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All the Things That Come Between Us: A Romantic Comedy About Marriage, Friendship, and a Horse
Abby’s version of the American Dream is becoming a nightmare. Her baby won’t stop crying, the twins bicker, sweet potato has turned to cement on the wall, and Scott? He’s more MIA than ever, buried in his phone and always on work trips.
She sacrificed her horse dreams for motherhood and a family, but now, with a post-baby body that refuses to cooperate and a marriage that’s slipping through her fingers, Abby is questioning if it was all worth it.
When her suspicions about Scott’s “work trips” grow, Abby decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands. With her best friend by her side, she hatches a plan to save her marriage. But keeping her vows intact might be more complicated—and dangerous—than she thought.
In this hilarious, heartwarming marriage in crisis rom-com, Abby will discover that God is in the details, and horses have a way of healing things… or do they break everything in their path?
She sacrificed her horse dreams for motherhood and a family, but now, with a post-baby body that refuses to cooperate and a marriage that’s slipping through her fingers, Abby is questioning if it was all worth it.
When her suspicions about Scott’s “work trips” grow, Abby decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands. With her best friend by her side, she hatches a plan to save her marriage. But keeping her vows intact might be more complicated—and dangerous—than she thought.
In this hilarious, heartwarming marriage in crisis rom-com, Abby will discover that God is in the details, and horses have a way of healing things… or do they break everything in their path?
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 8, 2025
Such a fun read!
I loved how real these characters are! The author totally nailed what it feels like to mother toddlers and preschoolers when one husband is always working. She portrayed all the insecurities that bombard new mothers with such heartfelt comedy. I love the banter between the two besties, the swoony moments with Abby and Scott, the wonderful range of characters in the book club, and the most unexpected “guardian angel.”
I loved how real these characters are! The author totally nailed what it feels like to mother toddlers and preschoolers when one husband is always working. She portrayed all the insecurities that bombard new mothers with such heartfelt comedy. I love the banter between the two besties, the swoony moments with Abby and Scott, the wonderful range of characters in the book club, and the most unexpected “guardian angel.”
May 1, 2025
I wanted to write a swoony sweet romance that kept readers turning the page and ultimately encouraged us all to appreciate the people we already have in our lives.
It’s really about marriage and motherhood and the struggle of what I have -so far- found to be the most difficult season of my relationship. It’s hard to be patient with your spouse when your nice bucket has been emptied for the kids.
It’s easy to blame all our problems on the other adult in the house
There are so many things that can come between us, so you have to lean in extra hard sometimes.
It’s really about marriage and motherhood and the struggle of what I have -so far- found to be the most difficult season of my relationship. It’s hard to be patient with your spouse when your nice bucket has been emptied for the kids.
It’s easy to blame all our problems on the other adult in the house
There are so many things that can come between us, so you have to lean in extra hard sometimes.
May 3, 2025
I’m so happy this book exists! A romcom for an already married couple. You really do have to re-fall in love with your husband over and over, and I’m so thankful for that being normalized here. Fun and silly moments, horseback riding, a forever friendship, and a very likable MMC. I adore the theme of the love languages—so applicable and needed in relationships.
I didn’t love that the best friend completely takes over the role the husband should have, and that it’s not really addressed. I hope the husband comes to be that safest place and first call for her. And the FMC was really frustrating, probably because I’ve been her. Angry at the husband because he cleaned “wrong.” :cringing hard:
Overall, I recommend for a reality check, a giggle, and helpful marriage advice in the form of fiction.
I didn’t love that the best friend completely takes over the role the husband should have, and that it’s not really addressed. I hope the husband comes to be that safest place and first call for her. And the FMC was really frustrating, probably because I’ve been her. Angry at the husband because he cleaned “wrong.” :cringing hard:
Overall, I recommend for a reality check, a giggle, and helpful marriage advice in the form of fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2025
Sarah has done it again with this book, she manages to mix real life, emotions, challenges and faith without being cheesy.
I love how the characters have to really consider what is important in life and how we see their personalities bloom when they realize that life isn't all about duty and perfection.
Join along on this husband and wife journey, you won't be disappointed and you might just find yourself choosing to find joy.
I love how the characters have to really consider what is important in life and how we see their personalities bloom when they realize that life isn't all about duty and perfection.
