What do you think?
Rate this book
The Time Between
A stunning new novel of betrayal and forgiveness from The New York Times bestselling author.
Thirty-four-year-old Eleanor Murray is consumed with guilt for causing the accident that paralyzed her sister—and for falling in love with her sister’s husband. But when her boss offers her a part-time job caring for his elderly aunt, Helena, Eleanor accepts, hoping this good deed will help atone for her mistakes.
On the barrier island of Edisto, Eleanor bonds with Helena over their mutual love of music. Drawing the older woman out of her depression, Eleanor learns of her life in Hungary, with her sister, before and during World War II. She hears tales of passion and heartache, defiance and dangerous deception. And when the truth of Helena and her sister’s actions comes to light, Eleanor may finally allow herself to move past guilt and to embrace the song that lies deep in her heart…
Thirty-four-year-old Eleanor Murray is consumed with guilt for causing the accident that paralyzed her sister—and for falling in love with her sister’s husband. But when her boss offers her a part-time job caring for his elderly aunt, Helena, Eleanor accepts, hoping this good deed will help atone for her mistakes.
On the barrier island of Edisto, Eleanor bonds with Helena over their mutual love of music. Drawing the older woman out of her depression, Eleanor learns of her life in Hungary, with her sister, before and during World War II. She hears tales of passion and heartache, defiance and dangerous deception. And when the truth of Helena and her sister’s actions comes to light, Eleanor may finally allow herself to move past guilt and to embrace the song that lies deep in her heart…
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2013
530 people are currently reading
15342 people want to read
About the author
Karen White
42 books7,489 followersWith more than 2 million books in print in fifteen different languages, Karen White is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 34 novels, including the popular Charleston-set Tradd Street mystery series.
Raised in a house full of brothers, Karen’s love of books and strong female characters first began in the third grade when the local librarian issued her a library card and placed The Secret of the Old Clock, a Nancy Drew Mystery, in her hands.
Karen’s roots run deep in the South where many of her novels are set. Her intricate plot lines and compelling characters charm and captivate readers with just the right mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.
Not entirely convinced she wanted to be a writer, Karen first pursued a career in business and graduated cum laude with a BS in Management from Tulane University. Ten years later, in a weak moment, she wrote her first book. In the Shadow of the Moon was published in August, 2000. Her books—referred to as “grit lit” (Southern Women’s Fiction)—have since been nominated for numerous national contests including the SIBA (Southeastern Booksellers Alliance) Fiction Book of the Year.
Karen’s next book, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER, will be published by Park Row Books in July, 2025.
When not writing, Karen spends her time reading, scrapbooking, playing piano, and avoiding cooking. Karen and her husband have two grown children and currently live near Atlanta, Georgia with two spoiled Havanese dogs.
- See more at: http://www.karen-white.com/bio.cfm#st...
Raised in a house full of brothers, Karen’s love of books and strong female characters first began in the third grade when the local librarian issued her a library card and placed The Secret of the Old Clock, a Nancy Drew Mystery, in her hands.
Karen’s roots run deep in the South where many of her novels are set. Her intricate plot lines and compelling characters charm and captivate readers with just the right mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.
Not entirely convinced she wanted to be a writer, Karen first pursued a career in business and graduated cum laude with a BS in Management from Tulane University. Ten years later, in a weak moment, she wrote her first book. In the Shadow of the Moon was published in August, 2000. Her books—referred to as “grit lit” (Southern Women’s Fiction)—have since been nominated for numerous national contests including the SIBA (Southeastern Booksellers Alliance) Fiction Book of the Year.
Karen’s next book, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER, will be published by Park Row Books in July, 2025.
When not writing, Karen spends her time reading, scrapbooking, playing piano, and avoiding cooking. Karen and her husband have two grown children and currently live near Atlanta, Georgia with two spoiled Havanese dogs.
- See more at: http://www.karen-white.com/bio.cfm#st...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,419 reviews
October 8, 2016
The Time Between by Karen White is a 2013 NAL publication.
This is the first book by Karen White I’ve read that was not a part of the Tradd Street series. So, I had no idea what to expect, but I was pretty sure I was in for a real treat, and I was right!
This is an amazing story, so full of emotion and poignancy, my heart ached with grief,
but, was also filled with hope for the opportunity of second chances, stemming from acceptance and forgiveness.
Karen White has such a beautiful prose and writing voice and boy can she weave a story!
Years ago, Ellie and Eve were involved in an accident that nearly killed Ellie and left Eve paralyzed. Now, Ellie only answers to ‘Eleanor’ and the brave, devil may care girl she once was died the day of the accident, never to be seen or heard from again. She plays the martyr, caring for her sister and mother, while carrying a torch for her brother-in-law, Glen.
She gave up on her dream of attending Julliard, stopped playing the piano when her father died, and is now on the cusp of becoming a bitter woman, filled with guilt, regret, resentment, anger, and self-loathing, constantly beating herself up.
But, when her boss, Finn, tosses her a lifeline by way of a moonlighting job, caring for his elderly aunt, Helena, who has given up the will to live, Eleanor jumps at the chance.
What develops from there will change Eleanor’s life profoundly as she gets to know Helena and learns of her tragic past, while slowly falling in love with Finn and his precious daughter, Gigi, and uncovers a stunning mystery in the process.
The relationship between sisters is a predominant theme in the novel, exploring the connection and the complexities of that familial relationship, which, despite real tests and challenges, is an unbreakable bond.
Forgiveness is also a key theme of the story, as Eve and Eleanor come to terms with the past, accept the life they have been given and learn to let go of the resentments that have lain between them far too long.
The world war two thread is so tragic, but Helena’s grudging willingness to tell Eleanor the story leads to an epiphany for both women.
While, initially, the story was a little depressing and kind of heavy, which had me a little worried, the veil of gloom slowly lifts and the relief is almost palpable when everything finally clicks into place and everyone enjoys a healthy process of healing, and from there are able to continue forward with life with a renewed sense of hope and happiness.
This is an impressive novel, which highlights this author’s ability to write across different genres with a literary prose that perfectly captures the southern accent and flavor which so enriches the characters, while adding in diversity and realistic fiction.
I’m so glad I discovered Karen White!
This is the first book by Karen White I’ve read that was not a part of the Tradd Street series. So, I had no idea what to expect, but I was pretty sure I was in for a real treat, and I was right!
This is an amazing story, so full of emotion and poignancy, my heart ached with grief,
but, was also filled with hope for the opportunity of second chances, stemming from acceptance and forgiveness.
Karen White has such a beautiful prose and writing voice and boy can she weave a story!
Years ago, Ellie and Eve were involved in an accident that nearly killed Ellie and left Eve paralyzed. Now, Ellie only answers to ‘Eleanor’ and the brave, devil may care girl she once was died the day of the accident, never to be seen or heard from again. She plays the martyr, caring for her sister and mother, while carrying a torch for her brother-in-law, Glen.
She gave up on her dream of attending Julliard, stopped playing the piano when her father died, and is now on the cusp of becoming a bitter woman, filled with guilt, regret, resentment, anger, and self-loathing, constantly beating herself up.
But, when her boss, Finn, tosses her a lifeline by way of a moonlighting job, caring for his elderly aunt, Helena, who has given up the will to live, Eleanor jumps at the chance.
What develops from there will change Eleanor’s life profoundly as she gets to know Helena and learns of her tragic past, while slowly falling in love with Finn and his precious daughter, Gigi, and uncovers a stunning mystery in the process.
The relationship between sisters is a predominant theme in the novel, exploring the connection and the complexities of that familial relationship, which, despite real tests and challenges, is an unbreakable bond.
Forgiveness is also a key theme of the story, as Eve and Eleanor come to terms with the past, accept the life they have been given and learn to let go of the resentments that have lain between them far too long.
The world war two thread is so tragic, but Helena’s grudging willingness to tell Eleanor the story leads to an epiphany for both women.
While, initially, the story was a little depressing and kind of heavy, which had me a little worried, the veil of gloom slowly lifts and the relief is almost palpable when everything finally clicks into place and everyone enjoys a healthy process of healing, and from there are able to continue forward with life with a renewed sense of hope and happiness.
This is an impressive novel, which highlights this author’s ability to write across different genres with a literary prose that perfectly captures the southern accent and flavor which so enriches the characters, while adding in diversity and realistic fiction.
I’m so glad I discovered Karen White!
May 6, 2014
The Time Between Pianos, beaches, mansions, guilt, accidents, decisions, grief, love, secrets and children who didn't know each other as children but knew each other now as adults. Eleanor was the cause of her sister's paralyzing accident when they were children, and her mother never let her forget it. Eleanor was made to work and take care of her sister Eve. Eleanor seemed to be at the beck and call of every family member and did not think of herself or think of her own happiness. Eve seemed to enjoy how uncomfortable she always made her sister feel and how she could still make her feel guilty about the accident. Their mother wasn't any nicer to Eleanor and seemed to expect Eleanor to pay for what she did to her sister.
One day Eleanor's boss, Finn, had a proposition that would allow Eleanor to return to Edisto Island where she and her family had always spent their vacations. Would this be good for Eleanor or would it bring back too many sad memories of her father? Would it relieve some of Eleanor's guilt? She had to give it a try. Something had to help her heal and forgive herself and to gain her sister's forgiveness. The piano she saw in Helena's house cinched her decision about accepting the job. Playing the piano was Eleanor's passion.
When Eleanor arrived on Edisto Island, she met Aunt Helena and Genevieve. They both were likable characters even though Helena tried to rattle Eleanor at first, but that kept Eleanor going. Genevieve was an adorable girl who loved pink. The characters were authentic and genuine. The descriptions of the characters' every move and thoughts were marvelous.
THE TIME BETWEEN is a heartwarming, redeeming, cozy read with exceptional writing that sets the mood for the book's theme. I could feel myself become a part of the feelings of each character whether it was a sense of belonging or rejection. When Eleanor interacted with Helena, you could feel the warmth between them growing not only as caregiver and the one being cared for but as kindred souls searching for something, and in Helena's case hiding something. Each character kept you guessing about his/her motives, their reason for acting the way they did, and what they actually were looking for in their relationships with each other.
Through Ms. White's skillful writing style you could tell her characters were obscure but sincere in their feelings for each other and that something was being hidden and being held back by each of them. The book's chapters were titled with each character's name, and that character's voice spoke for that specific section. The book had an effortless flow and a very appealing storyline. It addressed human feelings, choices, and healing. The ending was painful but uplifting as well as fascinating because of the added bonus of information about WWII. It was an enjoyable but thought-provoking book that will have you sitting back and definitely thinking about "the time between" that was explained on Page 319 as: "There is how we were before, and how we are now, and the time between is spent choosing which doors to pen, and which to close." This book was absolutely wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the lessons learned, and the book's comfortable pace. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
One day Eleanor's boss, Finn, had a proposition that would allow Eleanor to return to Edisto Island where she and her family had always spent their vacations. Would this be good for Eleanor or would it bring back too many sad memories of her father? Would it relieve some of Eleanor's guilt? She had to give it a try. Something had to help her heal and forgive herself and to gain her sister's forgiveness. The piano she saw in Helena's house cinched her decision about accepting the job. Playing the piano was Eleanor's passion.
When Eleanor arrived on Edisto Island, she met Aunt Helena and Genevieve. They both were likable characters even though Helena tried to rattle Eleanor at first, but that kept Eleanor going. Genevieve was an adorable girl who loved pink. The characters were authentic and genuine. The descriptions of the characters' every move and thoughts were marvelous.
THE TIME BETWEEN is a heartwarming, redeeming, cozy read with exceptional writing that sets the mood for the book's theme. I could feel myself become a part of the feelings of each character whether it was a sense of belonging or rejection. When Eleanor interacted with Helena, you could feel the warmth between them growing not only as caregiver and the one being cared for but as kindred souls searching for something, and in Helena's case hiding something. Each character kept you guessing about his/her motives, their reason for acting the way they did, and what they actually were looking for in their relationships with each other.
Through Ms. White's skillful writing style you could tell her characters were obscure but sincere in their feelings for each other and that something was being hidden and being held back by each of them. The book's chapters were titled with each character's name, and that character's voice spoke for that specific section. The book had an effortless flow and a very appealing storyline. It addressed human feelings, choices, and healing. The ending was painful but uplifting as well as fascinating because of the added bonus of information about WWII. It was an enjoyable but thought-provoking book that will have you sitting back and definitely thinking about "the time between" that was explained on Page 319 as: "There is how we were before, and how we are now, and the time between is spent choosing which doors to pen, and which to close." This book was absolutely wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the lessons learned, and the book's comfortable pace. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
February 27, 2017
‘We all make choices… And if it doesn’t work out the way we wanted it to, we can spend a lifetime blaming ourselves or blaming others. Either way, we’ve spent a lifetime blaming instead if a lifetime doing other things.’ This is a quote from one of the characters from whose point of view this story is told. There are three of them. Eleanor, her older sister, Eve and Helena, the elderly woman Eleanor is companion to. Each voice is clearly labelled so the reader always knows where they are. This manages to give different look at events that happen. Eleanor blames herself for her sister’s accident which left Eve paralysed and in a wheelchair. But is she really responsible? Or were there other factors?
Eleanor’s boss Finn is the one who comes up with the idea of Eleanor being a companion for his great-aunt who, after the death of her sister Bernadett, needs something to pull her out of her misery. It had been just her and her sister since they escaped war-torn Hungary in 1944. Finn thinks Eleanor might be just the person to help his great-aunt. But Aunt Helena and Eleanor seem to constantly antagonise each other, whereas Gigi, Finn’s ten year old daughter takes to Eleanor immediately.
I stayed up till the early morning hours finishing this book because I simply could not bear to leave it. I liked the snarky interactions between Helena and Eleanor and the way they challenged each other. This is a story about choices, hopes and dreams destroyed, music, family, loss,guilt, forgiveness and secrets kept, all set in a stately home on Edisto island. It is told with a lot of heart and a story that tugs at the emotions. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Eleanor’s boss Finn is the one who comes up with the idea of Eleanor being a companion for his great-aunt who, after the death of her sister Bernadett, needs something to pull her out of her misery. It had been just her and her sister since they escaped war-torn Hungary in 1944. Finn thinks Eleanor might be just the person to help his great-aunt. But Aunt Helena and Eleanor seem to constantly antagonise each other, whereas Gigi, Finn’s ten year old daughter takes to Eleanor immediately.
I stayed up till the early morning hours finishing this book because I simply could not bear to leave it. I liked the snarky interactions between Helena and Eleanor and the way they challenged each other. This is a story about choices, hopes and dreams destroyed, music, family, loss,guilt, forgiveness and secrets kept, all set in a stately home on Edisto island. It is told with a lot of heart and a story that tugs at the emotions. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
July 20, 2013
I had no idea what to expect with this book and I'd written it off until I saw the rave reviews. Not that I always agree with rave reviews but this time I did. I just didn't like the book description about a woman who feels guilty about paralyzing her sister then she holds a flame for her sister's husband then takes care of an old woman. How depressing. Obviously there was much more.
The book is told by different points of view and slowly reveals the way we punish ourselves for decisions we made years ago and how we own more than our share of guilt. We carry out shame or we punish ourselves by giving up things we love. There is a time for apology and there is a time to forgive, including ourselves.
The characters and their stories are flawlessly sewn together to give the book a cohesive momentum. The book is not a fast moving book but one that must be thoughtfully consumed. The characters and their interactions define them and develop them into people we know and, in some ways, are.
Beautiful writing style and book. Book club worthy.
The book is told by different points of view and slowly reveals the way we punish ourselves for decisions we made years ago and how we own more than our share of guilt. We carry out shame or we punish ourselves by giving up things we love. There is a time for apology and there is a time to forgive, including ourselves.
The characters and their stories are flawlessly sewn together to give the book a cohesive momentum. The book is not a fast moving book but one that must be thoughtfully consumed. The characters and their interactions define them and develop them into people we know and, in some ways, are.
Beautiful writing style and book. Book club worthy.
November 17, 2020
This was a story of Eve and her sister Eleanor, each could not forgive the other for an accident long ago. This was also about Helena and Bernadette, sisters fleeing war torn Budapest in July 1944. How sisters have deep secrets to protect the other, second chances to make things right and find the happiness they always should have had, and forgiveness to find the peace to go on in life.
I enjoyed this story very much. How the two sets of sisters were decades apart in their torment, but how similar they were in teaching each other forgiveness and second chances can bring ultimate happiness in the end.
I enjoyed this story very much. How the two sets of sisters were decades apart in their torment, but how similar they were in teaching each other forgiveness and second chances can bring ultimate happiness in the end.
June 6, 2023
I loved this book! I enjoyed the story, that included a bit of a mystery, and the complicated characters. Not every character is likable, nor should they be. Life is messy and sometimes complicated.
Another review with quotes.
“All shut-eye ain’t sleep; all good-bye ain’t gone.”
“If moonlight could be heard, it would sound like that.” “Nathaniel Hawthorne, right?”
“Maybe I was growing older, *the time between* my childhood and now is like a river heading toward the ocean, changing slowly until it was nearly unrecognizable at its end.”
“She nodded briefly, then left the room before I could tell her that there were some things that, once broken, could never be repaired.”
“We all say we do things for love. But even love has it’s price. Be careful what you are willing to pay. It might cost you more than you could ever imagine.”
“…knew his dreams had nothing to do with chasing stars.”
“Things do not always work out as we have planned, do they? Sometimes the hardest thing is not to just survive the grief, but to step around it and move on.”
“Have you ever known grieving that ends only when your own heart stops beating?”
“Time is a funny thing. It can take some people a whole lifetime before they realize they’ve been playing tug-of-war all by themselves.”
“I’ve found that you can’t measure happiness the way you measure yards in a race. You just learn to recognize it when it arrives so you can enjoy it while it lasts.”
“We’ve all made mistakes. It’s moving beyond them that makes us the people we are.”
“There is no risk in wanting something you can never have.”
“Everything has a price. You just have to decide if what you want is worth what you need to give up.”
“And if it doesn’t work out the way we wanted it to, we can spend a lifetime blaming ourselves or blaming others. Either way, we’ve spent a lifetime blaming instead of a lifetime doing other things.”
“There is how we were before, and how we are now, and *the time between* is spent choosing which doors to open, and which to close.”
“That adversity in life does not rob your heart of beauty. It simply teaches it a new song to sing.”
“We live, we love. These are the choices we are given, to open doors or to close them. It is all we have, and it is enough.”
Another review with quotes.
“All shut-eye ain’t sleep; all good-bye ain’t gone.”
“If moonlight could be heard, it would sound like that.” “Nathaniel Hawthorne, right?”
“Maybe I was growing older, *the time between* my childhood and now is like a river heading toward the ocean, changing slowly until it was nearly unrecognizable at its end.”
“She nodded briefly, then left the room before I could tell her that there were some things that, once broken, could never be repaired.”
“We all say we do things for love. But even love has it’s price. Be careful what you are willing to pay. It might cost you more than you could ever imagine.”
“…knew his dreams had nothing to do with chasing stars.”
“Things do not always work out as we have planned, do they? Sometimes the hardest thing is not to just survive the grief, but to step around it and move on.”
“Have you ever known grieving that ends only when your own heart stops beating?”
“Time is a funny thing. It can take some people a whole lifetime before they realize they’ve been playing tug-of-war all by themselves.”
“I’ve found that you can’t measure happiness the way you measure yards in a race. You just learn to recognize it when it arrives so you can enjoy it while it lasts.”
“We’ve all made mistakes. It’s moving beyond them that makes us the people we are.”
“There is no risk in wanting something you can never have.”
“Everything has a price. You just have to decide if what you want is worth what you need to give up.”
“And if it doesn’t work out the way we wanted it to, we can spend a lifetime blaming ourselves or blaming others. Either way, we’ve spent a lifetime blaming instead of a lifetime doing other things.”
“There is how we were before, and how we are now, and *the time between* is spent choosing which doors to open, and which to close.”
“That adversity in life does not rob your heart of beauty. It simply teaches it a new song to sing.”
“We live, we love. These are the choices we are given, to open doors or to close them. It is all we have, and it is enough.”
abandoned
October 5, 2013I read the first ten pages of this on my disaster commute, and I've already made this face:
It has such good reviews I feel I have to keep going but why is the husband not taking care of Eve? Why is everybody being so mean to the main character? Why are these people already pissing me off so much?
It's possible I was just bitter because I was the only one on the extra crowded Green Line willing to give up my seat for the pregnant lady and I can't read while standing up -- precious reading time, gone! Still, this skeptical hippo is a little skeptical.
ETA: Nope, I'm giving up. I got twenty-five pages in and said to myself, "I bet I know where this is going." So I read the last five pages and it turns out I knew where it was going. I think Karen White writes very nice prose and I understand why it's so popular, I just found the actual plot kind of cliche. Not for me, moving on.
It has such good reviews I feel I have to keep going but why is the husband not taking care of Eve? Why is everybody being so mean to the main character? Why are these people already pissing me off so much?
It's possible I was just bitter because I was the only one on the extra crowded Green Line willing to give up my seat for the pregnant lady and I can't read while standing up -- precious reading time, gone! Still, this skeptical hippo is a little skeptical.
ETA: Nope, I'm giving up. I got twenty-five pages in and said to myself, "I bet I know where this is going." So I read the last five pages and it turns out I knew where it was going. I think Karen White writes very nice prose and I understand why it's so popular, I just found the actual plot kind of cliche. Not for me, moving on.
June 1, 2016
I always enjoy Karen White's books. Love the settings, family dynamics and the development of characters. I really enjoyed this book but just perhaps found it a bit "slow." However, the writing and the story of Eleanor and particularly Helena was fascinating and kept me reading.
February 3, 2015
This is the second book I've read by this author. I'm going to give her another try after this. She has a book that looks promising. The Time Between is melodramatic. It's predictable. Her descriptions are repetitious. That was one of my problems with the first book I read of hers. If I had to read about Finns grey assessing eyes one more time... I don't know. Or the fact that his daughter liked pink. Too much. As a reader, you obviously want the book to be as descriptive as possible. So you can see and hear everything the author is writing about. Karen White goes above and beyond. None of the characters are particularly likable. Except Helena (horrible thing she did to her sister included). So, it was hard to actually care about what was happening. There is such a thing as unrequited love. But, to live in a house with your paralyzed sister and be in love with her husband the whole time? And everyone knows that you are? You're also consumed with guilt because you think you are the reason your sister is paralyzed? I also had an issue with Lucy. She was Eleanor's closest friend. She's a stereotype. A black woman who moves her head, neck, and chin? Every sentence that Lucy uttered (not that she was in the book a lot. Thankfully.) started or ending with "uhm hmm". Insulting. I could see it being a beach read or something to take your mind off things. But, I wouldn't recommend.
August 6, 2013
This is a great reflective book to read. We all have secrets that we desperately try to keep within us, that somehow seem to alter the decisions we make in our lives. To quote the book, " There is how we were before, and how we are now, and the time between is spent choosing which doors to open, and which to close."
This book takes place on Edisto Island, in South Carolina, where White adds some of the Gheechee lore into her story. White has intertwined a group of characters that seem unlikely to find each other; however, through life's circumstances they have been brought together. The two main characters are Helena and Ellie, who are two strong minded women from two different time period that keep butting heads to keep a secret that they hold deep within themselves. Each pull on the others secrets while desperately trying to keep their secret to them self. As the web of secrets become untangled we learn the meaning of a whisper that was told to Ellie and Eve, when Ellie's heart had stopped after an accident she and her sister had upon a dare. " All shut eye's are not sleeping, and all good bye's ain't gone.
Sisters are individuals that sometimes have fights that show hate and love are always found together but in the end they have the same soul. Nothing will ever break the bond that is stitched within that soul. If you have a sister I would suggest you recommend this book and the two of you read it.
This book takes place on Edisto Island, in South Carolina, where White adds some of the Gheechee lore into her story. White has intertwined a group of characters that seem unlikely to find each other; however, through life's circumstances they have been brought together. The two main characters are Helena and Ellie, who are two strong minded women from two different time period that keep butting heads to keep a secret that they hold deep within themselves. Each pull on the others secrets while desperately trying to keep their secret to them self. As the web of secrets become untangled we learn the meaning of a whisper that was told to Ellie and Eve, when Ellie's heart had stopped after an accident she and her sister had upon a dare. " All shut eye's are not sleeping, and all good bye's ain't gone.
Sisters are individuals that sometimes have fights that show hate and love are always found together but in the end they have the same soul. Nothing will ever break the bond that is stitched within that soul. If you have a sister I would suggest you recommend this book and the two of you read it.
August 31, 2013
Another book that makes Karen White one of my favorite authors. This story combines the past and the present effortlessly, and shows that when you are full of secrets and guilt you become someone you no longer recognize when you look in the mirror. Letting go often is hard but lets us return to our true selves.
This story was told from several view points, and I was not a big fan of switching between them, but do understand it may have been the best way to get this story told. White has a flair for very descriptive writing which awakens all your senses and helps you feel as if you have stepped into the setting of her stories. It took me a while to understand the title, but it was beautifully explained with the quote, “There is how we were before, and how we are now, and the time between is spent choosing which doors to open, and which to close.” I enjoyed the historical aspect of the story. Sad and satisfying all in one book.
This story was told from several view points, and I was not a big fan of switching between them, but do understand it may have been the best way to get this story told. White has a flair for very descriptive writing which awakens all your senses and helps you feel as if you have stepped into the setting of her stories. It took me a while to understand the title, but it was beautifully explained with the quote, “There is how we were before, and how we are now, and the time between is spent choosing which doors to open, and which to close.” I enjoyed the historical aspect of the story. Sad and satisfying all in one book.
June 13, 2013
Four and a half stars: A poignant tale of sisters, love, loss and forgiveness.
Eleanor lost her passion for life fourteen years ago when she dared her sister to climb a tree, resulting in a fall and paralysis. Now, Eleanor feels it is her lot in life to help care for her disabled sister. Twice in her life disaster struck, the other being when her father died. Thus, Eleanor has forgotten about living and passion and feeling her music. That all changes the night she runs into her boss at the local bar. Her boss after hearing Eleanor play piano, offers her an additional job that involves playing piano and helping to care for his aging aunt on the island where Eleanor grew up. What follows is a difficult friendship that encompasses learning to forgive and live again. Can Eleanor let go of her past and open her heart to love?
What I Liked:
*First and foremost, I loved the writing in this one. Ms. White knows how to write a story steeped in emotion. There is a great depth of feeling in this one as it walks us through the often difficult relationship of sisters and the deep bonds that are formed as well as love, loss, forgiveness and learning to let go of the past. Ms. White truly has a gift for writing and there are so many quotable passages in this one that caught my eye. This book is poignant and moving and it will be one that you won't soon forget. It is packed full of beautiful messages that are healing to the soul.
*I loved the characters in this one, from the emotionally crippled Eleanor to the curmudgeonly Helena. Add in a bubbly, precocious ten year old, Gigi, and a handsome, caring divorced father and you have the makings of an amazing cast. Eleanor and Helena are multi layered and damaged, and I loved peeling back their layers in order to get a better understanding of them. Helena was my favorite. The ninety year old is sharp tongued, difficult to please, sarcastic and unafraid to speak the truth. I loved the wicked banter between Helena and Eleanor. What I liked most, though, is the two women start out as odds and even perhaps enemies, but by the end they come to an understanding and they help each other to heal.
*This novel is all about character growth. Both Eleanor and Helena are holding onto a great deal of baggage and they have lost sight of happiness. It takes being thrown together in a relationship of head butting and conflict before they truly open their eyes. Eleanor especially undergoes a tremendous transformation as she lets go of her guilt and heals.
*I enjoyed the mystery wrapped into this one. From the get go, it is evident that Helena is hurting because she is harboring some dark secrets. Bit by bit, Eleanor chips away at her crusty exterior in order to find the truth, and once the truth spills forth, it is heartbreaking and sad as well as interesting. My ached for the two Hungarian refugees, especially after I learned how each tried in to protect the other's happiness.
And The Not So Much:
*I was a tad bit disappointed in the romance. There is a great deal of buildup and I was expecting an explosion of sparks and all that, instead it just lights quietly like a match touching a candle wick. It takes the entire book to get there as well. However, I was satisfied with the final outcome it is sweet and happy and just what I was expecting.
*I wished that Ms. White had expanded Helena's story of the past a bit more. Helena's history involves her escaping Hungary at the end of the World War II during a night of bombing by the Americans. Her journey is harsh, and she is forced to make some heart wrenching choices that will haunt her forever. There is a great deal of buildup before you finally get to Helena's recollection of the past, and when she finally tells her tale, I thought it was over too quickly. I would have loved for it to be more drawn out. I wanted to more on what it was like to escape Hungary during that terrifying night, and how the sisters managed to gather the courage to forge a new life after their heartbreak. Don't get me wrong, it is a good storyline, but I wanted a bit more. I love the World War II era, and I would have preferred more time spent on that time period.
*There are three view points in the story: Eleanor, Helena and Eve, Eleanor's sister. I struggled a bit with Eve's voice. Eve's part is much smaller compared to the other two women. I just never felt like her character was as well developed and I had a hard time connecting with her. Perhaps it was just me.
*Eleanor doesn't seem to have ever really had a romantic relationship of her own. She has spent her years pining after her sister's boyfriend and eventual husband. It is evident that Glen has feelings for Eleanor as well, but it is never very clear as to what the extent. It doesn't appear that there was any infidelity, but I wanted to know a bit more.
*This book has a slow and steady pace. I know the plodding storyline might discourage some readers, but I recommend you stick with it and give it a chance. Yes, it takes awhile to catch fire, but once it does it is wondrous. Just be patient and enjoy the writing.
The Time Between is a lovely book that takes you on an emotional journey that focuses on the need to let go of the past, forgive and learning to live and love again. For some people, it may take a lifetime. The point is to get rid of the baggage and live for the moment. Grab tight on your chance at happiness and don't let go. I would highly recommend you check out this beautifully written book. I am glad that I took a chance on this book, it is one that I won't forget.
Favorite Quotations:
"Despite our past, which lay like an unweeded garden between us, she was still my sister."
"I just had no idea how to tell him that he was wrong, that a broken heart stayed broken even in the company of another."
"The relationship between sisters is a little piece of heaven and hell. But we share the same soul."
"You need to find somebody whose dreams match your own. Somebody's who's not afraid to touch the sun."
"I suppose that the masks we choose to wear can become permanent if we are not careful."
"I've found that you can't measure happiness the way you measure yards in a race. You just learn to recognize it when it arrives so you can enjoy it while it lasts."
"We've all made mistakes, Eleanor. It's moving beyond them that makes us the people that we are."
"There is how we were before, and how we are now, and the time between is spent choosing which doors to open, and which to close."
"That adversity in life does not rob your heart of beauty. It simply teaches it a new song to sing."
"We live, we love. These are the choices we are given, to open doors or to close them. It is all we have, and it is enough."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for my review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Eleanor lost her passion for life fourteen years ago when she dared her sister to climb a tree, resulting in a fall and paralysis. Now, Eleanor feels it is her lot in life to help care for her disabled sister. Twice in her life disaster struck, the other being when her father died. Thus, Eleanor has forgotten about living and passion and feeling her music. That all changes the night she runs into her boss at the local bar. Her boss after hearing Eleanor play piano, offers her an additional job that involves playing piano and helping to care for his aging aunt on the island where Eleanor grew up. What follows is a difficult friendship that encompasses learning to forgive and live again. Can Eleanor let go of her past and open her heart to love?
What I Liked:
*First and foremost, I loved the writing in this one. Ms. White knows how to write a story steeped in emotion. There is a great depth of feeling in this one as it walks us through the often difficult relationship of sisters and the deep bonds that are formed as well as love, loss, forgiveness and learning to let go of the past. Ms. White truly has a gift for writing and there are so many quotable passages in this one that caught my eye. This book is poignant and moving and it will be one that you won't soon forget. It is packed full of beautiful messages that are healing to the soul.
*I loved the characters in this one, from the emotionally crippled Eleanor to the curmudgeonly Helena. Add in a bubbly, precocious ten year old, Gigi, and a handsome, caring divorced father and you have the makings of an amazing cast. Eleanor and Helena are multi layered and damaged, and I loved peeling back their layers in order to get a better understanding of them. Helena was my favorite. The ninety year old is sharp tongued, difficult to please, sarcastic and unafraid to speak the truth. I loved the wicked banter between Helena and Eleanor. What I liked most, though, is the two women start out as odds and even perhaps enemies, but by the end they come to an understanding and they help each other to heal.
*This novel is all about character growth. Both Eleanor and Helena are holding onto a great deal of baggage and they have lost sight of happiness. It takes being thrown together in a relationship of head butting and conflict before they truly open their eyes. Eleanor especially undergoes a tremendous transformation as she lets go of her guilt and heals.
*I enjoyed the mystery wrapped into this one. From the get go, it is evident that Helena is hurting because she is harboring some dark secrets. Bit by bit, Eleanor chips away at her crusty exterior in order to find the truth, and once the truth spills forth, it is heartbreaking and sad as well as interesting. My ached for the two Hungarian refugees, especially after I learned how each tried in to protect the other's happiness.
And The Not So Much:
*I was a tad bit disappointed in the romance. There is a great deal of buildup and I was expecting an explosion of sparks and all that, instead it just lights quietly like a match touching a candle wick. It takes the entire book to get there as well. However, I was satisfied with the final outcome it is sweet and happy and just what I was expecting.
*I wished that Ms. White had expanded Helena's story of the past a bit more. Helena's history involves her escaping Hungary at the end of the World War II during a night of bombing by the Americans. Her journey is harsh, and she is forced to make some heart wrenching choices that will haunt her forever. There is a great deal of buildup before you finally get to Helena's recollection of the past, and when she finally tells her tale, I thought it was over too quickly. I would have loved for it to be more drawn out. I wanted to more on what it was like to escape Hungary during that terrifying night, and how the sisters managed to gather the courage to forge a new life after their heartbreak. Don't get me wrong, it is a good storyline, but I wanted a bit more. I love the World War II era, and I would have preferred more time spent on that time period.
*There are three view points in the story: Eleanor, Helena and Eve, Eleanor's sister. I struggled a bit with Eve's voice. Eve's part is much smaller compared to the other two women. I just never felt like her character was as well developed and I had a hard time connecting with her. Perhaps it was just me.
*Eleanor doesn't seem to have ever really had a romantic relationship of her own. She has spent her years pining after her sister's boyfriend and eventual husband. It is evident that Glen has feelings for Eleanor as well, but it is never very clear as to what the extent. It doesn't appear that there was any infidelity, but I wanted to know a bit more.
*This book has a slow and steady pace. I know the plodding storyline might discourage some readers, but I recommend you stick with it and give it a chance. Yes, it takes awhile to catch fire, but once it does it is wondrous. Just be patient and enjoy the writing.
The Time Between is a lovely book that takes you on an emotional journey that focuses on the need to let go of the past, forgive and learning to live and love again. For some people, it may take a lifetime. The point is to get rid of the baggage and live for the moment. Grab tight on your chance at happiness and don't let go. I would highly recommend you check out this beautifully written book. I am glad that I took a chance on this book, it is one that I won't forget.
Favorite Quotations:
"Despite our past, which lay like an unweeded garden between us, she was still my sister."
"I just had no idea how to tell him that he was wrong, that a broken heart stayed broken even in the company of another."
"The relationship between sisters is a little piece of heaven and hell. But we share the same soul."
"You need to find somebody whose dreams match your own. Somebody's who's not afraid to touch the sun."
"I suppose that the masks we choose to wear can become permanent if we are not careful."
"I've found that you can't measure happiness the way you measure yards in a race. You just learn to recognize it when it arrives so you can enjoy it while it lasts."
"We've all made mistakes, Eleanor. It's moving beyond them that makes us the people that we are."
"There is how we were before, and how we are now, and the time between is spent choosing which doors to open, and which to close."
"That adversity in life does not rob your heart of beauty. It simply teaches it a new song to sing."
"We live, we love. These are the choices we are given, to open doors or to close them. It is all we have, and it is enough."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for my review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
August 2, 2018
For all of my reviews: www.readingbetweenthepagesblog.wordpr...
This is a story of sisters, forgiveness, and a little bit of mystery.
Eleanor’s life revolves around taking care of her mother (Dianne), sister (Eve), and Glenn, her sister’s husband. She cooks, cleans, and does everything else in between. Eleanor works during the day at Beaufain & Associates and at night plays the piano at a local bar, all in the name of making ends meet. Her boss (Finn) at Beaufain & Associates approaches her one day with the opportunity to be a companion to his ninety-year-old Aunt Helena. Her sister Bernadett has recently passed away and Finn does not want her to be home alone. She hesitantly accepts because she could use the extra money.
This story is told from the perspective of three women – Eleanor, Eve, and Aunt Helena. In the beginning it really bugged me that Eleanor worked so hard for her family, yet they seemed to put in very little effort. They all had reasons why they couldn’t do certain things, but I thought they could put forth a little more effort.
I thought Gigi, Finn’s daughter, was absolutely adorable! She is ten years old, with enthusiasm for days, and would paint the town pink if she could. Aunt Helena was also an entertaining character with spunk, attitude, and endless sarcasm. I thoroughly enjoyed Helena and Eleanor’s banter. Their sparring was a healthy outlet for the both of them and even humorous at times.
This is one of those stories that slowly grew on me. The further I got into it the more engaged I became. I loved watching Eleanor grow throughout this story. She was completely shut down and just going through the motions of life, but not really living it. She continuously puts all others before herself. I read and reread the following passage. It really spoke to me and encompasses the book quite nicely.
“There is how we were before, and how we are now, and the time between is spent choosing which doors to open, and which to close.”
This is a story of sisters, forgiveness, and a little bit of mystery.
Eleanor’s life revolves around taking care of her mother (Dianne), sister (Eve), and Glenn, her sister’s husband. She cooks, cleans, and does everything else in between. Eleanor works during the day at Beaufain & Associates and at night plays the piano at a local bar, all in the name of making ends meet. Her boss (Finn) at Beaufain & Associates approaches her one day with the opportunity to be a companion to his ninety-year-old Aunt Helena. Her sister Bernadett has recently passed away and Finn does not want her to be home alone. She hesitantly accepts because she could use the extra money.
This story is told from the perspective of three women – Eleanor, Eve, and Aunt Helena. In the beginning it really bugged me that Eleanor worked so hard for her family, yet they seemed to put in very little effort. They all had reasons why they couldn’t do certain things, but I thought they could put forth a little more effort.
I thought Gigi, Finn’s daughter, was absolutely adorable! She is ten years old, with enthusiasm for days, and would paint the town pink if she could. Aunt Helena was also an entertaining character with spunk, attitude, and endless sarcasm. I thoroughly enjoyed Helena and Eleanor’s banter. Their sparring was a healthy outlet for the both of them and even humorous at times.
This is one of those stories that slowly grew on me. The further I got into it the more engaged I became. I loved watching Eleanor grow throughout this story. She was completely shut down and just going through the motions of life, but not really living it. She continuously puts all others before herself. I read and reread the following passage. It really spoke to me and encompasses the book quite nicely.
“There is how we were before, and how we are now, and the time between is spent choosing which doors to open, and which to close.”
November 15, 2015
This was a very sweet and loving story, albeit tragic and sad. I have come to enjoy Karen's writing. I appreciate the way she has POV's from the various women in her novels. It really allows the reader to get into the mindset of the character. This story was mostly about sisters and the bonds, secrets, and sacrifices they make in their lives. I admit that because I did not grow up with any siblings, the story did not affect me the way it might have with others. But the part that touches on Hungary and their reluctant ally with Germany during the war in the 1940's was interesting and enlightening. Whenever I learn more of that time and what happened, it never ceases to amaze me how people still made huge efforts to save those in need. My only living grandparent, Grandma Rose, was born in Budapest. It was so special to me to read bits of life in Hungary at that time. Thank you Karen for that look into the 3 Szarka sisters and their loves, dreams, and choices. Some choices made on their own, others not.
November 7, 2020
An absorbing story .. narrated by two sisters and great aunt Helena.
Setting: South Carolina
I am still bugged that we never found out precisely the nature of Finn’s business !
Very nuanced.. a tale told in scenes.. not my preferred style.. but this worked fairly well.
This is the second book I have read by Karen White.
Setting: South Carolina
I am still bugged that we never found out precisely the nature of Finn’s business !
Very nuanced.. a tale told in scenes.. not my preferred style.. but this worked fairly well.
This is the second book I have read by Karen White.
June 2, 2016
Far too many comments about pluff mud.
August 5, 2013
This was a good book and i really give it three and a half stars. The storyline was interesting. The characters were uneven is the way I would describe them. I wanted to know more about some, and less about others. Sometimes I felt there were important background information about the characters that was never explained fully.
That said, I felt like the descriptions became so flowery at times that I began skimming parts to avoid the over zealous descriptions. Now, don't get me wrong, I love a good turn of phrase, or a flowery description, but not three or four tied together to create a paragraph. If those little things don't bother you, I believe you will enjoy this story. A good summer easy read.
That said, I felt like the descriptions became so flowery at times that I began skimming parts to avoid the over zealous descriptions. Now, don't get me wrong, I love a good turn of phrase, or a flowery description, but not three or four tied together to create a paragraph. If those little things don't bother you, I believe you will enjoy this story. A good summer easy read.
June 9, 2013
Every time I read a Karen White book, I think there is no way I can love this one more than the last one. But once again, I am proven wrong. I loved this book about forgiveness and trying to atone for one's past choices. Eleanor, Helena, Finn, and even Eve all keep secrets because they want to try to protect the ones they love....but it is holding on to those secrets that keeps them from living. This book tells their stories of forgiveness and letting go and in doing that, they find peace and love. A beautiful story that is a treat for all your senses....plus a history lesson too!
August 2, 2013
Do yourself a kindness and read The Time Between, and when you do, take time to savor the language, the crisp well-drawn people who are too real to be called characters. I found myself reading and re reading passages that are both captivating and raw with emotion and truth. This story of sisterhood, of love and betrayal broke my heart one minute and had me laughing and cheering the next. Truly exquisite language, delicious sexual tension, and so many dark secrets make this is truly White's best work yet.
June 16, 2015
Read my full review HERE at Into the Hall of Books.
I knew when I saw this book on the library shelf that I had to read it. There's just something so quiet and beautiful about the look of it, and it captivated me by the cover alone. I speculated for so long about this girl and what she was doing, what she was thinking. When I read the description, it called out to me even more. See, I had also read that there was betrayal and forgiveness in these pages and I don't know about you all, but I just love to read books the pull at my heart with stories like that. I went up to the desk with my card, and out of the library I carried this beautiful book.
I let it sit for a couple of days before I was brave enough to start it. And when I finally started it, I read it slowly. This is one of those books that begs to be read slowly. Savored. Taken in as if each word means something supremely important. Because there is a certain point in the story when you realize that every word is important.
Eleanor Murray lives at home with her mother, her sister Eve, and Eve's husband Glen. The house isn't that large, and there are a ton of feelings inside of the small space. See, Eve is in a wheelchair - she was paralyzed from the waist down after she and Eleanor were racing up trees as teens and Eve fell. Eleanor has never gotten over the guilt, partly because it was her idea to climb the trees in the first place, and partly because she has always been in love with Glen. Eve knows this. Glen knows this, and may even have some feelings of his own - not necessarily the same feelings as Eleanor, but there are certainly some kind of feelings there. The house suffocates Eleanor and she can't get over any of these feelings because they're always there, lurking, in Eve's wheelchair, or in Glen's eyes or in what he doesn't say.
Eleanor works full-time and is approached by her boss one day with a proposition: he'd like to hire her as a companion to his Aunt Helena out on Edisto Island, near Charleston. He believes that Eleanor would be good for the difficult Helena, as she is tough to manage and has just lost her sister and best friend. Both Eve and her mother want her to take this job - the extra money would be helpful since Eve has now found herself pregnant. These things are also going on:
It is hard to read Eleanor's attachment to her sister Eve - the guilt, the turmoil - and her gut-wrenching feelings for Glen; once Eleanor takes the job on Edisto Island, she begins to develop into this amazing woman little by little and it is incredible. Eleanor begins to make her own decisions and laugh and be spontaneous and just be her own person.
Working for Aunt Helena, aka Ms. Beaufain, does wonders for Eleanor. She learns to stand up for herself because Ms. Beaufain gives her a hard time from the moment she steps through the door. See, Ms. Beaufain is an older Hungarian woman with a very interesting history - she has many stories to tell, but she doesn't share them easily. She also knows and recognizes heartache, pain, and guilt because she wears it herself. So her relationship with Eleanor is one that is like a roller coaster - full of ups and downs - or at least Eleanor believes it to be. Helena actually is very fond of Eleanor, but it is her way to be persnickety to everyone but her nephew Finn Beaufain and his daughter, Gigi.
And there is Finn Beaufain - Eleanor's boss. Eleanor didn't realize when she took the job that he would be around quite as much as he is. She is used to him in his professional attire, speaking in his professional voice, being professional all of the time. But when he isn't at work - when he is on Edisto - he is just Finn, and she grows to love his company. She begins to see the man beyond the successful company, behind the work ethic. He's a man that loves fiercely but lives timidly and very guarded, and he looks at her sometimes for a second longer than necessary. This isn't lost on Eleanor but she has always had deep feelings for Glen - painful feelings because she can never have him - but Finn is always there and always kind. Finn teaches Eleanor so much about life - and love - both knowingly and unknowingly. I love this character. He is written so well.
And there is Finn's daughter, Gigi. Finn is divorced from his ex-wife Harper, and he takes care of Gigi. She is such a special child - so bright and happy - and she's been through so much in her young life, having beaten cancer at a very young age, before the book began. This is part of the reason that Finn lives only partially and fearfully almost all of the time, but it is the reason that Gigi is fearless, relentless, and always dressed in pink. She also teaches Eleanor a thing or two or twenty about living, and Eleanor grows to love her like she's her own child. Because Gigi spends so much time at her Aunt Helena's house, Eleanor begins to take on the role as unofficial caretaker of the child too, even though it isn't her actual job.
I haven't even touched on half of the wonderful surprises that The Time Between by Karen White holds. The story of Eleanor is only half of the story. Helena has a story of her own, and it is rich and historical, a story of World War II and love and life lost and escape and fear and everything we've heard of and associated with that time period. Helena's story is revealed a tiny bit at the time because Helena would have it no other way, and she only reveals it because Eleanor pulls it out of her. It is a remarkable story, and I honestly had no idea how much historical fiction and history was inside of this book when I picked it up simply because of that beautiful cover.
But...I would be lying to you if I said that the historical portion of the story is my reason for reading. Or even my favorite part. It is lovely and makes the book complete, yes. But the story of Eleanor coming into herself and giving up love while also finding love is what drove this book for me. Eleanor had to learn to shed old feelings of shame, of guilt, of what she thought was love, of what she thought was life...so she could learn to live life, so she could love fully and completely, so she could forgive and be forgiven.
The story itself is so wonderful and grand, I could just leave it at that - and I probably should. I have several people that I have and should recommend this one to...but if you want to get into elements: there are wonderful intersecting and parallel plot lines, weaving story lines that belong to Eleanor and Helena - you find yourself riveted and reading and you know, you just know, that at some point everything will converge and come together but you have no idea how that will happen and in what state everyone will exist when that happens. I myself was clutching my chest - hand in a fist - as I read and re-read and hoped for the best, for the things I wanted. There is rich, delicious, full, robust characterization - characters that you can picture, even down to their clothing. This may be perhaps one of my favorite examples of adult fiction characterization just popping to life because I felt like I could visualize each and every character so perfectly. And there is romance. Ah, the romance - past and present, alive in memory and alive in person. Oh my, such joy and pain in the romance and that, friends, THAT is my favorite part of this book.
And Gigi, of course. She is absolutely amazing. Brilliant child, brilliant character. A perfect ray of sunshine and happiness in every one of her scenes - all of them - even when the subject matter of the book was a little heavier at times.
This book was way more than I gave it credit for in picking it up, way more than a pretty cover. I loved it so much and I will read it again one day. Until then, I have a serious case of beautiful story hangover. At the risk of sounding completely dorky, though, this is one of those books in which I think of the characters as real people and wonder what they're doing out there.
I recommend The Time Between by Karen White to fans of wonderful adult fiction - contemporary and historical, romance, and alternating points-of-view. This one is oh-so-good.
I knew when I saw this book on the library shelf that I had to read it. There's just something so quiet and beautiful about the look of it, and it captivated me by the cover alone. I speculated for so long about this girl and what she was doing, what she was thinking. When I read the description, it called out to me even more. See, I had also read that there was betrayal and forgiveness in these pages and I don't know about you all, but I just love to read books the pull at my heart with stories like that. I went up to the desk with my card, and out of the library I carried this beautiful book.
I let it sit for a couple of days before I was brave enough to start it. And when I finally started it, I read it slowly. This is one of those books that begs to be read slowly. Savored. Taken in as if each word means something supremely important. Because there is a certain point in the story when you realize that every word is important.
*******************************************
Eleanor Murray lives at home with her mother, her sister Eve, and Eve's husband Glen. The house isn't that large, and there are a ton of feelings inside of the small space. See, Eve is in a wheelchair - she was paralyzed from the waist down after she and Eleanor were racing up trees as teens and Eve fell. Eleanor has never gotten over the guilt, partly because it was her idea to climb the trees in the first place, and partly because she has always been in love with Glen. Eve knows this. Glen knows this, and may even have some feelings of his own - not necessarily the same feelings as Eleanor, but there are certainly some kind of feelings there. The house suffocates Eleanor and she can't get over any of these feelings because they're always there, lurking, in Eve's wheelchair, or in Glen's eyes or in what he doesn't say.
Eleanor works full-time and is approached by her boss one day with a proposition: he'd like to hire her as a companion to his Aunt Helena out on Edisto Island, near Charleston. He believes that Eleanor would be good for the difficult Helena, as she is tough to manage and has just lost her sister and best friend. Both Eve and her mother want her to take this job - the extra money would be helpful since Eve has now found herself pregnant. These things are also going on:
***Eve doesn't want to have to tell Eleanor that she and Glen do not need her help. She is aware that Eleanor helps out of a sense of obligation, of guilt - and that her help will only increase now. Eve kind of likes Eleanor's guilt, in a way, because it gives her power over Eleanor.
***Eleanor begins to mourn what she has never had - a relationship, a family of her own. She has spent her entire life making amends for ruining Eve's life.
***The new job forces Eleanor to force Eve to become more independent and to rely on her own husband for more of her needs, which in turn makes Eleanor begin to live her own life and see things through her own eyes instead of through Eve's eyes and her mother's eyes.
It is hard to read Eleanor's attachment to her sister Eve - the guilt, the turmoil - and her gut-wrenching feelings for Glen; once Eleanor takes the job on Edisto Island, she begins to develop into this amazing woman little by little and it is incredible. Eleanor begins to make her own decisions and laugh and be spontaneous and just be her own person.
*******************************************
Working for Aunt Helena, aka Ms. Beaufain, does wonders for Eleanor. She learns to stand up for herself because Ms. Beaufain gives her a hard time from the moment she steps through the door. See, Ms. Beaufain is an older Hungarian woman with a very interesting history - she has many stories to tell, but she doesn't share them easily. She also knows and recognizes heartache, pain, and guilt because she wears it herself. So her relationship with Eleanor is one that is like a roller coaster - full of ups and downs - or at least Eleanor believes it to be. Helena actually is very fond of Eleanor, but it is her way to be persnickety to everyone but her nephew Finn Beaufain and his daughter, Gigi.
And there is Finn Beaufain - Eleanor's boss. Eleanor didn't realize when she took the job that he would be around quite as much as he is. She is used to him in his professional attire, speaking in his professional voice, being professional all of the time. But when he isn't at work - when he is on Edisto - he is just Finn, and she grows to love his company. She begins to see the man beyond the successful company, behind the work ethic. He's a man that loves fiercely but lives timidly and very guarded, and he looks at her sometimes for a second longer than necessary. This isn't lost on Eleanor but she has always had deep feelings for Glen - painful feelings because she can never have him - but Finn is always there and always kind. Finn teaches Eleanor so much about life - and love - both knowingly and unknowingly. I love this character. He is written so well.
And there is Finn's daughter, Gigi. Finn is divorced from his ex-wife Harper, and he takes care of Gigi. She is such a special child - so bright and happy - and she's been through so much in her young life, having beaten cancer at a very young age, before the book began. This is part of the reason that Finn lives only partially and fearfully almost all of the time, but it is the reason that Gigi is fearless, relentless, and always dressed in pink. She also teaches Eleanor a thing or two or twenty about living, and Eleanor grows to love her like she's her own child. Because Gigi spends so much time at her Aunt Helena's house, Eleanor begins to take on the role as unofficial caretaker of the child too, even though it isn't her actual job.
When someone loves your child,
it is even easier to love them.
You see that person through different eyes, automatically.
*******************************************
I haven't even touched on half of the wonderful surprises that The Time Between by Karen White holds. The story of Eleanor is only half of the story. Helena has a story of her own, and it is rich and historical, a story of World War II and love and life lost and escape and fear and everything we've heard of and associated with that time period. Helena's story is revealed a tiny bit at the time because Helena would have it no other way, and she only reveals it because Eleanor pulls it out of her. It is a remarkable story, and I honestly had no idea how much historical fiction and history was inside of this book when I picked it up simply because of that beautiful cover.
But...I would be lying to you if I said that the historical portion of the story is my reason for reading. Or even my favorite part. It is lovely and makes the book complete, yes. But the story of Eleanor coming into herself and giving up love while also finding love is what drove this book for me. Eleanor had to learn to shed old feelings of shame, of guilt, of what she thought was love, of what she thought was life...so she could learn to live life, so she could love fully and completely, so she could forgive and be forgiven.
The story itself is so wonderful and grand, I could just leave it at that - and I probably should. I have several people that I have and should recommend this one to...but if you want to get into elements: there are wonderful intersecting and parallel plot lines, weaving story lines that belong to Eleanor and Helena - you find yourself riveted and reading and you know, you just know, that at some point everything will converge and come together but you have no idea how that will happen and in what state everyone will exist when that happens. I myself was clutching my chest - hand in a fist - as I read and re-read and hoped for the best, for the things I wanted. There is rich, delicious, full, robust characterization - characters that you can picture, even down to their clothing. This may be perhaps one of my favorite examples of adult fiction characterization just popping to life because I felt like I could visualize each and every character so perfectly. And there is romance. Ah, the romance - past and present, alive in memory and alive in person. Oh my, such joy and pain in the romance and that, friends, THAT is my favorite part of this book.
And Gigi, of course. She is absolutely amazing. Brilliant child, brilliant character. A perfect ray of sunshine and happiness in every one of her scenes - all of them - even when the subject matter of the book was a little heavier at times.
This book was way more than I gave it credit for in picking it up, way more than a pretty cover. I loved it so much and I will read it again one day. Until then, I have a serious case of beautiful story hangover. At the risk of sounding completely dorky, though, this is one of those books in which I think of the characters as real people and wonder what they're doing out there.
I recommend The Time Between by Karen White to fans of wonderful adult fiction - contemporary and historical, romance, and alternating points-of-view. This one is oh-so-good.
May 11, 2020
I had this audiobook on hold for over 17 weeks. I was glad it showed up when it did. In fact, about 7 holds came in, so praying for rain tomorrow!
So the BEST LINE IN A BOOK EVER! I had it quoted, but I lost it.. and this is audio, so I can't look it up.. but while not word for word.. this is close enough.
... Age is like an insidious thief. It doesn't even have the respect to sneak in a night, it just takes everything from you in board daylight.
has some shades of Cinderella, historical fiction, a touch of romance, memoir, shame, remorse, some overwhelming grief, and hope, and resilience. It seems very popular on Goodreads, and at the 1/2 marker, I could say that I basically agreed with everyone else!
The story is well done and the POV structure is very clearly marked by a change of narrators in the audio version. The sisters, Eleanor and Eva do not seem to enjoy each other's company as much as the older sisters (Helena and Bernadette, who is passed).
Eleanor is extremely guilty and seems entirely browbeaten by her mother and sister. Eleanor believes that her mother blames her for Eva's accident that left her in a wheelchair. Eva admits to taking out some of her disappointment in life on her sister, but not from the same standpoint as Eleanor things. Eva wants her sister to be her old self instead of this weak and blaa person she has become since the accident. Parallel to these sister issues is the issues that existed between the elder Helena and Bernadette... which are bound in German issues of WWII. As far as for shame, well, first thing, first.. being in love with your sister's husband ... that should do it. Leaving a country with booty ... that will do it too. As for romance, the focal of love and romance is the sister's husband and of course the tall good looking boss. Both a no, no!
So not saying anymore.. it is a good book, an interesting story, and a fun read.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
So the BEST LINE IN A BOOK EVER! I had it quoted, but I lost it.. and this is audio, so I can't look it up.. but while not word for word.. this is close enough.
... Age is like an insidious thief. It doesn't even have the respect to sneak in a night, it just takes everything from you in board daylight.
has some shades of Cinderella, historical fiction, a touch of romance, memoir, shame, remorse, some overwhelming grief, and hope, and resilience. It seems very popular on Goodreads, and at the 1/2 marker, I could say that I basically agreed with everyone else! The story is well done and the POV structure is very clearly marked by a change of narrators in the audio version. The sisters, Eleanor and Eva do not seem to enjoy each other's company as much as the older sisters (Helena and Bernadette, who is passed).
Eleanor is extremely guilty and seems entirely browbeaten by her mother and sister. Eleanor believes that her mother blames her for Eva's accident that left her in a wheelchair. Eva admits to taking out some of her disappointment in life on her sister, but not from the same standpoint as Eleanor things. Eva wants her sister to be her old self instead of this weak and blaa person she has become since the accident. Parallel to these sister issues is the issues that existed between the elder Helena and Bernadette... which are bound in German issues of WWII. As far as for shame, well, first thing, first.. being in love with your sister's husband ... that should do it. Leaving a country with booty ... that will do it too. As for romance, the focal of love and romance is the sister's husband and of course the tall good looking boss. Both a no, no!
So not saying anymore.. it is a good book, an interesting story, and a fun read.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
February 2, 2018
This is the 2nd book I've read by this author and I enjoyed this one just as much as the first.
There were some historical elements interwoven within the story, which I found interesting.
This one had a bit of mystery, a bit of romance, as well as broken family relationships. I laughed, cheered, and even cried while reading. Great book!
There were some historical elements interwoven within the story, which I found interesting.
This one had a bit of mystery, a bit of romance, as well as broken family relationships. I laughed, cheered, and even cried while reading. Great book!
February 11, 2024
My first 5 star of 2024! Amazing book I didn’t want to put down. Deals with choices, guilt, healing & forgiveness. I love Ms White’s work, but this stands as one for the best of hers so far for me. Highly recommend.
March 17, 2023
A beautiful story about forgiveness - the forgiving of others and more importantly the forgiveness of self. Each character is dealing with a difficult past that impacts their present situation and their future. There are some unexpected twists and turns with a lovely ending.
June 8, 2013
The Time Between by Karen White is an intriguing story about forgiveness, love, and letting go. The point of view is told between two characters, Eleanor and Helena. These characters are thrown together and through a slow developing friendship the characters are able to heal the wounds of their past. Eleanor Murray is hired to look after Helena, her boss's aunt. Eleanor could use the escape and extra money this job will provide her. She didn't expect that this job would challenge her as much as it did. Helena is a cantankerousness old woman. She's grieving the loss of her sister, and her mood isn't very congenial. She doesn't like Eleanor at first, but through curiosity and a slow-moving friendship, these characters finally face the events that have been haunting them for years.
The Time Between is a great novel to add to your summer reading list. It has a little bit of everything in it: romance, mystery, drama. White explores the delicate love/hate relationship between sisters; the power of forgiveness, and the cost of holding on. Helena is a great character. She has got a lot of spunk to her. Although her attitude can be a bit juvenile at times, she still made me laugh. Eleanor is a character I had to warm up to. I had many mixed feelings about her, but in the end I really started to like her. There are a few sub-stories going on that intersect beautifully with this main story line. White did a great job examining the different relationships between the females in this book. I also love the historical elements that White includes in this book.
This is definitely what I would call a page turner. I was captivated by the story and interested in the plot until the very end. I've only read one other book by Karen White, but so far I've enjoyed both books by this author. I enjoy her writing style and look forward to reading more of her books.
Read more at http://www.2readornot2read.com/2013/0...
The Time Between is a great novel to add to your summer reading list. It has a little bit of everything in it: romance, mystery, drama. White explores the delicate love/hate relationship between sisters; the power of forgiveness, and the cost of holding on. Helena is a great character. She has got a lot of spunk to her. Although her attitude can be a bit juvenile at times, she still made me laugh. Eleanor is a character I had to warm up to. I had many mixed feelings about her, but in the end I really started to like her. There are a few sub-stories going on that intersect beautifully with this main story line. White did a great job examining the different relationships between the females in this book. I also love the historical elements that White includes in this book.
This is definitely what I would call a page turner. I was captivated by the story and interested in the plot until the very end. I've only read one other book by Karen White, but so far I've enjoyed both books by this author. I enjoy her writing style and look forward to reading more of her books.
Read more at http://www.2readornot2read.com/2013/0...
January 18, 2015
Finn Beaufain, Eleanor's boss needs a caretaker for his elderly Great-aunt Helena. Helena lives on Edisto Island, Eleanor's childhood home. The place where she was happiest...before the accident that nearly took her life and that caused her sister to be wheelchair bound. The accident that she, Eleanor, caused. The accident that, in spite of her sister's being married, has made Eleanor her sister's keeper.
Helena had a sister until recently. Her sister's death in the home that they shared was sudden, and it was Helena's fault.
This is the story of sisters, ages apart, but with more in common than they might realize. Secrets, guilt, shame, and love bind them together. Eleanor with her sister Eve and Helena with her sister Bernadett. Eleanor, Eve, and Helena tell their stories in alternating chapters to reveal not just the incidents that brought them to their present places, but their present day thoughts as well.
The story of Eleanor and Eve could have been a book. The story of Helena and Bernadett could have been another book. The melding of the two into one book worked to tell the events, but I thought it kept any emotional connection to the characters at bay.
The story of Helena and Bernadett took place in war-torn Hungary and involved their desperate travels to get to the states after the collapse of the German Army. Because that story was meant to mesh with the story of Eleanor and Eve in present time, I thought the desperation was underplayed and lacked emotional depth and understanding.
What I did like was the often humorous chess like play between Eleanor and Helena. Both had no trouble speaking their minds and both knew just how to get what they wanted from each other. That interaction revealed just how alike they truly were in mind and spirit.
Helena had a sister until recently. Her sister's death in the home that they shared was sudden, and it was Helena's fault.
This is the story of sisters, ages apart, but with more in common than they might realize. Secrets, guilt, shame, and love bind them together. Eleanor with her sister Eve and Helena with her sister Bernadett. Eleanor, Eve, and Helena tell their stories in alternating chapters to reveal not just the incidents that brought them to their present places, but their present day thoughts as well.
The story of Eleanor and Eve could have been a book. The story of Helena and Bernadett could have been another book. The melding of the two into one book worked to tell the events, but I thought it kept any emotional connection to the characters at bay.
The story of Helena and Bernadett took place in war-torn Hungary and involved their desperate travels to get to the states after the collapse of the German Army. Because that story was meant to mesh with the story of Eleanor and Eve in present time, I thought the desperation was underplayed and lacked emotional depth and understanding.
What I did like was the often humorous chess like play between Eleanor and Helena. Both had no trouble speaking their minds and both knew just how to get what they wanted from each other. That interaction revealed just how alike they truly were in mind and spirit.
February 2, 2016
What wisdom can be gained by learning from our past? The Time Between is a novel by Karen White and published by Penguin. This novel was reviewed by Josephine Mattia for Writer’s Corner. The story is told from three different points of view, by three women. Each one has something to hide, but will they have the courage to let go and move forward?
Synopsis:
Eleanor and Eve are sisters and have grown up on Edisto Island near Charleston South Carolina. When the girls were young a terrible accident took place which left Eve in a wheel chair and Eleanor the ever dutiful sister caring for her with the help of her husband Glen. Eleanor goes to the office every day working for her boss Finn. One night while Eleanor is playing piano at a bar she runs in Finn. He makes a job offer that Eleanor can’t refuse. She would be taking care of his elderly aunt Helena. How much do Eleanor and Helena have in common? What secret is Helena keeping? And will she share it with Eleanor? Will Eve be able to heal from the past?
My Thoughts:
I liked the novel. I felt great attachment to the characters in this story. The author developed great characters in Eve, Eleanor, and Helena. I loved the caustic humor between Eleanor and Helena. The setting is beautiful for both for Charleston and Edisto Island . I would love to visit the island of Edisto.
I felt that that story was enjoyable but the pacing was a bit slow for me. I was expecting there to be more of a historical story line. Since this author has written more historical novels in the past. I loved the way the author tied up the loose ends. I think all of us could find a little of Eleanor, Helena, and Eve in each of us.
Synopsis:
Eleanor and Eve are sisters and have grown up on Edisto Island near Charleston South Carolina. When the girls were young a terrible accident took place which left Eve in a wheel chair and Eleanor the ever dutiful sister caring for her with the help of her husband Glen. Eleanor goes to the office every day working for her boss Finn. One night while Eleanor is playing piano at a bar she runs in Finn. He makes a job offer that Eleanor can’t refuse. She would be taking care of his elderly aunt Helena. How much do Eleanor and Helena have in common? What secret is Helena keeping? And will she share it with Eleanor? Will Eve be able to heal from the past?
My Thoughts:
I liked the novel. I felt great attachment to the characters in this story. The author developed great characters in Eve, Eleanor, and Helena. I loved the caustic humor between Eleanor and Helena. The setting is beautiful for both for Charleston and Edisto Island . I would love to visit the island of Edisto.
I felt that that story was enjoyable but the pacing was a bit slow for me. I was expecting there to be more of a historical story line. Since this author has written more historical novels in the past. I loved the way the author tied up the loose ends. I think all of us could find a little of Eleanor, Helena, and Eve in each of us.
September 13, 2013
There was alot going on in this book. At times I felt it was unnecessary for the author to include so many storylines. It felt as though I was being pulled in many emotional directions. It did pull altogether beautifuly in the end which enabled me to say that I really enjoyed this book.
Favorite Quotes:
The relationship between sisters is a little piece of heaven and hell. But we share the same soul.
The possibilities fo rsecond chances are everywhere if we just look hard enough
It had been an unexpected gift, an opportunity to understand how two people could know the ery worst about each other and love the other anyway.
Sometimes lying to oneself is just as easy as lying to others
Favorite Quotes:
The relationship between sisters is a little piece of heaven and hell. But we share the same soul.
The possibilities fo rsecond chances are everywhere if we just look hard enough
It had been an unexpected gift, an opportunity to understand how two people could know the ery worst about each other and love the other anyway.
Sometimes lying to oneself is just as easy as lying to others
May 21, 2013
I won this book on Goodreads giveaway and thank you for introducing me to a very good author ! This book is amazing !Beautiful story and it has a piece of history in it .Will stay with me for a long time.I fell in love with the characters from the beginning of this book.Love between sisters and the secrets they hide from each other to protect them..I would recommend this book to any one who likes Jodi Picoult books and Diane Chamberlain .It is just a great read with a great story .Thank You for letting me win it.Karen White ..You are amazing writer !
August 22, 2013
I wanted to like this book, especially since it was set on Edisto, but I had a hard time getting into the plot. For awhile, I almost didn't realize the book was set in present time, primarily because of the way the main character Eleanor was written - it was hard to believe she was supposed to be around my age.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,419 reviews