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Maggie's Journey: A clean friends-to-love novel
A secret adoption, a quest for identity, and a love that could change her life forever.
Margaret Lenora Caine has never fit the mold her mother set for her. When Maggie discovers proof she was adopted, the rift between them only tears deeper. Feeling the sting of betrayal, Maggie requests permission to visit her grandmother in Little Rock, Arkansas. There she’ll set her sights on her dream of becoming a successful dress designer and maybe find her true identity in the process. Her father’s one condition is that she must be travel with her young aunt and her father's handsome business partner, Charles Stanton—the man who once held her affections.
Charles Stanton, a thriving businessman, has taken a calculated risk by joining forces with Maggie's father in a joint venture. When asked to chaperone his new partner’s sister-in-law and daughter on a cross-country trip, Charles sees it as an opportunity to strengthen their business ties. Though he initially sets his sights on Maggie’s charming and composed aunt as a potential wife, Charles soon finds himself increasingly captivated by Maggie’s resilience and charm.
With each passing mile, the bond between Maggie and Charles deepens, challenging both Maggie’s plans and her heart. Will the love growing between them help her embrace her identity—or complicate her search for what truly matters in life?
Margaret Lenora Caine has never fit the mold her mother set for her. When Maggie discovers proof she was adopted, the rift between them only tears deeper. Feeling the sting of betrayal, Maggie requests permission to visit her grandmother in Little Rock, Arkansas. There she’ll set her sights on her dream of becoming a successful dress designer and maybe find her true identity in the process. Her father’s one condition is that she must be travel with her young aunt and her father's handsome business partner, Charles Stanton—the man who once held her affections.
Charles Stanton, a thriving businessman, has taken a calculated risk by joining forces with Maggie's father in a joint venture. When asked to chaperone his new partner’s sister-in-law and daughter on a cross-country trip, Charles sees it as an opportunity to strengthen their business ties. Though he initially sets his sights on Maggie’s charming and composed aunt as a potential wife, Charles soon finds himself increasingly captivated by Maggie’s resilience and charm.
With each passing mile, the bond between Maggie and Charles deepens, challenging both Maggie’s plans and her heart. Will the love growing between them help her embrace her identity—or complicate her search for what truly matters in life?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2025
36 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 26, 2025
A young woman finds herself searching for answers when she finds out a secret her parents have kept from her. Maggie has always wondered why her mother was so hard on her. She couldn’t seem to do anything to please her. Their relationship was definitely strained. Maggie's mother used to be very sweet and caring. Why has she suddenly become distant and cold toward her daughter?
I enjoyed how much Maggie loved to design dresses. Oh how she wanted to own her own shop someday, but will those dreams be shattered when her mother hears of her plans? I liked how the author describes the different designs Maggie draws. What also makes this story so good is how the author describes the time period. You can tell that much research was done to make the story realistic for the time period.
Charles has a thriving business and makes a wise decision to join Maggie’s father in a joint venture. This decision he hopes will help him become more successful. When he is asked to accompany Maggie and her aunt on a trip he agrees. The train ride seemed to be unbearable at times. I don’t think I would like the tight quarters and chill that wouldn’t go away as they spent days on the train. It was interesting that Charles had an interest in Maggie’s aunt. Poor Maggie didn’t quite understand his attraction to her aunt. After all there is an age different. I did chuckle because I sensed that Maggie may have been a little jealous.
The story finds Maggie on a journey to discover who she is and allow God to show her His plans for her life. The book is filled with faith and lessons on forgiveness and waiting on God. A lovely story that also reconciles a family and grows their relationship into a strong bond.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I enjoyed how much Maggie loved to design dresses. Oh how she wanted to own her own shop someday, but will those dreams be shattered when her mother hears of her plans? I liked how the author describes the different designs Maggie draws. What also makes this story so good is how the author describes the time period. You can tell that much research was done to make the story realistic for the time period.
Charles has a thriving business and makes a wise decision to join Maggie’s father in a joint venture. This decision he hopes will help him become more successful. When he is asked to accompany Maggie and her aunt on a trip he agrees. The train ride seemed to be unbearable at times. I don’t think I would like the tight quarters and chill that wouldn’t go away as they spent days on the train. It was interesting that Charles had an interest in Maggie’s aunt. Poor Maggie didn’t quite understand his attraction to her aunt. After all there is an age different. I did chuckle because I sensed that Maggie may have been a little jealous.
The story finds Maggie on a journey to discover who she is and allow God to show her His plans for her life. The book is filled with faith and lessons on forgiveness and waiting on God. A lovely story that also reconciles a family and grows their relationship into a strong bond.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
February 5, 2025
Maggie’s Journey is a great historical fiction/romance novel that you’re going to love. It has all the emotions within the pages. This book is part of a trilogy. It follows a set of triplet girls. The mom died in childbirth and the father gifted out the girls because there was no way he could care for three of them.
This story follows Margaret Lenora. Her biological father requested that her name be kept and they did that. She doesn’t know she’s adopted until she finds out when she turns 18. She feels that she and her mom were never close and that she couldn’t please her.
Here’s a side tangent on that. I think there are so many layers to the mother and what she must have felt. Love and just pure joy to be given a child. But also maybe some heartbreak that she wasn’t able to have a child of her own. But also maybe some betrayal that her husband told a stranger about her struggles. I feel for her. So many emotions. I am a mother of biological and adopted children. It’s a unique experience
Okay, back to the story.
I loved watching Margaret go and try to figure out her life. And see her deal with some love and attraction along the way. Her father’s new business partner goes with her and her aunt to visit her grandmother. She’s on a journey to find herself. But what if she finds love along the way?
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This story follows Margaret Lenora. Her biological father requested that her name be kept and they did that. She doesn’t know she’s adopted until she finds out when she turns 18. She feels that she and her mom were never close and that she couldn’t please her.
Here’s a side tangent on that. I think there are so many layers to the mother and what she must have felt. Love and just pure joy to be given a child. But also maybe some heartbreak that she wasn’t able to have a child of her own. But also maybe some betrayal that her husband told a stranger about her struggles. I feel for her. So many emotions. I am a mother of biological and adopted children. It’s a unique experience
Okay, back to the story.
I loved watching Margaret go and try to figure out her life. And see her deal with some love and attraction along the way. Her father’s new business partner goes with her and her aunt to visit her grandmother. She’s on a journey to find herself. But what if she finds love along the way?
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
February 6, 2025
The Oregon Trail was a treacherous one for many folks starting new lives. This is where the story begins, and it is really a gripping one. This is the first tale of triplet girls; this is Maggie's story.
Maggie has always tried to fit the mold her mother has been trying to push her into. She and her mother do not see eye to eye on most things, and for the most part, Maggie lets her mother have her way. Until one fateful day Maggie discovers that she is adopted. This also opens up many more wounds and many more questions that need answers. Who is Maggie really?
Wanting to meet her grandmother, her adopted mother's mother, Maggie goes on a journey with her aunt and her father's new business partner, Charles Stanton. This is the Charles that Maggie secretly adores. However, he seems to have only eyes for her aunt. Their journey will open all of their eyes as the truths that have been hidden will no longer be kept secret.
There was quite a lot of emotions to unpack in this story. The heartbreaking drama unfolding from the beginning, all the way to the end of this story and I suspect continues on into the next two in the series. This was emotionally filled with a lot of what ifs and heart wrenching sacrifice, and I look forward to seeing the restoration of family and sisters in this series.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Maggie has always tried to fit the mold her mother has been trying to push her into. She and her mother do not see eye to eye on most things, and for the most part, Maggie lets her mother have her way. Until one fateful day Maggie discovers that she is adopted. This also opens up many more wounds and many more questions that need answers. Who is Maggie really?
Wanting to meet her grandmother, her adopted mother's mother, Maggie goes on a journey with her aunt and her father's new business partner, Charles Stanton. This is the Charles that Maggie secretly adores. However, he seems to have only eyes for her aunt. Their journey will open all of their eyes as the truths that have been hidden will no longer be kept secret.
There was quite a lot of emotions to unpack in this story. The heartbreaking drama unfolding from the beginning, all the way to the end of this story and I suspect continues on into the next two in the series. This was emotionally filled with a lot of what ifs and heart wrenching sacrifice, and I look forward to seeing the restoration of family and sisters in this series.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
February 3, 2025
What i think you should know:
Maggie's Journey by Lena Nelson Dooley is the first book in The McKenna Sisters Series. This is the second edition of the book. Set in 1885 this story features Margaret Lenora Caine, who discovers her adoption while preparing for her birthday.
What I think about this book;
When I read the prologue I thought that Florence would treasure the daughter that she had been blessed with so I was very surprised to read from Maggie's prospective that she didn't feel that way instead she felt like she couldn't please her Mother or live up to her standards. I really enjoyed reading about Maggie as she struggled with the revelation that she was adopted and what that meant for place in the world and her family. Charles and Aunt Georgia were great additions to the story. I really felt Charles was a little fickle in his affections, but I realize many are really like that in reality. The most powerful quote in this book for me was “ You do know that after the enemy of your soul fed you one lie and you believed it, he kept on telling you others.”
How many times do we allow our lives to be poisoned with lies from the enemy? I loved this book and can't wait to read more in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Maggie's Journey by Lena Nelson Dooley is the first book in The McKenna Sisters Series. This is the second edition of the book. Set in 1885 this story features Margaret Lenora Caine, who discovers her adoption while preparing for her birthday.
What I think about this book;
When I read the prologue I thought that Florence would treasure the daughter that she had been blessed with so I was very surprised to read from Maggie's prospective that she didn't feel that way instead she felt like she couldn't please her Mother or live up to her standards. I really enjoyed reading about Maggie as she struggled with the revelation that she was adopted and what that meant for place in the world and her family. Charles and Aunt Georgia were great additions to the story. I really felt Charles was a little fickle in his affections, but I realize many are really like that in reality. The most powerful quote in this book for me was “ You do know that after the enemy of your soul fed you one lie and you believed it, he kept on telling you others.”
How many times do we allow our lives to be poisoned with lies from the enemy? I loved this book and can't wait to read more in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
January 31, 2025
Lena Nelson Dooley’s Maggie’s Journey is a Christian Historical Romance filled with secrets and chances to find love. A childless couple on a wagon train west unexpectedly finds themselves blessed by tragic circumstances. When a mother dies while giving birth to triplet daughters, the father recognizes he can not care for all three daughters. So he asks the childless couple to take in one of the girls. His only request is for them to keep her name.
Maggie unexpectedly finds out that she was adopted around her eighteenth birthday. She feels heartbroken about being lied to her entire life. Meanwhile, Charles Stanton, a successful businessman and Maggie’s childhood friend, accepts a partnership with her father.
The author takes the reader through feelings, character development, and ultimately discovering a deeper relationship with God and each other. As I began reading this book, I found myself unable to put the book down. As the first book in a new series, the author sets the stage for a fantastic series.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
So, if you want a Christian Historical Romance, check out Lena Nelson Dooley’s Maggie’s Journey.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Maggie unexpectedly finds out that she was adopted around her eighteenth birthday. She feels heartbroken about being lied to her entire life. Meanwhile, Charles Stanton, a successful businessman and Maggie’s childhood friend, accepts a partnership with her father.
The author takes the reader through feelings, character development, and ultimately discovering a deeper relationship with God and each other. As I began reading this book, I found myself unable to put the book down. As the first book in a new series, the author sets the stage for a fantastic series.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
So, if you want a Christian Historical Romance, check out Lena Nelson Dooley’s Maggie’s Journey.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
December 2, 2024
I found this story interesting because several characters grew and developed, not just the main character, Maggie. It was a narrative of growth and development. Maggie never knew she was adopted but she and her mother, Florence are at odds and as she is about to turn 18, she feels the desire to visit her grandmother across the country in the 1880's. She doesn't tell her parents that she found out she was adopted but convinces them to take this trip and her father arranges it but sends her with her aunt and his business partner, Charles, as her chaperones. On this long trip, Maggie discovers many things about herself, as does Charles. I loved the grandmother, Agatha too! She doesn't know Maggie was adopted but welcomes her with open arms. While Maggie is gone, her mother, Florence, and her father, Joshua, also grow a lot and develop in ways that needed to happen. I loved how the story focuses on Maggie for the most part but also other characters to show their character development. The romance between Maggie and Charles is natural and sweet.
January 31, 2025
Takes place in the late 1800's. It was interesting getting to know Maggie. Her parents had travelled to Portland on a wagon train, then moved to settle in Seattle. She and her mother were mostly at odds, and she never understood why. Maggie loved to design clothes, but her mother felt that was beneath her and too common, even though her own mother was a successful clothing designer and seamstress in her hometown. Maggie's 18th birthday became a turning point for them all, when she uncovered truths about her family and herself. This is a coming of age and self-discovery story, and the beginning of a series. Believable characters with believable struggles, and Christian strength in solving them. Very good read.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#MaggiesJourney #LenaNelsonDooley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #WildHeartBooks
I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#MaggiesJourney #LenaNelsonDooley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #WildHeartBooks
February 3, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I liked seeing Maggie grow as she went on her journey of self discovery. I liked how the author showed us the feelings Maggie was having as she struggled to know who she was. I liked how the people around her helped her to see how loved she was no matter that she was adopted. I also liked seeing the growth in her mother and seeing her let go of her anger and disappointments. I liked how by the end of this book everyone seemed to have a better relationship with each other and God. I also liked the romance between Charles and Maggie and how they found that the greatest love was right in front of them. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
November 28, 2024
A journey to change your life.
This is a unique story; it is not the typical romance. It is much deeper. Maggie’s journey is one of searching for answers to her past and who she is; Charles’s journey is one of growth and maturity; Joshua and Florence (Maggie’s parents) seek to rekindle their marriage and affection for each other that has dwindled over the years. They must each learn to trust God in new ways as their lives change into what He has planned for them.
I enjoyed the novel; its different approach to love and romance was refreshing. I look forward to the next book in the series. I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
This is a unique story; it is not the typical romance. It is much deeper. Maggie’s journey is one of searching for answers to her past and who she is; Charles’s journey is one of growth and maturity; Joshua and Florence (Maggie’s parents) seek to rekindle their marriage and affection for each other that has dwindled over the years. They must each learn to trust God in new ways as their lives change into what He has planned for them.
I enjoyed the novel; its different approach to love and romance was refreshing. I look forward to the next book in the series. I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
November 11, 2024
Such a fantastic read! The characters are all great, my favorite is Maggie and her Grandmother Agatha. This is a story that pulled so many emotions from me. From page one to the last page I found myself glued to the pages. With a well written plot this book was far from being boring or slow. Every chapter kept me wondering how this would all play out. I must say I was wrong on many of the twist. A beautiful ending that plays up with the reader begging to know about the other sisters and if they will ever meet. Truly anticipating the next book in this series!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
January 19, 2025
What an awesome story of courage and strength as characters face undisturbed truths hidden away for years. How many truths in our lives have been buried in a literal trunk or in the recesses of our minds, at the same time wanting to be hidden as well as longing to spring forth? With God’s guidance, the secrets in Maggie’s life come to life. They are not truths that she keeps from the world around her, but secrets her parents buried in their hearts, hoping never to reveal.
What can God do when the truth is revealed? Join the journey…
Bravo, Lena!
What can God do when the truth is revealed? Join the journey…
Bravo, Lena!
January 26, 2025
Maggie's Journey" by Lena Nelson Dooley kept me turning the pages. It is a story about love and forgiveness. It is a story about adoption. Since my four grandsons are adopted I am partial to story about adoption. I admit to feeling a little sad when Maggie finds the adoption papers even through this tale is fiction. If readers likes clean Christian and wagon train reads then they need to pick up a copy of this book.
I received a complementary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
I received a complementary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
January 29, 2025
Maggie had always felt she did not quite fit in with her family and that was confirmed when she learned about her adoption. She has always wanted to be a dressmaker and has a natural talent for it and so does her adopted grandmother. Maggie learns that family is more than being born into it but rather a matter of the heart and the bonds that grow out of it as she realizes how much she and her adopted grandmother share in their passion for creating fashion. Along the way Maggie finds love and opens her heart to her “adopted family.”
R. Fody
Jan. 28, 2025
R. Fody
Jan. 28, 2025
March 19, 2026
adventures
Very interesting story about how a family came to be during the journey west. Keeping a secret was tearing the mom apart and yet why did it need to be such a well kept secret from their only daughter. I did not understand why the mom was so embarrassed about her mother’s successful dress design business.
Very interesting story about how a family came to be during the journey west. Keeping a secret was tearing the mom apart and yet why did it need to be such a well kept secret from their only daughter. I did not understand why the mom was so embarrassed about her mother’s successful dress design business.
April 4, 2026
A Christian historical romance
This is a sweet story that makes an enjoyable quick read. The unexpected is resolved, the hurts are healed and their faith gives them the strength to carry on.
This is a sweet story that makes an enjoyable quick read. The unexpected is resolved, the hurts are healed and their faith gives them the strength to carry on.
June 14, 2025
AMAZING STORY
AMAZING STORY that really had you right there with the people on the wagon train living there hopes dreams and despair when something happens to them.
AMAZING STORY that really had you right there with the people on the wagon train living there hopes dreams and despair when something happens to them.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews