All the Things That Come Between Us: A Romantic Comedy About Marriage, Friendship, and a Horse

by Sarah Ruth Hickner

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?

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2025

Reviews

[Amy Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.”

[Sarah Hickner · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kristina Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Christina S · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lizzie (Lizziesreadingcorner)]

Dnf at page 129

The start was good and entertaining but after awhile I felt bored. The story was repetitive and nothing was really happening. 😕

[Joyce Bloemker · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[A.M. Swink · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Brooke Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Megan Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ariana Feldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

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♥️♥️♥️

[Sharli Kaltenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 :)

[Sophia Sempeles · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sara Bolaños · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cathy Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Great characters, great story. Love the horse part of it. Highly reccomend anything by this author. She's awesome.

[Heather Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved meeting Abby and Scott. Love a rom com with children and animals. Really worth the read and the HEA

[Naomi F · Rating 4 out of 5]

so so so relatable as a momma who has a passion for horses.

[Christine Barth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Madeline Maslanka · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Emma Hunter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really my cup of tea, but a sweet book.

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love love this author and I was super excited to see she wrote another book! It definitely kept me up way too late turning pages and laughing. Yes it is a closed door romance but def geared towards adult readers.
And I absolutely loved the character the side character Lacy- I think everyone needs a best friend like her!

[Barbara Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was definitely written from the soul of a horse girl! And one that makes me laugh, too. I empathized almost the whole way through the book with Abby who believed she had to give up her dreams (and her horse) to be a wife and mom. I say almost because there were a few times I wanted to shake her for doubting Scott. What a sweet hero! The author takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of honest emotions. This book is loaded with truths that I’ve seen play out too often with fellow horse lovers and the story will speak to their wounded hearts. For instance, what new mom hasn’t felt left behind, and ashamed of her baby pounds. The author imparts the same energy in All The Things That Come Between Us that I’ve seen in her TikToks. If you haven’t followed her there, do, because she’s beautifully positive. If you haven’t already this book, red it. It’s honest and fun and full of good horse moments.

[Megan Wiedeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that is laugh out loud funny, but also gets to the heart of what matters in marriage, family, and Who we live for. I really enjoyed following along with Abby as she met with her book club, wrangled three small children, struggled with body image, and tried to find time to pursue the things she loves. I have felt all those things- raising kids is hard and sometimes overwhelming, marriage can feel like it takes a backseat when there is so much going on, and the things that give us life are often hard to fit in. This book was an encouragement to remember that the Lord is over all those things and that He cares for what we care for. What a joy it was to read!