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Between the Lines
Fantasy-enthusiast Rory Whatley returns home a decade after her life fell spectacularly apart and must weigh her love for her estranged best friend against her fear of losing him all over again. This friends-to-lovers second chance romance with genderbent grumpy/sunshine and slow burn mutual pining is perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Carley Fortune.
They say home is where the heart is, and Rory Whatley knows better than most just how true that is. Neglected by her parents from a young age, she found "home" in Sam Capshaw, a shy but big-hearted boy who welcomed her into his family when they were seven years old. He was her entire world until a friendship-ending argument ripped it all out from under her. She's spent the last decade trying to pretend that Sam never existed, drowning her sorrow in fantasy novels by her favorite author, the reclusive J. Edward Michael.
Now back in Asheville, she's determined to start anew, but those plans quickly crumble when she learns Sam has also moved home and their mutual friends make seeing him again an inevitability. When she and Sam reconnect, it's as though no time has passed at all. He's still the same sweet, people-pleasing guy he used to be-and the same guy who broke her heart when they were eighteen years old.
Then a mysterious Advanced Reader Copy of J. Edward Michael's next book turns up on her doorstep, with a plot that seems to parallel her complicated relationship with Sam. As her feelings for Sam grow stronger and the book becomes more uncanny in its detail, Rory is forced to reflect on the relationships that have defined her for most of her life.
Told in alternating timelines between their childhood and the present, Between the Lines perfectly encapsulates the nostalgia of childhood friendships and first loves interwoven with the struggle of forgiving old hurts and the fear of losing the people who matter most.
They say home is where the heart is, and Rory Whatley knows better than most just how true that is. Neglected by her parents from a young age, she found "home" in Sam Capshaw, a shy but big-hearted boy who welcomed her into his family when they were seven years old. He was her entire world until a friendship-ending argument ripped it all out from under her. She's spent the last decade trying to pretend that Sam never existed, drowning her sorrow in fantasy novels by her favorite author, the reclusive J. Edward Michael.
Now back in Asheville, she's determined to start anew, but those plans quickly crumble when she learns Sam has also moved home and their mutual friends make seeing him again an inevitability. When she and Sam reconnect, it's as though no time has passed at all. He's still the same sweet, people-pleasing guy he used to be-and the same guy who broke her heart when they were eighteen years old.
Then a mysterious Advanced Reader Copy of J. Edward Michael's next book turns up on her doorstep, with a plot that seems to parallel her complicated relationship with Sam. As her feelings for Sam grow stronger and the book becomes more uncanny in its detail, Rory is forced to reflect on the relationships that have defined her for most of her life.
Told in alternating timelines between their childhood and the present, Between the Lines perfectly encapsulates the nostalgia of childhood friendships and first loves interwoven with the struggle of forgiving old hurts and the fear of losing the people who matter most.
- GenresRomance
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2024
2 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 28, 2024
Between The Lines is an amalgamation of a second chance friendship turned friends to lovers. I absolutely loved this beautiful story so much. We get to follow the MCs, Rory and Sam, all the way back from 2nd grade (their meet cute is adorbs) to today after several years apart.
The story of these two is just so sweet. I love their backstory together, Sam's absolutely amazing parents, and the little mystery element of an elusive author.
This book has a little bit of everything and is a whole lot of amazing. It's heartwarming, often putting a smile on my face.
The story of these two is just so sweet. I love their backstory together, Sam's absolutely amazing parents, and the little mystery element of an elusive author.
This book has a little bit of everything and is a whole lot of amazing. It's heartwarming, often putting a smile on my face.
August 1, 2024
Between the Lines is a captivating story about the power of friendship and love, and how life changes relationships over time. I found myself rooting for Rory and Sam from the very beginning. Likable and diverse characters in an Asheville backdrop. I want to go to Asheville and visit places mentioned in the novel! We don't see author fandom enough, and it was fun to see Rory's love of her favorite author. It was also fun to read line's from JEM's novels, and see how his books were so important to her.
I can't wait to read more of Sarah's books!
I can't wait to read more of Sarah's books!
September 9, 2024
Thank you so much for providing me with a copy of your book to review. I am happy to share my thoughts on it!
I have to start by telling you how much I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. I was pleasantly surprised and didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. The reviews for this book have been glowing, and I can see they are genuinely deserved, not just readers trying to support an independent author.
This is the first book I’ve read by Sarah, and I believe it’s her debut novel. It’s an incredible story with some truly compelling storylines. While it’s not a steamy romance, it does have elements of romance, but at its core, it’s a coming-of-age story about someone who has faced many challenges throughout her life.
Rory, the protagonist, has decided to move back to her hometown after finishing university and landing a remote job. She’s unsure about how she feels returning, given the circumstances when she left. She and her high school best friend, Sam, who was practically a brother to her, had a major falling out, and it’s been painful for her to move on. She’s not sure if she’s ready to see him again, but she’s heard he moved out of town. While her parents still live in town, Rory doesn’t have much of a relationship with them, and they’ve never shown much enthusiasm for being involved in her life.
The story unfolds across two timelines: Rory’s childhood and the present day. As we learn more about her past, we develop a deeper connection with Rory and gain insight into what her life was like growing up.
This is one of my favourite reads of the year, and I sincerely hope it won’t be the only book Sarah writes.
I have to start by telling you how much I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. I was pleasantly surprised and didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. The reviews for this book have been glowing, and I can see they are genuinely deserved, not just readers trying to support an independent author.
This is the first book I’ve read by Sarah, and I believe it’s her debut novel. It’s an incredible story with some truly compelling storylines. While it’s not a steamy romance, it does have elements of romance, but at its core, it’s a coming-of-age story about someone who has faced many challenges throughout her life.
Rory, the protagonist, has decided to move back to her hometown after finishing university and landing a remote job. She’s unsure about how she feels returning, given the circumstances when she left. She and her high school best friend, Sam, who was practically a brother to her, had a major falling out, and it’s been painful for her to move on. She’s not sure if she’s ready to see him again, but she’s heard he moved out of town. While her parents still live in town, Rory doesn’t have much of a relationship with them, and they’ve never shown much enthusiasm for being involved in her life.
The story unfolds across two timelines: Rory’s childhood and the present day. As we learn more about her past, we develop a deeper connection with Rory and gain insight into what her life was like growing up.
This is one of my favourite reads of the year, and I sincerely hope it won’t be the only book Sarah writes.
June 10, 2025
3.8
My rating is for Rory and Rory alone because she may be forgiving but I’m not.
ON HER F***ING BIRTHDAY?!? GTFO
My rating is for Rory and Rory alone because she may be forgiving but I’m not.
ON HER F***ING BIRTHDAY?!? GTFO
November 12, 2024
Between the Lines
This book threw me off a cliff, rescued me from the brambles and bandaged me up just to toss me into an ocean of sharks.
Emotionally I may never recover.
I loved the past/present switch in perspectives and each memory Rory revisits feels like walking into your childhood home as an adult- nostalgia and fresh cookies pulled right out of the oven.
Rory is an avid reader and it is clear that this isn't just for show. Rory lives in her imagination and that's part of what makes her so endearing.
The romance? A+.
The angst? Devastating.
Every single moment of Rory's memories where you think she's going to come to her senses- absolutely infuriating.
This book is meant to be devoured in one sitting.
It wraps around you like smoke, then slices deep barbs into your skin before you realized you're trapped.
It's addicting and hypnotizing and I wish I could go back and read it for the first time over and over again, just for the feelings.
I would be remiss if I did not bring attention to the massive! plot twists in this book. While a handful are more obvious, some absolutely twisted me up inside.
The ONLY complaint I have is that the spice in this could be better contextually. At times it felt rushed, and geographically awkward.
BUT THE FEELS. I would do it all again for the feels.
Thank you for this masterpiece.
I received an advance review copy and am voluntarily offering my honest opinion!
This is a solidly 🌟 🌟🌟🌟✨️ 4.5 star read.
This book threw me off a cliff, rescued me from the brambles and bandaged me up just to toss me into an ocean of sharks.
Emotionally I may never recover.
I loved the past/present switch in perspectives and each memory Rory revisits feels like walking into your childhood home as an adult- nostalgia and fresh cookies pulled right out of the oven.
Rory is an avid reader and it is clear that this isn't just for show. Rory lives in her imagination and that's part of what makes her so endearing.
The romance? A+.
The angst? Devastating.
Every single moment of Rory's memories where you think she's going to come to her senses- absolutely infuriating.
This book is meant to be devoured in one sitting.
It wraps around you like smoke, then slices deep barbs into your skin before you realized you're trapped.
It's addicting and hypnotizing and I wish I could go back and read it for the first time over and over again, just for the feelings.
I would be remiss if I did not bring attention to the massive! plot twists in this book. While a handful are more obvious, some absolutely twisted me up inside.
The ONLY complaint I have is that the spice in this could be better contextually. At times it felt rushed, and geographically awkward.
BUT THE FEELS. I would do it all again for the feels.
Thank you for this masterpiece.
I received an advance review copy and am voluntarily offering my honest opinion!
This is a solidly 🌟 🌟🌟🌟✨️ 4.5 star read.
August 24, 2024
I was excited to receive this advanced reader copy for free in exchange for my review after seeing the synopsis. This emotionally charged friends to lovers story is so much more than a romance novel. Sarah Chapman’s writing so beautifully weaved together a complicated and sometimes heartbreaking story filled with hope and humor. Fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez would LOVE this book. This book tackles some really hard family dynamics, grief, mental illness, found family, and the power of second chances. This book was one I devoured quickly and thought was really well done. I laughed, I cried (several times), and loved how things fell in to place at the end. At times, the plot felt a little slow in the middle of the book, otherwise this would have been a five star read. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store.
January 22, 2025
3 stars 🌟 i LOVE me some angst, especially when it’s a second chance romance with best friends to strangers to lovers 😛 i will say that samrory seemed like they really loved each other but idk i didn’t really connect with them 🧚♀️📖🤞
i think that rory’s reason for leaving asheville were SO valid and when her and sam talked about it, they really communicated but i also feel like it wasn’t fully resolved?? it was kinda weird how their present day relationship was paced with the flashbacks 😅 it was like i wasn’t ready to forgive him so fast and neither was rory so i was confused when the got together halfway through the book because there wasn’t much explanation for why he’d done what he did 🤷♀️
also the JEM aspect was a little dramatic but i guess it made sense for rory 😵💫
overall this was a super quick read and it was entertaining!
i think that rory’s reason for leaving asheville were SO valid and when her and sam talked about it, they really communicated but i also feel like it wasn’t fully resolved?? it was kinda weird how their present day relationship was paced with the flashbacks 😅 it was like i wasn’t ready to forgive him so fast and neither was rory so i was confused when the got together halfway through the book because there wasn’t much explanation for why he’d done what he did 🤷♀️
also the JEM aspect was a little dramatic but i guess it made sense for rory 😵💫
overall this was a super quick read and it was entertaining!
August 16, 2024
This was an ARC book and I am giving my review voluntarily. This was an easy 5 star read. Sarah R. Chapman is gonna be right up there with Tessa Bailey and Emily Henry because this book is just amazing.
I fell in love with Rory and Sam. Their history together and separate was fleshed out beautifully. We got plenty of backstory and flashbacks to give us insight to explain their current situation.
One of the best and most interesting parts of this book was the story within the story. I can’t and won’t reveal anything to spoil this element except to say that it’s such a well done and unique part of the finished product.
I can’t stress enough how much I loved this book and how talented Ms. Chapman is at storytelling. Wishing her all the best and hope to see a lot more of her.
I fell in love with Rory and Sam. Their history together and separate was fleshed out beautifully. We got plenty of backstory and flashbacks to give us insight to explain their current situation.
One of the best and most interesting parts of this book was the story within the story. I can’t and won’t reveal anything to spoil this element except to say that it’s such a well done and unique part of the finished product.
I can’t stress enough how much I loved this book and how talented Ms. Chapman is at storytelling. Wishing her all the best and hope to see a lot more of her.
August 17, 2024
5 ⭐
2 🌶️
Tropes- second chance, coming home, childhood friends to lovers, flashbacks, found family
Between the Lines tells the story of childhood best friends Rory and Sam, who reconnect after Rory moves back to their hometown of Asheville, NC. Shortly after she moves back, however, she receives an advanced copy of a book from her favorite author that seems eerily similar to her own life, forcing her to reflect on her childhood relationships.
I have so many good things to say about this book- 10/5 stars for sure. I did not expect to be able to relate to Rory so much, but this story has been living rent free in my head and I don’t want it to stop. I cried happy tears and sad tears. The flashbacks are perfection. It’s so well written.
I know I’m gushing without much explanation. There’s so much to this story that I love but I don’t know how to explain without giving spoilers. Highly highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2 🌶️
Tropes- second chance, coming home, childhood friends to lovers, flashbacks, found family
Between the Lines tells the story of childhood best friends Rory and Sam, who reconnect after Rory moves back to their hometown of Asheville, NC. Shortly after she moves back, however, she receives an advanced copy of a book from her favorite author that seems eerily similar to her own life, forcing her to reflect on her childhood relationships.
I have so many good things to say about this book- 10/5 stars for sure. I did not expect to be able to relate to Rory so much, but this story has been living rent free in my head and I don’t want it to stop. I cried happy tears and sad tears. The flashbacks are perfection. It’s so well written.
I know I’m gushing without much explanation. There’s so much to this story that I love but I don’t know how to explain without giving spoilers. Highly highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 15, 2024
I really loved this. It’s really hard for me to find a book that is sufficiently slow-burn and has enough mutual pining to suit my taste, but I’m so happy to have found that in this book!
If you are a fan of childhood friends to strangers to lovers that strikes the perfect balance between past and present, look no further! This is definitely the book for you
I’m so thrilled to have had the opportunity to read this book as an ARC
If you are a fan of childhood friends to strangers to lovers that strikes the perfect balance between past and present, look no further! This is definitely the book for you
I’m so thrilled to have had the opportunity to read this book as an ARC
September 30, 2024
Wow, this book! It is beautiful and heartbreaking and healing. Rory finding her way back to Sam and her family and Vivi and the forever that she had always wanted, but given up on. Sam being there and still loving her and wanting to reconcile and reconnect. Just beautiful story and storytelling.
August 10, 2024
I was excited to get an ARC of this book and I was instantly hooked from the beginning. I think I read the whole thing in maybe 3 days. I would have finished sooner if I didn’t have a million things going on. It was the sweetest story of second chance romance and friends to lovers. Some of the behavior and decisions of the MC didn’t sit well with me but to keep this spoiler free, I’ll just say that I wish the conviction behind the decisions were expressed with a little more umpth. I also loved all the representation this book had! And it wasn’t just a little snippet here, like they were enforced in the daily life and routine. I’m eager to read more from her!!
July 30, 2024
Between the Lines by Sarah R. Chapman is a delightful and captivating read! The story weaves together romance and mystery in a way that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The characters are well-crafted, and their chemistry feels genuine and engaging.
Chapman’s writing style is smooth and inviting, making it easy to get lost in the pages. The plot is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing, while the romance adds a heartfelt touch. If you’re looking for a book that combines intrigue with a touch of romance, Between the Lines is definitely worth checking out!
Chapman’s writing style is smooth and inviting, making it easy to get lost in the pages. The plot is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing, while the romance adds a heartfelt touch. If you’re looking for a book that combines intrigue with a touch of romance, Between the Lines is definitely worth checking out!
September 2, 2024
I loved this book so much - I loved the way the author put words together to tell a story, it was just done so beautifully and so well.
I was so invested in Rory and Sam's story. It was so heartbreaking when they had the big confrontation about what had broken their friendship all those years ago, I cried so hard in the last 40% of the book. First, from sad heartbroken tears and then later from happy tears. Plus that grand gesture moment from Sam was everything!!
This story was so well told and captivating, I could not put the story down.
Sarah R Chapman is definitely a new favourite author for me and I will be on the lookout for more books from her!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was so invested in Rory and Sam's story. It was so heartbreaking when they had the big confrontation about what had broken their friendship all those years ago, I cried so hard in the last 40% of the book. First, from sad heartbroken tears and then later from happy tears. Plus that grand gesture moment from Sam was everything!!
This story was so well told and captivating, I could not put the story down.
Sarah R Chapman is definitely a new favourite author for me and I will be on the lookout for more books from her!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 29, 2024
While there was a slow-burning romance here, this felt like a coming-of-age story as we learn about the struggles and challenges Rory has had to overcome. The alternating timelines between past and present give you a strong sense of her friendship (especially hers and Sam’s), family relationships, and all the people who have hurt Rory.
The story speaks to letting go of hurts and moving forward - of how relationships and people can change.
As a book lover, I loved that Rory’s author fandom was woven in, showing how books were so important to her and helped her through a tough time. A fun debut!
Thank you author @thesarahrchapman for a gifted ebook.
The story speaks to letting go of hurts and moving forward - of how relationships and people can change.
As a book lover, I loved that Rory’s author fandom was woven in, showing how books were so important to her and helped her through a tough time. A fun debut!
Thank you author @thesarahrchapman for a gifted ebook.
June 17, 2025
I could list all the ways that I loved this story, but I won’t run the risk of keeping you here on goodreads forever to listen to me. 🤣
This story made me laugh…it made me cry…it made me smile so big and I recognized so many parts close to home that it brought Sam and Rory’s story to life!
Yes, there were ups and downs, but in the end—it’s about being with your person. And I was crying real tears when they’re in NYC as it’s my home away from home, too! And IYKYK. So, I feel very attached to this love story from this debut author and I look forward to reading her future books!
This story made me laugh…it made me cry…it made me smile so big and I recognized so many parts close to home that it brought Sam and Rory’s story to life!
Yes, there were ups and downs, but in the end—it’s about being with your person. And I was crying real tears when they’re in NYC as it’s my home away from home, too! And IYKYK. So, I feel very attached to this love story from this debut author and I look forward to reading her future books!
July 23, 2024
A charming, bookish second-chance romance with lovable characters, complex family dynamics, and an undercurrent of subtle mystery beneath the more familiar conventions of the romance genre. Rory and Sam have wonderful chemistry and a real depth to their friendship-turned-estrangement, which manifests itself in just the right amount of angst in the present timeline. Sarah R. Chapman is a master of sharp, witty dialogue. Overall, a super enjoyable read!
September 25, 2024
*Friends to Lovers
*Second chance romance
*Found Family
*Diabetes representation
*Acceptance
This book was so special, I adored Sam and Rory and their friends to lovers story line. I had so many emotions while reading this book but it was such a good journey, following their relationship from child to adult. I adored The Capshaw's and how they fully embraced Rory. If you enjoy found family, second chance and friends to lovers story lines, this one is for you! Also, this cover😍
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*Second chance romance
*Found Family
*Diabetes representation
*Acceptance
This book was so special, I adored Sam and Rory and their friends to lovers story line. I had so many emotions while reading this book but it was such a good journey, following their relationship from child to adult. I adored The Capshaw's and how they fully embraced Rory. If you enjoy found family, second chance and friends to lovers story lines, this one is for you! Also, this cover😍
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 4, 2025
4.5 stars
April 25, 2025
Very cute, clean romance.
April 19, 2025
This book had a lot of layers to it. It is so much more than just the relationship between Rory and Sam. Rory had a tough past and issues stemming from the neglect and rejection of her parents. Watching her work through some of these issues as she starts to see how it has affected her relationships as an adult makes her a relatable character. And then there's the plot-twisting revelation that knocks her off her feet! You will have to read it to find out...
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews