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Heidi Elliott #3
Better Together
Heidi Elliott is busy, busy, busy.
Now that she and Jake are parents of a kindergartner, Heidi has a to-do list a mile long. Like deep clean the kitchen cabinets. Volunteer in Nora’s classroom. Create sparkly USA ninja warrior Halloween costumes for two. Repaint several pieces of household furniture. Meddle in her best friends’ relationships.
Grieve her most recent failed pregnancy.
Find her misplaced hope.
Jake wants to adopt. Nora plans to pray a sibling into existence. And Heidi keeps moving to avoid thinking about anything other than paint colors.
Thoughtlessness, of course, leads to mistakes and misunderstandings, and in the space of a month, Heidi manages to lose control of a group of kindergartners, make a terrible impression on the social worker, and damage—possibly irreparably—her closest friendships.
And then she remembers. She doesn’t have to go it alone. Sometimes we really are better together.
Now that she and Jake are parents of a kindergartner, Heidi has a to-do list a mile long. Like deep clean the kitchen cabinets. Volunteer in Nora’s classroom. Create sparkly USA ninja warrior Halloween costumes for two. Repaint several pieces of household furniture. Meddle in her best friends’ relationships.
Grieve her most recent failed pregnancy.
Find her misplaced hope.
Jake wants to adopt. Nora plans to pray a sibling into existence. And Heidi keeps moving to avoid thinking about anything other than paint colors.
Thoughtlessness, of course, leads to mistakes and misunderstandings, and in the space of a month, Heidi manages to lose control of a group of kindergartners, make a terrible impression on the social worker, and damage—possibly irreparably—her closest friendships.
And then she remembers. She doesn’t have to go it alone. Sometimes we really are better together.
- GenresContemporary
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
1 person is currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Stuart
12 books219 followersKimberly Stuart wants you to know that authors write their own bios and are hardly reliable sources. Nevertheless, there are a few facts that stand out:
1. Stuart loves a good story, both written and lived.
2. Stuart loves imported chocolate and her children, though the order of her affections sometimes gets muddled.
3. Stuart writes both non-fiction and fiction, always with an infusion of faith. However, she seems to make Christians nervous. Read at your own risk, then, and e-mail her publisher if you must.
1. Stuart loves a good story, both written and lived.
2. Stuart loves imported chocolate and her children, though the order of her affections sometimes gets muddled.
3. Stuart writes both non-fiction and fiction, always with an infusion of faith. However, she seems to make Christians nervous. Read at your own risk, then, and e-mail her publisher if you must.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 20, 2016
4.5 stars
This is my first read by Kimberly Stuart, but it will not be my last. She has a knack for taking emotional topics and presenting them with poignant grace, delightful humor. There were moments, sentences, paragraphs which had me snorting at Heidi’s dry wit as narrator (she speaks my language) or Nora’s precocious adorableness (to rival Ramona Quimby’s) or Jake’s “dad-ness” (the sparkly ninjas!). But then there were equally moments, sentences, paragraphs, chapters which had me blinking away the tears so I could still READ forthelove. A couple of moments when I sucked in a devastated breath and exhaled a few paragraphs later with a slightly bruised heart. (Also a couple of moments when i had to reach for my fan because – whew – Jake is swoony when he gets a mind to be!)
The “realness” of these characters – of their struggles, of their love, of their faith, of their relationships – makes this a novel with a wide range of relate-ability. Maybe the reader doesn’t struggle with infertility … or she’s not a parent of a young child… maybe she’s not even married. But she certainly has girlfriends. And I guarantee she’s met someone just like Nora’s airy-fairy kindergarten teacher. The glimpse into Heidi’s life, into her marriage and parenting, as well as her journey through miscarriages and “what’s next”, her friendships and her flaws – all of these elements add life to an already vivid story.
I also love the “way” it’s written. While told solely from Heidi’s first-person perspective, the narrative also allows Jake and Nora their own space to shine. Nobody, not even the secondary characters, falls into the realm of cliche and just when you think they’re about to play to stereotype… they go and don’t. (Yes I know that sentence isn’t grammatically correct but it amused me.) And “Heidi’s” voice is witty and occasionally snarky and it really feels like you’re sitting down to read an email from an old friend.
Bottom Line: I don’t normally enjoy “married couple/family” stories as much as I do my KissingBooks. But after reading Better Together, Kimberly Stuart is now on my list of go-to authors! Better Together is emotional – from the good, the sad, and the ugly cry to snorts of laughter, you experience a wide range of reactions as you walk with Heidi and Jake and Nora through these pages. It’s also realistic and authentic as it shows the ups and downs of a marriage affected by infertility, the Murphy’s Law aspect of a home study presided over by a precocious kindergartner, and the consequences of isolating oneself from those who love you the most. Better Together is an entertaining story … and perhaps a cautionary tale of kindergarten lol. But it’s also a touching reflection on life and love and healing. A definite must-read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
This is my first read by Kimberly Stuart, but it will not be my last. She has a knack for taking emotional topics and presenting them with poignant grace, delightful humor. There were moments, sentences, paragraphs which had me snorting at Heidi’s dry wit as narrator (she speaks my language) or Nora’s precocious adorableness (to rival Ramona Quimby’s) or Jake’s “dad-ness” (the sparkly ninjas!). But then there were equally moments, sentences, paragraphs, chapters which had me blinking away the tears so I could still READ forthelove. A couple of moments when I sucked in a devastated breath and exhaled a few paragraphs later with a slightly bruised heart. (Also a couple of moments when i had to reach for my fan because – whew – Jake is swoony when he gets a mind to be!)
The “realness” of these characters – of their struggles, of their love, of their faith, of their relationships – makes this a novel with a wide range of relate-ability. Maybe the reader doesn’t struggle with infertility … or she’s not a parent of a young child… maybe she’s not even married. But she certainly has girlfriends. And I guarantee she’s met someone just like Nora’s airy-fairy kindergarten teacher. The glimpse into Heidi’s life, into her marriage and parenting, as well as her journey through miscarriages and “what’s next”, her friendships and her flaws – all of these elements add life to an already vivid story.
I also love the “way” it’s written. While told solely from Heidi’s first-person perspective, the narrative also allows Jake and Nora their own space to shine. Nobody, not even the secondary characters, falls into the realm of cliche and just when you think they’re about to play to stereotype… they go and don’t. (Yes I know that sentence isn’t grammatically correct but it amused me.) And “Heidi’s” voice is witty and occasionally snarky and it really feels like you’re sitting down to read an email from an old friend.
Bottom Line: I don’t normally enjoy “married couple/family” stories as much as I do my KissingBooks. But after reading Better Together, Kimberly Stuart is now on my list of go-to authors! Better Together is emotional – from the good, the sad, and the ugly cry to snorts of laughter, you experience a wide range of reactions as you walk with Heidi and Jake and Nora through these pages. It’s also realistic and authentic as it shows the ups and downs of a marriage affected by infertility, the Murphy’s Law aspect of a home study presided over by a precocious kindergartner, and the consequences of isolating oneself from those who love you the most. Better Together is an entertaining story … and perhaps a cautionary tale of kindergarten lol. But it’s also a touching reflection on life and love and healing. A definite must-read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 13, 2016
It takes a talented author to choose a subject as sensitive as miscarriage and create a story that is both poignant and humorous. Kimberly Stuart is just such a talented author! The wry humour in this novel is the perfect counterbalance for the emotional journey at its core, relieving the tension without minimising Heidi’s struggles, and even inducing snort-laughter on occasion.
Better Together is the third novel featuring Heidi Elliott, and although you may have a better understanding of the characters if you have read the previous novels, this can be read as a stand-alone. That said, if the humour strikes the same chord with you as it did with me, you’ll be keen to get your hands on both Balancing Act and Bottom Line (the previous two books in the series), along with any other novel published by Kimberly Stuart.
In one way, it is difficult to review this novel, because so many of the things I loved are moments along the way – and I don’t want to spoil the story! But since I’ve mentioned it a few times already, I’ll start by saying the humour is one of the biggest reasons this novel stands out from the crowd for me. There was something very refreshing about viewing Heidi’s emotional struggle through her dry, gently sardonic sense of humour. She’s honest, unpretentious, and human – so easy to relate to, even though I have not experienced her particular sorrow. And she understands glitter is from Satan. What mother can’t relate to that?!
Although the novel is written entirely in Heidi’s first-person point of view, Jake plays his role in the humour of the novel in the way he relates to Heidi and Nora. He is so delightfully, typically male at times, and yet Kimberly Stuart avoids denigrating those traits or making him a stereotype or cliché. Beneath that laidback, playful, and sometimes facetious exterior lies a hardworking, loving, and committed husband and father; one who is actually quite sensitive to Heidi’s needs – even at the expense of his own.
And on that subject, marital intimacy is referred to candidly on a few occasions, but always very tastefully. I think the novel would have been less for not addressing the way in which a struggle like this can affect a marriage, and it was done with the same wonderful balance of humour and sincerity as the rest of the story.
I should also quickly mention how beautifully the character of Nora embodies the essence of childhood: the innocence, the laughter, and especially those profound moments of insight and faith that catch you completely off guard and make you realise why Jesus once said we must become like a little child to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
As for the story, I was hooked from the very first page when Heidi and Jake arrive with Nora for her first day of school. It's a day of conflicting emotions in any parent’s life, and provided the perfect setting to introduce these characters, their personalities, and their sense of humour. It also very cleverly foreshadows Heidi's emotional state as she prepares to have a conversation with Jake where caution wars with hope in epic proportions. And then, having built to the moment with a perfect sense of timing, we have a whole scene contained in five simple, devastating words. Folks, this is a writer who understands the power in economy of words, and allowing the reader to simply feel!
From here, Heidi’s story is one of coming to terms with (or perhaps, trying to ignore) her bitter reality, her distance from God, and her emotional exhaustion. Meanwhile, while her husband launches into exploring adoption, and two of her closest friends experience the exciting emotional rush of moving into a new stage in their own lives. Heidi responds to each of these situations in different ways, but the end result is the same: she slowly isolates herself from everyone who loves her – and hurts them in the process. It was so easy to understand the good intentions behind her actions, but it was also easy to see how holding our struggles close to our chests places a barrier between us and those we love – especially God. But there is the hope of reconciliation, and I loved the way Heidi and Nora put this lesson into practice together.
Really, all this is a long winded-way of saying, "I loved this book!" It's a delightful hybrid of chick-lit and women's fiction, humour and heart, and comes highly recommended by this book lover.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review.
Better Together is the third novel featuring Heidi Elliott, and although you may have a better understanding of the characters if you have read the previous novels, this can be read as a stand-alone. That said, if the humour strikes the same chord with you as it did with me, you’ll be keen to get your hands on both Balancing Act and Bottom Line (the previous two books in the series), along with any other novel published by Kimberly Stuart.
In one way, it is difficult to review this novel, because so many of the things I loved are moments along the way – and I don’t want to spoil the story! But since I’ve mentioned it a few times already, I’ll start by saying the humour is one of the biggest reasons this novel stands out from the crowd for me. There was something very refreshing about viewing Heidi’s emotional struggle through her dry, gently sardonic sense of humour. She’s honest, unpretentious, and human – so easy to relate to, even though I have not experienced her particular sorrow. And she understands glitter is from Satan. What mother can’t relate to that?!
Although the novel is written entirely in Heidi’s first-person point of view, Jake plays his role in the humour of the novel in the way he relates to Heidi and Nora. He is so delightfully, typically male at times, and yet Kimberly Stuart avoids denigrating those traits or making him a stereotype or cliché. Beneath that laidback, playful, and sometimes facetious exterior lies a hardworking, loving, and committed husband and father; one who is actually quite sensitive to Heidi’s needs – even at the expense of his own.
And on that subject, marital intimacy is referred to candidly on a few occasions, but always very tastefully. I think the novel would have been less for not addressing the way in which a struggle like this can affect a marriage, and it was done with the same wonderful balance of humour and sincerity as the rest of the story.
I should also quickly mention how beautifully the character of Nora embodies the essence of childhood: the innocence, the laughter, and especially those profound moments of insight and faith that catch you completely off guard and make you realise why Jesus once said we must become like a little child to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
As for the story, I was hooked from the very first page when Heidi and Jake arrive with Nora for her first day of school. It's a day of conflicting emotions in any parent’s life, and provided the perfect setting to introduce these characters, their personalities, and their sense of humour. It also very cleverly foreshadows Heidi's emotional state as she prepares to have a conversation with Jake where caution wars with hope in epic proportions. And then, having built to the moment with a perfect sense of timing, we have a whole scene contained in five simple, devastating words. Folks, this is a writer who understands the power in economy of words, and allowing the reader to simply feel!
From here, Heidi’s story is one of coming to terms with (or perhaps, trying to ignore) her bitter reality, her distance from God, and her emotional exhaustion. Meanwhile, while her husband launches into exploring adoption, and two of her closest friends experience the exciting emotional rush of moving into a new stage in their own lives. Heidi responds to each of these situations in different ways, but the end result is the same: she slowly isolates herself from everyone who loves her – and hurts them in the process. It was so easy to understand the good intentions behind her actions, but it was also easy to see how holding our struggles close to our chests places a barrier between us and those we love – especially God. But there is the hope of reconciliation, and I loved the way Heidi and Nora put this lesson into practice together.
Really, all this is a long winded-way of saying, "I loved this book!" It's a delightful hybrid of chick-lit and women's fiction, humour and heart, and comes highly recommended by this book lover.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review.
November 30, 2016
This book deals with a difficult subject, one that is fraught with pain and heartache. These type of situations can run the gamut of emotions. Some people deal with it head on and grieve copiously, some run ahead and try to make the best of it and find solutions, while some just push it to the backs of their minds continuously, refusing to think of it because the pain is too hard to bear. I believe the author deal with it very, very well. We get two different sides of the problem by seeing both the husband and wife's heart. And their daughter, five year old Nora, who was just an absolutely delightful character, by the way.
We see God at work here in many ways. He's like that. Always working, in spite of our efforts to forget our problems, always desiring the best for us. I was great to see how He worked in the lives here in this book.
I do want to say this: this was the third in a series and I hadn't read the first two, so I definitely felt something was missing. I would need to go and read the other two to get a fuller picture of this family. I would recommend doing that before reading this one.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author. My review is my own and honest.
We see God at work here in many ways. He's like that. Always working, in spite of our efforts to forget our problems, always desiring the best for us. I was great to see how He worked in the lives here in this book.
I do want to say this: this was the third in a series and I hadn't read the first two, so I definitely felt something was missing. I would need to go and read the other two to get a fuller picture of this family. I would recommend doing that before reading this one.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author. My review is my own and honest.
December 6, 2016
Have you ever wanted something so deeply that it eats away at you and your daily life? This is what Heidi, the main character in this book is dealing with. She and her husband Jake deeply want another baby but Heidi's body just doesn't want to keep them. Or in their five year old daughter's words, they keep losing the babies. They've tried many times and nothing seems to work.
This is a very touchy subject and Kimberly Stuart does a good job showing the pain and many struggles couples and families go through. I truly appreciated how the author depicts both points of view. First through Heidi struggling with the grief of not being able to go full term in the pregnancy, to Jake desiring to move forward by adopting a child.
There are also very humorous parts which involve Nora, their five year old and her innocent points of view.
Raising children isn't easy and the author brings to mind the need to draw upon God's strength and His unending love and forgiveness.
This is the first time I've read a Kimberly Stuart book and I was touched deeply by the life issues this book dealt with.
I was given this book by the author to read and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a very touchy subject and Kimberly Stuart does a good job showing the pain and many struggles couples and families go through. I truly appreciated how the author depicts both points of view. First through Heidi struggling with the grief of not being able to go full term in the pregnancy, to Jake desiring to move forward by adopting a child.
There are also very humorous parts which involve Nora, their five year old and her innocent points of view.
Raising children isn't easy and the author brings to mind the need to draw upon God's strength and His unending love and forgiveness.
This is the first time I've read a Kimberly Stuart book and I was touched deeply by the life issues this book dealt with.
I was given this book by the author to read and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 22, 2016
Heidi now has a 5 year old, who is starting kindergarten. She turned down returning to work because she plans on having a second child. But life, doesn't always follow our plans. Heidi distracts herself with all sorts of drama. Only time will tell if she will emerge unscathed from her self-imposed drama.
I enjoyed reading this edition of Heidi's story much more than the first. It is probably because my life is closer to this story line than one with a newborn. Ms. Stuart really captures the feeling of life with a little one, the moments of stress and joy in a marriage and the vagaries of close friendships. At times poignant and others humorous, this book has a great flow. The romance elements are clean and the subject matter is addressed in a way that even my pre-teen daughter could read and enjoy the story. There is a spiritual element to the story that is evident but not forced. Heidi helps remind us all that life is messy but so worth the effort.
I enjoyed reading this edition of Heidi's story much more than the first. It is probably because my life is closer to this story line than one with a newborn. Ms. Stuart really captures the feeling of life with a little one, the moments of stress and joy in a marriage and the vagaries of close friendships. At times poignant and others humorous, this book has a great flow. The romance elements are clean and the subject matter is addressed in a way that even my pre-teen daughter could read and enjoy the story. There is a spiritual element to the story that is evident but not forced. Heidi helps remind us all that life is messy but so worth the effort.
June 20, 2017
I was really surprised by this series. So many women can relate to all the different things Heidi makes. So glad I gave this series a shot. looking forward to see more from this author.
September 20, 2019
Book 3 of 3
*Great!
*Great!
January 10, 2017
I first learned about Kimberly Stuart several years ago from another blogger talking about Stuart's blog and how funny and relatable she was. Stuart, who lives in Des Moines, wrote about motherhood and life in a way that I could relate to. While reading, I noticed she was also an author. Over time, I grabbed a couple of her books when they were on a Kindle deal. But, since I don't always have time to read books that aren't on my to-review stack, they got buried in my ever-growing ebook list. Then a month ago, I found out my sister-in-law was going to be on a panel with other Christian women in Des Moines and I noticed that one of the women was Kimberly Stuart. I recognized the name and checked out her blog again. A couple days later I surprisingly received an email asking me to review her latest book and I was thrilled to finally get a chance to read one of her books. Stuart also has another new book, coming out in February titled, SUGAR.
Stuart writes from a real-life perspective and weaves her faith throughout...not in an overpowering way, but in a way that many of us converse with others. BETTER TOGETHER is the third in a series about her character Heidi Elliott, but having not read the previous two books in the series, I can confidently say, this book stands alone. I may have missed out on some back stories or history, but I was able to enjoy this book without feeling like I was missing anything.
Heidi Elliott is a wife to Jake and a mom to Nora. We meet them as Nora is starting Kindergarten. Heidi is feeling lost and wondering how to spend her days while Nora is at school. Jake and Heidi have suffered multiple miscarriages since Nora was born and all Heidi wants to do is lose herself in a project at home to forget about that fact that she can't seem to carry another baby. She paints furniture, organizes and cleans the cabinets, and even tries volunteering in her daughter's classroom (which was a disaster) but none of it will take away her pain and grief over the loss of the babies.
Heidi's best friend, Willow, has been a constant for her, offering support and laughter when she needed it most but now Willow's new boyfriend seems to be taking all of her time and Heidi thinks there is something fishy about him. She makes finding out his secrets her new project and it may just cost her everything.
Stuart's witty prose and real-life heartbreak combine for a relatable story that all mothers and women will enjoy. It isn't easy to write about the pain of losing a child, but reality shows us that life has to move on. Heidi's struggles are painful to read about yet hopeful as she relies on her faith, her daughter's daily prayers, and a hope that there is a baby in their future. Jake and Heidi's relationship and their commitment to family is a bright spot in a world of dreary winter days and sad news stories. You can't help but smile through the sadness in the story because you know that no matter what happens Heidi, Jake, and Nora will have each other's back.
Favorite quote:
"I felt my heart warm up and become pliable
in a way that I hadn't felt in far too long,
and I knew in that moment that the thaw had happened
because I was finally surrendering."
Stuart writes from a real-life perspective and weaves her faith throughout...not in an overpowering way, but in a way that many of us converse with others. BETTER TOGETHER is the third in a series about her character Heidi Elliott, but having not read the previous two books in the series, I can confidently say, this book stands alone. I may have missed out on some back stories or history, but I was able to enjoy this book without feeling like I was missing anything.
Heidi Elliott is a wife to Jake and a mom to Nora. We meet them as Nora is starting Kindergarten. Heidi is feeling lost and wondering how to spend her days while Nora is at school. Jake and Heidi have suffered multiple miscarriages since Nora was born and all Heidi wants to do is lose herself in a project at home to forget about that fact that she can't seem to carry another baby. She paints furniture, organizes and cleans the cabinets, and even tries volunteering in her daughter's classroom (which was a disaster) but none of it will take away her pain and grief over the loss of the babies.
Heidi's best friend, Willow, has been a constant for her, offering support and laughter when she needed it most but now Willow's new boyfriend seems to be taking all of her time and Heidi thinks there is something fishy about him. She makes finding out his secrets her new project and it may just cost her everything.
Stuart's witty prose and real-life heartbreak combine for a relatable story that all mothers and women will enjoy. It isn't easy to write about the pain of losing a child, but reality shows us that life has to move on. Heidi's struggles are painful to read about yet hopeful as she relies on her faith, her daughter's daily prayers, and a hope that there is a baby in their future. Jake and Heidi's relationship and their commitment to family is a bright spot in a world of dreary winter days and sad news stories. You can't help but smile through the sadness in the story because you know that no matter what happens Heidi, Jake, and Nora will have each other's back.
Favorite quote:
"I felt my heart warm up and become pliable
in a way that I hadn't felt in far too long,
and I knew in that moment that the thaw had happened
because I was finally surrendering."
December 16, 2016
Better Together, written by Kimberly Stuart, is book three of the Heidi Elliott series.
This is the first book I've read by this author, but I definitely don't want it to be my last. Although it's the third in the series, it works well as a standalone. I'm sure if I would have read the others in the series I would have had a greater understanding of some of the things in the book, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything along the way reading out of order (which I must say, I do not do very often!).
I'm conflicted with this book. I have some personal experiences with miscarriage and adoption which make it difficult to gauge my review without taking those experiences into the read with me. So, I'm going to try to be very fair in this review by trying to take 'me' out of it.
I loved how the author was really funny in so many of the responses that she imparted in the character of Heidi. She had me laughing at quite a few things. I wasn't so thrilled about how she really took on the miscarriages and wouldn't let life continue through them. I realize that many women are like that, but am not impressed by those kind of people. I thought the author did great in creating the way that Heidi dealt with her friends. Oh, so many women are exactly like this character and could learn by reading this book...How not to be & how to fix it too! One character I really wasn't crazy about was the child, Nora. Although she did have some cute attributes...for the main part, this child was very much a spoiled only child. Cute at times, but some of the stuff could have driven me nutso.
One quote that I thought was really neat was when Heidi was speaking to a person about hope and how it disappoints and this was the response that she was given, "But hope also propels and inspires and builds good things from devastating things. In my experience, it's worth the risk." What a wonderful outlook!
I would say that as a rather conservative person, I wouldn't suggest this book for anyone not married. It has mature marriage topics within it, although not taken too far, but in the same token things that married people would be able to read without issue. I definitely would recommend Better Together as I did enjoy many parts of it and think that others without my personal experiences could find joy in many more pages than I may have.
I was given this book by the author. I was not expected to give a positive review. All thoughts and comments are my own.
This is the first book I've read by this author, but I definitely don't want it to be my last. Although it's the third in the series, it works well as a standalone. I'm sure if I would have read the others in the series I would have had a greater understanding of some of the things in the book, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything along the way reading out of order (which I must say, I do not do very often!).
I'm conflicted with this book. I have some personal experiences with miscarriage and adoption which make it difficult to gauge my review without taking those experiences into the read with me. So, I'm going to try to be very fair in this review by trying to take 'me' out of it.
I loved how the author was really funny in so many of the responses that she imparted in the character of Heidi. She had me laughing at quite a few things. I wasn't so thrilled about how she really took on the miscarriages and wouldn't let life continue through them. I realize that many women are like that, but am not impressed by those kind of people. I thought the author did great in creating the way that Heidi dealt with her friends. Oh, so many women are exactly like this character and could learn by reading this book...How not to be & how to fix it too! One character I really wasn't crazy about was the child, Nora. Although she did have some cute attributes...for the main part, this child was very much a spoiled only child. Cute at times, but some of the stuff could have driven me nutso.
One quote that I thought was really neat was when Heidi was speaking to a person about hope and how it disappoints and this was the response that she was given, "But hope also propels and inspires and builds good things from devastating things. In my experience, it's worth the risk." What a wonderful outlook!
I would say that as a rather conservative person, I wouldn't suggest this book for anyone not married. It has mature marriage topics within it, although not taken too far, but in the same token things that married people would be able to read without issue. I definitely would recommend Better Together as I did enjoy many parts of it and think that others without my personal experiences could find joy in many more pages than I may have.
I was given this book by the author. I was not expected to give a positive review. All thoughts and comments are my own.
December 11, 2016
This was my very first Kimberly Stuart book, and it just so happens that it is book 3 of a series. Now, if you knew me personally, you'd know that reading the third installment in a series without reading the first two pretty much goes against every grain I have as a reader. Thou shalt not read out of order!!! But I read it anyway.
I'm such a rebel.
Here's the thing... it was OKAY! I survived! And if this happens to be the first Kimberly Stuart book you pick up, go ahead and read it--even if you haven't read the first two. You won't feel like you're missing out on anything story-wise, I promise. (I will say, however, that in the end, you'll want to go back and read those first two just to see more of Jake & Heidi's relationship because it's pretty solid and who doesn't need more examples of that in their life? I mean, really. I'm going to get those, next!)
Stuart has a very personable, conversational style to her writing that I really enjoyed. Reading Better Together was like sitting down with a good friend over a cup of joe, talking about life. And I felt like I could have written so much of this myself not because I have anywhere near the skill level Stuart has in writing, but because it was so relatable. I even laughed out loud a couple of times at the sheer accuracy in describing some of the events in kindergartener Nora's life! Especially in regards to the pickup line at the school, the teacher's tone of voice coming straight through the child.... Stuart even nailed it right down to the boogers! I mean, really. Spot on. It was fun, sarcastic, and I truly connected with "Heidi the Witty." She and I are BFF's now. Seriously.
On a VERY personal level, I was touched to read of the protagonist, Heidi (the Witty), and her struggle with secondary infertility. So much of what the character feels, says, and does rings so true in a "been there, done that" kind of way. When you're in the midst of a difficult season like that, it's hard to accurately relate what you're going through to others. It's one of those things you only really understand when you've been through it yourself and even THEN it's hard to describe. But Stuart managed to say so much of what I remember feeling--and sometimes still feel--in a lighthearted, yet poignant way. Not only was it extremely effective, the result was a charming story of forgiveness, hope, faith and love.
First Kimberly Stuart book, yes; definitely not my last.
I'm such a rebel.
Here's the thing... it was OKAY! I survived! And if this happens to be the first Kimberly Stuart book you pick up, go ahead and read it--even if you haven't read the first two. You won't feel like you're missing out on anything story-wise, I promise. (I will say, however, that in the end, you'll want to go back and read those first two just to see more of Jake & Heidi's relationship because it's pretty solid and who doesn't need more examples of that in their life? I mean, really. I'm going to get those, next!)
Stuart has a very personable, conversational style to her writing that I really enjoyed. Reading Better Together was like sitting down with a good friend over a cup of joe, talking about life. And I felt like I could have written so much of this myself not because I have anywhere near the skill level Stuart has in writing, but because it was so relatable. I even laughed out loud a couple of times at the sheer accuracy in describing some of the events in kindergartener Nora's life! Especially in regards to the pickup line at the school, the teacher's tone of voice coming straight through the child.... Stuart even nailed it right down to the boogers! I mean, really. Spot on. It was fun, sarcastic, and I truly connected with "Heidi the Witty." She and I are BFF's now. Seriously.
On a VERY personal level, I was touched to read of the protagonist, Heidi (the Witty), and her struggle with secondary infertility. So much of what the character feels, says, and does rings so true in a "been there, done that" kind of way. When you're in the midst of a difficult season like that, it's hard to accurately relate what you're going through to others. It's one of those things you only really understand when you've been through it yourself and even THEN it's hard to describe. But Stuart managed to say so much of what I remember feeling--and sometimes still feel--in a lighthearted, yet poignant way. Not only was it extremely effective, the result was a charming story of forgiveness, hope, faith and love.
First Kimberly Stuart book, yes; definitely not my last.
December 7, 2016
Want to read a book that hits home with what so many moms/wives deal with on an everyday basis? Ms. Stuart hits the mark with Better Together.
Heidi, the main character in this story, is trying to do everything that us women try and do all the time. She's trying to be the best mom to her daughter, the best wife to her husband, the best friend to her friends. Sometimes when we hit a trying time in our lives it's just too hard to keep trying to be the best at all those things. Or, if we do keep trying, it all falls apart. That's what happens to Heidi. In all her attempts to keep things going in the midst of her hardships, things just keep unraveling. She realizes this is an unhealthy way of living once she sees how her actions have affected those she loves in a negative way. This is where she introduces that the act of asking for forgiveness leads to freedom. I love how she incorporates this into her story. Healing broken relationships leads to freedom. I also fell in love with Nora, Heidi's 5 year old daughter. Her character in the book just adds so much comedy and light-heartedness to such a serious and emotional issue of infertility.
This is the first book I have read of Ms. Stuart's and I look forward to reading more from her.
I was given this book by the author to read and all thoughts and opinions are my own
Heidi, the main character in this story, is trying to do everything that us women try and do all the time. She's trying to be the best mom to her daughter, the best wife to her husband, the best friend to her friends. Sometimes when we hit a trying time in our lives it's just too hard to keep trying to be the best at all those things. Or, if we do keep trying, it all falls apart. That's what happens to Heidi. In all her attempts to keep things going in the midst of her hardships, things just keep unraveling. She realizes this is an unhealthy way of living once she sees how her actions have affected those she loves in a negative way. This is where she introduces that the act of asking for forgiveness leads to freedom. I love how she incorporates this into her story. Healing broken relationships leads to freedom. I also fell in love with Nora, Heidi's 5 year old daughter. Her character in the book just adds so much comedy and light-heartedness to such a serious and emotional issue of infertility.
This is the first book I have read of Ms. Stuart's and I look forward to reading more from her.
I was given this book by the author to read and all thoughts and opinions are my own
December 16, 2016
Heidi Elliott has … issues, bless her heart. Her daughter is starting kindergarten with a teacher whose style is as unorthodox as her name. Her husband suspects she has an unhealthy addition to paint. One of her best friends met a guy under rather unexpected circumstances. (Can you really trust someone like that?) And despite the deepest wishes of the family of three, it seems unlikely they will ever be more.
Better Together is a fun and touching romp through real life in this third Heidi Elliott novel. I must confess I haven’t read the first two, but this works fine as a stand-alone novel. Heidi’s life isn’t perfect and her attitudes aren’t perfect, so she’s very relatable. Stuart is surprisingly direct in some instances - marital relations are briefly discussed, but never described, in a couple of places. It adds to the honesty of the emotions the characters experience rather than detracts. And little Nora, their precocious kindergartener, makes me hope for a sequel, or a series of her own, because you just know that kid is going to be up to something big (and zany).
Overall it’s a good read and would make a great gift for a Kimberly Stuart fan, or for anyone who enjoys reading about life with a healthy helping of quirkiness.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
Better Together is a fun and touching romp through real life in this third Heidi Elliott novel. I must confess I haven’t read the first two, but this works fine as a stand-alone novel. Heidi’s life isn’t perfect and her attitudes aren’t perfect, so she’s very relatable. Stuart is surprisingly direct in some instances - marital relations are briefly discussed, but never described, in a couple of places. It adds to the honesty of the emotions the characters experience rather than detracts. And little Nora, their precocious kindergartener, makes me hope for a sequel, or a series of her own, because you just know that kid is going to be up to something big (and zany).
Overall it’s a good read and would make a great gift for a Kimberly Stuart fan, or for anyone who enjoys reading about life with a healthy helping of quirkiness.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
December 2, 2016
Better Together ( Heidi Elliott #3 )
By: Kimberly Stuart
Better Together is book three in Heidi Elliott series by Kimberly Stuart. I enjoyed this story , but I feel like I would have understood it better if I had read the first two books in this series. The author did a good job on the story and the characters. This story deal with a very sensitive subject that Heidi and her husband are going through. It also effects all their friends and people around them. They have a very bright five year old daughter that is in kindergarten and I fell in love with. Heidi is trying to stay busy cleaning everything she can. She also paints everything she can get her hands on. She is grieving and wants another child. Will she learn to turn to God for his help? God is good and He works in mysterious ways we may not understand .
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
By: Kimberly Stuart
Better Together is book three in Heidi Elliott series by Kimberly Stuart. I enjoyed this story , but I feel like I would have understood it better if I had read the first two books in this series. The author did a good job on the story and the characters. This story deal with a very sensitive subject that Heidi and her husband are going through. It also effects all their friends and people around them. They have a very bright five year old daughter that is in kindergarten and I fell in love with. Heidi is trying to stay busy cleaning everything she can. She also paints everything she can get her hands on. She is grieving and wants another child. Will she learn to turn to God for his help? God is good and He works in mysterious ways we may not understand .
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
December 21, 2016
Better Together is a quick and easy read - perfect for the busy mom, who can relate to the likable characters and familiar scenarios in which they find themselves. The opening scene involved the main characters, Heidi and Jake, dropping their child off for her first day of kindergarten and, like much of the book, was presented in a witty, informal style. In contrast, the grief surrounding Heidi's repeated miscarriages, the couple's consideration of adoption, and the resulting marital strain brought tears to my eyes. I found myself rooting for couple, and their adorable daughter. This book is the third in the Heidi Elliott series, but the story stands independent of its prequels, and the opening chapters were so well written that I was immediately drawn into the story without feeling like I needed to catch up on previous events. I was provided a copy of this book by the author, but all of the opinions in this review are mine alone.
December 20, 2016
This is my first book by Kimberly Stuart, and it won't be my last. The author did a beautiful job of weaving together humor, deep pain, and very sore subjects with such grace, sensitivity, and love.
While I'm not historically a fan of first person narrative, I don't think this book would have been as well done in any other style. It fit the character of Heidi so perfectly...and Heidi's snark was top-notch.
The only reason this book received four stars from me is because I saw a few (I'd say more than five) editing errors (grammar and a missing word here or there) that took me out of the story. Otherwise, this was extremely well done.
*I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
While I'm not historically a fan of first person narrative, I don't think this book would have been as well done in any other style. It fit the character of Heidi so perfectly...and Heidi's snark was top-notch.
The only reason this book received four stars from me is because I saw a few (I'd say more than five) editing errors (grammar and a missing word here or there) that took me out of the story. Otherwise, this was extremely well done.
*I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
December 25, 2016
Better Together
I can't say I enjoyed this story because the word enjoy would be a disservice to this novel. This was a soul searching story, one that made you feel and understand what Heidi and Jake experienced. If you've ever suffered a miscarriage or longed for a child you know what this couple went through. The heartache and pain they endured was so real that you wanted to reach out and wrap them in your arms. I also like that the author showed how Heidi and Jake's marriage had ups and downs.
Better Together was happiness for me because it was realistic and honest. I could relate to it. We need more of these stories because a story like Better Together brings healing and let's us know we are not alone. I highly and strongly recommend this book.
I can't say I enjoyed this story because the word enjoy would be a disservice to this novel. This was a soul searching story, one that made you feel and understand what Heidi and Jake experienced. If you've ever suffered a miscarriage or longed for a child you know what this couple went through. The heartache and pain they endured was so real that you wanted to reach out and wrap them in your arms. I also like that the author showed how Heidi and Jake's marriage had ups and downs.
Better Together was happiness for me because it was realistic and honest. I could relate to it. We need more of these stories because a story like Better Together brings healing and let's us know we are not alone. I highly and strongly recommend this book.
December 7, 2016
In Better Together, Stuart takes you through a tough chapter in Heidi's life. Heidi is heartbroken, happy and frustrated all at the same time. Stuart does a great job pulling the reader in to experience all the feelings Heidi is going through. You will literally laugh and cry, get angry and hope, and feel frustrated and freed. Once you pick up this book, you will not put it down. The best part as a busy mom is that it's written just for us. This is a quick read that I connected with instantly even without reading the other books in the series. You will love every second of every page!
December 19, 2016
I love in depth simplicity of this book. That sounds a bit strange but it is so true. This is a story of real, possible, and very likely events of a woman going through a part of her life with some downsides. it is so in depth in detail that I could feel like a friend to the characters sitting on the couch catching up. I just love how real the situations are.
December 8, 2016
I was so excited to have another story about Heidi and her family. This story did not disappoint. I laughed often and teared up just as often. The characters are real and believable. I love being able to relate to these characters. Another job well done by Ms Kimberly Stuart.
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