The Girl She Used to Be

By: Maggie Miller

Narrated by: Jenn Bedell

A New Standalone Novel from Maggie Miller

At 55, retired professional surfer Emma Cross feels like a shadow of her former self. Once fearless, she now spends her days quietly in the cozy Florida beach town of New Hope. She watches the waves she used to ride and wonders if her best years are behind her.

But when siblings Sara and Ben move in next door—Sara with her infectious energy and Ben with his calm, steady presence—they slowly pull Emma out of her shell, reminding her of the woman she used to be and nudging her toward the life she still has ahead of her.

Just as Emma begins to rediscover herself, her carefully balanced world is thrown into chaos by the unexpected arrival of her ex-husband. After years of silence, he brings a flood of old wounds, regrets, and unanswered questions—and a shocking revelation about why he’s here.

As Emma struggles to navigate her emotions and protect her two grown sons from being hurt again, she begins to realize that her own healing might mean letting go of the past once and for all.

©2025 Maggie Miller (P)2025 Maggie Miller

Meh

It could have been better if there was more meat too it. Too many places in the story that were repetitive. I rarely leave negative reviews but best to save your credit.

Relatable

A good listen on realistic healing after a breakup years ago. Maybe the next book will tell how she moves into a new relationship.

Meh…

Ok story … but not up to the standard I was expecting- for keeping my interest.
I wasn’t sure where it was going for the first couple hours …. Kept waiting for something? 🤷🏻‍♀️Then the curve ball of ex-husband sneaking around🤷🏻‍♀️And the an abrupt end🤷🏻‍♀️

the feel good theme

the narrators voice is what gave the story real relevance. She is one of the best narrators that I have encountered!!

Great look at later in our lives

The story kept flowing nicely then became a little predictable in a folksy sort of style.