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Family of the Heart #1
Between Us Girls
After a tornado destroys her farmhouse, Jasmyn Albright heads west and finds herself becoming the newest tenant at Casa de Vida, in Seaside Village, California, where God works to change her fortune. (religious fiction)
675 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2014
53 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Sally John
34 books97 followersSally John is the best-selling author of twenty novels, including the Side Roads series, the Safe Harbor series (coauthored with Gary Smalley), The Other Way Home series, The Beach House series, and In a Heartbeat series. A three-time finalist for the Christy Award, Sally writes contemporary stories that offer hope to readers in their own relational and faith journeys. She enjoys teaching writing workshops and spending time with her husband, adult children, and grandchildren. An Illinois native, Sally and her husband, Tim, live in southern California. Visit her Web site at www.sally-john.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 5, 2015
Three and a half stars
This novel is as gentle and sweet as its cover. After a series of disasters Jasmyn Albright ends up in a seaside village in California. Her plan is a holiday before returning to her real life in the Midwest, where her best friend Quinn still lives. But then circumstances conspire to keep her a bit longer at Casa de Vida. The owner of the complex of cottages, Liv McAlister, who has a knack for collecting misfits, believes God has sent Jasmyn there for a reason.
I enjoyed the different characters and getting to know them and seeing how they respond to situations, although it took me a little while to remember who was who. But once I settled down with them I liked how different they all were. I loved Liv and her trusting, prayerful nature, also Samantha who is not so trusting of people and a couple of the guy characters were interesting. Strangely, it was Jasmyn that at times irritated me a little. Just a little too much sunshine at times. But still it was a delightful read with a Christian message and just something to sink into and enjoy after my previous book which had shown a much darker side of humanity. This was just the type of book I needed at the time. This was my first book by this author and I may investigate some of her other books.
This novel is as gentle and sweet as its cover. After a series of disasters Jasmyn Albright ends up in a seaside village in California. Her plan is a holiday before returning to her real life in the Midwest, where her best friend Quinn still lives. But then circumstances conspire to keep her a bit longer at Casa de Vida. The owner of the complex of cottages, Liv McAlister, who has a knack for collecting misfits, believes God has sent Jasmyn there for a reason.
I enjoyed the different characters and getting to know them and seeing how they respond to situations, although it took me a little while to remember who was who. But once I settled down with them I liked how different they all were. I loved Liv and her trusting, prayerful nature, also Samantha who is not so trusting of people and a couple of the guy characters were interesting. Strangely, it was Jasmyn that at times irritated me a little. Just a little too much sunshine at times. But still it was a delightful read with a Christian message and just something to sink into and enjoy after my previous book which had shown a much darker side of humanity. This was just the type of book I needed at the time. This was my first book by this author and I may investigate some of her other books.
October 20, 2014
"Between Us Girls" by Sally John is a humble book filled with the secrets of the universe. I have always been bad with relationships and this book addresses that need and the yearning each of us has for fellowship with each other and the the God of the universe. But it is not a "preachy" book. Instead it is the kind of book that sits on that special shelf designed for your keeper books--you know--the ones you read over and over again because you need to reread its pages at various stages in your life.
A series of disasters befall Jasmyn, a young adult who grew up never knowing who her father was, living with 2 strict grandparents. being teased by classmates and a mother who chased after anything in pants. Disasters such as both grandparents dying, followed by her mother getting cancer and dying, followed by a tornado that destroys the only home she has ever had.
The tornado disaster finally pushes Jasmyn out of her comfort zone and she takes her first vacation to San Diego, California. But disaster follows her there. While visiting a small seaside town that feels like home to her, the rental car and all her luggage is stolen. An elderly women, Liv, who owns some cottages befriends her and allows her to stay in Cottage Number 11 to which the other cottages inhabitants loan her items to make hers cozy. After a couple of weeks, she is on her way to the airport when she gets the news that Liv has had a heart attack. So Jasmyn ends up managing the cottages till Liv is better.
