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In Between
GLOBAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST 2024
Four Seasons Book Awards 2024 Winter Finalist
Page Turner Awards Finalist 2025
LoveReading Choice for Indie Books We Love 2025
"Dragnić writes with exquisite sensitivity about those hard-to-reach spots in the human soul; her prose is incantatory and true."
Rachel Cantor, author of "Half-Life of a Stolen Sister"
"I genuinely fell in love with this book."
Reader Views
An eye-opening road trip through France and a fateful encounter. A lonely mother without a child and a passionate bookshop owner. An antique mirror and a mysterious book.
One sunny spring day in Dijon, a fearless forty-eight-year-old German businesswoman sits down in a cake shop with a thirteen-year younger vulnerable French bookseller. “My son is dead,” Brigitte announces. Christian pretends not to hear it and devours two pieces of cake – fearfully seeing his divorced wife in every dark-haired woman passing a love lost. A taboo.
They spend the day together.
And then another one.
And another one.
And one day, they go dancing.
A daring waltz filled with desire and delight.
Two broken hearts. Two fugitives on the quest in a starless night. In their agony and despair, in spite of their differences and secrets, against all odds, they become close. Surprisingly close.
As a thunderstorm approaches…
A story of letting go, forgetting, and forgiving. Of new beginnings, friendship, and passion.
An ode to hope, courage, and faith.
Four Seasons Book Awards 2024 Winter Finalist
Page Turner Awards Finalist 2025
LoveReading Choice for Indie Books We Love 2025
"Dragnić writes with exquisite sensitivity about those hard-to-reach spots in the human soul; her prose is incantatory and true."
Rachel Cantor, author of "Half-Life of a Stolen Sister"
"I genuinely fell in love with this book."
Reader Views
An eye-opening road trip through France and a fateful encounter. A lonely mother without a child and a passionate bookshop owner. An antique mirror and a mysterious book.
One sunny spring day in Dijon, a fearless forty-eight-year-old German businesswoman sits down in a cake shop with a thirteen-year younger vulnerable French bookseller. “My son is dead,” Brigitte announces. Christian pretends not to hear it and devours two pieces of cake – fearfully seeing his divorced wife in every dark-haired woman passing a love lost. A taboo.
They spend the day together.
And then another one.
And another one.
And one day, they go dancing.
A daring waltz filled with desire and delight.
Two broken hearts. Two fugitives on the quest in a starless night. In their agony and despair, in spite of their differences and secrets, against all odds, they become close. Surprisingly close.
As a thunderstorm approaches…
A story of letting go, forgetting, and forgiving. Of new beginnings, friendship, and passion.
An ode to hope, courage, and faith.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2024
27 people are currently reading
1402 people want to read
About the author
Natasa Dragnic
23 books40 followersI always wanted to be an actress, author or teacher. And I got lucky: I became all of them!
I was born in 1965 in Split, Croatia. I could see the sea from the window of my childhood bedroom. When I was eighteen I moved away for the first time to pursue a degree in German and Romance studies in Zagreb. In 1995 I earned a master’s degree in literature. I also completed a degree in diplomacy in Zagreb and Berlin but soon realised that diplomacy isn’t for me: Too much politics. So back to the sea!
Only to leave again in 1994 and move to Germany, to Erlangen, where I continue to work as a freelance foreign language instructor: I teach German as a foreign language, French, English and Croatian. In addition, I also speak Spanish. What can I say, I love languages.
As a young girl I would lock myself in the bathroom, without a view of the sea, and practice making faces in the mirror, acting out different emotions, practicing gestures, words, even entire dialogues. During my studies, I finally dared to go out onto a real stage in front of a living audience, and ever since, I can’t get enough of it.
When I was six I wrote my first poem. It was about an apple which remained hanging on a tree unpicked until it shrivelled and fell. Four verses. Four decades later, in 2011, my first novel “Jeden Tag, jede Stunde” (“Every Day, Every Hour”) is being published by the German publisher DVA. And as if that weren’t enough, the book was sold in more then 20 countries even before its publication. I feel overwhelmed with the good fortune that the hundreds upon hundreds of pages that I wrote have paid off. I am glad to pass along my love of reading and writing in various workshops and lectures.
Thank you for your interest in me and my work.
Follow Dora&Luka on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natasa-...
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/NatasaDragnic
I was born in 1965 in Split, Croatia. I could see the sea from the window of my childhood bedroom. When I was eighteen I moved away for the first time to pursue a degree in German and Romance studies in Zagreb. In 1995 I earned a master’s degree in literature. I also completed a degree in diplomacy in Zagreb and Berlin but soon realised that diplomacy isn’t for me: Too much politics. So back to the sea!
Only to leave again in 1994 and move to Germany, to Erlangen, where I continue to work as a freelance foreign language instructor: I teach German as a foreign language, French, English and Croatian. In addition, I also speak Spanish. What can I say, I love languages.
As a young girl I would lock myself in the bathroom, without a view of the sea, and practice making faces in the mirror, acting out different emotions, practicing gestures, words, even entire dialogues. During my studies, I finally dared to go out onto a real stage in front of a living audience, and ever since, I can’t get enough of it.
