Maureen is the last book of the Harold Fry trilogy and since I had not read the previous two books, I went back and read them. They were excellent titles and I am happy Rachel Joyce decided to finish off the series with Maureen coming to grips with her life as Harold previously did. Thanks to Rachel and Net Galley!

Rachel Joyce has done it again! But this one is a short literary gem and not the lengthy pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Maureen Fry, whom we met 10 years ago in the first book of this trilogy now gets her own novel. Ten years ago, I joined Harold on his walk across England to see his old friend and co-worker, Queenie and became immersed in that heroic walk, in old tennis shoes and no luggage, becoming a major news story on TV.

I re-read my review of the second book to refresh my memory and saw I had only given it a disappointing two stars. Maureen, however, is a return to the spare and beautiful writing of the first book and I read it in one sitting.

Maureen Fry leaves Harold home with a freezer full of casseroles to visit Queenie's garden. She does not walk, but drives in a foggy, cold early winter. Maureen is not blessed with Harold's easy way with people, but we get to know her intimately on this journey. Her experiences reflect the differences in the couple's personalities. She is critical and unfriendly.

Many thanks to the author and publisher and to NetGalley for an early read of this novel.

This journey will bring her for the first time, to the garden where Queenie memorialized David, the Fry's son who committed suicide 30 years ago. I will not describe the garden, or the experience Maureen has there. Instead, I encourage you to read it for yourself. We all have dealt with grief and regret, but Maureen's journey will open your eyes and your heart.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC: A lovely, lyrical novella that completes the trilogy. Maureen's journey is an exploration of grief, aging, marriage, family, friendship and the ability to grow and change at any age. A longer review to come closer to publication. The entire trilogy is wonderful.

I have a soft spot for fictional curmudgeonly characters like Olive Kitteridge and Ove, and now I can add Maureen to the list. I don't know if it's because I recognize some parts of myself in them, or if it's because I feel empathy toward them. After all, they are dealing with a world and situations that are difficult and often nearly impossible.

Maureen is the third book in Rachel Joyce's Harold Fry trilogy, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I read and enjoyed The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry ten years ago but I never read the second book in the series, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy. Rachel Joyce has written about Maureen (she is Harold Fry's wife for those who had forgotten the story as I did) and her own pilgrimage, with a chapter that explains things quite neatly. Maureen and Harold have settled into a quiet life after Harold's epic walk across England, but that doesn't mean that Maureen is content. I think the publisher's blurb says it best without giving too much away; "But Maureen is not like Harold. By turns outspoken, then vulnerable, she struggles to form bonds with the people she meets, and the landscape she crosses has radically changed. And Maureen has no sense of what she will find at the end of the road."

I read this book in one sitting because I had to see how things turned out for Maureen. Yes, there may have been a relatively quick resolution, but Maureen learned the lessons she needed to along her journey, and this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed. It has inspired me to re-read the first book and read the second book in the trilogy for the first time. All of this adds up to 4.5 stars for me, rounded up because of the beautiful cover that first caught my eye.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. It will be published Feb. 7, 2023.

“It was about forgiveness, the whole story. Harold’s pilgrimage and Queenie’s letter, and now Maureen’s winter journey too. “ This is a lovely story that closes out the Harold Fry trilogy. Maureen is a rather difficult person to like, but we learn more about her and her own journey to understand herself. — 3.5 stars

Such a wonderful way to say goodbye to Maureen, Harold, kate and Queenie. I especially loved the interview with Maureen at the end. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

At 192 Kindle pages, this is a slim volume that ends the Harold Fry trilogy. This time Maureen gets her due. She's unlikable at first, but we slowly learn why. Her about face is a little too quick. Make sure you keep reading for the author's Q&A with Maureen after the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.

An easy read that kept me engaged with thoughtful characters and storyline - I’ll keep an eye for this author, no doubt!
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC opportunity!

This is powerful, heartfelt and definitely a wonderful story!
"It was about forgiveness, the whole story."
I have not read the first two stories in this trilogy, but intend to do just that to get a complete understanding of the family dynamics of all these characters.
However, that being said: It can also be a standalone and I loved it!
Maureen needs to find resolution, happiness and resume her life. Can she go on a journey to do this?
Will she be able to obtain what she seeks?
Her husband, Harold seems to be so much more at peace. He enjoys his days, but Maureen is in turmoil.
The journey is tough, but hopefully she will achieve peace.

I have to thank NetGalley and to Random House Publishing for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review. I cannot wait to start book 1!
Well done!!

OMG another Harold Fry novel!! Something I didn't know I needed but it was such a relief and a warm welcome to be back with Harold and all of those characters from the first book. What a great addition to the series :)