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 moved 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 a love neither of them had expected. However, they soon realize that combining families, even with four adult children, presents inevitable challenges.
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.
It’s Better This Way by Debbie Macomber has Julia Jones meeting Heath Wilson in the exercise room of her building
six years after her divorce. They start
out as friends since both have had disastrous dates since their marriages
ended. As time passes, Julia and Heath fall
in love. An astonishing discovery
threatens to ruin their bright future.
It’s Better This Way is well-written (as always) with realistic characters. The story moves along at a good pace. I liked
that the Heath and Julia are older protagonists. I thought they were realistic characters
especially with regard to their emotions.
A family situation has emotions running high as well as tension. The situations were representative of real-life,
but I did find it to be predictable. I loved
the side story involving Julia’s niece, Carrie and building resident,
Eric. I would have liked that to be its
own separate story (maybe a short e-book).
Carrie was a great character and I wanted to get to know her more along
with Eric. I appreciated the epilogue
that nicely wrapped up It’s Better This Way.
You get to see why when things work out a certain way that “It’s better
this way”. I was surprised to discover that there is
some mild foul language in the story. This is something that I never thought I
would see in a book by Debbie Macomber. I enjoyed the descriptions of Seattle
especially of the building where Julia and Heath resided. It’s Better This Way is a sweet, feel good
tale. It is perfect for summer when you
are looking for lighter fare to read.
Kris
The
Avid Reader
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