This was my second book by the author. I didn't love the first one but I am always willing to give a new author a shot! I think this is a case of good writing for the wrong audience. This book didn't hit the spot for me, but I think the writing style would be great for other friends with different tastes- friends of Elin Hillenbrand and more traditional love stories?

"A Happy Catastrophe" by Maddie Dawson is a delightful and heartwarming novel that skillfully blends humor, love, and self-discovery. Dawson's writing style is engaging, drawing readers into the lives of the quirky and relatable characters that populate the story. The protagonist's journey of navigating unexpected life changes and embracing the chaos is both entertaining and resonant. The plot unfolds with a perfect balance of comedic moments and poignant reflections, creating a narrative that keeps the reader thoroughly engaged. Overall, "A Happy Catastrophe" is a charming and feel-good read, showcasing Dawson's ability to capture the beauty in life's unpredictable twists and turns.

4 Stars

Usually, because I don’t read sequels close together, I struggle to remember what happened in the previous book. No problem here. The author did a fantastic job with filling in the details of the first book without being overly detailed. Because of this I also feel like it can be read as a standalone.

Although somewhat predictable, as I feel romances tend to be, I did like the balance of the side stories in this book as it wasn’t all about the main characters. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more by this author.

Matchmaking for Beginners was such a fun book that I just had to read A Happy Catastophe! This was such a happy, fun read! Highly recommend!

I had hoped it would sweep me off my feet and be amazing but it just wasn`t.
Patrick and Marnie was annoying together, i did not see the chemistry or how they fit together.

One of our fav rom-coms. Loved that one character was ready to take the plunge while the other was still hanging onto history. We worried that we wouldn't follow the story since it was a follow up (we didn't know at first!) but it reads wonderfully all on it's own!

I have not read the first book in this series as I didn’t know there was one, but I think this can be read as a stand-alone!

I was quite pleasantly surprised with this story but it was quite emotional and a little bit of a wild ride. I found it to be wholesome and I connected with the characters as I felt they were lively.

This story shows us that sometimes life can drag us down even when we don’t realize it’s leading us to greater things. Things we didn’t know we needed or wanted.

I highly recommend this book!

BOOK REVIEW: A Happy Catastrophe by Maddie Dawson

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pages: 385
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Sub-Genre: Funny Books To Read
Location: Brooklyn, New York

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Matchmaking For Beginners by Maddie Dawson
Movie: Definitely, Maybe

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All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Although I haven't read the first book in the series, A Happy Catastrophe was easy enough to piece together. Unfortunately, I did not like the characters as much as I hoped to. Patrick has a serious emotional baggage while being the relationship with Marnie and instead of dealing with it and talking to a therapist, Marnie continues to pester him and kind of force him into having a baby with her. Although it does have a happy ended, I was too annoyed by the characters to like it in the end. Overall, it was not my cup of tea.

I found this to be an enjoyable read, keeping me on my toes throughout. The storyline was written well and flowed seamlessly. I look forward to reading more by this author!

Okay, I dont know what it is but I have tried to read this book at least three different time. I want so badly to like the characters but it’s just not doing it for me.
I think the idea of the book sounds like i would like it. I will try again later.

I’ve given this book a solid try two times and realized it’s not exactly for me. While it has its charm, I hardly ever put a book down unless I absolutely felt it wasn’t the right fit.

It is official - I am now a Maddie Dawson fan! This book was a departure from my normal Christian Fiction and History reads. I am so glad that I took time to venture beyond my norm. I have definitely suggested this book to many friends. What a delight!

I'll start by saying I read this one before Matchmaking was on my radar - but now I'm going back to read that one for SURE - and I believe I've found a new favorite author for sure!
This book picks up with Marnie MacGraw and Patrick Delaney and their relationship, now a few years later. They are doing great but still some struggles with Patrick having trouble moving past the tragedy he has experienced. He's very introverted and likes to stay hidden away whereas Marnie is a very extroverted people person. To top it all off, Marnie is ready for a baby, while Patrick is very hesitant. Well, the universe has plans of its own for the couple - in the form of an 8-year-old girl named Fritzie (Patrick's daughter from a previous relationship) that ends up on their doorstep.
I LOVE THIS BOOK. I loved the characters - and now I want Marnie to be my BFF. This story was equal parts romance, drama, quirkiness, and warm fuzzy hugs for me. Biggest thing for me is that it was relatable and more realistic than some of these romance books I've read in the past. I've found a new favorite in Maddie Dawson for sure!!
Thanks you to Maddie Dawson, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

Pleasantly surprised for a 2nd time. The original was as heartwarming as the 2nd. You can't help but love Marnie and her sparkles. This book dives deeper into her relationships, taking on a business and family stress - you can't help but relate to a woman trying to do it all with many bumps along the way. It was a delightful read, as always by Maddie Dawson.

Marnie and her powerful optimism reminded me of myself, or my younger self. I felt so connected to the story, but I wish I knew it had a first book, but it can be definitely read as a standalone as well.
It was a beautiful story about love, loss and family! I really enjoyed it!

I so badly wanted to love this book after loving the first book in the series but it just fell flat for me. I couldn't finish this one :(

This was such a fun and feel good read. I've enjoyed others by Maddie Dawson so it's no surprise that I enjoyed this one as well.

A Happy Catastrophe is a heartwarming story about love and family. Patrick and Marnie are such a cute couple but are going through a few hiccups. I really liked that Maddie Dawson gives readers a real and relatable representation of a couple.

In this book, Marnie starts talking to Patrick about starting a family. This terrifies him a bit and he starts to become more closed off. A surprise shows up that stuns both Patrick and Marnie.

I liked the family aspect of the story and it was so good to see this couple and their new addition grow together.

I give A Happy Catastrophe 4 stars. Readers definitely have to read the first book to fully grasp the significance of this book. I am a fan of Maddie Dawson's and this was a complicated romance with a few feel good moments.

This book is a follow-up book to Matchmaking for Beginners and picks up where it left off. Marnie again is her funny, fun loving, magical self and of course Patrick is the same. Patrick's daughter Fritzie is the most fun of the book. She is 8 going on 30 and puts the adults to shame with her insight and wisdom.

A typical rom-com, light hearted, funny, and just want my soul needed right now.