The Things We Lost – Maggie Giles

Maddie’s life is slowly coming apart. Her husband is distant, her days blur together, and she’s haunted by the tragic death of a friend from years ago. Then, after running into her ex-boyfriend, she starts wondering what might’ve happened if she had chosen differently. The next morning, she wakes up in an alternate reality — younger, living a completely different life. Her ex is now her partner, her daughters no longer exist, and her once-dead friend is alive. But as Maddie tries to make sense of this second chance, she begins to realize that happiness may not come from changing the past, but from facing herself.

I think this book found me at the perfect time. As an overthinker and overachiever, I often find myself questioning the what ifs — the choices that shape us and the ones we wish we could undo. I’ve always loved stories that explore alternate realities, and this one felt especially personal. Maddie isn’t an easy character to love; she’s flawed, impulsive, and often her own worst enemy. But watching her grow, face her guilt, and learn what really matters hit hard.

The suspense tied to her friend’s death and the subtle undercurrent of danger kept me hooked, even if I did guess the twist before it came. But honestly, the emotional journey mattered more than the mystery. It’s about regret, redemption, and learning to live with the choices we’ve made — something I think we all wrestle with at times.

This story made me pause, reflect, and even tear up a little. It reminded me that life rarely goes how we plan, but maybe it’s not meant to.

“When did my life go wrong? It’s more than a writer’s conference in Boston and my terrible mistake. My life hasn’t been right for ages.”

💫 Reflective, transformative, emotional.

🌿 Featured at Merveilles & Chuchotements (Whispers & Wonders)
I’m so happy to feature The Things We Lost by Maggie Giles on my shelves — a gripping and heartfelt story about choices, second chances, and rediscovering what truly matters. ✨