies and weddings... yes. That is ALL ME. The more disgustingly adorable the HEA the better for me.
Friends, that is not what Maple has in store for you.
This story starts out by meeting Maple... and a dead body. Listen, it wasn't her fault (no, really, she wasn't even there when dude was killed), but now it is her problem. And like that wasn't enough of a headache to deal with, Maple also has a rare health condition. And it's, ya know, fatal.
That's right, folks. Our heroine is dying and all she wants to do is cash in her family fortune, go to Vegas, and gamble it all away before she dies. Listen, as far as life plans go I gotta admit, I admire Maple. It isn't the worst I've ever heard and sounds like a completely viable way to say bon voyage to the world as a whole. But then this whole dead body thing happened. As did her loyalty to Ronnie, the daughter of her beloved nanny, who... kinda has something to do with aforementioned dead body.
Now Maple's last days are to be filled with much more drama and stress than she ever dreamed or wanted.
This story grabs you from page one and refuses to let go, twisting and turning you inside out. I went through more than one box of tissues on this read (I suspect Ms. Calla may have made a deal with the folks over at Kleenex to get a kick back with all the feels she riled up) and, even through the pain, was ready to start right back over at square one when I was done because it is JUST THAT GOOD.
Maple's voice is unique and fresh and slightly sarcastic. Completely my kind of girl. I honestly dare anyone not to fall in love with her and walk away from this book without crying big, ugly tears.
This is a hard to genre book, but it would make a fabulous book club read. If you enjoy women's fiction or literary fiction, you will adore Maple Summer Wallace. If you enjoy exceedingly well-written complex stories, regardless of genre, you will adore Maple Summer Wallace. If you have anything resembling a heart and accept going into this that the ending will be an unconventional one, you will adore Maple Summer Wallace.
Seriously, people, just go buy this book.
Let me preface by saying that I am a huge fan of Ms. Calla's work, my first introduction to it being her Sheridan Hall series. I'm also (which I've mentioned about a zillion times before) a big believer in NA being a genre despite the haters who say it's dead. I love it and always gobble up all the NA I can find.
Why in the world should you care what I think when I've admitted to two biases toward this piece already? Because when I started Maple Summer Wallace, I was trepidatious. If you know anything about me you know that I am all about the HEA. Saccharine sweet, over the top, fluffy puppies and babies and weddings... yes. That is ALL ME. The more disgustingly adorable the HEA the better for me.
Friends, that is not what Maple has in store for you.
This story starts out by meeting Maple... and a dead body. Listen, it wasn't her fault (no, really, she wasn't even there when dude was killed), but now it is her problem. And like that wasn't enough of a headache to deal with, Maple also has a rare health condition. And it's, ya know, fatal.
That's right, folks. Our heroine is dying and all she wants to do is cash in her family fortune, go to Vegas, and gamble it all away before she dies. Listen, as far as life plans go I gotta admit, I admire Maple. It isn't the worst I've ever heard and sounds like a completely viable way to say bon voyage to the world as a whole. But then this whole dead body thing happened. As did her loyalty to Ronnie, the daughter of her beloved nanny, who... kinda has something to do with aforementioned dead body.
Now Maple's last days are to be filled with much more drama and stress than she ever dreamed or wanted.
This story grabs you from page one and refuses to let go, twisting and turning you inside out. I went through more than one box of tissues on this read (I suspect Ms. Calla may have made a deal with the folks over at Kleenex to get a kick back with all the feels she riled up) and, even through the pain, was ready to start right back over at square one when I was done because it is JUST THAT GOOD.
Maple's voice is unique and fresh and slightly sarcastic. Completely my kind of girl. I honestly dare anyone not to fall in love with her and walk away from this book without crying big, ugly tears.
This is a hard to genre book, but it would make a fabulous book club read. If you enjoy women's fiction or literary fiction, you will adore Maple Summer Wallace. If you enjoy exceedingly well-written complex stories, regardless of genre, you will adore Maple Summer Wallace. If you have anything resembling a heart and accept going into this that the ending will be an unconventional one, you will adore Maple Summer Wallace.
Seriously, people, just go buy this book.
May 18, 2019
So, just imagine finding out you’re about to die, have a “live it up til the end’ plan and have it completely thwarted because you walk in on a murder scene. That is exactly how we first meet Maple Summer Wallace. The story grabs you from the opening page, latches on and doesn’t let go.
Maple and her nuisance of an accidental sidekick, Ronnie are both orphans. Their relationship is complicated having grown up as ‘sisters’ but not related. They are polar opposites. Maple having shut down and shoving away her emotions, and Ronnie has this near naïve innocence about her.
Facing your mortality puts a lot of things in perspective. Sometimes. Maple was a little delayed on that. She wanted to go out the same way she lived. Closed off, and making only superficial connections. Getting tangled up in a murder has a way of derailing one’s plans.
What follows is a journey of finding a reason to live when time is no longer on your side.
Maple initially comes across as cold, unfeeling, the ‘typical socialite’ as it were. She can’t be bothered with Ronnie’s situation, it doesn’t concern her. Plus being around Ronnie makes Maple feel, and that’s something she wants to avoid at all costs. I loved how she’d try to tap into her ‘inner Jackie O’ when she needed to deal with stressful situations. Reminded me of an episode of Sex and The City with Charlotte.
To borrow from Transformers, there was more to Maple than meets the eye. Beneath the cold exterior was a scared young woman. A woman who experienced a lot of loss in a short period of time. Because she didn’t want to appear weak, she hid the pain. Ronnie reminded Maple of everything she wanted to forget. Everyone Maple had a connection with was gone, other than Ronnie, the one person she wanted to avoid because of the memories.
Nothing brings people together than being on the run from the law. Ms. Calla weaves a tale that keeps you wanting to turn the page. The growth Maple goes through in the face of her death will leave you misty eyed and hoping that they find a way out. You want one of those WTF how did that happen hail Marys (or is it Maries?) at the end.
Now I will admit, as much as Maple grows, I’d also hoped for some with Ronnie. Not going to lie, but she got on my nerves more times than not. That naivety and innocence stayed hard fast even in the face of running from the law for murder. It’s like she never fully grasped the seriousness of the situation and while her eternal optimistic outlook was refreshing in small doses, more times than not I wanted to yell at her to get it together.
Regardless on my feelings about Ronnie, this story touched me. Ms. Calla proved that family isn’t always in the DNA. Blood related or not, the two young woman stuck together, looked out for each other, loved each other in a way that only family could.
I highly recommend Maple Summer Wallace.
Maple and her nuisance of an accidental sidekick, Ronnie are both orphans. Their relationship is complicated having grown up as ‘sisters’ but not related. They are polar opposites. Maple having shut down and shoving away her emotions, and Ronnie has this near naïve innocence about her.
Facing your mortality puts a lot of things in perspective. Sometimes. Maple was a little delayed on that. She wanted to go out the same way she lived. Closed off, and making only superficial connections. Getting tangled up in a murder has a way of derailing one’s plans.
What follows is a journey of finding a reason to live when time is no longer on your side.
Maple initially comes across as cold, unfeeling, the ‘typical socialite’ as it were. She can’t be bothered with Ronnie’s situation, it doesn’t concern her. Plus being around Ronnie makes Maple feel, and that’s something she wants to avoid at all costs. I loved how she’d try to tap into her ‘inner Jackie O’ when she needed to deal with stressful situations. Reminded me of an episode of Sex and The City with Charlotte.
To borrow from Transformers, there was more to Maple than meets the eye. Beneath the cold exterior was a scared young woman. A woman who experienced a lot of loss in a short period of time. Because she didn’t want to appear weak, she hid the pain. Ronnie reminded Maple of everything she wanted to forget. Everyone Maple had a connection with was gone, other than Ronnie, the one person she wanted to avoid because of the memories.
Nothing brings people together than being on the run from the law. Ms. Calla weaves a tale that keeps you wanting to turn the page. The growth Maple goes through in the face of her death will leave you misty eyed and hoping that they find a way out. You want one of those WTF how did that happen hail Marys (or is it Maries?) at the end.
Now I will admit, as much as Maple grows, I’d also hoped for some with Ronnie. Not going to lie, but she got on my nerves more times than not. That naivety and innocence stayed hard fast even in the face of running from the law for murder. It’s like she never fully grasped the seriousness of the situation and while her eternal optimistic outlook was refreshing in small doses, more times than not I wanted to yell at her to get it together.
Regardless on my feelings about Ronnie, this story touched me. Ms. Calla proved that family isn’t always in the DNA. Blood related or not, the two young woman stuck together, looked out for each other, loved each other in a way that only family could.
I highly recommend Maple Summer Wallace.
March 19, 2019
I got an ARC from Jessica in exchange for an honest review. So ... here are my thoughts.
I started reading this book and knew nothing about the content. I just knew what Jessica said beforehand: It's not your typical love story, it's not really a thriller though there is a crime happening, it's not your typical NA story even though the characters are quite young. If I remember correctly, then Maple is 22 and Ronni is 18.
So, going in blind I was really curious to see what would happen ... and boy did I go in for a ride. Emotional rollercoaster hello!
I still don't know into which genre I'd put it but ... I think, mostly it is a story about friendship and family. Those two topics overlap and even though we do have a little love story here it's not the main focus. That for sure is friendship and family.
I adore the cover btw. I love it. It captures the mood of the story perfectly. It's a dark story with a little bit of humor but mostly it's an unexpected story line with lots of plot twists. I don't wanna spoil it for you so I'm not going to give you examples but ... if you read it you sure as hell will know what I mean in no time. There was a twist every couple of pages (or so it felt ^^) and especially the last 20% ... Puuuh. I read them in one sitting. I got cold shivers sent down my spine because some parts were like ... WTF? Brutal even though Jessica didn't go into detail but it was enough for my mind to start painting scenarios which I really really didn't want to think about. It all played a part in the crime though ....
All in all, this is not your typical new adult novel (even though the main characters are quite young but that is not what Jessica was aiming for!) and if you're looking for a fun, sugary love story then this book is not for you. But if you don't want to read a bloody thriller yet you're still interested in crime novels: this is the adventure book you go to! But be aware of some scenes (the ending!) ... reading them in the middle of the night might not be such a good idea :)
Oh and I liked Michael a lot. He was of great help to the girls and the story really wouldn't be the same without him.
Thanks so much again for giving me the opportunity to read that book beforehand, Jessica :)
I started reading this book and knew nothing about the content. I just knew what Jessica said beforehand: It's not your typical love story, it's not really a thriller though there is a crime happening, it's not your typical NA story even though the characters are quite young. If I remember correctly, then Maple is 22 and Ronni is 18.
So, going in blind I was really curious to see what would happen ... and boy did I go in for a ride. Emotional rollercoaster hello!
I still don't know into which genre I'd put it but ... I think, mostly it is a story about friendship and family. Those two topics overlap and even though we do have a little love story here it's not the main focus. That for sure is friendship and family.
I adore the cover btw. I love it. It captures the mood of the story perfectly. It's a dark story with a little bit of humor but mostly it's an unexpected story line with lots of plot twists. I don't wanna spoil it for you so I'm not going to give you examples but ... if you read it you sure as hell will know what I mean in no time. There was a twist every couple of pages (or so it felt ^^) and especially the last 20% ... Puuuh. I read them in one sitting. I got cold shivers sent down my spine because some parts were like ... WTF? Brutal even though Jessica didn't go into detail but it was enough for my mind to start painting scenarios which I really really didn't want to think about. It all played a part in the crime though ....
All in all, this is not your typical new adult novel (even though the main characters are quite young but that is not what Jessica was aiming for!) and if you're looking for a fun, sugary love story then this book is not for you. But if you don't want to read a bloody thriller yet you're still interested in crime novels: this is the adventure book you go to! But be aware of some scenes (the ending!) ... reading them in the middle of the night might not be such a good idea :)
Oh and I liked Michael a lot. He was of great help to the girls and the story really wouldn't be the same without him.
Thanks so much again for giving me the opportunity to read that book beforehand, Jessica :)
April 27, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. Jessica Calla delivers a very well written story where emotions are tested to the limit.
Maple Summer Wallace is a rich young woman who's dying. That in itself picked my curiosity to read.
What I didn't expect, was the journey her life took, so different from what she was planning.
Maple wanted to live the few months she had, free of expectations, in Vegas, but little did she knows that when she enters her parents house for the last time, her plans change drastically.
What comes next is a whirlwind of emotions and suspense, leaving the reader guessing until the last page.
I loved how Maple rediscovers herself and brings out feelings she wasn't aware of.
This is truly a story about loyalty, friendship, love and humanity. With some funny moments in between.
Maple Summer Wallace is a rich young woman who's dying. That in itself picked my curiosity to read.
What I didn't expect, was the journey her life took, so different from what she was planning.
Maple wanted to live the few months she had, free of expectations, in Vegas, but little did she knows that when she enters her parents house for the last time, her plans change drastically.
What comes next is a whirlwind of emotions and suspense, leaving the reader guessing until the last page.
I loved how Maple rediscovers herself and brings out feelings she wasn't aware of.
This is truly a story about loyalty, friendship, love and humanity. With some funny moments in between.
May 7, 2019
FIVE STARS for a compelling story, and characters to care about!
I really enjoyed the roller coaster of emotion this book brought on. Just know going in that this book is NOT romance, and it is not HAPPY.
This is Jessica Calla's debut in the Women's Fiction genre, and it's a grand slam! I loved it so much! I felt every emotion that Maple did, and I fought with her and beside her the whole time. Her life took some really unexpected turns, and I could not of guessed how this one would end. I was engaged in this one the whole time.
I really enjoyed the roller coaster of emotion this book brought on. Just know going in that this book is NOT romance, and it is not HAPPY.
This is Jessica Calla's debut in the Women's Fiction genre, and it's a grand slam! I loved it so much! I felt every emotion that Maple did, and I fought with her and beside her the whole time. Her life took some really unexpected turns, and I could not of guessed how this one would end. I was engaged in this one the whole time.
May 12, 2019
Maple Summer Wallace starts with a bang. And a clatter. And a holy heck what did I just get myself into. With nothing to lose and everything to gain Maple has a plan and she’s not going to let anything get in her way. Except that’s not how real life works and even the best laid plans fall of the tracks when you follow your heart. Maple is sweet and spicy, her tenacity and loyalty gave me the feels right where it counts most- my heart. The saddest part about this book is that ends before you ever want to let these characters go.
June 4, 2019
Maple Summer Wallace is dying. But what this author does in this book is remind us that it is not how much time you have but what you choose to do with it. Also that your journey is not dependent on anyone else's outcomes. Relationships can be complicated and we don't always come away with or grow at the same pace. This story moves at a good pace, it is not always predictable and I was glad to stay along for the ride until the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2019
Maple Summer Wallace is a fast-paced adventure with intensity, loyalty, and heart. With so many possible outcomes, the reader is kept guessing until the very end. The author really delves into the complicated relationship between the two young women and helps you understand both of them and their motivations. Very fun story full of emotion and excitement!
March 6, 2019
Fan-freaking-tastic story that will bleed the emotions from your body. You’re all going to want this one. Trust me.
April 29, 2019
A nitrous-powered emotional rollercoaster from page 1! Heartbreaking, highly engaging, and doesn't for one second let you take the easy way out.
May 24, 2019
Brilliant !
Want to read
December 10, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/10/2019)! 🎁
May 5, 2019
This book takes off very quickly with a murder in the first chapter and a terminal diagnosis for rich, socialite Maple Summer Wallace. Instead of spending her last months spending her fortune in Vegas, she's on the run with Ronni.
What follows is a road-trip of epic proportions with Maple discovering so very much about herself and life. Her last journey is heart-wrenching and emotional as she works with her companions to save Ronni and her child and fulfills the promises she made to others. There are plenty of twists and turns (which is why I'm being so vague -- these twists are amazing and need to be experienced by the reader -- so no spoilers here!)
I really enjoyed this story. It moves along very nicely, the characters are intriguing and Maple's voice is fresh and kept me interested in turning the pages to the end. While there isn't a traditional HEA, there is an ending that made my heart swell a little with sadness and hope.
An ARC was provided for review.
What follows is a road-trip of epic proportions with Maple discovering so very much about herself and life. Her last journey is heart-wrenching and emotional as she works with her companions to save Ronni and her child and fulfills the promises she made to others. There are plenty of twists and turns (which is why I'm being so vague -- these twists are amazing and need to be experienced by the reader -- so no spoilers here!)
I really enjoyed this story. It moves along very nicely, the characters are intriguing and Maple's voice is fresh and kept me interested in turning the pages to the end. While there isn't a traditional HEA, there is an ending that made my heart swell a little with sadness and hope.
An ARC was provided for review.
May 5, 2019
What a thrill ride this book is! Ms Calla has written an incredible story that has absolutely all the feels.
Maple has just been given a horrible prognosis. However, after hearing this bad news regarding her life is when she truly starts to live.
Maple is selfish and extremely wealthy. All she wants to do is take her money and run. But other tragic events soon make that impossible and soon Maple learns that other lives mean more to her than her own.
I loved everything about this story. Even through tragedy Jessica Calla’s words made me smile. This story is unputdownable!!
Maple has just been given a horrible prognosis. However, after hearing this bad news regarding her life is when she truly starts to live.
Maple is selfish and extremely wealthy. All she wants to do is take her money and run. But other tragic events soon make that impossible and soon Maple learns that other lives mean more to her than her own.
I loved everything about this story. Even through tragedy Jessica Calla’s words made me smile. This story is unputdownable!!
April 25, 2022
What a great book! It was a story that weaved in and out of every day life, and what happens when every day people are put in extraordinary circumstances. Highlighting the bonds of friendship and what really matters in the end, the book was easy to ready and kept me engaged.
June 1, 2019
Maple’s story will have you on the-edge of your seat. It was an emotional yet suspenseful read. It’s not your typical romance but so much more. I absolutely loved it. I would recommend this book and author.
September 7, 2019
Funny, Sad, Crazy, Lovely & Tragic
This was my first Jessica Calla book and I don’t normally read tragic endings. Life is full of enough sorrows, I prefer reading to be my escape from the reality. However, this one captured my interest from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. Read it in one go. Loved the protagonist, the secondary characters were well thought out and so likeable. The antagonists were believable. The plot was action packed and fast paced. There was plenty of comedy and moments I could completely relate to. What made me enjoy the novel mostly was the writing. Calla writes really well, the language and detail is captivating and I almost felt like I was in Maple’s world. This would make for a great film if it ever did get picked up. Spoiler ALERT!!! Maple/Sunny was amazing. I loved the concept of how one could come to really live, respect and appreciate life when given a deadline. Prior to her diagnosis, Maple was a complete diva and self absorbed but transitions into a strong, intelligent, a very brave and selfless young woman. She didn’t need a hero to save her she didn’t need a happily ever after or walking off in to the sunset. She wasted all her years never truly living and yet really lived all her life in the last six months and left such a great legacy behind. The book could’ve been a depressing read with death being a main theme yet Calla very skilfully allowed the characters to remain humorous and acting very natural making you deliberately forget the tragedy until the very end. The last chapter was heartbreaking yet uplifting. The final paragraph broke my heart and I shed a few tears, but closed the book satisfied. A really good read from an extremely talented author.
This was my first Jessica Calla book and I don’t normally read tragic endings. Life is full of enough sorrows, I prefer reading to be my escape from the reality. However, this one captured my interest from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. Read it in one go. Loved the protagonist, the secondary characters were well thought out and so likeable. The antagonists were believable. The plot was action packed and fast paced. There was plenty of comedy and moments I could completely relate to. What made me enjoy the novel mostly was the writing. Calla writes really well, the language and detail is captivating and I almost felt like I was in Maple’s world. This would make for a great film if it ever did get picked up. Spoiler ALERT!!! Maple/Sunny was amazing. I loved the concept of how one could come to really live, respect and appreciate life when given a deadline. Prior to her diagnosis, Maple was a complete diva and self absorbed but transitions into a strong, intelligent, a very brave and selfless young woman. She didn’t need a hero to save her she didn’t need a happily ever after or walking off in to the sunset. She wasted all her years never truly living and yet really lived all her life in the last six months and left such a great legacy behind. The book could’ve been a depressing read with death being a main theme yet Calla very skilfully allowed the characters to remain humorous and acting very natural making you deliberately forget the tragedy until the very end. The last chapter was heartbreaking yet uplifting. The final paragraph broke my heart and I shed a few tears, but closed the book satisfied. A really good read from an extremely talented author.
May 12, 2020
This one just didn’t do it for me. It had several good reviews, so maybe it’s just not a good fit for me.
Maple Summer Wallace started out as non-stop action and grabbed my attention right away, but it lost me a bit about a third of the way through and I just never got fully invested. It has a good premise, but I couldn’t get enough from Maple to feel attached to her and I think that’s a must for this story. I also struggled with Michael’s character. It took too long to explain his connection and I didn’t think the girl’s reactions to him were realistic without that.
Maple Summer Wallace started out as non-stop action and grabbed my attention right away, but it lost me a bit about a third of the way through and I just never got fully invested. It has a good premise, but I couldn’t get enough from Maple to feel attached to her and I think that’s a must for this story. I also struggled with Michael’s character. It took too long to explain his connection and I didn’t think the girl’s reactions to him were realistic without that.
September 11, 2019
No BS just a great drama and tale
Quite impressed with JESSICA‘s first book. She hits the ground running and doesn’t really look back. Nothing too devious yet beautifully crafted plot. I will definitely pick up another book for her.
Quite impressed with JESSICA‘s first book. She hits the ground running and doesn’t really look back. Nothing too devious yet beautifully crafted plot. I will definitely pick up another book for her.
September 6, 2019
Maple Summer Wallace
The characters were likable. Yes there was action and even tears. But the story is one that succeeds in holding your interest. I would recommend.
The characters were likable. Yes there was action and even tears. But the story is one that succeeds in holding your interest. I would recommend.
September 6, 2019
Great Book!
Love this book! It isn't my usual type of book, but the summary caught my eye. So glad I choose it.
Love this book! It isn't my usual type of book, but the summary caught my eye. So glad I choose it.
September 8, 2019
This was a different book for me but I enjoyed it.
September 12, 2019
The characters in this story were quite engaging. A pleasant read. It was so good at fill in the time for me while hospitalized. Long hours in the night went by so pleasantly.
September 28, 2020
Stunning
What a beautiful story of sacrifice, love, support and betrayal.
A well written story from start to finish.
Would highly recommend.
What a beautiful story of sacrifice, love, support and betrayal.
A well written story from start to finish.
Would highly recommend.
June 3, 2019
Sometimes in our reader life we get that one book that takes hold of you from the first pages and never lets you go. Jessica Calla's Maple Summer Wallace was one of those special books for me. I don't want to add spoilers so I will only describe the feels this wonderfully written New Adult Mainstream / Women's Fiction delivered.
I honestly didn't know much going in, I'd read the blurb but forgotten about it by the time I could pick up the book and dig in.
Wowzas. Chapter one just keep coming at me swinging. Maple's voice is instantly snarky and sympathetic - a combo that sounds impossible and yet, Ms. Calla writes it flawlessly. I read the first 33% in one setting and only stopped because I had to get up early for work. It was a struggle to leave Maple, she was providing me with equal parts edge of my seat and entertainment with her nicknames for various character.
But, as I started reading the next day I realized, she was also gnawing at my heart.
Overall, this was the best book in its genre that I've read this year. It checks every box and I can't wait for more from this author.
I honestly didn't know much going in, I'd read the blurb but forgotten about it by the time I could pick up the book and dig in.
Wowzas. Chapter one just keep coming at me swinging. Maple's voice is instantly snarky and sympathetic - a combo that sounds impossible and yet, Ms. Calla writes it flawlessly. I read the first 33% in one setting and only stopped because I had to get up early for work. It was a struggle to leave Maple, she was providing me with equal parts edge of my seat and entertainment with her nicknames for various character.
But, as I started reading the next day I realized, she was also gnawing at my heart.
Overall, this was the best book in its genre that I've read this year. It checks every box and I can't wait for more from this author.
July 9, 2019
*READ THIS BOOK* *FIVE STARS*
This may be Jessica Calla's debut in Women's Fiction, but the story and writing dive so deep into her phenomenal literary craft that this feels like a classic we've had on our shelves for years already! You know the one - it's your FAVORITE book, it's a bookish hug, the one you open when you want to read something incredible, a story that captivates you and you'll never tire of as you fall into Maple's story and Jessica's talent. This book held me at the first sentence, and I could not put it down!! The writing, the plot, and the author had me glued! This is a MUST READ!!
This may be Jessica Calla's debut in Women's Fiction, but the story and writing dive so deep into her phenomenal literary craft that this feels like a classic we've had on our shelves for years already! You know the one - it's your FAVORITE book, it's a bookish hug, the one you open when you want to read something incredible, a story that captivates you and you'll never tire of as you fall into Maple's story and Jessica's talent. This book held me at the first sentence, and I could not put it down!! The writing, the plot, and the author had me glued! This is a MUST READ!!
June 27, 2020
The author wrote a story that grabbed me enough to finish and was well written. I did not like any of the characters in the beginning but was very curious how the story would play out. I liked the progression of Maple’s character, she is giving only six months to live and her death is the conclusion of the book. But as much as she changed and ultimately died at peace with herself the book left me feeling dissatisfied. The ultimate villain in this books gets away with everything and while Maple’s sister is okay in the end, I don’t feel that there was any justice with how things resolved.
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