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The Gap Between Us
It only takes a single encounter....
Norma
I’m just a typical Christian girl with nothing but my family, school, and my relationship with God on my mind. I’m not perfect; trust me when I say I have my faults. But life was good. Nonetheless, one encounter with a guy from the wrong side of town sent my world into a tailspin I had no hope of getting control of on my own. I don’t think there have ever been two people whose lives contradicted the other like ours did. Every rendezvous with Marcel Maxwell brought with it some kind of chaos, but there was something else that also came along for the ride.... God has a way of bringing unexpected gifts to our doors, and I believed Marcel was mine, until....
Marcel
When my younger sister came home one day and told me that I was being watched, I was worried that the cops were all over me. I had managed to avoid getting arrested for so long, and I was determined to keep that record going by any means necessary, even eliminating the threat if I had to, no matter who or what it was.
Turns out the danger was a pretty Christian girl who had seen something she shouldn’t have. Now imprinted in my mind was the face of an angel, Norma Tesoriere. I knew I should have stayed away. I wasn’t good. There was evil in me. I was a gangster. And yet, the moment Norma’s mesmerizing eyes met mine, my entire world crumbled before me.
Then Death came knocking at my door. Was loving Norma worth it?
Trigger Violence
Norma
I’m just a typical Christian girl with nothing but my family, school, and my relationship with God on my mind. I’m not perfect; trust me when I say I have my faults. But life was good. Nonetheless, one encounter with a guy from the wrong side of town sent my world into a tailspin I had no hope of getting control of on my own. I don’t think there have ever been two people whose lives contradicted the other like ours did. Every rendezvous with Marcel Maxwell brought with it some kind of chaos, but there was something else that also came along for the ride.... God has a way of bringing unexpected gifts to our doors, and I believed Marcel was mine, until....
Marcel
When my younger sister came home one day and told me that I was being watched, I was worried that the cops were all over me. I had managed to avoid getting arrested for so long, and I was determined to keep that record going by any means necessary, even eliminating the threat if I had to, no matter who or what it was.
Turns out the danger was a pretty Christian girl who had seen something she shouldn’t have. Now imprinted in my mind was the face of an angel, Norma Tesoriere. I knew I should have stayed away. I wasn’t good. There was evil in me. I was a gangster. And yet, the moment Norma’s mesmerizing eyes met mine, my entire world crumbled before me.
Then Death came knocking at my door. Was loving Norma worth it?
Trigger Violence
Audible Audio
Published November 24, 2021
5 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 7, 2021
⭐⭐⭐3.5 Stars
This was a story provided by ACX in exchange for a truthful rate and review....This was a really sweet and endearing story with a really important message of kindness, forgiveness, hope and most importantly love and the love of God. I enjoyed the way Norma's family completely embraced Marcel and the relationship Norma had with Marcel's mother and young twin sisters....I was hoping for Sophia to come around more than she did...This story had to few date inconsistencies regarding timelines and some ages and it was also difficult to distinguish when the narrator was using her male voice versus being one of the female characters. If she's going to continue solo narration, she should really work on her male voice. Overall, this was a really good and wholesome story and definitely worth indulging.
This was a story provided by ACX in exchange for a truthful rate and review....This was a really sweet and endearing story with a really important message of kindness, forgiveness, hope and most importantly love and the love of God. I enjoyed the way Norma's family completely embraced Marcel and the relationship Norma had with Marcel's mother and young twin sisters....I was hoping for Sophia to come around more than she did...This story had to few date inconsistencies regarding timelines and some ages and it was also difficult to distinguish when the narrator was using her male voice versus being one of the female characters. If she's going to continue solo narration, she should really work on her male voice. Overall, this was a really good and wholesome story and definitely worth indulging.
January 16, 2022
Life is unpredictable and the future is uncertain, we never know what is to come our way unless we are presented with the situation. Prowling behind your back, when it finally pounces on your back all you can do is to accept it. Just like life, love is another thing that nobody knows and there is no way of finding out when, where and who shall come into our lives, either to destroy it forever or give us a forever with them that is blissful and content. Relationships are something new for every young adult and however shy you are or popular you be, love doesn't have favourites to grace with mercy on the people. It shatters you when it finds its fancy and heals you when it has the mind of sharing the love but nobody can have a definite idea of how and where your second half resides.
This is a story of young adult romance. One between a practising Christian girl who loves the religion is very spiritual and wants to follow all the guidelines with a cross on her heart. Norma is the kind of girl who is haunted by anxiety and she overthinks every situation that has happened in her life. Particularly devasted by the fact that her mother walked in on her making love with a guy she is made upon winning the trust of her mother back. But will love be kind enough to grant her wish and leave her be for the time being? Maybe not because once she had had all the connections broken with the boy she was discovered fooling around, fortune had another man to cross her path. Will this man be the one who takes her hand to give her forever or shall this be written in the books of love as another disappointment in the life of Norma to cause her sleepless night for decades to come?
Marcel walked into the life of Norma unexpected and unwanted, with his profession as a part of a gang and everything violent that goes by in his surrounding will Norma be able to walk out of the situation before her heart gives out, or will she end up in a relationship where she accepts the violence and becomes a part of it.
This is a story of young adult romance. One between a practising Christian girl who loves the religion is very spiritual and wants to follow all the guidelines with a cross on her heart. Norma is the kind of girl who is haunted by anxiety and she overthinks every situation that has happened in her life. Particularly devasted by the fact that her mother walked in on her making love with a guy she is made upon winning the trust of her mother back. But will love be kind enough to grant her wish and leave her be for the time being? Maybe not because once she had had all the connections broken with the boy she was discovered fooling around, fortune had another man to cross her path. Will this man be the one who takes her hand to give her forever or shall this be written in the books of love as another disappointment in the life of Norma to cause her sleepless night for decades to come?
Marcel walked into the life of Norma unexpected and unwanted, with his profession as a part of a gang and everything violent that goes by in his surrounding will Norma be able to walk out of the situation before her heart gives out, or will she end up in a relationship where she accepts the violence and becomes a part of it.
December 30, 2021
This is the 2nd book that I’ve read by this author “Norelle Smith”. And I have to say that I was just as thrilled with this book as I was reading her first novel “If Untold”. This book starts out innocent enough about a story of a Christian girl’s life until she has an encounter with a mystery guy, who turns out to be a gangster. The story is written so that you knew what Norma and Marcel were each going through and their thoughts throughout the story. While reading the story you begin to wonder if these 2 would be able to come together or if they would have to walk away from each other despite their attraction for one another. I also wondered if Norma would end up in the gangster lifestyle or if Marcel would leave his life behind and follow Norma in her Christian faith. I fell in love with both characters. The book is very descriptive and you can easily visualize their surroundings. The storyline has romance, religion, family life, drama, and forgiveness. I won’t give away any spoil alerts as you’ll need to read the book yourself. There’s a lot of twists and turns throughout the book, and I really wasn’t sure how it would end. Excellent read! I highly recommend it.
December 26, 2021
This is a young romance novel involving two people from opposite sides of the track.
Norma is a very clean and innocent young woman who devotes her life to God. Marcel is a gangster, although his family means everything to him.
They fall in love but Norma's mind is telling her to run but Marcel wins her over with his charm. Eventually he realises that she deserves someone better, as she is so kind and innocent, and he considers himself a bad man, but she won't just let him walk away.
There are so many amazing twists and events you just weren't expecting as this story unfolds. I also love the way that the chapters are written in first person from the points of view of either Norma or Marcel.
If a thriller/romance is your thing then this book should be on your list.
Norma is a very clean and innocent young woman who devotes her life to God. Marcel is a gangster, although his family means everything to him.
They fall in love but Norma's mind is telling her to run but Marcel wins her over with his charm. Eventually he realises that she deserves someone better, as she is so kind and innocent, and he considers himself a bad man, but she won't just let him walk away.
There are so many amazing twists and events you just weren't expecting as this story unfolds. I also love the way that the chapters are written in first person from the points of view of either Norma or Marcel.
If a thriller/romance is your thing then this book should be on your list.
March 6, 2022
Norma is a good Christian girl and Marcel is in a gang. Norma tries to get Marcel to change his ways and turn to Jesus but he is hesitant about the whole thing. Rico,Norma's younger brother doesn't trust him but Marcel saved him after he was peer pressured into taking drugs at 15. Marcel eventually pays the price for his crime and ends up getting attacked in prison which almost cost him his life but Jesus had other plans
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2022
Uplifting read
The book was written almost in a journal format and I enjoyed the variation. The two main characters were well written and I loved watching their romance develop while they both leaned on the Lord in different ways. My favorite sentence is in the second to last paragraph. Can you guess what is might be? Enjoy reading!
The book was written almost in a journal format and I enjoyed the variation. The two main characters were well written and I loved watching their romance develop while they both leaned on the Lord in different ways. My favorite sentence is in the second to last paragraph. Can you guess what is might be? Enjoy reading!
January 13, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Loved this precious story of redemption. I fell in love with these characters and HAD to know how things would turn out for them in the end. Exceptionally well-written. Amazing story and one I would recommend to others to read.
This is the 2nd book I have read by Norelle and I am excited for her books to come. She has a definite God-given gift for writing. Thank you for sharing that gift with us!
Loved this precious story of redemption. I fell in love with these characters and HAD to know how things would turn out for them in the end. Exceptionally well-written. Amazing story and one I would recommend to others to read.
This is the 2nd book I have read by Norelle and I am excited for her books to come. She has a definite God-given gift for writing. Thank you for sharing that gift with us!
November 3, 2021
I have become a huge fan of Norelle's books! IF Untold was my first book on Good Reads, and I immediately began The Gap Between us once I realized she released another book. The Gap Between Us a journey of two opposites. I don't want to give too much away, but it's truly a great book. Life takes people in many directions, but when there are people destined to be in one another's lives, mountains move to make it happen. Such a great book!
March 21, 2024
Book Review: "The Gap Between Us"
by Norelle Smith 📚
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Prepare to be swept away on an emotional rollercoaster of love, faith, and redemption in Norelle Smith's captivating novel, "The Gap Between Us"! From the moment I cracked open this book, I was hooked by its powerful storytelling and deeply relatable characters.
👉The story unfolds through the intertwining perspectives of Norma and Marcel, two individuals whose worlds couldn't be more different. Norma, a devout Christian girl, leads a seemingly perfect life centered around her family and faith. But everything changes when she crosses paths with Marcel, a troubled young man with a troubled past and a dangerous reputation.
👉What follows is a whirlwind of emotions as Norma and Marcel navigate the complexities of their budding relationship amidst the backdrop of their contrasting backgrounds. Smith expertly weaves together themes of love, forgiveness, and the transformative power of faith, creating a narrative that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
👉One of the things I loved most about "The Gap Between Us" is the authenticity of its characters. Norma and Marcel leap off the pages with their flaws, fears, and dreams, making them feel like old friends by the end of the book. Their journey is filled with moments of joy, sorrow, and self-discovery, keeping me fully invested in their story until the very last page.
👉Smith's writing style is beautifully evocative, painting vivid scenes that transport you into the heart of the story. Whether it's the bustling streets of the city or the quiet solitude of a church pew, each setting is rendered with precision and care, immersing the reader in the world of the characters.
👉While "The Gap Between Us" may follow some familiar tropes of the Christian romance genre, it does so with a fresh perspective and genuine heart. The novel is filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to see how Norma and Marcel's story would unfold.
👉In conclusion, "The Gap Between Us" is a triumph of storytelling that will leave you laughing, crying, and cheering for more.
Happy reading 😁😁
#bookreview
by Norelle Smith 📚
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Prepare to be swept away on an emotional rollercoaster of love, faith, and redemption in Norelle Smith's captivating novel, "The Gap Between Us"! From the moment I cracked open this book, I was hooked by its powerful storytelling and deeply relatable characters.
👉The story unfolds through the intertwining perspectives of Norma and Marcel, two individuals whose worlds couldn't be more different. Norma, a devout Christian girl, leads a seemingly perfect life centered around her family and faith. But everything changes when she crosses paths with Marcel, a troubled young man with a troubled past and a dangerous reputation.
👉What follows is a whirlwind of emotions as Norma and Marcel navigate the complexities of their budding relationship amidst the backdrop of their contrasting backgrounds. Smith expertly weaves together themes of love, forgiveness, and the transformative power of faith, creating a narrative that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
👉One of the things I loved most about "The Gap Between Us" is the authenticity of its characters. Norma and Marcel leap off the pages with their flaws, fears, and dreams, making them feel like old friends by the end of the book. Their journey is filled with moments of joy, sorrow, and self-discovery, keeping me fully invested in their story until the very last page.
👉Smith's writing style is beautifully evocative, painting vivid scenes that transport you into the heart of the story. Whether it's the bustling streets of the city or the quiet solitude of a church pew, each setting is rendered with precision and care, immersing the reader in the world of the characters.
👉While "The Gap Between Us" may follow some familiar tropes of the Christian romance genre, it does so with a fresh perspective and genuine heart. The novel is filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to see how Norma and Marcel's story would unfold.
👉In conclusion, "The Gap Between Us" is a triumph of storytelling that will leave you laughing, crying, and cheering for more.
Happy reading 😁😁
#bookreview
September 20, 2024
OVERALL STAR RATING: 3/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Such a unique plot that will certainly keep your attention!
Marcel the gangster and Norma the sweet, church going Christian girl - when their worlds collide and sparks between them ignite, there's a whole lot that unfolds in this story. You want to talk about opposites attract! This is the ultimate trope experience.
I loved how this story showed that God can truly use us in the most unexpected ways. A great portrayal of repair and redemption for those that are at rock bottom.
The attraction between Marcel and Norma was quite insta-love and based on physical attraction alone. The way Marcel behaved was a little manipulative and uncomfortable to read. Which I get, he was unsaved and not walking in a path pleasing to God. I would have liked to have a little more depth to their relationship though. A bit more about their back stories towards the beginning of the book would give the chance to get to know them a little better at the start. I felt a slight disconnect while reading.
Overall an inspiring story and I appreciate an author who isn't afraid to tackle the dark and difficult topics.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Such a unique plot that will certainly keep your attention!
Marcel the gangster and Norma the sweet, church going Christian girl - when their worlds collide and sparks between them ignite, there's a whole lot that unfolds in this story. You want to talk about opposites attract! This is the ultimate trope experience.
I loved how this story showed that God can truly use us in the most unexpected ways. A great portrayal of repair and redemption for those that are at rock bottom.
The attraction between Marcel and Norma was quite insta-love and based on physical attraction alone. The way Marcel behaved was a little manipulative and uncomfortable to read. Which I get, he was unsaved and not walking in a path pleasing to God. I would have liked to have a little more depth to their relationship though. A bit more about their back stories towards the beginning of the book would give the chance to get to know them a little better at the start. I felt a slight disconnect while reading.
Overall an inspiring story and I appreciate an author who isn't afraid to tackle the dark and difficult topics.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 14, 2022
Book: The Gap Between Us
Author: Norelle Smith
Review: This is the story of Norma, a sweet Christian girl, and Marcell a gangster. The romance between the two seems very out of place, but love wants what it wants. Norma had a pretty mundane life. School, home, church. When she meets Marcel, it was the first new thing in her life, in a very long time. Even with how different their lives were, she couldn’t help but fall in love with him. They say there’s a blessing for everyone, and she believed Marcel was hers. That until she would find that the glitters were not gold.
The book is engaging. It is a fast-paced suspense drama that will keep the readers glued to the book. The author writes the story from the perspective of both Norma and Marcel, which gives the readers a more detailed insight into the feelings and the lives of the characters individually.
The book is a real page-turner. I couldn’t put the book down for a second. I am sure the readers will be as intrigued by the storyline as I was. It will be interesting for the readers to see, whether or not love conquers all?
Author: Norelle Smith
Review: This is the story of Norma, a sweet Christian girl, and Marcell a gangster. The romance between the two seems very out of place, but love wants what it wants. Norma had a pretty mundane life. School, home, church. When she meets Marcel, it was the first new thing in her life, in a very long time. Even with how different their lives were, she couldn’t help but fall in love with him. They say there’s a blessing for everyone, and she believed Marcel was hers. That until she would find that the glitters were not gold.
The book is engaging. It is a fast-paced suspense drama that will keep the readers glued to the book. The author writes the story from the perspective of both Norma and Marcel, which gives the readers a more detailed insight into the feelings and the lives of the characters individually.
The book is a real page-turner. I couldn’t put the book down for a second. I am sure the readers will be as intrigued by the storyline as I was. It will be interesting for the readers to see, whether or not love conquers all?
December 8, 2021
I loved this book! I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to really get into it because I’m so different from both main characters, but the author still managed to make them endearing and relatable. I also wasn’t sure about them as a couple at first and it was as if I was getting used to the idea as the characters were. The way they accepted each other’s families right away was so sweet too! I was so happy for it ending the way it did because I was expecting a totally different outcome!
May 18, 2022
I was offered to listen and review this book, it is a sweet, clean and endearing story. Redemption, change and growth. I don't usually read/listen to Christianity books and found the love story the main focus, I wanted to know the ending so it kept me interested. I enjoyed getting to know the two main characters.
August 31, 2022
This was a great book. It definitely captivates you. It made me laugh and cry. It had a smooth story line and easy to follow. It talks about two different life styles becoming one and there journey to get there. It's about forgiveness and faith. It's like a real story for those in there early 20s. Absolutely loved it and the narrator did an awesome job.
January 25, 2025
Speechless and inspired🥹
I am completely in love with this book! I am left in the comfort of God. Norelle has written an amazing story about a boy caught up in a gang, and a sweet Christian girl who sees the best in people. I’ll admit, I didn’t really know what this book was about when I started reading, but I’m glad because I got a surprise of my life.
This story shows us that no matter who you are, or what you’ve done in your life, you can always find God. He will forgive your sins over and over, because of what Jesus went through for us. I absolutely loved this beautiful book. Marcel leaving behind a world of hate and finding Him, is something I’ll never forget. No matter your walks of life and the things you have done, He will always forgive you and your sins. He loves you!!
When I was in elementary school, I found Jesus, and spent 3 years getting to know Him so well. Then tragedy struck my family and I lost 4 family members in 10 months. I was angry at God and lost my faith and trust in Him. After reading The Gap Between Us, it has opened my eyes again. I am questioning my faith, but in a different way this time. Before: Why did you do this to me God? Now: Why have I not been worshipping you this whole time, God?
Norelle has brought my drive and love to bring my faith and trust back to God. She has left me praying again every night. She has made me gather Bible study materials to start reading all about Him again. She has brought me back to Jesus and God. I could not be more grateful🥹
Read this beautiful story, and maybe you could be someone like Marcel whose eyes were opened to our Lord. I will hold this book next to my heart forever🤍🫶🏻
I am completely in love with this book! I am left in the comfort of God. Norelle has written an amazing story about a boy caught up in a gang, and a sweet Christian girl who sees the best in people. I’ll admit, I didn’t really know what this book was about when I started reading, but I’m glad because I got a surprise of my life.
This story shows us that no matter who you are, or what you’ve done in your life, you can always find God. He will forgive your sins over and over, because of what Jesus went through for us. I absolutely loved this beautiful book. Marcel leaving behind a world of hate and finding Him, is something I’ll never forget. No matter your walks of life and the things you have done, He will always forgive you and your sins. He loves you!!
When I was in elementary school, I found Jesus, and spent 3 years getting to know Him so well. Then tragedy struck my family and I lost 4 family members in 10 months. I was angry at God and lost my faith and trust in Him. After reading The Gap Between Us, it has opened my eyes again. I am questioning my faith, but in a different way this time. Before: Why did you do this to me God? Now: Why have I not been worshipping you this whole time, God?
Norelle has brought my drive and love to bring my faith and trust back to God. She has left me praying again every night. She has made me gather Bible study materials to start reading all about Him again. She has brought me back to Jesus and God. I could not be more grateful🥹
Read this beautiful story, and maybe you could be someone like Marcel whose eyes were opened to our Lord. I will hold this book next to my heart forever🤍🫶🏻
August 7, 2024
Marcel and Norma ❤️
He falls first.
He relentlessly pursues her!
A gangster and a Christian.
How will it ever work out?
I DEVOURED this book! I had to know what happened next.
Heavy at times and light at times.
Uplifting.
Well written, and so, so sweet.
This is a MUST READ!
He falls first.
He relentlessly pursues her!
A gangster and a Christian.
How will it ever work out?
I DEVOURED this book! I had to know what happened next.
Heavy at times and light at times.
Uplifting.
Well written, and so, so sweet.
This is a MUST READ!
August 9, 2024
This book was amazing! To read and to feel the emotions that the characters felt! Amazing! I can't wait to read more of her books! The way the characters grow both only as a person but with God is amazing!
February 1, 2025
⭐️ 4.75 CLOSED-DOOR Contemporary Christian
🖊️ “The Gap Between Us” by Norelle Smith
🫑 CONTENT & ROMANCE RATINGS/ CONTENT WARNINGS
* KISSING 16&up
* FADE-TO-BLACK: None
* VIOLENCE: 16&up
* ASSAULT: none
* Gangs beat up a woman
* Gang fights
* Grief
* Obvious hints at what he did in his past
* A woman openly tries to get him to do something inappropriate (he says no)
#️⃣ STANDALONE
🗓️ FORMAT/AVAILABILITY
* available NOW
* Paperback
* Kindle
* Audible Audiobook
📝 REVIEW:
Wow! Just wow! I had made certain assumptions about this book and man was I proved wrong! This book was incredible! The characters had an undeniable magnetic pull toward each other. Watching their love grow through pain, struggles, and immense joy was inspiring. However, my favorite part was witnessing their faith journey. I kid you not, I cried like tears of joy at certain moments. I have never been more glad to be proved wrong. This book is well worth your time!
🖊️ “The Gap Between Us” by Norelle Smith
🫑 CONTENT & ROMANCE RATINGS/ CONTENT WARNINGS
* KISSING 16&up
* FADE-TO-BLACK: None
* VIOLENCE: 16&up
* ASSAULT: none
* Gangs beat up a woman
* Gang fights
* Grief
* Obvious hints at what he did in his past
* A woman openly tries to get him to do something inappropriate (he says no)
#️⃣ STANDALONE
🗓️ FORMAT/AVAILABILITY
* available NOW
* Paperback
* Kindle
* Audible Audiobook
📝 REVIEW:
Wow! Just wow! I had made certain assumptions about this book and man was I proved wrong! This book was incredible! The characters had an undeniable magnetic pull toward each other. Watching their love grow through pain, struggles, and immense joy was inspiring. However, my favorite part was witnessing their faith journey. I kid you not, I cried like tears of joy at certain moments. I have never been more glad to be proved wrong. This book is well worth your time!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews