A Stone's Throw: A heartwarming story of a city girl and her rancher grandfather turning adversity into love and community

by Wayne Edwards

When Lillian Stone lapses into a coma and is admitted to a San Francisco hospital in the spring of 1969, her only child, twelve-year-old Maggie, is temporarily taken in by her best friend's family. More than a month later, the neighbors can no longer afford to provide for Maggie's room and board. Uprooted again, she is sent to a local orphanage. Just as she's beginning to adapt to life at the orphanage, Ira Stone, a grandfather she never met, shows up unexpectedly and shuttles her 1200 miles away to live at his ranch on the isolated plains of eastern Montana.

Maggie knows nothing about her hard-nosed WWI Veteran Grandpa other than being aware that he and her mother have long been estranged. Thrust into a culture and lifestyle that couldn't be more opposite of her San Francisco upbringing, Maggie is suddenly expected to do household and barnyard chores under the critical eye of a grizzled old rancher.

Ira and Maggie are equally skeptical of each other as they attempt to adapt to the vastly different world they now share. In addition to facing all the challenges in her new life, the worry of whether her mom will ever regain consciousness is never far from Maggie's thoughts. Despite having to overcome the overwhelming obstacles placed in her path, Maggie's grit, determination, and can-do spirit are evident in this heartwarming story of how she wins the love and respect of the members of her new community, not the least of which is her grandfather, Ira Stone.

Genres: Wholesome, Dogs, Young Adult, Family Drama, Animals, Found Family, Family

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2024

About the author

Born and raised in Denton, Montana, Wayne Edwards is a Treasure State native. His education included a B.S. from Montana State University, followed by a doctorate degree from the University of Washington. Now retired from a 30-year banking career in Denton, Wayne has used his life-long interest in writing to launch a second career as an aspiring author.

Edwards, a three-sport high school standout and All-Conference college tailback, used his playing days and the coaching of his hometown high school football team experience as inspiration to write his first book, PACER COULEE CHRONICLES. This entertaining fiction novel introduces the reader to the unique-to-small town interconnections that exist between school, sport and community in rural, small-town America. PACER COULEE CHRONICLES was first published in 2021, with a revised edition print, eBook and audio-book released in 2024.

Also a children's author, Edwards published BUSTER THE BRIDGER MOUNTAIN BEAR in 2021. A slightly revised second edition was republished under Quantum Shift Media in 2024. Wayne's next work, the Young Adult novel, A STONE'S THROW, was also released under Quantum Shift Media in 2024.

Wayne and his wife Lorinda have three grown daughters and eight grandchildren. They split the year between their Bozeman, Montana and Cave Creek, Arizona homes.

Reviews

[Precious Okechi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stone’s Throw is a beautifully written novel that follows Maggie Stone as she navigates adversity with remarkable courage. Maggie is more than a typical young adult protagonist, her premature responsibilities shape a maturity that feels both authentic and deeply relatable.

One painful scene that really stayed with me was when Maggie’s best friend Cho’s family, who had taken her in after her mom fell into a coma, realized they could no longer afford to care for her. Despite their kindness, they were forced to send her to an orphanage. The moment Maggie understood what was happening, her thoughts cut deep: “You’re sending me to an orphanage? You would really do that to me?” That quiet line captured the raw fear and sadness of a girl who had already lost so much, and it broke my heart.

Against this backdrop of loss, the bond that later develops between Maggie and her grandfather, Ira, feels even more powerful. Their relationship isn’t painted in clichés but through intimate, vulnerable moments. One scene that stood out to me is when Maggie finds a letter Ira wrote in his clumsy but heartfelt handwriting. In it, he admits the guilt he carries for the way he treated Maggie’s mother and confesses, “I ain’t good at saying it but I love you so much. You make my life worth living.” For a man of few words, it’s a raw outpouring of emotion. Maggie’s response thanking him, assuring him of her love, and tenderly wiping away the tears he couldn’t feel on the scarred side of his face was one of the most moving passages in the book. It captures the heart of the novel: the healing power of forgiveness and the quiet strength of family bonds.

What I especially loved was how the story was told through Maggie’s eyes. Her perspective captures both the confusion of youth, growth and emotional breakthroughs with nuance and sensitivity. The historical ranch setting–with its dusty kitchens, endless fields, and daily chores, grounds the story in a vivid reality that contrasts beautifully with Maggie’s emotional journey. The gentle pacing gives the reader time to sit with Maggie’s doubts, heartbreaks, and breakthroughs, making her growth feel all the more real.

A Stone’s Throw is more than just a coming-of-age novel. It’s a warm, emotionally stirring story about resilience, forgiveness, and belonging. With heartfelt character development and vivid settings it speaks not only to young adults but to readers of all ages.

I really loved reading this book and would rate it 5 out of 5. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories that tug at the heart and remind us of the strength that can be found in both family and community.

[Genevieve Chinaza.N · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the midst of uncertainty and hardship, a young girl's resilience and determination can be truly inspiring. "A Stone's Throw" by Wayne Edwards tells the poignant story of Maggie Stone, a 12-year-old girl living in a low-class area of San Francisco with her mom. With no father or relative in sight, she's juggling taking care of her mom during the "spells" which she usually comes out from, and managing their household finances. A longer-than-usual spell saw her mom admitted to the hospital with no sign of waking; she moves from her mother's friend Sung Ju's house to an orphanage, and just when it seems that things couldn't get any worse, a stranger who calls himself Grandpa Ira Stone suddenly appears. Could this be the start of a better future for Maggie, and just how will she handle this transition?

It was really an interesting way to start the story with a chaotic and depressing hospital scene and a turbulence of emotions on Maggie, and just when I was deeply invested and filled with curiosity about Maggie's mother's conditions, Wayne took a break on the action and took us back to tell a background story, and it was brilliantly executed. I like the way Dr. Kakarla patiently broke down Maggie's mother's conditions to her; it felt like I was being schooled, and it was like a scene from one of those old early 21st-century medical series.
I felt incredibly sad about Maggie, a twelve-year-old having to go through so much and experience so much hardship; it's something I could never do at her age. But through it all, she was brave and took things as they came, with a sort of learning mindset. Being a smart girl, she always tried to approach each difficulty with a positive mindset, as seen with her initial reaction to Ira.

I love Maggie's character, her emotional mindset, and her relationship with God was not overlooked at each stage of the book; it gives the book a deeper feel and helps me connect with her. This beautiful story is meant for all young adults, but I think other ages will find it interesting with its well-developed characters, engaging plot, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a story that will touch their heart and stay with them long after finishing it.

[Joy York · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written coming of age story by Wayne Edwards was a delightful surprise. I picked it up to read for a while one afternoon and was so enthralled I didn’t put it down until I was halfway through the book. I finished it the next day. The story took me on a rollercoaster of emotions from heartbreaking tears to hopeful optimism.

Set in 1965, Maggie Stone is the twelve year old daughter of a single mother who suffers with a type of mental illness (spells as her daughter call them) that send her to bed unresponsive for hours. Forced to be the responsible adult since she was eight, Maggie has taken on the responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, shopping, and money management. Dealing with conflicting emotions, she is both fiercely protective and scornful of her mother’s abandonment. When her mother goes into a debilitating spell that she cannot be revived from, Lillian ends up in the hospital and Maggie ends up in an orphanage. A month later, her grandfather Ira, who has been estranged with his daughter since she ran away pregnant at fifteen, shows up in San Franscisco to take Maggie to his ranch in Montana. Ira is a good but hard man of few words who has etched out his successful ranch through backbreaking work in the unforgiving plains of Montana. A widower and a WWl veteran with battle scars, Ira struggles to relate to a young preteen he has never met. Having to adapt to volatile circumstances with her mother over the years, a tough-skinned Maggie swallows her emotions and makes the best of a completely foreign situation.

Told from Maggie’s point of view, I am in awe of Edward’s richly developed characterization of her. A young girl on the cusp of womanhood but still a child who has spent her life parenting her mother, luckily with the support of close neighbors, then thrown into a completely foreign situation with no cultural or geographical familiarity, close friends, or relatives she can relate to. Maggie feels abandoned, unloved, resentful, fearful for her mother and her future, misses her friends, and is insecure about learning her new roles and tasks for the farm and caring for animals she has never seen…it is all so intricately described through vivid descriptions and authentically poignant emotions. The organic transformation of Maggie and Ira’s relationship, and her assimilation into the small rural community is so beautifully drawn. I laughed. I cried. I cheered. I fell in love with this story and highly recommend it to young adults and adults alike.

[thebookaddict25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stone’s Throw by Wayne Edwards is a heartfelt novel set in the late 1960s, following twelve-year-old Maggie Stone as her life is suddenly upended when her mother falls into a coma. Initially cared for by neighbors, Maggie is eventually placed in an orphanage—until Ira Stone, a grandfather she’s never met, arrives from rural Montana to take her in. Uprooted from San Francisco, Maggie is thrust into an unfamiliar world of hard work and harsh landscapes on Ira’s isolated ranch.

While Maggie struggles to adjust to life on a remote ranch, Ira—stern and set in his ways—grapples with the unfamiliar role of raising a child. Their relationship is strained by years of family silence and emotional distance, yet the shared challenge of adapting to each other slowly breaks down old walls. Amid barn chores and quiet tension, they begin to find common ground.

As Maggie learns to ride horses, drive a truck, and care for animals with the help of her dog, Dimwit, she grows stronger—both in spirit and in skill. All the while, the uncertainty surrounding her mother’s condition hangs over her, adding emotional weight to her physical challenges. Through it all, Maggie’s resilience and determination begin to soften Ira’s rough exterior.

Wayne Edwards paints this intergenerational story with warmth, realism, and compassion. With vivid characters and a strong sense of place, A Stone’s Throw explores themes of healing, belonging, and unexpected family bonds. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page, leaving readers both moved and hopeful.

[Reviewer Tosin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wayne Edwards’s A Stone’s Throw: A heartwarming story of a city girl and her rancher grandfather turning adversity into love and community tells the deeply moving story of twelve-year-old Maggie Stone, a city girl suddenly thrust into rural Montana after her mother, Lillian, fell into a coma in San Francisco in 1969. With no close relatives around, Maggie initially stays with her best friend’s family. But when the family can no longer care for her, she’s sent to an orphanage. As Maggie is settling in, her estranged grandfather, Ira Stone, a tough World War I veteran, appears and takes her to his isolated ranch. The book explores Maggie’s journey as she learns to adapt to her unfamiliar new world, facing challenges from harsh weather to barnyard chores, all while coping with her worry over her mother’s health. Over time, Maggie and Ira form an unlikely bond as they grow to understand each other, showing how family can come together even in tough situations.

What I liked most about A Stone’s Throw was how the writer wrote about the growing relationship between Maggie and her grandfather. Ira isn’t warm and welcoming; he’s rough, and at first, he doesn’t seem to care much about Maggie’s struggles. But Maggie is strong and determined, and despite how different this new life is, she’s eager to prove herself. There are many memorable moments, like Maggie’s struggles with ranch chores and how she worries about her mom’s health. Her persistence helps her earn Ira’s respect, and it’s heartwarming to see her courage bring out a kinder side of Ira. The story is full of touching moments that show how families can support each other, even after years of separation.

Other characters also bring kindness and support to Maggie’s journey. The friends and neighbours she meets help her feel more at home, and the community itself serves as a comforting presence in her new life. Maggie’s ability to connect with the people around her, despite her initial hesitation, shows her adaptability and inner strength.

Honestly, there wasn’t anything I disliked about this book. Every scene helped me understand Maggie and Ira better. Ira’s tough personality and Maggie’s determination make for an interesting contrast that kept me hooked. Maggie’s struggles felt real, and her worries about her mother added to her originality as a character, making her someone I really rooted for.

I would rate A Stone’s Throw 5 out of 5 stars. The writer did a great job bringing the ranch setting to life and showing Maggie’s emotional journey. The way he described each character and setting made it easy to get lost in Maggie’s world, and I found myself fully invested in her journey.

I recommend it to anyone who enjoys heartwarming stories about family, growth, and overcoming hard times. This book would be perfect for readers who love coming-of-age stories and tales of resilience. It’s a memorable story that leaves you thinking about the strength of family bonds.

[J.A.C Workplace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books feel lived in, like slipping into someone’s memories, and A Stone’s Throw is exactly that: heartfelt, honest, and unforgettable. It’s 1969, and twelve-year-old Maggie Stone’s life takes a sharp turn when her mother is hospitalized for recurring “spells” and she finds herself shuffled into the cold strictness of a Catholic orphanage. Life there is harsh, but Maggie’s wit and resilience keep her afloat. When a new path opens, she’s sent to rural Montana to live with her grandfather, a rancher whose gruff exterior hides a steady hand. The shift from San Francisco streets to open pastures brings new challenges, farm chores, county fairs, complicated friendships, and her own search for belonging. Through Maggie’s keen eyes, the story explores what it means to hold on to family, even when family feels fractured.

Wayne writes with clarity and warmth, striking a balance between childlike immediacy and adult wisdom. Maggie’s first-person POV brims with humor, frank observations, and moments of aching honesty. While some orphanage passages linger a bit too long, the pacing finds its stride once the Montana chapters begin, blending description and action seamlessly.

Maggie is a remarkable protagonist, scrappy, bright, and deeply human. You believe in her triumphs because you’ve lived her struggles. Supporting figures, from the stern yet caring grandfather to Maggie’s steadfast friend Cho, are drawn with nuance. Even minor characters, like nuns at the orphanage or ranch hands, feel distinct and textured, grounding the story in authenticity. The novel excels at conjuring both urban San Francisco and rural Montana of the late ‘60s. Small sensory details like the chill of a barn at dawn or the rattle of a beat-up pickup anchor readers firmly in time and place.

At its core, the book is about resilience in the face of loss, the search for belonging, and the dignity of ordinary life. Wayne also weaves in reflections on mental health, generational divides, and the quiet heroism of doing the right thing when it’s hardest.

The book tugs hard at the heart. Maggie’s struggles at the orphanage sting, but her healing journey with her grandfather brings warmth. It’s a novel that sneaks up on you emotionally, and by the final chapters, you realize how much you care for these characters. What sets this book apart is its YA lens on the grandparent-grandchild bond, rare in coming-of-age stories, yet beautifully handled here. The mix of urban and rural settings in a single character’s arc also gives the novel a distinctive shape.

I'll rate it 4 out of 5 stars. The strength lies in its heartfelt narration, layered themes, and a protagonist worth rooting for. A slight pacing drag in the orphanage chapters holds it back from a perfect five, but the overall execution is exceptional. This book is perfect for readers who love realistic YA and fans and readers who enjoy small-town Americana with big emotional stakes and coming-of-age stories.

[thereviewroom02 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is generally the kind of story that starts off heavy but slowly wraps you in warmth without you even realizing it. Maggie’s journey hit me on a personal level because it shows how quickly life can change, especially for a child who has no control over her circumstances. From the comfort of her city life to the uncertainty of an orphanage and then a quiet, unfamiliar ranch, every shift feels real and emotionally grounded.

What stayed with me most was the relationship between Maggie and her grandfather. It’s not soft or easy in the beginning. In fact, it feels distant and even uncomfortable at times, which makes it more believable. Watching that bond grow little by little, through small actions rather than big dramatic moments, made it feel honest. It reminded me how sometimes love doesn’t come in words but in quiet efforts.

By the end, I felt like I had lived a part of Maggie’s life with her. It made me think about family, forgiveness, and how people show care in their own ways. It’s simple, emotional, and very human. Have you ever found comfort in a place or relationship you never expected?

[deepikareads15 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stone’s Throw by Wayne Edwards is a coming-of-age story that follows twelve-year-old Maggie Stone as she navigates a life suddenly turned upside down. The novel opens with a gripping and unsettling hospital scene, immediately immersing the reader in Maggie’s fear and confusion as her mother falls into a mysterious, coma-like state. From there, the narrative unfolds with a strong first-person voice that captures Maggie’s vulnerability, resilience, and maturity beyond her years.

Maggie’s journey from a modest life in San Francisco to an orphanage and eventually to an unfamiliar ranch in Montana highlights themes of displacement, identity, and survival. The relationships she forms, particularly with the Jeong family and later her estranged grandfather, are realistic, revealing both kindness and limitations in human connections.

A Stone’s Throw is a heartfelt and engaging novel that balances emotional depth with a steady narrative pace. Edwards crafts a protagonist who is easy to root for, and her internal struggles make the story both relatable and impactful. This book will resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven stories about resilience, family, and finding strength in the face of uncertainty.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story hit me harder than I expected. “A Stone’s Throw” isn't just a tale about a girl relocating from San Francisco to a Montana ranch—it’s about growing up, facing pain, and finding unexpected connections. I was drawn in by Maggie’s strength. She’s twelve, but she’s already navigating adult responsibilities—paying bills, handling her mother’s healthcare crisis, even surviving a stint in an orphanage. And yet, she still manages to stay compassionate and sharp. The scenes at the orphanage were especially intense and stayed with me long after I finished the book. Wayne Edwards does a brilliant job showing how trauma shapes people, but also how love, friendship, and perseverance can shape them too. There’s something timeless and powerful in this novel. If you're looking for a YA book that’s grounded, emotional, and ultimately uplifting—this one is unforgettable.

[Maven_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stone's Throw by Wayne Edwards is a charming coming-of-age story aimed at middle-grade and young adult readers. The book's focal character is Maggie Stone. Maggie was a twelve-year-old orphan who was living in San Francisco. There was a change in her lifestyle when Ira, her grandfather, came to take her so they would live together, as he has the legal right to do this. When she moved to Montana with her Ira, she discovered this place was a whole different ball game, and here, she grapples with isolation, resentment, and a yearning to understand the past.

The author paints a vivid picture of 1960s Montana. The vastness of the ranch, the harsh beauty of the landscape, and the close-knit community all come alive through Maggie's apprehensive yet curious eyes. She navigates unfamiliar chores with a strict but stoic grandfather.

I found it satisfying that the characters were well-rounded and developed, especially Maggie. Maggie is a relatable protagonist; her emotional turmoil and confusion are palpable for the reader. The portrayal of Ira is particularly nuanced. Initially gruff and reserved, his gruffness gradually softens, revealing a well of grief and regret. The supporting characters, from the kindly neighbor to the mischievous ranch hand, add warmth and depth to the narrative.

The story unfolds at a gentle pace, allowing for an in-depth exploration of Maggie's emotional landscape. There was masterful weaving of flashbacks into the narrative, piecing together the fractured relationship between Maggie's parents and offering a glimpse into Ira's past. These glimpses provide a deeper understanding of the characters' motivations and the emotional baggage they carry.

While the novel tackles some challenging themes, the overall tone remains optimistic. Maggie's resilience and capacity for growth shine through. The challenges she faces lead to positive outcomes, one of which was her discovery of her hidden strengths.

A Stone's Throw is a heartwarming read for young readers. Edwards' captivating storytelling and relatable characters make this journey through the pages of this book worth taking. In all, I'll rate it 5 out of 5 stars for my overall satisfaction.

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A Stone's Throw' written by the author Wayne Edwards is an intriguing read. The main character of the story is a twelve-year-old Maggie Stone. She lived with her mother Lillian Stone in San Francisco. When her mother was in a trance-blackout and was at hospital, Maggie was sent to an orphanage to live there. After spending one month at an orphanage, she was taken in by her grandfather. Maggie's grandfather Ira Stone took her to Montana on his ranch.

In the past twelve years of her life, Maggie had never seen her grandfather. She was told by her mother that her father wasn't a good man and it's better for Maggie to not know about him. Maggie's mother got pregnant with her when she was in high school. This made her grandfather angry and her mother left her home. Will Maggie believe Ira now?

This is a gripping story that kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed every bit of the story plot. The writing style of the author is nice and the language used in the book is lucid. This book is for Young Adult readers. They would be delighted to read this book. Great work done by Wayne in this book.

[Marcel Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stone’s Throw” pulled me in from the very first chapter and didn’t let go. Maggie’s voice is so real—funny, raw, brave, and heartbreakingly honest. Watching her navigate a life that no child should have to—dealing with her mother’s mysterious illness, losing her home, and eventually being sent to an orphanage—was emotional, but never melodramatic. The writing is thoughtful and full of warmth, with characters that feel truly lived-in. Ira, her grandfather, and Cho, her best friend, especially stood out for me. What I loved most was how the book handles difficult themes—mental illness, family abandonment, coming of age—with both tenderness and grit. Maggie’s resilience is inspiring, and by the end, I was cheering for her every step of the way. It’s a coming-of-age story that doesn’t sugarcoat reality but leaves you with hope. Highly recommended for teens and adults.

[Boundbybooks_01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kid being forced into a completely new life is not shown as easy here, and I liked that. Maggie feels confused and out of place, which made it more real.

Her grandfather isn’t warm from the start, and that actually works. Their bond grows slowly in small, quiet ways.

It’s a simple, calm story about change, family, and finding your place. Good read overall.

[The above review reflects my own and honest opinion - May 05, 2026]

[Jodi Peretti · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book to give your middle school daughter or granddaughter for Christmas, this is it! Your middle schooler will find this book entertaining, easy to read and relatable. The author not only gives an accurate glimpse of life on a Montana ranch and living in a small, close knit community, but also develops an heartwarming relationship between a teen and her grandfather.

[Gracie Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stone’s Throw is a heartfelt and beautifully written coming-of-age story with a lot of emotional depth. Maggie is an easy character to care about, and her journey from San Francisco to Montana ranch life feels both painful and hopeful. The story does a wonderful job showing how hardship, family, and unexpected kindness can change a young person’s life.

[thereviewroom02 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a heartfelt and beautifully written story about resilience, family, and unexpected connections. In A Stone’s Throw by Wayne Edwards, twelve-year-old Maggie Stone’s life is shattered when her mother falls into a coma. After time spent with neighbors and in an orphanage, she is sent to live with Ira Stone, a stern World War I veteran she has never met, on a remote Montana ranch far from the city life she knew.

Ira, toughened by war and years of solitude, knows little about raising a child, while Maggie struggles to adjust to the rugged demands of ranch life. Despite their differences, a slow, powerful bond begins to form between them, built on shared resilience and small acts of understanding. Through vivid storytelling and emotional honesty, Edwards captures both the harsh beauty of 1960s Montana and the quiet strength needed to heal old wounds.

Full of warmth, humor, and heart, A Stone’s Throw is a moving novel that resonates with readers of all ages. It’s a touching reminder that family can be found and rebuilt even when the odds seem impossible—and it’s a story that will linger with you long after you finish the final page.

[Jeff Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stone’s Throw by Wayne Edwards is a heartwarming story of the trials and triumphs of our everyday life. I found it to be written in the truest classic style. A young girl from LA, Maggie Stone, has her life flipped on its axis. Just about everything in her life changes when her mother becomes comatose and with an uncertain future. After a couple of changes in home situations, she ends up living at her grandfather’s ranch in Montana. The story doesn’t dwell on the tragedy or the recovery. Rather it is a simple slice of everyday life in Americana. I found it to be as intriguing as one of my favorite TV shows of my youth (I’m dating myself here), Little House On The Prairie. Life happens. Life goes on. To me, A Stone’s Throw, was a true classic and a pleasure to read. I highly recommend it.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Characterizations!

This book was a wonderful read for an adult. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their stories. I was as frustrated as Maggie with Ira’s brusqueness at the beginning of their relationship. It was great to see this little girl tough things out and grow. And it was really good to see the old coot soften a bit and grow into his relationship with his granddaughter. The auxiliary characters - Cho, Whit and her family, Dr Rath, Brock - made her life changes so well rounded and interesting to read. I really hated to see the book end.

[Sharon Hoblitzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventures of a young girl uprooted to a Montana ranch.

How does one write about a twelve year old girl living on a vast Montana ranch? Wayne Edwards did, and it was one of the most interesting and best books I've read in some time. He wrote it as a YA book, but I'm 83 and I loved it. Some of it depicted my story and I was inundated with childhood memories. The book appeals to all ages and I know all will love it.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Definitely one of my favorites!

[Bookreviews by Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stone's Throw by Wayne Edwards is a touching story of love and courage. It follows the journey of a twelve-year-old girl called Maggie and the situation life throws at her.

Maggie's mother usually entered spells, where she would be in a deep sleep, but she usually came out of it after a few hours. But this time was different. She entered into a coma and was admitted into the hospital. Maggie's world turned upside down. She stayed with her best friend's family for a while before she was put in an orphanage. One day, her grandfather, whom she has never met, appeared at the orphanage and took her to his ranch to live with him. That marked the beginning of her new life.

This is a story of grief, strength, hope, and family. Edwards did a great job. The book has a warmth that envelops readers. The use of the first-person narrative allowed me to directly feel what Maggie felt. I was immersed in her thoughts and emotions. From the writing, it was clear that the voice was distinctly that of a child. It reflected a child's raw feelings of fear, innocence, and hope. The writing is honest. Readers of all ages could empathize with Maggie's story. Edwards' writing is vivid, and it felt as though I was standing beside Maggie and working with her on the ranch. The story follows Maggie's sorrowful situation and life on the ranch with her grandfather. Each scene is thoughtfully written with sensory details that allow readers to deeply sink into the story.

Maggie is an exceptional and dynamic main character. She showed strength and bravery for someone so young. We could see her struggles as she felt the weight of her mother's absence. As the book progresses, we could see her gradual growth. The trials she faces, both emotionally and physically, help shape her. The shift from Maggie's urban life to her grandfather's ranch adds a certain twist and complexity to the book. The book explores the relationship between Maggie and her grandfather. We could see it evolve. What I love about this is that it mirrors the complexities of real-life relationships.

This is a captivating book that everyone is sure to enjoy. I wholeheartedly rate it 5 out of 5 stars. There is nothing to dislike, and the book is exceptionally edited. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy heartwarming and entertaining books.

[Devetdu · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Wayne Edwards sets out to do here is deceptively simple: to take a displaced child, an embittered old rancher, and a stretch of Montana prairie, and show how a family may be remade not through sentiment, but through daily obligation. Maggie Stone's journey from 1969 San Francisco to her grandfather Ira's ranch could easily have become a tidy lesson in resilience; instead, the novel is most persuasive when it lets chores, weather, animals, and awkward silences do the emotional work.
The structure is deliberately episodic, which suits Maggie's age and circumstance. Each new task, learning to drive Ol' Blue, bottle feeding an orphan calf, gathering eggs from quarrelsome hens, becomes both a practical lesson and a psychological one. Edwards is especially good at tracking the slow alteration in Ira's address, from "young lady" to "Maggie" to the earned intimacy of "Papa"; that small linguistic shift carries more weight than a page of declaration would. One of the loveliest scenes comes during a thunderstorm, when frightened Maggie and equally frightened Dimwit are granted refuge upstairs. Nothing dramatic is announced, yet a household has changed.
Does the novel sometimes explain more than it needs to? It does. Certain medical passages and ranch procedures are rendered with such careful specificity that the pacing slackens, particularly in the middle stretch. Yet even that excess feels born of affection for the world being depicted, not carelessness, and younger readers may well welcome the clarity.
What stays with me is the restraint of the central bond. Maggie is allowed to be angry, capable, funny, and homesick; Ira is allowed to be wrong without being reduced to villainy. The ending, quiet and grave, is earned because the book has done the necessary work scene by scene. Recommended to readers who value lucid, humane fiction about grief, competence, and the slow making of trust.

[Swati Tanu · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if my mom were to stay in this spell for weeks, or maybe even months? What will happen to our apartment? How long will I be able to stay with the Jeongs, and who would take care of me if I couldn’t continue to stay there?

What happens when life pulls you away from everything you know and drops you somewhere that feels completely foreign? That’s exactly the emotional journey at the heart of A Stone’s Throw by Wayne Edwards.

We meet Maggie Stone at one of the lowest points in her young life, sitting in a hospital while her mother, Lillian, slips deeper into a mysterious medical condition that leaves her unresponsive. From there, Maggie’s world shifts dramatically. She’s uprooted from San Francisco and sent to Montana to live with Ira Stone, the grandfather she barely knows.

And honestly? That transition isn’t warm or comforting at first. Watching Maggie navigate grief, anger, and loneliness, while adjusting to ranch life, new schools, and people like Brock Boyce, makes the story feel deeply personal rather than dramatic for the sake of it. Her bond with her best friend Cho, her complicated feelings toward Ira, and even the quiet presence of Dimwit (the dog) all ground the story in something real.

Wayne Edwards doesn’t rush Maggie’s growth. Instead, he lets it unfold through moments, fights at school, letters to her mom, small victories on the ranch, that slowly reshape her idea of family and belonging.

By the time Maggie begins to see the ranch as home, you’re left wondering: Is “home” really a place… or the people who stay when everything else falls apart?

You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.

[Avi Dinsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edwards’ novel unfolds with the quiet intensity of a life upended, following a twelve-year-old girl as she’s forced to navigate loss, displacement, and the uneasy hope of beginning again. When her mother falls into a coma in 1969 San Francisco, Maggie Stone is pushed from neighbor to orphanage to the doorstep of Ira Stone, the grandfather she has never met and only knows as the man her mother fled. The shift from cramped city streets to the stark expanse of an eastern Montana ranch is as jarring for Maggie as the silence of this hard-edged WWI veteran who suddenly becomes her guardian. Will Maggie learn to trust him?

The move from urban San Francisco to the isolated ranchlands of eastern Montana marks the novel’s most dramatic change of setting. Edwards draws Montana with vivid authenticity: the sweeping plains, the unpredictable weather, the rhythms of ranch life, and the rough-hewn practicality of those who inhabit it. He captures Maggie’s challenges with emotional precision—her loyalty, her isolation, and her unyielding spirit. Maggie and Ira’s fragile, awkward relationship forms the story’s core. Burdened by past hurts, they struggle at first, yet Maggie’s growing competence on the ranch and in town builds her confidence. The ending lands with a quiet, earned emotional weight. Lovers of quiet, emotionally rich coming-of-age stories will feel right at home. A quietly powerful story about the courage it takes to rebuild a life from its jagged edges, and how love—unexpected, imperfect, and hard-won—can take shape between two people learning to trust again.

[VanessaA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something about this book just quietly got to me. A Stone's Throw is a coming-of-age story set in 1969, following twelve-year-old Maggie Stone from a cramped San Francisco apartment to the wind-scoured plains of eastern Montana, after her mother falls into a mysterious coma and a grandfather she has never met shows up to collect her.
What the book does best is the slow construction of trust between Maggie and Ira. He is gruff, deeply tanned, more comfortable with cattle than conversation, and their early scenes together are genuinely awkward in the most human way. Edwards earns the bond properly, through shared chores and small arguments and moments of unexpected gentleness, so that by the time Ira expresses his feelings in a letter because he cannot find the words face to face, it lands exactly as hard as it should.
Maggie herself is a pleasure to follow. She is independent and emotionally intelligent without it ever feeling forced, and her worry over her mother, running quietly beneath everything else throughout the year, gives the story real weight.
The prose is plain and functional. This is not a book that dazzles with its sentences, and the middle stretch has a tendency to wander through episodic chapters that slow the momentum a little. But Edwards seems to know precisely what he is writing: a warm, honest story about unexpected family. It succeeds fully and generously on those terms.
The ending genuinely moved me. Lillian's gravestone, Ira's letter, and Maggie whispering to her mother that she is only a stone's throw away. I needed a quiet moment with that.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stone's Throw by Wayne Edwards
Love this story. Starts out so tragic. Maggie had grown up with her mother in San Francisco. Her mother had spells that usually lasted several hours. One day it was longer than the time Maggie was at school so she alerted the next door lady to come help.
She was transported to the hospital. . Maggie was able to stay with the neighbors until the cost was too much for the family. Maggie was brought up with no father and had no idea who he even was. She then goes to an orphanage and then her grandfather comes to get her and they head back to Ira's ranch where she not only was to do chores but learned how to drive, run the tractors and even took care of the chickens and so much more. There is a neighbor that she likes and even her daughter and they bond. The girls all head to the store to get Maggie ready for 7th grade.
Like how she defends an overweight girl at lunch. Maggie also is so tall that she excels at the sports she's allowed to play. She often can be found playing the boys as they are more competition.
Like school life as she grows older. More heartache with her mom but she keeps busy and keeps her moms dolls around her. She is now old enough to help the local vet and tends to the office details. Love how she adapts so easily just grasping for more knowledge.
Very descriptive details, love this book and easy going of the family situations she finds herself in.
Would read more from this author.

[Sakshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stone’s Throw by Wayne Edwards is a heartfelt novel that captures the pain of loss, the weight of family estrangement, and the healing power of unexpected bonds. At its heart is Maggie, a young girl thrust into uncertainty when her mother falls into a coma in 1969 San Francisco. Her world shifts dramatically when her grandfather, Ira Stone, steps into her life for the very first time.

The move from city life to a remote Montana ranch is not just a change in scenery—it’s a complete transformation. Maggie, raised in the comfort of familiar routines, is suddenly faced with livestock, chores, and the sharp eye of a grandfather who demands hard work but gives little warmth. At first, their relationship is defined by distance and unspoken tension.

Yet as Edwards unfolds their story, readers witness a subtle but powerful evolution. Maggie’s grit and determination not only earn Ira’s respect but also awaken something long-buried in him—a tenderness he thought lost with time and regret. Their bond becomes the quiet center of the novel.

With vivid landscapes, richly drawn characters, and a balance of realism and heart, A Stone’s Throw lingers long after the final page. It is both a coming-of-age tale and a story of reconciliation, leaving readers hopeful and deeply invested in Maggie’s future.

[Sammy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve-year-old Maggie Stone lives with her mother, Lillian, in a cramped one-bedroom apartment in a working-class neighborhood. Whenever her mother had one of her episodes, it usually lasted no more than a day. But this time was different—Lillian had been unwell for a long time and had to be hospitalized.

With no other family to care for her and her father completely absent from her life, Maggie was placed in an orphanage. Her mother had always told her that her father wasn’t a good man and that it was better for Maggie not to know anything about him.

After spending a month at the orphanage, Maggie is visited by a man named Ira Stone, who introduces himself as her grandfather—someone she’s never met before. Ira takes her to Montana, where she begins a completely new life on his ranch, far removed from the world she once knew.

Maggie’s world has been turned upside down—from living with her mom, to staying at Cho’s house, then to the orphanage, and now finding herself on a ranch with a stranger who claims to be her grandfather.

To find out what happens next in Maggie’s journey, pick up this captivating novel. It's a well-paced, engaging read that held my attention from start to finish. The author does an excellent job of keeping readers hooked with each twist and turn. I highly recommend this book to fans of Young Adult fiction.

[Chapterr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books you finish and immediately want to pass around a table, because you know every reader will come in holding a different piece of it.
A Stone's Throw is that kind of warm, generous story. Maggie Stone stayed with me from the first chapters, not because she is perfect, but because she is so alive on the page. She is scared, stubborn, funny, homesick, brave, and sometimes angry in ways that feel completely earned. Watching her move from San Francisco to Ira's Montana ranch could have been simple fish out of water material, but the book gives her room to grow into that life without ever pretending the loss behind it is small.
I loved the details most. Dimwit and the rattlesnake. Betsy Lou and Cindy Sue. Annie Whitfield opening up the community around Maggie. Ira, who begins as such a hard edged old rancher, slowly becoming someone you understand and then care about deeply. Have you ever read a book where one small act of tenderness changes how you see a whole character? This book has several of those.
I ended up talking with a friend about what makes a family, and whether love sometimes arrives late but still arrives in time. That is the discussion this book opens up. Would make a lovely book club choice, especially for readers who like stories about resilience, chosen community, and the quiet work of learning how to belong.

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found A Stone’s Throw by Wayne Edwards an endearing story. In April of 1969, twelve-year-old Maggie Stone finds her mother having another “spell”. These spells happen when her mom, Lillian, falls asleep, and Maggie can’t wake her up. Lillian usually wakes up after a couple of hours on her own, but this time she doesn’t. With her mom admitted to the hospital, Maggie moves around from her best friend’s house, to an orphanage, then to a grandfather she never met. Ira Stone struggled with Lillian as a teenager and didn’t meet Maggie until he picked her up from the orphanage. Maggie learns there is a big difference between city life in San Francisco and a ranch in Montana.

A Stone’s Throw by Wayne Edwards touches on a young girl who had to grow up much faster than she needed to because she had to care for her mom. Not knowing anything about her father or grandfather, Maggie is alone in the world when her mother is hospitalized. Each chapter highlights major events of Maggie’s life for a year from the time her mom went into a coma. You will laugh and cry with Maggie as she undertakes friendships, schools, bullies, doubts, fears, and family. This is one of the best coming-of-age books I have read in a long time. I highly recommend it.