The seaside cottages feel like home to Jasmyn, but so does the small town in Illinois, where she grew up. As she prepares to leave California for the third time, her heart is torn. Where does she truly belong?
A series of disasters befall Jasmyn, a young adult who grew up never knowing who her father was, living with 2 strict grandparents. being teased by classmates and a mother who chased after anything in pants. Disasters such as both grandparents dying, followed by her mother getting cancer and dying, followed by a tornado that destroys the only home she has ever had.
The tornado disaster finally pushes Jasmyn out of her comfort zone and she takes her first vacation to San Diego, California. But disaster follows her there. While visiting a small seaside town that feels like home to her, the rental car and all her luggage is stolen. An elderly women, Liv, who owns some cottages befriends her and allows her to stay in Cottage Number 11 to which the other cottages inhabitants loan her items to make hers cozy. After a couple of weeks, she is on her way to the airport when she gets the news that Liv has had a heart attack. So Jasmyn ends up managing the cottages till Liv is better.
The seaside cottages feel like home to Jasmyn, but so does the small town in Illinois, where she grew up. As she prepares to leave California for the third time, her heart is torn. Where does she truly belong?
May 7, 2014
Between Us Girls is the first book in a new heartwarming series (Family of the Heart series) by Sally John.
The novel builds as you read it and eventually you just can’t put it down. The characters are what makes this book great. Jasmyn Albright is the main character who feels she just can’t fit in anywhere, but there is also Sam, Liv, Keagan, Chad and Beau. During the novel each character grows. The novel is set in communities in California and Illinois.
I liked this book because it was different from anything I had ever read. There is a Christian slant to it, but it definitely is not preachy.The plot was well thought out and it and moves very quickly.
The main setting, Casa de Vida, is a place I’d love to live. The characters are far from picture
perfect. They could be people you’d know in your own community.There is an element of romance, but it is not the main theme. I would recommend it.
A complimentary copy of this book was given to me from Harvest House through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
The novel builds as you read it and eventually you just can’t put it down. The characters are what makes this book great. Jasmyn Albright is the main character who feels she just can’t fit in anywhere, but there is also Sam, Liv, Keagan, Chad and Beau. During the novel each character grows. The novel is set in communities in California and Illinois.
I liked this book because it was different from anything I had ever read. There is a Christian slant to it, but it definitely is not preachy.The plot was well thought out and it and moves very quickly.
The main setting, Casa de Vida, is a place I’d love to live. The characters are far from picture
perfect. They could be people you’d know in your own community.There is an element of romance, but it is not the main theme. I would recommend it.
A complimentary copy of this book was given to me from Harvest House through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 15, 2014
Waitress Jasmyn Albright lives in the tiny town of Valley Oaks, Illinois, in the same house her mother and grandmother lived in. She’s stuck in a rut and knows it, until a catastrophe forces her to makes some life changes—one of which is a vacation in sunny San Diego. But even that doesn’t go according to plan, and she finds herself in the care of Liz, and a temporary resident of the Casa de Vida Cottages, just a few block from the beach.
There were parts of Between Us Girls. I liked, especially the slightly offbeat character of Liz, the intelligent yet shy engineer Samantha, the mysterious Keagan, and Beau, the gentle giant. I also liked the way both Jasmyn and Samantha were able to better come to terms with their family backgrounds, and to begin to develop relationships with God.
But there were things which detracted from my enjoyment, like the way the beginning was rally providing background rather than getting into the story, the way the story moved from Illinois to San Diego with no warning, and the list of residents at the Casa de Vida Cottages—there were a lot of characters to keep straight, and I got lost more than once. I also wasn’t especially keen on Jasmyn. I didn’t know why she’d stayed in Valley Oaks all those years when she said she never fitted in there. I understood why she left (and why she loved San Diego—who wouldn’t), but if she was that unhappy, why hadn’t she left years earlier?
I’m in two minds about Between Us Girls. The writing was excellent, there was a solid underlying Christian message, and I loved the San Diego setting, but overall I felt it took too long to get going, it was too easy to put down, and the complexities of multiple character relationships made it hard to pick back up again. I can usually finish a novel in a day, or two at the most, but this took me a week.
I’d be interested in knowing what happens next for Jasmyn, Sam and the other Casa de Vida residents, but next time I’d like it to get straight into the story rather than having the first few chapters feel like an extended prologue.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
There were parts of Between Us Girls. I liked, especially the slightly offbeat character of Liz, the intelligent yet shy engineer Samantha, the mysterious Keagan, and Beau, the gentle giant. I also liked the way both Jasmyn and Samantha were able to better come to terms with their family backgrounds, and to begin to develop relationships with God.
But there were things which detracted from my enjoyment, like the way the beginning was rally providing background rather than getting into the story, the way the story moved from Illinois to San Diego with no warning, and the list of residents at the Casa de Vida Cottages—there were a lot of characters to keep straight, and I got lost more than once. I also wasn’t especially keen on Jasmyn. I didn’t know why she’d stayed in Valley Oaks all those years when she said she never fitted in there. I understood why she left (and why she loved San Diego—who wouldn’t), but if she was that unhappy, why hadn’t she left years earlier?
I’m in two minds about Between Us Girls. The writing was excellent, there was a solid underlying Christian message, and I loved the San Diego setting, but overall I felt it took too long to get going, it was too easy to put down, and the complexities of multiple character relationships made it hard to pick back up again. I can usually finish a novel in a day, or two at the most, but this took me a week.
I’d be interested in knowing what happens next for Jasmyn, Sam and the other Casa de Vida residents, but next time I’d like it to get straight into the story rather than having the first few chapters feel like an extended prologue.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
September 9, 2014
“I can’t explain why this world is full of such pain and heartache and evil and beauty and goodness and wonder. All I know for certain is that God is God and I am not. He’s not a genie (who gave me things if I performed correctly) or a zapper (if I did not perform correctly). That takes a huge weight off my shoulders. It frees me up to simply share the journey with others.” Sally Johns Between Us Girls
Jasmyn’s life is in chaos – six months ago, she lost everything she owned to a tornado who destroyed the family house, barns and land in the Midwest, she sold the land which made the residents in town angry because a strip mall was coming to town which would take away from local commerce and then, when she took a long awaited vacation in San Diego, California……..her rental car was stolen, along with everything she owned (except the new car she left at home). And along comes Liv…..Liv, who is used to hurting people, needy people, who she gathers in and helps to make their worlds better and become a part of her family. Between Us Girls is a wonderful Christian fiction novel that explores the complexities of the people who live in the cottages owned by Liv and how much we need relationships and the connections that can be formed through good and tough times. A beautiful picture created by encouraging, uplifting and sometimes difficult words, Between Us Girls received a 5+ rating from me and thanks to a wonderful author.
Jasmyn’s life is in chaos – six months ago, she lost everything she owned to a tornado who destroyed the family house, barns and land in the Midwest, she sold the land which made the residents in town angry because a strip mall was coming to town which would take away from local commerce and then, when she took a long awaited vacation in San Diego, California……..her rental car was stolen, along with everything she owned (except the new car she left at home). And along comes Liv…..Liv, who is used to hurting people, needy people, who she gathers in and helps to make their worlds better and become a part of her family. Between Us Girls is a wonderful Christian fiction novel that explores the complexities of the people who live in the cottages owned by Liv and how much we need relationships and the connections that can be formed through good and tough times. A beautiful picture created by encouraging, uplifting and sometimes difficult words, Between Us Girls received a 5+ rating from me and thanks to a wonderful author.
May 7, 2021
This first entry in John’s new series is a gorgeously written novel about the power of friendship and the true meaning of family. Beautifully rendered characters feel like real people, especially Jasmyn, a woman searching for somewhere to fit in. Just the right amount of romance balances out this heartfelt novel.
After a devastating tornado destroys everything she owns, Jasmyn Albright leaves the midwest for a vacation in California. Circumstances bring her to Casa de Vida, a set of seaside cottage apartments, for a stay. Jasmyn becomes acquainted with Liv McAlister, the elderly owner, and a large and varied set of neighbors who quickly become new friends. When the time comes to return home, Jasmyn isn’t sure what the best path is for her life.
After a devastating tornado destroys everything she owns, Jasmyn Albright leaves the midwest for a vacation in California. Circumstances bring her to Casa de Vida, a set of seaside cottage apartments, for a stay. Jasmyn becomes acquainted with Liv McAlister, the elderly owner, and a large and varied set of neighbors who quickly become new friends. When the time comes to return home, Jasmyn isn’t sure what the best path is for her life.
March 25, 2017
I grabbed this book the last time I was at the library thinking I just wanted something soul-nourishing to read. This fit the bill to a T! The chapters were short which made it easy to fit into my incredibly busy life and it was hard to put down. I loved the character development and how all the little stories fit together int he end. It DID leaving me longing for more, so I'm going to read book 2 next.
June 4, 2017
God works in mysterious ways
This author was recommended by a friend. This book is about a group of misfits brought together to form a family. The apartment owner/manger has a deep relationship with God. Her life is faith led and in turn people are "led" to her and her cottages. The relationships grow, change, evolve. I felt the support for each other and friendships formed were moving. It's very good and I look forward to the next book.
This author was recommended by a friend. This book is about a group of misfits brought together to form a family. The apartment owner/manger has a deep relationship with God. Her life is faith led and in turn people are "led" to her and her cottages. The relationships grow, change, evolve. I felt the support for each other and friendships formed were moving. It's very good and I look forward to the next book.
November 20, 2023
Between Us Girls
by Sally John
Pub Date 01 Jul 2014
Harvest House Publishers
Christian| Romance
Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley provided me with a copy of Between Us Girls for review:
In tiny Seaside Village, California, you'll find Casa de Vida - eleven charming bungalows located three blocks from the Pacific Ocean. Liv McAlister never advertises vacancies beyond a small hand-lettered sign outside, trusting that God will send the right tenant at just the right time. And He always does.
Her farmhouse was destroyed by a tornado, which is just the latest bad break for Jasmyn Albright. Feeling utterly alone and emotionally fragile, Jasmyn heads west, hoping to outrun her heartbreak. Then she notices a small sign that says "Vacancy." Before she knows it, Jasmyn has become Casa de Vida's newest tenant. If God is at work, anything can happen, and new beginnings are something He excels at. But she does not dare to hope that her fortunes might change...but when God is at work, anything can happen.
Family can sometimes be found among strangers. Sometimes, romance surprises us when we least expect it.
I give Between Us Girls five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Sally John
Pub Date 01 Jul 2014
Harvest House Publishers
Christian| Romance
Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley provided me with a copy of Between Us Girls for review:
In tiny Seaside Village, California, you'll find Casa de Vida - eleven charming bungalows located three blocks from the Pacific Ocean. Liv McAlister never advertises vacancies beyond a small hand-lettered sign outside, trusting that God will send the right tenant at just the right time. And He always does.
Her farmhouse was destroyed by a tornado, which is just the latest bad break for Jasmyn Albright. Feeling utterly alone and emotionally fragile, Jasmyn heads west, hoping to outrun her heartbreak. Then she notices a small sign that says "Vacancy." Before she knows it, Jasmyn has become Casa de Vida's newest tenant. If God is at work, anything can happen, and new beginnings are something He excels at. But she does not dare to hope that her fortunes might change...but when God is at work, anything can happen.
Family can sometimes be found among strangers. Sometimes, romance surprises us when we least expect it.
