The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is another wonderful book by Laura Pearson. As always the cast of characters are ones you immediately warm to and want to spend time with, whilst reflecting on the important things in life. A heart warming and unique look at what would you do if you knew your what your future held.

I look forward to new release books from Laura Pearson as they are a fabulous read every time. This book was no exception, and I totally enjoyed it.
A thought provoking book, likeable characters, and from the offset this was written so well that it captured my interest.
I like the writing style, how it covers sensitive issues well, how it relates to humans and their natures in easy to understand language, thinking outside of the box book.
Loved it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.

I am not sure if magical realism would be the right phrase to use here, but I think it fits the book perfectly. This was such an interesting concept and the plot was well thought out with lots of real characters. I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, but I can understand whyit ended the way it did.

The charatcers were very real, except I kept picturing Maddy as being around 22 instead of 26 as she was a bit immature for her age, but other than that I really enjoyed everything about this book. It felt like a perfect little escape from reality.

When teenage Maddy had sex for the first time she saw the future with the boy she was with, and it was not something she wanted. And it was not a one off experience. Every time she is with a man she sees ten years into her future with him. An adult now, she has never had a relationship because she has never found an appealing future, until Oliver. But there are parts of their future together she can’t quite understand and piecing them together might destroy the relationship they have in the present.
@laurapauthor has become one of my favourite cozy authors. Always providing an interesting concept to explore love and relationships. This was no exception. How much would you change if you could see the future? This delightful book hits shelves Feb 4 2025
Thank you to @netgalley and @theboldbookclub for letting me review #themanyfuturesofmaddyhart in exchange for getting to read it a little early.
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― ´⁠arc review`⁠✧

3★

Well the premise was Maddy Hart could see the future, interesting naa? Tho it has a catch. she should be having sex with that person and during this she finds herself transferred into 10 years in future and what it looks like with him. The idea behind it was definitely odd but exceptional.

The way I am pulling towards magical realism these days hehe, it’s not funny anymore.
And can we talk about the cover? This has no reason to be this pretty.

‘You know how my character is reincarnated, over and over again, and has a different love in each life? I mean, of course you know. You are the love of all my lives.’

My thoughts:
Initially it started off strong but halfway it got predictable and the ending? Abrupt and underwhelming. I thought in the first half it could be a solid 4 stars but idk where it went wrong.
The narrative was intriguing and the concept of altering your present to change your future was cleverly written. But the plot holes and underdeveloped scenarios didn’t work well with me.
Mrs. Aziz and Henry were my favorite side characters. I loved how meaningful their presence was in the book. Ngl every character has their own significance but these two have my heart. I wanna give the biggest hug to Henry. The disability rep in this book is my favorite thing about it.

Thanks to the author, Laura Pearson, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.

I think it would be kinda cool to be able to get glimpses of ten years in the future though it brings the question of fate or destiny and could you change it by different actions or are you making it come true because you saw it that way? Maddy is the lucky character in this novel with that extra glimpse and throughout the novel, made choices to get to that one future she liked though she did struggle with letting others know (even Priya who is the most awesome best friend) when it might affect them too. But I loved how she tried to make the best decisions and the sacrifices she made to direct the path to include her lovely possible future daughter. This is such a sweet and a little heartbreaking book full of mostly wonderful characters that are easy to love (like Oliver, and Maddy's brother and family) with the exception of Charlotte though the future Maddy wanted had to include her. I do like how those glimpses also were able to prepare Maddy for what was to come so she could be strong and supportive and also find fulfillment in love, her career, and her life.

So, this is a good book with likeable characters, a cool storyline and a very satisfying ending.

Laura Pearson’s The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a beautifully written, thought-provoking read. The novel follows Maddy Hart, a woman whose life has been shaped by an unusual happening which leads to a series of pivotal moments and decisions, each of which has the potential to change her future in unexpected ways.
This book is different, but typical in what I expect from this author – I always know I will get a great, interesting take on things. The story delves into various possible futures for Maddy, each reflecting different paths she could take based on the choices she alone can make. This keeps the reader intrigued as they follow Maddy through alternate scenarios, each one offering a new perspective on her life and the consequences of her actions. It made me consider how I would respond in a similar situation and how it must weigh heavy on you all the time.
Maddy is a great character, she’s relatable and completely likeable. Maddy’s struggles, desires, and personal growth resonate with how everyone struggles and must learn as they work their way through life. The book also does an excellent job of exploring themes like regret, ambition, and the search for meaning in life, without ever feeling preachy or contrived.
Ultimately, The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is an insightful and poignant novel about the power of choices and the roadmaps of our lives. Pearson has created a story that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, making it a brilliant read. Perfect for fans of character-driven stories.

