I can't even pretend that I understand Maggie's brain functions in this book. I am not a mother (well besides my furry babies) and I have never been pregnant so I have no idea about the so called "baby brain" but I have seen some of my pregnant friends try to rationalize completely irrational things, so I can understand this book from that perspective. I think mothers or pregnant women would find this book excellent and validating.

I enjoyed reading this book as a whole though. Ms. Garvin has a writing style that sweeps you along the pages quickly and efficiently. I found I had finished the book long before I wanted it to end. I enjoyed Maggie's character and I enjoyed the light and fun way that Ms. Garvin wrote her story. I think that Maggie is a character that can appeal to many women, not just the pregnant ones or the mothers, she carried many characteristics of a strong women and I can totally get behind that. I look forward to more of Ms. Garvin's work. ( )

Maggie and Martin Finley have returned to Maggie’s Wisconsin hometown, leaving behind a fast-paced, high-profile life. The purpose is to create a safe environment for their child. With the birth impending, safety is increasingly important to Maggie, still recovering from a tragedy that is still fresh.

Maggie decides that the best way to create a safe environment for her baby is to resurrect the inactive neighborhood watch. In doing this, she gets more than she bargained for, including becoming the leader. Then, while organizing the group, Maggie discovers online that a predator is living in the neighborhood! The more Maggie tries to take control of the situation, the more she loses it!

Before she even realizes it, Maggie is making predawn cruises through the neighborhood streets, doing things she knows are not safe, including becoming too involved with the handyman. Her lifelong friend, Julia, tries to be a voice of reason, but has her own set of issues.

Nothing is what it seems for anyone. There are lessons to be learned by everyone. This suspenseful book is very unique and quirky. There are amusing moments and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing, and leave you thinking. ( )

Maggie is eight months pregnant when she and her husband Martin move back to her hometown. She reconnects with her former friend Julia. Maggie is a bit different now that she's back. She suffered a great loss that has changed her views on the world and as a result she becomes obsessed with protecting her unborn child.

She decides to organize her neighborhood watch program which leads to her discovery of a sex offender living in the neighborhood. Sicken by this, Maggie decides to take matters into her own hands to let him know he is not welcomed.

On Maggie's Watch is a portrayal of how unresolved grief can influence one's behavior. At first glance, Maggie appears to be unstable and it's easy to want to judge her, but when the reader learns of her past history and the loss she endured, it's understandable why she does what she does. Don't get me wrong, though. Some of her actions I found to be a bit over the top, but when I've reacted to a situation based entirely on my emotions, my behavior was irrational, but at the same time made sense to me.

I do have to admit, I didn't like On Maggie's Watch as much as I thought I would. I never warmed up to Maggie and at times found her to be exhausting. I did, however, want her to let go of the past so she could fully enjoy the birth of her child. Despite my frustration with Maggie, I still recommend On Maggie's Watch. The story was an emotional roller coaster for me: frustration to pity to sadness to happiness. My suggestion is to read On Maggie's Watch and decide for yourself. ( )

I was contacted by Ann Wertz Garvin asking me if I would be interested in reviewing her book On Maggie's Watch. I took a look to see what it was about and immediately thought that this would be a fun read. I was not disappointed. The two female characters, Maggie and Julia, are old friends and since Maggie and her husband have returned to a small Wisconsin town( I live in Wisconsin also), they have become friends again. Maggie decides to become interested in the Neighborhood Watch program because she has found that there is a registered sex offender in the neighborhood. What ensues is a story that is humerous and serious at the same time. Humerous because Maggie is a bit over the top at times and serious because the author has covered some serious topics. I loved this story because, even though it had very serious undertones it was told with compassion and understanding even if Maggie is a character who has lots of flaws, no pretentions. A great weekend summer read for the beach!!! ( )

When I sat down to read this book, I was really expecting it to be rather slow, honestly. I am not afraid to admit that. But, what happened totally blew me away. I was instantly captured and taken by surprise at how fast of a read and how engrossing of a read this truly was. Garvin really did a FANTASTIC job at writing this novel.

On Maggie's Watch is a perfectly blended combination of humor, love, friendship, and worry. I'm not going to go into deep detail about the novel, for if I do, I will give away the spoilers, and my blog isn't about that. So, what I will tell you is this: Maggie is a flaw-filled character trying her best to not make another mistake in her unborn child's life. When she learns that one of her neighbors is harboring a deep and dark secret, she goes to great lengths to protect her neighborhood. She starts the Neighborhood Watch, but what she doesn't realize is that the people around....well, they are all flawed, just like her. They all have secrets they are harboring. But, still, she wanted to protect her baby and would do nothing to stop herself from vandalizing the neighbor who holds the dark secret. She will stop at nothing to make the world a "perfect" place for her sweet baby.

I truly loved this book in the end. It made me laugh in places, but it made me stop to think about the world today. Garvin took serious issues in the world today, and blended them with the flawed characters, and turned out a 4 star plot that will hook you and reel you in. It will get your mind turning and thinking and make you realize, as a parent that the world is not perfect, but sometimes you have to have a little TRUST. Well done, Ms. Garvin! ( )