A Novel (Maddox Brothers) (Volume 5) - A Beautiful Funeral

This was incredible. Filled with drama, twists, and turns. I was kept at the edge of my seat and left bawling hysterically. The Maddox boys sure know how to make a woman fall in love with a fictional character. Jamie McGuire is absolutely brilliant.

As others that have rated this book low have stated, this book ruined this Beautiful series for me. I am so disappointed in the characters and how they treated one another and having a death be given a brush off with a slight mention of the funeral was distasteful. I thought the author's dedicated readers deserved better as well as our favorite characters.

I'll start with the positives. This book did draw me in and keep me invested. There was also emotional depth that impacted me more than once. What was difficult for me to digest was how far fetched the plot became and how awful everyone started treating each other, especially Abby. Some of the slander and insults tossed between characters was immature and unrealistic, especially given that these are thirtyish adults. I enjoyed how Jim's storyline played out and the way Jamie wrote those final scenes of the book was heartbreakingly wonderful and probably the best writing of the entire book. Poor Camille and Trent, that were treated awful and got no hope for better. I let this series feeling unsettled....happy for Jim but pretty bummed out for everyone else.

I'm so in love, I love all the beautiful books and have been a fan for years... But this book mage me remember why I love all the Maddox boys! This book will take you through the ringer but it's worth every minute!

The book was a summation of everything I wanted to know and needed to know and a story of journey and growth I am still trying to comprehend. I was moved by the charaters fury, strength and love. I was invested until the end and I would have went beyond. Great read.

Absolutely loved this book. I have been a huge fan of the Maddox boys since book one. I don't think this series could have ended any better then it did. Great job to Jamie McGuire for bringing these characters to life and making you feel everything the feel.

I have loved all of Jamie's books and this one did not disappoint. I was left crying tears of joy and sadness. I love the way she integrated all the brothers and there wives into this book. Great job Jamie!!! I LOVED IT!!

I have loved this series from the beginning and was SO excited to read this book. But I was not thrilled with it. At all. The book leaves off some story lines and does not finish telling the story (Abby? Trenton & Cami?). Where is the rest of the story about them? I hated the whole storyline and found it hard to read and enjoy. The way it jumped from person to person each new chapter was confusing and I had trouble remembering which person I was reading. I was hoping for SO much more. I really hipe this is not the end of the Maddox Series, because if it is, it is just sad and was left hanging.

There is just so much, so I'm going to apologize for this review being all over the place.
The title of this book is scary as hell. I was terrified of who it would be, so scared that one of my beloved Maddox brothers was going to leave me. I can promise you that if you are anything like me, you will sob your way through this book. I had to set it down and take a deep breath more times than I could count. This book was everything I have come to expect from Jamie McGuire book and so very much more. I loved seeing my favorite brothers grown up, I hated that they had to suffer from any sort of pain. I hate that chose sides against one another, I hated that they felt betrayed, but the common factor was they were all terrified to lose one another. I've never doubted the strength of the Maddox clan, and this book solidified that belief for me that they can truly survive anything. There were happy parts of this book, parts that made me fall in love with each brother all over again. Parts that brought me back to each of their books. There were also parts that shattered me completely, but that is the beauty of a McGuire book, even if you are heartbroken, it's still Beautiful. Everything in this book has a purpose, everything you feel is for a reason. Trust in McGuire to take you on an amazingly BEAUTIFUL journey. You won't be disappointed. (less)

I loved it...I thought having everyones pov was awesome, you got to see and feel what everyone was going through. The ending,although it had me crying, was perfectly done. I will miss reading new things about the Maddox Boys especially Travis....

irst of all I must applaud Jamie McGuire for writing such a beautiful book. I have been in love with Travis and Abby since the beginning of their story. I began this book late and could not put it down. I must say that this book far outweighed my expectations. The love this family had for each other even through this tough time showed through with the words that poured out. I loved the fierceness of Abby's character and how protective she was for her family. This book took me on a journey that I just recently faced myself in my personal life and I must say I felt as if Jamie McGuire went through it with me. I so hope this is not the end of these characters as I am still trying to recover from my laughter and tears from this beautifully written story. Bravo Ms. McGuire, you did it again.

i love this series. I wss hooked from the first book, read each one i dont know how many times. I know a series has to come to an end, but i wish there was more, or even make a movie out of the books., esp. the first ine.

I have read all of the books in this series and loved every book. The characters were very lovable and I got attached to them all, with each story line, and anticipated each books release date!! This book was no different so I have to be honest ?. Unfortunately I wasn't happy with the book on several levels. The characters that I've come to love were at odds with each other throughput the book and their relatable personalities just weren't there. Also, the different POV's were a little distracting and I didn't care for the constant conflict. I understand that some of what the author was trying to convey was real life family issues and drama, but in my opinion it just kind of took away from the whole enjoyment of the book and series. Don't even get me started on the ending (which to me seemed rushed and like it was just thrown together). Hated the characters that died in end and the story lines that just didn't get the closure I personally had expected. I hated to give a mediocre rating because like I said I usually love this author and this particular series, but I just hate that it ended in this sad and unfulfilled way.

I don't even have the words to describe how incredibly written this book is! The way Jamie writes she has a way of making you get sucked into the story and you never want to put the book down! It's definitely a page turner!

As several other people wrote, I wanted to love this book! I did like it but was let down by the ending, as I felt that more closure was needed on how the Maddox Family handled the aftermath of their situation. The family was divided during so much of the book and I just feel like that was never really resolved, and actually the ending events would have made that divide even worse. There were just so many loose ends and for a family that i've come to care about over the course of this series, I feel like this book just left me hanging. The whole tone was different from the other books, as well. Where as the other books ended on a hopeful note, this book left me feeling frustrated and kind of sad. I gave it three stars because I really like Jamie McGuire and I loved Beautiful Disaster but I have to say this one was a let down.

I had only read the books pertaining to Travis and Abby but still found myself thoroughly enjoying this book. The author has developed characters that feel authentic and their dialogue feels natural and not forced throughout.

This one made me cry the most!!
Jamie McGuire truly knows how to make people "feel". Thank you
I loved it and hated it at the same time...yet I couldn't put it down.
I HIGHLY recomend reading the entire series

There simply isn't enough stars for this book. But be warned this book will tug at your heart strings. Heartbreaking beautiful. Wish it didn't end like this but at the same time it was a perfect ending. Loved it so much!

The entire dieted of the Maddox brothers is beautifully written! Jamie builds a series of characters that you fall in love with each book. I have never enjoyed a series of books as much as I have enjoyed this one! Thank you

Oh. My. Goodness.

If you're going to read this one, get your tissues ready. Seriously.

I don't know what to say about this book. You had me on edge during the whole thing, Jamie. I knew it wasn't done until it was. And I never would've guessed who it turned out to be. You had brother against brother, wife against wife and temper against temper. Wowza!! You turned the Maddox household upside down and let us know what they've been up to in the past 11 years at the same time. I don't know how you did it, but you did. And I freaking loved it!!

And the title fits this book so beautifully. Because the funeral was just that. Beautiful. Heart wrenchingly beautiful. I was prepared to be mad that you did that. And I was, for a bit. Then I started reading the next chapter and I forgave you. It's what was meant to happen.

Thank you for the fat ugly alligator tears rolling down my cheeks and the snot dripping from my nose. But it was worth it. So so so worth it.

Yes, I was scared. But leave it to Jamie to capture the beauty with each character so elegantly. Exquisite, amazing, captivating, enthralling from beginning to end. A Maddox fan must read. Jamie has not let us down.

I had only read the books pertaining to Travis and Abby but still found myself thoroughly enjoying this book. The author has developed characters that feel authentic and their dialogue feels natural and not forced throughout.

This one made me cry the most!!
Jamie McGuire truly knows how to make people "feel". Thank you
I loved it and hated it at the same time...yet I couldn't put it down.
I HIGHLY recomend reading the entire series

There simply isn't enough stars for this book. But be warned this book will tug at your heart strings. Heartbreaking beautiful. Wish it didn't end like this but at the same time it was a perfect ending. Loved it so much!

The entire dieted of the Maddox brothers is beautifully written! Jamie builds a series of characters that you fall in love with each book. I have never enjoyed a series of books as much as I have enjoyed this one! Thank you

Oh. My. Goodness.

If you're going to read this one, get your tissues ready. Seriously.

I don't know what to say about this book. You had me on edge during the whole thing, Jamie. I knew it wasn't done until it was. And I never would've guessed who it turned out to be. You had brother against brother, wife against wife and temper against temper. Wowza!! You turned the Maddox household upside down and let us know what they've been up to in the past 11 years at the same time. I don't know how you did it, but you did. And I freaking loved it!!

And the title fits this book so beautifully. Because the funeral was just that. Beautiful. Heart wrenchingly beautiful. I was prepared to be mad that you did that. And I was, for a bit. Then I started reading the next chapter and I forgave you. It's what was meant to happen.

Thank you for the fat ugly alligator tears rolling down my cheeks and the snot dripping from my nose. But it was worth it. So so so worth it.

Yes, I was scared. But leave it to Jamie to capture the beauty with each character so elegantly. Exquisite, amazing, captivating, enthralling from beginning to end. A Maddox fan must read. Jamie has not let us down.

Read this when it released and I'm still thinking about it. Very sad to see these characters come to an end. This has been one of my all-time favorite series. I loved all the different point of views.

Let me start by saying Jamie is my favorite author out there. I have loved every Maddox brother book to date. This book was just ok to me. I didn't feel the feelings and it just felt like it was rushed, cut-off and all over the place. There was never any conclusions. It just went from different POV in every chapter, that you had to keep thinking about who you were reading about. The end was a little too obvious as well. I'm very sad that I didn't like it. And I accidentally bought 2 ebooks and a paperback.

This book pulled me in right from the start! I would expect no less from Jamie McGuire. This book had everything romance, heartache, family. I absolutely loved it recommend to every reader I know.

I loved how we got a mini recap of the brothers and their wives in their chapters. Great closing to the series. Ending somewhat predictable but good all the same. Would definitely recommend this book, but you would need to read the previous books to enjoy the dynamics of each character.

From the moment I began this series, I've loved all the members of the Maddox family. After reading the last book, Tyler's story, I wanted to read more about this family and A Beautiful Funeral does exactly that. This book not only continues each member of the family's story, but ties it all together for an amazing conclusion. This was the closure I needed for these fictional characters. Amazingly well done!!

I’m really torn about this book. I finished it last night, but I waited until today to rate it. When I reached The End, I was angry and sad and really unsure. There were moments of brilliance in this book. The last chapter was the best chapter in the whole thing, but I’m mad that it was the end. I needed more closure than what I got. I needed to know how the end really affected everyone because I don’t believe that anyone could walk away from that without resentment, hatred and guilt. So now instead of imagining these couples and their children with their happily ever afters, I am imagining them splintered and broken, no longer the strong family unit that they once were.

I really did like that we got at least a chapter from each characters point of view. It was great to see things from Thomas, Trent, Tyler and Taylor. It was also great to see how everyone was doing ten years later. There are things that are brought up in these chapters that are outside of the bigger plot, that were left wide open at the end, which is why I felt I needed more closure. I also felt like a couple of the characters changed a bit too much and I wasn’t sure if I liked them anymore. I would have loved to see how they redeemed themselves after the way things went down.

I was also angry at one of the deaths in the book. I expected death, in fact I kind of expected more, but one of the deaths was so unnecessary, I was seething when I realized what happened. There were also some continuity issues that took me out of the book at times. They were distracting and I found myself often confused.

I really wish less was spent on petty things in the beginning and that instead we had more of the aftermath. I think that would have made for an amazing story. Although I get why it ended on the chapter it did, I still think the impact of that chapter would have been just amazing at the ¾ point of the book. I do not regret reading this book or this series. Although none of the books captured the magic of Travis and Abby, I did enjoy reading them all.

I am a huge fan of the Maddox Brothers, so when I give it 4 Stars I am being biased because I love them so much. Although I did not think the story was great, it was still good. And as much as I love the Maddox Brothers, I think it's run it's course. It's that saying all good things must come to an end. And it should before it's ruined. Sometimes authors continue to try and put out more and more and ruin the beauty of a series. I think this maybe the last one. If it's not, yes of course I'd read the next. But just don't want to see the series tarnished.

I really am at a loss for words right now. I had so many emotions going on with this book.
At first, I felt it was really hard to keep up with who's point of view I was reading. I dint know if I was going to like the constant switching.
Then, the more time I invested, I couldn't put it down. I LOVED how it was everyone's different stories and struggles, but still all came together as the same story!

SPOILER FREE!!!

I went into this book as a person who has read and liked/loved the entire Beautiful series. There were a few books that may not have been my favorite but I have enjoyed getting to know each brother and see them learn to live and love.
that being said...

A Beautiful Funeral was fairly predictable. As I was reading i figured out the plot and then just kept reading to see if I was proven wrong... I wasn't.
Also, I feel like I know these characters, from reading each of their own books and seeing glimpses of them in others. The way a few of them behaved and spoke to others was so out of character. So rude and quite honestly horribly wrong. After each instance there was never an apology. just moved on like nothing happened. These actions made it hard to even have the feelings of love I once had for the character.
Aside from the writing of the characters, there were plot holes. there where scene skips without transitions that had me going back and rereading what I had read to make sure I didn't skip details. There were some typos.

I do not think this book is McGuire's best work. This is one she should've either paid a better editor and asker her beta's to be as honest as they could even if it meant brutal honesty. I give the book three stars because to me it was predictable, the characters changed so drastically without warning, and there were technical issues that made it hard to read long and follow.

It was the conclusion I never knew I wanted. Any questions I had about the Maddox family was answered. You get to see what happens to the family after each individual brothers story ended. You know your heart is going to break, but Jamie breaks it in the best way and puts it back better than it was before. A beautiful ending to a beautiful series.

Okay, so I had no idea what to expect with a title like this one and I admit I was scared. But I knew that if Jamie McGuire wrote it, I would read it. I mean it was about the Maddox Family so I knew it had to be great. This final book in the series did not disappoint. It was even better than my expectations. Lies were told, lives were changed but beneath all of the hurt and deceit is the love of a family that is unbreakable. I cried a lot during this book, more so than I expected. I was anxious and nervous throughout the book but it was a "hurt so good" angst that I could not put it down. The Maddox clan is tough, stubborn and loyal and the love they have for their families and each other truly stands the test of time. Together the Maddox Brothers are capable of anything.

As I saw some of the other reviews I am glad to know that I am not the only one left with a feeling of wanting more. I feel as if a few chapters could be added because the story line began but there was no ending. I really liked it at first but did not care for the ending. If you are a fan than yes I think this book should be read but I want more.

SPOILER FREE!!!

I went into this book as a person who has read and liked/loved the entire Beautiful series. There were a few books that may not have been my favorite but I have enjoyed getting to know each brother and see them learn to live and love.
that being said...

A Beautiful Funeral was fairly predictable. As I was reading i figured out the plot and then just kept reading to see if I was proven wrong... I wasn't.
Also, I feel like I know these characters, from reading each of their own books and seeing glimpses of them in others. The way a few of them behaved and spoke to others was so out of character. So rude and quite honestly horribly wrong. After each instance there was never an apology. just moved on like nothing happened. These actions made it hard to even have the feelings of love I once had for the character.
Aside from the writing of the characters, there were plot holes. there where scene skips without transitions that had me going back and rereading what I had read to make sure I didn't skip details. There were some typos.

I do not think this book is McGuire's best work. This is one she should've either paid a better editor and asker her beta's to be as honest as they could even if it meant brutal honesty. I give the book three stars because to me it was predictable, the characters changed so drastically without warning, and there were technical issues that made it hard to read long and follow.

It was the conclusion I never knew I wanted. Any questions I had about the Maddox family was answered. You get to see what happens to the family after each individual brothers story ended. You know your heart is going to break, but Jamie breaks it in the best way and puts it back better than it was before. A beautiful ending to a beautiful series.