Maybe This Time by Ian Hackney

Ian Hackney’s debut novel “Maybe This Time” is a profound exploration of second chances, the complexities of human relationships, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. As a deeply moving contemporary fiction that masterfully blends elements of romance, personal growth, and family dynamics, this book has quickly garnered attention for its authentic portrayal of characters navigating life’s unexpected turns. Through meticulous storytelling and emotional depth, Hackney creates a narrative that resonates with readers long after the final page. At Readlogy, we believe this novel stands as one of the most thought-provoking literary works of recent years, offering both entertainment value and profound insights into the human condition.

What Is “Maybe This Time” About? A Plot Overview

“Maybe This Time” is about a thirty-five-year-old protagonist, Alex Mercer, who unexpectedly encounters his college sweetheart, Emma Clark, twelve years after their painful breakup when she returns to their hometown following her father’s death. The plot centers around their reconnection, the unresolved feelings between them, and their journey to navigate their complicated past while facing present challenges that test their capacity for forgiveness, growth, and possibly love.

The story begins with Alex, now a successful but emotionally guarded architect in the small coastal town of Harbor Point, living a carefully structured life designed to avoid emotional entanglements. His world is upended when Emma returns to settle her late father’s affairs, intending to stay only temporarily. Their initial encounters are marked by tension and unspoken resentment stemming from their breakup, which involved a significant betrayal and misunderstanding that neither fully processed.

As the narrative unfolds, we learn that Emma’s return coincides with a critical juncture in Alex’s life—he’s been offered a career-defining opportunity in Chicago that would require him to leave Harbor Point, the place that has been both his sanctuary and prison. Meanwhile, Emma is grappling with her own crossroads moment, reassessing her fast-paced journalism career in New York after experiencing burnout and questioning her life choices.

Through alternating perspectives and carefully placed flashbacks, Hackney reveals the depth of Alex and Emma’s former relationship, the devastating circumstances of their breakup, and the ways both characters have evolved—and in some ways, stagnated—during their years apart. The plot skillfully balances their personal journeys with their reconnection, which begins reluctantly when they’re forced to collaborate on renovating Emma’s childhood home before it can be sold.

What elevates this beyond a typical second-chance romance is the nuanced exploration of grief, forgiveness, and personal growth. Both characters must confront not only their feelings for each other but also the versions of themselves they’ve become and the dreams they’ve abandoned or altered. The small-town setting becomes a character in itself, with a supporting cast of family members and friends who provide both complications and clarity to the main characters’ journey.

The novel builds to an emotionally resonant climax that challenges both protagonists to make difficult choices about their futures, both individually and potentially together. Through authentic dialogue, deeply realized characterization, and poignant reflection, “Maybe This Time” tells a story about the courage required to face the past and the faith needed to embrace an uncertain future. Let’s now explore the book’s main characters who bring this compelling story to life.

Main Characters and Their Development

The strength of “Maybe This Time” lies significantly in its character development, with Hackney creating multidimensional individuals whose growth throughout the narrative feels both organic and earned. Here’s a detailed look at the key players:

Alex Mercer

Alex begins the story as a man defined by caution and routine. Following his heartbreak with Emma, he retreated into predictability, building a successful architecture firm in Harbor Point while maintaining emotional distance in his relationships. His character arc involves:

• Initial state: Emotionally guarded, risk-averse, and haunted by the past
• Internal conflict: Desires connection but fears vulnerability and rejection
• External challenges: Professional opportunity in Chicago; Emma’s return
• Growth catalysts: Forced collaboration with Emma; mentorship of a young intern; reconnection with his estranged father
• Character evolution: Gradually opens himself to possibility, confronts his fear of abandonment (stemming from his mother’s death when he was young), and learns that protective walls also prevent joy from entering

Alex’s development is particularly poignant in scenes where he begins to recognize patterns of self-sabotage in his life decisions. His journey involves not just reconsidering his feelings for Emma but reassessing his entire approach to life and connection.

Emma Clark

Emma returns to Harbor Point as a successful but burnt-out journalist, carrying both grief over her father’s passing and lingering regret about how things ended with Alex. Her character trajectory includes:

• Initial state: Career-focused, emotionally distant, running from her past
• Internal conflict: Guilt over her father’s relationship; uncertainty about her life direction
• External challenges: Settling her father’s estate; facing the town’s judgment; deadline pressure from her editor
• Growth catalysts: Discovering her father’s journals; unexpected connection with Alex’s mother’s garden; friendship with local bookstore owner Sadie
• Character evolution: Reconciles with her past choices, embraces vulnerability, and reconsiders what success truly means to her

Emma’s development shines through her evolving relationship with Harbor Point itself—from seeing it as a painful reminder of what she left behind to recognizing it as potentially part of her future. Her journey with grief parallels her journey with love, as she learns that both require acknowledgment rather than avoidance.

Supporting Characters

Hackney skillfully creates secondary characters who serve as more than plot devices:

• Marcus Mercer (Alex’s father): Struggling with his own regrets about being an absent father, his attempts at reconciliation provide a parallel story about second chances
• Sadie Wilson: The bookstore owner who becomes Emma’s confidante, offering wisdom from her own failed relationship and subsequent growth
• Tyler Costa: Alex’s young intern whose enthusiasm for architecture reminds Alex of his original passion for the field
• Olivia Clark: Emma’s mother, whose complex relationship with Emma’s father creates another layer of understanding about love’s imperfections
• The town of Harbor Point: Effectively functions as a character, with its seasonal changes mirroring the emotional evolution of the protagonists

Each supporting character serves a specific purpose in challenging or supporting the protagonists’ growth, creating a rich tapestry of human connection that reinforces the novel’s themes. Now, let’s examine those central themes more closely.

Key Themes and Messages

“Maybe This Time” explores several interconnected themes that give the narrative its emotional resonance and universal appeal:

Second Chances and Redemption

The most prominent theme revolves around the possibility of starting over—not just in romance but in all aspects of life:

• The romantic reconnection between Alex and Emma forms the central second chance narrative
• Alex’s strained relationship with his father offers a parallel story of familial redemption
• Emma’s reconsideration of her career path represents a second chance at professional fulfillment
• The renovation of Emma’s childhood home symbolizes the potential for rebuilding what was broken

Hackney avoids simplistic “do-overs” by showing that true second chances require accountability, growth, and acceptance that the past cannot be erased but can be understood differently with time and perspective.

The Nature of Forgiveness

The novel presents forgiveness as a complex, ongoing process rather than a single moment of absolution:

• Alex’s journey to forgive Emma for her departure twelve years ago
• Emma’s struggle to forgive both herself and Alex for their respective roles in their breakup
• Both characters learning to forgive their parents for human failures and limitations
• Self-forgiveness emerging as perhaps the most difficult but necessary form

Through these explorations, the book suggests that forgiveness is not about forgetting or diminishing hurt but about choosing not to let past wounds determine future possibilities.

The Balance Between Roots and Wings

A central tension throughout the novel involves the pull between stability and adventure:

• Harbor Point represents roots, community, and belonging
• The characters’ professional ambitions (architecture in Chicago, journalism in New York) represent wings and independence
• Both protagonists initially see these as mutually exclusive choices
• The narrative explores whether one must sacrifice roots for wings or if integration is possible

This theme resonates particularly strongly as both characters reckon with their hometown—Alex never left but emotionally disengaged, while Emma physically left but remained emotionally tethered.

Grief and Its Transformative Power

Grief appears in multiple forms throughout the narrative:

• Emma’s grief over her father’s death
• Alex’s unresolved grief about his mother’s passing years earlier
• Shared grief over their lost relationship and the years that followed
• Community grief over changing economic circumstances in Harbor Point

Rather than presenting grief solely as something to overcome, Hackney portrays it as a transformative force that, when properly processed, can lead to greater authenticity and deeper connections.

Authenticity Versus Expectation

Both protagonists struggle with the gap between their authentic desires and external expectations:

• Alex built his life around others’ definition of success while suppressing his creative architectural vision
• Emma pursued journalistic prestige at the cost of her wellbeing and personal connections
• Supporting characters reinforce this theme through their own journeys toward authenticity
• The resolution hinges on both characters recognizing and honoring their true selves

This theme particularly resonates in an era of curated social media personas and external validation, making the book feel timely despite its timeless emotional core. Let’s now examine how these themes are conveyed through Hackney’s writing style.

Writing Style and Narrative Techniques

Ian Hackney’s writing style in “Maybe This Time” demonstrates remarkable craftsmanship for a debut novel, employing several effective narrative techniques:

Dual Perspective Narration

The novel alternates between Alex and Emma’s viewpoints, allowing readers to:

• Experience both sides of their shared history
• Understand the misunderstandings that drove them apart
• Witness their individual growth journeys
• Feel the tension between their perspectives on current events

This technique creates dramatic irony where readers know more than either character does, building emotional investment as we wait for their understandings to align. Hackney maintains distinct voices for each character while ensuring narrative cohesion.

Strategic Use of Flashbacks

Rather than front-loading the backstory, Hackney reveals the past through carefully placed flashbacks that:

• Emerge organically from present-day triggers
• Reveal information precisely when it will have maximum emotional impact
• Gradually build a complete picture of Alex and Emma’s former relationship
• Create suspense around exactly what happened during their breakup

These flashbacks feel seamlessly integrated rather than disruptive, enriching the present narrative rather than pulling readers away from it.

Sensory-Rich Description

Hackney demonstrates particular skill in creating vivid settings through sensory details:

• The coastal atmosphere of Harbor Point with its changing seasons
• The architectural details of buildings that reflect character emotions
• Food as both comfort and connection (particularly in scenes at the local diner)
• Weather patterns that mirror emotional states without becoming heavy-handed symbolism

These descriptions ground the emotional narrative in physical reality, making the setting feel lived-in and authentic rather than merely decorative.

Dialogue as Character Development

The dialogue in “Maybe This Time” serves multiple functions:

• Reveals character through speech patterns (Alex’s measured responses versus Emma’s more impulsive communication)
• Shows relationship dynamics through subtext and what remains unsaid
• Marks character growth as communication patterns evolve
• Provides emotional catharsis during key confrontations

Hackney excels at writing conversations that feel natural while still advancing plot and character development efficiently.

Symbolic Motifs

Several recurring symbols enhance the thematic depth:

• The renovation project: Physical rebuilding parallels emotional reconstruction
• The changing seasons: Moving from winter to spring mirrors the characters’ emotional thawing
• Emma’s father’s journals: Represent the importance of understanding others’ perspectives
• Alex’s architectural sketches: Symbolize dreams deferred and possibly reclaimed
• The lighthouse: Stands for guidance, perspective, and finding one’s way home

These symbols are integrated subtly enough to avoid feeling heavy-handed while still providing rich interpretative possibilities. Now that we’ve examined the craft behind the story, let’s assess its strengths and potential weaknesses.

What Makes “Maybe This Time” Worth Reading?

“Maybe This Time” is worth reading because it offers an authentic, emotionally resonant exploration of second chances that avoids clichés through nuanced characterization, thematic depth, and skillful writing. The novel stands out for its balanced portrayal of flawed but sympathetic characters whose growth feels earned rather than contrived, making it appealing to readers who appreciate character-driven stories with both emotional impact and thoughtful insights about human relationships.

At Readlogy, we’ve found that books transcending simple categorization often provide the richest reading experiences, and Hackney’s debut novel accomplishes this by blending elements of contemporary fiction, romance, and family drama into a cohesive narrative. What particularly distinguishes this work is its emotional honesty—the characters’ struggles feel genuine because they’re rooted in recognizable human fears, desires, and defense mechanisms rather than artificial plot requirements.

The novel’s exploration of second chances goes beyond romantic reunion to examine how people evolve (or fail to) after significant life disappointments. This multidimensional approach to its central theme gives the story universal appeal regardless of whether readers have experienced similar romantic situations. Everyone understands the yearning for do-overs and the complications that arise when the past and present collide.

Furthermore, Hackney’s rendering of Harbor Point creates a setting that feels authentic rather than idealized. The small coastal town has economic challenges, gossip networks, and limited opportunities alongside its charm and community spirit. This balanced portrayal allows the setting to enhance rather than distract from the character-focused narrative.

The novel also excels in its pacing, with emotional revelations and character developments unfolding at a rate that feels natural rather than rushed or artificially prolonged. The gradual rebuilding of trust between Alex and Emma mirrors the careful reconstruction of her childhood home, creating a satisfying narrative rhythm.

Let’s now examine the specific strengths and potential weaknesses in more detail to provide a balanced assessment of the book.

Strengths of the Novel

“Maybe This Time” demonstrates several notable strengths that contribute to its appeal:

Character Complexity and Development

Hackney creates characters with genuine depth who evolve believably throughout the narrative:

• Both protagonists have clear character arcs with meaningful growth
• Character flaws feel authentic rather than manufactured for plot convenience
• Secondary characters have their own motivations and development curves
• Past choices are explained without being excused, maintaining character accountability
• Internal conflicts feel as compelling as external ones

This character work elevates the novel above similar titles in the genre where characters may change too abruptly or remain static despite transformative experiences.

Emotional Intelligence

The novel displays remarkable emotional intelligence in its portrayal of relationships:

• Accurately depicts the complicated emotions around reconnecting with an ex
• Shows how past wounds influence present behavior in realistic ways
• Portrays vulnerability as both terrifying and necessary for connection
• Recognizes that love requires active choice alongside feeling
• Acknowledges that healing often happens in non-linear patterns

This emotional sophistication creates a reading experience that feels cathartic rather than manipulative, with earned emotional moments rather than contrived ones.

Balanced Perspective on Romance

The novel avoids common pitfalls in portraying romance:

• Doesn’t suggest love solves all problems
• Shows relationship-building as work rather than destiny
• Balances romantic fulfillment with individual growth and identity
• Acknowledges compatibility requires more than attraction or history
• Depicts compromise without suggesting self-erasure

This mature approach to romance makes the relationship development more satisfying and credible than in novels that rely on idealized romantic notions.

Vivid Sense of Place

Harbor Point emerges as a fully realized setting that enhances the narrative:

• Seasonal changes provide natural story structure
• Local establishments (the bookstore, diner, marina) create authentic community texture
• Economic realities of small-town life inform character choices
• Natural elements (ocean, weather, landscape) mirror emotional states without feeling forced
• The town’s history provides context for character histories

This attention to setting details grounds the emotional journey in a tangible world, making the story feel more immersive and authentic.

Thematic Resonance

The novel’s exploration of its themes goes beyond surface-level treatment:

• Examines forgiveness as process rather than event
• Probes the tension between safety and growth
• Questions definitions of success and fulfillment
• Considers how the past shapes but needn’t determine the future
• Explores how grief can be both destructive and transformative

This thematic depth provides thoughtful readers with material for reflection beyond the central romance plot. Now, let’s consider some potential limitations of the work.

Potential Weaknesses

While “Maybe This Time” is a strong novel overall, particularly for a debut, it does have some aspects that might be considered limitations:

Familiar Story Structure

The novel follows a relatively conventional narrative structure for contemporary romance:

• The chance reunion of former lovers
• Forced proximity through the renovation project
• The gradual thawing of initial hostility
• The “black moment” of potential separation before resolution

While Hackney executes this structure well, readers familiar with the genre may find the overall story arc predictable even as the specific character journeys feel fresh.

Occasional Pacing Issues

The middle section of the novel sometimes moves more slowly than necessary:

• Some renovation scenes feel repetitive in their symbolic function
• Certain internal reflections cover similar emotional territory multiple times
• A few secondary character subplots receive more attention than their importance to the main narrative warrants

These pacing issues are minor but may cause some readers to feel the story loses momentum temporarily before building to its climax.

Limited Cultural Context

The novel focuses primarily on the interpersonal dynamics of its characters with minimal engagement with broader social or cultural contexts:

• Little exploration of how changing gender expectations might influence the characters’ relationship dynamics
• Minimal discussion of economic factors affecting small coastal towns
• Limited diversity in the supporting cast
• Few references to current events or cultural touchpoints

This tight focus on the personal rather than societal creates an intimate narrative but might feel somewhat isolated from the world for readers who prefer fiction that explicitly engages with contemporary social issues.

Selective Memory Treatment

The novel sometimes simplifies the complexity of memory and its reliability:

• Flashbacks generally present past events as objectively shown rather than filtered through current perspectives
• The characters rarely question their own memory of shared events until confronted
• The revelation of misunderstandings sometimes feels too neatly resolved

A more nuanced treatment of memory’s malleability might have added another layer of complexity to the theme of reconciliation with the past.

Convenient Resolution of External Obstacles

Some of the external barriers to Alex and Emma’s reunion are resolved somewhat conveniently:

• Career conflicts find compromise solutions that might seem unrealistic in actual professional settings
• Family members move from opposition to support with relatively little resistance
• Financial considerations for major life changes receive limited attention

These convenient resolutions prioritize emotional satisfaction over complete realism, which works within the novel’s aims but may strike some readers as too tidy.

Despite these potential weaknesses, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its limitations, particularly for readers who connect with its central themes and appreciate character-driven narratives. Let’s now look at how “Maybe This Time” compares to other books in its genre.

How “Maybe This Time” Compares to Similar Books

To fully appreciate Ian Hackney’s achievement with “Maybe This Time,” it’s helpful to place it in context with similar works in the contemporary fiction and romance genres:

Comparison with Second-Chance Romance Novels

When compared to popular second-chance romance novels like Emily Henry’s “Beach Read” or Christina Lauren’s “Love and Other Words,” “Maybe This Time”:

• Offers greater psychological depth: Hackney delves more deeply into the psychological underpinnings of his characters’ fears and defense mechanisms.
• Presents more balanced dual perspectives: Neither Alex nor Emma’s viewpoint dominates, creating a more nuanced portrayal of their shared history.
• Places greater emphasis on non-romantic growth: Personal and professional development receive as much attention as romantic reconciliation.
• Employs less humor: While the novel has moments of levity, it takes a more serious approach than many contemporary romances that use humor as a central element.
• Features slower burn reconnection: The rebuilding of trust happens more gradually than in many similar titles, prioritizing emotional authenticity over romantic payoff.

These differences position “Maybe This Time” at the more literary end of the romance spectrum, appealing to readers who appreciate emotional depth alongside romantic elements.

Comparison with Literary Fiction About Relationships

When compared to more literary explorations of past relationships and return to hometowns, such as Celeste Ng’s works or Ann Patchett’s “Commonwealth,” “Maybe This Time”:

• Provides more narrative closure: Offers a more definitive resolution than many literary novels that leave relationships intentionally ambiguous.
• Focuses more on healing than damage: While acknowledging wounds, prioritizes healing possibilities over exploration of trauma.
• Employs more conventional structure: Uses a more traditional narrative structure than more experimental literary fiction.
• Maintains greater narrative momentum: Emphasizes plot progression more consistently than works that might focus primarily on character study.
• Offers more optimistic outlook: Presents a more hopeful view of human connection than some literary fiction that examines relationship dysfunction.

These differences make “Maybe This Time” more accessible than some literary fiction while still offering thoughtful character exploration and thematic depth.

Position in the Current Market

In the current publishing landscape, “Maybe This Time” occupies an interesting middle ground:

• It has the emotional satisfaction and relationship focus that appeal to romance readers
• It offers the character depth and thematic complexity valued by literary fiction readers
• It incorporates elements of “returning home” narratives popular in women’s fiction
• It includes enough focus on personal growth to appeal to readers of self-discovery journeys

This crossover appeal positions the novel to attract diverse readers rather than a single narrow audience segment. Having examined the book in context, let’s now consider who might particularly enjoy reading it.

Who Should Read “Maybe This Time”?

“Maybe This Time” is particularly well-suited for readers who enjoy character-driven contemporary fiction featuring authentic emotional journeys, complex relationship dynamics, and themes of second chances and personal growth. This novel will especially resonate with those who appreciate stories that balance romantic elements with deeper explorations of individual identity, family relationships, and life transitions.

Based on its content and approach, here are the specific reader profiles who would likely find this book most rewarding:

Ideal Reader Profiles

Readers of Upmarket Women’s Fiction

Those who enjoy authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid, Kristin Hannah, or Jodi Picoult will appreciate Hackney’s blend of emotional resonance and thematic depth. The book offers:

• Complex female protagonist with career and personal challenges
• Nuanced exploration of family dynamics across generations
• Balance of accessible writing with thoughtful themes
• Character growth that extends beyond romantic resolution

Contemporary Romance Readers Seeking Depth

Fans of more emotionally complex romance writers like Mhairi McFarlane, Kate Clayborn, or later Colleen Hoover works will find satisfying elements in “Maybe This Time”:

• Convincing chemistry between protagonists with authentic obstacles
• Romance that develops from character growth rather than contrived situations
• Emotional catharsis alongside relationship development
• Realistic portrayal of how past relationships influence current connections

Readers Going Through Major Life Transitions

The book particularly speaks to those experiencing their own life crossroads or reassessments:

• Exploration of choosing between security and risk
• Authentic portrayal of career burnout and reevaluation
• Insights about returning to former environments with new perspective
• Thoughtful consideration of how to integrate past experiences into present identity

Small Town Setting Enthusiasts

Readers who enjoy stories set in close-knit communities with distinctive local character will appreciate:

• Vivid coastal town setting with seasonal rhythms
• Community dynamics that both support and complicate individual journeys
• Authentic portrayal of both the comforts and constraints of small-town life
• Setting that functions as more than backdrop but as integral to character development

Second-Chance Relationship Believers

Those particularly drawn to narratives about reconnection and renewed possibility will find much to appreciate:

• Realistic portrayal of how time and distance change relationship dynamics
• Exploration of how miscommunication and assumptions create barriers
• Recognition that second chances require growth rather than simple reunion
• Acknowledgment that past patterns must be addressed for new outcomes

At Readlogy, we’ve found that readers appreciate being guided toward books that truly match their preferences rather than generic recommendations. “Maybe This Time” offers enough complexity to reward thoughtful readers while remaining accessible to those who primarily seek emotional engagement and satisfying character arcs. Let’s now provide a final assessment of the book’s merits.

Final Verdict: Is “Maybe This Time” Worth Your Time?

“Maybe This Time” earns a strong recommendation for its emotionally intelligent exploration of second chances, authentic character development, and skillful blending of romance with deeper themes of growth and forgiveness. Ian Hackney’s debut novel demonstrates remarkable maturity in its understanding of human relationships and delivers a reading experience that satisfies on both emotional and intellectual levels.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

The novel earns this high rating based on several key merits:

Thoughtful Exploration of Its Central Themes

Rather than treating its themes superficially, the book offers genuine insights about:

• The courage required to risk vulnerability after past hurt
• How growth often requires confronting rather than avoiding painful history
• The balance between honoring the past and not being defined by it
• The complexity of forgiveness as both gift and self-preservation

These thematic explorations give the story a depth that lingers after the final page, inviting reader reflection rather than merely providing entertainment.

Exceptional Character Development

Both protagonists undergo believable and satisfying growth arcs:

• Changes occur gradually through accumulating insights rather than sudden transformations
• Character flaws are acknowledged without defining the entire character
• Growth comes through agency rather than circumstance
• Secondary characters experience their own development that complements the main narrative

This careful character work creates an emotional investment that makes the novel’s resolution genuinely satisfying rather than merely expected.

Skillful Narrative Craftsmanship

For a debut novel, “Maybe This Time” demonstrates impressive technical skill:

• Balanced dual perspectives that enhance rather than interrupt narrative flow
• Organic integration of backstory that builds understanding at the right pace
• Dialog that reveals character while advancing plot
• Setting details that enhance emotional resonance without overwhelming the narrative

These craft elements create a reading experience that feels polished and intentional rather than formulaic or uncertain.

Emotional Resonance

Perhaps most importantly, the novel succeeds in creating genuine emotional impact:

• Key scenes deliver cathartic moments that feel earned rather than manipulated
• Character revelations produce authentic emotional responses in readers
• Relationship development generates investment in outcomes
• Thematic elements connect to universal human experiences

This emotional authenticity creates a reading experience that feels both personally engaging and universally relevant.

The 0.5-point deduction from a perfect score acknowledges the occasional pacing issues in the middle section and some conventional plot elements, but these minor limitations do little to diminish the novel’s overall achievement.

Conclusion: Why “Maybe This Time” Deserves Your Attention

“Maybe This Time” stands as a remarkably assured debut novel that delivers both emotional satisfaction and thoughtful exploration of human relationships. Ian Hackney has created a story that respects readers’ intelligence while still providing the emotional engagement that draws people to relationship-centered fiction. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its authenticity—these characters feel like real people whose journeys matter, not merely devices to advance a plot.

For readers tired of either overly saccharine romances or cynical literary deconstructions of relationships, “Maybe This Time” offers a refreshing middle path—acknowledging the complexities and challenges of human connection while still believing in the possibility of growth and reconciliation. The novel suggests that second chances aren’t about erasing the past but about approaching it with new wisdom and courage.

At Readlogy, we particularly value books that invite readers to both feel deeply and think carefully, and Hackney’s novel accomplishes both aims admirably. Whether you’re drawn to the romance, the character development, or the thematic exploration, “Maybe This Time” rewards your readerly attention with a story that entertains while it illuminates.

Hackney emerges as a promising new voice in contemporary fiction, one who understands both narrative craft and emotional truth. This debut suggests an author with significant potential for future work that similarly bridges genre expectations to create stories of genuine depth and resonance. For readers seeking fiction that offers both escape and insight, “Maybe This Time” proves that sometimes a second chance—at love, at understanding, at life—is exactly what we need.