When I was six I wrote my first poem. It was about an apple which remained hanging on a tree unpicked until it shrivelled and fell. Four verses. Four decades later, in 2011, my first novel “Jeden Tag, jede Stunde” (“Every Day, Every Hour”) is being published by the German publisher DVA. And as if that weren’t enough, the book was sold in more then 20 countries even before its publication. I feel overwhelmed with the good fortune that the hundreds upon hundreds of pages that I wrote have paid off. I am glad to pass along my love of reading and writing in various workshops and lectures.
Thank you for your interest in me and my work.
Follow Dora&Luka on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natasa-...
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/NatasaDragnic
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 10, 2025
Dijon, France, is bustling with vibrant shops and everyday people. It is in this charming setting that Brigitte finds herself. She is a mother who has endured the profound loss of her son and is now seeking healing and a glimpse of what the future may hold. Christian, a young bookstore owner, has also experienced significant loss recently. Brigitte senses this young man could be essential to her healing process. However, she is a married woman, which raises the question of how he could truly help her in Nataša Dragnić’s In Between.
Christian is a young man who is heartbroken and notices a beautiful older woman who seems sad and lonely. He decides to introduce her to the world of books. However, instead of starting with a romance novel or a thriller, he chooses a simple children’s picture book. Why? Because picture books are not just for children; they are “a chocolate soufflé for the soul, a mousse au chocolat.”
Nataša Dragnić has beautifully crafted a compelling story that explores the richness of new beginnings, the complexities of friendship, the warmth of passion, and the transformative nature of love. Through her evocative and poetic storytelling, she brings to life the intricate characters of Brigitte and Christian, making them relatable and deeply human. Dragnić’s lyrical prose flows seamlessly, drawing readers into an unforgettable narrative that delves into the profound themes of loss and healing. As Brigitte and Christian navigate their intertwined journeys, the narrative unfolds like a delicate tapestry, revealing the layers of emotion, vulnerability, and resilience that define their experiences. Each page invites readers to reflect on their relationships and how love can heal the deepest wounds.
I genuinely fell in love with this book. The beautiful interplay of French words added such a unique charm, and Brigitte and Christian’s tender yet profound relationship left a lasting impression on my heart.
‘To dance is to love. To dance is to live. Anyone who doesn’t believe that is out of place here can leave right away.’
These powerful words and the characters’ heartfelt actions were incredibly moving and resonated deeply with me. This book has taught me so much and has touched my soul in ways I didn’t expect.
For anyone navigating the pain of loss, experiencing divorce, or uncertainty about life’s choices, there’s a comforting message within these pages that can help you heal and find joy in tomorrow. I wholeheartedly award In Between a coveted five stars and eagerly anticipate more remarkable works from Nataša Dragnić in the future!
Christian is a young man who is heartbroken and notices a beautiful older woman who seems sad and lonely. He decides to introduce her to the world of books. However, instead of starting with a romance novel or a thriller, he chooses a simple children’s picture book. Why? Because picture books are not just for children; they are “a chocolate soufflé for the soul, a mousse au chocolat.”
Nataša Dragnić has beautifully crafted a compelling story that explores the richness of new beginnings, the complexities of friendship, the warmth of passion, and the transformative nature of love. Through her evocative and poetic storytelling, she brings to life the intricate characters of Brigitte and Christian, making them relatable and deeply human. Dragnić’s lyrical prose flows seamlessly, drawing readers into an unforgettable narrative that delves into the profound themes of loss and healing. As Brigitte and Christian navigate their intertwined journeys, the narrative unfolds like a delicate tapestry, revealing the layers of emotion, vulnerability, and resilience that define their experiences. Each page invites readers to reflect on their relationships and how love can heal the deepest wounds.
I genuinely fell in love with this book. The beautiful interplay of French words added such a unique charm, and Brigitte and Christian’s tender yet profound relationship left a lasting impression on my heart.
‘To dance is to love. To dance is to live. Anyone who doesn’t believe that is out of place here can leave right away.’
These powerful words and the characters’ heartfelt actions were incredibly moving and resonated deeply with me. This book has taught me so much and has touched my soul in ways I didn’t expect.
For anyone navigating the pain of loss, experiencing divorce, or uncertainty about life’s choices, there’s a comforting message within these pages that can help you heal and find joy in tomorrow. I wholeheartedly award In Between a coveted five stars and eagerly anticipate more remarkable works from Nataša Dragnić in the future!
May 27, 2025
Lovely, delicate, redemptive examination of grief
Natasa Dragnic’s In Between is a gloriously tender story of two people navigating loss: Brigitte Weichmann the death of her estranged young adult son, and Christian Rolland the end of his marriage.
Readers of Dragnic’s Every Day, Every Hour will recognize her ability to portray tender feelings, but the tone and subject matter of this work feel more mature and fine-tuned. I empathized with both protagonists and believed in their attraction to each other. I felt drawn into their worlds and intrigued by their mysteries. Dragnic treats these two with love, delicate care, and respect, without sentimentalization. Brigitte’s voice and flaws are particularly compelling. She is realistically imperfect, and I loved the conclusion of her side of the story.
