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The Callaways #4
Between Now and Forever
SPECIAL PRINT EDITION of BETWEEN NOW AND FOREVER includes bonus novella NOBODY BUT YOU!
From #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy comes a romantic and suspenseful new novel in her popular family series, The Callaways.
Nicole met Ryan when he was a handsome, cocky teenager with a desire to fly high above the clouds. Ryan encouraged Nicole to dream big and promised her a lifetime of happiness, but several years into their lives together, they were faced with obstacles bigger than either had ever imagined. Their love faltered. They lost their way and considered what had once been unthinkable the end of their forever.
But now fate throws them a curve, an event that forces them back together, that strips their emotions bare and is both terrifying and strangely unifying. For the first time in a long while they have to face each other, and not only talk but also listen, because their lives depend on it not only their lives, but also the life of their six-year-old son.
Secrets and lies frame a perilous journey to the truth that takes Nicole and Ryan to Angel's Bay, a place where miracles sometimes happen. But in order to get that miracle, Nicole and Ryan must work together and learn how to trust and love each other again. Only then will they be able to save their family and find their way to happily ever after."
From #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy comes a romantic and suspenseful new novel in her popular family series, The Callaways.
Nicole met Ryan when he was a handsome, cocky teenager with a desire to fly high above the clouds. Ryan encouraged Nicole to dream big and promised her a lifetime of happiness, but several years into their lives together, they were faced with obstacles bigger than either had ever imagined. Their love faltered. They lost their way and considered what had once been unthinkable the end of their forever.
But now fate throws them a curve, an event that forces them back together, that strips their emotions bare and is both terrifying and strangely unifying. For the first time in a long while they have to face each other, and not only talk but also listen, because their lives depend on it not only their lives, but also the life of their six-year-old son.
Secrets and lies frame a perilous journey to the truth that takes Nicole and Ryan to Angel's Bay, a place where miracles sometimes happen. But in order to get that miracle, Nicole and Ryan must work together and learn how to trust and love each other again. Only then will they be able to save their family and find their way to happily ever after."
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
1338 people are currently reading
1763 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Freethy
150 books2,688 followersBarbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
May 13, 2016
Solid 5 Stars!
I heard Barbara Freethy speak at RWA 2015 and was very impressed. When I discovered this book on sale for 99 cents and the audio version for $1.99, I decided it was time to read one of her books. I’m so glad I found this one!
Nicole Prescott is estranged from her husband when their autistic son, Brandon disappears from the Halloween school festival. Her soon-to-be ex-husband joins her as they search for their missing son.
As they follow the clues to their little boy, Nicole and Ryan must move beyond their differences if they want to find Brandon. While on their journey, can they find their way back to each other and reunite their family?
Oh, my, Between Now and Forever is a riveting read filled with heart-wrenching emotion. The pacing is fast, keeping me in its thrall from the first page to the last. The plot is extremely well-developed, and the characters have wonderful depth. Ms. Freethy sprinkles in their backstory as she spins this tale of parents who are experiencing their worst nightmare.
Nicole’s character is wonderfully complex with many facets to her personality. I particularly enjoyed her self-realization that she was as much to blame for her separation from her husband as he. It showed a fantastic character arch. I could feel her pain and her emotions as if they were mine.
Ryan is somewhat of a tortured soul. The guilt over their separation eats at him, but the feelings of abandonment left over from his troubled childhood play mightily into the decisions he made and the deterioration of their marriage. As he struggles with his emotions while searching for Brandon brought tears to my eyes.
The depth of the love between Nicole and Brandon comes through loud and clear as they realize the love is still as strong as before the break in their relationship. The chemistry between them jumps off the page and is very tastefully woven into this remarkable book.
I listened to the audio version performed by Shannon McManus. She reads with the perfect depth of emotion, pulling me into the story. She is able to give each character their distinct voice adding greatly to my listening enjoyment. I will definitely listen to future books with Ms. McManus as the narrator.
If you enjoy an emotionally-charged story with a great building of suspense and a heart-warming second chance romance, then you will love Between Now and Forever. If this is the example of the other books in this series, then I will be reading them as well. Happy reading!
I heard Barbara Freethy speak at RWA 2015 and was very impressed. When I discovered this book on sale for 99 cents and the audio version for $1.99, I decided it was time to read one of her books. I’m so glad I found this one!
Nicole Prescott is estranged from her husband when their autistic son, Brandon disappears from the Halloween school festival. Her soon-to-be ex-husband joins her as they search for their missing son.
As they follow the clues to their little boy, Nicole and Ryan must move beyond their differences if they want to find Brandon. While on their journey, can they find their way back to each other and reunite their family?
Oh, my, Between Now and Forever is a riveting read filled with heart-wrenching emotion. The pacing is fast, keeping me in its thrall from the first page to the last. The plot is extremely well-developed, and the characters have wonderful depth. Ms. Freethy sprinkles in their backstory as she spins this tale of parents who are experiencing their worst nightmare.
Nicole’s character is wonderfully complex with many facets to her personality. I particularly enjoyed her self-realization that she was as much to blame for her separation from her husband as he. It showed a fantastic character arch. I could feel her pain and her emotions as if they were mine.
Ryan is somewhat of a tortured soul. The guilt over their separation eats at him, but the feelings of abandonment left over from his troubled childhood play mightily into the decisions he made and the deterioration of their marriage. As he struggles with his emotions while searching for Brandon brought tears to my eyes.
The depth of the love between Nicole and Brandon comes through loud and clear as they realize the love is still as strong as before the break in their relationship. The chemistry between them jumps off the page and is very tastefully woven into this remarkable book.
I listened to the audio version performed by Shannon McManus. She reads with the perfect depth of emotion, pulling me into the story. She is able to give each character their distinct voice adding greatly to my listening enjoyment. I will definitely listen to future books with Ms. McManus as the narrator.
If you enjoy an emotionally-charged story with a great building of suspense and a heart-warming second chance romance, then you will love Between Now and Forever. If this is the example of the other books in this series, then I will be reading them as well. Happy reading!
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November 2, 2020🎁FREE on Amazon & on Apple Books today (11/2/2020)!🎁
October 27, 2013
Barbara Freethy has done it again. The Callaway clan drew me in from the beginning. The story of Nicole and Ryan has mystery, suspense and romance. It is always great to catch up with the Callways. This book is a part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
May 11, 2021
Nicole and Ryan had the perfect life until their little boy was diagnosed with autism. The book handles the issue with compassion and tenderness as the couple has struggled to come to terms with the issues, which has torn their family apart. But going another step Brandon is kidnapped and much to everyone's surprise he has an identical twin who has also been kidnapped.
Can Nicole and Ryan work together as a team to bring their son home and save what's left of their family? A great book and must read.
Can Nicole and Ryan work together as a team to bring their son home and save what's left of their family? A great book and must read.
April 8, 2015
I have been waiting for Nicole and Ryan’s story ever since we were introduced to Brandon, because any story about them was bound to tell us about Brandon. I have been really curious about Brandon’s condition and have been hoping for a miracle for him.
Nicole and Ryan have been together since they can remember. They were so much in love! They have always been there for each other. But with Brandon being diagnosed with Autism, their different outlook of the situation wedged a gap between them, especially since instead of being each other’s priority, Brandon took up all of their energies. Sometime along the way, they just stopped talking to each other making that gap between them seem just too big to be bridged ever again. Falling for a Stranger (Callaways #3), we found out that Ryan had moved out and that they were taking a break with things moving towards a divorce. But an unexpected and heartbreaking event brings them back together. Nicole and Ryan now must work together to bring their son back home. Under dire situations, they face more than the unknown enemy, they face the truth about themselves! Will they find their way back to each other?
I have to admit that I have been fascinated by Nicole and Ryan mostly because of Brandon. An autistic child needs a lot more love and attention and it can be strenuous on the parents. I admired Nicole for never giving up upon her son and for always looking at things optimistically. Ryan on the other hand is a good father, no doubt, but feels more pessimistically about the situation. I really wanted them not to give up on each other and for them to get back together. I absolutely loved the way the author handled this particular story and Nicole and Ryan’s relationship. While the mystery took up the major part of the plot, Ryan and Nicole’s relationship was never on the back burner. The author has found the perfect balance of mystery and romance in this book. And my God, the mystery in this book was just too good – I loved the concept completely.
This has to be my favourite book in the Series.
Nicole and Ryan have been together since they can remember. They were so much in love! They have always been there for each other. But with Brandon being diagnosed with Autism, their different outlook of the situation wedged a gap between them, especially since instead of being each other’s priority, Brandon took up all of their energies. Sometime along the way, they just stopped talking to each other making that gap between them seem just too big to be bridged ever again. Falling for a Stranger (Callaways #3), we found out that Ryan had moved out and that they were taking a break with things moving towards a divorce. But an unexpected and heartbreaking event brings them back together. Nicole and Ryan now must work together to bring their son back home. Under dire situations, they face more than the unknown enemy, they face the truth about themselves! Will they find their way back to each other?
I have to admit that I have been fascinated by Nicole and Ryan mostly because of Brandon. An autistic child needs a lot more love and attention and it can be strenuous on the parents. I admired Nicole for never giving up upon her son and for always looking at things optimistically. Ryan on the other hand is a good father, no doubt, but feels more pessimistically about the situation. I really wanted them not to give up on each other and for them to get back together. I absolutely loved the way the author handled this particular story and Nicole and Ryan’s relationship. While the mystery took up the major part of the plot, Ryan and Nicole’s relationship was never on the back burner. The author has found the perfect balance of mystery and romance in this book. And my God, the mystery in this book was just too good – I loved the concept completely.
This has to be my favourite book in the Series.
January 29, 2015
3.5 - 4 STARS
Another good book in The Callaways series. This one is telling the story of Nicola Callaway, she has an autistic son, her marriage has broken down and she's missing her estranged husband.
When tragedy strikes she needs her soon to be ex like she never has before, will he be there for her.
A good story that keeps you guessing who dunnit, kept me interested.
NEXT PLEASE........
Another good book in The Callaways series. This one is telling the story of Nicola Callaway, she has an autistic son, her marriage has broken down and she's missing her estranged husband.
When tragedy strikes she needs her soon to be ex like she never has before, will he be there for her.
A good story that keeps you guessing who dunnit, kept me interested.
NEXT PLEASE........
January 6, 2021
Ryan and Nicole story was so good. It kept me hooked from the first chapter. I was always intrigued when they were mentioned in the other books. And it was such an incredible story with lots of secrets unfolding while look for their son. I was rooting for them from the beginning and I’m glad they got the ending they both deserved.
March 15, 2021
3.5 STARS
I almost skipped over this one because Ryan and Nicole didn't wow me in the earlier books, but it ended up being one of the better books of the series to date. I enjoyed the second chance of an almost failed marriage. The main reason for not giving it a 4 STARS rating was the mystery aspect felt too rushed in resolution. I look forward to the next installment.
I almost skipped over this one because Ryan and Nicole didn't wow me in the earlier books, but it ended up being one of the better books of the series to date. I enjoyed the second chance of an almost failed marriage. The main reason for not giving it a 4 STARS rating was the mystery aspect felt too rushed in resolution. I look forward to the next installment.
January 1, 2022
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March 25, 2015
A couple since their teens, Nicole and Ryan started an idyllic life. Everything is fine until their five year old adopted son Brandon is diagnosed with autism, and the strain as they seek out multiple ineffective treatments, deal with increased costs and Nicole finds herself juggling her time and attention between husband and child. Ryan is feeling ignored and unwanted, and shuffled to the side, reignighting his own issues with his own father as a child.. A common issue with couples after children, let alone those who require special care and attention, but Ryan’s own feelings of inadequacy and abandonment from his own childhood make his position almost untenable.
Ryan and Nicole have separated: she’s raising Brandon herself and dealing with his behavioral quirks. But, when a few moments of inattention lead to Brandon’s kidnapping, the story ramps up to bring Ryan and Nicole together in search of their son. Secondary plot involving Jessica and Sean and the kidnapping of Jessica’s son Kyle which will be the cornerstone of the next book, but yet another Callaway in the horizon!
Nicole and Ryan have plenty of love for one another, but their own issues surrounding Brandon (and Nicole’s guilt over his disappearance) are simply issues that new parents need to learn to work with and around. While Ryan is learning to be honest and open, and sharing more of his history, Nicole is seeing him in a new light. While I think that there was far too glossy a depiction of autism, and Brandon’s sudden improvement didn’t feel possible, real or even honest, this is fiction, and emotionally the story did pack a series of punches that truly put the struggles and connection between Ryan and Nicole into palpable form.
Another interesting installment in the series that is always adding unexpected twists and varying the tension and suspense keeping every book feeling fresh.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the author via Novel Publicity for purpose of honest review for a blog event. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
October 3, 2018
Ryan and Nicole Are Back Together, Again Plus Three! 3.75***** Spoiler Alert!
Ryan and Nicole are finally back as a unit as they search for and locate their kidnapped son, Brandon, who has autism. Along the way, they discover Brandon's twin, Kyle who was also kidnapped, and his mother Jessica. The underlying family dynamics, involving a teen pregnancy, drug addiction, grandparent kidnapping, and family secrets resurface six years later and are the basis of this gravity defying novel.
The well developed characters and intriguing plot made this a one and done novel; the theme of communication, whether between husband and wife or siblings shows that it is needed relationships, for growth and/or meaningful progress to be sustain. It takes work building and maintaining any successful progressive relationship. I immensely enjoyed reading this book, and can not wait to read more about Brandon's progress along with Sean's story involving Jessica's move into the house, whose devastating fire that killed his childhood friend, Stacie, twenty years prior.
A Fun Read! 10/02/18.
Ryan and Nicole are finally back as a unit as they search for and locate their kidnapped son, Brandon, who has autism. Along the way, they discover Brandon's twin, Kyle who was also kidnapped, and his mother Jessica. The underlying family dynamics, involving a teen pregnancy, drug addiction, grandparent kidnapping, and family secrets resurface six years later and are the basis of this gravity defying novel.
The well developed characters and intriguing plot made this a one and done novel; the theme of communication, whether between husband and wife or siblings shows that it is needed relationships, for growth and/or meaningful progress to be sustain. It takes work building and maintaining any successful progressive relationship. I immensely enjoyed reading this book, and can not wait to read more about Brandon's progress along with Sean's story involving Jessica's move into the house, whose devastating fire that killed his childhood friend, Stacie, twenty years prior.
A Fun Read! 10/02/18.
April 2, 2015
What would you do for those you love? How far would you go to protect them? This book really had me pondering that question. Nicole and Ryan fell in love as teens. They married and adopted their son Brandon as a baby. Everything seemed perfect until Brandon was diagnosed with autism. Nicole and Ryan are now on the verge of divorce. When Brandon disappears both are beside themselves. Now they must work together to get him back. Along the way they are confronted with secrets and danger. A suspenseful read with many surprises. A very interesting read.
November 4, 2022
I really love this series and the Callaway family. This was a clean romance with a twist. The couple's son is kidnapped and new family connections are found along the way. Beautifully written; it makes you want to hold your loved ones close.
April 16, 2015
The plot lines of these books just keep getting more and more soap opera-y. Not going to lie, crazy plot linee aside I loved this couple the most out of the four books I've read so far. It helped that I felt they had the most realistic connection, what with them being married but separated.
September 20, 2020
While I enjoyed the protagonists, the tone was just too unrealistic considering the plot device. So if you suspend common sense it was a fun read.
November 6, 2020
I absolutely loved Between Now and Forever by Barbara Freethy. It is the fourth book in the Callaways series. Each book in the series keeps getting better. I could not put it down and I loved every page. Who doesn't love big families, hot men, strong women, and love stories? Barbara Freethy continues to show that she is an incredible storyteller. I really enjoy how the book is told from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. Between Now and Forever is a love at second chance love story and is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing out loud and the bittersweet moments. Between Now and Forever is filled with such moments, and with so much emotion. It is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in a Barbara Freethy love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Between Now and Forever is the story of Nicole Prescott and her estranged husband, Ryan. Nicole and Ryan are high school sweethearts who have been married for ten years and they are parents to a five-year-old son, Brandon that they adopted at birth, who has autism. While chaperoning a Halloween party at Brandon’s school, Nicole gets distracted talking to another parent. When Nicole looks back to where she last saw Brandon, he is no longer there. Nicole and Ryan’s marriage suffered because Brandon’s autism diagnosis and recently separated. They search for Brandon, but cannot find him. Ryan is piloting a flight from Hong Kong, when Brandon is discovered missing. A witness states they saw Brandon getting into a white SUV. Ryan heads to Nicole’s house when he lands to comfort her and await news on Brandon’s whereabouts. The next day they hear about another missing boy from Angel’s Bay. Nicole and Ryan head to Angel’s Bay to meet the family of the missing boy. They soon discover that the other missing boy is Brandon’s twin brother. Neither the Prescotts or Jessica Schilling, the mother of Kyle the other missing boy, knew that they were twins separated at birth. I loved that Between Now and Forever is a romantic thriller, both Nicole and Ryan must work together with Jessica to locate their missing sons. As Nicole and Ryan work together trying to locate Brandon and Kyle, they talk and share their feelings and insecurities. They realize that they still have feels for one another. Barbara Freethy kept me guessing as to who was behind the kidnapping and the story of Brandon and Kyle’s birthparents. My favorite part of the story is how Brandon is changing by being near Kyle. I love the bittersweet moments when they hear Kyle’s voice and remember Brandon’s, and both of them realizing how much they love Brandon, I love how once again, Barbara Freethy incorporates the title of the book in to the story when Ryan tells Nicole, I love you and Nicole responds to Ryan with I love you, now and Ryan completes her sentence with and forever I love that Barbara Freethy writes about strong women with their own careers and the hot men who are attracted to them for more than just their looks. I love all the descriptions of the Angel’s Bay and the San Francisco setting that Barbara Freethy details so exquisitely. I love the Callaways and am looking forward to reading the other books in the series. Between Now and Forever felt like a family reunion of sorts, because you get to catch up with all the Callaways. I love that all the Callaways wanted to help find Brandon, and that Sean, the black sheep of the family, showed up in Angel’s Bay to support Nicole. Once again, I really enjoyed the poignant and bittersweet moments in the story as well as the plot twists that I have come to love and expect in a Barbara Freethy book. I love how Nicole and Ryan reunited with one another and all the emotionally charged conversations they had. I thoroughly enjoyed Between Now and Forever, who does not love big loving families and dynamics of those families. I really loved the ending and the happily ever afters.
September 4, 2017
3.5 Stars
Barbara Freethy is an author I see frequently in the emails I receive daily that offer book deals, so I decided to give Between Now and Forever a chance.
I love a second-chance love story - especially one of a married couple. Throw in some suspense, and I was hooked. But not wanting to give away too much of the story makes it hard to write a review. So I’ll just say this: this was a good, solid romantic suspense book.
I loved reading Nicole and Ryan’s story. As much as I don’t want to read about what made a couple fall apart, I think the author did a good job explaining how difficult it is on a marriage when a child isn’t completely healthy. (If it seems like I’m being vague here, it’s because I am - this book deserves to be read without spoilers.) Throw in baggage from when a partner was growing up, and you could completely understand how this marriage went off the rails. Nicole and Ryan didn’t fall out of love with each other, they were just overwhelmed dealing with their child’s needs.
Where this story went sideways for me was in the execution of the suspense. Maybe it’s just me, but this book had a very Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys vibe to it. The twists and turns were surprising and well developed, but no way would law enforcement be okay with parents investigating a crime the magnitude of what takes place in this book! In fact, I’m fairly certain they’d be told to stay put and NOT talk to anyone. At no point does anyone say “maybe we should just let the police do their job investigating.” And that made this book ring a bit untrue for me.
But other than that, I liked this book. The writing was good. I liked Nicole and Ryan, and I liked the secondary characters that were brought in. In fact, I liked Jessica and Sean so much I went and downloaded their story within minutes of finishing Between Now and Forever and kept right on reading!
Barbara Freethy is an author I see frequently in the emails I receive daily that offer book deals, so I decided to give Between Now and Forever a chance.
I love a second-chance love story - especially one of a married couple. Throw in some suspense, and I was hooked. But not wanting to give away too much of the story makes it hard to write a review. So I’ll just say this: this was a good, solid romantic suspense book.
I loved reading Nicole and Ryan’s story. As much as I don’t want to read about what made a couple fall apart, I think the author did a good job explaining how difficult it is on a marriage when a child isn’t completely healthy. (If it seems like I’m being vague here, it’s because I am - this book deserves to be read without spoilers.) Throw in baggage from when a partner was growing up, and you could completely understand how this marriage went off the rails. Nicole and Ryan didn’t fall out of love with each other, they were just overwhelmed dealing with their child’s needs.
Where this story went sideways for me was in the execution of the suspense. Maybe it’s just me, but this book had a very Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys vibe to it. The twists and turns were surprising and well developed, but no way would law enforcement be okay with parents investigating a crime the magnitude of what takes place in this book! In fact, I’m fairly certain they’d be told to stay put and NOT talk to anyone. At no point does anyone say “maybe we should just let the police do their job investigating.” And that made this book ring a bit untrue for me.
But other than that, I liked this book. The writing was good. I liked Nicole and Ryan, and I liked the secondary characters that were brought in. In fact, I liked Jessica and Sean so much I went and downloaded their story within minutes of finishing Between Now and Forever and kept right on reading!
Read
October 11, 2019you learn of the kidnapping and then suspenseful as you wait to see if the kidnapper is found. It is a very good book and the writing is fantastic, although there are a couple of mistakes that were not caught in editing.
Nicole and Ryan have been together since they were seventeen. Since Nicole couldn’t have children, they adopted Brandon and couldn’t have been happier until he was about three and began to change. He pulled away physically and emotionally from everyone. Nicole tried everything to figure out what was wrong with him. The diagnosis was autism. All of Nicole’s attention began going to Brandon and trying to find a cure for him or what would work instead. Ryan felt unwanted and unneeded and finally the gulf between them was too much and he left home. Then the unthinkable happened, Brandon was kidnapped. Who would take him?
Meanwhile in Angel’s Bay north of San Francisco, another little boy was kidnapped, Kyle. His adopted father had died and he was left with his adopted mother. When Nicole and Ryan heard about Jessica, they drove up to meet her. Maybe pooling their resources and ideas would help them find their sons. What they learn is the boys were really brothers and were separated when adopted. Why? Would they find the boys and learn why they were adopted?
Nicole and Ryan have been together since they were seventeen. Since Nicole couldn’t have children, they adopted Brandon and couldn’t have been happier until he was about three and began to change. He pulled away physically and emotionally from everyone. Nicole tried everything to figure out what was wrong with him. The diagnosis was autism. All of Nicole’s attention began going to Brandon and trying to find a cure for him or what would work instead. Ryan felt unwanted and unneeded and finally the gulf between them was too much and he left home. Then the unthinkable happened, Brandon was kidnapped. Who would take him?
Meanwhile in Angel’s Bay north of San Francisco, another little boy was kidnapped, Kyle. His adopted father had died and he was left with his adopted mother. When Nicole and Ryan heard about Jessica, they drove up to meet her. Maybe pooling their resources and ideas would help them find their sons. What they learn is the boys were really brothers and were separated when adopted. Why? Would they find the boys and learn why they were adopted?
December 2, 2019
More than one relationship changed in this story and Barbara Freethy’s writing had me focused on each page to see how everything evolved and turned out. Nicole and Ryan’s relationship and their son Brandon and his diagnosis of autism has been present in all of the books of this series so far, but now we get their story and struggles in all its emotional glory. The writing was vivid and emotions full bodied. I felt for both Ryan and Nicole as their feelings of doubt, angst, worry and love was prominently felt throughout all the actions and moments of this story.
We spent more time with Sean for the first time in this series and his story is going to be a doozy! He is adamant that he is not a hero or good guy and is the black sheep of the family. I wonder what his backstory is and how his tense relationship with all the strong firemen in his family will work. We meet two new characters that are now family through one crazy loop and it led to some beautiful moments and bittersweet moments.
This could be read as a stand alone, but I would not recommend it because I felt more emotions and connection to the characters due to their build up from the previous three books.
We spent more time with Sean for the first time in this series and his story is going to be a doozy! He is adamant that he is not a hero or good guy and is the black sheep of the family. I wonder what his backstory is and how his tense relationship with all the strong firemen in his family will work. We meet two new characters that are now family through one crazy loop and it led to some beautiful moments and bittersweet moments.
This could be read as a stand alone, but I would not recommend it because I felt more emotions and connection to the characters due to their build up from the previous three books.
January 19, 2021
Title: Between Now And Forever
Author: Barbara Freethy
Publisher: Fog City Publishing, LLC
Series: Callaways Book 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Between Now And Forever" by Barbara Freethy
My Opinion:
"Between Now and Forever" was quite an interesting story that dealt with autism. We find two parents that are brought back together due to what happened when their son was kidnapped. As the story continues, we find that another boy [Kyle] had been kidnapped, which ended up being twins separated at birth. There will be many twists and turns in the story as the two boys [Kyle & Brandon] are united together due to this kidnapping. The story will be one riveting tale where families and friends will rally together. Also, Nicole and Ryan look like they will find their way back together again as they search and found their son Brandon. It was good seeing the story come together as the two boys were now living close to each other, where one would be there to help support the other brother.
Author: Barbara Freethy
Publisher: Fog City Publishing, LLC
Series: Callaways Book 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Between Now And Forever" by Barbara Freethy
My Opinion:
"Between Now and Forever" was quite an interesting story that dealt with autism. We find two parents that are brought back together due to what happened when their son was kidnapped. As the story continues, we find that another boy [Kyle] had been kidnapped, which ended up being twins separated at birth. There will be many twists and turns in the story as the two boys [Kyle & Brandon] are united together due to this kidnapping. The story will be one riveting tale where families and friends will rally together. Also, Nicole and Ryan look like they will find their way back together again as they search and found their son Brandon. It was good seeing the story come together as the two boys were now living close to each other, where one would be there to help support the other brother.
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November 9, 2020Entertaining
The premise of a kidnapping with the fighting Callaway family is fine. Discovering twins separated at birth is a fine twist. In the twenty-four years since my son was diagnosed with autism, however, I have not heard autism referred to an illness, disease or getting sick. It was jarring to read that. He may not be typical in many ways, but he is normal. Nicole is supposed to have gone to conferences and be very well informed, but those references made that not ring true. I also found it a stretch that the birth grandmother would choose kidnapping as opposed to contact to help her daughter. Thinking a drug addict could have a fourth round of rehab and be set up in a home with the twins that had been adopted at birth would be safe for the children just seems too out there.
The premise of a kidnapping with the fighting Callaway family is fine. Discovering twins separated at birth is a fine twist. In the twenty-four years since my son was diagnosed with autism, however, I have not heard autism referred to an illness, disease or getting sick. It was jarring to read that. He may not be typical in many ways, but he is normal. Nicole is supposed to have gone to conferences and be very well informed, but those references made that not ring true. I also found it a stretch that the birth grandmother would choose kidnapping as opposed to contact to help her daughter. Thinking a drug addict could have a fourth round of rehab and be set up in a home with the twins that had been adopted at birth would be safe for the children just seems too out there.
February 20, 2023
I have been enjoying the Callaway family contemporary romance series by Barbara Freethy, about a large, blended family with eight adult siblings that lives in the San Francisco area. This book featured Nicole and Ryan, who are estranged because of the stress of caring for their son, five-year-old Brandon, who has autism. Nicole has thrown herself into parenting Brandon since his diagnosis and neglected her marriage. Ryan checked out of the marriage. Both are at fault. When Brandon is kidnapped at a Halloween carnival at school, they come together to work with the police to search for him and try to figure out who could have taken him. This had a really strong suspense plot line and was one of the best books so far in the series with some interesting surprises. I can’t say much more without revealing spoilers, but I will be interested to see where things go in future books! 5/5 stars.
July 6, 2018
The magic of twins
A lovely story about 2 families whose sons were kidnapped. One family has an adopted son, Brandon, who is autistic and who rejects contact with people, including his mother and father. As a result of the strain of Brandon’s autism, his parents have separated and planning to divorce.
The second family has Kyle, whose adoptive mother and father have died. Before his death, Kyles father remarried and he now lives with his mother, the second wife.
Until the kidnappings, neither adoptive family knew their son was a twin, but the boys seemed to respond to each other immediately.
This is a story of family with all its uncertainties, pain, history and yearnings. A very enjoyable read.
A lovely story about 2 families whose sons were kidnapped. One family has an adopted son, Brandon, who is autistic and who rejects contact with people, including his mother and father. As a result of the strain of Brandon’s autism, his parents have separated and planning to divorce.
The second family has Kyle, whose adoptive mother and father have died. Before his death, Kyles father remarried and he now lives with his mother, the second wife.
Until the kidnappings, neither adoptive family knew their son was a twin, but the boys seemed to respond to each other immediately.
This is a story of family with all its uncertainties, pain, history and yearnings. A very enjoyable read.
February 19, 2024
Nicole und Ryan kennen wir schon aus den ersten Banden der Reihe etwas. Es ist nicht ein Liebesroman über das Kennenlernen. Hier geht es um ein Pärchen, das schon lange zusammen ist und jetzt eine Krise da ist. Als wäre das nicht genug, kommt noch mehr dazu. Man erfährt, was genau los ist und gleichzeitig erlebt man manchmal Rückblicke. Diese Geschichte war recht ruhig und nur durch das aktuelle Drama kam etwas Spannung auf. Sonst plätschert das Buch vor sich hin und trotzdem unterhält es einen. Der Schreibstil ist wieder toll. Jedoch hat es nicht so wirklich einen in seinen Bann gezogen. Manche Szenen waren schön, süß und gleichzeitig auch tragisch. Da es hier um Familie und auch um eine gewisse Erkrankung geht. Das war toll geschrieben.
January 21, 2025
bought it for 99 cents 1 17 2025
her and her pilot husband are separated. the son they adopted has autism and disappeared
then they find out he has a identical twin brother who is missing too. they tried to get info from the lawyer who handled the adoption but he said the records are sealed. the police in both cities are looking for both boys and trying to find the biological mom. they didnt know he had a twin , and the twin does not have autism
they figured out the grandma had ordered quilts for both twins, she got one for her son but after he died she didnt like his second wife. his first wife had died after they got the son
they figured out who the babies grandma was and tracked down her daughter in rehab. but she didnt steal them
the grandma wanted to bring the babies back to her daughter who went through a breakdown after being forced to give them up. they rescued both boys and the normal one is living closer to them as they got along so well. the husband and wife got back together
her and her pilot husband are separated. the son they adopted has autism and disappeared
then they find out he has a identical twin brother who is missing too. they tried to get info from the lawyer who handled the adoption but he said the records are sealed. the police in both cities are looking for both boys and trying to find the biological mom. they didnt know he had a twin , and the twin does not have autism
they figured out the grandma had ordered quilts for both twins, she got one for her son but after he died she didnt like his second wife. his first wife had died after they got the son
they figured out who the babies grandma was and tracked down her daughter in rehab. but she didnt steal them
the grandma wanted to bring the babies back to her daughter who went through a breakdown after being forced to give them up. they rescued both boys and the normal one is living closer to them as they got along so well. the husband and wife got back together
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2021
Great story to read while your sitting on the beach or by the pool! 5 stars for this one!
We follow Nicole and Ryan's story here, they adopted a boy after trying for years to have one of their own. These two have been together since they were teens, but the pressure of raising their son Brandon, who is autistic, takes a tole on their relationship. When Brandon is kidnapped, it brings them together to work as a team to find their son.
This story will have you swooning, falling in love, and amazed at the twists and turns it will take you on! I loved every minute of it! This can be read as a stand alone, but boy will you want to read more in this series! Grab this asap!
We follow Nicole and Ryan's story here, they adopted a boy after trying for years to have one of their own. These two have been together since they were teens, but the pressure of raising their son Brandon, who is autistic, takes a tole on their relationship. When Brandon is kidnapped, it brings them together to work as a team to find their son.
This story will have you swooning, falling in love, and amazed at the twists and turns it will take you on! I loved every minute of it! This can be read as a stand alone, but boy will you want to read more in this series! Grab this asap!
April 4, 2024
This is a very different love story with enough of a twist to call it a mystery. Nicole and Ryan had a storybook romance and marriage even after they adopted a four day old baby they named Brandon. The problems arose when Brandon was diagnosed when he was three years old with autism. Nichole worked so hard to.connect with her now nonverbal son, that she did not have room for Ryan. Every minute of her life focused on her son that there was no room for even herself until that horrible Halloween day at school. It is heartbreaking to take this journey with Nichole and Ryan but that is what makes this story so good. Great read.
February 27, 2025
Nicole and Ryan have been together since they were teenagers. Ryan is a pilot and Nicole is a professor and teaches Greek mythology at the college. They have a six year old boy that is autistic. Their lives have drifted apart and they have separated. While at the Halloween event at school, Brandon, their son, disappears. The search takes them to Angel Bay, a quiet little town. But this quiet little town holds secrets that will rock their foundation.
I could not put this down! I read it in one day. Second chance at love. Secrets. Mystery. A little steamy. It takes a crisis for Nicole and Ryan to find their way back to each other.
I could not put this down! I read it in one day. Second chance at love. Secrets. Mystery. A little steamy. It takes a crisis for Nicole and Ryan to find their way back to each other.
November 29, 2018
I loved, loved, loved this book. There is a lot going on. If you have read other books in this series, you know these characters pretty well. This author has a way of weaving a love story around chaos. These characters are going through it and the Calloway family is in full effect. Everyone is working to find Brandon, Nicole and Ryan’s autistic son. This book takes readers through ups and downs and just when you think you have figured it out, you’re thrown for a loop. I loved every second of it.
January 14, 2019
By far my favorite so far.... Love how Ryan & Nicole's story is so true with a lot of relationships of today. Its hard to keep a relationship from falling apart from the stresses of everyday life especially when you have a child with special needs. Love the tenderness, honesty and forgiveness they showed each other to reconnect for the sake of their relationship and their child. Great mystery added to the romance of the story …..can not wait to start the next one to see whos story is next!!! Highly recommended!!!
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