I LOVE Laura Pearson's books! She never fails to amaze me with her creativity. I enjoy the characters as they're always relatable. They're the type of people you'd live to sit and chat with. I especially appreciate Pearson's ability to make me think about situations in completely new ways. Thanks #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks #LauraPearson

Love, love, loved it! This is the fourth I've read from Pearson and the fourth five star worthy book.

Pictue the scene...you meet someone, find yourself in their bed, do the dirty and somehow find yourself looking ten years into your future...what a concept! I found it fascinating and slightly freaky if I'm being honest.

Maddy was charming and I immediately found myself emotionally invested into her character. The supporting cast were all likeable too, adding their own personality and warmth to the overall story.

The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a wonderful 'what if' story full of emotion and a sprinkling of magical realism.

Maddie sees ten years into the future whenever she sleeps with someone. Every time the future looks bleak so she avoids dating to avoid seeing the future. Then comes Oliver . It feels different this time around which makes taking the risk feel worth it. Maddy is then faced with the choice of continuing to see the future or figure out how to stop the visions. This was a nice love story and I was rooting for Maddy. At the same time I felt a little sad throughout the book. Everyone’s life has ups and downs, good and bad times but do we want to know the future? It was enjoyable, drew me in and had me invested in the characters. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my review.

Every time Maddy has sex with a partner she sees them 10 years in the future. It makes it kind of hard to date. A really intriguing book, how would you cope if you knew what your future held?

I loved the characters, Maddy and her best friend Priya have such a lovely friendship. A really enjoyable read.

In a Nutshell: A contemporary fantasy-romance. Okay lead character, great supporting characters, unique plot, fast tempo, abrupt ending. Good for those who like thought-provoking books.

Plot Preview:
Whenever Maddy has *intimate relations*, her mind takes her ten years in the future, not as a watcher but as living in her own future self. Though this lasts only for a few moments, it is enough to show Maddy a glimpse of what future lies ahead for her with her current partner-in-bed. Needless to say, these future visions ensure that she doesn’t sleep around. But when, at age twenty-seven, she meets Oliver, who could be the love of her life, and she sees their future together, she knows for certain that she wants that future. No matter the cost.
The story comes to us in Maddy’s first-person perspective.

PSA: The GR blurb reveals too much.


This is my fourth book by this author, and my reading experience has been mostly consistent. Two of the books – ‘The Last List of Mabel Beaumont’ and ‘The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up’ – were proper women’s fiction titles, and they were good though not mind-blowing. The other two books - ‘The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine’ and this latest novel – had shades of magical realism, and they both clicked much better because of their imaginative plots.


Bookish Yays:
😍 The concept. Whether this falls under magical realism or fantasy, the idea is certainly unique. It’s always nice to see atypical premises being explored within what readers usually consider a predictable genre. The plot explores the question of “Is it good to know what your future holds?” convincingly. (Answer: It never is!)
😍 Oliver is not like typical romance novel leads. He is too good to be true, so much so that I kept viewing him with suspicion, waiting to see some red flag to pop up. I liked how his personality showed strength as well as vulnerability.
😍 The depiction of the two Asian characters in the book satisfied this South Asian a lot. Priya, Maddy’s friend and possibly of Indian origin, was the perfect bestie to Maddy. Their rapport and mutual support set high friendship goals. Then there was Mrs. Aziz, who stayed in the same building and might be of South Asian or Middle-Eastern origin. She too was an excellent character who had a good (albeit small) role in the book. This is one of the few times I’ve seen a Muslim character being treated like an ordinary human being instead of as a person restricted or dogmatised by their faith. In fact, both Priya and Mrs. Aziz are realistically written without hackneyed references to their background.
😍 Maddy’s mother, her stepfather, and her brother add to the emotional quotient of the book without making it feel sappy. I loved the realistic portrayal of the struggles of a family after a life-changing incident.
😍 Maddy and Oliver are aspiring actors, so the book highlights the struggles of this career choice well, without diving into too many clichés.
😍 The handling of the timelines, present and future, is creative and well-written. I had been a bit apprehensive about reading a novel that seemed to have plenty of sex scenes, but all the bedroom encounters are closed-door, with Maddy’s shift to the future written seamlessly.
😍 Despite the tricky plotline and a long timeline, the writing is fast and smooth. Thanks to the short chapters, the book zooms by.
😍 While I didn’t pick this book up for the romance, I was still mostly satisfied with how it was written. The connection between Maddy and Oliver is somewhat instant but not based on shallow reasons. Their relationship is mostly supportive and healthy, with lot of open communication except about Maddy’s obvious secret.
😍 I always like books that make me wonder what I would have done in that character’s situation. I honestly think I wouldn’t have taken many of the choices Maddy made, but this made the book more intriguing to me as Maddy’s actions added a slight uncertainty to the proceedings.
😍 I didn’t expect to go into philosophical musings while reading this book, but its indirect exploration of free will vs determinism kept my mind busy while reading. Can you really have control over the future? Would you manipulate your present, or even sabotage it, in order to ensure that it matches the future you saw in a vision? Or would you just go with the flow, believing that life will take you wherever it wants you to go? No clear answers to these questions, but fun to ponder upon.

Bookish Mixed Bags:
🤔 The ending. To be clear, it is not a bad ending, but it is not a “women’s fiction” ending. Perhaps I wouldn’t have been surprised to see such a finish in a literary fiction work, but in this book, I was certainly caught unawares. It’s a brave decision to end the book at that point, but also a risky one. I feel that of all the readers who might end up disliking the book, most of them will do so because of the ending. I am still deciding whether I like it or not!

Bookish Nays:
🙁 I couldn’t connect strongly with Maddy, especially because of the decisions she makes, always using more heart than head. She is impulsive and keeps jumping to (oft incorrect) conclusions. This makes her feel more like the lead of a YA novel than of an adult fiction. Her first-person narration also gives us several contradictions, especially when she observes the future. It felt like deliberate misleading.

All in all, this isn’t a typical fantasy-romance. While the eponymous Maddy Hart left me unsure about her motivations and actions, the other characters and the unusual plotline kept me hooked. It goes without saying that I will continue to read Laura Pearson novels without any hesitation because all her books offer food for thought.
As there’s no possibility of adding an epilogue to this novel anymore, I insist that this book get a sequel. After investing so much in Maddy’s fantastical journey into her future, we deserve more closure. *hint, hint, Boldwood Books!*
Definitely recommended to those who enjoy atypical romance stories with a strong dollop of magical realism, and don’t mind impulsive characters and incomplete plot points.

3.75 stars. (With only one Mixed Bag and one Nay, another novel would perhaps have earned a higher rating. But both those issues were major hurdles for me and this dipped my overall reading experience.)

My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and author Laura Pearson for a complimentary copy of 'The Many Futures of Maddy Hart' via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

The digital version of this book is currently available free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.

Imagine being able to see 10 years into the future with every person you date. Sounds like a blessing, right? For Maddy Hart, it’s more of a curse. After one bad future after another, she finally finds someone with a future worth sticking around for; only to realize that a happy ending doesn’t mean an easy journey.

I loved the mix of magical realism and romance, but what really stood out was Maddy’s personal growth. Her struggles as a freelance actress felt so real, and the family dynamics with her mom and brother added so much heart. Some plot points were a bit messy, but I didn’t mind;I was too caught up in the emotions.

A solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me! It made me think about love, fate, and how sometimes the journey matters just as much as the destination.

Thank you to Boldwood Books & NetGalley for the eARCS

#TheManyFuturesofMaddyHart #NetGalley

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Many Futures Of Maddy Hart' by Laura Pearson.

Another absolutely fabulous, beautiful, unique, stunning must read from this incredible author!!! Absolutely love, love, loved it!!! This book has fantastic descriptions that set you straight in the scenes. The cover, title and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this stunning, unique feel good page turner!! Well done Laura on yet another thought provoking page turning beauty! The storyline itself was absolutely unputdownable so make sure you clear your schedules before starting to read it!!

Laura does it yet again!! I mean, seriously lady!!! How can you keep coming up with some superb, unique and stunning storylines each and every single time??? I just absolutely adored everything when it comes to this book and it really is one of the most stunning books I have read this year!! In this one of a kind novel we meet Maddy Hart who has discovered that any time she sleeps with someone she is transported 10 years into the future to the life she will have with that person. Well, I will tell you one thing that would have been a handy "talent" to have a few times!! She only sees a short amount of time in the future but it is enough to keep her away from men after doing the deed for a while. However, all that changes when she finds a future that she wants with a guy that she wants. However it is not going to be made that easy for Maddy. She has decisions to make including whether to choose her future happiness over her present and how much she is going to let the visions influence what she foes in the moment. To find these out you need to get your copy of this absolutely amazing book and find out for yourselves as I am not going to risk spoiling it for you and I can guarantee you will not regret reading this amazing book! With an absolutely beautiful and unique storyline ram packed with what ifs, romance, friendship, choices, charm, suspense, love, amazing characters and absolutely everything you could ask for and much more what on earth are you waiting for people?? Grab this book today and fall in love with Laura Pearson and Maddy Hart!!! Laura has such an absolutely amazing, creative and imaginative brain to come up with this absolutely amazing concept of seeing what your life will be like in 10 years with that person you sleep with. It really makes you think if that is something that would be a gift or a curse. I was fascinated watching how Maddy's personalities, friendships and relationships developed and changed throughout the book. It was absolutely gorgeous watching the characters all grow, develop and change as they each went through their own heartbreak, dramas, life changes, romances and much more. I was rooting for Maddy throughout needing her to get her happy ever after!!! If you are looking for a stunning read filled with romance, intrigue, friendship, feel good moments and so much more then this is definitely the perfect book for you!! Laura's evocative writing skills sucks the reader seep into the pages bringing the storyline to life along with all the amazing characters. While reading this book you will kept swept away and left feeling happy and filled with warmth. This book is an absolutely stunning and thought provoking read that is perfect to lift your spirits!! I think this is definitely one of the most, if not the most thought provoking and unique book that I have ever read, just an absolute treasure!!! The previous also being other books by this amazingly talented author. When turning the pages of this must read Laura takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions from heartbreak, happiness, love, sadness, bliss and so much more!! I truly felt like I was next to Maddy throughout the book. I devoured this book in a few hours as it is one of those that I just could not put down. There were so many times that I told myself that I would just finish the one chapter and then go back to it but that chapter ended in a way that I could not put it down and then the next one did and then the next and so on until I came to very last page. I would absolutely love to see this beauty turned into a movie and I will be at the front of the queue to go and see it!! Laura's writing skills will absolutely absorb you into the book and whether you are in the world you will be devoured in the story in the blink of an eye.

Clear your schedules and grab your tissues. I could not put this stunning, unique and emotive book down and devoured it in a few hours!!!

The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I was completely invested in Maddy along with each and every one of the other characters and I already miss most of them even though I have just closed the pages. All of the characters are intriguing, unique, strong and I absolutely loved meeting each and everyone one of them. The only disappointment is that they are not actually real as I would love to sit down and have a cuppa with them and get to know even more about them all. It absolutely loved being able to see the characters develop their personalities, relationships and friendships amongst other things, seeing them grow in strength and empowering themselves and each other. An absolutely amazing gang of characters who will stay with me for a long time and I am already missing them. Laura's evocative writing skills didn't just bring the storyline to life but also this amazing group of characters so another huge well done Laura.

What are you waiting for?!? Pick up one of my favourite, unique and thought provoking page turners and get ready to get sucked in to this addictive book!!!

ANOTHER MASSIVE WELL DONE to Laura on yet another HUGE success!!! I loved every page of your book and I cannot wait to read more past and future amazing books. This is exactly why you are on my FAVOURITE authors list and I cannot wait for your next page turner. Here's to your next success 🥂!

Overall an unputdownable, unforgettable, unique book that will keep you hooked!!

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This is a challenging concept, and I was completely on Maddy’s side when she decided to avoid dating, as the idea that I could see the future would absolutely freak me out. Having resisted for years, she then meets Oliver, and she decides to take a small look into what their future may look like. What she didn’t anticipate was that their future could be almost perfect.
Maddy is an ideal protagonist, and her depth of character leads to joy and a little sadness. Her life has been filled with a drive to become an actor, a process that has led to some questionable roles and a volume of disappointment along the way. Despite all of that, she remains positive, and her outlook is contagious.
Meeting Oliver is just what Maddy needs. His gentle, comedic nature soon lifts her spirits and helps her deal with another questionable role. She certainly hadn’t applied to become Santa’s little helper! Despite her burgeoning attraction to Oliver, Maddy knows that exploring her feelings is pointless and yet, resisting him is clearly pointless.
Laura Pearson’s writing is exceptional, and her characters are perfectly imagined. I would love to have a Priya to confide in. Their friendship is truly special and has survived since their schooldays, leading to a house share and an unlimited source of support.
I wondered how this glorious story would pan out, and now that I know, there will be no spoilers from me. This book brought me so much joy despite the challenges involved, and knowing in advance would have tainted my enjoyment. Take a leap of faith and discover the joys of The Many Futures of Maddy Hart.

2.7 Stars
One Liner: It's not you, it's me! Didn't work for me

Every time, Maddy thinks she found the one and takes things with them into the bedroom, she blanks out and goes into the future. There, she sees herself with the guy ten years down the lane. Let’s just say, these little glimpses are enough to make her run and not look back.
However, Maddy meets Oliver and sees a happy and beautiful future with him… but only if she breaks his heart now. Should Maddy destroy her present for a future she sees?
The story comes in Maddy’s first-person POV in different timelines (neatly marked).

My Thoughts:
Well, no way I can resist a premise like this! I’ve read one book by the author and liked it. However, it also made me expect a certain writing style and not finding it here took a while to get used to.
Since the FMC is twenty-six, she is clearly not mature enough for a heavier writing style. In that sense, the overall vibe fits the characters perfectly. The narration is also fast-paced in the first half.
The concept of blanking out into the future is well done. There’s no confusion at any point. Moreover, it doesn’t feel awkward or give us too many details. Even the intimate scenes fade out.
Priya surely added some charm to the book (Priya and Anushka seem be to the most popular Indian names used by Western authors, lol). She is a good friend despite the theatrics (Maddy is an actor but Priya excels in drama). I think her track is much better than the central plot though we don’t get a lot of information.
The subplot involving the stepbrother’s condition is touching and adds much-needed depth to the plot. I also like that it is kept realistic.
The MMC is pretty decent. However, my major issue is that I couldn’t feel/ connect with their relationship at any point. It’s hard to feel their emotions or the love they have for each other.
Some of Maddy’s decisions aren’t good/ respectful, considering how much she seems to like the guy. In fact, I don’t like quite a few of her decisions. And to think the guy feels he is lucky to have her. If only he knew the truth!
My issue is the FMC. While it makes sense for her to act immature, her decisions tend to be stupid as well. There’s no other word for it. Though the premise makes it clear a breakup is necessary, the reasons and the whole thought process around it are… annoying. As much as I understand the need to control whatever we can of our future, the FMC spends almost all her time letting the future dictate her actions rather than trying to change the future by taking control of her present. The concept of free will is important in astrology, tarot reading, etc. There are no guarantees even if some people insist otherwise.
Even if I let this go, the ending is so dissatisfying! I mean, why would you give it such a strange development and end it like that? It feels like a rushed attempt to conclude the story somehow. I wish it was better handled.

To summarize, The Many Futures of Maddy Hart has an irresistible premise and a few worthy themes but it didn’t work for me. This is more of a me problem, so please check other reviews before you decide.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

The Many Futures of Maddy Hart by Laura Pearson is a thought-provoking and emotional exploration of love, destiny, and choice. Maddy Hart has the ability to glimpse her future, but each time she does, she finds a life she doesn’t want. When she meets Oliver, she sees the possibility of happiness—but at a price. To have the life she desires with him, she must face the difficult decision of breaking his heart. This novel delves into the complexities of relationships and the impact of our decisions, with a unique twist on fate and personal fulfillment. A captivating read that will leave you questioning the paths we choose in life.

Aspiring actress Maddy lives in London and tries to make it big whilst surviving through her side hustles. On another failed 'acting' job she meets Oliver and then fate brings them together again. Maddy 'sees' the future with her boyfriends and with Oliver she sees a future she likes. However, to make this happen Maddy knows that there will be pain ahead.
I don't know why, but Laura Pearson is an author who's books I love even though they are not in a genre that I would normally pick up. This is feel-good, emotional fiction ideally suited to book clubs etc but for me it is a one evening read that just works. Here the story is sweet with a slight edge, it is emotive and there is a slight twist at the end, all a bit pleasant but then I get sucked in and I can't put it down until I've finished!

I really like Pearson and her books but I'm soad at the ending, and not like a good mad, like a real mad. There's going to be spoilers here.
Problem 1. Maddy tells Oliver that she's from the future while they are speeding in a car in the rain. This makes no sense because Maddy has been very careful and calculated with her visions and how she handles them the whole book, there's no way she would have just blurted it out in a speeding car as soon as she just found out she's pregnant. She would have told him at home on the couch.
Problem 2. Fine then visions stop, good even it would have been annoying if they kept going and yes she should want some surprise in her life. But to leave the reader hanging was just mean, the whole book felt set up for an epilogue considering the future was actually current time now. It would have been much better to pick up at current time and let us know what happened in the car. I don't mind a book that leaves room for the imagination but not even knowing if they crashed or not was too far.

Another lovely book by Laura. A book that I was drawn into the storyline and struggled to put down. Thank you for the ARC.