BOOK REVIEW- It's Better This Way (A Novel) by Debbie Macomber *

  

Romance , Women's Fiction

Description

After her marriage ends, one woman’s struggle to pick up the pieces finally leads to a new beginning but is the past truly behind her? #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber explores the powerful intersections of love and family in this poignant novel.

It’s been nearly six years since Julia Jones had her heart broken. After her husband became involved with another woman, she did everything she could to save their marriage, to no avail. Their two daughters continue to stand by Julia in the wake of their father’s behavior—and they’ve had a tough time getting along with the “other woman” who became their stepmother. Distraught after selling the family home, Julia moves into a condominium complex that offers the warmth and charm of a fresh start. Now, having settled into her new community and sold her successful interior design business, she’s embraced a fulfilling new life, one that doesn’t seem to need a man in it. Her beloved father’s trusty saying is ringing truer than ever: It’s better this way.

But when Julia meets a handsome new resident in the building’s exercise room, she can’t help but be drawn to him. Heath Johnson is a welcome change from the men she’s encountered on the occasional—mostly disastrous—dates her sister has eagerly planned for her over the years. As she and Heath, a divorcé himself, begin to grow close, their friendship blossoms into an unexpected love. However, they soon realize that combining families proves to be a challenge, even though their four children are adults.

 When a dramatic revelation threatens the happiness they’ve found, Julia and Heath must reconcile their love for their children with their love for each other. If they can’t, their bright future together may be nothing but a dream. AMAZON LINK 

 4 STARS

 

This was a really emotional story about people working through hurts that divorces can bring.  Divorce and remarriages too.

I liked that although Julia and Heath were NOT looking for a new partner, they still found each other.  Turns out that was the easy part, as hard as new beginnings could be.  I liked how Julia and Heath came together and they were such a better fit than their previous spouses.   It's the "kids" that are causing so many additional hurts.  Julia and her ex-Eddie were moving forward but they overestimated their children's ability.  It was a good point that because they were adult children, both sides assumed it would make things easier for them. 

I do have to say, that Eddie was one stubborn dude who kept messing things up even when he was trying to re-build bridges with his "girls".  I felt that Julia had the patience of a saint when it came to him.  

I liked how things are starting to look up for everyone as they continued to work things through.   

I like it when the title of a book fits with actual parts of a book and this one does. That phrase shows up more than once in explainable ways.

"I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”