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Between

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As a young girl, Lucinda was able to see spirits, a gift that didn't come without its problems. Now, a dedicated young veterinarian, she is committed to the idea that every life can be saved.

After a devastating accident, Lucinda tries to escape her past by moving to a small town. There, she meets a newcomer and feels an immediate connection with him. But there is another mysterious stranger to the small town, one that stirs within her a mixture of unease and desire.

As Lucinda is drawn into a bitter tug-a-war from the forces around her, she is likewise pulled into a dangerous twist of past and present events. Forced to make difficult choices, she finds that the two men are locked in not only a battle for her life...but a battle for their salvation.

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2012

1 person is currently reading
118 people want to read

About the author

Clarissa Johal

11 books60 followers
Clarissa Johal is the bestselling author of paranormal novels, THE LIGHTHOUSE, WHISPERS IN THE WOOD, POPPY, THE ISLAND, VOICES, STRUCK, and BETWEEN. When she's not listening to the ghosts in her head, she's swinging from a trapeze, or taking pictures of gargoyles.

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5 stars
17 (34%)
4 stars
22 (44%)
3 stars
6 (12%)
2 stars
2 (4%)
1 star
2 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Vanessa Kings.
Author 5 books78 followers
February 15, 2016
This book had me hooked to it from the first page, I hated feeling my eyelids falling of tiredness because I knew I had to close it and leave it to the next day.
It is intriguing and sometimes scary and funny.
I wanted, no, I needed to know what was going on. Who is Lucas? Who is Cronan? Why are they always around Lucinda? What.Is.Going.On.Here?
Sometimes it felt like watching a movie, I even cried twice, with scenes at the Animal's Hospital.
Clarissa's way of telling the story is perfect, she tells just enough to leave you wondering what happened in the past, and what is happening now.
I loved how the story ended and I wish there would be more to tell about Lucinda's experience with spirits.
I would also want to know more about Marny, her story, why she is living in that town and if she will find a boyfriend someday.
I recommend this book, not just to the paranormal fiction lovers, but to everyone. I am not a paranormal reader and I loved it.
Profile Image for Pam.
916 reviews44 followers
January 25, 2013
Lucinda is starting over in a new town. She has left everything behind after a tragedy happens. She is a vet and very passionate about her work. She also has a secret. She can see spirits and always has been able to. She has friends she has made in her new life and soon meets a guy. He seems different from other men and she is drawn to him. A passing stranger also seems to have a hold on her as well. Lucinda sees things and knows something is strange about the two. men. She does meet a normal man and soon begins to fall for him. Will these strangers leave her in piece and let her live her life or do they hold the secret to her past.

At the beginning I was a little confused when reading this book and couldn't get into it. Then about halfway thru it I got hooked. Lucinda has so much going on. She has left her home to start over and wants nothing to do with her past. That past seems to be coming back to hunt her and she has to end up facing what she has left behind. She sees these spirits and the strange men seem to be a part of that. They know so much about her that they shouldn't. I really enjoyed getting to read about them because one I thought was going to be the good guy wasn't really that way. The guy she ends up dating has my heart. He tries so hard to be with Lucinda even when she acts strange. You end up getting a battle of good versus evil and what made them that way. I loved getting to see why they turned out the way they did. This book ended up being a great read and I love how it ended. It wasn't the ending I was expecting and I love that.
Profile Image for Brandy Nacole.
Author 32 books309 followers
May 20, 2013
Lucinda finds herself needing a change after a tragedy and moves to a quaint small town to start over. But Lucinda isn't just your normal everyday vet, she can see spirits, and not just human spirits, she can see animal spirits as well. I found this point very intriguing. Not too many authors have delved into the idea of animal spirits. Bravo to the author for this idea, the writing style, and great characters.

Between has a great plot, fast-paced, and has so much to offer.

My only problem was getting into the book. The beginning was a little rocky and I was confused at first. Not too far into the book, I got hooked and was turning the pages waiting to see what happened next.

Clarissa Johal does a wonderful job with her distinct characters, ideas, story flow, and keeping readers engaged. Animal lovers will definitely enjoy this book!
Profile Image for Paula.
311 reviews7 followers
February 17, 2013
R2R: Between

(I received a free copy, in exchange for a review)

Lucinda has always had the ability to see spirits, the first spirit being her grandfather, when she was six years old. Then, see began also seeing animals spirits, which lead her to her career of being a veterinarian. Suddenly, a horrible accident scars her life and she recedes from the city to a small town. Her mentor and boss finds her a job, with a friend's vet hospital and she is drawn to this little house, on the cliffs, overlooking the sea. Little did she know what was to come, not just with the house and what she would see there, but this unknown presence she has been noticing and the dreams that continue to haunt her.

'A presence rustled throughout the house. From the kitchen;s back door, it slipped in and out of each empty bedroom. Continuing into the living room, it made its way counter-clockwise around the perimeter, stirring up the ashes in the fireplace. The presence finally settled at Lucinda's bedroom door where it stopped, watching her.'

Excellent book! At first, I wasn't sure which way the story was going to head in, since there were so many different options. Throughout the book, I kept finding myself wondering how exactly the book was going to resolve and I was pleasantly surprised with the ending. Easy to read and small historical touches made this book very enjoyable!
Author 8 books35 followers
March 4, 2013
I normally don't read ghost stories. But this one was intriguing. Lucinda is trying to forget something in her past and has buried herself in her work as a veterinarian. But she has somehow gotten caught up in a battle between spirits, and they won't, or can't let her go on. She has to find a way to break from their control...before they destroy everything and everyone around her.
Profile Image for K. Lewis.
Author 13 books7 followers
May 14, 2013
I loved the characters, and the writing was fluid and engaging that I found it a quick read... had to keep turning pages. It was a rich book, with the character history, challenge, emotional growth, and ended smoothly for the character-growth climax of the protagonist.

I was smoothly accelerated through the climax, but the ending left me somewhat perplexed. I appreciated the closure the protagonist achieved, but was somewhat confused as to how the spirits got closure.

Nevertheless, the writing style, distinct characters, and vivid flow that kept me reading and genuinely interested. A solid four stars.
Profile Image for Lori.
16 reviews
July 3, 2013
I really enjoyed reading Between. I found the characters as well as the plot very intriguing. Very smooth and easy reading, would be perfect for a summer vacation poolside or on the beach.
Profile Image for Sharon Bidwell.
Author 15 books7 followers
October 8, 2018
I love this writer’s work. I feel her stories deserve a place in a far larger market. Her imagination cannot be faulted, though I’m sometimes left feeling her books are one edit or two away from being perfect. I found Between to be a little disjointed and the ending felt a little rushed compared to the rest of the pacing but, as always, a bright spark of an idea and powerful imagination is at the heart of the story.
Profile Image for Carrie Tripp.
28 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest book review. The following is my review.

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started reading Between by Clarissa Johal, but I know I found anything but.

For some reason I thought I was reviewing another YA book, and was caught off guard when "using protection" was mentioned early in chapter one. Then a sleep over a little later followed by booting the bartender out of bed in order to grab coffee with the best friend.

Definitely not a YA book.

So, two main female characters Lucinda and Marny are the best friends. The book is actually about Lucinda, a woman hiding from the pain of her past, her guardian angel, and her angel of death. Oh, and the spirit of every deceased person who hasn't gone on.

Yes, Lucinda sees spirits. Has since she was very young. Her mother refused to let her even discuss it. Her father seemed open, but made it clear that her mother couldn't handle the idea and she had to be silent about it.

Lucas and Cronan come into her life separately, and yet there are uncannily woven together. She senses them when they aren't there. Her dog loves one and hates the other.

She seems to feel more comfortable talking to the one her dog growls at and goes on defense against. Immediately the reader knows this isn't the right response to Cronan.

Lucas seems to love Lucinda too deeply too soon. Lucinda's dog may love Lucas, but Lucinda can't seem to tell him the things he wants her to tell him about her past.

She can't tell him about her late fiance. She can't tell him why she doesn't drive any more.

Add in to the mix Michael, the new man in town, who also has an immediate crush on Lucinda.

The woman seems to have men, dead or alive, chasing after her. All the while, she seems not to care and is mostly rude to each of them and the various females in her life trying to get her to embrace life. She refuses to accept help, she refuses to go out, she refuses to follow the rules, Lucinda does everything on her own.

With all the relationships intertwined in this novel, there are also several mysteries running at the same time. Every chapter brings either another question, another twist, or another link to solve one of the problems. With each new conflict introduced, the reader comes to expect a major conflict or resolution. Even a totally unexpected plot twist thrown in.

None of those things happen.

At the end of the book, all loose ends seems to be tied up, but it is all very anti-climatic. I kept waiting for the big AHA moment, or the reveal that would make me gasp. Neither ever happened.

If you are into paranormal stories, this will be right up your alley. If you are looking for a mystery or romance novel, there are probably other books that would suit you better. However, Between does make you think about exactly what happens to people after they die. Do we go some where specific or are we stuck between?
March 18, 2015
So, I walked into this one completely blind. I didn't read the description or anything before I dove in. I don't regret it in the slightest. Sometimes it is nice to let a story take you on an unexpected journey. This novel did just that. Once I started the first page, I was completely sucked in. This one gripped me and did not let go. Six hours later, I was reeling. I will be suffering from a massive book hangover for the rest of the day. And again, I REGRET NOTHING.

This book was brilliant. There is no other word for it. The supernatural elements were wonderfully crafted. The way the characters were connected with each other made for a powerful, moving story. Fate, destiny, the past, redemption, atonement, the afterlife... all of these topics are fascinating and I really enjoyed the way Johal handled these. She crafted a very unique story, one I don't think I will ever forget.

I loved everything about this book. The dynamic between the characters, the way their passions fueled their lives, the secrets that kept Lucinda holding back... everything was well written and the details enhanced the story. Then there were the subtle images that drove the story- the way Lucinda's dog reacted to the men who came into her life, the way the author used smells and associated characters and events with different scents, even the way certain colors and patterns were used. All of the imagery raised questions, some were answered while others still have me wondering. If I were still in college, I could easily use this book as the basis for a paper, of course it would take me a semester to figure out what direction I'd want to take.

And as far as the plot goes, I have to give the author serious credit. There was never a point in the story where I knew the outcome. She kept me guessing and even second guessing myself every time I settled on an outcome I wished to see. It is rare that I find something that can toy with my emotions and make me like it but this one did just that. Just when I knew who to cheer for and who to hate, something would happen that would make me question everything I thought I knew. The intrigue kept the story fresh and interesting.

I can honestly say that this one completely blew me away. I stop my scale at 10 but this book deserves a much higher score. I will definitely be checking into this author's other works and I hope to hear more about Lucas and Cronan in the future.
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,211 reviews51 followers
July 30, 2013
For as long as she could remember Lucinda could see ghosts. When a tragedy occurs, to escape from it, she jets to a small down to be a dedicated Veterinarian. As couple of new comers start showing up, Lucinda feels an instant connection to these people. With a past she had nothing to do with shes in between these two people who are either trying to kill or save her so that they my help themselves.

I really enjoyed this book. Being that I hadn't read the description to this book I didn't know what to expect. From the title of the book it was safe to assume It had something to do with spirits and the author done a great job making it some what spooky mentioning about the presence watching her or moving something. But I was surprised to find out that it wasn't only about spirits, it was much more and I found myself enjoyed this story because it wasn't what I expected. I loved how original the idea was for this book, I haven't read a book like this one. I loved that this book was fast paced and kept my interest till the very end.

While reading the book I had first liked Luca but then as it went on and he seemed possessive I began to think maybe he wasn't such a good guy maybe he was causing bad things to happen? Although I liked the ending it felt rushed. Not sure why I feel that way I just feel like something is missing but then everything seemed to be tied up nicely. Idk my brain is sometimes a contradiction and I find myself arguing about stuff like the ending of the book. I liked Lucinda's character but I felt that she was too trustworthy and managed to find herself in a couple different stupid situations. I loved that there was historical pieces in there for the past of the characters.
Profile Image for Maghon Thomas.
1,542 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2013
We’ve got the veterinarian who sees ghosts, including those of animals. She has had a major upset in life, so she tries to get away from it and everything else, by moving to a small town. She definitely gets a cool house and job out of the deal :) But then, she didn’t know what she was really getting herself into by moving into that house and that small town. Lots of creep factor enters here, LOL.

Lucinda is a very interesting character. She’s almost depressed enough to scare me, but she has good reason. I commend her for her passion for animals, and I do believe that helped save her from the worse, and from herself. I don’t think it was her smartest move, with her depression, to move to a small town, where she knew no one. I also think she may have been a bit naive and trusting, but when you live in a small town, you never think bad things. I actually like Lucinda’s character, and I am looking forward to know more about her, and her abilities.

There are some interesting paranormal characters here. I won’t say more, but let it intrigue you. I wasn’t expecting them. :) Also, there’s a really well done plot twist. The author also has a way of telling the story which I liked. It’s got a Gothic feel with some almost past or historical elements going for this story. I think that was what made it seem different, which I really liked. I really enjoyed this one, and I would recommend it to my fellow ghost lovers, Gothic lovers, and historical paranormal lovers alike. :) 4 CREEPY MYSTERIOUS PAWS!
31 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2015
Between

By Clarrisa Johal


Between is a deliciously dark tale reminiscent of Barbara Michaels and Mary Stewart. Intriguing characters are blended with a wonderful sense of modern gothic to evoke a haunting landscape. You are introduced to Lucinda, a grieving woman who sees spirits after a horrifying accident immerses her in a deep-rooted mystery that spans history.

The reader is taken on a remarkable journey through the stages of grief, and the war it wages on those left behind. But the author manages to keep these characters from falling into the depths of despair, and instead, it becomes a story of the struggle to escape the mire of depression through a new life, close friends, and the belief in the impossible, even when forces around you seek to hold you back.

What I loved most were the engaging, believable characters and I enjoyed spending time with them. The author’s strength comes from her ability to create everyday, real characters facing impossible situations. Lucinda and Marny’s dialogue and emotions felt like your best friends sitting right next to you. You want to find out what happens to them.

Between deals with the limbo between grief and its recovery, between the past and the future, from the fear of hiding from the world and finding your new place in it. Amidst all those things comes an intriguing paranormal tale that takes you on an impossible journey and leaves you wondering.
Profile Image for Sheri.
390 reviews74 followers
August 5, 2013
As a young girl, Lucinda was able to see spirits, a gift that didn’t come without its problems.

I love a good ghost story, and this one did not disappoint. Though, in Between there is so much more going on than just ghosts. Really it was a story of learning to trust yourself as well as good versus evil.

I absolutely love the author's colorful descriptions. I've heard the saying painting a picture with words, and that is exactly what the author does here. Each sentence is vivid and alive. The settings were lavishly drawn, and the author was able to take the characters out of her imagination and bring them to life. I really liked Lucinda. She was a great lead, though she was not perfect; she made mistakes, like any normal person would.

The other thing I really enjoyed about this story is that I had no idea which way it was headed. I hate being able to predict a book's ending halfway through, and with Between I was left guessing. Though I enjoyed how the story ended, I felt it was a bit abrupt. I would have loved a little bit more there to close things up. Overall a great story and one I would recommend.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Juli.
Author 40 books94 followers
December 21, 2015
Lucinda has been living her life, working as a vet tech, trying to forget a horrible accident that killed her fiancé and the nightmares that resulted. Did she really see the face of Death, that night??? Since the accident, she's had no real contact with her family, and even here, in her new hometown, she doesn't speak of the accident. Or the fact that she can see spirits. Not even to her best friend. Then two strange men show up in town and Lucinda keeps running into them, and having strange dreams of throwing herself off a cliff, but why? I won't tell you, as that would spoil it. You'll have to read for yourself.

In short, I enjoyed Between very much!

I really liked her pet Darwin and found the book enriched for the dog’s inclusion. I also found myself wanting to drop what else I was doing to find out what happened to poor ole Lucinda next, and not sure whether to root for Cronin or Lucas, or hate Cronin or Lucas! Why? Again, I can’t tell you.

All in all, Clarissa Johal did a fine job creating her intriguing characters and story. For a fascinating, spooky read, check out Between for yourself!

77 reviews
February 13, 2013
It was fairly entertaining, but I found the plot line a bit twisted and vague halfway through. I found it a bit hard at the start to get a grip on the story, with rather vague details faintly outlining the main characters. Initially, I was going to give this two stars, but the ending was really good, which put it up another star for me. The story had the potential to be amazing, and while it was good, it didn't completely fill my expectations. It was still written in a great style, and that put it up a star for me, aswell as the well-thought out story line.
Another star for me came from her job and commitment - She is passionate about animals and saving lives, but her depression through the loss of her fiance was moving, and I sympathised with her throughout the book. I loved the connection I could feel (most of the time) between Lucinda and the reader.
All in all, I gave Between 3 stars, and I recommend it to any life/death/ghost lover, or maybe some paranormal lovers who will love it just for the sake of the paranormal factor.

Profile Image for Jocelyn Dex.
Author 48 books150 followers
July 31, 2013
3.5 Stars
Between kept me guessing. I had no clue where the story was going to end up, but I made a couple of guesses along the way and I was wrong.

I enjoyed all of the characters, they were distinct and all had their good points. The heroine’s best friend was fun and I especially enjoyed one of the male characters but was surprised when the author took him in a direction I didn’t see coming. That actually disappointed me a little because I liked him and he turned out to be a bit of a turd.

The writing was good and carried the story along. The ending felt really abrupt to me but not incomplete. Everything was wrapped up at the end.

Over all, if you’re a fan of urban fantasy that’s also a little paranormal romancy, you’ll probably enjoy Between.
Profile Image for Emily.
5,882 reviews551 followers
August 2, 2013
Lucinda has always known she was unusual, seeing spirits is not something she willingly comes out and shares about herself. However she has built a peaceful life for herself as a veterinarian. When Lucinda finds that she now has three men in her life, everything begins to change and she realizes she is the center on a teeter totter between two men who are looking for their salvation, while the other is wanting to be more than a friend. With her life being pulled in all directions, will Lucinda find the right path to take?

This reminded me a lot of one of the first Gothic mystery's I ever picked up. It was haunting, unpredictable, and intriguing. All the characters were unique and your drawn in from the first chapter. Excellent read.
Profile Image for Beth McCraw.
414 reviews
February 12, 2013
I believe I am in the minority when I say I had a hard time at the beginning figuring out what was going on, and the purpose of a few characters. This may be due to the fact that I haven't had a lot of time to read the past few days due to commitments.. Overall I did enjoy this story, and I had major sympathy for Lucinda and all she went through. I enjoyed her pets, and her love of animals as well! I really liked the way this book was written, and recommend this story to paranormal and animal fans alike!
Profile Image for pinK.
479 reviews8 followers
February 25, 2013
Note: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

I had a difficult time with this book. I found the story a bit confusing. I had a lot of difficulties getting into this book, and I actually was afraid for a while that I wouldn't be able to finish it.

Near the end, things seemed to clear up a bit for me, and I really did enjoy the ending. It's a fun book to read, just don't give up too early! You'll be missing out on a great story.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,235 reviews5 followers
September 2, 2013
Lucinda has been able to see spirits her whole life, after surviving a car accident she moves to a small town to escape but strange things start to happen.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; I didn't want to put it down. The story was fast-paced but understandable and enjoyable. Lucas and Cronan were great characters and off set each other well and definitely added to the overall feel of the book.

Won copy during the Hot Paranormal Nights blog hop.
Profile Image for Regan.
120 reviews15 followers
March 24, 2013
I agree with the others, I had a hard time in the beginning with figuring out the character development and story scenario. I got lost but around chapter 5 it began to pick up. Great story line, good read. I enjoyed it. It was well written, despite the confusion listed above. It flowed well there after.

This was a review copy by the author for GoodReads.
Profile Image for Nic's.
10 reviews4 followers
July 11, 2013
I received this book from the author for an honest review.

It's a 'nice' story, there are a lot of bits that are very confusing and even when you get to the end and know for sure who all the characters are, there are still parts that just don't fit.

In saying the above Between was still an enjoyable read.

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