More About Maureen

1. You published your first book at 70. How did that happen? How do you do it? And at your age?

Looking back, I had a notion that I might someday write a book. It was not a burning desire, more like a quiet ember waiting for the right time. Once I had the time to write, I began.

I am naturally curious. As I think about the story, get an idea, decide on a character, I start the research process. Questions like: what was life like at that time? what shaped the world? Answers followed by long walks to nowhere where I begin to imagine what my characters would be doing, feeling, saying. Then I put words on paper.

Unlike driving with my necessary guidance system, I begin each story with no clear map. The characters lead me. Thanks to them, I don’t get hopelessly lost. There are times, however, when I have to backtrack because we have lost our way and the plot.

When it comes to age, I don’t see myself as a ‘senior’ citizen—though I will take any discount that is offered. I believe we are meant to keep growing, changing and discovering what comes next for all the days of our lives. So far, that philosophy has served me well.

2. After a reader closes one of your books, what do you hope they take away?

This is a question that always makes me smile.

I hope my readers remember my characters. They are not perfect. They make mistakes. They suffer loss. They struggle, and they endure. They move forward with courage, dignity and determination.

My fervent wish is that readers recognize something familiar about Margaret, Nell and Cate. For they are like the women we know, the women we raised and, perhaps, the women we are becoming.

And then when the book is placed back on the shelf, I hope something of them lingers. May their grit and determination be carried forward into their own life story.

It is, simply, what I wish for us all.

The Herself Series

Spanning the first half of the twentieth century and crossing the Atlantic between Ireland and America, The Herself Series follows three women determined to become all they are capable of becoming. Each novel stands alone while forming an ongoing story of family, love, loss, and the search to have one’s voice heard.

Readers meet Margaret, Nell, and Cate, along with a cast of unforgettable characters whose roots extend from Ireland’s green hills, to farmland pastures, to New York City pavements.

READ WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING BELOW …

Becoming Herself

“Not very many historical fiction novels are as engaging as this book. The author takes readers through Margaret’s life from her childhood to her final days. You get every aspect of Margaret’s life as she grows from a child, marries, lives her married life, and takes paths to become herself.

The characters in this book come off so real that you will believe that they truly lived in this world outside of pages in a book. There are characters that you will love. Then there are some that you will grow to despise, while hoping they will become better.

This book spans time quickly, but expertly at the same time. While this story is Margaret’s story, you get so much from those who are a part of her family and her life. If you enjoy historical fiction I highly recommend you pick this book up.”

– Seraphia

Choosing Herself

“Get This Book!

Reid’s novel is one part traditional melodrama and one part fictionalization of the historical events of the day, featuring vivid depictions of upper-class period styles and manners. The storyline deftly tackles a variety of social issues, including homosexuality, racism, and antisemitism, and it includes a surprising twist. Nell is Reid’s articulate narrator, and much of the text is epistolic in format—the story largely unfolds via lengthy unmailed letters in which Nell pours out her heart to her mother…

Intriguing and addictive, with a stalwart female protagonist.“

– Kirkus Review

“This book is reminiscent of the inspiring historical novels that I began devouring as a teenager fifty odd years ago. Reid’s latest work is a multi-layered story of burgeoning self-awareness, poignant romance and satisfying social activism. The characters in the story were finely drawn, the story was riveting and the research was so extensive that I felt I was treated to a rousing tale and a great education at the same time.”

– A. Freeman, New York

“Choosing Herself by Maureen Reid is a highly emotional read (tissues are required!) as Nell struggles to assert herself in her childhood house, and in her adult life. In writing such a novel, Reid has captured evocative insight into the life and times of women in that era in East Coast America. Definitely a novel that will linger in the reader’s mind.”

– Historical Fiction Company (4.5 Stars)

Finding Herself

“If you love strong women, a good love story, and a wonderful dash of history, you’ll like this book. Cate’s journey – from learning more about her Irish heritage to discovering a wonderful man to confronting the terrible abuse of young women subjected to the Magdalene Laundries – is compelling. The journal she keeps adds to the narrative, giving the reader insight into the way Cate thinks and her motivation for her actions.

This is a book that shows the power of women helping women. But it also shows the compassion of love between a man and a woman. While this book is part of a trilogy, it is a standalone. But trust me, if you start here, you’re going to want to work backward to learn more about Nell and O’Brien and the other characters who play a role in Cate’s life. Grab a cup of tea or a glass of wine, snuggle into a comfy chair, and enjoy “Finding Herself.” It’s a really good read.”

– C. Harrison, Arizona