I give Between Us Girls five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
May 28, 2017
Families
A family should portray reflection of unity. This unity should show outwardly with eyes, arms and your emotions. In this book "between us girls" shows us a group of people even though sometimes so different are bound by their love for each other no matter the differences.
A family should portray reflection of unity. This unity should show outwardly with eyes, arms and your emotions. In this book "between us girls" shows us a group of people even though sometimes so different are bound by their love for each other no matter the differences.
July 7, 2019
3.5 stars.
A different sort of tale that shows how friends can become family. I enjoyed some of the characters while others weren't developed enough for me to care about them.
Good story but was a bit lacking. Too much info thrown in the beginning of the book rather than drawing the reader in.
A different sort of tale that shows how friends can become family. I enjoyed some of the characters while others weren't developed enough for me to care about them.
Good story but was a bit lacking. Too much info thrown in the beginning of the book rather than drawing the reader in.
May 19, 2017
Great Read
The book keeps your interest. It weaves the lives of folks together and makes family and relationships the touch your heart. I would rate it G for all audiences. My kind of book!
The book keeps your interest. It weaves the lives of folks together and makes family and relationships the touch your heart. I would rate it G for all audiences. My kind of book!
March 4, 2019
This was a sweet, if slightly predictable, Christian romance. Not revolutionary but with lovable characters and a fairly interesting premise. Still not my favorite series—The Long Way Home is that—by Sally John, but good enough that I started reading the sequel on another plane ride home.
January 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It started out a little bit slow, but once I finally got into it I couldn't put it down. A cute store of finding yourself and finding your own family.
May 18, 2017
Nice, easy read
This book was a good, quick, light read. Well written and very easy to follow. It is the perfect summer beach read.
This book was a good, quick, light read. Well written and very easy to follow. It is the perfect summer beach read.
June 26, 2018
Very sweet book, plan to read the rest of the series.
July 26, 2018
Easy read with likeable characters. I look forward to finding out more about the characters as the series continues.
December 19, 2018
It's been awhile since I read one of Sally John books. It was good but I liked her other series better. Still will read the second book
December 20, 2020
This book touched me deeply. Some people are out into our lives at certain points to help us through. Olivia is that lesson for so many. The book gave me the desire to be that for others.
April 2, 2021
Great book.
Read
October 7, 2025EXCELLENT
March 26, 2017
Great read!
Hard to put down once you are started!!
Sally does not disappoint & I look forward to reading all of her books!
Hard to put down once you are started!!
Sally does not disappoint & I look forward to reading all of her books!
September 28, 2014
This was the first in the new Family of the Heart Series and I will be on the look-out for the second one.
Jasmyn had a rather predictable but bland life in her Illinois town of Valley Oaks. She had a good job as a waitress and she enjoyed it because it was something she was good at doing. She had a good and loyal friend who was a coworker. She liked and respected her boss. She lived in the old home where she was raised. She was doing ok. But diaster in the form of a tornado struck and with nothing left to call her own, she needed to sort things out. That was how Jasmyn came to meet Olivia McAlister, owner of several small cottages in a peaceful and picturesque courtyard near the sea in Southern California. All at once, Jasmyn felt at peace and more importantly, as if she had finally arrived home.
Olivia McAlister believes that God's hand and His plans are evident everywhere and she is sure that Jasmyn was brought to Casa de Vida, or "The House of Life" for a reason. Every resident there was broken or flawed in some way and it became Olivia's mission to help them find their way again...with a little Divine Help, of course.
This was just a very sweet, feel-good story with ok, maybe a few too many Divine Interventions to really be believable; still and all, the characters captured my heart as did the idea of such a wonderful community of people who, in spite of their own troubles, could be counted on to rally around each other when needed.
Jasmyn, Olivia, and Samantha (another Casa de Vida resident) were the main characters, but I have a feeling that in the second book, Take My Hand, a few of the other interesting and somewhat mysterious residents will get their chance to be in the spotlight. I am looking forward to getting to know them better and to revisit the wonderful Casa de Vida.
Jasmyn had a rather predictable but bland life in her Illinois town of Valley Oaks. She had a good job as a waitress and she enjoyed it because it was something she was good at doing. She had a good and loyal friend who was a coworker. She liked and respected her boss. She lived in the old home where she was raised. She was doing ok. But diaster in the form of a tornado struck and with nothing left to call her own, she needed to sort things out. That was how Jasmyn came to meet Olivia McAlister, owner of several small cottages in a peaceful and picturesque courtyard near the sea in Southern California. All at once, Jasmyn felt at peace and more importantly, as if she had finally arrived home.
Olivia McAlister believes that God's hand and His plans are evident everywhere and she is sure that Jasmyn was brought to Casa de Vida, or "The House of Life" for a reason. Every resident there was broken or flawed in some way and it became Olivia's mission to help them find their way again...with a little Divine Help, of course.
This was just a very sweet, feel-good story with ok, maybe a few too many Divine Interventions to really be believable; still and all, the characters captured my heart as did the idea of such a wonderful community of people who, in spite of their own troubles, could be counted on to rally around each other when needed.
Jasmyn, Olivia, and Samantha (another Casa de Vida resident) were the main characters, but I have a feeling that in the second book, Take My Hand, a few of the other interesting and somewhat mysterious residents will get their chance to be in the spotlight. I am looking forward to getting to know them better and to revisit the wonderful Casa de Vida.
August 11, 2020
I was really looking forward to this book on my reading list because of the topic of friendship. I like stories of heroines who start over to find themselves and Jasmyn was one of those characters. She is not the only person who changes over the course of the book, as many characters exhibit growth. In that way, it was a great story of the power of friendship, community and belonging.
But it wasn’t the most amazing read ever. I think I was expecting the story itself to be more powerful. It just didn’t get to me down deep inside. I felt like there were too many "coincidences" to be believable all in one book.
There is some romance that springs up for a couple of the heroines, but I wouldn't say romance was the starring genre. In fact, there was hardly any kissing so there was obviously no need for concern over content!
People won’t find this a preachy Christian book and they may like it that way. I don’t necessarily need the four spiritual laws spelled out in every book I read. However, when I read a “Christian story” I do look for characters that genuinely live out the Gospel of faith. The older motherly figure in the book, Liv, certainly lives out grace, mercy and love and is always in prayerful dialogue with the Lord. Jasmyn and her friend Sam do come to realize the love of God, but I hope they come to an even deeper personal knowledge of Jesus as their Savior.
There is a sequel that continues with the story of these and other characters from Casa de Vida, but the first book wasn’t enough for me to want read it. However, others may be looking for a quintessential beach read and find it in “Between Us Girls.”
But it wasn’t the most amazing read ever. I think I was expecting the story itself to be more powerful. It just didn’t get to me down deep inside. I felt like there were too many "coincidences" to be believable all in one book.
There is some romance that springs up for a couple of the heroines, but I wouldn't say romance was the starring genre. In fact, there was hardly any kissing so there was obviously no need for concern over content!
People won’t find this a preachy Christian book and they may like it that way. I don’t necessarily need the four spiritual laws spelled out in every book I read. However, when I read a “Christian story” I do look for characters that genuinely live out the Gospel of faith. The older motherly figure in the book, Liv, certainly lives out grace, mercy and love and is always in prayerful dialogue with the Lord. Jasmyn and her friend Sam do come to realize the love of God, but I hope they come to an even deeper personal knowledge of Jesus as their Savior.
There is a sequel that continues with the story of these and other characters from Casa de Vida, but the first book wasn’t enough for me to want read it. However, others may be looking for a quintessential beach read and find it in “Between Us Girls.”