Join along on this husband and wife journey, you won't be disappointed and you might just find yourself choosing to find joy.
Did Not Finish
March 12, 2026Dnf at page 129
The start was good and entertaining but after awhile I felt bored. The story was repetitive and nothing was really happening. 😕
The start was good and entertaining but after awhile I felt bored. The story was repetitive and nothing was really happening. 😕
May 27, 2026
Mucho para nada jajajaja.
Todo era mala comunicación.
Spoilers
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El libro comienza con Abby, batallando con sus hijos de 3 años: Tucker y Tate que son gemelos. También tiene una niña de 11 meses, Krista. Scott, su esposo, sale mucho por trabajo y ella lleva todo lo pesado de los niños. Cuando Scott está, siente que es más como un niño con los niños que un padre, no se siente apoyada pero no dice nada porque sabe que trabaja mucho. Constantemente está viendo el celular y se pregunta si tiene una amante. Va a ver a Henry(su caballo) y ahí ve a Juan, un hombre que es guapísimo y la desconcentra pero hasta ahí.
Adelanta un viaje y la hace sentir peor. Un día, van a la iglesia pero Tucker vomita y terminan regresando a casa. Junto con Lacy, su mejor amiga, arma un plan para estar con él, lleva a los niños a casa de sus padres y se va a esperar a Scott, pero que pasa? Si, Scott cancela. Así que se va a un hotel donde dice que estará él. Un hombre le coquetea, Scott la ve. Entra al evento como si fuera otra persona, ve a Scott recibir su premio, ve que su compañera le da un beso en la mejilla, no se le pasa y luego se va a la habitación de Scott. Hablan, le dice que creyó que la engañaba y así, él dice que no. Se besan y pasan la noche juntos. Scott va por café, Abby se queda, tocan la puerta y es la mentada compañera que lo besó en la mejilla, Auri. Lleva algo en los brazos y se lo entrega, dice que Scott lo dejo en su habitación ayer y le guiña un ojo. Abby lo reconoce, es el suéter favorito de Scott. Se va, corre al granero donde está su caballo Henry y pide a Juan que lo suelte. Scott trata de comunicarse, ella lo ignora. Después de estar un rato montando, regresa para hablar con él piensa que puede haber una explicación. El caballo regresa sin ella, Juan se comunica con Scott. Cuando le dice del accidente corre a buscarla, mientras habla con su padre y este le explica que si la quiere debe luchar por ella, no casarse con su trabajo, darse tiempo y mostrarle que le importa. Abby despierta y está adolorida. Piensa en sus hijos y escucha la voz de Scott. Hablan, la lleva al doctor, tiene una conmoción cerebral y fractura de espalda, necesita descanso. Scott realmente hace un esfuerzo por llevar la casa y trabajar, pero Abby está irritable y hace comentarios hirientes. Él la aguanta. Sigue cuidando a los niños. Lacy les cuida a los niños para que salgan de cita. Poco a poquito van entendiéndose otra vez, reconectando. Se queda con Henry, ellos lo aceptan como la familia que es. Toda la familia se vuelve más unida y son felices, fin.
Todo era mala comunicación.
Spoilers
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
El libro comienza con Abby, batallando con sus hijos de 3 años: Tucker y Tate que son gemelos. También tiene una niña de 11 meses, Krista. Scott, su esposo, sale mucho por trabajo y ella lleva todo lo pesado de los niños. Cuando Scott está, siente que es más como un niño con los niños que un padre, no se siente apoyada pero no dice nada porque sabe que trabaja mucho. Constantemente está viendo el celular y se pregunta si tiene una amante. Va a ver a Henry(su caballo) y ahí ve a Juan, un hombre que es guapísimo y la desconcentra pero hasta ahí.
Adelanta un viaje y la hace sentir peor. Un día, van a la iglesia pero Tucker vomita y terminan regresando a casa. Junto con Lacy, su mejor amiga, arma un plan para estar con él, lleva a los niños a casa de sus padres y se va a esperar a Scott, pero que pasa? Si, Scott cancela. Así que se va a un hotel donde dice que estará él. Un hombre le coquetea, Scott la ve. Entra al evento como si fuera otra persona, ve a Scott recibir su premio, ve que su compañera le da un beso en la mejilla, no se le pasa y luego se va a la habitación de Scott. Hablan, le dice que creyó que la engañaba y así, él dice que no. Se besan y pasan la noche juntos. Scott va por café, Abby se queda, tocan la puerta y es la mentada compañera que lo besó en la mejilla, Auri. Lleva algo en los brazos y se lo entrega, dice que Scott lo dejo en su habitación ayer y le guiña un ojo. Abby lo reconoce, es el suéter favorito de Scott. Se va, corre al granero donde está su caballo Henry y pide a Juan que lo suelte. Scott trata de comunicarse, ella lo ignora. Después de estar un rato montando, regresa para hablar con él piensa que puede haber una explicación. El caballo regresa sin ella, Juan se comunica con Scott. Cuando le dice del accidente corre a buscarla, mientras habla con su padre y este le explica que si la quiere debe luchar por ella, no casarse con su trabajo, darse tiempo y mostrarle que le importa. Abby despierta y está adolorida. Piensa en sus hijos y escucha la voz de Scott. Hablan, la lleva al doctor, tiene una conmoción cerebral y fractura de espalda, necesita descanso. Scott realmente hace un esfuerzo por llevar la casa y trabajar, pero Abby está irritable y hace comentarios hirientes. Él la aguanta. Sigue cuidando a los niños. Lacy les cuida a los niños para que salgan de cita. Poco a poquito van entendiéndose otra vez, reconectando. Se queda con Henry, ellos lo aceptan como la familia que es. Toda la familia se vuelve más unida y son felices, fin.
May 2, 2025
All the Things That Come Between Us is a book that is hard to put down. It’s a fast, easy read that is a lot of fun. I was hooked on every page, always needed to know what would happen next.
Scott has spent more time at work in recent years than at home with his wife Abby and their kids leading Abby’s imagination to start envisioning different reasons for this.
The characters are so realistic and fully developed. They are all so lively and really pop off the page. I was able to connect with Abby on many levels, from her racing worries to her need to be around her horse.
I loved that this romance follows a married couple. It shows that happily ever after isn’t always the case, but working together, a couple can keep making a happily for now moments. It can be just as fun to get to know your partner again as it is to get to know your partner for the first time.
This story is also a reminder to never give up on the things you love most. You are given that love for a reason, and it makes you who you are. If you give it up, you aren’t being authentically you.
Hickner is a talented writer. Her writing blew me away in her memoir, Finding Gideon, and she has kept up her high standard with this, her debut fiction novel.
Scott has spent more time at work in recent years than at home with his wife Abby and their kids leading Abby’s imagination to start envisioning different reasons for this.
The characters are so realistic and fully developed. They are all so lively and really pop off the page. I was able to connect with Abby on many levels, from her racing worries to her need to be around her horse.
I loved that this romance follows a married couple. It shows that happily ever after isn’t always the case, but working together, a couple can keep making a happily for now moments. It can be just as fun to get to know your partner again as it is to get to know your partner for the first time.
This story is also a reminder to never give up on the things you love most. You are given that love for a reason, and it makes you who you are. If you give it up, you aren’t being authentically you.
Hickner is a talented writer. Her writing blew me away in her memoir, Finding Gideon, and she has kept up her high standard with this, her debut fiction novel.
May 26, 2025
I was fortune enough to be one of the ARC readers for this novel, and it was such a privilege! This book made me laugh, made me smile, and took me along for a fun, rollicking ride!
Hickner's command of characters and development is masterful. You will immediately feel at home among the family: a struggling young mother trying to make sacrifices for her family, a husband so at work that he seems distant, a loyal family dog, the horse that keeps mom sane, three small and needy children, and a best friend with the best ideas. You will get lost in their escapades and root for their wins! Marriage and family doesn't - and shouldn't - have to be a sacrifice, and the narrator does learn this lesson in order to stop resenting her family and find true contentment. Mom rediscovers her Horse Girl self!
This book is so sweet and heartfelt. You will love every moment (I particularly loved the recurring character of the snapping turtle - iykyk). A gentle, hilarious, fun-filled romance centered around rediscovering yourself and each other after the newness of marriage has worn off. Highly, highly recommended!
Hickner's command of characters and development is masterful. You will immediately feel at home among the family: a struggling young mother trying to make sacrifices for her family, a husband so at work that he seems distant, a loyal family dog, the horse that keeps mom sane, three small and needy children, and a best friend with the best ideas. You will get lost in their escapades and root for their wins! Marriage and family doesn't - and shouldn't - have to be a sacrifice, and the narrator does learn this lesson in order to stop resenting her family and find true contentment. Mom rediscovers her Horse Girl self!
This book is so sweet and heartfelt. You will love every moment (I particularly loved the recurring character of the snapping turtle - iykyk). A gentle, hilarious, fun-filled romance centered around rediscovering yourself and each other after the newness of marriage has worn off. Highly, highly recommended!
May 23, 2025
This book is written with the Mom in mind. It takes a look into the life of the busy mom of littles. The mom who is tired, probably a bit overweight, and surviving on prayer and leftovers. The mom who finds refuge in a beloved activity, but doesnt always get that time. The mom who isn't sure her husband still sees her as he did years ago.
I received an advance copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
This beautiful book follows Abby as she struggles with all of the above. Her husband, Scott, travels a lot and always seems to be on his phone, is he having an affair?. Her refuge is her horse and the stable he is housed in. Oh, goodness, they hired eye candy and he seems to really like Abby.. what is she going to do? Her life just seems to be careening out of control.
If you want a book that keeps it real, includes a but of comedy, and a guardian turtle..angel (?), then All the Things That Come Between Us should be on the shelf or TBR.
I received an advance copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
This beautiful book follows Abby as she struggles with all of the above. Her husband, Scott, travels a lot and always seems to be on his phone, is he having an affair?. Her refuge is her horse and the stable he is housed in. Oh, goodness, they hired eye candy and he seems to really like Abby.. what is she going to do? Her life just seems to be careening out of control.
If you want a book that keeps it real, includes a but of comedy, and a guardian turtle..angel (?), then All the Things That Come Between Us should be on the shelf or TBR.
July 23, 2025
Can I give it more than 5 stars!!!!!!! All the things that come between us was AMaZInG!!!!!! I can't say I love it enough. I laughed, I cried, I read it in 1 day (staying up late to finish it because I couldn't stop!!!!!!!) It was so real life - things that actually happen in marriages, in life, with jobs, kids and more! I was cheering for Scott and Abby the whole way!!!!! Communication, Love Languages and Love and Respect go a long way in marriages!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Oh the twists and turns, the giggles, the oh mans, the tears, the best friend and shenanigans. I will definitely be recommending this book to friends and I can't wait to read more books by this author!
I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2025
I loved this book! Sarah Hickner wrote from the heart with this book - it will appeal to any tired, stressed out Mom but especially to those who not only love their family but also love their horses. I felt like I knew the characters as they were very realistic. This was an easy to read, hard to put down book. I took it on a recent trip to New Zealand and couldn't stop reading it until I had reached the end. I previously read Sarah's book Finding Gideon so knew I liked her writing style. This was her first non-fiction book and I enjoyed very much.
I received an advanced copy of this book however, I voluntarily wrote this honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
I received an advanced copy of this book however, I voluntarily wrote this honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
May 7, 2025
A clean, faith-based, contemporary romance. It is about Scott and Abby's journey back to each other after a rough patch in their marriage. After self-doubt, mistrust and miscommunication Scott and Abby realized they needed to work together to overcome their problems.
I appreciated the way the author, Sarah Hickner, used references to the book "The 5 Love Languages". I think there are worthwhile lessons for all couples in All the Things That Come Before. Well worth reading.
I was given an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are mine, given voluntarily.
I appreciated the way the author, Sarah Hickner, used references to the book "The 5 Love Languages". I think there are worthwhile lessons for all couples in All the Things That Come Before. Well worth reading.
I was given an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are mine, given voluntarily.
June 1, 2025
I loved every page of this rom-com! Abby is living a typical Mom life of daily chaos and a husband who is either at work, on a business trip or on his phone. Abby is more daring than I could ever be when she and Lacey Lee attend a sales award banquet that she knows her husband is attending. Oh my! I loved this scene! I also liked the occasional appearance of her guardian turtle! I really enjoyed this clean story and highly recommend it.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
June 11, 2026
Wonderful story
This is my first book by this author, and I loved it. Abby and Scott have 3 small kids, she is a stay at home mom, he is a salesman who is always gone. Her friend talked her into going to meet him at his conference. This story made me laugh, smile and feel the love and heartfelt apology as the characters brought love back into their marriage. A beautiful story.
This is my first book by this author, and I loved it. Abby and Scott have 3 small kids, she is a stay at home mom, he is a salesman who is always gone. Her friend talked her into going to meet him at his conference. This story made me laugh, smile and feel the love and heartfelt apology as the characters brought love back into their marriage. A beautiful story.
May 1, 2025
I think it’s impossible for Sarah to write a book that isn’t AMAZING!!! I loved it! I literally laughed out loud repeatedly, and found myself chuckling or smiling often. Even when things weren’t going well for Abby she kept her sense of humor and that resonates a lot with me. Laugh or cry- I’ll always choose laugh❣️. Seriously- great book♥️♥️♥️
May 17, 2025
What a great book. I have felt most of what Abby has felt. I see myself and my husband in Abby and Scott. It isn't always about the money. Being around is worth more. I love love the guardian angel!!! I chuckled a lot at the twins, they have such an expressive Outlook on all things life has to offer. This will be one of my go to books that I will keep around to help me remember.
May 21, 2025
Such a fun and refreshing book about a wife and mom of little ones, in the same chaos management I currently find myself. Definitely left me thinking about many things in my own life! Finding balance between fulfilling your passion and feeling guilt at the same time is such a real struggle! Looking forward to reading more books from Sarah Hickner :)
August 7, 2025
I loved this so much! As an unmarried person I was a little skeptical about reading a romance featuring a married couple but found I was pleasantly surprised by how invested I was! I was cheering for Abby and Scott the whole time! This is the second book I’ve read by Sarah and I’ve loved both! Can’t wait to see what this writer does next!!
December 5, 2025
sweet read and a poignant reminder to reminding joy
This book was not quite what I expected but it was more. To often we wrap ourselves up in being a mother (or father) that we forget ourselves and our relationships. This is a lovely story about finding your way back with love and Faith. Plus a big snapping guardian angel to help guide the way.
This book was not quite what I expected but it was more. To often we wrap ourselves up in being a mother (or father) that we forget ourselves and our relationships. This is a lovely story about finding your way back with love and Faith. Plus a big snapping guardian angel to help guide the way.
May 1, 2025
This was a book I needed that I did not know I needed.
This is true real life marriage. This book had me laughing and smiling. I wondered if Sarah maybe had been peeking in on my life to get some ideas for this book. Seriously read it. This was great!!
This is true real life marriage. This book had me laughing and smiling. I wondered if Sarah maybe had been peeking in on my life to get some ideas for this book. Seriously read it. This was great!!
May 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this quick weekend read. There were so many laughs with Abby and her horse. She really was questioning Scott's truthfulness. I liked how this story followed a married couple and how they found their second chance at love within their marriage. A great story.
June 4, 2025
I LOVE second chance romance and married second chance romances even more. and while this technically doesn’t exactly count it has all the same bones of why I love second chance.
It reminded me a lot of king of greed but more wholesome.
It reminded me a lot of king of greed but more wholesome.
March 31, 2026
loved the idea and the conclusion, but the execution... not so much.
Abby was a whiny cry-baby and her internal monologue was so immature...
there really was a point where i held myself so i wouldn't DNF it.
Abby was a whiny cry-baby and her internal monologue was so immature...
there really was a point where i held myself so i wouldn't DNF it.
May 5, 2025
Loved this book. Great characters, great story. Love the horse part of it. Highly reccomend anything by this author. She's awesome.
May 22, 2025
I loved meeting Abby and Scott. Love a rom com with children and animals. Really worth the read and the HEA
June 19, 2025
so so so relatable as a momma who has a passion for horses.
July 18, 2025
This perfectly captured the joy and struggle of young kids and how that impacts a marriage... and how to fight for that marriage on your knees, with some zany romcom scenarios thrown in.
December 4, 2025
So good!!!
Loved this so much! Really looking forward to reading everything this author has written. Make sure to have a few spare hours as it’s hard to stop once you start reading!
Loved this so much! Really looking forward to reading everything this author has written. Make sure to have a few spare hours as it’s hard to stop once you start reading!
December 19, 2025
Not really my cup of tea, but a sweet book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews