A Romance That Begins at 78 and Defies Every Convention
In a genre often dominated by youthful protagonists and whirlwind first loves, Out of Time by award-winning author M. Jacqueline Murray offers something rare in contemporary romance: a poignant, wise, and deeply human love story that begins at age 78. As the first novel in the innovative Maddie & Nate trilogy, Out of Time asks a profound question: What if two people were destined to meet…but the timing was never quite right?
The result is a moving exploration of love, choice, and possibility that has already earned widespread acclaim, including four category wins in the 2025 International Firebird Book Awards, finalist recognition in the 2025 American Writing Awards (Women’s Fiction), and multiple review honors.
When Destiny Finally Aligns
Retired environmental engineer Maddie Cole has lived life her own way, building a groundbreaking career, traveling the world, and raising a daughter on her own. Love wasn’t completely absent, but it never quite aligned with the rest of her carefully chosen life. Now 78, her latest adventure is a trip with her daughter to Bar Harbor, Maine.
There she meets Nate Jacobs, a rule-following retired attorney and widower who now runs the Hope Point Lighthouse B&B. What begins as warm conversation slowly reveals something extraordinary: Maddie and Nate have unknowingly crossed paths across continents for decades without ever meeting—until now.
As their connection deepens, they face the ultimate question: Is it finally the right time…or has time already run out?
Through humor, tenderness, and emotional honesty, Murray reminds readers that the heart does not check birthdates before falling in love.
A Thoughtful, Science-Infused Approach to Storytelling
Murray brings an unusual perspective to fiction. With advanced degrees in Earth Science and an MBA, plus careers spanning environmental science and biotech strategy, she writes what she calls “Thoughtful Speculative Romance”—emotionally rich stories inspired by quantum theory and parallel realities. She uses quantum entanglement as a metaphor for human connection, exploring how two people can be inextricably linked across time and circumstance, their fates intertwined regardless of when or how they meet.
“I wanted to challenge the idea that romance is only for the young,” Murray explains. “Maddie is 78 when she meets Nate, and their story proves that love can transcend age, time, and expectation. The heart doesn’t consult the calendar.”
Murray honors the legacy of women who fought their way into STEM fields during the 1960s and 70s, when being a female engineer meant constantly proving yourself. She crafts Maddie as a trailblazer who quietly reshaped expectations for her generation. Murray doesn’t shy away from the messy realities of long lives: infidelity, regret, moral compromises, and relationships that defy easy judgment. Her fiction embraces the truth that love can emerge from imperfect histories, and that connection matters more than perfection.
Critical Praise
Kirkus Reviews writes:
“The story’s focus on a love affair between seniors offers an uplifting reminder that one may find love at any age.”
The BOOKLounge Review Team (5 stars) says:
“Murray has a unique talent of letting us peek into the lives of the characters as they live, learn, and love—with honesty and heart.”
Recognition & Awards
4× Winner — 2025 International Firebird Book Awards
Best Unconventional Love Story • Most Heartwarming • Foodie Romance • Most Likely to Inspire a Sequel
Finalist — 2025 American Writing Awards (Women’s Fiction)
Top Pick — 7th Annual Author Shout Book Awards
Honorable Mention — 2025 New England Book Festival
Part of a Groundbreaking Trilogy
Out of Time is the first in the Maddie & Nate trilogy, exploring one extraordinary connection across three parallel timelines:
Out of Time (2022) — Maddie and Nate meet in their late 70s at a lighthouse B&B in Maine
Next Time (2024) — The same souls meet in their 40s in 1970s Toronto
Our Time (coming 2026) — Their youngest versions cross paths
Unlike traditional series that follow characters chronologically, Murray’s trilogy explores how the same connection unfolds when circumstances, timing, and life experience differ—offering readers three complete love stories. Each book asks: would their love story unfold differently if they met at 28, 48, or 78? The answer reveals profound truths about how timing shapes not just when we love, but who we become.
About the Author
M. Jacqueline Murray is a multiple award-winning author whose work blends science, emotional wisdom earned through lived experience, and literary elegance. Murray’s journey to novelist began with a challenge from her husband during a road trip: “You should write a novel.” The result became an award-winning trilogy that dismantles assumptions about age, love, and destiny. Splitting her time between homes in the USA, Italy, and Canada, she continues exploring the mysteries of human connection across time and space.
Availability
Out of Time is available through major booksellers. A full media kit—including author photos, interview content, book club questions, and downloadable graphics—is available at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1y1-uhgiblJfHyhJCz3bkkKRFoO0-dqd3
Author Links
Website: www.mjacquelinemurray.com
Publisher: www.colejacobsbooks.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60904564-out-of-time
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/out-of-time-by-m-jacqueline-murray
Facebook & Instagram: @mjacquelinemurray
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For interviews, review copies, speaking engagements, or media inquiries, please contact:
M. Jacqueline Murray
Cole Jacobs Books
mjmurray@colejacobsbooks.com
