Maybe Now – Colleen Hoover (2018)

Maybe Now by Colleen Hoover, published in 2018, is the highly anticipated sequel to her bestselling novel Maybe Someday. The story revisits the intricate lives of Sydney, Ridge, Maggie, and other beloved characters as they navigate love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Featuring musical elements that intertwine with the narrative, the book explores the challenges of relationships, personal growth, and learning to embrace life fully despite its uncertainties.

Plot Summary

Sydney and Ridge had finally found their way to each other after the emotional whirlwind that brought them together. Their relationship was tender but new, requiring careful navigation. Ridge, a talented and compassionate musician, struggled to balance his love for Sydney with the lingering guilt he felt over his breakup with Maggie, his former girlfriend. Maggie, an independent and vibrant young woman with Cystic Fibrosis, had been Ridge’s anchor for years. Even after their split, they remained connected, bound by a deep respect for each other.

Maggie’s journey took her down a different path. Determined to live life on her own terms despite her illness, she set out to tackle a bucket list she had written years ago. Skydiving was at the top of the list, and it was during this daring adventure that she met Jake, a charismatic skydiving instructor. Jake’s warm humor and easy confidence disarmed Maggie, and the two quickly struck up a friendship. Maggie’s independent streak was undeniable, but Jake’s presence slowly became a source of comfort and inspiration. He encouraged her to embrace the present, a lesson she was already striving to master.

Meanwhile, Ridge and Sydney worked to strengthen their bond. Trust was a fragile thread between them, stretched taut by Ridge’s ongoing friendship with Maggie. Sydney tried to be understanding, knowing Maggie’s place in Ridge’s life was unique, but insecurities occasionally clouded her heart. Ridge, aware of Sydney’s feelings, was determined to prove his commitment. The two found solace in music, a language that transcended Ridge’s inability to hear. Through shared melodies and lyrics, they communicated the emotions words often failed to capture.

The dynamics of their shared world were complicated further by their friends. Warren and Bridgette, Ridge’s eccentric roommates, added chaos and humor to the mix. Warren’s relentless pranks and Bridgette’s sharp wit created a tumultuous but oddly endearing relationship. They were a stark contrast to the earnestness of Ridge and Sydney, yet their connection was no less significant. Warren, in particular, played a crucial role in supporting Ridge and Sydney, often bridging the gaps in their communication.

Maggie’s budding relationship with Jake unfolded with a mix of hesitation and hope. Jake was unlike anyone Maggie had ever met. His unfiltered zest for life matched her own, and his willingness to accept her condition without pity or fear was a revelation. Together, they embarked on spontaneous adventures, from racing cars to exploring new places. Maggie found herself opening up to Jake in ways she hadn’t anticipated, her guarded heart softening under his genuine care.

As Maggie and Jake grew closer, Sydney and Ridge faced their own challenges. Sydney’s discomfort with Ridge’s connection to Maggie simmered beneath the surface, despite her efforts to suppress it. Ridge, torn between his loyalty to Maggie and his love for Sydney, struggled to find balance. His instinct to protect and support Maggie clashed with his need to reassure Sydney of her importance in his life. The tension threatened to unravel the fragile harmony they had built.

Maggie, sensing the strain her presence placed on Ridge and Sydney’s relationship, made a pivotal decision. She chose to distance herself from Ridge, not out of anger or bitterness, but out of a desire to let them thrive. It was an act of selflessness that underscored her growth and strength. Jake became her confidant during this transition, offering her a space to grieve and heal without judgment. Their connection deepened as Maggie began to see a future that was hers alone to define.

For Ridge and Sydney, Maggie’s decision marked a turning point. Freed from the weight of lingering obligations, Ridge was able to fully invest in his relationship with Sydney. Their communication improved as they worked together to bridge the gaps that had previously caused misunderstandings. Sydney, too, found a sense of peace in knowing that Ridge’s love for her was unshakable.

In the backdrop of these personal journeys, music remained a binding thread. Ridge continued to write songs, his melodies capturing the essence of his love for Sydney and the lessons he had learned. Sydney, inspired by his creativity, began exploring her own artistic inclinations. Together, they created something beautiful, a testament to their shared passion and resilience.

Maggie, embracing her renewed sense of purpose, continued to tackle her bucket list. She traveled to see the Northern Lights, danced under the stars, and savored every moment. Jake was often by her side, his steady presence a reminder that love could be a source of strength rather than a burden. Maggie’s life was not without challenges, but she faced them with a courage that inspired everyone around her.

In the end, each character found their own version of happiness. Ridge and Sydney’s love flourished, built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect. Maggie, no longer defined by her illness, discovered a joy she hadn’t thought possible. Jake, with his boundless energy and unwavering support, became an integral part of Maggie’s journey. Warren and Bridgette, despite their endless bickering, remained inseparable, their chaotic love a constant source of amusement.

Life, with all its complexities and imperfections, carried on. There were no grand declarations or perfect resolutions, just the quiet satisfaction of knowing that love, in all its forms, had prevailed.

Main Characters

• Sydney: A compassionate and determined young woman who is adjusting to life as Ridge’s girlfriend. Her journey involves balancing love, trust, and her insecurities about his lingering connection with Maggie.

• Ridge: A talented, deaf musician deeply in love with Sydney. Ridge’s struggle lies in maintaining a friendship with his ex-girlfriend Maggie while committing wholeheartedly to Sydney.

• Maggie: Ridge’s former girlfriend, battling Cystic Fibrosis. Fiercely independent, she embarks on a journey to tick items off her bucket list while rediscovering herself beyond her illness.

• Warren and Bridgette: Ridge’s quirky roommates and comedic relief in the story. Their unconventional and often tumultuous relationship adds humor and depth.

• Jake: Maggie’s skydiving instructor and eventual love interest. He brings a fresh perspective to her life, helping her embrace her desires and live more freely.

Theme

• Love and Second Chances: The novel explores different facets of love—romantic, platonic, and self-love—and the importance of second chances in relationships and life.

• Living Fully: Maggie’s bucket list and her determination to embrace life, despite her health challenges, highlight the theme of making the most of every moment.

• Trust and Communication: The challenges Sydney and Ridge face in building trust and open communication emphasize the importance of honesty and emotional vulnerability.

• Music as Connection: Music continues to be a central motif, serving as a medium of expression and connection, particularly for Ridge and Sydney.

• Friendship and Support: The dynamic relationships among the characters underline the significance of supportive friendships and the family we choose.

Writing Style and Tone

Colleen Hoover’s writing in Maybe Now is emotionally evocative and accessible, blending humor, poignancy, and romance. Her prose flows effortlessly, engaging readers with its relatability and depth of feeling. Hoover skillfully alternates perspectives, offering insights into each character’s emotional struggles and growth.

The tone of the book oscillates between lighthearted and contemplative. Moments of humor, especially involving secondary characters like Warren and Bridgette, balance the heavier emotional beats of Maggie’s health journey and Ridge and Sydney’s relationship. The integration of lyrics and musical elements enhances the narrative’s immersive quality, adding layers of emotion and resonance to key moments.