I’m so happy I met these two characters: this endearing French bookseller in his thirties and this rigid yet unpredictable German businesswoman thirteen years his senior. They are an odd pair until you get to know them, but if you love investigations of people’s hearts, wounds, unique joys, and motivations, you will be glad you did.
Natasa Dragnic’s In Between is a gloriously tender story of two people navigating loss: Brigitte Weichmann the death of her estranged young adult son, and Christian Rolland the end of his marriage.
Readers of Dragnic’s Every Day, Every Hour will recognize her ability to portray tender feelings, but the tone and subject matter of this work feel more mature and fine-tuned. I empathized with both protagonists and believed in their attraction to each other. I felt drawn into their worlds and intrigued by their mysteries. Dragnic treats these two with love, delicate care, and respect, without sentimentalization. Brigitte’s voice and flaws are particularly compelling. She is realistically imperfect, and I loved the conclusion of her side of the story.
I’m so happy I met these two characters: this endearing French bookseller in his thirties and this rigid yet unpredictable German businesswoman thirteen years his senior. They are an odd pair until you get to know them, but if you love investigations of people’s hearts, wounds, unique joys, and motivations, you will be glad you did.
October 8, 2025
In Between is a beautiful, tender, and delicately drawn book about living through loss and beginning again. Brigitte’s adult son died almost a year ago. Shortly after his funeral she fled her old life, including her husband and travels aimlessly from town to town in France until she meets Christian, who’s marriage has crumbled, at a grief support group in Dijon.
The story is told through both Christian and Brigitte’s points of view focusing on small details that make each human, flawed, hurt, and yet still surviving and seeking hope. The author crafts a rich and compelling tale with complex and interesting characters and poetic storytelling. I devoured this novel as it was easy to get lost in the pages and the author’s talented and enchanting use of language. While there are touches of romance and passion in various forms, it is not at its core romance, rather a glimpse of friendship for a reason, meeting these two characters in the midst of transition.
This is the first time I have read a novel by Nataša Dragnić, but I am certain I will seek other titles and jump at the opportunity to read new work. I am grateful to BookSirens and to the author for providing me with this free advance review copy of this book; I have read and honestly reviewed this book voluntarily. I have never thought to purchase a book I have been gifted, but in this case I want to own a physical copy and plan to return to it again and again.
The story is told through both Christian and Brigitte’s points of view focusing on small details that make each human, flawed, hurt, and yet still surviving and seeking hope. The author crafts a rich and compelling tale with complex and interesting characters and poetic storytelling. I devoured this novel as it was easy to get lost in the pages and the author’s talented and enchanting use of language. While there are touches of romance and passion in various forms, it is not at its core romance, rather a glimpse of friendship for a reason, meeting these two characters in the midst of transition.
This is the first time I have read a novel by Nataša Dragnić, but I am certain I will seek other titles and jump at the opportunity to read new work. I am grateful to BookSirens and to the author for providing me with this free advance review copy of this book; I have read and honestly reviewed this book voluntarily. I have never thought to purchase a book I have been gifted, but in this case I want to own a physical copy and plan to return to it again and again.
December 18, 2024
This quiet, melancholic novel is a lovely read. Brigitte and Christian have both suffered a loss - they meet at an anonymous grief group and never return. Taking place in Dijon, France over the course of less than a month, two unlikely people form a friendship that perhaps could be more. This isn't a romance; it's a novel about grief and growth.
Christian is a bookseller and a lover of the written word; there are many beautiful lines about books throughout the novel when hearing his story.
Brigitte is a German woman traveling as she tries to find... Something. Or to run away from her grief. Something about Christian reminds her of her deceased son.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Christian is a bookseller and a lover of the written word; there are many beautiful lines about books throughout the novel when hearing his story.
Brigitte is a German woman traveling as she tries to find... Something. Or to run away from her grief. Something about Christian reminds her of her deceased son.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 13, 2025
In Between by Natasa Dragnic is a beautiful narrative about two lost souls finding solace in each other. One is a mother who lost his son and is in denial due to the distance they had over the years. Second, a young man who recently divorced his drunk wife. Christian and Brigitte, though from different worlds, carry the pain from their loved ones. One wears their heart on his sleeve the other isn’t sure if she has one.
I loved Dragnic’s writing. It feels lyrical as it unravels from one chapter to the other. Christian's character made fiction and reality blur as I recognized my bookish tendencies in him. Brigitte, stiff, composed, and socially awkward, made the book come to life. Her character is unique and well relayed. The author's use of language is enchanting as well as admirable.
I loved Dragnic’s writing. It feels lyrical as it unravels from one chapter to the other. Christian's character made fiction and reality blur as I recognized my bookish tendencies in him. Brigitte, stiff, composed, and socially awkward, made the book come to life. Her character is unique and well relayed. The author's use of language is enchanting as well as admirable.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews