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The Perfectly Simple Complicated Life of Maggie Halloran
Maggie Halloran’s life is finally perfect.
For recently retired Maggie Halloran, life in her renovated two-bedroom St. Ives fisherman’s cottage is picture perfect. With her daughter in London and her mother in Penzance, Maggie is free to enjoy the odd sleepover with her boyfriend, Nigel, visit galleries, or do her beloved sudoku.
When Maggie’s reserved mother falls giddily in love, Maggie takes it in stride. At the wedding, Maggie’s daughter, Alice, announces she’s pregnant and needs somewhere to live. Oh, and she has a new puppy, too…
Alice and Maggie have never been close, and Nigel’s allergic to dogs, but blood is thicker than your average Saturday night sleepover. Suddenly Maggie’s humouring her demanding daughter, fielding visits from her nostalgic ex-husband, and accommodating Alice’s baby daddy. And then Maggie’s mother arrives on the doorstep in tears, suitcase in hand, because she’s left her new husband. The only one keeping Maggie sane is Mitch, the builder converting the loft into another bedroom.
Maggie’s three-level terrace is now home to three generations—soon to be four—and her perfectly quiet, drama-free life is gone. The question is…does she want it back?
For recently retired Maggie Halloran, life in her renovated two-bedroom St. Ives fisherman’s cottage is picture perfect. With her daughter in London and her mother in Penzance, Maggie is free to enjoy the odd sleepover with her boyfriend, Nigel, visit galleries, or do her beloved sudoku.
When Maggie’s reserved mother falls giddily in love, Maggie takes it in stride. At the wedding, Maggie’s daughter, Alice, announces she’s pregnant and needs somewhere to live. Oh, and she has a new puppy, too…
Alice and Maggie have never been close, and Nigel’s allergic to dogs, but blood is thicker than your average Saturday night sleepover. Suddenly Maggie’s humouring her demanding daughter, fielding visits from her nostalgic ex-husband, and accommodating Alice’s baby daddy. And then Maggie’s mother arrives on the doorstep in tears, suitcase in hand, because she’s left her new husband. The only one keeping Maggie sane is Mitch, the builder converting the loft into another bedroom.
Maggie’s three-level terrace is now home to three generations—soon to be four—and her perfectly quiet, drama-free life is gone. The question is…does she want it back?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2023
47 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Trish Morey
509 books220 followersTrish Morey always fancied herself a writer, but was sternly advised that she better better think about getting a real job instead. Which Trish figures must be why she spent her university years washing dishes in a Chinese restaurant by night and picking gherkins for an Adelaide Hills primary producer by day. (Enough to put you off "real jobs" for life).
It was another twelve years, an accounting career and two babies on that Trish once again turned her mind to writing. it was a further eleven years (and two more babies:)) before Trish sold her first book to Harlequin Presents, and her dream of being a published author came true.
Some forty books later, Trish is now an award winning and USA Today Bestselling Author of some 40+ books. Trish still loves writing romance but these days combines it with all the fun, drama and sisterhood of women, family and girlfriends.
When she’s not out traveling the world in search of inspiration for her stories, Trish lives with her husband, Daisy their over enthusiastic Cavoodle pup, Daisy, and Leo, their very old and totally unenthusiastic cat, down on the glorious South Coast of South Australia where the waves crash over the granite rocks and splash upon the golden sands.
It was another twelve years, an accounting career and two babies on that Trish once again turned her mind to writing. it was a further eleven years (and two more babies:)) before Trish sold her first book to Harlequin Presents, and her dream of being a published author came true.
Some forty books later, Trish is now an award winning and USA Today Bestselling Author of some 40+ books. Trish still loves writing romance but these days combines it with all the fun, drama and sisterhood of women, family and girlfriends.
When she’s not out traveling the world in search of inspiration for her stories, Trish lives with her husband, Daisy their over enthusiastic Cavoodle pup, Daisy, and Leo, their very old and totally unenthusiastic cat, down on the glorious South Coast of South Australia where the waves crash over the granite rocks and splash upon the golden sands.
Trish reckons she has the best job in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 5, 2023
Oh my goodness this is the most delightful and wonderful story filled with fun, happiness and a good dose of laughter as we get to know Maggie Halloran and her family and friends in the gorgeous beachside town of St Ives in Cornwall, come along for the journey and see how Maggie’s simple perfect life turns out.
Maggie, mother of Alice who lives in London and daughter of Daphne who lives in Penzance, divorced ten years ago and is now retired, she bought a beautiful character terrace in St Ives had it renovated to her wishes and now she can spend as much time as she wishes lazing in bed and doing Sudoku, visiting galleries having lunch out and have Nigel over for a sleepover when she wants to, life is bliss.
Then everything changes with a phone call, Daphne has fallen in love with Robert and wishes to marry ASAP, Maggie has her doubts but goes with the flow, her and Alice will be giving her mother away so lots of dress shopping and phone calls Maggie and Alice have never had a true mother daughter bond, but at the wedding Alice drops the bombshell that she is pregnant, there is not father and is going to move in with Maggie and there is the dog Archie who will be coming as well.
Maggie’s quiet life is no longer and she finds that she is bowing to all of Alice’s needs, Nigel is not happy he is allergic to dogs and Alice appears to not like him, then her ex Alex arrives in town to spend time with Alice or is it Alice he wants to spend time with or Maggie add to that her mother arrives on the doorstep suitcase in hand and soon there are three generations of woman living in the same house. Maggie needs more renovations and calls Mitch the builder and Maggie is soon feeling some very strong feelings for Mitch.
I loved this story so much, I loved Maggie she is the best I laughed and smiled and cried happy tears as I stayed up late last night finishing it there was no way I was putting it down till the end. Trish Morey has written a story that will bring joy and happiness to any reader, with the best HEA and the setting is so beautifully described I felt like I was there. I do highly recommend this one, it is fabulous. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
My thanks to the publisher and author for my digital copy to read and review
Maggie, mother of Alice who lives in London and daughter of Daphne who lives in Penzance, divorced ten years ago and is now retired, she bought a beautiful character terrace in St Ives had it renovated to her wishes and now she can spend as much time as she wishes lazing in bed and doing Sudoku, visiting galleries having lunch out and have Nigel over for a sleepover when she wants to, life is bliss.
Then everything changes with a phone call, Daphne has fallen in love with Robert and wishes to marry ASAP, Maggie has her doubts but goes with the flow, her and Alice will be giving her mother away so lots of dress shopping and phone calls Maggie and Alice have never had a true mother daughter bond, but at the wedding Alice drops the bombshell that she is pregnant, there is not father and is going to move in with Maggie and there is the dog Archie who will be coming as well.
Maggie’s quiet life is no longer and she finds that she is bowing to all of Alice’s needs, Nigel is not happy he is allergic to dogs and Alice appears to not like him, then her ex Alex arrives in town to spend time with Alice or is it Alice he wants to spend time with or Maggie add to that her mother arrives on the doorstep suitcase in hand and soon there are three generations of woman living in the same house. Maggie needs more renovations and calls Mitch the builder and Maggie is soon feeling some very strong feelings for Mitch.
I loved this story so much, I loved Maggie she is the best I laughed and smiled and cried happy tears as I stayed up late last night finishing it there was no way I was putting it down till the end. Trish Morey has written a story that will bring joy and happiness to any reader, with the best HEA and the setting is so beautifully described I felt like I was there. I do highly recommend this one, it is fabulous. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
My thanks to the publisher and author for my digital copy to read and review
February 3, 2023
I don’t know how this book of someone’s troubles amused me so much but it did.
Maggie’s life went from her three favorite S’s sleep, sex and Sudoku to her three least favorite P’s people, pets and paranoia and it pulled me along enraptured till the end. I will be on the lookout for the next book in this series.
Maggie’s life went from her three favorite S’s sleep, sex and Sudoku to her three least favorite P’s people, pets and paranoia and it pulled me along enraptured till the end. I will be on the lookout for the next book in this series.
April 28, 2023
Thank you Trish for gifting us a copy to read and review.
Popular Aussie author Trish Morey has taken readers to the other side of the world to Cornwell in the UK for her joyful new story.
In this new series and book one we meet Maggie, a recent retiree who is looking forward to her time alone in her newly renovated seaside cottage.
Her daughter, Alice lives in London and her mother, Daphne is close but not too close.
She spends her days relaxing, the odd outing and loves to do her sudoku.
Her sometimes boyfriend, Nigel, gets to have to a sleepover occasionally.
But soon it gets crowded and rather complicated.
Her mother falls in love, her daughter is pregnant and her boyfriend is needy.
Then they need somewhere to live….. temporarily!
There’s also a hint of romance with her builder who’s fixing up an extra bedroom.
Maggie’s quiet, easy going life is now busy and problematic and she just wants to be by herself.
I so enjoyed this quirky, tender and fun tale.
Trish has created a wonderful, reflective story that’s addictive, engaging and thoroughly entertaining.
I took to this book with a great deal of kind, affection, warmth and sentiment.
The characters wormed their way into my heart and the plot was amusing and inviting.
I am looking forward to August when book two gets released.
I can say confidently that it’s a book you will enjoy.
Popular Aussie author Trish Morey has taken readers to the other side of the world to Cornwell in the UK for her joyful new story.
In this new series and book one we meet Maggie, a recent retiree who is looking forward to her time alone in her newly renovated seaside cottage.
Her daughter, Alice lives in London and her mother, Daphne is close but not too close.
She spends her days relaxing, the odd outing and loves to do her sudoku.
Her sometimes boyfriend, Nigel, gets to have to a sleepover occasionally.
But soon it gets crowded and rather complicated.
Her mother falls in love, her daughter is pregnant and her boyfriend is needy.
Then they need somewhere to live….. temporarily!
There’s also a hint of romance with her builder who’s fixing up an extra bedroom.
Maggie’s quiet, easy going life is now busy and problematic and she just wants to be by herself.
I so enjoyed this quirky, tender and fun tale.
Trish has created a wonderful, reflective story that’s addictive, engaging and thoroughly entertaining.
I took to this book with a great deal of kind, affection, warmth and sentiment.
The characters wormed their way into my heart and the plot was amusing and inviting.
I am looking forward to August when book two gets released.
I can say confidently that it’s a book you will enjoy.
January 28, 2023
I voluntarily read an advanced reader’s copy of this book for an honest opinion.
A great first book in the With Live, Cornwall series. The Perfectly Simple Complicated Life of Maggie Halloran by Trish Morey. I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book. But I found the more I was reading it the more I was enjoying everything about the story. By the end, I was smiling and knew that I had finished reading an enjoyable, sweet, hard-warming story. I look forward to more books in this series.
A great first book in the With Live, Cornwall series. The Perfectly Simple Complicated Life of Maggie Halloran by Trish Morey. I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book. But I found the more I was reading it the more I was enjoying everything about the story. By the end, I was smiling and knew that I had finished reading an enjoyable, sweet, hard-warming story. I look forward to more books in this series.
February 6, 2023
The Perfectly simple complicated life of maggie halloran
This story starts out with Maggie and she's retired, finally from her real estate job.
Her daughter Alice lives in the city of London and works there.
Her mother has just announced she's remarrying, she's in her 80's and helps to organize things.
When they return from the honeymoon things are not as they appear to be...
Daughter announces she's leaving London, having a baby and moving in with her mother.
Things just go from bad to worse to castrohphe level. All the furnitue they want Maggie to keep for them in her house. It's perfect size for just Maggie and she ends up giving up her own bedroom for the expectant mother and child to be.
Dog is another story, as she finds herself cuddling the dog but then there are times he's misbehaved and daughter has to tend to him.
She has a boyfriend that comes to visit and he's out of sorts with all that is gong on. The ex husband shows up to reassociate himself to his daughter.
Maggie has just had it but that's not all that happens, she just wants to do her sudoku puzzles and do things she wants to do.
She has a male friend who helped fix the house up for her and he stays in contact.
I thought USA people had drama but this beats it all. It's comical at times and serious at other times.
Have not gone through what she has had to endure and can't imagine I will, don't even want to LOL
There are ex spouses and new boyfriends also, what a mix.
Love the English landscape and communities that are discussed and getting familiar with the slang. I used to hate English books but Tule authors have made me want to read about them again.
Never imagined things would turn out as they did, WOW
Like learning about infliencers and the blog and how it all works.
Love how there were many generations in this story, you get to see all their particular problems.
Listing of other works by the author are listed at the end.
About the author is included. Next book in the series is mentioned and acknowledgments.
Received this review copy from the author and htis is my honest opinion.
This story starts out with Maggie and she's retired, finally from her real estate job.
Her daughter Alice lives in the city of London and works there.
Her mother has just announced she's remarrying, she's in her 80's and helps to organize things.
When they return from the honeymoon things are not as they appear to be...
Daughter announces she's leaving London, having a baby and moving in with her mother.
Things just go from bad to worse to castrohphe level. All the furnitue they want Maggie to keep for them in her house. It's perfect size for just Maggie and she ends up giving up her own bedroom for the expectant mother and child to be.
Dog is another story, as she finds herself cuddling the dog but then there are times he's misbehaved and daughter has to tend to him.
She has a boyfriend that comes to visit and he's out of sorts with all that is gong on. The ex husband shows up to reassociate himself to his daughter.
Maggie has just had it but that's not all that happens, she just wants to do her sudoku puzzles and do things she wants to do.
She has a male friend who helped fix the house up for her and he stays in contact.
I thought USA people had drama but this beats it all. It's comical at times and serious at other times.
Have not gone through what she has had to endure and can't imagine I will, don't even want to LOL
There are ex spouses and new boyfriends also, what a mix.
Love the English landscape and communities that are discussed and getting familiar with the slang. I used to hate English books but Tule authors have made me want to read about them again.
Never imagined things would turn out as they did, WOW
Like learning about infliencers and the blog and how it all works.
Love how there were many generations in this story, you get to see all their particular problems.
Listing of other works by the author are listed at the end.
About the author is included. Next book in the series is mentioned and acknowledgments.
Received this review copy from the author and htis is my honest opinion.
February 5, 2023
I loved everything about this book.
Just when Maggie was enjoying retirement and living a quiet stress-free life in her cottage by the sea, her life suddenly upended. First, her demanding, single, unemployed, pregnant daughter moves home along with her new puppy. Then, Maggie’s mother leaves her husband and moves in. What was once Maggie’s solitude became an overcrowded, noisy place and Maggie was no longer happy there. Everyone expected Maggie to do everything for them and Maggie was at the end of her rope. The only saving grace was Mitch, the handyman that Maggie used for renovations for her cottage when she first bought it. If Maggie can find happiness with Mitch, surely there is a way to find happiness with her family even with the madness going on in her house.
There is a lot going on in this story, but it didn’t bother me like some books do with a situation like this. I found the story easy to follow. I felt sorry for Maggie, but at the same time, I was also cheering her along, especially when she started to put herself first, even if it annoyed her family. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Hopefully there will be some updates on Maggie, Alice and Daphne.
Just when Maggie was enjoying retirement and living a quiet stress-free life in her cottage by the sea, her life suddenly upended. First, her demanding, single, unemployed, pregnant daughter moves home along with her new puppy. Then, Maggie’s mother leaves her husband and moves in. What was once Maggie’s solitude became an overcrowded, noisy place and Maggie was no longer happy there. Everyone expected Maggie to do everything for them and Maggie was at the end of her rope. The only saving grace was Mitch, the handyman that Maggie used for renovations for her cottage when she first bought it. If Maggie can find happiness with Mitch, surely there is a way to find happiness with her family even with the madness going on in her house.
There is a lot going on in this story, but it didn’t bother me like some books do with a situation like this. I found the story easy to follow. I felt sorry for Maggie, but at the same time, I was also cheering her along, especially when she started to put herself first, even if it annoyed her family. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Hopefully there will be some updates on Maggie, Alice and Daphne.
November 6, 2023
Maggie Halloran is a divorced, recently retired woman who has moved to Cornwall to be close (but not too close) to her mother who is in an assisted living apartment. Enjoying life in her terraced two bedroom cottage, with her Sudoku puzzles and her friend-with-benefits Nigel, her life is thrown into chaos when her mother announces she is getting married and wants Maggie to help (ie do everything). Then at the wedding, Maggie's daughter announces that she is pregnant, has quit her job and wants to move in with Maggie with her puppy while she starts up her blog.
Soon Maggie's cottage is bursting at the seams with her daughter (and her furniture), a dog, her mother (and her furniture), her ex-husband who has relocated to Cornwall to be near their daughter, and Nigel. And everyone expects Maggie to do everything for them.
Earlier this year I received an ARC of the second book in this series which I very much enjoyed, I liked the references to the characters in this book so when I saw it was on offer at 99p I jumped at the chance to buy it.
Although I enjoyed this I didn't like it as much as the second book. Maggie's family were just so obnoxious and self-absorbed that the HEA felt forced/fake. Also there was a bit of a woo-woo bit near the end which seemed pointless.
