The Gist: A sweet romance that romanticizes the mundane and explores belonging through a found family trope, small-town life and an only-in-the-movies meet-cute.
Series: Insta-Spark Collection, #7*
Release Date: April 7, 2022
Maggie Andrews is heading back to the only town that ever felt like home. When she meets Sebastian, somehow she knows, together, they’ll find a life together sweeter than the ones they are leaving behind. She can help him find his future. He can be the person she needs. They only have to say yes.
Sometimes you discover home isn’t only a location on a map—but the person you share it with.
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• Parental neglect
• No OW/OM drama
• No pushing away
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: eARC
Rating: 4.25-stars
*Each book in the series is Standalone
•••
Following Maggie reminds me of Melanie Moreland’s original standalone romance novels. The book opens with a rom-com movie-worthy meet-cute, where the main characters, Maggie and Sebastian, bond over an extended layover. Their instant connection (and, yes, insta-lust) convinces them to see where their bond will take them after one flight together.
Romanticizing the Mundane
While sweet romances are on the more fluffy side, this kind of romance novel is captivating because it romanticizes the mundane. The book’s plot follows Maggie and Sebastian as they work to make a home for themselves in a small town outside of Calgary, Alberta (in Canada). The found family trope is a significant element of Following Maggie. Sebastian is healing from a tumultuous relationship with his father, who condemns him for following his dreams of becoming a professional singer and guitarist. Maggie is also healing from the recent death of her parents. Together they find a refuge and build a supportive community around them, which helps them weather the family drama towards the end of the book.
In Conclusion
Following Maggie is the perfect romance novel if you’re interested in pure escapism. However, I didn’t give it 5-stars because I wanted a more substantive plot to push the story along. The only tension the novel had was concerning Sebastian’s disapproving father, and even that was quite passive. Additionally, Following Maggie had a bit of a slow start. But, for a sweet romance, this hits the nail on the head.
Readalikes
If you’re interested in learning more about Melanie Moreland’s Insta-Spark series, my review of Harvest of Love can be found here.
Another author that writes great slice-of-life sweet romances (in other words, romanticizes the mundane) is Jamie Schlosser’s Good Guys series. My favourite is the single-parent romance Magic Man.
Buy Following Maggie
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