4.25 stars. Laura manages to write lovely stories with characters you really feel for, and interesting storylines that really make you wonder how she comes up with the ideas… this one sees Maddy have visions of her 10 year future every time she sleeps with a man. After a handful of not good visions, she’s stayed alone until one day she bumps back into an actor she briefly worked with in a Christmas grotto… and she begins to see a positive future. You end up rooting for her, Oliver, Priya, and her parents and brother. Another excellent book by Laura ❤️

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

This book is about a woman who, every time she has sex, sees her own future ten years from now (if she stays with the man she's with).

The premise is intriguing if odd, and the author is very good at maintaining tension and little questions that keep you reading. However, not much actually happens in this book, and the end feels unsatisfying because it's so abrupt.

I really enjoyed The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson, so I'd like to have enjoyed this book. But having read her other work only made me more aware of the lacking character development and actual events in this book.

This review is based on an eARC provided through Netgalley.

This book is very reminiscent of In Five Years by Rebecca Serle. I loved how interesting the premise is and how absolutely gorgeous Laura Pearson's writing is. I look forward to reading many more books from her in the future.

The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is the latest book by Laura Pearson. An author whose books I really look forward to reading, so when the publishers, Boldwood, get in touch to ask if I would like to read it pre-publication, the answer is a resounding yes.

As you would expect from this author, the book synopsis is unique, unlike anything I have read before. Our protagonist, Maddy Hart, has the ability to see her future; in very small snippets, and only when her current self is in a very specific situation.
How much heed should Maddy pay to her visions? Should she let it dictate both her current decisions, and those with longer term ramifications?

The story drew me in very quickly. I connected with the likeable central characters well, Mandy’s family, as well as her lovely friend Priya. They all have depth, even the ancillary characters like the kindly Mrs Aziz. As the book concludes, the reader has the autonomy to decide where the story will take Maddy, and those closest to her, which I liked. I know how I have chosen to see that future.

Laura Pearson, when I’m reading your books, you make me feel so relaxed and immersed. I fly through them, caught up in these marvellous worlds you have painted in my mind, fully invested in the character’s lives. It is perfect, gentle escapism. Thank you.

Laura has a rare talent. One for getting the reader between the pages very quickly, a cracking plot and characters you would like to meet in real Life. Maddy has a gift, or is it? When having sex she can see ten years into her future and if that person is with her or not. This puts her off having boyfriends for a long time but when she meets Oliver when looking for accommodation, who by chance she briefly worked with , things change. When she meets Isla in her future, Maddy knows she has to work things out which isn't going to be easy.

This is a stunning, uplifting read and one I devoured. It's a very comfortable, at times emotional, read and one that perhaps makes the reader reflect on their own lives a little and to appreciate the moment. One I wanted to read “ one more chapter” and another and another……Loved this doesn't do this justice. Stunning, brilliant, clever and most certainly memorable. 5 stars really are not enough.


For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog
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The next time I discuss far out concepts that somehow work as plot devices this will be the first novel to come to mind.

Maddy sees a decade into the future each time she's intimate with a man. The possible futures she sees drives her to near celibacy. Until she meets Oliver.

Oliver has a nurturing personality making him an incredible love interest. He was likable and I couldn't help, but root for the guy.

The content isn't graphic the story is more about how future knowledge shapes present decisions. The magical realism aspects remain understated, while relationships of all sorts are central.

Maddy's best friend is kind and genuine character. I loved how these women wanted the best for each other. So often we don't see women being truly supportive and I appreciated the bond these two shared. Maddy's family adds an emotional plot thread that is easy to become invested in.

A captivating answer to the question....What if?

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the Advance Readers Copy.

This was an unusual but thoughtful read about how you would live your life if you knew how it might be 10 years from now. Every time Maddy gets intimate she sees a vision of what her life with the man in question would be like in ten years, until she met Oliver this deterred her from having relationships but when she realises that she not only likes Oliver now but also the life they could have in the future she lets herself fall in love. What was most interesting though was the impact her future life had on her and how it impacted the life she lives now, in some ways this was a positive but in others it really wasn’t. I liked the characters and I loved the concept, overall this was well paced but I felt parts near the end felt more rushed but I liked how the author ended the visions whilst also leaving Maddy’s future life very much unknown.

What a fantastic read. I have loved all of Laura's books and this one is no exception it grips you from the beginning. It's a really good story and beautifully written full of warmth and charm. It a story of friendship, family, relationship's andmuch more with Maddy and her visions of the future at the heart of the novel it makes this lovely heartwarming read. Another winner I'm sure

Laura Pearson’s The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that explores the ripple effects of one moment and how a single decision can shape an entire life. With its poignant narrative and richly drawn characters, this book is a masterclass in emotional storytelling.

Maddy Hart is a relatable and deeply human protagonist, and Pearson does an extraordinary job of capturing her inner turmoil and hopes. The novel’s structure, with its exploration of multiple possibilities and alternate paths, is captivating, making readers reflect on the “what-ifs” in their own lives. Each future feels fully realized, offering unique insights into Maddy’s character and the world around her.

Pearson’s prose is lyrical yet grounded, balancing profound emotional depth with moments of lightness and hope. The themes of love, loss, resilience, and self-discovery resonate deeply, making this story both heart-wrenching and uplifting.

While the concept of alternate futures could have been overwhelming, Pearson handles it with clarity and finesse, ensuring the story remains engaging and easy to follow. The result is a novel that feels both intimate and universal, leaving readers with a sense of wonder about life’s infinite possibilities.

The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a stunning exploration of life’s choices and their consequences—a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven fiction with a touch of the extraordinary.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

After enjoying Laura Pearson’s book ‘The last lost of Mabel Beaumont’, I was keen to read her latest offering. I always seem to enjoy books with a time travel type element so Maddy’s presence in visions of the future whenever she has sex was an interesting premise. I was hooked in and finished the book within 24 hours. The key characters were likeable and overall I really liked it. The only downside for me was that the ending felt quite rushed, and I was left wanting a little more ‘wrapping up’.

Laura Pearson wrote a winner in The Many Futures of Maddy Hart. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!

How does she do it! Another great offering from Laura Pearson -> two in the space of a few months!!

Maddy has the ability to see glimpses of her "what could be" future shaped by her decisions in the present. during key moments in her relationships, and it changes how she lives her life - a big of a double edged sword really.

The idea of seeing the future—and how it affects your present—is thought-provoking and it got me wondering about my own life choices and the paths I didn’t take and choices I didn’t make.

This was a pleasant read, however, I think it simply wasn’t for me.

The idea is wonderful and original. It wasn’t badly executed but I would have wanted to see it done differently.

I liked Maddy though so I still enjoyed my read.

The Many Futures of Maddy Hart by Laura Pearson is an intriguing book that I couldn't put down.

Maddy gets glimpses of her future in small snippets and it's enough to make her break off relationships and keep changing her life in this book that goes back and forth between now and the future.

Maddy seems to make split second decisions due to her visions, but she has her best friend to help her and then she meets Oliver (again) and she finds a future she may want to keep.

I can't imagine having these kinds of visions and the author weaves an intriguing tale of Maddy's decisions and the consequences of them. The book left me imagining what I would do in her circumstances and that's always a good thing - a book that leaves you thinking when you're done with it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in consideration of an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I loved how this story went to current to future. Was very interesting to read that way. Can't imagine having visions like that but then again could be very cool. Strong characters which I loved. I really enjoyed reading this book.


Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.

Maddy sees various futures every time she… Oh, use your imagination people. How unsettling. It might put you off ever stepping near a bedroom other than to sleep. That is until she meets Oliver. Will her visions be of a perfect future? Will she dare to find out?

Now, if you’re panicking wondering if THAT door is wide open, it’s not. There’s just enough to give you insight into her possible future. So rest assured - which is more than Maddy often does!

I really like the concept of this latest novel from the talented Laura Pearson. It helps greatly that the central characters are so likeable that I find myself immersed in all the possibilities. Priya, Maddy’s best friend plays a central role, Maddy’s family are lovely and there’s a good storyline to follow there. I could fall in love with Oliver myself, he’s quite a catch and a terrific, caring human being. Maddy is an entertaining central protagonist although there are a few of her actions that make little sense to me but do to her. These do add to the emotion of the read. It’s full of the twists and turns of life, the ups and downs with the addition of the unsettling concept. What would you do to if faced with Maddy’s life? At times she does seem very certain but, what if it’s wrong???

The plot has plenty of layers to it, there’s a lot going on as there are in many people’s lives which adds a touch of realism to the improbable concept which I do enjoy, as it’s different. The writing is engaging, sensitive and compassionate, at times it’s quite funny and at others emotional. Maddy’s internal conflict and inability to share the improbability of this with pretty much everyone comes across well. The ending is a bit abrupt but it works as life should be uncertain.

I’d say this is another winner for Laura Pearson.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Boldwood Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

ARC review:
As a mostly fantasy reader i have now opened up my eyes to reading even more non- fantasy books, because this was really good! This book has a very original and interesting plot-line, and i ended up reading it in less than 24 hours. The writing was easy to read, with lots of likable and realistic characters!

This is not your typical lighthearted romance novel, but it is a deep story that touches on a lot of important and difficult topics and dilemmas. It has heartbreak, family, love, friendship, moral dilemmas and more. A book that can definitely open up your eyes about certain things in life. Also it had quite the ending!

I would definitely recommend this book to any reader, as i think this can be enjoyable for many readers regardless of what genres they usually read <3

Thank you so much to Boldwood Books for giving me this arc in exchange for an honest review. And also a bing thank you to Netgalley and the Author Laura Pearson!

This is a delightful novel about Mandy, her family, best friend, Priya, and her love, Oliver. Mandy’s secret is time travel who she only shares this knowledge with Priya. To find out how her time traveling occurs, you will need to read the novel. There is never a dull moment and a very fun read. I thank NetGalley (https://www.netgallery.com) for an advanced copy. I really had enjoyed reading this light hearted novel.

Book Preview and Review: The Many Futures of Maddy Hart by Laura Pearson
Laura Pearson, the No. 1 bestselling author of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, returns in 2025 with a breathtaking and emotionally charged novel, The Many Futures of Maddy Hart. Combining speculative fiction with heartfelt romance, this story examines the choices we make, the futures they shape, and the sacrifices required for happiness.

A Fascinating Premise
Maddy Hart is cursed—or gifted—with a unique ability: every time she takes a significant step toward intimacy with someone, she’s inexplicably transported to a glimpse of her future self, 10 years down the road. These fleeting visits to her potential futures reveal paths she doesn’t want to take, lives filled with discontent, disappointment, or heartbreak.

This happens again and again, until she meets Oliver. For the first time, Maddy sees a future she wants—a happy one, complete with a family and a daughter who carries Oliver’s eyes. But this future comes with a cruel twist: to reach it, Maddy must hurt Oliver now, in the present, setting the stage for their perfect future life together.

Exploring Themes of Fate and Choice
At its core, The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is an exploration of fate versus free will. Maddy’s journey forces readers to grapple with the tantalizing but often agonizing question: If you knew what the future held, would you change your present to achieve it? The novel delves into the cost of happiness and whether it’s worth pursuing a perfect future if the present must first be broken.

Pearson’s writing is thoughtful and layered, skillfully balancing Maddy’s internal conflict with the sweeping romantic and speculative elements. The novel is equally a story of love and a meditation on identity—each alternate future provides Maddy with a reflection of herself and the consequences of her choices.

Characters That Feel Real
Maddy is a relatable and multidimensional protagonist, navigating the vulnerability of intimacy, the fear of making the wrong choices, and the courage required to trust herself. Her moments of self-doubt and longing make her journey feel universal, even as her extraordinary ability sets her apart.

Oliver, too, is more than a love interest. He’s a fully realized character, kind yet flawed, whose connection with Maddy feels authentic. The brief glimpses of their potential future are rendered so vividly that readers will root for their happily-ever-after, even as the obstacles seem insurmountable.

A Unique Blend of Genres
Pearson deftly combines romance with speculative fiction, creating a genre-blending narrative that will appeal to fans of authors like David Nicholls (One Day), Matt Haig (The Midnight Library), and Holly Gramazio (The Husbands). The time-bending premise brings a fresh twist to the familiar “what if?” love story, while the emotional depth ensures that the speculative elements never overshadow the humanity of the characters.

Strengths of the Novel
Intriguing Premise: The time-slip mechanic is not just a gimmick—it’s integral to the emotional stakes and character development, adding complexity and urgency to Maddy’s romantic journey.
Emotional Depth: Pearson captures the raw, messy, and beautiful complexity of relationships, from new love to heartbreak and reconciliation.
Relatable Themes: The book resonates with universal questions about love, compromise, and the desire to build a meaningful life.
Paced to Perfection: The narrative is structured in a way that keeps the reader engaged, with each future revelation acting as a breadcrumb that leads to the poignant climax.
Potential Weaknesses
The novel’s reliance on speculative elements may not appeal to readers seeking a straightforward romance. Additionally, some may find the moral and emotional dilemmas too heavy or bittersweet, as the story doesn’t promise easy resolutions.

A Bittersweet Romance for the Ages
The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a poignant, thought-provoking story that lingers long after the final page. Laura Pearson has crafted a deeply moving narrative that will appeal to anyone who has ever wondered “what if?”—and who has wrestled with the tension between living in the moment and planning for a better tomorrow.

With its richly developed characters, unique premise, and emotional resonance, this book is sure to become one of the standout reads of 2025.

Rating: 4.5/5
Perfect for fans of speculative romance and those who enjoy stories that ask big questions about love, destiny, and self-discovery. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey into the many possibilities of the human heart.

I had to DNF at about 30%

The foundation of this story is promising but the execution doesn’t follow through.

The writing is very abrupt and choppy. It moves too quickly from one scene to another, with barely (if any) transition. Very early on the timing in scenes did not make sense. For example, after she moves in with Oliver, she hears him leave in the morning, she comes out to the kitchen to make toast and calls Priya, and suddenly Oliver is back having done a morning run and stopped to buy pastries. It feels like at most it would have been 10 minutes since he left.

It felt a lot like insta-love between the two characters. They have two brief encounters before she moves in, then spends one day together, and already her friend is referring to the fact that she is falling in love.

The characters themselves felt flat and needed to be fleshed out for me to care about them. From the beginning, I really didn’t like the best friend, with the whole idea of Priya wanting her to move out of their shared flat, so she could live with her boyfriend. This was another point as well, where it felt a plot point was just introduced on a surface level, instead of exploring and building out the stories and characters. For instance, I immediately found myself asking why wouldn’t Maddy be upset or question why she was the one who had to leave?

Then Priya has a fight with her boyfriend and wants Maddy to move back, and again this is barely explored with maybe one quick line that Maddy thinks she should be mad about that? But then Priya and her boyfriend make up in less than a second and it’s a non-issue. From that point on, I did not care about Priya at all. Priya and her relationship to Maddy was too surface-level.

The whole set-up at the beginning, with the seeing the future, was poorly set up and explained. In the first chapter, the fact that she’s a teenager asking if it’s normal to have these flashes of the future felt beyond naive. Then when her and Priya are discussing her visions, to basically lay out the "rules", it makes no sense. When they decide the reason she didn’t have a vision with Aidan was because he wouldn’t be around in 10 years, and then tragically they find out he died, and immediately it’s absolute proof that all of these visions are true. I think she should have dated some of these men, beyond just a first time, and then saw traits or hints in the present to link to what she saw in the future, to justify her belief that these futures were certain.

Then she decides to test if time actually passes when she has these visions, and the one time she tests it is when the flashback feels like it lasted for less than a minute anyway. The worst was the question of would she have a vision if she was with a woman, and Priya says that since she doesn’t have a vision when she’s “alone” then it means it wouldn’t work with a woman - the logic is just not there.

This story sadly fell apart from the start. The visions needed to be set up more, with more structure, and a present day reason to believe that these visions were actually going to come true. Without these, the structure and belief in character’s choices for the rest of the story falls apart.