Maxine Thomas
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Maxine Thomas is a Christian wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother who has lived traveled extensively and lived in Jamaica, England, Texas, New York and New Jersey. Newly retired from a full-time grant-writing career, her mission is to share the redeeming love of Jesus Christ through story. Maxine’s articles, short stories and devotionals have been published in print and online, and her two-act play, written to complement a published musical score, had two public performances. In addition to writing, she leads Bible studies for adult women and serves as a worship leader in her church, Very Truly Yours is her first full-length novel.
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Very Truly Yours
General Fiction/Inspirational Fiction
David Willoughby, a successful New York architect, and Rose (Buddy) Madsen meet for the first time when he is invited to give a guest lecture to her interior design class. Buddy develops a deep admiration for the smart, articulate instructor, but because of his worldly after-hours activities and his careless lifestyle, they cannot have a relationship other than that of teacher and student. He does not share her faith, so she stays away from him and prays that their paths will not cross again. They meet again later when David comes into the diner where Buddy works part-time after her college classes. He is alone and intoxicated. She refuses to serve him the drink he orders and gives him coffee instead. Afterwards, she helps him find a way home. He does not recognize her. Buddy again petitions God to guard her heart and save her for someone who has qualities like those of her Dad and three brothers, that is, an unshakeable faith in God and a moral lifestyle. Some years later, David and Buddy meet again. This time, a sober and more reserved David takes on a contract in Buddy’s home town, Cape May, New Jersey. Although David senses something familiar about her, he still does not recognize her. They talk and she begins to see changes in him. When David is invited by her older brother, Roger, she discovers that they are former college classmates. She recognizes acceptable qualities in him, and wonders if her earlier judgment might have been wrong. David and Buddy begin to explore a relationship together. But unknown to Buddy, David had a short-lived marriage in the years between their meetings. Even as their new relationship develops, the mistakes of David’s wild past begin to catch up with him. She learns that his wife, Leila, is not dead but living in another state. |
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Buddy and David separate while David attempts to repair the mistakes of his past. With the image of Buddy always before him, David reconciles with his wife and vows to be faithful to her. When he is later faced with a life-challenging situation, David calls the one person he believes can help them through the difficulty - Mary Madsen, Buddy’s mother. Mrs. Madsen arrives accompanied by Buddy and her father.
Buddy is torn between her love for David and her acknowledgement that his marriage makes him off limits. She is unable to set aside some of the disappointment and fears that she has developed, and angrily walks away when David most needs her help.
Through every phase of their relationship, both David and Buddy struggle to make the right choices. But they are not perfect, and their desire to be together often drives them to take paths that could sideline their future, and their faith.
Will they be given the opportunity to build a life together?
Buddy is torn between her love for David and her acknowledgement that his marriage makes him off limits. She is unable to set aside some of the disappointment and fears that she has developed, and angrily walks away when David most needs her help.
Through every phase of their relationship, both David and Buddy struggle to make the right choices. But they are not perfect, and their desire to be together often drives them to take paths that could sideline their future, and their faith.
Will they be given the opportunity to build a life together?