Soon Maggie's cottage is bursting at the seams with her daughter (and her furniture), a dog, her mother (and her furniture), her ex-husband who has relocated to Cornwall to be near their daughter, and Nigel. And everyone expects Maggie to do everything for them.
Earlier this year I received an ARC of the second book in this series which I very much enjoyed, I liked the references to the characters in this book so when I saw it was on offer at 99p I jumped at the chance to buy it.
Although I enjoyed this I didn't like it as much as the second book. Maggie's family were just so obnoxious and self-absorbed that the HEA felt forced/fake. Also there was a bit of a woo-woo bit near the end which seemed pointless.
February 4, 2023
The simple and lovely life of retired Maggie is disrupted and chaotic after her entitled pregnant daughter and demanding mother move into Maggie’s once comfortable home and life. A very trying time for Maggie ensues, tortuous at times, hopeful at others creating an engaging novel. Sure, you may want to shake some sense into Maggie or tell off her mother and daughter (her ex Alex, too) but what is a story without some turmoil and head shaking? Plus, there is Mitch!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 8, 2024
This was a delight!
March 11, 2023
I received this arc of The Perfectly Simple Complicated Life of Maggie Halloran in exchange for my honest review. This is the first book in Trish Morey’s new series, With Love, Cornwall. This was such a wonderful book. It had so many relationships going on in one book. We first meet Maggie Halloran, and learn she’s retired and has moved to be closer to her elderly mother. Maggie has been divorced for 10 years and has a grown daughter named Alice. Her daughter lives in London and the two are not as close as Maggie wishes they were. She has a two bedroom cottage that she bought in St. Ives and renovated it so it’s perfect for her. Her mother Daphne lives in a senior complex. As the book opens, she calls Maggie to tell her she’s met a man there named Robert and they want to be married immediately. Maggie now has to plan a shopping trip to buy a dress and then a shower and the wedding itself. Her normal routine is to lounge at home with her coffee and do sudoku puzzles. We also learn that Maggie has a guy she is seeing named Nigel who stops by when he’s in town. He spends the night and it’s usually just sex between them.
The wedding preparation and the event were stressful for Maggie but she got through it and her mother left on her honeymoon. Then her daughter Alice tells her she has a puppy and she’s pregnant and the father isn’t in the picture. Alice tells Maggie she doesn’t have a place to live or a job any more. She and her puppy plan to move in with Maggie. As they haven’t been close, this is somewhat stressful. When she arrives, she claims Maggie’s bedroom and her den for her new job writing a blog. This puts a crimp in Maggie’s relationship with her lover. Maggie and Alice work at making things better.
Shortly after the honeymoon, Maggie’s mother shows up and announces she’s left her new husband. As she gave up her apartment, she has nowhere to live so she’s come to move in with Maggie too. Maggie has already given up her room and is sleeping in the guest room herself. Alice and Daphne tell her an elderly woman can’t sleep on the sofa any more than a pregnant woman can. So Maggie has to give up her spare bedroom and sleep in the pullout sofa in the den.
Next, her ex husband shows up to see their daughter and starts spending time with them. Then a guy shows up to see Alice and we learn it is her baby daddy. She is not happy to see him and Maggie eventually learns about their history. Maggie tries to encourage Alice to talk with him. Robert wants to get back together with Daphne but she won’t have anything to do with him. Maggie just wants her simple life back. However, she is happy to be spending time with Alice.
When Maggie runs into Mitch who was the builder who renovated her cottage, she updates him on all that is going on with her. He suggests she finish her top floor to give her a bedroom and her own private space again. As she thinks about it, she agrees and he begins working in it. Maggie also realizes that she is drawn to Mitch and feels chemistry. She realizes she never felt like this for Nigel.
Trish did an amazing job telling us Maggie’s story and introducing us to the three generations of Maggie’s family. This had lots of characters that were quirky and fun and the interrelationships were enjoyable to read about. I loved Maggie and felt so much empathy for her as she had her perfect life interrupted and changed multiple times. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Maggie and Mitch grow. I was happy she got a second chance to improve her relationship with her daughter. The interactions between her and her ex husband and Nigel were fun to read too. It was entertaining to see Daphne and Robert’s relationship begin and then blow up and then see them working together on fixing things. I highly recommend this book. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. Hopefully we’ll be updated on Maggie and her family too.
The wedding preparation and the event were stressful for Maggie but she got through it and her mother left on her honeymoon. Then her daughter Alice tells her she has a puppy and she’s pregnant and the father isn’t in the picture. Alice tells Maggie she doesn’t have a place to live or a job any more. She and her puppy plan to move in with Maggie. As they haven’t been close, this is somewhat stressful. When she arrives, she claims Maggie’s bedroom and her den for her new job writing a blog. This puts a crimp in Maggie’s relationship with her lover. Maggie and Alice work at making things better.
Shortly after the honeymoon, Maggie’s mother shows up and announces she’s left her new husband. As she gave up her apartment, she has nowhere to live so she’s come to move in with Maggie too. Maggie has already given up her room and is sleeping in the guest room herself. Alice and Daphne tell her an elderly woman can’t sleep on the sofa any more than a pregnant woman can. So Maggie has to give up her spare bedroom and sleep in the pullout sofa in the den.
Next, her ex husband shows up to see their daughter and starts spending time with them. Then a guy shows up to see Alice and we learn it is her baby daddy. She is not happy to see him and Maggie eventually learns about their history. Maggie tries to encourage Alice to talk with him. Robert wants to get back together with Daphne but she won’t have anything to do with him. Maggie just wants her simple life back. However, she is happy to be spending time with Alice.
When Maggie runs into Mitch who was the builder who renovated her cottage, she updates him on all that is going on with her. He suggests she finish her top floor to give her a bedroom and her own private space again. As she thinks about it, she agrees and he begins working in it. Maggie also realizes that she is drawn to Mitch and feels chemistry. She realizes she never felt like this for Nigel.
Trish did an amazing job telling us Maggie’s story and introducing us to the three generations of Maggie’s family. This had lots of characters that were quirky and fun and the interrelationships were enjoyable to read about. I loved Maggie and felt so much empathy for her as she had her perfect life interrupted and changed multiple times. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Maggie and Mitch grow. I was happy she got a second chance to improve her relationship with her daughter. The interactions between her and her ex husband and Nigel were fun to read too. It was entertaining to see Daphne and Robert’s relationship begin and then blow up and then see them working together on fixing things. I highly recommend this book. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. Hopefully we’ll be updated on Maggie and her family too.
April 12, 2023
This book hooked me from the title and kept me glued to the pages, by turns laughing and getting teary as Maggie’s life got turned upside down. It was such a fun read! Maggie was finally ready for some “me” time. Her daughter is grown and on her own, her widowed mother in a nice senior apartment, her ex has been her ex for years, she has a new home perfect for just her, and she finally retired. She has an occasional boyfriend, but all she really wants to do is, well, nothing in particular. If she wants to lay in bed all day doing her Sudoku, why can’t she? After so many years of taking care of everyone else, why can’t she focus on doing what she wants?
Well, you know what they say about best-laid plans. Her mother ropes her into helping plan her rush wedding, because Maggie isn’t doing anything else. At the wedding, her daughter drops two bombshells: she’s pregnant and moving in with Maggie because London is no place to raise a baby on her own. Then, after losing her room to her daughter, her newlywed mother shows up because she left her new husband. Luckily, Mitch the contractor comes to the rescue, creating a suite for Maggie as the sparks fly. Nothing is ever smooth or simple, there are dogs, exes, a baby daddy, and lots of laughs. I loved watching Maggie figure out how to stand up for herself and claim the life she wants. Trish Morey created a wonderful group of characters and her setting is so beautifully described, I felt like I was there (and I need to be!). What’s even more exciting is that this is part of a new series and I can’t wait for the next book!
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
#ThePerfectlySimpleComplicatedLifeofMaggieHolloran #TrishMorey #TulePublishing #ReadzTule
Well, you know what they say about best-laid plans. Her mother ropes her into helping plan her rush wedding, because Maggie isn’t doing anything else. At the wedding, her daughter drops two bombshells: she’s pregnant and moving in with Maggie because London is no place to raise a baby on her own. Then, after losing her room to her daughter, her newlywed mother shows up because she left her new husband. Luckily, Mitch the contractor comes to the rescue, creating a suite for Maggie as the sparks fly. Nothing is ever smooth or simple, there are dogs, exes, a baby daddy, and lots of laughs. I loved watching Maggie figure out how to stand up for herself and claim the life she wants. Trish Morey created a wonderful group of characters and her setting is so beautifully described, I felt like I was there (and I need to be!). What’s even more exciting is that this is part of a new series and I can’t wait for the next book!
