Romance

Review: This Time Around by Tracey Magruder

November 3, 2026

Synopsis:

Maggie Hartwell has spent twelve years proving she can handle anything on her own.

Then a storm devastates the Roaring Stag’s courtyard renovation just weeks before her niece’s wedding.

With time running out, Maggie reluctantly accepts help from Fergus Merrick—the dependable friend who’s always been there, even when she insisted she didn’t need him.

Working side by side makes it impossible to ignore the feelings they’ve both kept buried for years. But just as they’re finally ready to stop pretending friendship is enough, Fergus is offered the career opportunity he’s spent years waiting for—one that could take him away from the village they both call home.

Now Maggie must decide whether holding on to her independence is worth risking the future she’s always wanted, while Fergus faces a choice between the life he’s dreamed of and the woman he’s quietly loved all along.

This Time Around is a heartfelt small-town romance about family, second chances, and discovering that the strongest relationships aren’t built on sacrifice—they’re built together.

Sometimes courage isn’t standing alone. Sometimes it’s letting someone stand beside you.

Review:

Maggie had a dream when she was younger. She thought she had found someone who would stay by her side and not leave her behind when he felt she was holding him back. Returning to the place where she grew up and inheriting an inn and a bar was not on the menu, but she took on the challenge and learned to take care of things by herself. Accepting help felt like a weakness, and she believed she had to be strong on her own.
And then there’s Fergus. The person who is always there in the background. The person she feels attracted to, yet is afraid to let in and lower her defences for.

I’m a big fan of small-town romances, especially when they’re about two stubborn people who want each other but are afraid to finally give in. Even more so when everyone around them knows exactly what is happening and is simply waiting for them to stop hiding their true feelings. I enjoyed returning to Great Missenden, and it immediately felt like coming home to a place where people look out for each other and know you better than you know yourself. Everyone stepped up when needed and supported one another in times of need. The brotherly interactions between Owen and Fergus were one of my personal highlights. You have to love the bond between those two.

Overall, this is a lovely story about opening up, relying on others for support, and accepting that nothing will ever be perfect. That shouldn’t stop you from taking risks.

🌙 Recension: This Time Around (Great Missenden Ever After #2) by Tracey Magruder
📚 Genre: Romance
📅 Release Date: ‎November 3, 2026
📗 available in various formats – included in Kindle+
📱 Read as: Kindle
💸 I received an advance review copy for free , and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🗣️ Language: English
📆 Pages: 315
⭐️ 4/5