August 11, 2016
I am a big fan of Sally John. I enjoy her stories and writing very much. Sadly, this is not one of her better books. It starts with her main character's name and how it's spelled, and ends with a lot of questions. There were several moments where the reader is left out and doesn't see what happened. (Significant bits, too.) The reader doesn't see the relationships growing, as we do often in other Sally John books; we just read of the effects of events that happen off-page. As much as I enjoy this author, I was disappointed with this one. Does she plan on continuing this series with these two specific characters? Maybe that would help change my mind on this book. Or will she branch off and tell the stories of the other community members, as she's done in other series'? I was left wanting, and I knew that's how I'd feel even when I was smack dab in the middle of the book. I'll read the next title when it comes out, but I hope it's Mrs. John as I know her.
October 2, 2014
This was a nice light hearted story, I could just sit and relax with this one, no thinking, no delving, just simply there read the pages and let it unfold.
We have Albright, lots of unexpected things have happened in her life, hardships she has had to overcome and of course this being a Christian based read, she relies heavily on God to steer her in the right direction.
This is the first book at the start of a series.
I found it a little hard going at the start, it took me a while to get into the flow and get my head around who was who and what and why, but in a relaxing way. There was no pressure in this book. It just took a while to pick up and flow.
This is the reason it has a 3 star, good book, but not unexpected.
I would like to thank Harvest House Publishers for allowing the chance to read and review this book.
We have Albright, lots of unexpected things have happened in her life, hardships she has had to overcome and of course this being a Christian based read, she relies heavily on God to steer her in the right direction.
This is the first book at the start of a series.
I found it a little hard going at the start, it took me a while to get into the flow and get my head around who was who and what and why, but in a relaxing way. There was no pressure in this book. It just took a while to pick up and flow.
This is the reason it has a 3 star, good book, but not unexpected.
I would like to thank Harvest House Publishers for allowing the chance to read and review this book.
April 29, 2014
I was delighted with this new series by Sally John. Very rarely does an author do a good job at writing more realistic book with likable and yet down to earth characters, where everyone is not gorgeous and brilliant. I fell like this book was a rare gem and had great characters and a engrossing story line. I love how the author weaves together a beautiful story about broken people from all walks of life. Jasmyn has had enough bad breaks to last a lifetime, but finds a family in Casa de Vida and learns about friendship. I also liked the sweet romance that added just enough to the book without being overwhelming.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 11, 2014
A master of relational stories, Sally John’s latest book, Between Us Girls, is the delightful tale of friendship, restoration, and hope. I loved her main characters, Jasmyn, Liv, and Samantha. After a life altering and devastating event, Jasmyn finds herself in sleep Seaside Village, ushered into the loving care of Olivia. Samantha is a driven businesswoman, who never stops to enjoy life. How she found her way to Casa de Vida, the cottages Liv owns and rents, is a twisty tale in itself. And Liv, who never had a child, finds Jasmyn is the daughter of her heart—but the girl is only on vacation, destined to go home to Illinois. I highly recommend Between Us Girls.
August 27, 2014
I enjoy Sally John's writing. This book shows the old saying "everything happens for a reason" is true. Jasmyn Albright has had more than enough bad things happen in her life and when it all becomes too much, she leaves Illinois and heads to California for vacation. Once there, circumstances happen to place her at Casa de Vida at a small set of bungalows owned by a lady named Liv. The story goes on from there with new friends becoming family. The story is good leaving one to wonder what things have gone on in your own life that "happened for a reason."
June 21, 2015
Between Us Girls is the story of "misfits" who end up living at Casa de Vida in Seaside, California. The owner, Liv, believes God sends the people to live in each cottage and mothers them all. Samantha and Jasmyn have never felt like they fit in and have "empty spots" in their hearts. God uses Liv to show them how those spots can be filled.
I felt the book moved a little slow at times but overall I enjoyed the book. There was some genealogy research done by "Sam" which was very exciting! I won this book in a Kate Breslin Giveaway.
I felt the book moved a little slow at times but overall I enjoyed the book. There was some genealogy research done by "Sam" which was very exciting! I won this book in a Kate Breslin Giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews