I enjoyed reading “Maxine: A Love Story” by Carol Denise Mitchell, who in my opinion, is an engaging writer who has written an intriguing story of love and relationships. I found this book to be a highly fascinating and engrossing story. For anyone who has ever faced the fear of vulnerability, navigated the trials of illness, or regretted missed opportunities, "Maxine" is a story that will touch your soul and remind you of the enduring power of love.

The characters in the story have ups and downs and pitfalls, some of which are due to not speaking the true way one feels, resulting in issues, problems, misunderstandings, and much more, just as in the real world. I liked how the author crafted all that into this fast-moving story and how she guided the reader through it which I enjoyed and found to be refreshingly unique. As I read, I also found this author’s style very distinct and special in this highly eventful and fast-moving book filled with unexpected events, twists, and turns that kept me entertained and made it difficult to put the book down.

I also liked the way the author explains how a woman truly feels in different circumstances and events and gives support and guidance, and I found it thought-provoking and highly romantic. It reminded me of what Carl Sandburg once wrote, “Life is like an onion. You peel off one layer at a time and sometimes you weep.”

In my view, the author has also shown rich character development which left me reflecting on the importance of seizing the moment and speaking from the heart.

As Stephen King said, “Writing isn't about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it's about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well.” As I see it, I think this exceptionally crafted story will enrich, educate, and entertain many readers.

All in all, I view this creative and inventive work as something you won’t find in many books. It's a special one, in my view! Very well done and highly recommended!


It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book, but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this exceptional story.

Author Carol Mitchel utilizes a great sense of character depth and dialogue-led storytelling in an emotional and introspective drama. Dr. Richard Logan's journey is a poignant exploration of love, friendship, and inner turmoil with plenty of dark corners to explore and lots of interesting tensions as his feelings go unreciprocated for so long. His character is deeply relatable and human despite these darknesses, thanks to the author’s attention to detail in crafting his every attitude and motivation in such a convincing way. His struggle to confess his love, leading to Maxine's marriage to Brad, is heart-wrenching because the audience can fully understand the circumstances that caused him to get into this mess. The narrative poignantly captures Logan’s internal conflict and his inability to move on, highlighting the often painful consequences of unspoken emotions. Mitchell’s storytelling masterfully intertwines personal and relational dynamics, Overall, I would certainly recommend Maxine as a compelling read that lingers long after the final page, and one that romance fans everywhere are sure to get engrossed in.