Between Nowhere & Lost

by Alexandra Christle

No one can understand Helen Hodges’s burning need to have a child, a need she’s abandoned in her childless marriage. But when David Drummond, the local textile mill owner, visits her small South Carolina town, those repressed yearnings come forth again, deepening her discontent as she falls in love with him.

But David’s appearance brings escalating union and racial tensions to the town, and Helen is torn between her Catholic faith, her duty to her husband, and her growing desire to be with David. Overrun with guilt over her feelings, she renounces her lover and chooses to remain with her husband, until she learns some life-changing news and rushes to tell David before he leaves town, and her life…forever.

Genres: Historical Fiction

402 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Alexandra has not traveled to 47 countries, worked in law enforcement for 25 years where she single-handedly apprehended ten of the world's most wanted, or practiced law or psychiatry.
She doesn't speak 5 languages fluently, rival Beethoven on the piano, or send her rescue dogs to save flood victims. In fact, currently, she is pet-less.

She does, however, do a heck of a lot of research.

She has jumped from an airplane, spent the day on a commercial shrimp boat, spent a weekend with a houseful of Navy SEALs, and hitchhiked across 3 states. She has worked for newspapers, taught high school English, and had a lengthy stint as a graphic designer. Raised a son and daughter, scored 3 grandchildren; and, written a few books along the way.

The human condition and people fascinate her, and especially men. They are, in her words, pretty cool creatures.

And she imagines.

Reviews

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise...Alexandra Christle's writing just flowed.

A bored, housewife's world is turned upside down when an attractive stranger steps into her life in this stunning romance novel.

Set in the 1960's, Between Nowhere and Lost is a moving, romance novel filled with drama, heartbreak, infidelity, love, loss and redemption. It is a beautiful story with charming characters that are easy to relate to.

The story kept me totally engrossed while challenging my internal conflict as to what was right and wrong. From cover to cover a fantastic read. Looking forward to more from this writer.

[Brittany Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between Nowhere & Lost was an emotional and eye opening read. The main character, Helen, is happily married to her husband, Harold, but is feeling some discontent about not having children of her own which leads to her having an affair and falling in love with David, the owner of the mill that her husband works at. Helen, David and Harold were all likable characters and you couldn’t help but root for all of them. Helen was a character that you sympathized for. She couldn’t help how she felt about David but also couldn’t imagine hurting her husband. The author definitely had you changing your mind throughout the book about who you wanted to see Helen with. Harold was a kind and supportive man who took care of Helen (and of course you should root for the husband), but David was the one who brought out the passion in Helen. The book was full of twist and turns and I think the author did a great job of getting into the mind of those involved in affairs. I honestly had to take a day and think about what I wanted to write for this review because of the ending. The ending was definitely not one that I saw coming and at first, I didn’t know what to think of it but now I see it as sweet irony and justice and I think the ending will stick with me for a while. I’m looking forward to reading more books from this author. Thank you to Netgalley and Backlit PR for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story by debut author Alexandra Christle. Through the eyes of Helen Hodges, the real life stakes of the sweeping social changes of the 1960s come to life. Helen struggles with her faith, fertility, morality, gender, and the way of life she'd always known and sometimes found distasteful. I was really impressed by the way the author wove together union busting, north-south tension, race, and housewife ennui. There's a lot of good stuff to unpack. This one is going on the keeper shelf.

[Georgiana Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

High praise for Alexandra Christle's debut novel.
I purchased this novel at a book signing without knowing what to expect. Sweetly surprised I could not put this one down and finished the book in several days. From the begining I felt like I'd stumbled upon a gem of a well-crafted 'literary' read. Although wanting to shake Helen on several occasions about her decisions, I did root for her to find her kind of happiness to the last page. This story is peppered with deep emotions and realistic nostalgia that totally drew me in. At times I was so engrossed within the story, I thought a character might turn and ask me a question. I was not just observing as a reader, but there! Loved it.
Sure to become a book-club favorite.

[Joyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and finished it in one day. Growing up in a small mill town (Duquesne US Steel works, Duquesne, PA) this book was spot on. My Dad worked in the mills until they closed in the 80’s and it’s sad to see the devastation left behind when the town and people depended on that industry. Helen could have been any number of women in my town. The neighbors brought me back to so many of mine. The storyline is authentic and beautifully written. So glad I picked this up from the author at. Vintage Marketplace in Portsmouth, Va. 5 Stars! Must read. You won’t be disappointed.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm usually not a fan of first-person books but Alexandra Christle grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go. The story flowed well and all loose ends were wrapped up in a pretty bow of love, forgiveness and grace. The problems covered in the book for time period in which it was set were well developed.

All-in-all a wonderful book

[T.P. Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down! I was so sympathetic to Helen's struggles. The author handled the emotions perfectly. A compelling, haunting romance with characters so vivid, I felt like I knew them. The writing was excellent. A definite must-read.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

[Megan Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

No one can understand Helen Hodges’s burning need to have a child, a need she’s abandoned in her childless marriage. But when David Drummond, the local textile mill owner, visits her small South Carolina town, those repressed yearnings come forth again, deepening her discontent as she falls in love with him. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.