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
#ThePerfectlySimpleComplicatedLifeofMaggieHolloran #TrishMorey #TulePublishing #ReadzTule
October 7, 2023
Maggie Halloran has worked hard for her retirement and finally the time has come. She has bought a small terrace house and had it renovated. It will be her quiet sanctuary where she can do her sudoku, stay in her pyjamas all day if she wants to and roam the beach for walks when she is so inclined. What bliss. A nice quiet relaxing life. Or so she thought!
Just after she has moved in and she has the house as she pleases, things start to happen that really do not go down well with her.
Her 80ish mother lives in a retirement village and rings her with a bombshell! She is getting married in a month to someone she hasn’t known for long and she expects Maggie to arrange it for her as well Her mother thinks Maggie is retired, has nothing to do now and it will fill in her time. She is a very demanding woman and expects Maggie to do everything even arrange the hens’ night and anything else involved with the wedding.
Maggie’s daughter lives in London and has a good job. She is in favour of her gran’s happiness and does not support her mother. Unfortunately Maggie has to foot the bill for bridesmaid’s dresses as of course her daughter has no money.
At the wedding Maggie’s mother blurts out a secret about her granddaughter that shocks Maggie and things go down hill from there. Throw in a baby, an ex -husband who wants to come back, a mother who isn’t sure what she wants and Maggie trying to have a relationship with a special someone whilst her sanctuary of her home has been taken over.
This book explores the relationships of families, being taken for granted but overall when everything seems to be too much, how they pull together. It is written with humour, love and relates to how families are. True to life. Loved it.
Fantastic book.
Just after she has moved in and she has the house as she pleases, things start to happen that really do not go down well with her.
Her 80ish mother lives in a retirement village and rings her with a bombshell! She is getting married in a month to someone she hasn’t known for long and she expects Maggie to arrange it for her as well Her mother thinks Maggie is retired, has nothing to do now and it will fill in her time. She is a very demanding woman and expects Maggie to do everything even arrange the hens’ night and anything else involved with the wedding.
Maggie’s daughter lives in London and has a good job. She is in favour of her gran’s happiness and does not support her mother. Unfortunately Maggie has to foot the bill for bridesmaid’s dresses as of course her daughter has no money.
At the wedding Maggie’s mother blurts out a secret about her granddaughter that shocks Maggie and things go down hill from there. Throw in a baby, an ex -husband who wants to come back, a mother who isn’t sure what she wants and Maggie trying to have a relationship with a special someone whilst her sanctuary of her home has been taken over.
This book explores the relationships of families, being taken for granted but overall when everything seems to be too much, how they pull together. It is written with humour, love and relates to how families are. True to life. Loved it.
Fantastic book.
March 10, 2023
The Perfectly Simple Complicated Life of Maggie Halloran by Trish Morey is an amusing story. Sometimes being an empty nester is not so bad. Sometimes the nest doesn’t stay empty for very long. Take Maggie Halloran for example who goes from being an empty nester with privacy to suddenly one who is sandwiched in by generations on both sides.
Who knew that something so common, been there done that, could have so much humor as well as heart. At least my life had less drama than Maggie’s. Maggie has boyfriend, ex-husband and handman friend to add into the situation along with a young dog and too much furniture. Oh boy, what a story. I enjoyed it all, being especially interested who would be the keepers and be the goners, so I kept on reading until reaching the heartwarming conclusion. Hope that this is the first of more in the life of Maggie.
The Perfectly Simple Complicated Life of Maggie Halloran is the first in With Live, Cornwall. Until the next in the series maybe I will try my hand at Sudoku.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Who knew that something so common, been there done that, could have so much humor as well as heart. At least my life had less drama than Maggie’s. Maggie has boyfriend, ex-husband and handman friend to add into the situation along with a young dog and too much furniture. Oh boy, what a story. I enjoyed it all, being especially interested who would be the keepers and be the goners, so I kept on reading until reaching the heartwarming conclusion. Hope that this is the first of more in the life of Maggie.
The Perfectly Simple Complicated Life of Maggie Halloran is the first in With Live, Cornwall. Until the next in the series maybe I will try my hand at Sudoku.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 23, 2023
I adore Trish Morey’s books and in The Perfectly Simple Complicated Life Of Maggie Halloran she has had a load of fun throwing every possible life complication at her heroine. I related to Maggie from the first paragraph, where she revealed her satisfaction with working out a Sudoku puzzle. It’s really no wonder that she loves her own space and her peace and quiet as both her mother and her daughter are high maintenance with a capital M. Frankly I would have been throwing rocks at both of them when Maggie was resignedly acquiescing to one request/demand after another. This book is light, witty and humorous, an absolutely gorgeous story. Maggie made me giggle, she made me smile and lifted my heart. Trish Morey’s personality shines through in this story, which I can’t recommend highly enough.
March 10, 2023
I loved loved this book. Maggie is finally enjoying her perfect life of retirement working her sudoku puzzles and occasional relationship with Nigel when it all turns upside down. Her 80 something mother is getting married, her single 27 year old daughter is pregnant and her ex husband, Alex starts showing up at her house. Her daughter decides to move in with her, the marriage of her mother does not work out and so she also moves in. Maggie needs to create her own space in the loft, when she hires Mitch to do the redo. Mitch is Maggie's saving grace.
This is a book that I could not put down, set in the gorgeous countryside of England. Loved the prescriptive writing. I see myself in Maggie in many ways, being pulled in so many directions just when you think life is good. I read this book in one day and highly recommend.
This is a book that I could not put down, set in the gorgeous countryside of England. Loved the prescriptive writing. I see myself in Maggie in many ways, being pulled in so many directions just when you think life is good. I read this book in one day and highly recommend.
February 8, 2023
I had so much fun writing this story - I loved setting Maggie up in her perfect world of sleeping in and Sudoku and then seeing it implode, one unexpected visitor at a time. I felt every frustration, I despaired every time she took another body blow, I cheered when she fought back and put herself first. I believe as women, we so often do not put ourselves first. I'm so glad Maggie finally made a space where she could put herself and her happiness first.
And I'm glad to finally answer the age old question - is Sudoku better than sex?
And I'm glad to finally answer the age old question - is Sudoku better than sex?
March 9, 2023
This is a new series by this author and it was brilliant. I honestly do not think I have read a book that has kept a permanent smile on my face while also making me laugh out loud so much. The story line reminds me of my life at times. When we have life all figured out things get thrown in our path that we either have to deal with or get rolled over by. This story reminded me that there is a way to get through it. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 9, 2023
When Maggie Halloran bought a cottage in St.Ives to retire and relax with her off & on again boyfriend Nigel ,she didn't expect her mom and the rest of her family to come and move in on her along with their pets .A cute book about family.
May 11, 2024
Totally amazing read. It grabbed me from the first. A book of the simply complicated organism that is family. Well written story and characters. I relished this book.
October 25, 2024
Enjoyable beach read made a little extra special for my having visited St Ives and Mousehole and Penzance myself years ago, as one branch of my family come to America from Cornwall.
June 6, 2025
A fun read. Although the taking for granted of Maggie wore a little thin with me, it was still a delightful story.
April 5, 2023
This is another delightful single title from Trish Morey. I love it when Morey covers friendships and life. She does it so beautifully, throwing in the twists and turns confronting women. Maggie is in the start of her retirement years. The supposedly peaceful bit before her mother gets old and her daughter starts producing grandchildren. Except just when she's ready to relax and enjoy her boyfriend, Nigel, her daughter, Alice gets pregnant and moves in, her mother leaves her new husband and they all go to live with her.
So much for a quiet retirement. The house is too small, so Maggie has to get the 'sexy' Aussie, Mick, to develop her loft. The boyfriend, Nigel, is really a friend with benefits and she finds herself developing feeling for Mick. Just when she's dealing with her mother, her pregnant daughter and the puppy, her ex decides he's going to move closer.
And what right do all the people in her life have to question her choice of Nigel anyway?
A must read. I have always loved Morey's writing style. She's a marvellous talent.
So much for a quiet retirement. The house is too small, so Maggie has to get the 'sexy' Aussie, Mick, to develop her loft. The boyfriend, Nigel, is really a friend with benefits and she finds herself developing feeling for Mick. Just when she's dealing with her mother, her pregnant daughter and the puppy, her ex decides he's going to move closer.
And what right do all the people in her life have to question her choice of Nigel anyway?
A must read. I have always loved Morey's writing style. She's a marvellous talent.
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